No Man is an Island
Being an entrepreneur is one of the best jobs on earth, hands down. It is also one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Along with the freedom that comes from being your own boss is the angst of wondering whether or not your venture will succeed—and the realization that much responsibility sits on your doorstep. No passing the buck here.
Because of its unique benefits and challenges, entrepreneurship can often be a lonely undertaking. You might be surrounded by naysayers, those who say your dream is hogwash and you are a fool for following it. You may converse daily with those who are supportive but whose eyes glaze over when you start talking about the ins and outs of your business. Or perhaps you simply have no time to talk to anyone, helpful or not, because of the demands of your everyday work.
Every Entrepreneur Needs a Support System
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” As entrepreneurs—really, as people in general—we want and need someone (or multiple people!) who will inspire us, encourage us, challenge us, and stand by us through thick and thin.
As you start or continue your entrepreneurial endeavor, look for people who can fill these roles in your life:
1. Cheerleader. This person will cheer you on, even on your darkest days. He or she will look for the best in your situations and, more important, will always look for the best in you. The best cheerleaders are those closest to you, those who know you well.
2. Mentor. We can all learn something from those who have gone before us. A mentor, particularly one who has succeeded in entrepreneurship, can impart priceless knowledge and experience. The best mentors are those who are older than you, wiser than you, and humble.
3. Coach. A coach is different from a mentor—while a mentor gives advice stemming from experience, a coach asks questions (hard questions, if needed) to draw out the answers you probably already have within you. The best coaches are those who ask good how, why, and what questions with no hidden agenda.
4. Peer. A peer—someone on a similar journey as you—can be a huge asset for an entrepreneur. A peer will understand why losing that particular client was such a big deal and can possibly share insight on how to win new business. The best peers will realize that life works better together.
5. Critic. This might seem surprising, but a critic can be an entrepreneur’s best friend. The key is finding a critic who truly cares about you as a person. Having someone in your life who speaks truth in love is critical to your success. The best critics are those who know you, care about you, and want to make you better.
Sometimes several of these roles can be found in one person: your cheerleader can also be your mentor; your peer can also be your critic and your coach. At certain times in my personal and professional life, I’ve needed one role more than the others; at other times, I’ve needed all of them simultaneously.
No one is best by himself or herself. This is especially true for entrepreneurs.
What can you do today to invest in your support system? How can you be part of a support system for other entrepreneurs?
“No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.” – John Donne