I grew up thinking that I could do it all.  And I realized that I could not be my own lawyer, my own doctor, my own “whatever,” then I went into a panic because I was afraid that I could not trust people to keep their word.  In reality we need a team.  We can put systems in place to protect our interest but we need a team.

I learned this the hard way: The “I Do It Alone” TEAM, IDIAT for short, consists of only one member, YOU. While I can imagine how great you must be–I used to be that great myself–consider getting HELP!  Our long term success is connected to how well we can build and maintain the right team, because we cannot do it all by ourselves.  In the long run, we simply need help from all kinds of people.   Leadership at its core tests our ability to pull the best out of people. Below is a list of at least 5 kinds of people that you’ll probably need on your team.

1. INVESTORS. This is a team of financially sound people, companies or foundations who can provide you with capital as you build your business as a writer. Investors could be people who put money into your dream and expect to be repaid upon success or they could be grants that you have applied for and that believe in your project who never expect repayment (available primarily to non-profits). Ultimately, the people who help you pursue your dream are investing in you.  Invest in them by protecting the relationship.
2. TEACHERS & COACHES. Education is a constant. Your teachers may be from a local class taught by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or the author of a book (E-Myth Revisited is a great read for entrepreneurs) or an online course (the Small Business Administration (SBA) has more to offer than Cereal Boxes at the Grocery Store, take your pick. Most of it is FREE). How ever you choose to do it, Be Quick to Learn, because ignorance will make a fool out of you.
3. EMPLOYEES. This is possibly the most important team that you will build. They are a direct reflection of your company. They are the face that the community will see. It is your job to shape the team that represents you. Choose wisely and learn to lead well. Remember, you have teachers and coaches on your team, seek out the ones with the type of leadership skills that you need and learn. At this point you may not have any employees. And if you are the typical entrepreneur, you have mentally resigned yourself to do all the work forever until your kids grow up and take over a business that they have never showed any interest in. However, if you picked up E-Myth Revisited (and I know that I just mentioned it) and read it or listen to it (audio books are wonderful), then you are well on your way to building something that will last, whether your children come aboard or not. Besides, they may fall in love what you’ve created, if it leaves them with the freedom to live a balanced life, their dreams and yours.
4. ADVISORS. You wage your war with a multitude of counselors. This is a team of specialist assembled by you who will help you move the company forward. These are people that you trust in their area of expertise. You will seek advice and knowledge from them; then armed with information; you’ll be qualified to make a more intelligent decision as you build your business. Advisers cost, usually with hourly rates, find out what they are before you need them. There is, however, more than one way to peal and apple. Consider forming an Advisory Board of highly skilled people who you respect. People that don’t mind if you pick their brain in their area of focus. SCORE is also option. It is a great place to find retired experts, and if they are members of SCORE, they are prepared to advise or mentor at no cost to you. Speaking of mentors . . .
5. MENTORS. This is the person(s) who has been where you want to go. You may have multiple mentors for different areas of your life or just one for a season who will take the time to pour into you, but you have to learn how to be mentored in order to maintain this relationship and reap the benefit. Mentors owe you nothing. It is your job to recognize what is inside of them and respond to it by making yourself available to learn from them. If they are teaching, be there. If they need help (odd jobs) in an area that you are good it, then offer your services for free (you want more than just a check from them, you want access, you want to learn).

Choose your members for ability and character. Identify and learn their weaknesses, so that you consciously inherit the best in them and leave the worst on the table. And be advised, it takes different skills to build a relationship with each member on the list. A great source for studying this as well as other powerful information needed for business success is the Think It, Learn It, Do It program by Robert Kiyosaki.

-Ms. J-

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