How to Create Your Designer Team

Anne Alexander
Did you know that you have a team that supports your life? This is true whether you are a business owner, a solo entrepreneur or an employee. And the quality of your team has a huge amount to do with the results you are getting in your life.
Most people have default teams. They haven’t consciously picked their team members and so what they have is often a pretty mixed lot. Some members may be highly consistent, positive, and fun, while others may be unreliable, irritating or worse.
Your team members can include your spouse or partner, employees, accountant, financial advisor/stock broker, child care provider, computer technician, business coach, plumber, handy person, house cleaner, car mechanic, travel agent, landscaper and more.
For example, my financial advisor is super. When I first started working with her, unlike some of the big name firms, she didn’t require that I have a huge amount of money to open an account. She thinks big and creates big results for her clients.
Another team member who is invaluable to me is my accountant. When I had a question the other day, I called her office and found out she was home with a sick child. Five minutes later, she called me from her home. (Her son was resting.) How’s that for outstanding customer service? No charge for the conversation, either.
Then there’s my computer technician who learned how to build computers in the Navy and is stumped by nothing. He charges fairly and is highly competent. In my business, along with my telephone, my computer is my number one business tool, so you can see how important he is to my professional success!
All my team members are fantastic people, caring, highly competent and service oriented, just as I am with my clients. I have chosen them carefully. Don’t put up with anything less for your team.
Remember that the only thing constant in life is change, so accept that over time there will be some changes to your team and be prepared. Have backup suppliers or service providers. If you have employees, don’t be surprised when someone moves on, and keep a file of possible candidates, people you have noticed in your community who might be a great fit for your team.
Take a minute to look at your team. How high do you rate them? If you don’t rate your team at least an 8 out of 10 (10 being “amazing” then you need to take a hard look at it.
We have a huge tendency to become like those we surround ourselves with. We tend to have the same income levels, the same ambitions, the same degree of risk taking and growth orientation. So be sure to create a designer team, one that supports your success and that you can count on. The results will amaze you.