Suggestions needed on building a strong support network

[geekChick]

Hello,
So I've always wanted to embark on my entrepreneurial journey ever since I was a kid and this past January I finally got that opportunity to do it full time. I'm now trying to build a positive support network around me with other entrepreneurs and people who may not own their own businesses but ones who will support me emotionally and not judge me for being a non ladder climber in Corporate America. I am curious as to what others experiences are/were with finding their support network, if any, as well as how you determined those people.

Thanks,
geekchick

[GlamGirl]

Great question, and so glad that you are rising above the negativity, it is people like you that will be in the top 5% while everyone else who thinks the only way up is the corporate ladder. I have found facebook to be good, as far as on the internet, look for people with great likes, those who like successful people that are not greedy, like Jim Rohn, Dani Johnson, are just a few I like and find some great people around. As far as in your personal life it is harder, you have to have a thick skin when you have a vision and noone else sees it or believes in you. I would suggest finding people you may want to know and instead of asking how they can help you, ask how you can help them, get to know about them ask questions so you can find a way to 'serve' that need, and they in return will take to you. It is much easier and genuine than you just trading business cards, or inviting someone for a meeting. I would love to connect with you on FB, send me a message if you are interested, i can try to share with you what i have learned from others. : )

[shopmom]

GeekChick
Congratulations on your new business!! I totally understand what you mean. I have been in business for myself for a while now, and finding a great network of support can be challenging. Friends and family, though we would like for them to be our main source of support often dont understand the rigors of being a business owner, therefore they dont always know how best to support us...or sometimes they may not support your business venture at all if they dont see your vision. You definitely need to surround yourself with some successful, like-minded young men and women as you already know. I have found my support system as a part of the YEN. Im haven't posted much within this site, so Im not yet eligible to post a link, but I'll def. leave some info in your inbox.

[Gary Barzel]

It is great that you are trying to surround yourself with positive people who don't judge you for doing your own thing. Negativity breeds more negativity, and the more you surround yourself with like minded positive people the more successful you will be. I agree with GlamGirl, FB is a great place to meet people with similar ambitions and goals. Other Social Media outlets like Twitter, and StumbleUpon can also be a great place. Search out Twitter for people who share the same goals as you, comment on their tweets and build a network form there. You will be surprised at how many people love helping out others by offering advice and guidance.

Wishing you the best of luck!

[classifacts]

You have come to the right forum site my dear. I am glad you choose not to be negative of what you need to have in your environment and that the first thing to do is to have lots of positive like-minded person around you that can support you all the way. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, stumbleupon and linkedin can be the best reliable sources of positive people and network support you need but of course filtering people will be at your discretion. You are doing it right so keep it up! Break a leg