Small Business Support: Why You Need It Like Yesterday and How to Find It
As an entrepreneur coach, I know how important support is for leaders like you. And I’m not just talking about financial help but having someone who can keep you positive and upbeat. You can’t just rely on a vision board, books, or podcasts to keep your morale up. You need a team of people who are dedicated to making you feel confident and supported.
In this article, we’ll explore what to look for in a support team and how to make sure it helps you grow personally and professionally. First, let’s discuss why trying to grow a business without support isn’t a good idea.
Why You Need Support
Let’s be real—you didn’t start this business just for the money.
You probably saw problems in your industry and knew something needed to change. With a great idea and lots of enthusiasm, it seemed like the sky was the limit. Plus, people seemed eager to help you at first. But as you dive deeper into your business, you might find that enthusiasm fades. Friends and family who cheered you on may not be there when you need help brainstorming or investing in your business. This can feel isolating and frustrating.
The harsh reality is that most businesses close within the first five years. So, how do you build a successful business that lasts and keeps you motivated? It starts with having people who understand you and your struggles.
No Freebie or Gimmick Replaces Real Support
Many entrepreneurs fail because they lack real support. They chase trends, download countless free resources, and follow conflicting advice from various influencers. This can lead to confusion and anxiety about the future of their business.
Maybe you think you can outlast and outsmart everyone else. Newsflash: Everyone thinks that way too. This adds pressure, leading to feelings of isolation, fear, and worry.
Support is essential to navigate these pressures. A strong support network can help you stay focused, motivated, and resilient in the face of challenges. It can also keep you from chasing things that don’t make sense for your business or your overall health. Next, let’s talk about some challenges that may prevent you from creating your dream support team.
Challenges in Finding Small Business Support
Finding the right support isn’t easy. Many have been burned by well-meaning but ill-equipped friends or by coaches who overpromise and underdeliver. This ain’t fictional. I could fill this article with examples of coaches who tried to dazzle me, only to discover they lacked the smarts or confidence to follow through on their own ambitions.
Big Promises. Little to No Payouts.
For example, I remember one coach who had a ton of flashy marketing and big claims about taking businesses to the next level. She promised the moon and stars but never asked about my specific needs or goals. Her advice was generic and out of touch with what I was really facing. I spent more time explaining my business to her than getting valuable insights.
Another coach I met was all talk about transformation and success but couldn’t provide any concrete steps or actionable plans. He was great at telling inspiring stories but fell short when it came to offering practical advice that could be implemented. I left these sessions feeling more confused and frustrated than before.
If you’ve been around people who fizzle out, it’s natural to want to isolate. You might believe that going it alone is the best option. I, too, felt this way for years, feeling like I was wasting time and money on one gimmick after another.
But trust me, there is support out there that makes sense. A great coach is like a trusted guide. They don’t just give you a map and say good luck; they walk with you, helping you deal with challenges and celebrate wins.
Be careful about who you trust to help you on your journey. You deserve someone who truly cares about your success and is committed to helping you achieve it. Here are some tips to help you find a support network that works for you.
What to Look for in a Small Business Support Network
When seeking a support network, look for people who:
- Share similar values
- Have aligned goals
- Possess compatible character traits
- Uphold strong ethics
- Understand your business goals
Most importantly, find someone with a proven track record of success. It’s not enough to have a mentor with a good heart but no practical business experience. You need people who are actually winning in business and can lead by example. Now you know what to look for, next, let’s talk about where you can find a business support network.
Where to Find Small Business Support
Here are some places where you can find someone who can help you reach your professional goals.
- Join Professional Networks: Become a member of professional organizations related to your industry. These groups can provide valuable connections and resources.
- Attend Industry Events: Conferences, seminars, and workshops are great places to meet potential mentors and like-minded individuals.
- Engage in Online Communities: Social media platforms and online forums can be excellent places to find support and advice from other entrepreneurs.
- Form a Mastermind Group: A mastermind group is a small, focused group of entrepreneurs who meet regularly to share challenges, offer solutions, and support each other’s growth.
- Seek Out Peer Mentors: Peer mentors are individuals at a similar stage in their business journey who can provide mutual support and accountability. And if you have enough common interests, you might find yourself in a richly rewarding friendship.
Now that you know what to look out for from others, in the next section we will talk about two important things that will help you make the most of your time with your coach, mentor or support network. First, let’s discuss humility.
You can't achieve success by only focusing on the end result without respecting the guidance of those who have walked the path before you. If you have issues with authority or past negative experiences with mentors, it's essential to work through those issues before seeking a new mentor.
The Importance of Humility
You also need to be humble enough to learn from your mentors. We live in an age that glorifies the idea of being a self-made individual. Advertisements and societal messages often promote the myth that you don’t need anyone else to succeed. However, this is far from the truth.
For example, when I was younger, I was captivated by army recruitment ads that promised adventure and glory. Helicopters launching off their pads and seriously looking faces holding heavy duty arms.
And I thought when I watched those ads, “You mean I get to get into these high risk operations in exotic locales looking ripped and muscles bulging.” Then I could quit and become the next Lara Croft. I could have action figures created in my likeliness? You don’t see black action figure women out there. This could be awesome!
However, when I learned more about the lifestyle, I realized it required discipline, teamwork, and respect for the process of growth alongside military leadership.
Similarly, in business, you can’t achieve success by only focusing on the end result without respecting the guidance of those who have walked the path before you. If you have issues with authority or past negative experiences with mentors, it’s essential to work through those issues before seeking a new mentor.
To build a lasting support system for your business, you need more than just a plan. While there are many free business plans online, having a mentor who will support, encourage, and keep you on track is key.
Commitment and Consistency
Another important part is committing to a timeline with your mentor. I recently interviewed Matt Peacock, who runs a non-profit organization in central Texas called Partners in Hope (PIH). PIH helps people in distress not only repair their homes but also restore their quality of life. Their clients receive ongoing support, not just one-time assistance.
PIH requires a one-year mentorship commitment from their clients. This long-term engagement allows mentors to see the full scope of their clients’ highs and lows, providing a comprehensive support system.
How to Find Reliable Business Support: Top Tips
To build a lasting support system for your business, you need more than just a plan. Here are some tips to help you find the right mentor:
Tip #1: Research Thoroughly
Take your time to find mentors who have succeeded in your industry. Everyone can lie and puff up themselves. That’s why I tell folk to read through their blog, listen their podcast or any other platform where they publish content. Look for someone with a track record of success and expertise that matches your needs.
Tip #2: Make Sure Your Values and Goals Are Aligned
It’s important to find a mentor who shares your values and understands what you want to achieve with your business. This alignment will make your mentorship relationship more effective and fulfilling. For example, if they are all about making fast cash at the expense of integrity, you may be hitching yourself to a ship that will sink.
Tip #3: Commit to the Process
Building a strong relationship with your mentor takes time and effort. Be prepared to invest both to get the most out of the experience. Don’t bail simply because they make you feel scared and/or uncomfortable. New things are scary because you are not familiar with the process. Stay committed to the process even when things get challenging.
Tip #4: Look for Red Flags
When you’re thinking about working with someone new, like a coach, partner, or service provider, it’s important to look out for warning signs that they might not be honest, experienced, or reliable. Here are some key red flags to keep in mind:
Overpromising Results
- Unrealistic Claims: Be careful of people or companies that promise amazing results really fast. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Vague Language: Watch out if they use fancy words without giving clear examples or facts to support what they say. This might mean they don’t have much to offer.
Lack of Practical Experience
- No Industry Background: If the person or company doesn’t have experience in your specific field, they might not understand the unique challenges you face.
- Limited Portfolio: If they can’t show past work or have no testimonials from previous clients, that’s a big warning sign.
Constant Self-Promotion
- Need for Validation: The real deal doesn’t need to constantly flex their wins. They should show through their actions that they are the real deal. If they keep bragging about their achievements without being asked, it might mean they’re not very confident in themselves.
- Focus on Wins Over Process: True experts talk about how they work and the value they bring, not just their past successes.
Inconsistent Communication
- Delayed Responses: Slow or inconsistent replies can mean they’re disorganized or not fully committed to helping you.
- Evasive Answers: If they avoid direct questions or give unclear answers, they might be hiding something.
Negative Reviews or Feedback
- Poor Reputation: Check their reputation online. Lots of bad reviews or complaints are strong warning signs.
- Lack of Recommendations: If they can’t provide references or testimonials from trustworthy sources, be cautious.
High-Pressure Tactics
- Urgency to Commit: If they push you to make quick decisions or sign contracts without time to think, they might not be confident in what they’re offering.
- Fear-Based Selling: Be careful of those who try to scare you into action instead of giving logical reasons for their services.
Lack of Transparency
- Hidden Costs: If they’re not clear about pricing or additional fees, it could lead to unexpected costs down the line.
- Avoiding Contract Details: If they’re reluctant to discuss contract terms or gloss over important details, it could be a sign of trouble.
Unrealistic Guarantees
- Promises of Success: No one can guarantee success, and those who do might not be trustworthy.
- Lack of Flexibility: If they’re unwilling to adapt their services to your specific needs, they might not be the right fit.
Check out this article for other red flags when looking for a coach or mentor. Trust your instincts and avoid mentors who seem unreliable or untrustworthy.
The image below summarizes my tips. Next, I’ll share my final thoughts.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the challenges of running a business, past mistakes, or setbacks stop you. With the right help, you can succeed and be happy on your business journey.
If you’re ready to grow your business, I’m here to help. We can work together to make a plan that fits your needs and goals.
Also, check out this episode from my entrepreneur podcast where I talk about different ways to grow your business and share advice from successful entrepreneurs.
