Community: Rocket Fuel for Masterpiece Work

The last few weeks have been a blur. In order to serve my community better, I’m readjusting how I share my messages. That requires shifting my thinking, not always an easy task! Not surprisingly, this grew out of interaction in my community, the people who support me on my journey.

In early November, I attended a conference of women entrepreneurs. For two and one-half days, we learned, laughed and grew together. In the course of this conference, I connected with some mentors and service providers I needed to share my message more effectively.

It’s taken time to find my community, my ideal group of connections. These are people who understand my struggles and where I’m going. We have similar aspirations. Our businesses are very different; online businesses, agencies, brick and mortar stores, product businesses and service businesses. We all have one thing in common. We are women entrepreneurs.

The Common Thread

The beauty – and unique DNA – of this group is it consists of those early in their entrepreneurial journey and others who have been in business for twenty plus years. We have entrepreneurs making five figures and others making millions of dollars in revenue annually.

The most amazing part of this community is our common thread of entrepreneurship. Through this connection, we support each other, offer insights, share experiences, cheer each other on and commiserate when things don’t go as planned.

Within this community are the resources I need to grow. This is a safe place to share my failures so I can learn from them. It’s also an encouraging place, where members will help me see possibilities and potential when I lose sight of them.

Before Community

Before I found my community, I ran from expert to expert seeking answers. I invested in many online courses, attended webinars and seminars. I spent money on unnecessary products and services. I got ahead of myself and made myself crazy.

Key Lessons

Finding the right community for me in this season taught me some key lessons:

• Within the community resides the wisdom to stay focused.
• When you need a specific service or product, it will be available.
• Don’t get ahead of yourself.
• Allow the process to unfold.

This is true both for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find a community where you can grow.

Seek a like-minded community for mutual support on the journey. It can focus on a struggle you’re having or a goal you want to achieve.

If you can’t find a community, create one! Be vulnerable enough to share your journey with a few people you trust and invite them to join with you the process of growing.

Check out this week’s blog post, 7 Benefits of Community.

What kind of community do you need right now? How are you seeking it out?

©Rhonda Peterson 2018, All Rights Reserved