Lonely at the Top

Guest Contributor: George J. Sierchio
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In a business of any size, the top dog is often left pretty much alone. In a huge business that may be out of fear of the ultimate leader or inaccessibility in an ivory tower set up or something of the like.

In the small and micro business world it's often because you are probably the only actual executive in the company and/or the biggest stakeholder. You went into business because you wanted to be where the buck stops. But very few people going into business for themselves thinking they will be in isolation.

The people that work for you are not your friends (at least they really shouldn't be). Partners can often not be the best people to lean on especially if the issues you are having are with a particular business partner. Family and friends... well you never know how they will react to certain things related to the business so you can't count on them to talk to.

Well, I guess that's where the term "it's lonely at the top" comes from. If you look at it from a pyramid stand point, there's nobody above you to turn to, nor anybody else around you, in terms of the business. So where do you go to be surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs on a regular, reliable basis? Mastermind groups.

Keep this in mind when you are thinking of the best expenditure of your time and money (for paid groups led by an expert business facilitator). If you had to pick somewhere that you could spend 1 day a week for a couple of hours or 1 day a month for half to a whole day, a mastermind group is a good choice.

Peer interaction, networking, joint ventures, education, sounding board for ideas, an environment to encourage new ideas, accountability... where else can you really get that on a scheduled basis? I can't think of any.