STRIVE January 2017 | Page 21

Chief Executive Officer You
Admin Assistant You
Finance You
Human Resources You
Information Technology You
Marketing You
Sales You
Operations You
with making the call and / or approaching people at networking events . Often , I found myself doing what I referred to as “ unplanned pro-bono ” because I was not confident about my price and value . I knew I needed to take responsibility for this shortcoming but I didn ’ t think I could simply wish confidence and pride into the equation . Therefore , I took a different approach . I enjoy volunteering and was offering my services to many of my favorite non-profits each year . I began , as a trade , to ask for some exposure to their Board of Directors . This simple “ ask ” often resulted in future work . I also began using my professional and personal networks to solicit referrals and / or introductions . While I had been hesitant to ask for this type of help , I quickly discovered my network was happy to make the connection . Finally , I interviewed my current clients about my services , the results or outcomes of such , the investment and return , etc . This helped me realize the value of my services , which helped me adjust my fees .
It ’ s easy to become irrelevant
Many sole proprietors quickly realize how much they miss the benefits of working in an organization such as sufficient office space and equipment , IT support and team comradery . However , not being a part of the business operations poses another problem that goes beyond missing our employers . I believe many lone rangers lose touch with how the work is , can be or should be conducted ; we become ignorant about the emerging technological advances while we comfortably advise from our favorite coffee shops . Whether it be advances in data management , automated or robotic processes or virtual solutions , we often miss it and , as such , we diminish our advice and counsel . For me , it was the speedy advance of collaborative technology . I found my knowledge to be as obsolete as the land line in my home office . I was unable to help my clients imagine how to better communicate , how to work efficiently when people were remote , how to effectively train
a dispersed workforce or how to better engage a group during meetings and events . My ignorance of “ how ” collaborative technology better enables these things decreased my overall value to my client . To solve this problem , I went back to work part-time for a company who designed , sold , installed and serviced collaborative technology . While this was a significant investment of my time and resources , it was the only way I could take responsibility for my shortcoming . It was humbling to find myself in learning mode after all of these years but the return was worth the investment and I am now equipped to advise and offer appropriate and forward thinking technological solutions to my clients .
In summary ,
• Focus isn ’ t always a good thing .
• Sole proprietors find it difficult to expand .
• Freedom isn ’ t free .
• It ’ s easy to become irrelevant .
Those don ’ t exactly make the case for sole proprietorship , do they ? However , here ’ s the reality : Sole proprietorship epitomizes accountability , adaptation , flexibility , growth and courage .
If that is not taking responsibility for our shortcomings , I don ’ t know what it is .
Heather Kinzie Director of Consulting Services ,
The STRIVE Group
January 2017 21