At my 9-5, I have a love and hate relationship with my coworkers. I bet you can relate. Sometimes (a lot of times), they really get on my nerves. Luckily, I do have a business bestie or two. When I’m stressed out, I can walk over to T’s office and within minutes I’ll be doubled over in laughter. When I don’t know how to handle a situation, I can chat with B who often has some great suggestions.
As a solopreneur, the workday can get a bit lonely. I have no one to joke around with or talk to. When overwhelmed, I just look at my long to do list and keep on working. Excited about the new opt-in I created, I call my friends and they say “oh, that’s cool!” But it’s not just cool, it’s freakin’ AMAZING and I desperately want someone to match my excitement.
That’s where the biz BFF comes in. A business bestie is another entrepreneur that you have a connection with. You talk to each other on a regular basis sharing ideas and providing support.
Here are 3 reasons why you need a business bestie:
For Constructive Feedback
Yes — you’re very smart, but you don’t know everything or have all of the answers. Receiving feedback from another person who knows you and your business is important for growth. They can tell you if you’ve priced your new course just right. They can also tell you that your new idea for a Portable Pizza Pouch has already been done. Yes, really. Your bestie’s feedback, whether positive or negative, should inspire and encourage you to do better.
For Brainstorming Sessions
Pizza Pouch is out, but maybe there is a better idea on the horizon, you just need help extracting it from your brain. Sure you can try doodling in a notebook or mind mapping. But nothing is better than having a live discussion with a person, bouncing ideas off of them. Their thoughts and different viewpoints will help you figure out your problem.
For Encouragement and Support
Running a business is hard work and you will have bad days. They’ll make you question what you’re doing and if you should even bother to keep going. Your bestie will be in your corner providing you with encouragement and support. He or she will remind you of all the good work you’ve done so far and why it’s important for you to continue.
So how do you find your new best friend?
Network with other business owners at local events or small business chamber of commerce meetings. You can also find them online through social media. Join different groups for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Participate and comment regularly on active topics in the groups and you just might organically make a connection with a potential bestie. I am also available to chat. Feel free to send me a message anytime. I would love to hear from you!
