Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited as a speaker on the Pluxee IMM Connect Podcast. While the focus was on networking, the conversation quickly expanded to something every entrepreneur faces: the need for support and community.

For years, I believed that large corporations drove the economy. But over time – and with experience – I’ve come to understand that small businesses are the true engine of growth. With over 25,000 SMEs in its client base, Pluxee Romania certainly knows this too.

Entrepreneurship, as my brother once put it, “is not for the faint of heart.” It’s a path filled with challenges – but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What makes it sustainable, even joyful, is finding the right community.

Throughout my career, I’ve joined several business groups across countries. I’ve learned that it’s not about joining the most prestigious association or trendy network. It’s about finding a community that resonates with you, challenges you, and supports you.

Working alone might seem efficient at first – but over time, we all need peers. People to share ideas with, to learn from, and to benchmark against. This is why Pluxee IMM Connect caught my attention. It’s more than a platform – it’s a living, breathing ecosystem for Romanian entrepreneurs with expert-led content, and real-world webinars, it’s tailored to the needs of SMEs.

One book I always recommend to entrepreneurs is The Innovators by Walter Isaacson. It shows, through the stories of pioneers like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Larry Page and Sergei Brin, that behind every legendary entrepreneur is a network of collaborators. Success doesn’t come from lone genius – it comes from shared effort and community. Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia once said:  A bumblebee brings half an idea from one realm, and pollinates another fertile realm filled with half-formed innovation” (source: The Innovators, Walter Isaacson).

Take Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Jobs had the vision, Wozniak had the tech genius. However, without a third person (or techie or quant) called Bob who made the introduction to both gentlemen, there would be no Apple. Or Bill Gates and Paul Allen – complementary skills that birthed Microsoft. Even AOL’s Steve Case said it best: “People like to be part of communities.”

This theme came full circle during my podcast interview with Teddy Paun, who asked about a networking experience that shaped my career. My answer was simple: community made the difference. I’ve joined chambers of commerce, industry groups, and even kept in touch with former students. One example? By actively participating in the Netherlands Romanian Chamber of Commerce (NRCC), I landed seven clients and was recently elected to its board.

Communities create serendipity—those surprising but game-changing connections.

I’m not just “talking the talk”. I’ve gained multinational experience and became an entrepreneur myself, none of which would have happened without finding the right communities. To be brave as an entrepreneur, one must believe in the power of people. Could you ever imagine managing your business without the support of others?

Entrepreneurs are the heart of their business, but nothing of significance is ever built alone. A strong community can offer your next big client, top hire, investor, or insight.

That’s why I encourage you to join Pluxee IMM Connect as a member. Whether you’re a start-up or scaling up, this platform offers you:

• Real networking with like-minded entrepreneurs
• Knowledge
• Inspiration
• Access to experts

💡Ready to connect with a dynamic entrepreneurial community?
👉 Join Pluxee IMM Connect

Paul Renaud

paul@paul-renaud.com

/ this article is a paid partnership /