Does running a business ever make you feel lonely?
It sure has for me at times.
Back in 2015, I was a sad-ass panda.
MFF was continuing to break records.
But it was becoming clear to me, that as the owner, the cheese stands alone.
As much as I LOVED my team, I felt isolated. Because I knew part of my job was managing, disciplining, giving raises, etc. And while I can’t say I was doing a particularly great job at this point in my career, I was doing enough to make things kinda weird.
I can remember doing the workshop that kicks off Snatched, our six-week transformation program. We did a “wheel of life” exercise, ranking how satisfied we were with various parts of our life.
And I gave myself a 4 out of 10 for Community.
Womp womp.
For someone that talked a lot about community, I was adrift.
Now I don’t want to oversell this. I still had good relationships with the team. I also had a great relationship with my soon-to-be-fiancée. And I was lucky enough to have a business partner.
But I knew it was time to find a community where I could plug in as a peer.
Listen, I’m all for transparency and positive relationships with your team. But it’s not always appropriate to share all your fears and struggles. Nor do most people in your life understand what it means when you have a big business win.
And that’s when I joined an Entrepreneur’s Organization forum: a small group of business owners who meet every month to share their “top and bottom 5%.”
Part of the magic is everything is shared in total confidence. Even my best friends know nothing about this shadow counsel. But after over 9 years (!) of monthly deep dives, they’re a fundamental support system in my life.
Here’s why this is so powerful:
When it comes to work stuff, I don’t need accountability. It comes easy to me. I’m a f*cking cyborg.
When it comes to social stuff? I do.
Lest we forget, relationships are more important to your flourishing than professional accomplishments.
By having this consistent pulse, I get to “do life” with people I love and respect. And yes, being business owners, there’s often direct business value. But beyond that, I’m going through life with people that “get me”; who understand the unique joys and frustrations of what we’ve all chosen to do.
This is one of the things I’m most proud of when it comes to the Unicorn Society.
Yes, it’s a business group. That means we need to make our members a positive ROI. Full stop.
But beyond the playbooks, accountability, and coaching, lasting and deep friendships are formed.
People who get you, and get what you do. People who support you when you get kicked in the teeth, and root for you when you win.
So if you ever feel like you’re floating out there in space,
Get yourself into a community of like-minded peers.
Life is better when you’re doing it with friends.
Toasting you with a perfectly pulled double espresso,
Mark
PS Our next Toronto Unicorn Society retreat is coming up on March 21st-22nd.
We’re covering everything related to Marketing & Sales.
We also do plenty of lightly structured connecting with gym owner attendees. Content aside, our small group dine-around is always a highlight of the event.
We already sold out most of our extra seats for non-Unicorn Society members last month.
But we do have a couple of early bird spots left.
If you’re interested in connecting with some fellow gym owners,
And doing life with friends,
Comment “TORONTO” and I’ll get you the rest of the details.