Business BFFs: Building a Supportive Network
The Isolation Crisis: Unpacking Loneliness in Modern America
The media tells us that we're lonely and that Americans are in an isolation crisis. We hear that overall friendships have declined and so have the quality of those we still hold on to. As Americans, we are too driven for results to focus on the finish line, and we can't stop and smell the roses.
I didn't necessarily think that this was true of me and my business until I realized how little time I spent smelling the proverbial roses and leaving my desk, away from the never-ending to do list and engaging with other humans.
The reality is, there will always be more to do in business—that will never change.
But as a wise person once said: the focus is not work-life balance, the focus is life.
What is life without meaningful connections? And what is life without feeling understood? It makes every burden you carry that much lighter to know others are working alongside you and striving for the same things.
Expanding My Business Network Beyond Clients
Over the past decade, I’ve been lucky to have clients who feel more like friends. I intentionally spend time with them outside of our work commitments when I’m able. Part of what makes those relationships meaningful is that they are also founders and some are farther down the path than I am and I love having their perspective. We are all working with profitability in mind, getting out the content, managing the team, and seeding the vision.
This shared reality is extremely validating and helpful when you're trying to keep it all in perspective and juggle all the things.
Until recently, though, I didn't have business friends beyond my clients. That changed this year out of sheer necessity. I realized very quickly in 2023 that we were not growing intentionally. The pandemic had taken its toll on many small businesses, shrinking my circle.
My initial goal was simply to expand my network. Little did I know, it would turn into so much more—more than a network and more than a business development strategy.
What I found was a group of women who actually helped me grow my business AND provided enjoyable, energizing, and validating conversations. These individuals were inspiring, real, and generous with their time, resources, and industry knowledge. Above all, they reignited my passion for my business in a very real way, reminding me why I started in the first place and showing me what’s possible.
How New Connections Reignited My Business
I had a lot of moments in the beginning of the year that had me feeling like: what is it all for? Is this worth it? Is this how I want to spend my limited time?
Lucky for me, after every conversation with my new business BFFs, I left with the unequivocal feeling that yes, it was. And maybe more importantly—that I was on the right path. Despite having success and despite being in business for X amount of years, you don't always have that feeling.
So whether you're an introvert or whether you're an extrovert, whether you don't have enough time in the day, or whether you don't think it's going to be worth it—I encourage you to find people to connect with.
Make it in person, make it offline, but find people that give a shit about what you're doing and have been there (not just in theory but actually been there with exactly what you're experiencing). It's the jolt of perspective and inspiration that I think we're all missing in our hyper-connected-yet-isolating world.
How to Find Your Business BFFs in The Wild
There are hundreds of people just waiting to meet you. Let’s start figuring out how to make the connections.
Local Meetups: Are there women networking groups? Maybe one for female founders? They often have free sessions open to new members.
LinkedIn: Find your ideal clients in droves here. Filter by the criteria that makes up your Gold Star clients and be specific!
Business Org Groups: If you are in a specific industry like agriculture or consulting there are official organizations for your industry.
Chamber of Commerces: Don’t forget about this local bread and butter gem!
Main Street Associations: Small towns often have really active and connected main street organizations.
Referrals: Ask your favorite clients who they can introduce you to that you need to know.
We have so much connection, but we have so little of the genuine kind. The more you can master and cultivate those genuine connections, the better both you and your business will be equipped to face challenges.
It won’t make those challenges easier, but it will make you feel less alone.
So, remember, it's not just about work. It's about life. And life is better when you've got friends who understand the journey.
