It’s lonely at the top: Why being in a community can help cure your loneliness as an entrepreneur

Building a business from scratch doesn’t have to be a lonely road. Here are all the reasons you need to join an entrepreneurs’ community in Singapore and how to go about it.

Being a founder often means walking a lonely road. We’re not discounting the presence of an awesome team – we’re sure you’ve got that covered. We’re talking about the moments of uncertainty when you think about your business – the direction, financing, and who to turn to when you’re overwhelmed with questions. That’s where a community comes in. And we’re here to give you the lowdown on all the perks of joining a community of entrepreneurs in Singapore.

Why you should be part of entrepreneur communities in Singapore

1. All the benefits of joining a community

Community is a big buzzword that’s been going around in the startup space. If you’re an entrepreneur, you might even be trying to build a community of your own for your business. But it’s important to remember that there’s more to a community than just networking with other business owners. It’s about supporting each other in times of need and helping one another grow.

Building new relationships

It’s tough out there. And the plethora of studies linking loneliness and entrepreneurship speak volumes of what it’s like to be a business owner. Friends and family try, but often don’t understand why you pour all of yourself into a project and the sacrifices you make. It can feel like being deserted on an island with no one to talk to.

That’s where the community comes in.

Networking and getting to know other business owners is just the tip of the iceberg. New connections within a community can lead to budding friendships with other like-minded individuals. You’ll meet people who relate to your struggles and can offer to connect or refer you to other entrepreneurs or experts. Plus, you might find someone to collaborate with!

Get a buzz going for your business

Being a business owner means you’re always talking about your next or current venture. And it helps a ton when other people are spreading the word with you! Fellow entrepreneurs are always ready to lend a hand. They’ll help you get more engagement on your social media, and your business could be a new place of interest for their peers. Because who doesn’t want to recommend good places and even better people to their friends, right?

Get new perspectives and advice

Roadblocks are inevitable when you start a new business, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s likely that many other founders have faced similar challenges. The best part? They’re all more than happy to share their experiences, whether it’s offering advice or giving an opinion.

You’d be surprised at how much a fresh perspective helps with problem-solving. Not only could you learn a thing or two, talking about your hurdles may lead to new opportunities. It’s very possible that you’ll even brew up a new business idea! All you need to do is ask.

2. What to expect

A support system

As we’ve said, it’s not easy being an entrepreneur. But what a community can do for you is give you support. And this is more than just being cheerleaders clapping for you on the sidelines. There’s now a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. You have access to a whole new network of experts in various fields and resources galore.

Masterclasses

Learn, adapt, overcome. No one expects you to know everything right off the bat. Which is why in a community, they should see the value in helping you upskill. From social media strategies to contracts, legal issues, and even the art of negotiation, a community can take your business skills to whole new levels.

Members’ directory

Think about it like how you’d look at a shopping centre directory. Whether you’re searching for something (or in this case, someone) specific or simply looking to discover who’s out there, it’s there for you to use. From accountants to freelance designers or even a photographer, all you have to do is reach out. Plus, you’ll be featured in the directory as well! This means more exposure, more enquiries, and more potential leads.

Mentorship

It’s easy to get lost in the massive array of things that you need to do as a business owner. You might lose sight of the bigger picture. And sometimes all you need is a little recalibration. Get together with more experienced entrepreneurs so that they can impart their wisdom, knowledge, and expertise to help you on your journey. They can provide clarity in a situation that can seem daunting to you in the moment.

3. How to get the most out of a community

Be active

It’s all about participating. A community is nothing without its members, and it’s important for everyone to interact with one another. If there are opportunities to interact, you should feel free to jump straight in. Become a regular and get to know the other members in your community. Before you know it, you’ll be the one welcoming new people into your circle!

Be supportive

This will likely be a no-brainer to most of you. There will come a time when other members of the community will come to you for advice. Be sure to address any concerns people have and dole advice out in a sensitive manner. Think about the times when you first started out, and how you would want to be treated. No question is too small.

Give back

And of course, give back tenfold. Receiving great bits of knowledge from other entrepreneurs is just one part of the equation. If you’ve got some amazing advice or nuggets of wisdom, be sure to share it! Who knows, you might get back another trick or two from the people you help.

4. How to get started

So we’ve told you all the reasons why you should get out there and find your tribe. But how do you get around to it?

Get the right fit

The first thing to do is to find the right community (obviously). You could turn to Google for a quick search. Some groups create online platforms for their members to interact, and can be easily found through social media. Another way is to ask around. Do you know people connectors who might have some insight? Are there other entrepreneurs you’re acquainted with who are already part of a community? (If you’re in Singapore, check out our list of communities!)

Know what you want

Asking the right questions is often more important than the answer. When you ask for what you need, you’re more likely to find what (or who) you’re looking for. Get a clear understanding of what your goals are and what you hope to achieve by joining. That way, other members will know what you’re looking for, and help you get to the right place.

Prep your elevator pitch

You’ve probably got this memorised by heart now, and if you haven’t, start working on it! Help other members get to know you and what you’re working on. Just remember that you’re not talking to potential investors. You’re pitching yourself to build long-term connections, mentors, and even friends.