Building a Network

(This post is part of a continuing series focusing on home-based business startups.)

Ever hear someone described as self-educated or self-made? I'd be willing to bet that if you sat down and talked to those people, you'd find out how many people, institutions and mentors they had in their lives.  Because here's the deal... THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SELF-MADE WOMAN. (or man for that matter!)

Folks who have successfully launched home-based businesses are generally people who are willing to find others on the inside and are willing to develop relationships with them, to build support groups around themselves and to seek out the knowledge and experience of others. 

I've had a lot of help along the way, mentors from a great variety of backgrounds, because here's the deal about starting up a home business... There's no boss any more to turn to for advice or direction. You're flying solo. But you don't have to. Everybody needs a good reliable sounding board, a second opinion, an encouraging word or sometimes, just emotional support in order to be successful. A mentor is simply someone that has already been there and done that. They aren't perfect by any means and they've made their share of mistakes during their time. For this reason, they can drastically collapse your learning curve and if you pay attention, they can reduce the mistakes that you will  make.

So how do you build a relationship with someone who can help you or give you direction? There's really only one key thing you need to do: ASK QUESTIONS! If you don't ask questions you cannot expect to receive any kind of help or guidance. You might be surprised, but most people are actually quite flattered and are more than willing to give you a couple of minutes if they know that you are looking to them for advice, because it indicates that  you respect and look up to them. Successful people enjoy sharing their knowledge. My advice: Seek advice every chance you can- even when you don't think you need it. People love to talk about themselves and their businesses and you never know when you'll be inspired (or kicked back into reality) by a good piece of advice. 

So don't be afraid to reach out for some help and guidance in this crazy working world. I promise you won't regret it! 

Here's a partial list of the brilliant and savvy business women who have advised and encouraged me along the way. Thanks SO much!

• Henrietta Timmons of Henrietta's Handbags
• Penel Jensen of Pattern Peddlers
• Laurie Harsh of The Fabric Shop Network
• Jaime Kalvestran of ScrapBags
• Deb Luttrell of Stitchin Heaven
• Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs
• Linda McGehee of Ghee's Bags