It might surprise you, but many entrepreneurs are self-professed introverts – myself included. If you’re one too, you know the last piece of advice you want to hear is to get out there and go networking. I understand that making small talk over tiny quiches in a rented conference room, or worse, via Zoom, may sound incredibly draining (and dull), but wait. Networking doesn’t have to be limited to this type of event alone. I propose that the networking entrepreneurs need most is actually in the form of leadership support and peer learning. Here’s how that looks, and why it’s crucial – even for the most introverted among us.
FoMo NoMo
Entrepreneurs are often lonely. Even if they have an awesome family and great friends, it’s very common for a business owner to feel like no one understands them. This is because, frankly, most people don’t. The world of entrepreneurship is tough. It has the potential of the highest upsides, while also possessing the greatest of risks and scariest of sacrifices. Unless someone is walking that road, they simply can’t “get it.”
But, other business owners will. I’ve been part of EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) and other entrepreneur groups for six years, a member of the Agency Management Institute for almost six years and on the board of Board Developer for two years. Not mention other well known groups like Strategic Coach and many more. Through these experiences, I’ve felt leadership support like nothing else. I’ve been able to meet like-minded folks who actually know what I’m dealing with, and can lend a caring ear. My involvement with these groups has taken me from feeling isolated as an entrepreneur to feeling connected and understood. You can’t put a price on that, but let me tell you – it’s immensely valuable.
Practical Wisdom
Of course, we can’t all be great at everything, which is why peer learning is so important to constant growth. When you join a group like the ones I mentioned above, you immediately begin forming relationships with people who have been there, done that. Whether it’s giving you tips to try or helping you avoid mistakes, save time, cut costs, connect you with prospects, or anything else under the sun, the best people to trust are those who have been through the same fires you’re about to walk into.
You’re eyeing a merger? I guarantee someone in one of your entrepreneurial networks has already been through that process, and can give you some useful advice. Running into a sticky problem with employee management? Turn to someone in your network who has managed employees for decades and can offer some creative ideas. You can lean on one another and, in return, share your own insights with others. The beauty of being in a group of people with varying flavors and shades of strengths is that there will always be someone who can help you get through that next obstacle or toward that next goal. And I’d bet they come up with ideas and solutions you hadn’t thought of… yet.
In conclusion, I get it. Networking can seem like a waste of time or even painful, especially for introverts. But becoming part of a group of entrepreneurs will give you kindred spirits, actionable guidance and everything you need to grow and lead as a business owner. Trust me; it’s worth it.
Need help finding the right kind of group for you? I’d love to hear from you.
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