7 Tips for Building Your Support Network

When you run your own small business, ministry or non-profit, you need the help of others in many ways. You need to grow a network of contacts, virtual help, colleagues, supporters and others who can help you with various aspects. But there’s another type of support you need as well. It’s also wise to build a more casual support network for knowledge, encouragement, advice and motivation.

Understand Where You Need Help

First of all, it’s good to know yourself. You should understand the warning signs when, for example, your confidence or motivation is starting to wavier. Know your own areas of weakness or things you need to work on.

Family and Friends

Family and friends are a great source of support, even when they have nothing to do with your small business, ministry or non-profit. In fact, they can be a great help because they’re not involved. They know you, not your business or organization. Identify those who are most helpful to you in your regular life and enlist their support.

Seek out Mentors

A mentor is someone who has more experience than you have at what you do. They’ve gone further down the road you’re on and they know what’s ahead. A mentor can help to steer you on this path when you get stuck. They can identify your weaknesses or trouble spots and help you overcome them.

Coaches and Consultants

Like a mentor, a coach or consultant can help you by lending you their experience and skill. But a coach or consultant’s approach is more direct. You pay them for their services, so they offer more direct help usually than mentors do. They’re there to help you!

Good Advice

Try to identify some other sources of good advice on through Social Media & the internet. Seek out a website for entrepreneurs that offers help or encouragement with its content. Look for a forum or social media group that’s particularly supportive of its members.

Motivation and Inspiration

What inspires you or pushes you to keep working, even when things get tough? For example, thinking of your family’s future may be a greater motivation for you than the idea of making a great deal of money. Try to identify what motivates or inspires you. Post these in words and/or pictures somewhere visible so that it’s like your own visual support. You can turn to them when your motivation is in trouble.

Your Biggest Fans

Some of your best support will come from your fans, followers and customers. When you have an especially good relationship with a particular reader or customer, nurture this relationship and garner support from it. These individuals are a great help when you wonder whether your efforts to deliver value are paying off or not.