The name says it all: solopreneur. But even if you have a business partner, or employees, or a coach, nothing beats the type of person who is going to get it when you need to vent and celebrate every win with you, in an unbiased way.
Having a supportive network can make all the difference in your entrepreneurial success and well-being. For me, that comes partially the form of my husband and my IRL best friend, but much as I double heart love them, neither of them are business owners. You just can’t totally understand it if you aren’t one. What you need is someone who understands the unique challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship and offers support, guidance, and camaraderie along the way.
Enter: the business bestie. My wonderful business bestie, Michelle, (read more about her here), is someone I was introduced to by someone I had a networking call with. We clicked in a way that went beyond just another contact who you might think to refer someone to 6 months later. We connected on our mission to empower women business owners, and our personalities meshed so well we went way over our allotted time. We started Zooming more often, and then just decided to go ahead and exchange phone numbers (real phone numbers, y’all, not just Google Voice).
I now start almost every morning with a voice memo to her, giving her an update on what’s going on, and the three things I’m going to prioritize that day. We then message back and forth for pretty much all day. It makes me feel like I have a coworker right there in the room with me! I feel less lonely, I feel supported, and I have someone to encourage me and celebrate with me.
So how to do you find one? Well…
Understand What You Need
Before setting out to find your business bestie, take some time to reflect on what you’re looking for in a supportive business relationship. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, your goals and aspirations, and the areas where you could use guidance or support. Clarifying your needs and expectations will help you identify potential bestie candidates who align with your values and vision.
Network with Intention
Networking is a powerful way to meet like-minded entrepreneurs and potential business besties. As I said, it was in another quick networking meeting when the person said, “Oh, you sound a lot like Michelle, you should meet her.” So attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in online communities and networking groups specifically tailored to women entrepreneurs. Look for opportunities to connect authentically with others who share your passions and values. Even if you don’t meet someone right away, someone could connect you with your business bestie that you would never meet otherwise!
Be Open and Authentic
Authenticity is key when building meaningful relationships, including those with potential business besties. Be genuine and transparent about who you are, what you’re passionate about, and the challenges you’re facing in your business. Likewise, encourage openness and honesty in your interactions with others. Vulnerability can be a powerful catalyst for deepening connections and building trust.
Seek Complementary Skills and Perspectives
While it’s important to connect with entrepreneurs who share your values and goals, don’t be afraid to seek out individuals with complementary skills and perspectives. Look for someone who brings different strengths, experiences, and insights to the table, enhancing your own entrepreneurial journey and expanding your horizons. Same with personal stuff – it helps if you have something in common outside of business, but it’s not a must!
Invest in the Relationship
Building a strong relationship takes time, effort, and commitment. Once you’ve identified a potential business bestie, invest in nurturing the relationship. Schedule regular check-ins, brainstorming sessions, or coffee dates where you can share ideas, provide feedback, and offer support to each other. It might feel less organic at first, and that’s okay! Just make sure you’re communicating consistently to build up that comfortability. Remember to celebrate each other’s successes and milestones along the way, but also share the pitfalls, too. If you’re not being real, you’re not getting as much out of the relationship as you could.
Communicate Boundaries and Expectations
Clear communication is essential for maintaining healthy and productive relationships, including those with business besties. Be upfront about your boundaries, availability, and expectations for the relationship. Respect each other’s time and priorities, and be willing to adjust and adapt as needed to ensure the relationship remains mutually beneficial.
Be a Supportive Ally
Building a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs isn’t just about what you can get – it’s also about what you can give. Be a supportive ally to your business bestie, offering encouragement, guidance, and assistance whenever possible. Celebrate their victories, lend a listening ear when they need to vent, and cheer them on through the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship. That being said, you don’t always have to agree! Find a way to push them a little when you know they’re running scared. Support comes in different forms.
So, go ahead, reach out, and start building those meaningful connections. Your business bestie may be just a networking event, a coffee date, or a virtual meetup away!