Building a business can feel lonely—but it shouldn’t be. In my last article, I talked about the power of belonging to an entrepreneurial community. Now I’d like to take that idea one step further: the real growth begins when you surround yourself with like-minded people.
These aren’t just peers. They’re the ones who challenge your assumptions, tell you the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, and push you to act. But let me be honest—finding these people isn’t easy.
You’ll likely join several communities before you find the right fit. Many won’t align with your values or goals—and that’s okay. The point is not to give up. One of my mentors gave me this advice: “If you want to join a community—say, a chamber of commerce or a business association—don’t hesitate. But showing up once or twice won’t cut it. You need to go often. Become part of the rhythm. And if you really want to unlock its value, join a committee, a task force, or the board. That’s where the decision-makers are.”
He was right. The more you invest in a community, the more it gives back. It’s a long-term play, but the payoff can be career-defining.
And when you do find like-minded people—those who’ve walked the path before you—listen to them. They won’t tell you what you want to hear. They’ll be honest. They’ll share what worked, what failed, and what pushed them forward. If their feedback makes you uncomfortable, you’re probably standing on the edge of something transformative. That’s your cue to execute.
But here’s the part most people overlook: Don’t just take—give!
In Give and Take, author Adam Grant explains that the most successful people are “givers”—those who help others without expecting anything in return. Takers, on the other hand, drain networks. If someone helps you, pay it forward. Help someone else. Make the intro. Share your knowledge. Give without keeping score.
We live in a world that has too many takers—and not enough givers. But when you lead by giving, you stand out. You build trust, goodwill, and a reputation that draws the right people toward you.
If you don’t know where to start, check out Pluxee IMM Connect which 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. This platform gives you ideas how like-minded people process, think and execute. It is the go-to spot to learn and follow from Entrepreneurs because it’s strong community can offer your next big client, top hire, investor, or insight.
So yes—find the right community. But go deeper. Show up consistently. Invest your time. Give more than you take. And when you find that rare, like-minded peer who helps you grow—return the favor by becoming that person for someone else.
That’s not just networking. That’s leadership.
💡Ready to connect with a dynamic entrepreneurial community?
👉 Join Pluxee IMM Connect
Paul Renaud
/ this article is a paid partnership /