Female Founder Support Networks: How Connecting with Others Fuels My Business

While I’m in limbo, there’s one thing that’s helped me get through this period. Engaging with others. 

Starting a business on your own can be lonely. Even though I’m working with freelancers and vendors, no one is as invested in my company as I am. 

 

So, connecting with other people who are also starting businesses is a must. 

 

Last year, I joined a few groups for entrepreneurs starting product-based businesses. Since it’s an area where I don’t have experience, I need all the resources and connections I can get. 

 

The members are starting various types of e-commerce businesses, selling supplements, clothing items, toys/gadgets, etc. 

 

I reach out to other members and ask to hear about what they're working on and if there’s anything I can do to support them.

 

Almost every time, they end up offering insanely helpful insights and advice. 

 

Last week I spoke with a woman who started a company that sells a supplement to runners. 

 

She has a Facebook group for runners over 40 with a pretty decent audience size that she’s built up in about 9 months. 

 

Coincidentally, one of my target audiences is runners. Since the muffins are filling and high in protein, runners are an audience who I’m hoping to attract at launch. 

 

About 10 minutes into our call, this woman offered to post about my muffins in her Facebook group, a very active audience. 

 

She asked for nothing in return. 

 

The fact that she offered to do that showed me how supportive the entrepreneur community is. 

 

This gave me more confidence to reach out to others and build more relationships. 

 

Recently, I connected with a small group of female founders who are also starting food product businesses.

 

We formed a monthly “snack chat” where we meet, give a status update on our businesses, and talk about areas where we need help. 

 

Then, we ask one another questions, offer advice, and share links to resources that might be useful. 

 

I’m so lucky to have come across these women at the right time to join the group.  

 

The last snack chat was on Friday and wow is it motivating to hear what these other women are doing. 

 

We’re all at somewhat similar stages from launching soon to a few months into the business. 

 

The progress these women are making each month is nothing short of inspiring. 

 

Listening to their accomplishments reminds me that I can do this too. 

 

It’s the ultimate form of encouragement.