We've been helping Australians for 100 years
Dr Leanne Faulkner shares how building a network of support could help reduce stress at work.
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When cricketer Mitchell Starc, one of Australia’s fastest left-arm bowlers, takes to the pitch, you know it has taken a team of support to get him there. It’s impossible to reach elite athletic levels without help from a coach, other team members, allied health services, family and friends.
64% of all businesses in Australia are sole-traders1. Typically, they work alone and don’t employ others, making for some very lonely workdays. But just like the most successful athletes, business owners and soloists can thrive with the right support around them. Building a support network and connecting with like-minded people can go a long way towards reducing isolation and combatting stress.
A network is a connection of people you can talk to for advice, support, a general chat, and social breaks. This is so much more than traditional networking meetings, which tend to have a reputation for being sales focused only.
Replace the word network with a new word – connectwork.
A connectwork puts you, the self-employed person, at the centre of all the connections you have with others. Not all of them are about sales, but all of them are important to support you on your business journey. Small business owners who can build a diverse network of supporters are able to build a resource they can depend on as their business needs change.
1. Immediate family and friends
Research tells us those who are closest to the small business owner tend to be the first to hear about the challenges they’re facing at work2. It’s very important to ensure the people closest to you know what you’re working on, and how they can support you if you need them. Make time to have conversations where they feel included in your business plans.
2. Your industry association
Nobody will understand your work like others who are in the same industry. Industry associations often host training events about topics relevant to your business or provide advice on industry specific questions. Importantly, events like annual conferences or trade shows provide opportunities to meet and learn from other members.
3. A business mentor or coach
Not everyone can afford to have a private business coach, but everyone can seek out a mentor. Take note of the businesspeople in your community, and contact the business leaders you admire. Ask them if they would be willing to chat with you and mentor you on your journey. You’ll be surprised how supportive other business owners can be.
4. Networking groups
Not all networking groups are the same. Many have different structures to suit different personality types. If you’re the sort of person who would never walk into a room full of strangers and start talking, that’s okay, just find a group with more structure. Don’t assume that one brand of networking is the same for all, because they’re remarkably different in format. Take the time to find one that you feel comfortable attending. Some groups meet for breakfast and host a guest speaker. Others are available online. Check with your local business chamber for more information about groups in your area.
5. A doctor or counsellor
Everyone needs to have someone in their network they can talk to unconditionally. For some people, that’s their doctor. For others, having a trusted counsellor to meet with can help relieve concerns.
Small business owners who thrive at work understand that building a network never stops. Remember to keep the network growing with customers, other self-employed people, financial advisors, government agencies, suppliers and brand supporters. Cultivating robust connections means you won’t have to experience the challenges of small business ownership alone.
This NRMA Insurance Working Well blog post series provides you with ideas and tips to help address the stress you might feel at work. Our next and final post in the series will discuss where other support can be found for the self-employed.
Information is current as at the date of publication and may be subject to change. All content on the NRMA Insurance Blog is intended to be general in nature and does not constitute and is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. References to third-party organisations, products, services or brands on the NRMA Insurance Blog are for informational purposes only and do not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by NRMA Insurance, unless expressly stated otherwise.
