As I am writing this, I am facing the challenges of a new family member, a new home, a new town, and multiple other changes on the horizon.  When the stress rises, and I feel like I can’t accomplish it all, a member of my support system saves the day.  That’s when I’m reminded how important it is to have good people in place to help me be more successful.  I’m convinced that every successful person has a good support system that they rely on.

The hardest thing for me to remember, with my support system, is to ask them for help when I need it.  In general, most people want to be helpful — they just don’t know that you need help, or exactly what they can do to help.  The lesson I’m learning is to hang up my Superwoman’s cape, and ask for help when I need it, both at home and in my career.

In fact, about two years ago, I decided that I needed to build a stronger support system in my professional life.  Specifically, I felt like I needed the influence, encouragement, and advice of other positive like-minded women, on a regular basis.  Initially, I was disappointed that I couldn’t find a ready-made small group of people that I could really trust and rely on.  That’s when it dawned on me to ask for the help I needed.

After reaching out to individuals that met the criteria I was looking for, we started our mentoring group.  We have been meeting for lunch on a monthly basis ever since.  I am so appreciative of these ladies who responded to my call for help, and have been a wonderful support system to me.  I hate to think of how these past few years would have been different, if I had not taken the initiative and asked for support.

Do you have the support system you need to Keep Moving Forward?  If not, decide what you need and ask for help!  Women’s Network is the perfect resource for finding the support system you need to make you as successful as possible.

Jennifer Thoma
Women’s Network President
Boone County National Bank