Do You Have a Tribe?
Women solopreneurs are no strangers to being alone - in the trenches, in their home offices, in their own heads. If you're new to the world of being your own boss, you may still have some time before you're "used to" the aloneness. But chances are you feel it to some degree no matter what stage of business you're in. And while you will have a lot of alone time on your hands, it's important to remember that you don't have to *feel* alone.
When you're a one woman show, most of your friends likely work a "typical" job - meaning they're not self-employed. They get a regular paycheck, report to a boss, take actual vacation time...and the list goes on. As a woman solopreneur, it's easy to feel like an outsider among your traditional group of friends. While most friends will remain your friends when you become your own boss, having a tribe who understands solopreneur life is crucial.
I don't know a single solopreneur or entrepreneur who has been successful without a support network. This network can take many forms, including:
A local networking group of women entrepreneurs (mine is a special interest group of Rochester's Women's Network)
An online community (Facebook has a ton!)
A mastermind group
A group coaching program
A local Boss Mom chapter
A national women's networking group
And the list goes on. You need to find a group where you're comfortable asking questions (no matter how stupid they may feel), seeking advice, venting your frustrations. A group that you can laugh with, cry with, and celebrate your wins with. You may have the most supportive spouse in the world (I'm lucky enough to be in that boat) but there is something unique about having a tribe of women cheering you on and pushing you when you need it. It can be a little tricky at first, to find the *right* group for you. I recommend that you keep interviewing and trying them out until you find the right fit. You want it to feel natural and not forced. You want to find yourself gravitating to certain individuals in that group who feel like they're on the same wavelength as you. You want to find others who have experience and advice that you admire and trust. You want to feel at home.
I'm incredibly thankful for the network and tribe that I have built as a woman solopreneur. I have small groups and individuals that I can trust and lean on when I need to, but it didn't happen overnight. It took a lot of time attending events, setting up 1:1s, asking questions and listening to others. It's kind of like dating, I guess. (Although I'm not totally sure since I haven't done that since college.) You have to meet a lot of people, put yourself out there, be open minded and trust your gut.
Being a solopreneur has the potential to feel very isolating. If you want to be successful in your business, it's imperative that you don't go it alone. Find your tribe and lean into them!