It takes a team to build a successful business

It takes a Team to build a Successful Business!

Forgive me Hilary for the play on words but one of the largest reasons for business failure is the insistence of the entrepreneur to "go it alone". Every successful business became so because the owner realized he/she needed support and wisdom from people skilled in areas he/she is not. Now some of the team may be your alter-ego or the other side of your brain, but let's be honest, you can't be expert at all of it. Recognize that and more importantly, take action and you will see a big change in your bottom line. 

Let's talk about what a successful team should include!

#1 YOU!  You are the talent, the heart, the reason that the business came into being.  Take some time and list what you do really well that impacts the business, now look at your list and see what you LOVE to do.  That is what you do, now find "your people" to do the rest.  Some will not cost you anything and some may come with a fee attached. I know, you can't afford it, but hear me when I say, you can't afford not to find someone help you to do the things you are not as qualified to do. 

The Money People-Quick, tell me your total sales for 2007 and how many clients you had.  What was your average sale?  What do you mean you don't know? Is this a weak area for you?  How do you know if you are really making money?  Find the Money People. It may be one or more, an accountant to help analyze your numbers occasionally and a weekly or monthly  person who simply tracks your income and expenses on a computer, or a service who specializes in small business book-keeping.  You will be amazed how reasonable it is.  If you insist on doing it yourself, then set your books up on Quickbooks so you can really analyze your numbers easily. 

Peer Power-This is the person or persons who keep you encouraged and shares successes and failures with you.  They may be in the same business as you, or a fellow entrepreneur struggling with the similar business issues. They may also serve other rolls on your team, if they have strengths in areas you do not. You can perhaps reciprocate by sharing your skills and talents with them.

The Visionary-This is the person who helps you to look at your business in new ways.  They encourage you to go outside your comfort zone and look at your overall business model without the emotion or attachment you have. This person may be a business coach, mentor, or a trainer who is experienced and knows what to look for. This is also the person who tells you kindly, when you are doing something non-productive.

The Networker-This is the person(s) who believes in what you do or sell.  They like you, respect you, and more importantly, like to talk and share with their own circle of influence. You can't pay enough for the validation that The Networker can bring to your business as word of mouth is powerful in raising your business credibility.

The Marketer-This is the person (maybe your alter ego) that plans your marketing strategy and implements it.  the Marketer knows those who take the Field of Dreams approach to business, you know, build it and they will come, will never succeed.  Success is part luck but mostly planned.  The goal of a smart marketing strategy is to build credibility for you and your business. Try this simple test to see if your current marketing strategy has been working for you.  Google your name and business name nationally and regionally and see how many times you  appear on the first two pages. Nationally, it should be mentioned at least once, particularly if your name is at all uncommon. Regionally, it should dominate both page one or two.  If not, "The Marketer" is doing a poor job for you.

Okay, there was a look at the key members of your Success Team.  Do you have someone working in these areas?  Time to treat your business like a business and build a team that will ensure your success.  JoAnne Lenart-Weary, Vice Director of The SDP

Comments

[Find joint ventures]

"It takes a team to build a successful business" this words are really encouraging so that every partner in any business will get some good thoughts in their mind to motivate themselves towards their business goals. Thanks for sharing this great article.

[Marleen Prater]

Team work is very important to building a successful business. I make an effort to get to know my competition and to work with them not against them. I can learn from them and vise versa. It's a great way to find other resources.

[Annie Doherty]

Thanks JoAnne for the timely reminder that it is important to not only work in your business but to also work ON your business.

I'd like to add Resources to the Peer Power section, the SDP is a great example of having both. Attending the annual Conference is a great way to see this in action.

Thanks.
Annie