As an entrepreneur in the health and wellness space, you probably pour a ton of energy into helping others thrive. Your work is all about connecting and supporting your clients on their journey to well-being.
But who is supporting you?
The life of an entrepreneur or business owner can sometimes be a bit lonely. Having a support network isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity.
It's amazing when you can connect with others who just get it.
Building a strong community of peers and mentors (known as your entrepreneur network) can make a huge difference in sustaining your passion for your work, scaling your company, and maintaining your overall well-being.
Understanding the Value of a Supportive Entrepreneur Network
Don't get me wrong... running a wellness business can be deeply rewarding, but it can also feel isolating.
When you can find your people (those who have been there before or are navigating similar challenges) they can help you get through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship by offering emotional and practical support.
A community provides an opportunity to troubleshoot, celebrate success, and brainstorm. Whether it's someone suggesting a solution for a business problem or a mentor encouraging you during a tricky week, these connections remind you that you’re not alone.
These supportive networks also open doors to collaboration. For example, a yoga instructor might meet a nutritionist through their network. The two might hit it off and decide to host a wellness retreat together! This kind of partnership can expand your reach, diversify your offerings, and strengthen your local wellness community.
Beyond the business benefits, having a trusted network can improve mental and emotional resilience. When you know you have people you can turn to who understand the ins and outs of the industry, it can help reduce stress and burnout. And the better you feel, the more you can show up for your clients.
Identifying Your Needs and Goals
Before you start building your entrepreneur network, it’s important to reflect on what you’re looking for.
Do you want mentorship from experienced professionals?
Do you need a peer group for accountability?
Are you looking for opportunities for shared learning?
Or are you hoping to find others with complementary practitioners for future collaborations?
You'll be able to hone in on the right opportunities by first recognizing your needs. For instance, if you’re struggling to grow your health and wellness business, finding a mentor who navigated similar issues could be helpful.
Or, if you’re looking for some daily or weekly motivation, a small accountability group might be just what you need.
Start by identifying gaps in your current connections. You may have a strong circle of close friends but lack industry-specific advice. That's super common!
Or maybe you’ve been working by yourself for years and feel disconnected from the rest of the wellness community. Being clear about what kind of support you need ensures your efforts to build an entrepreneur network are intentional and aligned with your goals.
Where to Find Your Community
To build a supportive entrepreneur network, you need to know where to look! Thankfully, there are many ways to connect with like-minded professionals in the health and wellness industry.
Events and Workshops: Going to local wellness expos, yoga teacher training, or holistic health workshops is a fabulous way to meet others you're in alignment with. You could also consider local networking events specifically for entrepreneurs. That might help you connect with professionals outside your niche - that outside perspective can be valuable, too.
Online Communities: You don't just have to think locally. Social media groups and professional networks like LinkedIn offer amazing opportunities to connect with practitioners around the world! For example, joining a Facebook group for holistic practitioners can introduce you to others who share insights, encouragement, or referrals to other resources.
Industry Memberships: Many wellness associations and certification programs offer networking opportunities as part of their membership. That's such a great benefit of being part of these! These organizations will often host events or webinars where members can engage with others in the health and wellness industry.
Through attending a handful of different summits and events over the years I've had the opportunity to meet many amazing practitioners (who ended up becoming clients) and was also privileged to meet some of the best functional medicine doctors and health/wellness industry leaders like Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Josh Axe, Dr. Casey Means, Joy McCarthy, Andrew Huberman, and many others!
You might be nervous about reaching out or connecting and attending these events, but don't be!
Everyone in these spaces is there because they're also looking for connection and community. Introduce yourself and express your interest in learning from or collaborating with others.
Cultivating Meaningful Relationships
Building an entrepreneur network isn’t just about adding names to your contact list. This exercise is about creating authentic and (mutually) helpful relationships.
To do that, start by showing genuine interest in the people you meet, both online and in person. Ask them about their work in the industry, the challenges they face, and what they want to achieve.
Then, listen to their answers.
Active listening demonstrates that you value their perspective and allows for a deeper connection.
Offer value wherever you can, too! Whether it’s sharing a helpful resource, offering to cross-promote their services, or being a sounding board, small acts of support can strengthen relationships. For example, if you’re a massage therapist, you might refer a client seeking nutritional guidance to a trusted dietitian from your network.
Regular check-ins, whether through a quick email or a coffee chat, keep relationships fresh. These connections aren’t just professional—they’re an opportunity to build community and shared purpose.
Maintaining and Growing Your Entrepreneur Network
Like most things in life, a support network thrives with regular care and attention. Once you’ve built your connections, you'll need to nurture them.
We recommend scheduling regular check-ins with mentors or peers to discuss progress in your business or on specific projects, as well as challenges and goals.
Remember to be open to new connections as your business evolves, too. You might realize you need support on something new!
Attend industry events, participate in online discussions, and stay curious about the people you meet. Making an effort to grow and diversify your network ensures you’ll always be learning, adapting, and finding inspiration.
However, quality matters more than quantity. A smaller network of engaged, trusted connections can often have a greater impact than a large but superficial list of contacts.
Creating Real Connection
Building a supportive entrepreneur network isn’t just about growing your health and wellness business, it's so much more! When we take the time to establish a community for ourselves, we create a foundation of connection, trust, and collaboration that sustains our passion and purpose.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded professionals provides the resources, advice, and encouragement needed to navigate the (sometimes challenging) entrepreneurial journey.
Whether you’re just starting in this industry or looking to expand your network, remember that finding the right people takes time and intention. By prioritizing authentic and mutually beneficial relationships, you can uplift your business and enhance your well-being.
Here's to finding our people and growing together! :)
Shayah Reed
Virtuwell Balance Founder
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