Social media did not exist when I began my entrepreneurial journey in 2004. At that time, the only way to connect with fellow business owners looking to support like-minded people was with networking groups like the Entrepreneur Organization (EO). EO was originally for entrepreneurs under 40 who achieved gross sales of 1 million dollars or more. The unique selling proposition of this organization was their monthly small group meetings for peer-to-peer encouragement and support. EO also put on quarterly events featuring well-known entrepreneurs that were inspirational and motivational to attendees.
Other networking possibilities before social media were through BNI and LeTip. These groups are similar to EO. However, BNI and LeTip are structured around referral-based business growth with the ability to feature your business at weekly meetings. These networking options help entrepreneurs stay on task, learn new strategies, and remain accountable to meet goals. All of which are beneficial to the entrepreneur wanting social connections. These groups are still around, and I strongly recommend them to small business owners.
Today, connecting with fellow entrepreneurs is simpler, less costly, and less time-consuming. Business owners are human too and also need a strong support system. Social media is now that much-needed hand for entrepreneurs, especially when money is a barrier to entry. Thankfully, social media provides the platform for many entrepreneurs who love to freely share their expertise and experiences. A few of my favorite experts who I feel exemplify #EntrepreneursSupportingEntrepreneurs are:
Seth Godin is a best-selling author of numerous business-related books. He is a true entrepreneur, but not just from selling books but also founding AltMBA. His self-hosted blog is stocked full of advice and information, making him a one-stop shop for any business owner. Seth Godin is a resource I often use for topics on my blog, and I appreciate his business insights.
Brand new and free (for today) a short course on decision making. Details on LinkedIn: https://t.co/bZXwoTw5sg
— Seth Godin (@ThisIsSethsBlog) September 22, 2021
In this post, Mr. Godin encourages his followers to submit any question or challenge they have, and he will gladly answer it with no financial expectation. To me, this is the definition of an entrepreneur supporting the business community.
Victor Macias is the definition of entrepreneurial spirit. A close friend and the founder of multiple start-ups, including a Shark Tank endorsed product. Victor desires to give back to the community that has supported him thus far. Today, he donates his time to the entrepreneur program of his alma mater and hosts a podcast geared towards helping business owners to overcome obstacles.
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In his Instagram post, Victor advertises a free zoom event to discuss any topic his listeners pose. He offered to answer any question or challenge, from business plan building to operational system implementation. Victor is another example of an entrepreneur walking the walk and talking the talk in supporting business owners.
Sara Blakely is the founder and CEO of Spanx. She is the consummate professional who begins the day by sharing her wisdom with an inspirational quote over coffee. These quotes have not only inspired me but motivated me to always look at my day through a fresh pair of lenses. Mrs. Blakely’s social feed is one to look forward to reading. The support she gives her business followers is evident when reading her follower’s comments.
In her LinkedIn post, Mrs. Blakely started a “sisterhood” via zoom with more than a thousand business women to discuss challenges in the workplace. Another excellent example of an entrepreneur freely providing guidance to the community and demonstrating support of it.
These individuals are not only my inspiration, but they also inspire me to look for ways to show support to fellow entrepreneurs as well. I look forward to freely and happily sharing any of my proven strategies or insights from my business experiences with you. I will continue to fill this blog with relevant business topics and promptly answer your questions or comments.
Here’s to #EntrepreneursSupportingEntrepreneurs!
Great concept for us #hairstylists #barbers #cosmetologists pic.twitter.com/qQDYPYH7Jg
— Krista Martin (@VizonaryBizBldr) March 28, 2018
