|
You're
not
alone anymore ...
Going
it alone in business doesn't necessarily mean having to make every
decision and consider every action without the input of others. Having
a good support group can be an essential part of solopreneur success,
says Robert Gerrish, a coach who specialises in the business of sole
operators. For most solopreneurs, free agents or microbusiness owners,
working alone has great appeal. However, 'isolation' is frequently
cited as a major downside and contributes to failure. In such cases,
appointing a Virtual Boardı may be the answer. The members can be
drawn from the ranks of friends and acquaintances who often expect
little or nothing in return for their support.
You'll need:
1. A visionary/creative thinker
These people are like helium balloons: bobbing around in the wind
bringing smiles to the faces of those around. They are a valuable
resource, but always remember this is your business so hang on tightly
to the string! A visionary/creative thinker can see opportunities
for growth and development that you, being so involved in the business,
cannot. To get the best out of such a person always take a moment
to set the context at the outset of a talk: tell them what's happening/what's
working/what's not, and give them any inklings you may have regarding
possibilities for change. Then get your pen and paper ready and wait
for the wind to blow.
2. An economist/realist
Boring, boring, boring. Just when you're all creatively fired up along
comes someone with a pin to burst the balloon. The truth is, we all
need one of these. We don't have to do everything that's suggested,
but their opinion is often worth careful consideration. This person
may be your existing bookkeeper or accountant and, if not, the ideas
and suggestions generated should be discussed with the person officially
counting the beans.
Having someone keep a foot on the brake helps keep you in check, just
don't allow anyone else's thoughts to dampen your vision. After all,
an element of risk is standard equipment for the solopreneur.
3. A personal wellbeing manager
Do you really think working long days and through the weekend is good
for your health? In the long run you'll be no good to your business
if you don't take time out, time for yourself, time to nurture your
wellbeing. Imagine a person whose sole task is to drag you away from
your desk, take you into the open air, throw away your home delivery
menus and point out the banality of those 'reality' TV shows. This
is one cool person to have on your team.
There will almost certainly be a wellbeing manager waiting in the
wings; one of your friends or relatives who's simply craving to help.
Appoint him or her today you will not regret it.
4. A virtual assistant
An invention of the Internet age, a virtual assistant is a kind of
Man/Woman Friday waiting at the end of your e-mail for any overload
work that may crop up. Regardless of how you access such a person
(or what you call them) having someone who can help out with tasks
that risk taking you away from what you do best, is extremely valuable.
We're fortunate to have a growing population of such resources, both
in our cities and in rural areas.
5. A friendly geek/IT whiz
As unlikely as it may seem, there are people who actually enjoy fixing
computer equipment and who are adept at untangling clashes within
our peripherals. Whatever that means. We can access them over the
phone, via our e-mail or through house calls. Finding your very own
IT specialist can be a hugely liberating experience; it's also essential
if you're to make the most of new technologies.
I should add a word or two in support of the coaching profession.
Finding the right coach can go a long way to providing the kind of
support mentioned above, with the discipline of regular accountability.
Coaches usually offer a free trial of their services and often have
quite flexible working methods to fit your wants and needs.
Visit Robert Gerrishıs website at www.time4change.com
|
