One of the most challenging aspects of being a business owner is that it can often feel isolating and lonely. So, if you’re new to business ownership, don’t be surprised if you feel this way, especially because you’re wearing all the hats, running on all cylinders (fumes?), and trying to make major decisions in a vacuum. So, if you’re feeling a bit lonely and worn down, unsure if there’s anyone out there who feels the same . . . this article is for you.
Here’s the truth: Just because you started your business alone doesn’t mean you have to stay there. Let us put it this way: You don’t have to grow your business alone. Having the right business mentor or community can be a game-changer for your life and your business, especially when you surround yourself with people who are a few steps ahead of you on the entrepreneurial path.
3 Myths That Keep You from Finding Community:
Often, one of the biggest barriers between you and a mentor or community is some long-held beliefs rooted in myths that need to be cut down at the root. Here are the main things we want to tackle:
One of the biggest and easiest lies to believe in business is that business must be lonely. That mindset is the very thing that will keep you from experiencing the beauty of community and mentorship from others who are further down the path than you are. Sure, you may be starting your business on your own, but you don’t have to stay that way.
When you stop making decisions out of fear that someone will steal your ideas and start focusing on building community over competition, growth is inevitable. Side note: we’re not telling you to give away your design templates or share your unique business insight with the world. We’re just reminding you that there’s beauty in being able to gain inspiration, insight, ask questions, and share wins with other like-minded people. The best part? There’s enough business to go around!
We’ll be the first to say that imposter syndrome is a very real thing. Unbelievably, one of the best ways to combat it is through community! Being able to share your vulnerabilities with others(especially those in the same industry) will go a long way in helping you push past your insecurities and continue pouring into your business.
Now that we’ve addressed those myths, we hope you’re able to see why having a community or mentor in your business is so important. These people are there to step in and help you through the heavy imposter syndrome that sometimes gets the best of us.
So now that you know why it’s so important, let’s talk about how to find your people.
How to Find a Business Mentor
Do you know someone in your life who is just rocking it in their business? Maybe they’re in the stationery industry, or they just have business acumen flowing from their fingertips.
When you find them, don’t hesitate to tap them on the shoulder and ask if you can pick their brain. Chances are, they’ll love to help you as you work out the kinks and start to grow your business.
If you don’t have anyone local in mind, that’s okay too. So many people have made it their mission to help educate and mentor other stationers. One of the most incredible parts about choosing an online business coach is that they create communities full of other stationers who are in the same place you might be. Below are a few of our favorites.
Elisabeth Stuckey | learn with Elisabeth
Elisabeth is a wedding stationery designer who prides herself on creating custom, one-of-a-kind wedding suites for her clients. Her designs are stunning. But even better? She’s also passionate about helping other stationers build successful businesses. Whether you’re brand new to designing or want to learn how to make your stationery business profitable, Elisabeth has your back! Check out her courses here!
Laney Ruddell | Design by Laney
Laney is another incredible wedding stationery designer who loves to help new stationers create “a career that lasts.” Laney has developed design courses and even a stationery school for new entrepreneurs that helps you learn and grow. Laney shares a ton of great how-to guides for creating and accurately printing stationery with PrintsWell, too! Check out Laney’s site and make sure to follow along with her on social media!
Katie Hunt | Proof to Product
Proof to Product is a community-focused resource for entrepreneurs at any and every stage of their business. They are an excellent resource for navigating the technicalities of the industry (i.e., wholesale vs direct-to-consumer), providing a helpful podcast, conference, and even courses for their members as they strive for their own versions of success. If you want to learn about how to grow your business, navigate the wholesale industry, be successful at trade shows, and more, this might be your place. Check out their podcast, follow them on social media, and visit their website here!
Stacie Bloomfield
Stacie is an artist who mentors and coaches other artists to improve their skills, leverage their art, and even license their products. She focuses on artists and surface pattern designers. She also offers a community of artists called the “Side Hustle Society,” complemented by her version of Master classes called “Side Hustle School.” Check out Stacie’s podcast, peruse her website, and join the community here!
Don’t Grow Alone
The right mentor or community can be a significant change for your business. There are so many ways to get connected to other creative stationers in the industry, you just have to find the one that works best for you! If you’ve been growing alone and are looking for a printing partner who genuinely cares about your business, we’d love to work together.
PrintsWell has over three decades of industry experience, setting the standard for world-class stationery printing. Fill out your application here, and let’s get started.
And if you’re looking for free resources to help you grow, check out PrintsWell University! We are passionate about walking with you every step of your stationery journey.