Your Network is Your Lifeline: Why You Need Relationships BEFORE You Launch
- Kellie Grutko
- May 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13, 2025
Submitted By:
Mellissa Taylor
Founder of Network-Build-Grow and The Speaker League
Making the leap from the structured world of corporate life into entrepreneurship, small
business, or independent consulting, in fields like real estate, insurance, or finance is
exhilarating - and terrifying. It's like leaving the shore without a map, trusting that you’ll
figure it out as you sail.
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it alone. And more importantly, you shouldn’t.
One of the biggest mistakes new business owners and independent contributors make
is thinking they have to build the whole thing before they start reaching out for support.
“Once the website is done.”
“Once my branding is perfect.”
“Once I know exactly what I'm offering.”
No. Start building your network the moment you even think about stepping out on
your own. Before you file the paperwork. Before you set up the email address. Before you buy the business cards. Your network is your lifeline.
Because when you move from a corporate structure - where you had bosses,
coworkers, HR departments, and tech support - into working for yourself, you’re
suddenly wearing all the hats. It’s easy to feel isolated, overwhelmed, and uncertain. You need people around you who have navigated that path before - mentors, peers,
collaborators, even just sympathetic ears - to show you what you don’t know,
shorten your learning curve, and support your growth.
"Receive without pride, let go without attachment." - Marcus Aurelius
When you’re starting your entrepreneurial journey, receiving help without pride -
being willing to ask questions, admit gaps in your knowledge, and lean on others - is not
weakness. It’s wisdom.
Here is why Early Networking is Critical to your success:
You uncover blind spots you didn’t know existed.
Experienced people can warn you about pitfalls and rookie mistakes before you
make them.
You build confidence.
Having a few trusted voices encouraging you can make all the difference when
self- doubt creeps in.
You tap into resources.
Referrals, tools, checklists, templates, partnerships - good networks are treasure
chests for entrepreneurs.
You accelerate your progress.
Why reinvent the wheel when others can hand you the blueprint?
"The beginning is the most important part of the work." - Plato
If you start your journey connected - not isolated - you set yourself up for success. You
move faster, smarter, and with more resilience.
How to Start Building Your Power Network Now
Find communities.
Look for local meetups, industry associations, or online communities tailored to
entrepreneurs in and outside of your field.
Reach out to people already doing it.
Ask for chats, attend workshops, volunteer at events. People love to share their
journey - and a single conversation could change yours. Just Ask!
Be honest about where you are.
You don’t need to pretend to have it all figured out. Authenticity builds trust.
Offer value, even as a beginner.
You might not have experience yet, but you have energy, ideas, connections of
your own. Relationships are two-way streets from day one.
The time to build your support network is now — not later.
Because when the challenges come (and they will), it won’t be a logo or a website that
saves you. It will be the people you can call, the advice you can trust, and the
relationships you’ve nurtured from the beginning.
Don’t build your dream in isolation. Build it with a village.
When we work with our clients one of the first things we do is determine who they need
surrounding them. From cheerleaders, listeners, strategists, strategic business
alliances, and others. In my own experiences it has been extremely helpful, so we didn’t
go down the wrong path, take a tactical turn into failure, or flat out just make a big flop in
‘doesn’t make a difference land’.
Remember, your network isn't just your net worth - it's your safety net, your runway,
and your rocket fuel.
Comments