As a new 23-year-old sales rep, I remember the first time I met one of my competitors. Susan was intelligent, full of energy, and roughly 20 years my senior. While we chatted, I thought to myself, “this is the enemy.” After a few minutes, she suggested that we have lunch sometime. “It’s lonely being out here by yourself, and the way I see it, there is plenty of business to go around. We can help each other.”
Soon after, we did go to lunch. Our friendship blossomed. An award-winning rep, Susan took me under her wing, served as a mentor to me, and cheered me up when I lost a significant piece of business. Strangely enough, it was her who taught me to fold a fitted sheet. We are still friends to this day.
Fast forward to 2017. As a new entrepreneur, I did not have a solid plan. I was meandering in trying to build a business. In my wanderings, I somehow had the good fortune of meeting people involved in Vistage peer groups. Despite my limited budget, I joined, And I found my path. Suddenly, I had the counsel of super-smart, fun, generous human beings. Since I started with Vistage, I have found unwavering support but also deep candor when needed. My group holds up the mirror for me, as I do for them.
Vistage Working Surface
In spring of 2020, I joined a practice group with two other coaches. The idea was to try new techniques and give each other feedback on our coaching skills. Over the past 18 months, our friendships have flourished, and we have added a book club, more coursework, and two more coaches. I am so fortunate to be learning from and with these people.
My Coach Crew (minus Rocco)
Most recently, I was invited to facilitate a peer group of highly successful women business owners. Being a part of the openness, the exchange of ideas and sheer joy in this group is further affirmation of the high value that we can derive from our peers.
Gathering with these folks brings me great joy while also pushing me to become better and better. My peers have sustained me through this pandemic and have been a huge support in growing my business. Every interaction fills my bucket.
Some of the lessons:
Find your flock. Surround yourself with people who energize you, engage you, and make you want to grow. Spend as much time as you can with these folks.
Embrace an abundance mindset. Some of my services overlap with other members in my groups. But there is enough work to go around. We make each other better.
Be vulnerable. Whether it is a peer group, a mentor, or a trusted colleague, people cannot help us unless we embrace being learners rather than trying to be correct.
Be fully present. Listen, Affirm. Challenge. Some of the best “a-ha’ moments are when you are working on someone else’s issue.
We all need people in our work with whom we can come up for air, laugh, and be inspired to think differently. That’s when the great ideas surface and the magic happens.