There’s a well-known saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, the same should be said about building a business.  Being an entrepreneur tends to include a strong desire for independence, freedom, and individuality.  That said, it also requires collaboration, connections and support. Or – -a village of friends and colleagues.

The first time I turned to my entrepreneurial network was back when Urban Interns was just an idea (and in fact, a very different one- at that).   At the time, I served on the Board of Step Up Women’s Network, a non-profit organization dedicating to connecting and advancing women and girls.  I met so many motivated, powerful women through Step Up, including my amazing business partner, Lauren Porat.  At that time, Lauren and I were fully immersed in our corporate careers. Still, we immediately recognized the entrepreneurial spirit in each other (not to mention our complimentary skill sets). Years later, we revisited some of our early brainstorms, put pen to paper- and a short time thereafter, launched Urban Interns.

As I think of the milestones we’ve hit over the last three years—from building early brand awareness on a shoe-string budget to raising capital—it’s all included one, if not many helping hands.  Doors were opened, useful advice was shared, been/there done support was given—and that doesn’t even include the friendships made with my new “colleagues.”

Sure, it takes effort to build a network. It takes time to meet new people and to keep long-standing relationships fresh. That said, I find it to be time well spent.

First, I love meeting people and hearing their stories. It’s often inspiring to hear what fellow entrepreneurs are up to and more often than not, gets my own creative wheels turning.   But I also love making connections for people and helping them out when I can.  Yes, I need a village to turn to, but I also strive to be part of others.

And finally, as two wise women once said, you can never have too many friends!

-Cari Sommer
Urban Interns, a national marketplace connecting growing companies with part-time help & interns.
@urbaninterns

***This was Best Business Tip #57.  Read the other 99 Best Business Tips.***