with Tanya Glancy
Starting a business is exciting. It begins with an idea, a passion, and the determination to build something meaningful. Yet the reality is that running a successful business is not always easy. Statistics show that many businesses do not survive beyond their first few years, with around 60% of Australian small businesses closing within the first five years. While every business faces different challenges, one thing has become clear to me. The businesses that continue to grow are often the ones that never stop learning.
One of the greatest investments you can make in your business is not a new piece of equipment or the latest software. It is investing in yourself.
As business owners, we can sometimes feel like we need to have all the answers. The truth is, none of us do. Every successful business owner has faced challenges, made mistakes, and learnt valuable lessons along the way. The difference is that they have sought advice, remained open to learning, and surrounded themselves with people who wanted to see them succeed.
That is why I believe mentoring and networking are two of the most valuable tools a business owner can have.
Networking is about far more than exchanging business cards or generating referrals. It is about building genuine relationships with people who understand the journey of business ownership. It creates opportunities to share ideas, solve problems, celebrate achievements, and learn from the experiences of others.
At our Hive Networking Groups, we are passionate about creating an environment where businesses learn from one another. Through interactive workshops, discussions, and shared experiences, members gain practical knowledge that they can take back into their own businesses. Every person in the room brings different skills, experiences, and perspectives. Sometimes one conversation is all it takes to spark a new idea or find a solution to a challenge you have been trying to solve on your own.
Mentoring offers another layer of support. A mentor provides encouragement, accountability, and guidance based on real experience. They can often see opportunities we overlook and help us avoid mistakes before they happen. Sometimes the right conversation at the right time can completely change the direction of a business.
