I’m a connector, so community is important to me. I volunteer locally and belong to some groups. One being the Business and Professional Women (BPW) Brampton
One of the things I love about this International Organization is that we focus on 4 aspects important to strong relationships:
- Advocacy
- Leadership
- Personal Development
- Networking
I think there is a 5th element that is just as important; it’s ‘Service’! We do several things throughout the year as our way of giving back to our community.
One thing we do twice a year is a Charity Euchre. I organize the food and the volunteers who make it and donate it.
Each time I make an Asian Salad [click here to see my favourite recipe] because it is so popular and have shared this recipe with many.
I bet you’re wondering what this has to do with business.
Well, one of the ladies told me that she makes the recipe and it doesn’t taste as good as mine. Business is exactly the same way!
How many training programs have you purchased as the next ‘quick fix’ for your business? How many haven’t worked for you?
The salad tasted different because of my spin on it. It’s the same with your business and the programs you’ve purchased that aren’t working.
They require work and your flair; your personality. Sometimes it feels like fitting a square peg into a round hole and it’s just not authentic to you.
It could help to have a sounding board, an accountability partner and someone to nurture and cheerlead you through each step; possibly break things down into smaller pieces for you.
A mentor recently shared with me that for entrepreneurs or small business owners, it can help to surround yourself with your own ‘Board of Directors’.
This could include a:
- supportive family member
- successful mentor in your community
- trusted colleague or classmate
- like-minded friend
There are lots of great reasons to have your own business rather than work for ‘the other guy’ but it can feel lonely too. This can be a perfect way to begin with sound advice, in a supportive environment.
A word of caution … focus on those that are supportive, successful, trusted and like-minded. Do not allow yourself to get confused with opinions from all of your family, friends and colleagues. That’s no fun!
Do you have a ‘Board of Directors’? Who are they and how is it working for you? Share your comments and ideas below.
