Being a business owner can be a lonely experience; no one around to offer motivation in the morning, or to share lunch with. Sometimes, it can feel as though you're carrying the weight of your business on your shoulders, and it can be hard to delegate work. In such cases, it's easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. However, when business owners reach out for help or join a community, they can find the support they need. They realize that most of the challenges they're facing aren't unique to them, and many entrepreneurs have tackled similar problems before. By sharing their experiences with a network of fellow entrepreneurs, business owners can foster a sense of belonging, get valuable advice, and keep their passion for their work alive.

Presenting my keynote on the Storybrand framework at the Small Business Expo, sponsored by My Office & More and SCORE in Lakeland Florida on May 6, 2023, was a great pleasure for me. The notetakers and ah-ha moments throughout the presentation brought everyone together as they engaged with the Storybrand framework, which provides a valuable tool for small business owners to clarify their marketing messaging for any business, product, or service. After the keynote, we had a discussion group where everyone could ask questions and get to know each other, creating a sense of community among the participants. Facilitating group discussions is always enjoyable, and it's inspiring to see everyone come together to offer guidance and assistance that brings out the best in everyone, helping them to achieve great things in their businesses.

As a fractional COO, I empathize with small business owners as I understand the deep need for community among them to share their struggles, triumphs, and ideas. Being a small business owner can often be a self-isolating experience, especially without a partner. With so much to learn, finding the right way to operate and succeed can be unique for every small business, like snowflakes. That's why I find ways to facilitate conversations and relationships between business owners, helping them to build their networks of like-minded colleagues for feedback and creating opportunities to connect in meaningful ways.

This is why in addition to my keynote, I recently offered a free business book club for small business owners. Participating in business book clubs can ease isolation and offer enjoyable and meaningful professional development for small business owners. By interacting with peers who share similar professional interests and experiences, members can establish connections, find mentorship, develop new skills, and gain new insights to face their unique challenges. Discussions about various business topics and reading diverse books also help members learn about new trends and ways to adapt their businesses for the future. Business book clubs not only provide personal and professional growth but also offer opportunities for establishing meaningful friendships, social events, and profitable business partnerships.

In conclusion, small business owners face unique challenges that can be very isolating, but building a community around your business can make a big difference. We are all like snowflakes, unique and different, but together we can form a community that supports and encourages one another.

We'd love to have you join our business owner community! Join today.

The next book club meeting is May 25th, 4-5 PM EST.