BLOG_2020_07_02 How to Create and Use a Team as a Solopreneur
How to Create and Use a Team as a Solopreneur
2 JULY 2020
As a solopreneur, you can still enjoy all the benefits that come from having a support team backing you up, helping you in your decision-making, and freeing you to concentrate on your passion and in those areas where you are most suited to undertake the activity.
Hiring actual employees, even part-time or temporary ones, may not be right for you or even in the budget right now. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still get the necessary support you need. If you know where to look and how to approach potential team members, you can get help building your business. Having a support team can also make the building process more fun, more productive, and even embed some accountability in the process as well!
As a solo business owner, you have several options at different price points, ranging from free to a few or several thousand dollars annually.
Mastermind Groups
Popularized by coaches and consultants within the last several years, mastermind groups consist of a number of individuals with similar experiences, situations and goals who support each other in pursuit of those goals. Some masterminds can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as they comprise “gurus” in their fields of expertise.
However, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to gain access to the power of the mastermind group. All you really need is 2-4 or more other individuals who are running their own solo businesses and who are willing to meet regularly by phone or web conference to support each other. Masterminds can be especially useful, particularly if each member has a unique skill to contribute to the group.
Keep in mind though, you only get out of the mastermind what everyone puts in, so each member has to show up and contribute on a consistent basis. This is why masterminds where people pay to be members are the most effective. You attract the most committed people.
At each mastermind meeting, all members should have a few minutes to “check in,” allowing the group to hold each member accountable for their stated goals. You can also have one member on the “hot seat” during a meeting, helping that member by the group discussing in more detail a particular challenge facing that member and brainstorming potential solutions.
You can set up a private Facebook or WhatsApp group to keep in touch between monthly or twice-monthly “meetings”.
Co-working Space – Physical or virtual!
Co-working space is becoming a popular way for solopreneurs to enjoy a version of the conventional working space’s “water cooler” and coffee break. It can be done in a physical space or virtually.
If wanting a physical location, pick a coffee shop or other space with appropriate amenities—coffee and snacks are always welcome and wi-fi is a must! Invite a few local solopreneurs to join you on a weekly or twice-monthly basis for a few hours. (Tip: Make sure the owner or manager is agreeable to hosting your group!)
Virtual co-working can be just as effective through Zoom or another conference facility (and it’s less expensive and not as many calories!). And you can invite anyone from around the world depending on time zone differences. I like to have music playing in the background as well with everyone else on mute to help eliminate distractions.
During co-working time, you each work on your own projects and tasks in the company of others; i.e. alone, but together. You may want to allow some time in the beginning to pick the brains of your fellow “co-workers” and make new contacts before each “co-worker” starts working on their own projects.
Joint ventures and new partnerships have been known to develop from such arrangements, but even if you don’t get any new business from your group, you’ll still get a nice change of scenery and an added boost of energy from the presence of other committed, hard-working solos!
Interns
If you need a little more hands-on assistance, a traditional employee/employer arrangement isn’t necessarily your only option. Instead, consider hiring a college/university intern.
Generally, college internships are arranged through the office of Career Services for your local college or university. Students commit to a certain number of hours per week in your office or work space in exchange for experience, and sometimes college course credit or pay.
If an internship seems like a potential solution for your business, treat the internship as you would the hiring of a traditional employee. Carefully craft a job description for the position and outline your expectations of the intern, including hours and job duties.
When you’re ready, contact the local college’s office of career services with your internship announcement. The staff there can assist you with the interviewing process. You will also need to determine if the intern is able to work virtually or only at your location.
Outsourcing
If you need more professional, experienced help, but aren’t sure you can support the cost of a full-time employee, consider outsourcing specific projects or tasks to freelancers or other solopreneurs as independent contractors.
You can outsource a number of different types of tasks and projects to an independent contractor, including:
- Administrative work
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Web design and website maintenance
- Social media and “community” management
- Copywriting and content curation/creation
- Other marketing tasks
- Personal tasks (errands, shopping trips, housecleaning, etc.)
As with the internship, you’ll want to take some time initially to sketch out exactly what you want done, and how you want it done. Make note of specific programs or tools the contractor will need to use and any files or assets you’ll need to provide to the contractor.
When you’re ready to outsource a job, check first with other solopreneurs you know and ask for referrals. Even if the virtual assistant you’re referred to is too busy to take your work on right now, chances are she’ll have a few other names she’ll be happy to pass along to you.
You may also want to look into using online job boards, such as oDesk or Elance. Make sure you’re clear on the kind of help you need, what you’re willing to pay, and what basis of payment you prefer (i.e., flat rate, per-task or per-hour) before you submit your request.
Delegation of tasks can be a huge productivity gain for your business if done properly. That’s why I have a virtual assistant who helps me with the backend of my business.
Coaches and Consultants
You may decide what you really need isn’t so much a helping hand, but a guiding one. In those situations, a coach or consultant may be the best investment you can make in your business.
There is a difference between coaching and consulting. Briefly, coaches help you accomplish your business goals; i.e. you do the work yourself, while consultants generally perform some aspect of the work themselves.
If you’re ready to grow your business, an experienced business coach can be invaluable. Coaches provide both an objective source of feedback and guidance as well as a supportive, encouraging voice as you first clarify your goals, then set out to take action on them. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my coaches.
Challenge:
Take action today to build your support team and grow your business.
You can start by downloading my free e-book below:
4 Steps to Growing Your Business without the Overwhelm,
So You Can Earn More while Working Less, Starting Now!
