5 Ways to Build Your Business Community
As solo entrepreneurs (or solopreneurs, if you will) we can often feel isolated and like we’re lacking a true sense of business community. The world of online business is exciting, fast-paced, and ever-changing. However, the human need for connection, understanding, and belonging is unwavering, and trying to operate without a community of like-minded people who can relate to your struggles is a lonely road, indeed.
I’ve put together my top 5 tips for creating a solid and supportive business community, no matter what industry you’re in.
5 Ways to Build Your Business Community
1. Get Comfortable Talking About Your Business
Becoming comfortable with talking about your business can be a major hurdle for many entrepreneurs, but this is actually the first (and arguably most important) step for building a business community. While I’m personally not a fan of the classic “elevator pitch”, I do believe that being able to quickly and concisely explain what you do in your business is essential for networking, creating interest, and building relationships.
When people ask me “what do you do?” I usually respond with this; “I own a virtual assistant business, and I help other small business owners with many of the tasks they don’t have time for.” That’s it. From there, one of two things will happen.
They will either nod politely and say something like “oh that’s interesting”, and then we move on to another topic. Or, they will ask more questions. They might ask me what kind of tasks I help with, what sort of clients I assist, or how I got into the VA industry. From there, the conversation often flows a lot more naturally, but having that initial response locked and loaded is really helpful.
The reason it’s so important to get comfortable with talking about your business is because you just never know who you might be talking to. It could be someone in line at the coffee shop, another guest at a wedding, or even your dental hygienist whose ears perk up when you mention what you do. You just might have exactly what they, or someone they know, needs!
2. Join Online Groups and Forums Related to your Business
If you’re not already a part of a few quality online groups related to your business and industry, why the heck not?! One of the best parts about living in the modern age is that we have access to an unprecedented amount of information, and with that comes the opportunity for online community and networking. Facebook, Reddit, and LinkedIn are just a few options when it comes to seeking out online business communities. Join a few specific groups and start making those connections!
A great rule of thumb when it comes to online groups is to always give more than you take. Yes, they’re a fantastic place to ask questions and gain insight into your industry, but don’t forget that YOU have a lot of expertise and advice to share, too! Don’t forget to contribute just as much as you benefit, or maybe even a little bit more. ;)
3. Make and Keep Authentic Connections (or “Business Besties”) in your Industry
Not everyone you meet is going to be a perfect match, but sometimes you make a connection that just clicks into place like a puzzle piece. And when you find one of these unicorns (I call them “business besties”) - hang on tight! They are rare gems that deserve to be cherished.
Be sure to connect with your business besties on social media and engage with their content often. As the relationship grows, you can check in and chat more often. Eventually, the goal is to create a mutually beneficial relationship that can include things like collaborations, the sharing of ideas and expertise, and even referrals if you’re super lucky!
I’ve been in the online business space for over a decade now, in many different industries and capacities, and I am fortunate to have a truly incredible network of business besties. It’s great to help each other out, commiserate over common struggles, and just generally support one another on our entrepreneurial journeys so we all feel less alone.
4. Join a Business Mastermind (or start your own!)
I have been a part of several different Mastermind groups over the years, and they’ve been invaluable to me. Not only have they helped me learn and grow faster than I ever could have on my own, but I’ve also met so many wonderful people through these groups who have become permanent fixtures in my own business community. These relationships have often snowballed into further connections and growing a larger, more robust network. At the time of writing, every single paying client I’ve ever had at Hearthside Virtual has come to me through my network of like-minded business owners.
If you can’t find the right Mastermind group to join, you could even consider starting one yourself. This is a big commitment, and one that I haven’t personally undertaken (yet.) If you’re a strong leader with quality connections and great ideas to share, you just might be sitting on fantastic potential for a Mastermind of your own.
5. Create a Referral Network
After working in the hair industry for over 15 years, I can wholeheartedly confirm that the old adage of “the best compliment you can give someone is a referral” is absolutely true. This goes for hairstylists, but also any other service provider or support professional. Referrals are so valuable because there’s already a level of trust there, right from the beginning, simply because you have a relationship in common.
One of the best things I’ve ever done for my business is to keep a running spreadsheet of everyone I’m connected to in my industry and network. As you continue to build your business community, you can pop people into this spreadsheet so you have a quick and easy list to refer to.
My spreadsheet is pretty simple. It contains the person’s name, their business name, their website and/or social media channels, and what services or areas of expertise they specialize in. I can’t count the number of times that I’ve had a potential client inquiry, and while I am not quite the right fit for them, I know exactly who probably is! It’s easy for me to open up my spreadsheet, pull that info, and pass along the referral.
Working towards developing stronger relationships, both online and off, is a worthwhile endeavour no matter what industry you’re in. At the end of the day, we all need a sense of community and to feel like we belong. Just because we work for ourselves doesn’t mean we always have to work by ourselves!