January 31, 2013

Entrepreneurship Isn’t a Solo Activity

published this at 7:42 am

By Rosemary O’Neill

“It’s a way more fun world when we’re all winning.” Liz Strauss, at SOBCon NW 2012

Attending SOBCon NW last year was a highlight for me (and you can still get in on SOBCon Chicago), and one of the most memorable quotes was the one above, from Liz herself.

She didn’t mean it in a “kid sports team where everyone gets a trophy” way. She meant that when we help each other achieve, we often find ourselves achieving our own goals along the way.

Give Your Gift Generously and Without Reservation

Of course, everyone has competitors. Particularly in the online arena, it’s exceedingly difficult to provide a service or create a product that’s truly unique. But you know what can’t be copied? You.

Your personality, your style, and your experiences don’t belong to anyone else in the world. Your gift to your customers is your unique approach, based on your life and perspective. That can’t be copied.

So it’s OK to share your ideas, suggestions, and support with those around you. Give a leg up to your fellow entrepreneurs, and you’ll be surprised at how great it makes you feel.

Embrace Your Competitors

I have several people I count as friends who work for companies that compete in the same space with me. My daily task is to create a huge pie—so huge that we can all have big slices together.

In fact, if I’m dealing with a potential customer who will be better served by the services of a competitor, I’ll send ‘em over. Call me crazy, but if I’m the instrument by which someone achieves their vision (even if it’s with a competing product), then it’s all good.

You’re Not Alone

It can seem as if it’s you against the Internet sometimes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are so many smart, funny, generous people out there who are ready and willing to share their time and treasure to help you get unstuck. Since SOBCon Portland last November, I’ve stayed in touch with a lot of my fellow participants, shared business leads, offered support, gotten support, and kept my tank full!

Want to meet a huge group of amazing entrepreneurs and doers who will help you win? Register for SOBCon Chicago 2013.

Author’s Bio: Rosemary O’Neill is an insightful spirit who works for social strata — a top ten company to work for on the Internet . Check out the Social Strata blog. You can find Rosemary on Google+ and on Twitter as @rhogroupee


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