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New entrepreneurs may struggle with feelings of isolation. What drives you, such as your unwavering determination and unwavering belief that your vision will come true, can seem quite alienating when you are still trying to convince others to see its potential.
While some might say that you should be dreaming, building and spending as much time as possible in stealth mode, we disagree.
For example, if you run into a difficult problem, do you know where to find available resources? Do you even know what questions to ask? It’s okay if the answer is no. This is the myth of the individual entrepreneur. And you shouldn’t fall for it.
Instead, focus on how you can approach finding mentors, peers, and team members to help realize your dream in a constructive way.
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Debunking the myth of the hyper-successful individual entrepreneur
In the US, we are particularly enamored with the idea of a rags-to-riches founder single-handedly leading a business venture to ultimate success. This illusory individual did not need help from anyone. They came from nothing. They had all the knowledge and skills needed to make it happen. Success struck them like lightning, seemingly overnight.
This person simply does not exist. No entrepreneur goes alone, and he should not force himself to do so. Entrepreneurs succeed by understanding market conditions and creating something of value with the means to do so.
For example, Jeff Bezos based Amazon with an investment of approximately $250,000 from parents. It was a clear and very sensible response to the evolving digital landscape. Bezos’ success depended on his parents’ seed capital and his own brilliant understanding of the future of commerce. But meaningful support for a new entrepreneur doesn’t have to be strictly financial.
Support is vital, but how do you get it?
Answering this question can be tricky, especially for aspiring entrepreneurs. After all, you may not know anyone in your city with the same ambition as you. In fact, there is far more support available to small business owners than many think.
If you’re in or near a city of any size, chances are there are networking groups and nonprofits nearby that help entrepreneurs. Do a little Google research and find events, organizations, and other resources near you.
In addition, the US Small Business Administration offers loans, grants, and various resources for small businesses in the US. his websiteenter your zip code and find out what they offer near you.
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Use of social networks
People are always talking about using social media to promote a business to potential customers. By now, it is well known that social media has overtaken traditional advertising in many ways. If you want to capture the attention of Millennials and Generation Z, this is vital.
However, especially for new entrepreneurs in the early days of their business, using social media to connect with other entrepreneurs and find community is just as important.
Building a business alone is definitely a rollercoaster ride. The ups and downs can be intense and the support of your peers can be vital. This is one of the reasons why you will find entrepreneurs flocking to online communities and social media.
In online communities, people often solve their problems together and share their successes and failures in real time. Important networking can happen naturally. If you have little personal experience in the world of entrepreneurship, you can especially learn a lot here.
Although entrepreneurship is romanticized by many, it is an incredibly difficult path. Few people could handle all the ups and downs in complete isolation. Especially on places like Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit, you can find vibrant communities of entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners. Check also Facebook. You never know what’s out there until you look.
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If you live in a small town and don’t have many of the resources above, social media might be your best bet for connecting with like-minded people who are also on the path to entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, the quality of the connections you make determines the fate of your business. While communication with buyers and clients is key, it’s not the only thing you should be focusing on.
Focus on connecting with relevant public and private resources and your fellow entrepreneurs for funding, networking, and hands-on day-to-day support. If your business is growing, you will also need to connect with talent and build a team. All of these connections are vital to the success of your business.