Loneliness Among Small Business Leaders

You will never work alone!

Small business leaders often need help with their challenges, including loneliness and needing more trusted advisors.

The Challenge: Different Levels of Support

Having worked in large companies and SMEs, I’ve experienced positive levels of support, and I’ve been fortunate to have fantastic mentors at these companies. I’ve been sent on retreats and met with senior leadership frequently; however, whenever you start your own thing, as a small business, if it’s you, maybe a business partner and the team, collectively, you are very much alone just trying to figure it out. 

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Our mission is to build a future where every small business leader has access to a Trusted Advisor. Starting with Solopreneurs and leaders with teams of fewer than 49 people.

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Real-Life Examples of Support Needs

Here are some examples of the types of calls I receive weekly, highlighting the diverse needs of small business leaders:

1. Tech Firm Founder (20 people, <$5M): Needs to raise bridge funding but needs to improve with fair valuation due to board dynamics. This call was worth $1-3M.

2. Executive Search Firm Owner (1 person, <$250K): Faces a tight market and needs alternative business model solutions. This call was worth $40K.

3. Pre-Revenue Executive (1 person): Wants to start an AI staffing business and seeks advice on branding and public speaking.

4. Solo Influencer (1 person, <$500K): Feels lonely and needs a strategy to develop a product. The value lies in their well-being.

5. VP of HR: Needed advice on non-compete clauses in the Netherlands, which eventually required costly legal consultation. This call was worth $200K.

The Importance of Trusted Advisors

All of the above individuals reached out to me because they trust my judgment. Human connection through voice often feels more impactful than reading text.

The Role of Coaches and Mentors

• Coaches: While they offer great insights, they are not always tailored to individual needs and can be expensive.

• Mentors: They ask great questions but are often busy and may lack the context of your work.

Our Community Insights

In 2021, we held a meeting with our community to delve into this topic. Here’s what we found:

• Trusted Advisor On-Demand: Imagine having a trusted advisor whose sole purpose is your success, available on-demand for $99.

• Transitional Phases: Who do you turn to for guidance during transitions? Misalignment between individual and company goals can lead to disengagement and loneliness.

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The Bigger Picture

Companies aim for success within their context, which may only sometimes align with individual aspirations. To achieve perfect alignment, development must consider both company and individual goals. This delicate balance ensures that people and companies are good for each other.

The Vision

We envision a world where every professional has a trusted advisor to support their growth and solve loneliness at work. 

We have built a solution to solve this. We will start with solopreneurs and small businesses, as they are always in transition. We seek those who understand their strengths and seek support to fulfil their aspirations.

Here is an example:

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Tunde.ai: Your Trusted Advisor at Work