If you've read my article, Turn Your Passion into Business
and Marketing Success, you may have seen this statement –
DON'T DO IT ALONE!  I relate creating a successful business
to the farmers I have seen in their fields.  Have you ever
had the chance to take a drive in the country during harvest
time?  You will notice many farmers in one field for days
and then they move to their neighbor's field helping each
other have a successful harvest.  This has been going on for
decades; it's not a new idea.  We need the same help in our
businesses.

There was a time when my business first began I thought I
was supposed to do it alone.  In fact, for the first year or
two I was under the strange impression that if I asked for
help I was weak and I was supposed to have all of the
answers.  WOW, what an eye opener the day I realized how
much I was depriving myself and my business of substance,
wisdom, fun and new evolving ideas.   Then another big
awareness hit.  I began looking at my strengths – how I best
interacted with people – what truly energized me.  TEAMS!! 
Multiples of business people that needed and wanted the same
end result—Building their Business.    I began seeking teams
that were forming;  business classes with small groups;
forming my own team, and now facilitating Success Teams.  I
will never be without a team.  It would rob me of the
stimulation I need and the giving I so enjoy.

The bottom line is we are all human beings; we need a pat on
the back, a supportive environment, new ideas and sometimes
a kick in the pants.  Teams may be set up for all types of
needs – mine happens to be for my business.  I would not be
where I am today without my team.  We are moving into our
3rd year together.  We chose to meet once a week for 2
hours.  Every week I count on that meeting because I know I
am going to be able to give support, lend an ear and assist
my teammates with whatever they need for that time period. 
I will also be receiving the same.   Whether I need to
obtain valuable information, set goals to move forward with
my week or want a cheering squad for a success achieved.

What are your thoughts for a Success Team?  Are you the type
of person that needs accountability to keep you focused?  Do
you have the desire to be part of a bigger picture and stay
individual?   If so, build it into your request of what a
Success Team means to you.  Maybe you don't work well with
accountability and simply like to have the freedom through
the week to create and bring it back to the table.  One of
my team members has a particular approach that works for him
when he has a lot to get done.  He commits to buying the
team breakfast if he does not complete his assignment.  I
believe he has only had to do that once – he has achieved
the commitments he puts on the table.

A Success Team can be like the 'All for One and One for All
approach'.  You are there to help each other succeed.  I
have as much investment in my teammates' success as I do my
own and I will do whatever it takes to help them get there. 
I also know they have the same commitment to me.  Many times
we are on the phone together during the week and
periodically helping each other out with big projects.   The
level of commitment is in your hands.

Here are some tips to assist you in creating the foundation
of your team:

 * Find team members who are at the same commitment level you
   are to succeed in your business.

 * Find team members who have a different business than you. 
   If your team members are in the same business that's OK, but
   I suggest those members have different previous backgrounds
   – it brings more variety and knowledge to your group.

 * Choose a consistent time period, i.e. weekly, bi-weekly,
   etc.  This lets you know you have some help and camaraderie
   to count on.

 * Choose an environment for your meetings that is energizing
   to you. It could be your favorite latte hangout, a park or
   an office.

 * Schedule a preliminary meeting to set ground rules and
   establish a trial period.  With a trial period it gives each
   of your members time to decide if this is right for them and
   if you're right for each other.  A suggested trial period
   can be 3-months.


If you find yourself floundering, unfocused, or simply
wanting human interaction do yourself and your business a
favor. Form a team NOW or join one of my teams.  What are
you waiting for?  Give yourself and your business the boost
and richness it deserves.  Don’t wait another second – do it
NOW! 

For more Success Team Tips please see:
http://www.marketingontheplayground.com

Beth Woodward, CPCC, CEK  (Chief Executive Kid). Beth is the
creator of the popular Marketing On The Playground(TM) Program,
Women's "Brain" -Storming On The Playground(TM), and is the
author of the Marketing On The Playground(TM) Storybook…eBook.
Visit Beth at http://www.marketingontheplayground.com