Six Steps to Being Your Own Boss, Part 2

teamYesterday, I wrote about the first step to being your own boss, gaining experience. Working for oneself is a dream many people in this country have, and here is the second step for reaching that goal, according to MSN.

Step 2: Build A Winning Team

The article says that you should find people whose skills complement yours—in otherwords, they fill in the gaps in your own skills and experience.

Bring on people who complement your skills and fill in the gaps. Mary Beth Metrey had always dreamed of opening a boutique, but her short stint in retail didn’t provide all of the details of running a shop. But Heather White, her hometown friend, had studied fashion design and merchandizing. Naturally, Metrey asked White to be her business partner when she opened her charming new shop…

I’ll add the following thought. Try to find people who are as passionate as you about your idea and your particular business niche. You should also surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are. If you’re the smartest person in the group, you may not get any fresh ideas to allow you to grow. Your success might be more secure if you have the ability to learn as much as you can from others.

Don’t be afraid to work with people who will disagree with you. Conflict is a good thing, but it’s important to manage it wisely. That doesn’t mean avoiding it and ceding your position to another. Here are some thoughts on getting the most out of conflict, from The Joy of Conflict, published in Inc. Magazine:

Is it considered a “good meeting” when everyone agrees? That’s the worst. I’ve been in dozens of “good meetings” at which the important issues weren’t challenged—until after the meeting officially ended.

If you’re starting a business venture, bring in people who are committed to your vision, smart, and willing to speak up even if they disagree with you.

This is Part 2 of a series. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Scroll down to read 3 comments on “Six Steps to Being Your Own Boss, Part 2.”

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3 Comments on “Six Steps to Being Your Own Boss, Part 2.” To add your own comment, scroll down.

  1. #1: » Six Steps to Being Your Own Boss, Part 1 » Consumerism Commentary: A Blog About Personal Finance
    Wednesday, May 24, 2006
    12:05 pm (reply)
  2. #2: Making Our Way
    Thursday, May 25, 2006
    10:25 am (reply)

    Actually, my friend,
    I think the second step to being your own boss is to understand why you want to be your own boss:

    1. Is it to build a company?
    2. Improve lifestyle?
    3. Keep your old job without the old manager?

    These are very different situations.
    Only one of them merits starting a business.

    I’ve been so stimulated by the series, I’ve put up a posting at my blog regarding the question. You can see it at: http://makingourway.blogspot.com/2006/05/when-it-makes-sense-to-quit-your-job.html.

    Regards,
    makingourway

  3. #3: » This Week in the Archives: Be Your Own Boss, Graduation, and The Long Tail on Consumerism Commentary: A Personal Finance Blog
    Monday, May 28, 2007
    10:57 am (reply)

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