80: How to grow your business: find the support network

It takes a village to build and grow a business. Something I will forever stand by as a business strategist and consultant. 

Did you know only 80% of women owned businesses in Australia don’t make more than 6 figure in revenue? Why is this? It is our core belief that they 1. don’t have the foundations and or 2. they do it alone, without a support network. 

In this episode, I will dive into the concept that it takes a village to grow a business and I’ll discuss why having a supportive network is crucial and provide valuable insights on how to find your village. 

I’ll share some success stories of how my clients and members have leveraged the Essential Shift village, called The Circle (my first launched offer when I started Essential Shift in 2020). 

If you LOVED the episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift. 

✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE✨

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 

• What a support network in business is 

• Why you need a support network  

• Real life case studies of business growth 

SHOW RESOURCES 

• For community and support, JOIN The Circle - HERE 

• FOLLOW your DREAMS, check out this podcast episode - HERE

• DOWNLOAD my FREE Rituals Guide - HERE 

• FOLLOW me on INSTAGRAM - HERE

• FREE tools and guides to support your journey - HERE 

• CHECK out the blog for this episode (uploaded every Thursday) - HERE

• Join the FREE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY - HERE

• Find out more about how to WORK WITH ME - HERE

If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift.  

Bless it be. 

With love, Laetitia! 

PODCAST TRANSCRIPT

Introduction:

Welcome to The Essential Shift Podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of entrepreneurship and business growth. 

Statistically only 80% of women owned businesses in Australia don’t make more than 6 fig in revenue. Why? Because they don’t have the foundations (listen to my DREAM episode about this) or because they do it alone and don’t have their support network.  

In today's episode, I’ll dive into the concept that it takes a village to grow a business. While the saying "It takes a village to raise a child" is widely known, the same principle can be applied to entrepreneurship. I’ll discuss why having a supportive network is crucial and provide valuable insights on how to find your village. 

I’ll share some success stories of how my clients and members have leveraged the Essential Shift village, called The Circle. 

So, let's get started!

1. Defining the "Village" in Business:

The concept of a village in business refers to the network of individuals who contribute to your entrepreneurial journey. These individuals can include mentors, advisors, employees, customers, partners, and even fellow entrepreneurs. They are the people who provide support, guidance, resources, and inspiration, helping you navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes.

In Essential Shift, I call the Village, The Circle Membership. This is where women entrepreneurs are ready to light their intuition in business and weave it with strategy connect. 

2. The Importance of a Supportive Network:

a. Emotional Support: Building and growing a business can be an emotional rollercoaster. Having a supportive network can provide a safe space to share your concerns, fears, and triumphs. They understand the unique challenges entrepreneurs face and can offer encouragement during difficult times. 

The New Moon Circle within the Circle membership offers this sacred and safe space as it is not recorded. 

b. Knowledge and Expertise: Your village consists of people with diverse skills and expertise. Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable individuals who can share insights, offer advice, and act as sounding boards can significantly benefit your business growth. Their experience can help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your learning curve.

That’s why in the Circle, I love having women from diverse backgrounds, expertise, experiences and age groups so we can support each other and we buy from one another. 

c. Access to Resources: Your village can provide access to valuable resources, such as funding opportunities, industry connections, and potential clients. Leveraging these resources can help you overcome obstacles, expand your network, and reach new heights.

Inside the Circle, each member bought from someone else’s products or services. 

3. Identifying Your Village:

a. Networking Events: Attend industry-specific conferences, seminars, and workshops. Engage with like-minded individuals, listen to keynote speakers, and participate in discussions. These events offer excellent opportunities to meet potential mentors, partners, and supporters.

b. Online Communities: Join online platforms, forums, and social media groups dedicated to entrepreneurship and your specific industry. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and offer assistance. These communities can help you connect with entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide, expanding your village beyond geographical boundaries.

c. Industry Associations: Research and join industry associations or professional organisations related to your business. These communities often offer networking events, training programs, and mentorship opportunities, creating fertile ground for finding your village.

d. Mentorship Programs: Seek out mentorship programs tailored to entrepreneurs. Mentors can provide invaluable guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate the complexities of growing a business. Look for programs that align with your industry or specific areas of interest.

4. Nurturing and Maintaining Your Village:

a. Reciprocity: Building a village requires a two-way relationship. Offer support, share your knowledge, and help others when you can. The more you give, the more you'll receive in return.

b. Regular Communication: Stay in touch with your village members through regular communication channels. Whether it's in-person meetings, phone calls, emails, or virtual conferences, maintaining active connections fosters a strong support system.

c. Collaboration and Partnerships: Identify opportunities for collaboration with other entrepreneurs and businesses in your village. By pooling resources and expertise, you can tackle bigger projects, reach a wider audience, and achieve mutual growth.

Remember, building a successful business is not a solitary journey. It takes a village of supportive individuals who can provide emotional support, knowledge, resources, and collaboration opportunities. Finding your village involves actively seeking out and engaging with like-minded entrepreneurs, industry professionals, mentors, and customers. Nurture these relationships, foster reciprocity, and create a thriving network that propels.