The Power of Community: Why Surrounding Yourself with the Right People Matters

Jill Bartlett Author

Apr 01, 2025 |

Find a mastermind group or accountability partner to stay motivated, inspired, and grow your business—locally or virtually.

The Turning Point: How One Conversation Changed Everything

It was just over five years ago, COVID was starting, and I began having a weekly phone call with another entrepreneur.

We had never met in person, but week after week, that call became a lifeline as I transitioned from a product-based dog business to the training business, Thank Dog We Made It.

That single conversation each week gave me the accountability, structure, and motivation I needed. She pushed me to take action—sometimes in ways I never would have considered on my own.

Looking back, I can say with certainty: I wouldn’t have launched my first membership or my online training platform without her.

Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

I’ve been in Success Teams and professional business networking groups for over 25 years of being in business—yup, I’ve been in business that long.

I’ve owned businesses in graphic design, eLearning, jewelry, and finally, dog wear.

And through every stage of growth and reinvention, one thing has remained true:

Surrounding myself with the right people has made all the difference.

The Power of Showing Up for Each Other

Today, I meet every two weeks with three incredible women.

They are absolutely brilliant—building their businesses, launching big projects, making things happen.

Sometimes I look at them and think,
"How are they doing all this? How are they so far ahead of me?"

It can be intimidating, but more than that, it pushes me. Their drive, their ideas, their energy—it’s contagious.

A Safe Space for Honest Conversations

But this group isn’t just about business—we’ve become a place where we can safely talk about the challenges, pressures, and uncertainties that come with entrepreneurship.

While friends and family might offer support, they don’t always get what it’s like to put yourself out there, create something from nothing, take risks, and deal with the ups and downs of running a business.

But these women do.

Support Through the Tough Moments

This group has helped me through moments of self-doubt, lack of motivation, and even struggles with mental health.

When you’re running a business on your own, those moments can hit hard.

It’s easy to spiral into imposter syndrome, question whether you're on the right path, and feel overwhelmed by the weight of it all.

But in this group, there’s no need to put on a brave face.

We can be honest about the tough days. The setbacks. The moments when things feel out of control.

And those times when it seems like no matter how much we do, there’s always another hurdle ahead.

The Power of Being Understood

We share the highs and the lows—celebrating the wins, no matter how big or small, and lifting each other up when things don’t go as planned.

Sometimes it’s advice.
Sometimes it’s perspective.
And sometimes, it’s just the reminder that this is hard, but you’re not alone.

One of the biggest benefits? These women live all over North America.

Meeting virtually has widened the net, making it possible to connect with the right people—no matter where they are.

Entrepreneurship Can Be Isolating

Working as a solo business owner can be incredibly isolating.

When you’re the one making all the decisions, handling all the details, and keeping yourself motivated, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a bubble.

There’s no office buzz, no co-workers to bounce ideas off, and no built-in support system.

And that isolation can lead to self-doubt, procrastination, and burnout.

It’s easy to get caught up in your own head, second-guessing every decision, or struggling with motivation and mental health.

That’s why surrounding yourself with the right people isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for long-term success.

Finding Your People

The good news is that you don’t need a massive network to feel supported.

You can:

• Join a Success Team – Small accountability groups where entrepreneurs support each other’s goals and keep each other on track.
• Find an Accountability Partner – Even just one other person who understands your challenges can make a huge difference.
• Join a Mastermind Group – A structured peer group designed to help members strategize, brainstorm, and push each other toward success.
• Attend Networking Events – Whether in person or virtual, networking events can help you find like-minded people who challenge and inspire you.

Where to Find Accountability Partners or Networking Events

If you’re looking to connect with the right people, here are some places to start:

• The Thank Dog We Made It Creative Circle – A place to connect, share ideas, and support each other—whether you're just starting out or growing your business.
• The Thank Dog We Made It Private Facebook Group – A space for dog wear designers to connect, share ideas, and learn from each other.
• Facebook & LinkedIn Groups – Many business and creative communities have online spaces where you can find accountability partners.
• Online Course Communities – If you’ve taken a course, check if there’s a student group where you can network.
• Local Business Organizations – Groups like your local Chamber of Commerce or small business meetups often host networking events.
• Co-Working Spaces & Virtual Co-Working – Many co-working spaces offer networking opportunities, even if you don’t use their office space.
• Industry Conferences & Summits – Attending a conference (even virtually) can help you meet people with similar goals.

Feeling Behind? Use It as Fuel

It’s easy to feel like everyone else is further ahead.

I’ve had those moments where I think, I’ll never get to that level.

But instead of seeing that as a reason to shrink back, I’ve learned to use it as fuel.

When I see my peers launching successful products, growing their businesses, or making incredible work, it reminds me that action leads to progress.

I recently read Let Them by Mel Robbins, and it’s been incredibly helpful in building my confidence to put myself out there.

She talks about this in Amy Porterfield’s podcast, and one of the biggest takeaways for me was this:

Instead of seeing others’ success as proof of what I haven’t done, I remind myself of something Mel Robbins says: You’re not competing against them—you’re playing with them. The people around you aren’t your competition; they’re showing you what’s possible.

Coming Full Circle

That first phone call five years ago?

I had no idea at the time how much it would shape my business—and me.

It showed me the power of having even one person to check in with, to challenge me, to help me see what’s possible.

Now, years later, I have an entire network of people who push me, inspire me, and remind me that I’m not alone.

And if you’re still searching for your people?

Start small. Reach out. Find that one conversation that sparks something bigger.

Because when you surround yourself with the right people, everything changes.

Ready to Find Your People?

If this post resonated with you, I’ve put together something to help you take the next step:

Download the Free Guide: Where to Find Your Creative People

This practical PDF includes real, actionable places where you can connect with others—online and in person—plus tips to help you build genuine relationships that fuel your creativity and momentum.

Categories: : Business, Blog