Celebrating a Village of Dreams
28 Aug
There’s an African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
As any business owner will tell you, this is also true of building a business. For even those of us who call ourselves solopreneurs have people in our lives, both personally and professionally, who’ve helped us raise this child we call our work.
From the people you hire to help with the day-to-day tasks to the uncomplaining spouses and friends there to pick up the tired pieces, knowing those people have your back makes it so much more doable.
Especially when those same people remind you of your vision when you falter.
Enter the virtual village.
For me, it’s people I’ve connected with online, people who go out of their way to be there with a kind word or a quick idea, usually at just the right moment.
And it makes no difference that I’ve not met them in person.
Somehow through the magic of the interwebs, distance falls away and connection draws us together. Don’t ask me to explain it further because I can’t. I can only tell you the difference having these people in my life has made to my life and business.
When I think back to the early days of my business, I was determined to do it on my own. Firstly, my independant streak was running on turbo charge, and secondly, it was near impossible for me to ask for help back then.
The thing I didn’t realize however, was the impact of going it alone, for the costs were great, often wreaking havoc with my well-being. But like many starting out, I was naive, never dreaming I’d have to concern myself with issues like self-care.
Now I know, and I treasure this community that I’ve wondrously gathered around me.
This village is the keeper of dreams, and as such deserves acknowledgement and appreciation. For without these people, the journey would not be nearly as inspiring, productive or fun.
Celebrating a Village of Dreams:
Jenny Bones, the word witch who’s become the collaborator I once imagined. My partner in crime at the Campfire Circles and friend beyond measure in life.
Farnoosh Brock, friend and fireball of energy, from health to career transition, she’s got something for you. I count her as the one who got through my resistance to green juicing, a feat for which I am truly grateful!
Alejandro Reyes, IT guru extraordinaire who responds to my endless questions and concerns with so much patience and humour, I am sure he deserves an award of some kind.
Cigdem Kobu, the most wonderful connector I’ve ever met. What started out as an online friendship has become a sisterhood of the soul and I look forward to our calls days in advance.
Evan Austin, a newcomer to the village, and talented graphic artist who came to the rescue with the perfect images for our upcoming Back-to-School for Coaches.
The Campers (collectively and individually), who started out as my perfect people and transformed into friends, colleagues and so much more in the span of 3 months. Carol, Ellen, Sarah, Lynn, Joanna, and Nancy – y’all make me pulse with gratitude.
Amanda Farough, my local playmate whose mad designing skills make people dance with delight. I’m lucky though, for I count her as a friend who’s close enough to hug!
Rita Chand, the one I count on to remind me to own my awesome on those days I forget. Truly, this woman is a gift.
I could go on as I am blessed to have many more such amazing people in my life.
You’ve got your own village, I’m sure of it.
But when was the last time you shared your appreciation?
Over to you:
Who are your go-to folks, the ones you can always count on?
Count your blessings and send them some love today!
This post is part of the August 2012 Word Carnival — a monthly group blogging event specifically for small business owners. This month’s topic, “It Takes a Village: Small Biz Success and the Power of Community.”
Check out the rest of the fabulous carney work here: Word Carnivals
. 
Facebook
Email
Twitter
LinkedIn
GooglePlus
Flickr
RSS