So, maybe we are not Fortune 500 companies with gobs of power and prestige, and maybe most of us don’t really know the sorts of movers and shakers that advise big businesses. But, this doesn’t need to stop us from compiling our own team of experts to serve as mentors and advisors for our home based businesses. In fact, we need this team of experts to help keep us informed, inspired, and motivated.
Where do these experts come from? The experts you need for your home business do not necessarily need to have a string of initials after their names or sit on high powered boards of directors—who you need will depend on what sort of areas are lacking and in need of inspiration and advice in your business. You might want to have someone who is an accountant or really good with bookkeeping and numbers who you can go to for financial and pricing advice and you might want someone who is a marketing guru or a really solid writer/communicator. Depending on what sort of product or service you offer, you might also want specialists and experts in various parts of your field who can give you the advice you need when you need it.
Compiling these experts means cultivating and nurturing these relationships. Look to former coworkers and colleagues, family, friends, and even competitors for resources when you are trying to expand your “team”—you might be surprised how many people are more than happy to be happy and useful and contribute ideas and expertise to a small business—but don’t be surprised if they want you to contribute some of your ideas and expertise in exchange for theirs! Reciprocating expert advice and information can be a great way to network and build supportive relationships in the business world.
Also: Keep in Mind–You’re the Expert (And They Are Not)