The Growth Guide

Entrepreneurship is a journey of success, failure, and growth. While owning a business can be fulfilling, it can also leave you exhausted and unmotivated. Real talk: No one ever said building an empire was easy.

Being a CEO requires drive, commitment, and confidence. All of these are keys to success. But after years of hard work, you may have lost sight of why you started your business in the first place. Without this passion, it’s much harder to do what you love.

I hate to admit it, but low motivation is inevitable. Whether you’re starting with a new client or getting buried in projects, you’re bound to feel unambitious from time to time.

When your motivation is low, it’s challenging to be productive and get things done. You have a team relying on you and clients expecting top-notch quality. With all this pressure, you may feel like you’re suffocating. So, how can you step into your role as CEO when you have zero inspiration?

Truth bomb: you can’t. Low motivation robs you of your drive and passion. However, you have the power to take back what’s rightfully yours. All you have to do is address the problem and find a solution.

Since you have people relying on you, it’s essential to find ways to pull yourself out of the rut. Before making any changes, acknowledge that low motivation is a reality of entrepreneurship. It’s going to happen whether you like it or not.

Life never goes according to plan. All it takes is a change of routine to throw your motivation out of whack. So how can you keep it in check?

You can combat low motivation by establishing a reliable support system. Entrepreneurship can be lonely. It’s not a typical corporate job with coworkers and customers. Most of the time, it’s you, your computer, and an endless list of client demands. Sounds grim, doesn’t it?

Many business owners believe that being a solopreneur means doing everything on your own and bearing all of the mental and emotional weight. But that couldn’t be further from the truth!

There are plenty of entrepreneur communities where you can share your feelings and experiences. Your fellow business owners understand the struggles you deal with daily. They know what it’s like to burnout and lose passion.

They will celebrate your wins, commiserate with your losses, and cheer you on toward your goals. Having a community to back you up is what you need to replenish your inspiration and gain valuable advice for your business.

Having a supportive tribe is a game-changer, so let’s dive into how you can find yours.

Figure Out What You Want From Your Network

Before joining a community, think about what you want to gain from it. Do you want emotional support? Positive affirmations? Business tips? The best support groups are the ones that align with you and your energy.

Create a list of your values and interests. This will narrow the search to a group that fits your needs. For example, you can write:

• Digital marketers
• Sharing experiences
• A place to celebrate wins
• Branding tips
• Business strategies

A community will look different to each business owner. For instance, if you’re a digital marketer, you may be looking to team up with some graphic designers so you can expand your services. Or you may be searching for friends to chat about business. Remember, a support system is meant to serve you in areas where you feel depleted.

If you’re looking for inspiration and positive feedback, seek out a group that’s safe, open, and compassionate. It’s okay to be selective here. The last thing you want is to be among people who spew hateful comments and negativity.

Use social media to find your circle. Facebook groups, Slack channels, and even support groups on LinkedIn are a gold mine for entrepreneurs. Allow yourself to explore your options and join a group that aligns with your empire-building vision.

Make the First Move

As entrepreneurs, we know that action leads to results. So, to truly become part of a new community, you have to make the first move. Whether you send a connection on LinkedIn or click “Join Group” on Facebook, it’s up to you to grow your network.

I understand how nerve-wracking it can be to reach out to new people, but go into it knowing that you’re connecting with entrepreneurs just like you! They’re probably just as nervous as you are. Get the ball rolling by striking up a conversation.

A simple introduction is a great start. For example, “Hi, my name is Aleya, and I like digital marketing.” From there, you can ask about their business or comment on personal interests. For example, if you’re on LinkedIn, check out their profile and see if you have anything in common. Do you both love to write? Include that in your message: “I saw you’re passionate about writing and art, too. Would love to connect!” Small comments open the door to relationships.

Another way to break the ice is by following them on social media. You can learn a lot about a person based on what they post, so use that to your advantage. Once again, if you see a mutual interest, like your love for a Netflix show, you can casually add that to the conversation. “I saw that you’re a fan of _________, too. What did you think of the last episode!?”

Push past your initial anxiety, so you can cultivate lasting relationships that will help you navigate your business. Networking is similar to joining a club at school. It may feel awkward at first, but everything else falls into place once you break the ice.

Now, some people may not show interest, and that’s okay! Don’t take it personally. All that means is they’re not your people. Simply move on and let go. When you join the right community, it will feel effortless.

Check-in With Intention

Sometimes we strike up a great conversation, and then… life gets busy. I get it. You have a business, projects, chores, family, friends — the list goes on. Suddenly, all this time has passed, and it feels awkward to reach out again.

Here’s a little tip: Don’t let this happen! You could be missing out on a connection that helps your business or fuels your passion.

Here’s how to avoid leaving connections on read:

• Block out time in your schedule each week, specifically for networking. This may look like texting, emailing, sending Slack messages, or social media DMs.
• Use simple sentiments to start a conversation. A simple “Hey, how’s your business going?” is extremely effective.
• Change gears and set up a Zoom call to talk about life, business, or anything else that comes to mind.

Some of the best business connections evolve into friendships, so don’t be shy about getting personal! You can even have a conversation about motivation and how they navigate through the highs and lows of their empire-building journey.

The whole point of establishing a support system is to maintain your drive and love for your business. So stay intentional and make it a habit to reach out.

Ask For Help

Asking for help can be challenging for business owners, especially solopreneurs. We get so used to balancing everything on our plate that we feel uncomfortable or undeserving of help. But the truth is everyone needs support, even the toughest of us.

It can be as simple as asking for suggestions on an email before sending it or requesting referrals for a new hire. Or maybe you need to vent and gain reassurance that your client is crossing boundaries.

It may feel scary to reach out, but that’s what communities are for. More often than not, entrepreneurs are happy to offer insight into handling situations. In addition, it gives business owners a chance to reflect on their experiences and guide you in the right direction.

Joining a community in your line of business can be the change you need to reignite that motivational spark of yours. When your ambition is low, that’s when you need your support system the most! Don’t hesitate to reach out.

After all, we’re all on a journey — and what’s an adventure without mentors to guide us?

Don’t Wait, Dive In

We’re not meant to walk this entrepreneurial road alone. We need a family who understands us, celebrates our wins, and sympathizes with our losses. When we experience the ups and downs of our business, a support system gives us direction, clarity, and guidance.

Although low motivation is inevitable, a community will give you the tools to work through it and reignite your passion for your business. So instead of dwelling on your frustrations, take action and start building your tribe today.

If you’re having trouble finding that tribe, I invite you to be part of Own It!, where you’ll get resources, tips, and access to an exclusive Slack community. You’ll finally get the confidence, support, and clarity you deserve.

It’s time for you to walk beside other hard-working entrepreneurs like you!