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. Networking and participation in associations is 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.

With planning and follow up multiple business leads can be 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. 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. Join, and actively participate, in order to enjoy and benefit from the entrepreneurial work and lifestyle.

By Alicia M. Rodriguez, M.A., a personal and executive coach and business facilitator based in Severna Park. Contact her through her websites www.sophia-associates.com (Executive Coaching & Consulting) or www.sclmcoach.com (Personal Coaching) or via e-mail at Alicia@sclmcoach.com.