I have run my own business now since 2000 and I’ve always been the sort to try to do everything myself. If I can get the task done and I have time, why should I pay someone else to do it?
Since I have been a keen networker, though, over the last four years I have gradually learned that doing everything yourself is not necessarily the most cost-effective and best way to run your own small business. When those jobs that you really don’t enjoy start to pile up, isn’t it better to outsource them to someone who can do them quickly and efficiently and then get on with the jobs you know that you are skilled at? I have now met many other small business owners, and by trading services and assisting each other, we can all help each other to grow.
I joined Forever Living in June 2012 and I am learning even more how great it is to work as a team. My expertise is in IT and Bookkeeping. It’s something I can talk about forever, excuse the pun, and it can be really satisfying to be able to help team members who often have never been in charge of their own accounts before, making sure that they do the right thing and keep the correct records, and helping them to find the right tools for the job.
I also recognise that in building a strong team in my Forever Living business, with people from different backgrounds and with different skills and knowledge, the sum of the parts working together can be stronger than the individuals each working on their own.
Forever Living has an ethos of those who are further on with their journey sharing how they have got there, and what has worked for them. When you go to the company trainings and team events you will always hear inspiring stories and useful practical advice on how you can improve your business. We share resources online as well as in person, too, and it means that team members become great friends as well as colleagues.
So, I am looking for people with particular knowledge and skills to grow my team, as there are sectors which I know our products are perfect for but I know little about. If you know anyone with expertise in any of the following areas, please put me in touch with them, as the other thing you learn when networking is one good referral is more effective than 10 cold calls!
- Horses/Stables
- Dog Training/Walking
- Beauty Therapy
- Hairdressers/Nail technicians
- Fitness Instructors
And just think – who would you like to work with to make your business more effective. If you ask for referrals yourself, you might just find that your job gets easier too by spreading the load.
Silicon Bullet Forever 
Reblogged this on musingsofacoeliaclibrarian and commented:
I am a member of Alison’s team in Forever and have found the experience has been great. My background is working in a local authority and so I enjoy being part of a wider team that helps me develop my own business.
I am enjoying the networking element of my new business – and the way that small businesses work together to help each other.
Like Alison I am looking for existing business owner who are interested in adding an extra income stream to their current business. Get in touch with me if you know of anyone who fits the bill.
Teamwork is a great way to play to people’s strengths, and leverage costs to the benefit of all concerned.
As is networking and referrals. I’m happy to promote this blog showing Silicon Bullet and Alison as examples of successful networking and team-working – and collaboration! For sure, I’ve benefitted from referrals from Alison, and have been happy to refer her into my clients.