In my ongoing fascination about how much help I receive in business, I decided I’d write a post about how it takes a village…to raise a business. Don’t you know it. A like minded Canadian entrepreneur named Jude beat me to the punch. Good for her.

While I may be a solo-preneur, I have involved family, friends (and some of their spouses!), mentors, advisors, coaches, consultants and even tango partners in my business.   They are my village. I am even dedicating a page on my soon to be revamped web site called “About We”.

Asking for what I want

Long ago, my dad taught me to ask people for what I need. His teaching came in the form of him demonstrating it repeatedly in his own life. Good going, dad.

Even so, asking remains uncomfortable for me. And it’s possible that my requests are not always welcome. Nonetheless, I have seen time and time again how much opens up when I simply ask. 

[Being vulnerable + uncomfortable= great things]

It’s counter-intuitive math, I know.  I put those square brackets around the equation to make it look official. Did it work?

Gratitude for the village people

This week alone I am grateful to:

• Claire M who supported my website revamp;
• Monica C who edited the copy
• Mary B who said “send me a summary of your coaching offerings so I can share it with 15 business owners and professionals who might consider doing a sample session”;
• Kathy F who is working on connecting me to speaking engagements;
• Guy V who encouraged me to keep blogging because I have found “my voice”;
• Italo  M who offered himself up as a speech coach;
• Angelo P who is speaking to one of his clients about getting coaching.

Last week it was:

• Bruce M and his financial advice;
• Gail V, Pietro D, and Bonnie Jean M and their offers to make introductions.

These lists are not exhaustive and the only reason why last week’s list is shorter is because, well, it was last week already.

Clients are villagers too

Many of my coaching clients offer their support through word of mouth referrals, articles, ideas, and introductions. It’s inspiring to live among them.

A great place to grow up

In reality, my village is more like a small bustling city. Happily, the mini metropolis of human connections I have created is a safe and friendly place to raise my business.  How about yours? Is it time to call a town hall meeting?