So you’ve decided to take the jump and start your own business. You’re not alone. Entrepreneurship is popular. There has been no better time to be a Black Woman Boss than right now.                                                                                                     

In the past year, I took this leap. I invested several hours of research, had a business plan, paperwork filed, and was ready to open for business. I promoted and waited, but business didn’t boom as I expected! What do I do? I reached in my bag for my secret weapon… my squad of girlfriends. Here’s why you should too.

Your Squad Will Encourage You

All entrepreneurs experience occasional self-doubt and those nagging questions of “what if I’m not successful?” or “what I am doing wrong?” Your squad will remind you that you’re amazing. Remember, you’ve already done the hardest part by simply getting started. Your support system will provide the encouraging words you need to move forward during the toughest of times. In my lowest moments of the process of launching my business, I knew that I could always rely on my close friends, and even some acquaintances, to let me know that they were proud of me. That support alone has kept me going and tenacious when facing the daily challenges of entrepreneurship

Your Squad Will Send You Referrals

Whether you’re selling a product or offering a service, getting the word out about your business to your target audience is paramount. While you can pay for marketing services, it’s even better to get it for free via word of mouth. Who better to tell the world about your business than your squad? They will spread the word to their networks,  simply because they love you and believe in you – no marketing budget required.

Your Squad Has Different Skills

Let’s say that you recently decided to start your own catering business. You’ve always been an amazing chef, and you love serving people. Great! Does that mean you aware best equipped to build a website or manage your finances? Not likely. You started your business because you’re an expert on your product or service. You don’t have to master every single aspect of running your business to be successful. This is where your squad comes in!

I hired one of my oldest friends to be my photographer and another friend to build my website. This freed up my time to focus on my other work. Now, EVERYTHING is top-quality.

Whenever you need feedback, a shoulder to lean on, or to perform some essential part of your business where you lack expertise, don’t just try to get through it yourself! Your squad is there to help you get through…and can take your business further than you’ve ever imagined! They’re literally your business’ secret to success…