When I was at an entrepreneur conference recently I got to thinking about just how important the people you surround yourself with are as a business owner. It also reminded me of what it was like for me when I was just starting out in my business, while still in my corporate job. When I didn’t know anyone in the entrepreneur community. When I lived surrounded by people with employee mindsets, who were quite happy to remain like that.
I wish I could go back and talk to myself then and tell myself to find different people, to find MY people, people who understand the pros and cons, the highs and lows and have some real experience to base their thoughts on. Because I would have escaped from my job far earlier if I had role models to learn from and inspire me.
I’ve talked before about getting the right tribe around you. In other words, surround yourself with people who are already doing what you want to do or who are also starting out in that world so you can learn together. I know a lot of people find it difficult to network and connect with people but the good news is you don’t need to have hundreds of people in your orbit to get the benefit of having a supportive community.
But as a minimum, you need about 5 people around you to give you the support you need, I’m calling them your squad. Having the right squad around you isn’t about competition. It’s about empowerment, confidence, raising each other up, learning, modelling success and supporting each other.
But who are these 5 people in your entrepreneurial power squad?
Let me introduce them…
THE CHEERLEADER
It's important to have a cheerleader in your corner - someone who can offer emotional support and encouragement when you need it most. A good cheerleader is someone who believes in you and your business idea, and who is willing to listen and offer words of encouragement when you're feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
Your cheerleader needs to understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. This means they will have to be fellow aspiring entrepreneurs or a few steps ahead of you. You’re not necessarily learning from them, although you can. But that is not their role. They are who you turn to celebrate wins and commiserate with you and encourage you when you are down. And you will do the same for them. They are your business bestie.
THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE
Another person who is good to have around is someone who can (lovingly) challenge your plans so you can be sure that you are on the right track. They don’t do this because they are fearful or want to hold you back but because they have been there and done that. They have made mistakes and can see when you might be doing the same thing. They also can challenge your ideas and plans, even if they actually think they are good. You need someone level-headed who is able to argue for and against a particular plan of action.
THE FINANCIAL GURU
Managing your finances is an essential part of starting and running a successful business, which is why it's important to get savvy on the finances of running your own business early on. You may not be ready to have a bookkeeper or accountant yet but is good to look out for people you can learn from in this space. Your financial guru could be a friend who is into numbers, or of your business peers in your network who specialises in financial education for small business owners or it could be someone who teaches either in person or online that you can follow and listen to their free content.
THE UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORTER
Next up, you want to have an unconditional supporter. Starting a business can be a wild ride, and there will be times when you doubt yourself and your abilities. That's when you need an unconditional supporter in your corner - someone who loves you no matter what and believes in you and your dreams. This person may be a family member, your best friend, or your significant other who offers unwavering emotional support and encouragement.
The unconditional supporter is there to remind you of your strengths, lift you up when you're feeling down, and celebrate your victories with you. Unlike your cheerleader, don't have to understand every detail of your business, but they do believe in you and your ability to make it happen.
THE MENTOR
Having a mentor can be incredibly valuable for you as an aspiring business owner, in fact, you will need good mentors throughout your time as your own boss. A good mentor is someone who has experience in the same industry or type of business you're trying to start, and who is willing to share their knowledge and expertise with you. A mentor can offer advice and guidance and they can also provide accountability and help you stay on track towards your goals. They can teach you about what they have learned along the way. They are role models and provide you with motivation and inspiration.
HAVE A BALANCE
So there you go, the 5 people you need to have around you. Of course, you can have more than one of each! And some people may have two or more of the traits you need. But just make sure to have a balance. If you surround yourself with cheerleaders, you will never know when you are going wrong. If you have loads of devil’s advocates, you could lose confidence with all the questioning of your ideas. If you have all financial thinking people, you may lose out on some of the creativity that other types have. And imagine if everyone was an unconditional supporter! You would have no accountability and no motivation to get anything done because they will love and care for you whatever the outcome.
A big thing I have learnt is if you have too many mentors, you will find yourself slipping into overwhelm and confusion as all mentors will have different ways to do things. If you try and follow them all you will get nowhere.
So make sure you have a variety of people in your squad with different abilities, businesses and roles in your life. And make sure you support them too. When you get a great squad together, everyone wins.
If you want to know how to find your squad, go and listen to episode 14 ‘Find Your Tribe’ where I go into detail on how to find your tribe members, and the same methods will work for your squad members too.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS…
As an aspiring business owner still working a 9-to-5 job, it's important to surround yourself with the right people to help you stay on track.
So don't be afraid to reach out and find your people, and before you know it, you'll be ready to leave your 9-to-5 job behind and step into the world of entrepreneurship with your squad right beside you.
Links Mentioned
Episode 14, Find Your Tribe : https://www.nicholaohara.com/blog/episode14
Denise Duffield-Thomas - Money Mindest Mentor
