The soloist’s business support team

How many of us would achieve what we do without our partners, friends, peers, family and pets who make up our unofficial business support team? It's time these silent partners got due thanks for the part they play in making our businesses a success.

I have one of those big, life-changing decisions to make regarding my business. It's risky, going to take a lot of effort and involves moving in a new direction. I'm scared and uncertain as to what to do. As any change in my business impacts upon the home front, I float the new idea with my partner Caro.

The words “I've got an idea” are often met with horror. But when I present this latest idea, I get all the right signs that she is supportive such as “You'll be doing something you're good at” and “That would be great”. Then she hits me with the clanger: “But what about the other project you were going to do in the new year?”

In an instant my decision is made.

This is not the only time I have sought the counsel of my partner. As is the case for many soloists, my partner is part of my business support team - my sounding board, my ideas person and my reality check.

Her input gives me the perspective I need. For example, her question “How will this make money?” brings me back to the bottom line.

Similarly,“It's not really you” keeps me true to my self.

Then there’s “Oi, get away from that computer. We're going to the beach,” which keeps me balanced.

Caro is the one who asks “Do you really want to do that?” when I get swept up in another great idea for marketing, articles, colour scheme for a website or business development.

She’s a great help with boundaries, advising me when to say no and encouraging me to say yes. She humanises my grand ideas while reminding me of the big picture. She says the right things when plans go awry and is waiting with the champagne when they succeed.

She is my confidante, keeper of my fears and my debriefer. She is my manager, editor, personal assistant, business advisor, cultural advisor, courier, gofer, driver and event manager all rolled into one. She is a key member of my business support team and she does it all without acknowledgement or credit.

Until now.

And she's not alone. There is a whole business support team of silent partners contributing to my success. They include:

My colleagues. I love the different perspectives of those who are taking parallel journeys to mine. Sometimes they have a simple How-To solution to my dilemma, other times they just ask the right questions.

My coach . 2007 was a coach-free year for me and I've really missed having that space to vent, explore, dream and have someone really listen to my hare-brained schemes without judging me.

My buddies. I've written previously about my Business Action Group (BAG) networking pals and have to say that it's wonderful having a group of people who often see way more potential in me than I do myself.

My friends. I don't talk shop with my friends besides the “How's it going? Yeah, good.” stuff. We've usually got so much else to talk about. But it's always nice when a friend will ask me how a particular project is going.

My family. Again, I don't talk to my family much about business, but one of the most helpful business conversations I've ever had was with my brother. He helped me see the other side of the storm when a business was closing.

My cat . Sometimes you need someone in your life who can't be reasoned with, who will demand attention and make sure you take a break from that pesky work stuff. An ever present reminder of balance – eat, sleep, stretch, minimise any activity which does not fulfil needs.

While many in business are quick to give advice, and sometimes you just want to be told what to do, I've found that the best support I've ever received is from those who have just listened.

I thank them all.

So, who do you talk to? Who is in your business support team?

• Published 29 February 08
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Business psychology (15) | Business values (16) | Social responsibility (6) | Work motivation (9) | Work styles (5) | Working alone (14)

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5 comments | Add your own 

• Hi Trish - its true, but it's also true that you have to show appreciation in return eg http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/p184116195_Showing-appreciation-Who-s-packing-your-parachute.html Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles

• Definitely, and thanks for your comment Grant. There's a Gratitude Visit exercise from the field of Positive Psychology which involves thanking a person who has been kind to you (and those who participated in the research for it reported significant positive change in their level of happiness for a month after!). I wonder what impact it would have on us as soloists (and our businesses!) if we allowed gratitude and appreciation to be regular business practices? Trish Weston from Noosa Heads | Read my articles

• I've read that people who start sentences "I'm glad I'm not..." are alot happier than those who say "I wish I were..." The difference? Gratitude! Sam Leader from Sydney | Read my articles

• When I say "I've got an idea" my husband always responds with 'oh, oh' - thank goodness it's always accompanied with a cheeky grin.
  Cats are good for talking to - I have 4 of them that like to live in my office, especially when it's nearly tea time.
  My business coach is excellent value - he encourages, supports and doesn't tell me off or say I can't do things.
  I don't talk shop with family or friends much either - at least until they raise a few questions, then I start telling them how things are going. I let them open the door. Kathie M. Thomas, A Clayton's Secretary from Melbourne

• So who do I talk to? Despite my gregarious personality, I am a true introvert, in which case I speak to me, myself and I. *laughing out loud* as she stops procrastinating by reading another article to get back to work. LoL...!!!!!!
  Catherine White Catherine White from Sydney

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