To use a favorite quote, English poet John Donne wrote that “no man is an island.” Well, guess what? No business is either.

The satirical author was saying that human beings are social by nature. Most of us need personal interaction with others and, ultimately, with the world around us to truly feel complete.

Donne’s words are certainly true when it comes to being a small-business owner or manager, a role that many say can sometimes feel like the loneliest job in the world, with pressures and challenges coming from all sides.

Many business leaders say they often feel like the weight of the world rests on every decision they make and that they have nowhere to turn for support.

From retail stores to service companies to heavy industry, many common threads exist when it comes to being successful. But leaders of these diverse segments of the business community don’t often get together.

But, the opportunities are there.

The Jessamine Chamber of Commerce is doing its part to connect individuals in ways to create bonds and establish networks that can ultimately serve as a support system. The chamber continues to offer great value to its members with its ribbon cuttings, luncheons, community festivals, Rooster Booster breakfasts and the upcoming annual dinner.

Although these events are certainly about the social component, they should be considered far more than that. The bottom line is that these events help connect people and create a network of resources.

Many people don’t even know all that is offered right here at home.

If you were to ask 10 experts to list their keys to success when it comes to business, you would almost certainly get 10 different answers. But one common denominator always seems to surface: Be involved in the community.

From connecting with other business leaders at social functions to supporting worthy causes that make our region a better place to live to listening to customers’ needs, businesses that think they are an island face a lonely future.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Jessamine Journal and Jessamine Life magazine. He can be reached at (859) 469-6452 or by email at mike.caldwell@jessaminejournal.com.