Your Cheer Squad is a key group of people in your corner who can encourage and uplift you and, most importantly, will provide you with honest feedback.
This is particularly useful if you operate a small or micro business, as it can be quite isolating. As well as providing encouragement, your Cheer Squad will hold you accountable to your goals, offering feedback and a motivation boost when needed.
And best of all - you get to choose and build your Cheer Squad based on what you need. It’s important to choose carefully. Here are some tips for building your Cheer Squad.
1. Identify your needs
• What kind of support are you looking for? Whether it's emotional, motivational, or more professional support, understanding your needs can help you identify the right people to include. And then ask them if they would be part of your Cheer Squad.
2. Find the right people
• Close friends and family can be your biggest cheerleaders in life; they are emotionally invested in you and are eager to support your goals and celebrate your successes, however they may not always be the right people for your professional Cheer Squad. It’s about having someone that you respect, who will not betray your confidences, and also has the courage to be honest (albeit gently) and direct with you.
3. Practice gratitude
• Express appreciation: gratitude is more powerful as a two-way street. Regularly thank the people who support you, family and friends, as well as your professional Cheer Squad. This reinforces your connections and relationships, and encourages continued support.
4. Support others
• Be a cheerleader for others. You don’t have to be a member of someone’s inner Cheer Squad to support others in their activities, and this may lead to mutual encouragement and the creation of a broader strong support network.
5. Find an independent Mentor or Coach
• This is an option or complement to the Cheer Squad. Some may find it easier to have an independent professional relationship with a Mentor or Coach to provide guidance and encouragement. Knowing that you’re paying for a service, can make feedback more valuable – and make you more accountable for action.
And as an extra
Leverage virtual support
• Find and follow a select few online. These people may not be in your inner Cheer Squad but provide an additional way to reinforce your journey with individuals who inspire you and benefit from their motivation.
Working with someone else can assist with clarifying your needs and building your Cheer Squad - this is where we can help. Contact me at powerup@careerforceaustralia.com.au or 0409 894 131 to learn more.