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Why Every Solopreneur Needs A Business ‘Bestie’

Being a solopreneur is not as sexy as most portray. And this is the main reason why you need to invest time in finding a business 'bestie.'


Do you have a business bestie? A business bestie is your brand champion – in essence your business best friend. Ideally this person is also a business owner. Maybe you are both in the same industry, or perhaps not. That doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that you:

  • Have each other’s backs.

  • Share resources.

  • Listen and encourage each other often.

A business bestie acts as your sense of reason. He or she is the ideal person to bounce ideas off of and you know that no matter what they are there for you. Best of all, your business bestie has you and your company’s best interest in mind.

A bestie wants to see you win just as bad as they themselves want to win.

 

Why You Need a Business Bestie

Photo: Kimber Lee, Business Strategist for female solopreneurs; Source: Courtesy Photo
Photo: Kimber Lee, Business Strategist for female solopreneurs; Source: Courtesy Photo

Being a solopreneur is not as sexy as most portray. As Anna Colibri, the owner of Anna Colibri—a mompreneurial marketing solutions company—explains: “for the first couple of years I felt really alone — and scared. Fortunately, I was so sleep-deprived I don’t really remember the fear . . . Here’s what’s really important to think about: Your business depends on relationships. The best thing you can do for your business is build stellar relationships with clients, vendors, and subcontractors.”

Colibri suggests what many business owners won’t admit – building relationships isn’t an easy feat. “Entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs, are passionate, and often single-minded, people who aren’t afraid to test new ideas and uncharted territories. Strangely, they often don’t have the best people skills because, fundamentally, what they are passionate about is ideas. If you fall into this category, you can still leverage your passions to foster great relationships. Think about your relationships as a form of research, a way to learn more about your business and your industry,” she says.

A business bestie can offset this solopreneur reality. He or she knows some of the hardships you have faced or will face; most importantly, a business confidant can definitely empathize because of their understanding of business.

 

Finding the Perfect Business Bestie

You may already have a business bestie among your closest friends. For me this is the case; my business bestie is actually my best friend. We are tune in many ways, but we aren’t the best accountability partners. That just means we look elsewhere for partners to keep us accountable.

If you don’t have one yet, you are likely thinking, “This sounds like a Godsend.” And you are absolutely right. Just wait until you find yours. When you do, focus on letting the relationship grow naturally. If you’re in need of a business bestie, attend local networking events and become a networking ninja!

Make genuine connections with people. Do you find yourself gravitating to a certain person and not for the sole purpose of “what can they do for me?” If so, operate from the mindset that this person is awesome—I would like to know more. And take advantage of these quick tips:

 

Leverage Social Media

Join Facebook groups to find like-minded people and authentic connections. Once you find someone you connect with, connect with them on their social media platforms, re-share their content, and become an advocate. Cultivate a relationship through simple communication.

 

Just Ask!

Don’t be afraid to say, “Hey! I love what you’re doing, let’s connect!” Will they always turn into business besties? No. But if so, you’d reap more reward than loss. Developing relationships will always be one of the best things for your business. As the saying goes, “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”

 

Be a Friend

No strings attached. See something that would interest your new contact? Possibly an article related to their industry or something they are interested in? Send it to them and show genuine interest in their success.

 

This article has been edited and condensed.

Kimber Lee helps women solopreneurs strategize their small business, so they can truly experience the freedom of being an entrepreneur. Lee aims to help solopreneurs set up systems that automate and streamline their business. She insists, ‘I am the one girl that you want all up in your business.’ Connect with @kimberleeonline on Twitter.

 

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