Flying Solo, but not Alone!
by Alicia M. Rodriguez, M.A. More and more of us are opting out of the corporate life and into our own businesses for
reasons as varied as quality of life, balancing family and work and being in control of our own destiny with our own vision for what success is made of. Perhaps a lay-off or some life transition is responsible for having us evaluate our career and our work. Entrepreneurs, and in particular women owned businesses, are sprouting up at a remarkable rate. However, there are some unique challenges to going the way of the entrepreneur. Two primary challenges are the loneliness
experienced as an independent small business owner and the time management issue. This is true especially for the self-employed solopreneur working in an office of one.
What is important to the entrepreneur and to the solopreneur is the camaraderie and mutual support of associations and networking. Being a part of a larger group with similar and complementary issues and services is key to the success of the small business owner. Through networking and participation in business associations, one is able to expand marketing ability and get assistance from other entrepreneurs. Steve Donovan, Chairman of the Entrepreneurs Exchange, and owner of ISM - Integrity Staffing and Marketing, sees networking and participation in associations as vital to the success of the entrepreneur. "Networking allows you to leverage your time, learn from the mistakes and successes of others who have 'been there, done that' and keeps you visible in the business community."
An entrepreneur needs to develop affiliations, business contacts and friendships in order to maximize their time and access.
Recently, when I experienced a major computer problem, I called several business associates and friends for recommendations on a computer technician. Not only was I able to solve my problem but I also learned of others offering services that I could use or I could refer my clients. This points to the value of the referral chain. Through participation in organizations that support small business, one develops trusting relationships over time. The referral to another entrepreneur for services is qualified. This demonstrates yet again that entrepreneurs will support other entrepreneurs in their success by referring each other.
Linda Lee of the Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce points to networking events with the area Chambers, other local groups such as the Entrepreneur's Exchange and to leads groups as a source for marketing and networking. Not only can these events be enjoyable, but inevitably multiple business leads are generated through these personal interactions. What does not work for the entrepreneur is the "cold call". Because entrepreneurs are so personally
involved in their business, a more consistent and personal approach works best.
Steve Donovan elaborates, "The cold call is the proven least effective way to generate business leads and orders yet remains a basic building block for sales teams, training and managers. With the 'warmer' contact that networking offers, the necessary information gathered for assessing the prospects needs, and your ability to solve them, is less cluttered with false objections. Getting real information is important to your success and the prospects." Networking and active
participation in business associations will bolster an entrepreneur's success. These provide contacts, generate leads, develop friendships and maximize time. Anne Arundel County is fortunate to have active organizations that will support the small business owner in their endeavors. Join, and actively participate, in order to enjoy and benefit from the entrepreneurial work and lifestyle. ***********
© Alicia M. Rodriguez, 2002. All rights reserved.
Please feel free to forward this on.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
***********
Reproduction for publication is approved, provided the copyright information is included along with the following attribution: by Alicia M. Rodriguez, M.A., Personal Coach, Soul Centered Life Management™, 410-544-5262 , E-Mail: aliciamr@sclmcoach.com and website: www.sclmcoach.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 
