Last week’s post with Steve Averill got me thinking about the small business support structure that I have and how it’s taken, in some cases, years to get there. I couldn’t do what I do without great technology. I’m always looking for something to make me that much more efficient—be it Basecamp, my iPhone, or something else. I have an adaptive nature and am open to learning how to integrate new technology that makes my life easier.
But, it’s the people I surround myself with, too. I’ve built a team around me that is supportive of my goals. As a small business owner, you must start to see people’s talents as how they could contribute to your goals and dreams. Here’s how…
Step 1:
Take a close look at yourself at a resource. Be honest about what you can contribute, genuinely, so that you make another person better at what they do.
Then, the right people will be attracted back to you, available as a resource to you when you need them.
Step 2:
Make a list of resources that you can actively pull from to help you with different steps—whether that’s people in your network, people you work with, or people you hire.
Step 3:
Be clear about what you want and what you expect from those around you. If things are unclear, put it out there and have a discussion.
Step 4:
Have a plan. Numerous studies have shown that those with a written down plan are more likely to succeed than those that don’t.
Whether it’s people as a resource or technology as a resource, as a small business owner, those support pieces are what make up your foundation. For me, that includes my colleagues, my bookkeeper, my assistant, and even my supportive husband.
You know that you have a gazillion hats to wear, but some of them probably don’t fit too well. See who else can wear those hats. Focus on what you excel at and look for resources to do the things you’re not good at. We live in an age where you can hire help on a micro-part-time basis.
So, look around you. There’s more help out there than you think.
