The Wikipedia definition of community building:
Community building is a field of practices directed toward the creation or enhancement of community among individuals within a regional area (such as a neighborhood) or with a common interest. It is sometimes encompassed under the field of community development. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_building
In the world of small business, community building looks like involvement in the local Chamber of Commerce or other small business networking and social platforms. The idea is to help get the word out about your small business while interacting in a social environment (aka networking). This has been a great resource for people involved in small businesses to both increase business exposure and to enjoy a little time with other business owners. Remembering that small business owners are people just like everyone else, they need to get out from time to time and be part of a growing, thriving community. It is good for our attitudes and general mental health to interact with other people in a relaxed and fun environment.
The idea of Small Business Community Building has been taken to a new level with the introduction of Coworking spaces. These collaborative working environments are places where small business owners, creative people (artists, musicians, poets, etc.), freelancers, home based business workers, remote workers, and individuals interested in becoming one of these people, all meet in the same place and work ON their business or other ventures while in the community of others. Imagine artists giving creative advice to real estate agents or seasoned professionals mentoring a new technology startup in business practices. These are places of interaction, collaboration, and all the while, the Coworking space allows for individual study in quiet areas and conference rooms for meetings with a closed group. The studies are being compiled now as this phenomenon is in rapid growth mode. The preliminary results suggest that this idea is here to stay and is creating happier, more successful people. This is the new way that new or existing small businesses are born and incubated. It is also a place where established small businesses can expand their vision.
Not so coincidentally, LifeSuccess.com is partnering with GreenCOW (as in “Green” – environmentally friendly, COW – Collaborative Open Workspaces) to bring Coworking to your area. We are working with local government and business agencies to make small business community building an affordable option for all small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
And the tie to LifeSuccess.com? It is all about finding balance in life. Too often, entrepreneurs and small business owners get tunnel vision about their project and lose sight of the fact that life as we know it only happens once. By collaborating with others, we inject relaxation, social interaction, and fun into our busy days. This helps move us toward life balance and improves our chance of success by our own measure.
So, find a Coworking space near you, make an appointment to visit, and broaden your small business horizons today.
Warmest Regards,
Lee (and the LifeSuccess.com Team)