Building teams for Small Businesses and Solopreneurs can seem like a daunting task. Every businessperson wants that “winning” team of individuals, and each team member wants to feel important to the whole. Therefore, team building teams Small Businesses and Solopreneurs isn’t just about finding great potential hires – it’s about finding great hires that can also WORK together effectively.
To build a successful and effective team, each person on the team must have a healthy level of commitment, an understanding and respect of / for your business culture and a grasp of your vision for your business. If your team is local, having face to face meetings where discussions can take place, helps make that three-fold foundation a reality.
When people exchange ideas on something they wholly believe in, excitement and energy drives things naturally forward.
In the virtual world those meetings can take place via webcams or by using chat services. The chat services aren’t quite as effective as SEEING your team, but it’s better than not having group time at all. Consider using resources like Dim Dim or even Skype to hold regular meetings.
Another element to building teams for small businesses and solopreneurs is being aware of the sensitivity of each team member. No matter how good your people are, folks can get jealous or defensive, or become less productive if they don’t feel they are a valued member of your team. You many find that ‘conflict’ arises over things as simple as business card designs, the professional title they’re given, or even your letterhead! When these conflicts arise (and they will), it’s important for everyone to step back and ask, “how important is this REALLY in the bigger picture.” There are some things that you can compromise on, and some you cannot. Never forget that while you have a team, you are still in a leadership position.
A third component to team building is having a sound strategy, and reviewing that strategy on a regular basis. Occassionally, that strategy may require a major overhaul, but with regular review you’ll find that minor tweaks and adjustments are satisfcatory. Involving your team for their brainstorming and on-going insights/suggestions becomes incredibly valuable. Often your team members will see things in a different way to you, and bring to your attention potential issues. If you don’t know there’s an issue – how can you address it? With eyes other than your own on your operations, they will see fresh ideas or root out potential potholes in your road to success.
A team need not be built in totality, at the one time. In some cases it’s best to begin with one or two people and really work that dynamic before adding in extra peopel. In this instance, have your first team members help in choosing anyone new you hope to bring aboard. After all, they have to work effectively together.
Last but not least in the “good advice” column for building teams for small businesses and solopreneurs is adequate training. Even if their resume appears adequate, give your people the tools they need to succeed using your corporate guidelines as a framework. Webinars are great for this. Don’t try and cram all the training into one day either – let small, consumable morsels settle in after each session. That makes for quality learning and also leaves time to get the job done!
Care to share your insights into creating a great dynamic team for your business? Leave your thoughts below…
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