Create Your Own Community

Today I met with one of my favorite budding entrepreneurs, Dorian Bolden of Beyu Caffe'. Whenever we have a conversation we each get something out of it - inspiration - which is always good! I love talking to positive, driven entrepreneurs... its along the lines of the August Turak lecture, in which he encouraged surrounding yourself with a community of positive people in order for you to be more successful in your goals.

The theme of posts I will be doing for the month of October will be on building relationships such as through networking. With networking, you can create your own community of positive people which will help your business goals and other goals soar! One of the best methods of entrepreneur support, a community of like-minded people, can help anyone be successful in what they are trying to accomplish.

You can find a community of people with similar interests online and in person. A few online forums that I'm checking out include:

• Young Entrepreneurs - provides good reviews and resources for budding entrepreneurs
  
• Startup Nation - a group that proclaims "for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs"
  
• LinkedIn - there are several groups to connect with people with similar interests. Also, participating in the answers forums could help you identify others that are good to know.

More online networks for entrepreneurs can be found in the article "Top 10 Social Networks for Entrepreneurs"



You could also meet in-person with individuals in your local area:

• Join a private club. Across the country, there are private clubs, typically named "Capital City Club" or "Cardinal Club", that are known for excellent networking, good meeting space, and great food. Clubcorp operates the most private clubs of this type. Their website is really informative about benefits and locations. Definitely go to clubs in your specific location to find out details most relevant to you.
  
• Online Resource: Meetup.com - there are many different types of groups that connect via this module. There are definitely many entrepreneur groups - just make sure you pay attention to their message boards, event calendars, etc to gain an understanding of the group and how active it really is.

• Attend a local Leads group meeting. This  group of business owners support each other most through word of mouth marketing. For example, the Chapel Hill Leads group meets every Wednesday morning at 8 am (see their website for a typical agenda). My insurance agent swears by the group and has seen strong, direct results from her participation. Just do an online search on "leads group" and your city.
• Join the local chapter of an industry organization or interest group. Doing this could establish and increase your expertise within your niche as well as connect you with people who are positively interested in the same. It also helps promote your business (more on that later).

There are so many things one could do to identify others that would be best to be a part of your "community" - I've only touched on a piece of the puzzle. Always realize that even when you connect with others, it may only be for a little while, so make the best of the relationships... don't waste each other's time. You never know when one's perception of you will make or break your next opportunity.