It may be comfortable to surround yourself with people who are similar to you. But when it comes to succeeding in business, it’s important for women to build a support system that works as an effective team. Your team members need to able to identify where you have limitations and help you see them, or pick up the slack. We have to recognize other people’s strengths that will help us in the areas where we are lacking.
Whoever you have in your inner circle, you’ll want them to be a very different bunch. You’ll be asking them for advice at times and having different opinions will help you make better business decisions.
You’ll want people who are your biggest cheerleaders and fans, however, you’ll also want people who will give you constructive criticism and won’t hold back while doing so.
How to Utilize a Support System
Communicating with a support system.
Communication in the workplace and at home is very important. Whether it is with employees, customers, vendors or even family, we need to be able to interact effectively with all people and at all levels.
People may not think and interact as we do, so don’t assume that. A big challenge is to recognize that people have different styles of communicating. We need to adapt to those differences in order to communicate effectively.
The benefits of a support system.
You’ll need a dedicated group of people to support you in business and in life.
This can be helpful in many ways. These people can give you insight and guidance. Your support team can also help tell others about your business and company giving you referrals.
But more than that, they also act as a sounding board for new ways to run your business or any ideas that you have. If the people closest to you aren’t excited about it, strangers and customers might not be either.
Getting the support you need.
Getting the support you need can be difficult at times and often involves letting go of some pride. When you build this network you might be admitting you don’t have all the answers, you don’t only have all the best strategies, and you want feedback from others. There is nothing wrong with this when it comes to running your own small business.
Be honest.
If you have people you can lean on, you need to be honest with them always. You don’t have to share absolutely everything, but in a way, it’s the same as going to see your physician. They can’t help you if you don’t tell them whats wrong. Be ready for feedback. You need to take it to heart as it could really help you.
The only things that I want in my friendships and working relationships is support and pushing each other. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been seeing the dreams of several women in the business world become a reality. Those closest to me know I only come from and work from love. And sometimes that looks tough; sometimes it’s hard to hear the feedback that you really need.
Be ready for feedback.
I only want your happiness and your peace of mind and for those close to me in business to be able to sleep well at night. That’s where I come from. We need for us to uplift together and build better businesses. So, be open to feedback and seek those people out. The ones that want your success in life, will be the ones that give you the feedback you need to hear.
If you have employees, it’s important to listen to them as well. They’re working on the front lines of your business and can notice problems you might not have even thought of.
Show appreciation.
Always show appreciation whenever someone offers you advice in your support system. They could be helping you handle difficult situations, find needed resources, or get you motivated. To show your gratitude, it might mean saying thanks or offering a favor. Be grateful for the support and show it to those who provided it to you.