Worked out at our gym today. Clay was running in a 5K run (and finished!) so Michael Hazel, our part-time trainer, was there doing some paperwork while I got started. Then, Clay came in from the run and Robbie, one of our high school golf clients, came in to work out with Michael. I was doing my interval cardio work on the bike next to Robbie, who was running on the treadmill with Michael manning the controls. We were all talking in between gasps and I realized when I was done that the time had gone by much quicker than usually. My 20 minute cardio, which normally feels like 40 when I'm working out by myself, seemed to go by so much faster. And it seemed easier, even though I know I worked just as hard if not harder (can't have the owner looking weak in front of my employees and a customer!).

It emphasizes something I think we all know. Hard things are made easier if you do it with a group. That's the dynamic that our franchise is betting on - guys doing hard workouts together. It creates a built-in support center for the guys. And it makes them work harder, to avoid embarrassment in front of their buddies.

The more I thought about it, the more I thought so many things are that way. For instance, tomorrow morning at our mobile church, a group of us will unload our truck and set up the four theaters we use for our church service. It isn't brutal work by any means, but a bit tedious and repetitive. But doing it with a group of great folks, like the Heinzerlings, Youngs, Parhams, Coopers, Stokes, and of course, Pastors Jon and Jeff among others, makes it fun and valuable.

How about small business? Is that why websites and forums like StartUp Nation are so popular - so that the usually fairly lonely entrepreneur can connect? To find others who have the same struggles that starting a small business brings? Or all we all just looking for answers to specific questions?

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Update on the LinkedIn survey question ("What is the most important quality in a great leader?"). I'm over 30 responses. Summary on the way next week.