Michelle�s Top Tip for making the MOST of your COMENSA Membership: Create Your Business Support Team

SuperUser posted on July 05, 2010 13:38

By Michelle Clarke, Western Cape Chapter Chair

As an A-Type personality, I�m a go-it-alone kind of person. Whilst this attitude has some merit, it has got me into some hot water in business. Not inviting the wise council and expertise of a trusted group of supporters has cost me time and money. I�ve realised that as a business owner, I, (we), do need a support team to advise, teach and assist us, helping us to avoid some unnecessary risks. A strong support team can mean the difference between success and failure for a fledgling business. It can also ensure the personal sanity of the hard working business owner.

Supporters generally come in two forms: advisors and specialists. Some you pay for and some you obtain through networking and outreach. Obviously you want to obtain your team as inexpensively as possible, but do not be afraid to pay for experience and expertise if necessary. Smart people at your side can save you years of hard work .

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These are some of the crucial members of my virtual support team:

My Accountant and financial coach � who not only helps me to make the right investment calls but also ensures that they are aligned with my business goals.
My Website developer & SEO guy � who listens carefully to my brand strategy and works to express that on my website and to position it in front of my ideal audience.
My Business Coach � who asks questions that invite me to get a clear perspective on whether the actions I am taking in my business are moving me in the right direction
My Designer � who �gets� me and is able to whip up logos and product designs and splash pages on the fly
My Photographer � (who knew what a great asset he would make to the team?) � who helps me to express my personality through pictures that form the base of my social networking activities
My Collaborators � people who I believe are skilled and competent and are keen to partner with me on projects
My Buddies � 2 or 3 trusted friends who are as happy to let me rant about my challenges as they are to rant about theirs. There is so much learning in mutual sharing.

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Your business may be bigger or smaller than mine. Perhaps you hire a virtual assistant, or a real one, and perhaps you have a team of staff around you? The nature of your business and your situation will determine that. Either way, surrounding yourself by the right players is a good way to help you to win the game.

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About the Author:
Michelle Clarke is a Cape Town based Master Coach who delivers successful coaching interventions both locally and internationally. She is a committed member of COMENSA and works with High-Achieving Coaches and Independent Professionals helping them to develop their successful personal brands. She can be reached on +27 72 391 9912 or by visiting www.motivcoach.co.za

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Contact the Editor for advertising rates: marketing@COMENSA.org.za

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Join the Social Networking Revolution�Join the COMENSA Group on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com)

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Step into a Leadership Role

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There are so many exciting things happening in the Portfolio Committees and Special Interest Groups right now � watch this space, visit the website and keep your ears close to the ground! Indeed an exciting place to be is in a Portfolio Committee or Special Interest Group where there is room for YOU to use your special talents to further your interests.

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Portfolio Committees

Ethics Portfolio Committee
Membership Portfolio Committee
Membership Criteria & Standards of Competence Committee
Research & Definitions Portfolio Committee
Strategic Purpose Portfolio Committee
Supervision Portfolio Committee

Special Interest Groups

Corporate User SIG
Executive Coaching SIG
Life Coaching SIG
Mentoring SIG

To find out more about a Portfolio Committee or Special Interest Group, contact COMENSA National Vice President, Harry Welby-Cooke
Email: harrywelbycooke@actioncoach.com

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Michelle�s Top Tip for making the MOST of your COMENSA Membership: Create Your Business Support Team

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