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As a female entrepreneur, you’re likely a highly-motivated and busy person–two qualities that set you apart, but also give you something in common with other women who are passionate about their businesses.
There’s a community out there that can support you and help you navigate your business challenges. Finding your tribe as a female entrepreneur enables you to connect with other women who can share their insight, strength, and camaraderie with you throughout your business ownership journey.
Why You Should Connect
It’s more than just networking – finding your tribe helps you feel connected and provides reassurance that you’re not tackling the challenges of entrepreneurship alone. Not everyone is your tribe, and being without a healthy source of connection can leave busy entrepreneurs feeling depleted and discouraged.
Particularly for women working in traditionally male-dominated fields, feeling connected to other female entrepreneurs can be a source of inspiration and encouragement. You may find that the relationships provide you with valuable connections to new opportunities, too.
How to Connect with Other Entrepreneurs
If you’re looking for tangible ways to build your entrepreneurial community, here’s how you can get started and set yourself up for success.
1. Look Inside Your Industry
Yes, even your competitors could potentially be a source of community, but you can also connect with industry professionals who serve different markets. Your colleagues are often very familiar with what you experience from work, so they can be a valuable resource for connection.
2. Form a Mastermind
Mastermind groups are one great way to connect with like-minded professionals, find new friends, and bring fresh ideas into your business. The key to a good mastermind is finding the right group you can trust, identify with, and become a part of.
3. Start a Meetup or Networking Event
If you take the lead and create your own, you get the reward of supporting other women-owned businesses while also building your network.
4. Join a Professional Organization
Your industry’s professional organizations may provide opportunities to network and find camaraderie with other entrepreneurs.
5. Build Connection in Your Local Community
Aside from attending local chamber of commerce meetings, you can also reach out around town and find entrepreneurs who have businesses nearby. Introduce yourself and ask how you can support them.
You may even find new customers in the process, but don’t focus on immediate and direct benefits. Keep the focus on helping other entrepreneurs – if you’re patient, this networking has its own rewards.
6. Get Outside Your Network
If you feel like you’re spending too much time networking in the same circles, look for something new. A different group, another city, or even an online organization can be a great way to branch out.
7. Go Online
Thanks to the proliferation of social media support groups, networking organizations, and entrepreneurship clubs, there are more ways than ever to find support online.
Women Should Support Other Women
All too often, women see each other as threats or as competition. It’s so easy to judge someone else, but the path of entrepreneurship is challenging enough that it makes more sense to cooperate and come together.
By seeking out a supportive community, you can help stop the negativity while also doing more for your business and your career.
