Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Support Network—and How to Find It

What does finding your support network mean to you, and how will you tell when you’ve truly found it? I used to be one of those individuals who used the phrase “finding my support network” to describe the means of connecting with like-minded individuals or communities of entrepreneurs who share their values, interests, and goals.

I wanted that sense of belonging and I used to be deeply convinced that having those connections could be essential to my personal and business growth and success. At the time, I didn’t realize that I had raised a part of my support network, my children. When I wanted to get opinions from people I trusted, they were the ones I turned to, in our family group chat. Sometimes I reached out not because I needed their opinion, but because I wanted them to feel included in my journey. I recently connected with a few cousins ​​I didn’t grow up with, and they are now a part of my support network.

My support network

One of them is all the time checking in with me to make sure I’m taking regular breaks and still caring for myself. The other one sits on the phone and bounces ideas off of me about my various business ventures. They’re all very persistent and have great insights. I also have a friend who offered to invest in my business if I ever wanted to go down that route. Then there’s an old coworker who gave me information about an opportunity that may allow me to make the money I needed to pay for my marketing campaigns. My support network was there the whole time. They weren’t what I initially thought my network could be, but they were the best.

I didn’t have a large support network, but it was solid and trustworthy, and that is what matters most to me.

“The greatness of a community is best measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King

At the starting of my journey, I had trust issues due to negative experiences in my past. However, as I became more open with setting boundaries, my support network began to grow.

Since then I have had great collaborations with some of them. I have even began to mix some of them with other brands, which I think is mutually helpful.

Finding a support network as an entrepreneur can provide you with access to a supportive, knowledgeable, and inspiring community that may significantly contribute to your success and well-being on your entrepreneurial journey.

How to Know You’ve Found Your Support Network

Here are some ways entrepreneurs can discover if they have found their support network:

1. Trust and loyalty: Trust is a key element in any business, and who are you able to trust greater than your loved ones? Their loyalty will be invaluable, especially in the early stages of a business when finding trustworthy team members will be a challenge.

2. Common values: Entrepreneurs tend to connect with their support network when they share similar values ​​and beliefs. This can include a commitment to innovation, a passion for a specific industry or cause, or a dedication to ethical business practices. When you discover others who share your core values, it’s a sign that you simply’ve found your support network.

3. Common interests: Your support network may consist of people that have a strong interest in the same industry, area of interest, or area of ​​expertise as you. Whether it’s tech startups, eco-friendly businesses, or social entrepreneurship, shared interests can create strong bonds.

4. Networking and events: Entrepreneurs often attend networking events, conferences, or industry meetups to meet others who share their entrepreneurial spirit. When you often see familiar faces at these events and make meaningful connections, you’re likely building your support network.

5. Friendly environment: Your network should provide a supportive and nurturing environment where you’re feeling comfortable sharing your ideas, challenges, and aspirations. Peer support, advice, and mentoring are common indicators of a supportive entrepreneurial network.

6. Cooperation opportunities: Entrepreneurs often collaborate with members of their support network on projects, partnerships, or ventures. When you discover individuals who are willing to collaborate and leverage each other’s strengths, that’s a positive sign.

7. Sense of belonging: A robust indicator is a sense of belonging and being understood by others in your support network. When you may understand their experiences, challenges and aspirations, and they will understand yours, you’ve probably found your people.

8. Personal development: Being a part of a support network may contribute to your personal and skilled development. If you discover that your network inspires you, challenges you, and helps you grow as an entrepreneur, it’s a good sign that you simply’re in the right group.

9. Long-term relationships: Building lasting relationships with other entrepreneurs is a hallmark of finding a support network. These relationships can extend beyond business to grow to be helpful connections in your personal life.

10. Online communities: In today’s digital age, many entrepreneurs find their support networks through online communities, forums, social media groups, and specialized platforms. Engaging in discussions and making connections in these virtual spaces will be just as meaningful as in-person interactions.

11. Intuition: Ultimately, finding a support network often comes down to gut feeling. You’ll feel a real connection, shared purpose, and a sense of belonging when you discover the right group of individuals.

Remember that your support network can evolve and you might be a part of multiple networks based on different facets of your life and interests. Keep an open mind, actively seek connections, and be open to latest opportunities to find and nurture your support network.