One of the primary components of a long-term, enduring business is a strong support network. In short, “Never Freelance Alone.” Today I’ll unpack four circles of support vital to the health of your business, along with five strategies for building a supportive community in 2022. Get ready for your best year yet with fellow freelancers and virtual assistants by your side!   Podcast Outline: [0:42] How to build a long-term, enduring business - the importance of incorporating the principle “Never Freelance Alone” into your freelance or virtual assistant business. [3:36] “How is your support network?” - Craig explains the roles a support network can play in your business and life.   Four Circles of Support Required to Build a Healthy Community for Your Business [5:05] #1 Your Business Champion - how this person can be your greatest support and a constant source of encouragement. [6:05] #2 Close Family and Friends - how they may not understand what you do, but they support and encourage you. [6:34] #3 A Coach or a Mentor - how you can learn from this person as they challenge you to get better and support you.  [7:05] #4 Your Community - how you could learn from your peers in an online or offline group, build camaraderie, and receive support.   Five Strategies to Build a Supportive Community in 2022 [9:20] #1 Pick one or two online groups to actively participate in - how to choose them and regularly invest in relationships there. [10:21] #2 Research and identify any events you can participate in locally - how they can help build your support network and client base. [11:19] #3 Connect with some like-minded freelancers or VAs regularly - how to join a mastermind and receive constructive feedback from the group. [12:22] #4 Recruit a mentor or coach - how these people can influence you in a powerful way and help you grow even faster. [12:52] #5 Join Freelance University - how hundreds of people in our learning community actively support each other and benefit from training courses and resources. [14:41] How to learn more about Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Facebook Groups Meetup Groups LinkedIn Groups Mighty Networks  Circle Group eWomenNetwork  Netflix