Being an entrepreneur is a lonely journey sometimes, especially if you’ve worked most of your adult life as an employee. You often don’t realize how many other entrepreneurs and friends are employees. It can be hard to relate.

You’ll need to build your support team by surrounding yourself with like-minded people. Join entrepreneur organizations, attend relevant events, and think about utilizing a co-working space. If you don’t have an organization for entrepreneurs in your town, consider joining an online group.

In addition to networking with other entrepreneurs, you need mentors for support and advice. When you first start your business, there’ll be no shortage of people giving you their words of wisdom – friends, spouses, parents, you name it! Take all that advice with a grain of salt. And when you do choose to listen, be certain it’s from a qualified person who’s “been there, done that,” like a mentor or fellow entrepreneur. Because watching Shark Tank does not make your friend an expert!