I used to have a number of entrepreneurial outlets where I got together with other business owners regularly to chat about business, struggles, new ideas, and suggestions. There were many options including groups, meetups, and formal and informal masterminds to participate in. When lockdown started I switched over to online communities and started my own called Bird by Bird. At the time it was a perfect solution but eventually zoom fatigue set in and I retreated from these communities altogether.
Due to the fatigue and the beginning of going from FT to PT work while starting a family, I’ve gone about a year or more with minimal exposure to other entrepreneurs in any kind of setting, social or professional. This past week, however, I got together for an hour over coffee with a few business-owner friends I met in 2019. After some catching up, we quickly got to talking about all things business, each of us having been in a bit of a vacuum for the last year.
We relayed how companies are nervous to spend money this year and we’ve all seen a slowing of new client inquiries. We’ve also seen expansions and contractions in our businesses and confided that sometimes we feel like failures when any backsliding takes place. We all had ideas to offer each other for how we can improve our services, marketing and messaging, or how to make more consistent income. It was a great opportunity to get ideas and feedback from other business owners, but it was also a good setting to feel heard and understood. You might have the most understanding and supportive family, or maybe you’re in it completely alone. Either way, finding a small group of individuals - paid via membership or an informal gathering - can be a great way to get the support you need as an entrepreneur.
For now Bird by Bird is still on pause, but it’s something I might consider opening up again in the future if there is enough interest. Read more about it here and fill out an inquiry form if it appeals to you.
Please share your experiences in the comments below! How do you get entrepreneurial support?
