The importance of friendship in business
Friendship and Business. I’ve been told a LOT, that this is a bad idea.
For me, and probably most relational people, it’s always enhanced my job satisfaction much more than it’s caused issues. (We can talk about boundaries another day ;) )
I’ve been fortunate to create strong, lasting friendships in every job I’ve had…and I’ve had a lot. “Work” friends, work wives/husbands, and #businessbesties can be your biggest champions. In a working world that has become 24/7, having support is priceless.
When I went out on my own almost a year ago, I didn’t know what to expect - and not just because I had no idea what I was going to do. I was lucky to have a lot of people cheering me on. But when I decided to be an #entrepreneur, I was on my own. My friends still supported me, but most didn’t have experience with the new challenges I was facing.
Sure, they might wish they were the ones sitting on their balcony working in pajamas. Or, want to work in yoga pants and messy buns. But they weren’t experiencing the isolation that is a very real thing with entrepreneurs. The overwhelm of trying to DIY their website, take all the free trainings, spend their time instead of their money. Speaking of money, let’s talk about those months - not weeks, MONTHS - when you’re trying to get everything off the ground.
THAT is why friendships in business, especially when you’re your own boss, are vital. I have been lucky. I met a woman who lived in my apt building, going through her first year of business at the same time. I spoke about her on my IG story today - www.dojustlynow. Another woman reached out to me through a local FB group. I knew immediately we would not only work together, but be friends. She did my brand photography, and introduced me to the designer who created my entire brand identity.
Being your own boss is some of the best work I’ve done, but it’s also HARD. It is so important that part of your overall plan, is to build your support group. These are your latest “work friends,” and are there for the days when you just need to connect to someone who gets it, even if it’s just over text. They’re also the ones that inspire you, celebrate with you, and share the latest Canva tips with you ;)
Being your own boss doesn’t mean you’re on your own. You just need to make a little effort to find your new tribe <3