Thought Partnership: When Solutions Shouldn't Be Solo
Wendie Veloz
Social Impact Strategist | Executive Coach for Small Business & Nonprofit Leaders | Social Policy Expert | Best Selling Author | Reiki Healer | Podcast Host | Blogger
Thought Partnership: When Solutions Shouldn't Be Solo
Have you ever had a moment when you thought, "dang... I can't think my way out of this problem."
I find that sometimes, the most valuable way I can be an ally for people serving others is simply to be another brain to solve a complex problem. I've served in this role for a long time while working in the federal government and supporting project directors to implement 5-year strategies.
Who's On Your Team?
When I started my own business, I realized how valuable it is to have a team that supports your ideas and helps you bring them to fruition. When I suddenly found myself without a team, I realized how valuable having a team was to me.
I also realized that my business offers me the opportunity to support other people's teams as a consultant and to lift up others who don't have a team as a coach. These two aspects of my work have been really fulfilling but I still had that void for a "team".
Over the last 2 years, I've filled in the roles on my team with different types of people from different places. My virtual assistant, (shoutout to Jaleesa!), serves as a resource to help get work done and follow up. I have a group of accountability buddies who meet M-F at 8 am ET on the Clubhouse app. This community helps break down goals into achievable steps and keep in the entrepreneur mindset.
Like any team, members change. Collaborators fall away and new ones join the fun. There is no clear path on how to manage your "team" as a solopreneur when your team includes supports and connections that are outside your organization.
Thought Partnership- How to Crowd Source Solutions
Then there are my clients. I get to witness and be part of their achievements. My goal is to help them achieve their goals and remind them to celebrate milestones along the way. My clients fill that part of a team that celebrates wins. The shared success keeps us all motivated to do more and serve more.
Recently, I shared a client success story on my blog about my client Keep It Movin' Fitness owner Dante Puchala.
Despite knowing Dante for years, I've only worked with him for nearly 6 months as a business and impact coach. Here are just a few of the things we've accomplished together:
? Website launched with 2 blog posts within 60 days
? Over $8K in revenue was collected through the website in the first 90 days
? Over 1,200 views on Google and over 1,500 views on Yelp in the first 90 days
When I checked with Dante about what his biggest takeaway was he said that just having someone to think with was the most helpful part of working together. (He said despite how much work I did on his website this was more important to him.)
What this showed me is that while I'm working on building my team, I'm also an important part of my client's teams. I serve as a thought partner and accountability buddy.
I also help my clients dig into their vision and execute solutions that will get them to the next phase of their journey. Whether that's 1: 1 small business coaching clients like Dante or nonprofit organizations that I consult with. Thought partnership is helpful in all aspects of social impact strategy.
(Read more about how thought partnership helps social entrepreneurs sustain their success in the blog post below)
Building A Network vs. Your Team
Building a network virtually and in person is a lot of work. It takes consistently showing up, giving/sharing, and offering to support.
One thing I learned was that although I have a huge network, not all of my network is part of my team.
Yes, I said it. Now let's dig into why.
I have met a lot of people over the 20 years of my career in social services. I know people from a lot of sectors - nonprofit, business, government, foundations, international development. If I've sat next to you on a plane, you're part of my network. If we co-presented on a panel, you're part of my network. If you've listened to my podcast or read my newsletter- surprise! You're also part of my network.
Although I have a huge network, what I lacked was a referral team. A team that is consistently connecting me to new resources, knowledge, and connections that will help me grow my business.
Having A Network Is Great... But How Does That Equal Business?
This past quarter I joined the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce in Montgomery County, MD. I've made so many important connections through networking in person and virtually.
The addition of the chamber to my network has been a great experience so far. I've extended my network into a team and learned how to ask for referrals (in the right way). I've also practiced introducing my business to others who have zero knowledge about the impact space.
The chamber has been full of thought partner business owners that are excellent additions to my team. I finally gained a referral team!
What I've learned through networking with other chamber members, is that you can turn your network into business by having friends and personal relationships where people know exactly how you serve others.
Thought Partnership = Referrals = Resources
No matter what sector you're in, referrals generally equal resources. When you have more referrals, you're more likely to be aligned with more resources to do more good work.
Being in thought partnership with your team (whatever it looks like for you) will give you access to more referrals and more resources. As effective social entrepreneurs, it's our job to align ourselves with the right opportunities to be a thought leader and partner in our respective expertise areas.
By doing this, you offer others access to your wisdom and talents and link to (or get referrals to) the things that you need (resources) to be successful.
Here are a few ways you can be a good thought partner:
领英推荐
For more insight into how we can work together head to my website.
This month is jam-packed with awesome events. Take a look at the full calendar and pick the ones that will help you on your journey.
Many of this month's events take place on the Clubhouse app. Join the Social Impact Level Up on Clubhouse here.
Next week join me for a live event here on LinkedIn and YouTube.
We'll take some advice from Ian Westmoreland's podcast episode- Ready. Fire. Aim.
What does it mean to take action on your impact idea? Hop in the comments and let's chat about techniques you use to get yourself motivated for massive action.
??? Follow my profile for more details this week. Don't forget to ring the bell!
Speaking of taking massive action... if this sounds like you...
?? Unsure where to start working towards your vision
?? Not confident about the next steps to take
?? Frustrated by how many ideas you have and how little progress has happened
???? we need to talk.
There's still space left in my May workshop- the Idea 2 Action Accelerator.
Get in now before it's too late if you want to see benefits like this:
?? Clarity on what your vision includes (and does not include at the moment)
?? Momentum to set priorities that align your vision and lifestyle
???? A roadmap to serve others in your own unique way
This offer only comes out a few times a year, if you're interested now is your time to get in the door.
The workshop starts May 11th and I'd love to see your smiling face in it! If you're looking for support, this is your chance! Don't miss out!
I'm here to serve the helpers! If you're looking for a corporate trainer, speaker, or sustainability consultant- DM me! I'd love to link up!
?? Ring the bell on?my?Profile
???? Connect with me on all the platforms @WendieVeloz
????Subscribe to the Social Impact Level Up LinkedIn Newsletter & share!
?Connecting impact-driven entrepreneurs with like-hearted people
?Providing consulting, and coaching for social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders.
Realtor Associate @ Next Trend Realty LLC | HAR REALTOR, IRS Tax Preparer
1 年Well said.