The Power of Small Business Networks: My Experience Joining a Professional Business Organization
Running a small business from home is such a joy for me. I love playing in my freedom and creativity to create from my heart. But after being in business for three years, I haven't seen the growth I always imagined for myself. While there has been progress, it has been slow, and it didn’t feel like it matched up with the effort I was putting into my business. It felt like I was in this all alone, with little support or guidance.
Realizing that I needed more inspiration and support, I decided to find a small business group that could help me keep going. A quick internet search led me to an organization of women business owners in my area. Their website revealed a wealth of programs and services for small business owners, including mentorship programs, networking coffee hours, and luncheons. I eagerly signed up for an upcoming coffee connections event, and it turned out to be the greatest professional decision I have ever made.
Walking into the event, I didn’t know what to expect. I felt like an imposter, gripping my binder and wondering if I really belonged. Technically, I am a small business owner, but surely these people were way beyond my level. Despite my nerves, I was ready to put myself out there because I knew I had built something worth seeing.
To my surprise, I was greeted with a warm and welcoming hug from one of the group’s executive directors, as if we had known each other for ages. That moment reassured me that I was right where I needed to be. The event was a good mix of men and women entrepreneurs, but it was the women who came to my side with kindness, guiding me to the best people to talk to for making my dreams come true.
I connected with incredible women who made me feel like I could actually make something of the boutique I had poured myself into for the last three and a half years. As I write this, gratitude wells up in my heart. If you are a small business owner, you have probably felt like you were doing something small and insignificant that no one would ever care about. This coffee hour was the confirmation I needed that I was building a real business. With the right kind of people cheering me on, I could dare to dream a little bigger.
I left the event feeling supported, inspired, and ready to start doing more. I also received an invitation to a monthly women's business luncheon, which I gladly accepted. Representing my business among so many successful and confident women was humbling. They were beyond happy to share their stories and offer encouragement.
I officially signed up to join the group, and since then, my days have been buzzing with a new type of energy. Suddenly, I have a sense of accountability that is driving me further than I would go on my own. I also found the courage to pursue the new ideas I have contemplated for ages. I could go on and on about how wonderful running my business feels since joining a professional business group. It has only been a couple of weeks, and I know there is much more to come from this new adventure.
I deeply encourage you, as a small business owner, to find a source of support that will keep you encouraged. Search your area for mentorships, leadership programs, networking groups, or anything specific to what you might need. Even if you aren’t a small business owner, this can apply to any area of your life. If you feel you lack meaningful connections, find a friendly support group, church, or space where people gather to elevate and uplift one another. Isolation is very common these days. Yes, the internet makes it easy to do many things on our own, but there is nothing like meaningful human connection.
As an introvert, my struggle as a business owner has been not putting myself out there and making things happen out of fear of becoming overwhelmed. This experience is teaching me that the right people will help comfortably pull you out of your shell as you become more inspired and confident. Grow on your own terms, but don’t stunt your growth by hiding in the shadows because you feel like a small fish in a very big ocean. Find the right school to swim with, and you’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish together.
Much more to come with this new development, and I look forward to sharing more experiences here. Be sure to leave a comment! Let me know if you resonate with this idea of finding success within communities. Also, don’t forget to check out the Terra Cotta Plant Boutique YouTube channel for more small business content like this.
Realizing that I needed more inspiration and support, I decided to find a small business group that could help me keep going. A quick internet search led me to an organization of women business owners in my area. Their website revealed a wealth of programs and services for small business owners, including mentorship programs, networking coffee hours, and luncheons. I eagerly signed up for an upcoming coffee connections event, and it turned out to be the greatest professional decision I have ever made.
Walking into the event, I didn’t know what to expect. I felt like an imposter, gripping my binder and wondering if I really belonged. Technically, I am a small business owner, but surely these people were way beyond my level. Despite my nerves, I was ready to put myself out there because I knew I had built something worth seeing.
To my surprise, I was greeted with a warm and welcoming hug from one of the group’s executive directors, as if we had known each other for ages. That moment reassured me that I was right where I needed to be. The event was a good mix of men and women entrepreneurs, but it was the women who came to my side with kindness, guiding me to the best people to talk to for making my dreams come true.
I connected with incredible women who made me feel like I could actually make something of the boutique I had poured myself into for the last three and a half years. As I write this, gratitude wells up in my heart. If you are a small business owner, you have probably felt like you were doing something small and insignificant that no one would ever care about. This coffee hour was the confirmation I needed that I was building a real business. With the right kind of people cheering me on, I could dare to dream a little bigger.
I left the event feeling supported, inspired, and ready to start doing more. I also received an invitation to a monthly women's business luncheon, which I gladly accepted. Representing my business among so many successful and confident women was humbling. They were beyond happy to share their stories and offer encouragement.
I officially signed up to join the group, and since then, my days have been buzzing with a new type of energy. Suddenly, I have a sense of accountability that is driving me further than I would go on my own. I also found the courage to pursue the new ideas I have contemplated for ages. I could go on and on about how wonderful running my business feels since joining a professional business group. It has only been a couple of weeks, and I know there is much more to come from this new adventure.
I deeply encourage you, as a small business owner, to find a source of support that will keep you encouraged. Search your area for mentorships, leadership programs, networking groups, or anything specific to what you might need. Even if you aren’t a small business owner, this can apply to any area of your life. If you feel you lack meaningful connections, find a friendly support group, church, or space where people gather to elevate and uplift one another. Isolation is very common these days. Yes, the internet makes it easy to do many things on our own, but there is nothing like meaningful human connection.
As an introvert, my struggle as a business owner has been not putting myself out there and making things happen out of fear of becoming overwhelmed. This experience is teaching me that the right people will help comfortably pull you out of your shell as you become more inspired and confident. Grow on your own terms, but don’t stunt your growth by hiding in the shadows because you feel like a small fish in a very big ocean. Find the right school to swim with, and you’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish together.
Much more to come with this new development, and I look forward to sharing more experiences here. Be sure to leave a comment! Let me know if you resonate with this idea of finding success within communities. Also, don’t forget to check out the Terra Cotta Plant Boutique YouTube channel for more small business content like this.
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