ASSEMBLE A TEAM

Every business should have a team to support it in its growth. The saying we use in our marketing is: “It’s good to be in business for yourself but not by yourself.”

There are a wide variety of supporters that a small business owner should have; in the past I have spoken about a mentor/coach as well as an advisory board. Today I want to look at a business support team. For today’s definition, a business support team is made up of things that you need for your business but can’t supply them yourself.

Once selected, these team players need to know that they are an integral part of your team; they need to know your vision and understand your product/service. One way of letting your team know more about you and your business is to share your pitch deck with them. Team players are much more than a supplier of products or services therefore I recommend that you select your team, as much as possible, from small business owners, preferably members of our BizQuack community. Yes, in some cases they may have to charge more for their products or services than a nationwide firm, but the personal relationship will more than pay off in the future. I consider the following to be an essential part of a small business team.

• Printer
• Office supply store
• CPA/accountant
• Attorney
• Computer assistance
• Insurance agent
• Banker
• Mortgage Broker
• Realtor
• Financial planner
• Auto repair
• Digital support
• Restaurant/coffee shop

The goal is to personally know the owner of each of these businesses. Explain to them that you are in the team-selecting process and would like them to become part of your team. When you are giving something to someone, you are not making a cold call. This list I have shared with you may vary; it may be different as your needs may vary. As you meet with each of your team, pickup extra business cards to share with others when you have the opportunity. This team now becomes part of your “consistent contact group” which means you should touch base with them at least once a month.

The steps to successfully growing a business are many and sometimes we are required to step out of our comfort zone or to do things that may not seem beneficial. This is one step you should adopt.