Small Support

I was thinking the other day about how young entrepreneurs are often self-focused. This quality often gets a bad reputation for its ability to divide relationships and create an air of bloated “ego,” but there is another not-so-great outcome for this habit. Solopreneurs are often overly competitive… they are so busy trying to be the next best thing they forget to support those around them with the same dreams.

I’ve really been exposed to the idea of “collaboration over competition” as of late and it has made me realize I need to start supporting and collaborating with other fellow, young entrepreneurs. Whether their dream is to pursue art, social media marketing, a self-brand, or any other out-of-this-world mission… I should be more open to exploring collaboration with these types.

I know these are just thoughts, but if we were more vulnerable with each other as impassioned and confident young professionals, I really believe we could form more stable and powerful collaborations. If your work contains passion and drive, times two or three, think about the product that could come out of such a powerful group effort.

You may be thinking, “but if I share my ideas with someone else aren’t I just helping strengthen a possible, future competition.” In a way, maybe you are… but you have to think about the equal transmission of reward. Creative careers even have a bonus outcome. Every creative has a different style and passion for different project types. If I am booked up, or feel I am not the right body for a project, I am more likely to call upon someone I have worked beside rather than someone who was completely closed off to the idea of collaboration. In a way, you’re investing in your own references and opportunities.

So next time you think you may have an idea worth expanding on… but feel like you may need some extra hands… put down the overzealous self-conscious pride… and invest in future opportunity and build each other up.