When I started my t-shirt business 6 years ago, I forged ahead on my own. My accounting background was a huge help with many of the required tasks. As far as finding resources and marketing, though, it took about me 18 months to get my footing. Everything I learned, I learned through trial and error (mostly error). That is why I believe whole-heartedly in joining a networking or mastermind group.
If I had been involved in such a group 6 years ago, I would have saved myself thousands of dollars and countless hours. To be fair to myself, online social networking hadn’t evolved, yet, and there wasn’t the variety of groups that there are now.
These days, women can choose from Savor The Success, Smarty, or Ladies Who Launch, just to name a few of the larger organizations. And social networking has grown beyond anyone’s expectations, with Twitter, FaceBook, LinkedIn and myriad specialty networks on Ning. The online and offline groups feed each other and there is tremendous value in participating. There is so much you can learn from others’ experience, and people are very willing to tell you about mistakes they’ve made, so you can avoid the same pitfalls.
If you can’t find an existing group in your area, set up a casual meeting of local entrepreneurs, yourself. Visit local businesses and talk to the owners. Having a group of diverse members will be beneficial. If you aren’t up for that and can’t find a way to participate in any other live meetings, become an active participant in online discussions. I know there are people who say online relationships aren’t “real” relationships, but that’s just not true. There are several people I’ve met online that I speak to regularly. We support each other and share information. Some I’ve since met in person, and a few I haven’t (yet), but I feel like I know them, because I do. And I’ve come to trust their input.
Working for yourself is challenging and rewarding, but at times it can be overwhelming and cause feelings of isolation. Participating in group meetings and events (online and offline) will alleviate these feelings, and offer you the chance to build valuable professional relationships.
