A focus on wellbeing is crucial for entrepreneurial success, as highlighted in a recent event.
- The ‘Make Wellbeing Your Business’ event emphasised the link between personal health and business sustainability.
- Entrepreneurs often face mental health challenges, impacting their businesses.
- Workshops provided actionable strategies to integrate wellbeing into daily business routines.
- A supportive community and the right networks can significantly bolster the self-employed.
The significance of wellbeing in entrepreneurship was brought to the forefront at the recent ‘Make Wellbeing Your Business’ event. Entrepreneurs, particularly those self-employed, are frequently at the mercy of their mental and physical health. These factors are not only personal concerns but also determine the sustainability of their businesses. Without prioritising wellbeing, the very foundations of these businesses are at risk.
Yvonne Sampson, Head of Enterprise at GM Business Growth Hub, shared personal reflections that resonate with many self-employed individuals. Her experiences underscore the pressing need for entrepreneurs to care for their wellbeing as much as their businesses. Statistics reveal that a significant percentage of entrepreneurs face mental health issues, such as stress and anxiety, that stem from the pressures of managing business and personal responsibilities.
The event was especially beneficial for attendees from Greater Manchester, as it equipped them with tools for developing both sustainable businesses and lifestyles. Workshops like ‘Self-Awareness’ and ‘Mindset Matters’ offered practical advice for incorporating wellbeing into daily business operations. By encouraging self-awareness and resilient mindsets, these sessions aimed to help entrepreneurs maintain focus and positivity in their ventures.
Practical frameworks such as the SKAR model were introduced at the event. This model assists entrepreneurs in organising their skills, knowledge, attitudes, and routines needed for business progression, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. Workshops encouraged self-employed individuals to harness creative and physical outlets as a strategy to counteract loneliness and stress, with activities like ‘Clay Play’ offering avenues for artistic expression and stress relief.
In addition to strategies, the event underscored the importance of community and networks for self-employed individuals. Programmes like EnterprisingYou were cited as crucial in providing support, advising, and fostering a community spirit that helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of these networks, with a notable success rate among participants who remained in business.
Wellbeing must be the bedrock of entrepreneurial strategies, enabling business success through personal health.
