Your entrepreneurial journey is much more than cultivating skills—it’s also about building meaningful connections. Social wellness, which refers to the strength and quality of your interpersonal relationships and support network, is vital not only for your personal well-being but also for meeting the “Love and Belonging” level in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This need isn’t just emotional fluff—it drives motivation, resilience, and growth.
Research confirms that a sense of belonging is deeply tied to both social and psychological functioning. For example, a study involving community college students found that feeling belongingness closely correlated with measures of mental health, social support, and reduced loneliness PubMed. Similarly, entrepreneurs who reported a robust social life were twice as likely to maintain good long-term health compared to those who felt isolated PubMed. These findings highlight that social wellness isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s linked to your well-being and business longevity.
Here are three powerful actions you can take:
- Meet New People – Whether at networking events, coworking spaces, or industry mixers, intentionally expanding your circle introduces fresh perspectives and potential collaborators. A recent study noted that micro-entrepreneurs using coworking spaces reported better well-being and less social isolation because of the community fostered there Emerald.
- Engage in Meaningful Conversations – Go beyond surface-level networking. Take time to truly connect—ask open-ended questions, share your experiences, and listen deeply. These interactions foster mutual trust and connection, reinforcing your need for belonging and contributing to your emotional and professional support system.
- Join a Social Club or Hobby Group – Shared interests transcend business. Whether it’s a book club, sports league, or volunteer circle, being part of an activity unrelated to work can relieve stress, spark joy, and help you feel grounded in a community that values you beyond your business identity.
When you actively pursue these activities—meeting new people, engaging deeply in conversations, and participating in groups—you nourish the social bonds that fulfill Maslow’s love and belonging needs. In doing so, you not only enhance your emotional health but also build a support network that uplifts your entrepreneurial path. A healthy social foundation gives you resilience in tough times, sparks creativity, and generates opportunities you might never foresee.
References:
Hagerty BM, Williams RA, Coyne JC, Early MR. Sense of belonging and indicators of social and psychological functioning. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 1996 Aug;10(4):235-44. doi: 10.1016/s0883-9417(96)80029-x. PMID: 8799050.
Gunnarsson K, Josephson M. Entrepreneurs’ self-reported health, social life, and strategies for maintaining good health. J Occup Health. 2011;53(3):205-13. doi: 10.1539/joh.l10017. Epub 2011 Mar 16. PMID: 21422719.
Marko Orel, Martin Lukes, Jan Zouhar; Fostering wellbeing and satisfaction for micro-entrepreneurs: the role of coworking spaces. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development 16 December 2024; 31 (8): 148–167. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-04-2023-0151