One Thing I’ve Learned in 6 Years of Business
You can't do it alone.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past six years of running a business, it’s this: You cannot build a successful business on your own.
Sure, we often hear stories about Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and other iconic founders who built massive companies like Tesla and Amazon.
But here’s the thing: they didn’t do it alone.
Behind every great entrepreneur is a strong team of people helping them execute their vision. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of individuals who play key roles in the success of these companies.
And it’s not just about employees. Founders like Musk and Bezos also rely on mentors, advisors, and peers.
We often forget about the value of mentorship, but it’s a critical part of the puzzle.
I’ve personally benefited from:
- having access to a coach
- working with fractional CFOs and CMOs
- being part of group coaching programs over the years
What I’ve realized is that if you don’t have the right people in your core, you’re really going to struggle. You need people who can help you navigate the challenges, offer advice, and support your growth.
Why Community Matters
Building a business can be overwhelming, especially as it scales. There are countless decisions to be made, and it’s easy to get stuck or lost in the weeds.
You need a team that brings different skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table.
Whether it’s an experienced coach to help you refine your leadership or a fractional CFO who can guide your financial strategy, these relationships are vital.
In fact, when I work with founders who are trying to scale their businesses, one of the first questions I ask is, Who’s on your team?
It’s not just about having people around you. It’s about having the right people.
People who challenge you, offer fresh perspectives, and help you stay accountable to your vision and goals.
The Power of Mentors and Coaches
Having mentors and coaches isn’t just about advice. It’s about learning from others who have walked the path before you. They can offer insight, wisdom, and a sounding board for your ideas.
I can’t tell you how valuable this has been for me in my journey as a business owner.
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that as a founder, you have to know everything. But the reality is that no one can succeed alone.
As you work to grow and scale your business, take a moment to reflect on the people around you. Are you surrounding yourself with individuals who add value and support your growth? Do you have mentors or advisors to help guide you along the way?
If you’re trying to scale your business, the right team and community are crucial.
The connections you build today could be the difference between hitting your goals and struggling to get there.
Building a successful business is never a solo endeavor.
About Justin
Justin is a marketing nerd. His gateway drug was in middle school when he and his buddies would make up brand names and draw logos for fun. He graduated with a B.A. in Graphic Design from UW Eau Claire. He then cut his teeth leading the marketing for a $4 million non-profit, moving them into the digital age with new channels and systems. He joined a $60M healthcare manufacturer as marketing team of 1, helping grow them to $90M in three years. Justin became a full-time marketing entrepreneur in 2018. He now enables founders to grow their pipeline and thought leadership through social media videos. Follow him on Linkedin here.
