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Here are 5 ways to find the support you need for yourself and your business.
“It’s imperative that you build up your network of support.” Maridel Moulton, Independent Business Training Consultant Even the toughest and most tenacious among us needs to feel supported in what we’re doing. We all need that occasional verbal pat on the back: “You can do it,” “You’re on the right track;” “Here, let me help you.” To begin and persist in any adventure—career, business, life—we need support. Although we many hesitate to ask for it, there is nothing wrong with seeking and finding support . In fact, we often learn so much in the process that we end up succeeding even better. Of course, getting constructive criticism from friends and associates depends both on their intentions and on your ability to receive it in the right frame of mind. Asking for support or advice from people who are reluctant to give it or who do not genuinely have an investment in your success can sometimes make you feel defensive or belittled. Yet, even then, if you can lower your defenses, listen carefully , and ignore what isn’t useful, you can get helpful information. Joining professional groups can be helpful whether you work in a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or your own business. There are professional organizations for almost every industry under the sun that offer support and education. If you can’t find a support group for your specific field, be like Maridel Moulton and form your own. Maridel remembers when she took a job as Executive Director of the Contra Costa Center in charge of Transportation Systems Management (T.S.M.). “I didn’t know what T.S.M. meant, but I learned from other counties’ models. I called other transportation systems managers in the nearby counties. I’ve found that most women don’t think in terms of ‘I can’t share with you.’ And this was true of these transportation systems managers. They were happy to show me their manuals and explain what they did. We didn’t see each other as competitors. I had a luncheon roundtable meeting every six weeks with five women from different T.S.M. organizations.” By joining support groups, you’ll find other people willing to share experiences and to encourage you. If you belong to a group where you feel comfortable, and you respect the knowledge of the others, you have a safe place to discuss what you don’t know in an atmosphere of understanding and camaraderie. If you haven’t been part of a professional group, you may not fully appreciate the value of having like-minded people surrounding you. Key points: - Accept that you will learn more when you have support.
- Believe that looking for and receiving support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Search the Internet for organizations in your industry near where you live, or join a chat room on line.
- Share what you know as well as seek what others’ can teach you.
- Set up your own group, as well as seek official organizations.
Have fun, Pam 
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Pam Gilberd, www.pamgilberd.net, wirtes and speaks on career, life, and success issues. Her books include: The Eleven Commandments of Wildly Successful Women., The Twelfth Commandment of Wildly Successful Women, and Leadership Secrets of Elizabeth I. Only registered users can write comments.
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