Key to success: Building an inspiring support network

Written by: Obed Abbo

Introduction

Being an entrepreneur can be a highly rewarding experience. It's an opportunity to make a difference in the world, create your destiny, and achieve financial freedom. However, it can be a lonely road filled with setbacks, challenges, and self-doubt. The hours in front of a laptop can feel isolating, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the struggles of starting a business. That's why building a strong support network is vital for entrepreneurs. In this article, we'll explore the power of association, how to share your inspiring vision, why gaining business coaching is important, the benefits of immersion, and the joy that comes from building a support network.

The Power of Association

As the saying goes by Jim Rohn: "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with". That's why it's crucial to surround yourself with successful, motivated, and like-minded people who challenge and inspire you. Joining industry associations, attending networking events, and participating in mastermind groups can help you connect with the right people. These relationships can provide valuable insights, connections, and support, helping you grow as an entrepreneur. 

Dare to ask for help

Having someone who can listen, provide objective feedback, and offer guidance can be invaluable to an entrepreneur. Business coaches can help you create a strategy, hone your leadership skills, improve your management, and provide insight into industry-specific practices. Their expertise can help you accelerate your growth, avoid costly mistakes and mitigate the risks of starting a business. Getting a business coach can lay the foundation for having a successful support network.

Personally, I’ve helped more than one thousand people. But I couldn’t have done that without the support from my mentors and peers. In 2017 I sought help from Robert Benninga, an experienced business coach with a track record of training over 300,000 individuals in 57 countries. Notably, he's an expert in Business Coaching and charges €500 per session. However, I was in a tight spot in 2017. I explained my financial constraints to him and requested that he offer me 30 minutes of his time to help me advance. I was pleasantly surprised when he graciously offered me eight free online coaching sessions, impressed by my vision and potential. Thanks to his support, I was able to take my business to new heights.

Working with Robert Benninga helped me gain clarity of purpose and confidence in my skills as a coach. His guidance enabled me to focus on the essential activities that could move my business forward--particularly when it came to tasks I found intimidating such as marketing. Over time, he shared valuable marketing methods, and he held me accountable for setting daily goals related to these areas, which led to increased comfort and enhanced results from this part of the process.

My other mentor, Rick Pursell, continued to guide me on my journey to success. Rick emphasized that success is certain if we acknowledge and address our fears and limiting beliefs. With the right mindset, perseverance, and determination, success is inevitable.

In our pursuit of success, we are like mountain climbers seeking to reach the summit. Without proper direction, the climber may face getting lost and feeling alone. It is vital to have a clear roadmap to keep us focused, engaged, and accountable for our goals.

Maximize your mountain climbing experience by learning from the best. An experienced guide can provide you with the best tips and techniques, help you choose the right shoes and route, and steer you clear of danger. They're also a great source of motivation and support when things get tough. Additionally, climbing with fellow enthusiasts provides an invaluable support system. Together, you can tackle obstacles, share successes and learn from each other's failures. Don't just climb the mountain; conquer it with the help of others who have been there before.

During "my climb", two experienced guides stood out as the go-to mentors I mentioned before: Robert Benninga and Rick Pursell. Both are above the age of 65, and I consider them my respected elders, given their extensive coaching and business background. Their invaluable knowledge and wisdom helped me ascend my "mountain" much faster and with greater ease.

Not content with stopping there, I ensured that I spent ample time with those alongside me on this journey. I sought out like-minded climbers, my peers, and friends who share a passion for life and achieving business success. Time spent together was well spent, as they are truly admirable people with a wealth of entrepreneurial experience. I learned a great deal from them, and still cherish their insights to this day. I continue to surround myself with inspiring people, and I love it. 

Looking to progress in your career or business? Identify the key players in your network who can help you achieve your goals. Additionally, consider seeking guidance from experienced business coaches who can offer support and valuable insights. 

Sharing Your Inspiring Vision

Communicating your vision is key to building a support network. When people believe in your vision, they become invested in your success. Share your vision through your website, social media, elevator pitch, and any other means available to you. Attend events where you can network and speak with potential investors or partners. Your ability to articulate your vision can attract the right people to your cause. If you'd like to gain more clarity on your vision, consider joining my upcoming Online Clarity Workshop on May 24th, 2023.

1-minute Video: Why building a support network is so important

Unlock your potential through Immersion

Total immersion is a process of committing yourself to a specific activity, program, or environment that focuses on achieving a particular goal. This can help you accelerate your learning, refine your business strategy and push yourself beyond your limits. 

Learning a new language is a great metaphor for immersion. Think about it. How do you learn a new language? This can include several strategies, such as traveling to a country where the language is spoken, enrolling in a language school or program, or seeking out native speakers to practice with. By incorporating total immersion into your language learning plan, you can push yourself beyond your limits and achieve fluency faster than you ever thought possible.

The same goes for bringing your business to the next level. By immersing yourself in activities that align with your values and goals, you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs with similar interests and goals. As a result, you’ll have much higher chances of succeeding. 

Immersion can come in the form of attending a business conference, participating in a mastermind, or enrolling in a Business Coaching Program. 

Thrive through joy

Building a support network is not just about the practical advantages, but also the emotional rewards. Entrepreneurs often face setbacks, challenges, and stress, which can take a toll on their well-being. A support network can provide emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of community. The joy of seeing other entrepreneurs succeed and knowing that you've played a role in their success can be a rewarding experience in itself. Celebrating your accomplishments with your network will also encourage continued growth, success, and motivation.

Conclusion

Building a support network is invaluable for entrepreneurs who are looking to make it in today's competitive market. Having individuals that understand you and your vision, challenge you and inspire you, provide guidance, listen to your ideas, and cheer you on can lighten the load of being an entrepreneur. 

There is power in collaboration, so don’t be afraid to find people who share similar goals and work together toward the same future. Find yourself a business coach and engage in activities that help you stay focused on those objectives — it will take time and dedication to build these relationships, but it’s worth it! 

Remember: look forward, enjoy the process; don’t forget why you’re doing this. Take every day as an opportunity to build connections with like-minded individuals so you uphold your entrepreneurial dreams with success. So go forth and surround yourself with like-minded people and enjoy the journey!