We constantly hear about (and experience) the incredible challenges involved in starting out as an entrepreneur; long hours, lack of finance, risks, stress etc. A good support network is essential to help overcome these hurdles and is worth its weight in gold.

As the Director of my first company, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy (or everyone would be doing it right?) however I didn’t realise the immense amount of time it would take just to finalise my business model, branding, website, terms and conditions…the list goes on!

Although I am immensely passionate and excited about my new endeavour, life is far from easy. Earlier this week when things were looking decidedly bleak, I went to spend the last of my funds on groceries. During the 20 minutes I was in the supermarket, someone stole my bicycle – in broad daylight they cut through the huge chain in a busy market place! It was one of those moments when I suddenly felt thoroughly defeated. I actually cried. I walked home with my groceries, helmet still on and trousers still tucked into my sock feeling really sorry for myself.

Once at home all I wanted to do was lock the door and go to bed, never wanting to face the evil world again. Instead I called my girlfriend, Tweeted and Face Booked my tragedy and emailed my Strategist. Instantly I was hit with a barrage of sympathy and support from people who knew exactly where I was at and knew how to get me laughing again.

There has been numerous times when I don’t know how long I would have wallowed in my misery or just completely caved in if it wasn’t for my support network. Made up of friends, family and associates, they make the difference between throwing in the towel and rebounding back on top form. Surrounding myself with like-minded ‘eagles’ who have been through it all before and have unwavering belief in me and my company is the most important thing I have done.

To make sure you always bounce back, here are 5 top tips to strengthen your support network:

1. Eagles or Emus?

There is nothing wrong with an emu – it just can’t fly.

Surround yourself with people you admire, respect, operate ethically, and are on a higher entrepreneurial level than you – meaning they have actually achieved the things you are aiming for. Hang out with people going places. Absorb their passion and experience and build relationships with them by supporting and sharing. They understand what you are going through and are helping to cut the path to where you want to go. If you are going to spend time learning to fly, you may as well learn from the best.

2. Beware of ‘The Best Intentions’

Initially it might be difficult to weed out the more non-supportive members in your network because their advice and point of view still makes sense…at the beginning.

Slowly, as your priorities and ambitions change, it will be advantageous to reduce the amount of advice you take on board from people who either don’t understand what you are trying to achieve, or are letting their fear get in your way, even when they have your best interest at heart.

3. Be in the Right Places at the Right Times

Ask around and search the internet for the people you want in your network. Where do they hang out? What events are they going to? Then be there. Talk to them, enquire about their business, show your passion and ask how you can help them. Let them see you are willing to go through the difficult stages in order to achieve your dreams.

I remember peering into the window of the exclusive Coutts Bank on The Strand just to see the titles of the magazines on the tables in their waiting area – then go and buy a copy because I want to be reading what those people are reading!

4. Ask For It

When you find someone you think could be the perfect mentor and addition to your network, don’t be afraid to just come straight out and ask them. Don’t be held back because you think they would be too busy, are too successful, wouldn’t be interested etc. Most successful entrepreneurs are more than willing to spread their learning and experience around to help others. They also benefit as mentors because it causes them to re-analyse their own business practices and you can help promote their business through new channels.

5. Pay For It

Although your support network will be made up of friends, family and associates who often come free of charge, it’s vital to invest in yourself and your business by paying to have experts on your side.

One rainy Sunday I came across an online article on a business networking site and really identified with it.  I clicked through to the author’s website and sent her an email asking if she wanted to be my mentor. She agreed and even though it is really difficult to find the money to pay for things before you have any money coming in, with her on board the money will be coming in a lot faster than if I hadn’t recognised her value and made the decision to pay for it.

Image courtesy of Eon productions.

It was a Tuesday. I was working as a Business Development Manager for a high-end property refurbishment company in central London and although I enjoyed most aspects of the role, the integrity and ethical behaviour of the company was rubbish! Miserable, angry at myself for being in this position and generally fed up, my two best friends called an emergency lunch meeting to help come up with a solution.

They instantly identified the source of my unhappiness and asked what would happen if I walked back to the office and simply quit? I realised I had nothing to lose (apart from a steady income, holidays and guaranteed sick pay during a major global recession) however, I owed it to myself and those around me to take a stand and finally start making a positive difference.

What didn’t help was being stopped on my way back to the office by a ‘clipboard man’ who explained he had lost his job 3 months ago and so far this was the best job he had been offered – talk about scary! But I went back and quit anyway, restored my self respect, jumped on my motorbike and rode away to take on the world as a wide eyed eco-warrior.

Know What To Say No To

The decision to break free and go out on your own is exciting, empowering and incredibly scary. Initially I had no idea what I wanted to offer or how I could make money, however I had just completed the Wealth Dynamics course with Roger Hamilton so at least I had a far greater insight into my working style and knew what to say no to.

At the beginning this is the only navigational tool you have and every day is a step closer to where you want to be. Even going backwards is important so you can know when to apply the breaks and set off in another direction in the morning. Today I received a call from a recruitment agent who saw that my CV (found lurking on an old job seeker website) stated I had previously worked with a particular legal system and wanted to put me forward for the Implementation Manager role at the Law Society.

It is times like this that all of your molecules combine and want to scream “YES, I would love the job, the fabulous pay and the delirious amount of annual leave combined with the new ability to eat!” But somehow I stood strong, I never did like implementing legal systems and an employee I am not.

So, looks like it’s still beans on toast and two minute noodles for me – but most importantly, steady progress in the right direction.

Network, Flirt and Get Remembered

It’s never too soon to consciously build your network. Fast track success comes from having quality relationships with the right contacts – these will then be your safety net when you set out on your own. I recall hearing that most people frequent the same seven places, with the same seven people every week and wonder why nothing changes in their life. So I made a rule to go to a new place and/or meet a new person at least once a day. With networking events and social media, this is incredibly easy to achieve. I am continually surprised by how far simply saying ‘hello’ to someone can take you…

18 months ago I went to a Business Link event by myself. I worked up the courage to introduce myself to the guest speaker, an inspiring woman named Penny Power. I had some wine and some food then went home, not all together sure why I had been at the event, given I didn’t have my own business. Although I knew more than ever that I wanted one.

Today, I attended another Business Link event and the final speaker was Penny Power! As I am active on social media sites I quickly recognised the gentleman she was with as Thomas, her husband. Penny and Thomas Power are the Founders and Directors of Ecademy, as well as authors, international speakers and entrepreneurs. Thomas recognised my name from our online networking and we started to chat, the three of us got along well and they invited me to their event this evening at the Grosvenor Hotel in Victoria as their guest. This is a great opportunity to mix with leading business owners in the UK.

I love how one ‘hello’ can open the door to so many hidden opportunities…

Things You Can’t Do With Acrylic Nails

There are a few conflicts between personal branding and setting up a business, acrylic nails for example. As a planet saving, motorbike riding, power tool wielding girl-about-town, you may, like me, wonder why I bother with the ongoing hassle of perfectly groomed finger nails? One answer ‘Brand’. I have quickly learnt the importance of good personal branding and I’m in the process of refining my own professional identity. First impressions count and a potential client’s positive perception of you is crucial to getting your business off the ground.

The sacrifices caused by my choice of nails begins small – no longer can I pick up a dropped coin, peel potatoes or get the plug out of the bath. However, the greatest issue of the day is the fact that I am physically unable to use an Apple iPhone! I’ve wanted one for ages! Try as I might, I can’t type a text message without selecting a minimum of 7 letters in one tap. I am left feeling like my Dad with modern technology and fat fingers!

Am avoiding all things Apple and keeping my Blackberry. ‘Everything Everywhere’ technology is critical. So as long as I can call, email, surf and Tweet while scurrying around London then all will be fine. And no, I don’t want to try a stylus!

The Ability To Do Business By The Pool

There are times when setting up your own business is lonely, confusing, and down right horrible. However, there are other times when you know exactly why you’ve made this choice – the new ability to hang out in Private Members Clubs! This morning I made the rare journey with commuters into the City and while they went to their offices, I headed to Shoreditch House. Leaving the scruffy streets of London, I take the lift to the top floor and step out onto the roof terrace (with pool!) where the most difficult decisions of the day are which sun lounger should I sit on and which gorgeous tanned bar tender will I wave down for a latte?

My Associate and I worked through a load of new branding and design concepts, all with an eco and sustainable edge, for our client while others dine or splash past us. This club is definitely my favourite – they even have straighteners in the bathrooms.

Exposure to this type of venue can initially be a bit confusing. Entry to private members clubs is only allowed when attending meetings with someone who is a member but they have their own lingo. Arriving early for a meeting with another Associate at the Royal Society of the Arts, I was in need of caffeine. Knowing the strict entry rules I asked the gentleman on reception if he was aware of my meeting? He asked if my name was Rebecca? I said no, and that my meeting was with Lili. He then asked if she was a fellow? Of course I said she wasn’t, she was a woman! I wondered what difference it made if she was a man or a woman, then realised he meant ‘Fellow’ of the Society. I quickly said yes, hoping he hadn’t understood my Australian accent and scooted off as fast as possible!

Prepare for Space Travel

After a few weeks of spending around 14 hours a day, 7 days a week hunting for eco solutions, ethical companies, exciting new contacts, learning how to build websites, successfully utilise social media, starting to think like an entrepreneur, designing logos, meeting with mentors etc, I’ve noticed something quite unnerving about my relationship with my friends. Not simply because all my time is being taken up, although that is a contributing factor, but because there is obviously two very different planets in front of me, and I am in a little space-ship in between.

Before today I have caught glimpses of beings from the planet ‘Entrepreneur’, in books, newspapers and some personal development courses (and obviously the previously mentioned private members clubs!). I know they share a different vocabulary, however I hadn’t realised how far apart they were from planet ‘Employee’.

My priorities have changed so much that I’m no longer interested in going out to spend money on drinks (money which can be used for my marketing campaign) and wiping out the next day as a consequence is unthinkable. I need to be on form every day – there is no secured wage at the end of the month to see me through, and there is no one else to do the work needed to succeed except me.

It is essential to start surrounding yourself with people from planet ‘Entrepreneur’ and adjusting to the vast difference in activities and lifestyle becomes second nature. Ironically, the silver lining is that finding established entrepreneurs often involves staking out fabulous venues and drinking quality beverages in their company!