The Importance of Community in Business

It seems like in the world of small business and entrepreneurship it can be SO easy to become isolated. When your head is down and you are wearing all of the hats, it’s easy to forget what it was like to have a team of coworkers or employees to collaborate with, bounce ideas off of, or even just vent to.

Here are some reasons why community is SO important in business, and a few ideas on where you can cultivate it!

The Role of Community in Business:

Problem Solving: Being around other creatives, business owners and entrepreneurs helps open us up to new ideas and approaches. We are not often the first ones to face a particular struggle or issue in business, and why reinvent the wheel looking for solutions when someone around has probably already figured it out? It’s amazing how quickly we come to solutions within the context of community, while on our own we could be left spinning our wheels.

New Ideas & Creative Spark: When you hear other entrepreneurs talk about their ventures, projects, and ideas it will almost inevitably give you new ideas of your own. Hearing about other peoples’ plans and goals is not only motivating, but it starts to get the gears turning in your own mind as far is direction and opportunities go! This is especially true when you engage with people in adjacent (or totally different) industries.

Target Audience Insight: In many instances you can connect with business owners or creatives who may have a similar audience to yours, even though they may offer a different product or service. Conversations between business owners with similar audiences can reveal tons of insights and revelations about that audience. Usually getting a different perspective on a similar group of people can be really helpful in understanding and serving them well.

Collaborative Opportunities: Of course just being AROUND other business minded folks almost always opens doors for collaboration. Whether it’s new business opportunities, referrals, or even new collaborative ventures, there are so many ways to team up with other entrepreneurs. At the end of the day, there is truly so much to be said about community and collaboration over competition.

A Shift to Interdependence: Our society seems to push independence more and more, and we really glorify being self sufficient. But, the truth is, humans were meant to rely on one another in so many ways. Being a business owner can be overwhelming at times, and there can be a lot of pressure to perform at your best all the time and be all things to all people. It can often feel lonely and isolating, especially if you don’t have a team to work with. Having a community of entrepreneurs to rely on, ask questions and get feedback from can alleviate some of the pressure and aloneness that comes with self-employment.

Opportunities to Cultivate Community in Business:

Niche Networking: Networking can seem so daunting if you think of it in terms of old school business. The reality is, there are so many opportunities to “network” today that are more and more specific to your target audience (and consequently your dream clients). Look for events for entrepreneurs, creatives, business ownes and thought leaders that aren’t necessarily labeled “networking event”… You don’t have to join BNI to network. I promise.

Instagram: Listen, social media can be intimidating, especially when you are seeing business highlight reels in every direction. But most of the time people would love nothing more than some true connection on instagram! Don’t be afraid to DM someone who you admire, or maybe lives nearby. Grabbing coffee with a fellow business owner who may have similar values, perspective or interests as you can be really uplifting, and don’t assume people will say no or not have time! Most people are looking for more connection and community.

Creative Mornings: Creative Mornings is a global breakfast lecture series designed for creative communities. Events take place in cities around the world, featuring inspiring speakers who share insights on creativity, business, and personal growth. Attending a Creative Mornings event provides an opportunity to connect with local creatives and professionals who may have similar interests, audiences, or goals to yours!

Facebook Groups: Okay okay, I know Facebook is for the elders 😂 HOWEVER, there is power in a good Facebook group! Facebook groups are especially great if you want to network with other professionals (or your target audience) and you still want to branch out of your geographic area. They are an amazing opportunity to learn of events, collaboration ideas, and people who could use your skills. They are also a great resource when you are ready to outsource some work and work with other professionals!

Co-Working Spaces: Co-working spaces are physical environments designed to bring professionals from diverse fields under one roof. These spaces often host events, workshops, and networking sessions that foster collaboration and creative exchange. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or part of a larger organization, co-working spaces provide a vibrant community for creative individuals and can often be tailored to specific groups (think moms, creatives, musicians, realtors… really anything!)

People You ALREADY Know: Don’t underestimate the power of just asking. You may have people in your circles ALREADY who either are working on side projects, know people who are in business, or are interested in learning more about what you do! Whether it be neighbors, friend of a friend, old coworkers & colleagues or classmates… there are more people in your current network than you may realize. Make a mental list, and think about reaching out. You never know who is out there starting new ventures!

Recognizing the importance of community provides so much growth opportunity in business and in your personal life. Knowing you are not alone in your experiences, struggles, victories and difficulties in business is incredibly empowering. It’s amazing how much you will learn and grow by leaps and bounds when you start connecting more with others!

Are you looking for community or someone to bounce ideas off of in your business? Follow me on instagram and shoot me a DM, let’s talk about it!