Successful entrepreneurs hold themselves accountable and make things happen despite major obstacles. But diligently checking off boxes on a to-do list doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll achieve success. Entrepreneurs need to tackle a steep learning curve and develop a strong network for success.
If you want to push forward as an entrepreneur, put your future into your own hands by creating an entrepreneurial bootcamp. Start by building up your network and connections and create opportunities for yourself to get to the finish line.
Look for Connections With Online Platforms
If you’re only networking with your social media connections, you’re just scratching the surface of what you can accomplish. Instead, look for connections and networking opportunities with social media groups and online entrepreneurial platforms. For example, LinkedIn offers a wide range of professional groups, such as “A Startup Specialists Group — Online Network for Entrepreneurs and Startups.” It has nearly 200,000 members and is among the largest of its kind on LinkedIn. Tap into LinkedIn’s other platforms like company pages with news and updates, company groups and job boards. Amway is a good example because the company is built around network marketing and direct sales and it helps connect its entrepreneurs.
Organize Your Own Event
It’s wise to check out what type of business events and groups are in your area. However, you don’t have to wait for the perfect group to hold an event. Instead, be proactive and run your own. Get your own Meetup group up and running in under an hour, list an event and invite your network to join. Fortunately, you don’t need to rely on having your personal network to get your Meetup group up and running. To date, the site houses 27.51 million members in 179 countries and has 3.7 million monthly RSVPs among its 576,743 monthly events.
Join a Mastermind
Masterminds have long connected like-minded people on a quest for success. Some famous examples of people who joined masterminds include Benjamin Franklin, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Whether you’re trying launch a SaaS or a popular business blog, a mastermind group can focus your efforts and hold you accountable to moving forward. They are great for collaboration and getting advice and new ideas. Seek out like-minded entrepreneurs to find out if they belong to a mastermind or start your own. Try to pick and choose people with different strengths, ranging from marketing to raising capital, to join your mastermind.
Find a Mentor
You can greatly increase your odds for business success if you have a mentor. According to a survey by The UPS Store, 88 percent of business owners with a mentor say having one is invaluable. Furthermore, 70 percent of small business owners that receive mentoring survive for five years or more, which is double the rate of those who did not receive mentoring.
Not sure where to find a mentor? Think of your business network, colleagues and acquaintances that have entrepreneurial experience or specialty in an area you need help with. Ask if they would be willing to meet with you once a month for several months to share their insights. You can also find a mentor for free through a resource like SCORE that helps connect volunteer mentors with budding entrepreneurs and business owners.
Look for Groups and Think Tanks
Local businesses and the government offer resources to business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking for help. For example, Ann Arbor’s SPARK boot camp teaches you about proven methods that validate your business concept. Find out what your city offers from mentorship to business grants to help get your business off the ground.
There’s no one way to succeed in business, but you don’t have to do it all on your own. There are plenty of places, both online and off, that are ready and willing to lend a hand and see you succeed.
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