The Importance of A Strong Support System
I realized early on in my entrepreneurial journey that having a strong support system was essential. Honestly, I believe it is critical to my success and overall well-being and growth.
Your support can come from many different areas at the same time – family, friends, professional groups, face-to-face, and, even, virtually.
Related Article: Making The Most Of Your Online Groups
How to develop a strong support system
So here’s the thing, a strong support system does not happen overnight. It takes time to develop relationships, build trust and determine the roles that others will have in your life. Personally, I believe it is important not to rush into any type of relationship that is meant to help nurture, support and build you up.
As you focus on building your support system, there will be people that are a great fit and others that are not quite so. Do not feel as though you have to keep people or groups in your space out of a sense of security, honor or loyalty. Different people come into our lives for different reasons and seasons. As you are growing you will be able to identify the signs that if it is time to move forward without them.
The biggest sign? When you feel that there is consistently more give than take or you constantly feel drained and / or unproductive in their presence.
Related Article: Support: It’s A Two-Way Street
3 Reasons You Need A Strong Support System
1 – Accountability. Your support system should keep you focused on and accountable to the goals you have set up for your personal and professional life. Your support system helps to keep you focused and consistent with your actions. Also, they can help you with prioritizing your tasks to ensure you are maximizing your time and energy.
2 – Strength in Numbers. You should gather support, strength and knowledge from your support system. They are there to do just that – support you. If no one else shows up, representatives from your support system should be there to cheer you on and let you know how amazing you are. Remember, it is a two-way street. Just as they show up for you, you should be willing and able to do the same for them when the need arises.
3 – Challenges aren’t as challenging. – Having a strong support system helps you face challenges with your own personal cheering section that’s there to give you an emotional and mental boost, but, also, to help you along the way. You can tap into their previous experiences and knowledge along the way. They can help you create smaller, more manageable action steps and be available to talk out your short and long-term goals.
A few parts of my strong support system
Online communities are a huge part of my support system. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I was working a full-time job that demanded 50-60 hours of my week and had 3 young children. It was virtually impossible for me to leave my home for face-to-face trainings and networking opportunities.
I am the Community Manager for Courage to Earn – a community of brave digital entrepreneurs that are dedicated to supporting and connecting with one another to be courageous earners in our businesses. I love this group of women. Founded by Brandi Riley (who is Ah-MAY-ZING!) I am consistently getting inspired, educated and finding ways to expand my platform as a blogger and entrepreneur.
The PeriGirls. This group is very near and dear to my heart. It is a community of over 11,000 women who are focused on live broadcasting – specifically Periscope. There are so many opportunities to get involved within the community. You have the opportunity to provide and ask for support and surround yourself with positive, uplifting and upbeat women. The members genuinely want everyone to succeed in their own rights. If you follow me on Periscope, you have heard me talk about this community on numerous occasions. They are just that awesome.