Sometimes being a small business owner can seem like a very solitary way of life. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, there are several reasons why it’s in your best interests as an entrepreneur to find strength in numbers by belonging to a “team,” or a collective of entrepreneurs who lend each other support.
Truly successful teams are made up of like-minded, motivated, and positive individuals, who share similar lifestyles and values.
So why does every solopreneur need a team? Here are a couple of reasons:
1) Business Referrals
Your team will find you new clients. You don’t necessarily sell to your team, but teach them what you and your business are all about and they will find clients for you. Over time, your team members will grow to trust you and be able to provide meaningful testimonials for you, so they can refer you with great confidence. Most importantly, they will help you find the type of clients you want, because they will truly understand your brand and target market.
2) Professional Collaborations
Collaborating with fellow team members can mean greater opportunities. For instance, a web designer may team up with a photographer and graphic designer in order to be able to take on larger jobs. Together, they offer a one-stop shop and a more fluid customer experience.
3) Professional Support
Small business owners can run themselves ragged trying to do everything by themselves. Every small business owner needs an entourage: a printer, a business coach, an accountant, an administrative assistant are all examples of small businesses that we can lean on to make our work-life run smoother. But there’s more: a cleaner, a personal trainer, a massage therapist, and a dentist are examples of businesses that indirectly support a solopreneur so that they can focus on their work. What better people to turn to for these important services than members of your own trusted team?
4) Resources
People in business for themselves need different resources than people who work regular jobs. A good team will share knowledge on networking events, business books, seminars, apps, and anything else its members need to keep their lives humming along.
5) Emotional Support
Everyone struggles with work-life balance and finding motivation and inspiration day-to-day. But the self-employed can’t always relate, except with other self-employed individuals. Being an entrepreneur isn’t just an occupation, it’s a way of life. A good team will keep its members going through tough times. A great team will push its members to be stronger and tougher had they tried to go at it alone.
The key to building a team that is right for you is to be true to yourself, your values, your business, and your brand. Then and only then will you attract the like-minded people who will truly get you and your business. Building a team is a marathon, not a sprint. But it is a worthy and effective way to support your small business.
Need a hand with your business’ brand? Call Kim Speed at Purple Moon Creative today!
