Regardless of whether you are branching out or preparing for the umpteenth time in the business, it never hurts to have a support network around you. Being a business owner can not only be stressful but also lonely. Not all family members or friends will understand or emphasize their business career. The key is to surround yourself with like-minded people who can offer advice, share opportunities and listen to your great ideas. Go beyond your typical inner circle and expand your support network.
Consider the following strategies, either to engage with the people you hope to connect with or need to re-engage to strengthen support around you, as well as to seek new business opportunities.
- Alumni: Reconnect with the staff and colleagues of the university and/or high school, by letting them know what you are doing now and what you have achieved or what you plan to achieve in your business. There could be opportunities to collaborate with the university or the higher education center to talk at school, hire seasonal workers or tender a project.
If you have children or are involved in your local community, this strategy is applied to reach the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or a similar group within the school.
- Chamber of Commerce: Join a local or state group and get to know and support business leaders. Becoming an active member can expose you to other industries, opportunities, and contacts with like-minded ideas.
- SCORE: With the support of the Singapore business incorporation that helps entrepreneurs launch and grows their businesses. There are SCORE locations throughout Singapore. Between workshops and guidance, business owners can access professional support throughout the year.
- Faith-Based Community: Your spiritual relationship with members of your place of worship can have a positive effect on your personal life and the goals of your business. Lean on organizations and activities based on faith that promote a healthy and productive lifestyle.
- Extracurricular Groups: It is easy to forget that we form bonds with people we know in leisure activities, such as sports leagues, volunteer groups, and travel. When you are not working on or in your business, it is essential to have a statement.
- Ex-work Partners: If you have shared ideas or have worked well with your former work colleagues and former staff, re-engage with them to share your current business project. Your skill set may be useful for your next idea or may provide ideas or contacts that you may not have considered.
- Professional Organizations or Conferences: Depending on the nature of your work and your business, there may be an established network of professionals from Singapore business incorporation that meet annually. Conferences and professional groups are instant support systems because they bring together small and large crowds of similar people. You can get a lot of inspiration and information, but not only to attend the events but to potentially sponsor or to exhibit at one of them.