Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening everybody. And welcome to today's episode of the Never Peak Project podcast. I'm your host, Coach Ranger. And in today's episode of the pod, we're going to be talking about success with support and how relationships fuel solopreneurship. So sit back, relax, grab the beverage of your choice, and enjoy as we talk about the importance of developing a team outside of your organization to help you on your journey.
Also, today is an exclusive audio-only podcast. Now, if you hear that and you say, what do you mean audio-only? We do upload most of the episodes onto our YouTube channel. It's just RangerKeyLac. I will put the YouTube link in the description so that you can subscribe to us there as well. But today's episode is going to be only on the audio feed of the podcast. As a solopreneur, it's very easy to feel like you have to do everything on your own.
But really, the truth is that no one succeeds in a vacuum. When I did my walk across the United States last year, one of the biggest lessons that I learned was the importance of developing a team and having a community around you as you do big things. So in this episode, we're really going to be diving into the power of relationships and entrepreneurship from your personal network to business connections, mentors, and even the partner that you choose to spend the rest of your life with.
I'll share some of my own experiences, practical insights, and ways that you can leverage the support system around you to grow your business sustainably. So whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this episode will help you build a network that fuels your success. One of the very first things that I want to talk to you about today is the myth of the self-made entrepreneur.
Now, guys, it's really easy to idolize the idea of the self-made entrepreneur, the person who is in their grindset and works away in isolation, hustling their way to success with nothing but sheer will and determination. But to pop that bubble, the truth is that no one succeeds alone. Even the most successful business leaders and solopreneurs have relied on mentors, coaches, advisors, and their own personal support systems to help them navigate challenges and scale their businesses.
Now, that's not to say that everything was handed to them or that they didn't have to work extremely hard for where they wanted to be, but I don't want to negate or forget about the importance of having people as a support system or resources to help you get from point A to point B. Again, when I did my walk across the United States last year, I was the only one that was walking every single day. I didn't have a support vehicle. I didn't have somebody behind me.
I didn't have people checking in on me necessarily throughout the day, but I was able to develop and create a community over time that really helped make sure that I got from Myrtle Beach to Los Angeles in mostly one piece. Now, there's quite a few hidden struggles of the solopreneur. While being your own boss does have its own perks, like freedom, flexibility, and creative control, it also comes with some unique struggles that we don't always talk about while we are playing the game.
A few weeks ago, we talked about silencing the inner critic. We've talked about boundaries. We've talked about making the most of your referral network. But today, I really want to talk about the importance of having a community around you. Because some of the struggles that we face as solopreneurs could very well be isolation.
When you're on your own, kind of in your little office, your chamber, like I like to say, I'm in my $2 million office most days working on my business, just a spare bedroom in my fiance's parents' house. Being alone and working on the business day to day can lead to fewer social interactions, which could make you feel like you're disconnected or you lack motivation. It can also cause you to really forget the reason that you're doing this.
Typically, when you are a solopreneur, an entrepreneur, or somebody that is starting some kind of organization or movement, it is around other people, the environment, or the animals that make the world a beautiful place. So without being able to get out there and see what it is that you're trying to create and the people that would be included in that, you can kind of lose that motivation and feel disconnected.
And that can kind of lead to burnout or decision fatigue, which can, again, almost cause a catalyzing effect where it just speeds up that negative process. So really, what I want to get through to you today in today's episode is that learning to ask for help and leaning on your network is a strength, not a weakness. We can't be too proud to say that we did everything on our own, which could really potentially lead to the overall mission of the business not being fulfilled.
I think it's about being really able to recognize when our wants or desires to build something on our own gets in the way of that thing being actually built. It's almost like, what's more important, that I do this completely alone, that I'm able to say that I didn't rely on anybody or that I was able to bootstrap this from beginning to end or be able to say that the mission and vision was actually achieved. I am able to get to the income that I want.
I was able to create the outcomes that I really knew that I could for my clients and that the people that I serve are in a better place than they were before working with me. What's more important there? And I think that the biggest thing that I want you to walk away with is that the strongest businesses are built on strong relationships.
Whether it's through very strategic networking, mentorship, or your personal support systems, it is a team effort, even if you're a solopreneur and you're the only one on that business paperwork and payroll. So really, the first thing to take into consideration when you're building up this network of people that are around you and that social sphere of influence is remember that your spouse is the most important decision you can make when it comes at the success you have in your life.
Warren Buffett has a quote that goes, the most important decision of your life is who you choose to marry. Sheryl Sandberg and a few other folks have very similar quotes. But really, it's just because that is a person you're going to be spending a vast majority of your life with. They're going to be the ones you go home to every night. They're going to be the ones that share your successes and your failures with.
So you want to make sure that they are a extreme asset and not a liability or a drain on your emotional, mental, and physical state. Now, sure, it can sound a little bit funny and tactical that you're saying that the best way to be successful in your business is by picking someone that is good in terms of your spouse. But really, it's deeper than that.
It's making sure that that person aligns with your personal values, that they are into the same thing as you are, that they're able to make very good decisions, that you guys work well together. Because if you're constantly fighting or causing issues or there's just not a lot of alignment in terms of your overall goals and vision for life, that's going to put a drain on you and honestly them as well.
It's about making sure that since entrepreneurship is such a lifestyle, that the other main part of your lifestyle is beneficial as well. And that's because when you're in a relationship, your partner is along for the ride, whether they signed up for it or not.
You also have to make sure that they are comfortable, that they have an understanding of what's going on so that they can support you the best way they can, step up when they need to, and that you can accurately communicate what is going on at all times. Now, my fiance has been one of my biggest supporters throughout my entire entrepreneurial journey.
Whether it was the little side things that I was doing here or there during COVID, selling candles or doing snake bags on Etsy, all the way to my walk across the United States or my journey into within range and the NeverPeak project podcast, really she has just always been there for me. One of the quotes that I saw somewhere else was, your spouse should believe in you more than you do. And I think that that really holds true with her support and me.
It's really not even just keeping me focused and motivated, but making sure that I am constantly reminded of the reason why I am doing this. If I ever feel like I am kind of giving up on something or I don't wanna do something, she's the first one to say, are you sure? This is what you said that you wanted, what's changed? And really just making sure that the decisions I made, or the decisions that I make are not made out of obligation, but out of choice.
And the other really great thing is that she is a fantastic sounding board for ideas that I have. She's able to help me remember, hey, you can't take on a million things at all times. I like to joke that whenever I join an organization, if you give me six months, I will end up being the president of that organization.
And that's not a flex, I think it's just because I come into organizations really hot and excited, and people notice that, and they take a liking to it and want me to be a part of it. Or in some cases, they see me as the eager new guy that they can dump responsibility on.
But she's also helped me set really clear boundaries in my life and my extracurriculars to make sure that I do have time for what's going on at home, that I have time for her, that I have time for the animals, that I can really focus on the other things in life that bring me joy. And I think the other big thing there is that when I say that your spouse is the most important decision you can make, is it's not just the business side of things, right? It's really that personal side.
It's those encouraging words after tough days, or reminding you to practice self-care, or see challenges as opportunities. Really just like a ton of different aspects in your life where they are able to help you calm down, slow down, and be present. I'd really say that that's probably the biggest thing as I'm saying everything, is your spouse is gonna be what helps you stay present and focused on what is going on in your life. And the same thing can be for your friends or family.
I'm a big fan of if they aren't serving you, or if you're not serving them, then you don't need to have them around. There's plenty of friends that in different seasons of my life have been great allies or great parts of it. But as time goes on, you just kind of make the realization that this isn't what's best for me. I think that that is kind of where that thing is, where you become the five people that you hang out with the most.
I think that is something very, very, very important to keep in mind as you're on the journey of solo and entrepreneurship, is that the people that you spend time with are going to be the people that take your time from you.
They're gonna give you the bad habits, they're gonna give you the good habits, they're gonna make sure that you are investing correctly, that you're really just focused on what you wanna create in your life, and at the same time, you're able to give back and help them with their goals and aspirations as well.
So when it comes to this first part, it's really just making sure that your spouse, friends, and family are really locked in and you're making very conscious, effective decisions around who you spend your time with and what that time actually looks like. And the other major area, of course, is going to be the people that are more so on the business side. So when it comes to my company within range coaching, I really like to focus on personal wellness and business success.
So on the personal side, it's your spouse, friends, and family, whereas on the business side, that's going to be your BNI groups, your networking organizations, your coaches, mentors, and really other partnerships that are going to be effective for you. I think that mentors and coaches are going to be one of the greatest assets and tools that you can have on your entrepreneurial journey.
People that have taken the journey before you or are even a few steps ahead or way up the mountain beyond where you wanna go are the type of people that you wanna have on your team. When I started walking across the United States and planning for it, I spent a lot of time Googling different tools, tips, and tricks, trying to read articles, and get advice from people that had never really walked across the US.
And it wasn't until I reached out to people that had actually done it and succeeded in doing it that I got real advice and support that actually helped me get from one side of the US to the other. I think it's the same exact thing in entrepreneurship. When it comes to finding people that are going to be good allies and help you make things happen, you wanna make sure that they've been there before.
So whether it is mindset, business, or any other specific coaches or mentors, make sure that you find people that are going to be a good ally on your side. And then remember that there are other networks that can be a great asset for you as well. Last week we talked a little bit about BNI and the importance of using your organization or your club as a sales team for your organization. Being sure that you are actively showing up to your networking groups.
Let's just pretend that you are for sure in BNI for this. Making sure that you are showing up every single week, that you are on time, that you are dressed professionally, that you are hitting your 30 or 60 second elevator pitch as hard as you can, and that you're actually putting in the work to do one-to-ones on a weekly basis. You really wanna make sure that you're putting in the work and making the most of those groups.
Same thing goes for mastermind groups or any certifications that you're doing. One of the tips that I got from Alex Ramosi before I started my certification, I got it from him as if he told me specifically, I heard it on one of his videos, was if you're in a mastermind or if you're in a group or you're in a class, be the number one student. You are paying money, you are paying time, and you're paying attention to be there. Make the most out of it. There's no reason for you not to do so.
And I think that same mindset goes towards networking events. One of the things that I like to do before I go to a big networking event, when I'm feeling a little bit nervous or kind of like I wanna back out of it last second, is to look at my bank account, see that I'm not where I wanna be, and then go in there and make the connections. Because when you are putting the work in, you're going to get it out eventually.
What's the other thing that Alex Ramosi says is be impatient with the inputs, but patient with the outputs. Really, when it comes to your network and building up this professional support team for yourself, is to remember that the more work you put into it, the more positive outcomes you're going to get out of it. I think another thing, like an extra bonus pro tip, is to remember that when it comes to your professional support, it's not even necessarily just people that are in front of you.
It could be people that are authors that have written books that are relevant to your field. Really make sure that you are taking full advantage of different texts, different audio books, physical books, podcasts, whatever, and that you're actually applying the information that you are learning and reading. Don't just be the people that kind of, oh, I read 52 books last year, and they kind of just flaunt that around like an accomplishment.
Be the type of person that read one book 52 times and actually applied what you have learned from that text. I think that that is really the bigger thing that you want to focus on, is learning from these people, but actually applying it later on. When it comes to that professional side, I'd really say that the four main things that we focus on at all times is to be intentional about networking. You want to make sure that you're maintaining quality over quantity.
A business practice that I love to reference is more, better, new. You really want to start off doing as much as possible. Like right now, I am in the process of doing more one-to-ones. I have noticed that when it comes to the regional awards for BNI, they give awards based off of the amount of one-to-ones that you've done, the amount of referrals that you have done. Now, one-to-ones are something that I have full control over.
I can send an email, I can have an outreach, or I can communicate with different people to set up as many one-to-ones as possible. I want to get on that list of the most amount of networking done in a year. The reason for that is I can't necessarily control the amount of referrals I give or receive because it's an input or an output that is dependent on other factors. Whereas one-to-ones are just around, did I meet with this person or did I not?
But now that I am at the point that I've done 50 or 60 of them in the few month period, I really want to start focusing in on the people that would be my power partners. So that's where that intentionality around networking comes into play. It's great to have a lot of people know your name and know what you do, but it's even better if you have a lot of people that can refer you business, know what you do, and the results that you apply and can give to your clients.
The next thing is to join communities that align with your values. Now the big thing here is to make sure that, again, you're putting in your time and effort where you need to the most. Now there have been plenty of organizations that I've gone to a couple meetings to that I just didn't really vibe with the overall atmosphere of the group.
Whether it was some Toastmasters clubs that I visited beforehand or other adult service organizations, you can just kind of tell when the vibes don't match what you want to see. It took me going to two or three different Toastmasters groups until I found one that I really enjoyed and appreciated, and that is the group that I am now competing for at the district level.
So it's, again, just really making sure that you are aware of what your values are and what you bring to the table so that you know when a seat that's open is a good fit for you. Now the next thing is to give before you ask. Now remember that when you provide value to someone else, even if it is not something that you have created, people will associate that value with you.
One of the things that I like to do for my 10, 20 whatever minute presentations in my networking groups is to give a copy of Alex Hermosy's $100 million offers or leads. The reason for that is I have found huge value in terms of the impact that book has had on my life and my business, and I believe that it could have that same impact on the lives of others.
I like to write a little small note in the book when I give it to them so that they have a extra piece that reminds them that Ranger gave them this thing. Same thing when I go to the bigger networking events and I give away a case of athletic brewing company brews or anything else, those are just small things that you can do to give value, like a physical gift or product or something, but the best thing that you can do is give connections or referrals as well.
What is it, it is better to give than receive methodology. The power of giving or the giver's gain mentality in BNI is really just, generosity is a superpower and can really supercharge your relationship building. The next thing is to schedule regular check-ins. You really wanna make sure that you're nurturing those connections for longer term periods rather than just having one-off meetings with people and then forgetting about them. Now personally, this is something that I wanna work on.
I have done a lot of one-to-ones in the last four or five months, and I am going to, over the next couple weeks, start sending check-in emails to all those people. I have a one-to-one tracker that I have in Google Docs with I think a couple hundred people's emails right now, and I just wanna send a quick, hey, like thinking about you, hope everything is great. If there's anything you need from me, please let me know, and then just hope you're having a great day.
Just something to kind of keep yourself top of mind. Personally, I'm not going to make any asks or sells or CTAs or anything like that in the actual email, but just kind of something to reignite the conversation and let them know, hey, I'm thinking of you, I hope everything is okay. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help. And there is something I can do to help. That is just a way that I can further connect with them even more.
So if that is a challenge that I'm giving to myself, it is a challenge I'm going to give to you as well, the listener. This week, I wanna ask you to reach out to one person, whether it is a mentor, friend, partner, or a business connection, and just express some gratitude for their support, or just do a check-in to see how they're doing. Because honestly, not enough of us are checking in on each other and asking for ways that we can help and support them.
So reach out to someone, see what you can do to help them out. Really, that is all that I have for today's episode. It's really just reminding yourself that the journey of solopreneurship doesn't have to be done by yourself. There are so many people out there that are just waiting to help you, you just need to go and find them. Relationships fuel success, whether it is your personal life or your professional life.
So as always, if this message that you listened to today is valuable, please share it with a friend, colleague, or an associate, and leave a rating and review on whatever podcast platform you're listening to. It's going to take just a few seconds and a few swipes of your thumb, but it means the world to me and could help somebody else further down the road.
There's going to be some extras in the description, and next week is actually my one year anniversary of starting my walk across the country. So I'm going to release a special episode about lessons learned from the walk and how that applies to business, so be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for next week's episode of a Never Peak Project Podcast. As always, remember, the best is yet to come as long as you're willing to make the decision to never settle, never quit, and never peak.
I'll see you guys in the next episode.