I have a confession to make. Even though I encourage other people to delegate work to me and to my business, I am one of those people who doesn’t like to let go of things. Yes, it’s true, I find it hard to ask for help or to hand over the reins to someone else.
But as my business grew and I became busier and busier, I had no choice, I simply had to get some help. Now that I have done so, I feel so much more organised and I can embrace new clients with open arms, rather than thinking, ‘OMG how will I do all of this work?’
In particular, I sought out virtual assistance from Julia of Gold Coast VA. Julia has been instrumental in helping me get organised and doing those ‘extra’ jobs that otherwise would never get done. We are also getting some systems and processes in place to increase efficiency. What’s more, as my business grows, Julia is gradually doing more and more work for me. I am so pleased we found each other.
This experience made me realise how much I need to build a tribe to be successful in business.
What Is A Tribe?
One of the definitions of a tribe is ‘a group of persons having a common character, occupation, or interest’ (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).
A business tribe can have many forms but as a small business owner at this point in time, I prefer the concept of a loosely linked tribe made up of individuals and other small businesses. This can allow me to be flexible and scalable as my business needs and the needs of my clients change, grow and evolve over time.
“Call it a clan. Call it a network. Call it a tribe. Call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”
— Jane Howard
My tribe is growing. I am building a network of businesses I work with to ensure my clients get the best of everything they need for their social media and eMarketing. Apart from my right-hand VA, Julia, my tribe now includes a photographer, a videographer, a blog writer, a web designer, a graphic designer, and a dessert queen (for my corporate gifts this year!). As my business needs grow and change, I can see my tribe will continue to grow and change too.
It is incredibly important for me to carefully choose who I will work with as their work will reflect on my business and my brand. Furthermore, it is important that others I work with share my values and understand how I work. Therefore, I have found that the best way to build my tribe is organically. I work with people I know and trust. Just as it is important for customers and clients to trust the businesses and businesspeople they work with it is crucial to know and trust the members of your business tribe.
My tribe has grown organically through people I have known and worked with over the years, those recommended to me by others, and people who I have come across who I could envisage fitting into my tribe and offering something useful to my business. I have also found that to attract the right people, those who will fit in with my values and my business, I need to be authentic. Likewise, I value authenticity in the people I choose to work with.
“What I’ve discovered is that from football fans to undertakers, secret agents to marble-players and politicians, we all are part of at least one tribe. By tribes, I’m talking anthropologically; these groups are determined less by genes and more by the work they do or the passions they pursue.”
— Susie Dent
Are you open to building your tribe and inviting in others who can help make your life easier and help your business to prosper and grow? Or, like I was, are you reticent to ask for help or to delegate some of your responsibilities? For example, do you have the time and capability to use social media to its potential to promote your business and your brand?
For help managing your social media channels, check out our Jam Packages or book an initial Jam Session.