At our weekly Friday meeting, a potential new member walked in and asked for advice on starting a business. Everybody around the table gave a valuable piece of information, based either on their experience, knowledge or talent.

Those who are already running their own businesses recommended that a newcomer seek all the help available, much of it free. One classic observation about opportunities was made: they pass, they don’t pause! Another piece of advice was to to stay focused when building an entrepreneurial empire.

Networking events provide a unique chance for members not only to communicate with other members but to ask for help. And what could be more important than getting help and advice early on and then basing on your decision on a wide pool of information. Starting a business life-changing decision and it certainly needs to be investigated.

Even if most of the people are running their businesses alone they can have “virtual” associate members through business networking. Of course the responsibility always lies with the person who has made the decision but it is a whole new ballgame to be at least able to talk to like-minded people and benefit their opinion.

I remember a colleague of mine, Andy Lopata - who runs a professional networking organization. He co-wrote a book with a catchy title: “Building a business based on bacon and eggs.”
Whilst we do not meet in the mornings at HBN, we do enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with a biscuit during the lunch hour and we are as serious as breakfast diners on being successful entrepreneurs!

People who aim to lose weight or quit smoking understand the importance of sharing mutual goals. It seems to be much more difficult to give up the set goals if they have been shared with other like-minded people! And the obvious benefit of sharing the goals is to receive support, which means, that during hard times, there is still a chance to have a soft landing.

We are all familiar with “It’s never that bad”. It is easier to put things in a perceptive if we know others have experienced and learnt from similar situation.

During our lives, we have many dreams - we do remember the most significant ones.

I have a dream. I am making sure that my dream comes true by taking the necessary steps. I am nurturing my dream by staying positive.  I am keeping my dream alive by reminding myself what I want to achieve in my life time.

I have a dream. Do you? Share it with others, and perhaps you will be amazed how much help is available and you might be able to help someone help.

Kristina Julin-Stringer
©2008