I recently saw a book who’s synopsis said something to the effect that “not all people who start a small business are entrepreneurs. Now, while I might agree with that (more on this at a later date), it doesn’t make it any less lonely.

Being a business owner is HARD. It generally means working longer hours to get away from your normal 9-5 jobs. Most people think how great it will be to your own boss, and not have to work for “The Man,” but at least there’s people in corporate America, and heck, even Mcdonald’s. Being your own boss/Human Resourses/social media marketer/etc. can strike the worst feelings of loneliness. It can feel like you are all alone, especially if you don’t have someone to “mentor” you through the process. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

About a month ago, I wrote a post about our local Tuesdays Together group which is a part of the Rising Tide society. It’s a place to connect with other creative entrepreneurs who have the same issues, and struggles. The same fears and doubt, and it’s SO comforting to me to know that I’m NOT the only one going through those things.

I’m not the only one struggling to find the balance between “mom life” and “work life”

I’m not the only one worried about the lack of inquiries coming in.

I’m not the only one struggling with feeling discouraged because this other photographer is doing SO MUCH MORE than I am.

These people get it. And these people believe whole-heartedly in Community over Competition. I know we all struggle with it, but with practice, it can start to become second nature. We don’t need to hide under a rock so everyone else finds out how we’re doing things, and steal our work. If someone wants to do that, they’re going to do it either way. Sometimes people suck. We have to push forward. I’m getting off topic….

The Rising Tide Society is an amazing resource for any small business owner, and for ALL entrepreneurs! They recently made a video and it couldn’t sum things up any better.

Rising Tide Society // #CommunityOverCompetition from Stephen Diaz on Vimeo.

The Rising Tide came to me when I was stranded on a desert island (to keep this relative). They were like the tide washing in to save my poor boat that had been brought to shore through some of the WORST storms. To make matters worse, I didn’t really know how to even sail the boat. I hopped on just like Moana, thinking that I was this master way-finder, only to be tossed and turned by the waters. I found the Rising Tide and it was like a saving grace.

There’s SO much amazing information and support from this community. I seriously can’t get over how much AMAZING information these guys put together for the rest of us. They put their heart and soul into this group, and it’s JUST to make things easier for the rest of us.

So if there’s times you feel like you’re like me, and your stranded on that shore. Feeling hopeless and alone, and thinking that NOTHING is going right, and you don’t know your bow from your stern, you don’t need to worry anymore. 🙂 We’ve got you.