The unexpected joy of connecting with other small businesses

Running a small business or building something on your own often comes with this quiet assumption: you’re supposed to be able to handle everything yourself.

The decisions, the ideas, the worries, the marketing, the money, the “what on earth do I do next?” moments.

But one of the most unexpected joys of this whole journey is realising you don’t actually have to carry it alone, because there’s a whole group of people out there doing the same thing, feeling the same things, and trying to figure it out just like you.

There’s a particular kind of connection that forms when you meet another small business owner or solopreneur. It’s instant. You don’t need to justify the long days or the messy middle or the fact that you haven’t posted on social media in two weeks because your brain was full. They just get it.

And the ability to vent, honestly, safely, and without judgement is priceless. Sharing a rant about a tech issue, swapping stories about tricky clients, laughing at the chaos of school pick-ups squeezed between Zoom calls… it makes the load feel lighter. It reminds you that the hard days don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong; they just mean you’re human.

But the magic isn’t only in the venting. It’s in the camaraderie. The “I’ve been there.” The “here’s what worked for me.” The “you’re doing better than you think.” These connections sharpen your ideas and give you perspective you simply can’t get when you’re stuck in your own head.

We talk a lot about strategy, planning, content, visibility; and all of that matters of course. But running a business isn’t just a technical process. Having people around you who understand that, even if you only chat occasionally, changes everything.

If you’ve been feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or like you’re carrying the whole thing on your shoulders, here’s your reminder: you’re not meant to do business in a bubble.

Reach out to someone who gets it.

Send a message.

Grab a coffee.

Join a local group, and say yes to the connection you’ve been missing.

Because the truth is, finding your people makes the whole journey more joyful and far more sustainable.