May marks Mental Health Month in several countries around the globe. As the final part of our series on mental health, we’re looking at ways you can provide valuable support for the entrepreneur in your life.
Humans are social animals. We thrive on connections, finding mutual ground and forming a bond with our peers. Even the most introverted of us needs to feel the love from time to time. This is a huge reason why entrepreneurship can prove such a lonely endeavour. There are fewer people who share in the communal experience, and even less in a position to act as a sounding board for ideas.
This is why it’s so important to ensure you’re supporting the entrepreneurs in your life. Though they might act like they run the world, a robust support system is key to keeping them sane. From moral support, to practical ways you can show the love, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to show business owners you’re there for them.
Respect their Schedule
One of the greatest perks of business ownership is the ability to make your own schedule. It’s awesome! However, this doesn’t mean there’s always time for activities or mid-afternoon catch-ups. Provide support in a practical way by respecting the schedule of the entrepreneur. Instead of proposing a time and assuming it’s ok, why not ask what their usual work hours are and plan around it? Whether it’s freelancing or running a big business, discipline is a requirement. Make things easier for the entrepreneur in your life by not placing the temptation before them to slack off.
Ask the Right Questions
The simple question “How is business these days?” can be fraught with anxiety for the recipient. What’s really being asked is how successful the entrepreneur is, and sometimes they aren’t going to be delighted to share the real answer. Think of more considerate ways to pose the same question. Ask them how they came up with a particular product idea, which of their projects they’re most excited about, or if they have any upcoming launches or events they’re attending.
Show Some Love
Everyone loves a bit of recognition, right? Luckily there are several ways you can show appreciation for a hard-working business owner. Consider entering them in small business contests. Not only will this show them their efforts are appreciated, it can also be a powerful tool for examining their business as they go through the application process. Even if they don’t win, they’ll feel appreciated and potentially uncover practical steps they can take to improve their business.
Help in Practical Ways
There are countless other practical steps you can take to support a business owner you know. Follow them on social media and engage with their posts. Social media can feel like an echo chamber at times. Receiving replies or retweets/shares can help to validate their efforts while providing a valuable signal boost. You can also help by purchasing from them. While the likes of Amazon and other big online retailers will be fine no matter what, small business owners rely on support from their community to pay the bills.
Ask How You Can Help
Every business is different. Sometimes the best way to be of assistance is to ask how. Whether it’s providing an introduction to someone in their industry, or helping set up at a trade show, there are countless ways you can provide support that will be massively appreciated. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child!
Here to Help
No matter what area of your business you need assistance with, GD Commerce is standing by to help. Contact Us and find out how we can lessen the load.
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