Being a business owner can be a lonely journey. A road where you don’t have to answer to anyone (depending on the type of business you have), give reports/updates to, or be accountable to. You dictate the hours of operations, which jobs you want to take or not. You answer to you alone. It’s true: It is a lonely road, and a road that leads nowhere.

I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Let’s face it, it is no fun doing things by yourself. When you surround yourself with other like-minded people, you will start to challenge yourself to do more, to achieve more, and once you hit that momentum, all bets are off. The sky is the limit!

Ok, you own your own business, great! here is how to get off the lonely road to the party bus. Start inviting people inside your business, and no, I’m not talking about your store front, I’m talking about your business plan, your goals, and your dreams. The first person you should invite is your significant other/your spouse. Let them in, tell them how you are doing in business now, and what goals you want to reach.

Next, find a business coach. A business coach will/should hold you accountable for such goals that you have. They will take you out of your comfort zone, get you to do things that you never had done before, they will challenge you and help you to fine tone so you can be successful.

Before I go on to the next step, I want to clarify the word accountable. To hold someone accountable is to ask, to give ideas how to achieve, or challenge you. But you and you alone are the one that has to do such things. We’ve all heard the expression “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” Well, that is what a business coach does, it can give you all the advice you need, but if you don’t take it then that’s on you. Holding someone accountable isn’t going to guarantee the results if you aren’t 100% in. You can’t blame other people if you didn’t reach your goal, you have to look/examine yourself to find out why you didn’t.

Now that you have your significant other/your spouse and a business coach on your party bus, it’s time to invite other people, the people that you want to look for are other link minded business owners who are successful, who don’t mind getting coffee or lunch once a month to talk about business. Find an accountant, they are going to help you with the numbers, budgeting, tax planning, let you know the health of your business. Get a total of 3-4 people and meet with them at least monthly to get their advice on your business plan, goals, and dreams. Keep them updated on what is working and what is not working. I’m sure they have been in your shoes a time or two.

Please remember you don’t have to do it alone, find some people who will challenge you and help you along your journey.

If you want to chat about business, please schedule a consultation at http://www.pinabiz.com, I would be happy to chat and share some of my experiences with you.