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<\/a>Mildred L. Culp<\/p><\/div>\n
In the article, both of us entrepreneurs who were interviewed spoke about the need to be self-sufficient. Often as an entrepreneur, I need to do many different things myself as I keep personally motivated to do all that is necessary for my business to succeed. But in the article, I was quoted by saying, \u201cIndependent spirit can be a negative thing if taken too far.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now I want to expand on this quote. There is a balance between being self-sufficient and also realizing there are many resources out there I can call upon to help me succeed. Even though I need to take ownership over every aspect of my business and be self-sufficient, that does not mean \u201cgoing it alone.\u201d The wise entrepreneur knows how and when to call on various available resources.<\/p>\n
Here are some examples of how I have been using resources to help me succeed:<\/p>\n
First, I am involved with several organizations pertinent to my business for networking and resources. Being in the diversity<\/strong><\/a> and career management<\/strong><\/a> space I joined and regularly participate in the Raleigh-Wake HR Management Association<\/strong><\/a>, the Triangle Society of Human Resource Management<\/strong><\/a>, the Triangle Organizational Development Network<\/strong><\/a>, and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Second, I availed myself of excellent small business coaching. Both my initial coach during start up, Vickie Bevenour of RDW Group, Inc.<\/strong><\/a> and then Nancy Heller of Right Management, have been invaluable with expert advice, encouragement and inspiration. <\/p>\n Third, I have spent time with experienced and seasoned colleagues who helped show me the ropes and supplied sage advice. Both Val Boston of Boston and Associates<\/strong><\/a> and Al and Keith Toney of AK Consulting Services<\/strong><\/a> are successful long-time consultants in the diversity space who have provided great guidance along the way. Sharon Hill of Sharon Hill International<\/strong><\/a> discusses speaking dynamics with me as well as encouraging me with her infectious super-positive spirit. And Katie Gailes of Smart Moves International<\/strong><\/a> and I have had mutual accountability meetings, and she gives me creative marketing and sales ideas.<\/p>\n Fourth, paid or contracted resources can provide excellent direction. My IT \/ website \/ video contractor Jim Manchester of IYI Creative Services<\/strong><\/a> has given me some stellar creative ideas as we constructed my website, and Lorana Price of Holy Cow Branding<\/strong><\/a> provided expert services to help with my initial launch and logo development.<\/p>\n And finally as a small consultancy, I know that partnering with other consulting firms is desirable. I may need to find partners when I find a piece of work too large for me or if I do not have all the expertise. Likewise, I hope other consultants will reach out to me when my specific expertise may be beneficial for one of their engagements.<\/p>\n Yes, entrepreneurs need to be self-sufficient, but that must be balanced by knowing how to use the myriad of available great resources.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Note: this Blog is loaded with lots of useful links so do use them! Last week I was featured in a weekly column by Mildred L. Culp, a Syndicated Columnist with the Knoxville News Sentinel. This series, called \u201cTHE RIDE\u201d … Continue reading