I recently lost not only my staunchest supporter, but also a dynamic business mentor and style icon that greatly influenced my career path from the very beginning. My Mother had the rare gift of making people feel very special and cared for while achieving much success in her work. This quality, along with her courage, integrity, honesty and dedicated work ethic has stuck with me throughout as the epitome of professional conduct for business—and life. My Father has also taught me many things by his own impeccable examples-to-live-by. Particularly the meaning of being true to one’s self no matter what.

Whether it’s through a parent, a sibling, an Uncle or a cousin, family involvement in your business can lend a certain confidence, character and dimension–not to mention a certain core of wisdom–to your dealings. I know of many people who have engaged family members in several positions—anything from mentor-of-the-moment to fill-in employee–while starting and building their empires. I will personally dedicate any awards I ever receive to my dear husband who single handedly introduced my extremely computer-illiterate self to my many programs, including how to design and edit my own website plus the tons of graphics and printing that he has done for me at a moments notice. He also acts as my own personal photographer, cheering section and cat-sitter—among the other things that I am eternally grateful for.

Obviously, this type of familial support only works if the relationships are built on a positive and trusting base for all concerned. Getting the family into your business can also mean friends and mentors as well business acquaintances that welcome and share networking opportunities. We can all use a confidence boost along with an honest reality check from time to time. Sometimes this information, whether we want to hear it or not, is better absorbed—or taken to task–when coming from a non-family member. It depends on your criticism threshold—being judged–and how personal you want to get. Perhaps that’s why, statistically speaking, business coaches and mentors have gotten so hugely popular with female business owners in the past few years.

So if for whatever reason the family isn’t available for interaction in your business, there are still ways to incorporate the family state-of-mind into it. Regardless of whether your knowledge and support comes from Grandpa, Aunt Rose, a networking acquaintance or your best friend, there is an undeniable wealth of resources at your fingertips just waiting to be asked for. Think of all that experience!

Whatever route you choose to take, not going it alone is always going to be the best choice. Mistakes will still be made, but perhaps not as painfully or expensively and the healing time will be a lot quicker. Learning how others have dealt with particular problems or seeing another personality in action can re-set the wheels of creativity and ignite a waning passion for why you started a business in the first place. It’s also wise to cultivate your very own support network to tap into whenever you need it. Just remember to pass it on when the time comes.

Here are a few resources to add to the mix:

www.bizwomen.com
www.womensleadership.com
www.smpbusiness.com
www.nyc.gov/sbs
www.womenforhire.com