First name / Friend!
A bunch of years ago, I had just started my business, and I was walking aimlessly around The Wing with my laptop when I bumped into an acquaintance who had also just started her business. I asked: “So, how do you, like, know what to do?”
“Oh! I’m a part of this group," she answered and continued to tell me more. I took the information, signed up, and never looked back.
Immediately I felt less alone.
For me, having a community applies to all areas: friendships, parenthood, business and yes, even cold water swimming! A community makes everything easier. As in, I used to only be able to stay in icy cold water for 10 seconds and now, with the support of the group, I can stay in for 15 minutes or more. I've found that the theory applies to so many other categories, too.
Speaking of the power of groups, my first ever
celebratory brunch last Friday was magical.
You could feel the love, energy, and connection happening in the room. I witnessed relationships being built and it reminded me of that time when I was just starting my own business and in need of a community.
Case in point: you never have to go at it alone. Look for your people and when you find them, jump right in!
When my dear friend Neha arrived at the brunch of Friday, she asked me “where did all these people come from?” “From you,” I replied. Not that she had personally referred me to each of these clients, but she – and other friends like her – say my name when I'm not in the room, help me solve both complicated business and personal problems, and celebrate endlessly when things are going well.
When you're ready to take it up a notch, look for friends who'll say your names in rooms you're not in. A lot of my success has come from my friends' support and, in turn, supporting my clients and friends is one of my specialities, too.
In fact, I'm sending you this email from the plane on the way to Arizona. My friends
Neha,
Hitha,
Jamie and I are going to the
Mom 2.0 Summit where we're speaking on a panel on the topic of friendship and business.
And what I love most about this weekend is that it's going to be about both ;-)
