Do You Have Coworkers?

Hi there.

When I told my kiddos I quit my old job to start something new, my daughter’s very first question was: “Do you have coworkers at your new job?” 

(She’s very concerned about me.) 

“Well…” I had to think about it, because the answer isn't a simple: “No, I work alone.” Technically, I’m building a one-man shop, so in one sense I’m the only employee and I don’t have any coworkers. On the other hand, I’ve got a wide network of people I get to work alongside.

Big shout out to the Advice-Only Network. I was really fortunate to attend the first ever Advice-Only Conference this year in Minneapolis. I got to meet dozens of other people from all across the United States who are operating businesses just like the one I’m building. It was so encouraging to connect with so many other people, and know that I’m not really alone in this. Eric Simonson, the founder and organizer of the network, said it in his keynote: “These are your people.” Even though I’m not working in the same building as any of them, a helpful piece of encouragement or advice is just an email or Discord message away. 

I’ve been blessed to work with some really talented people in the past, and I’m thankful for the connections we’ve made and maintained. I have a braintrust of other business owners and advisors that I get to connect with on a regular basis. We meet for lunch, talk throughout the day, and bounce ideas off each other. Seeing them at church or over coffee keeps me going. 

These groups give me a sense of community, and that matters more when you work alone. I’m a social person by nature, and I love being around other people. I think being out of an office will get me out in the community even more. As this business grows, I’ll keep leaning on them for advice, support and encouragement. 

A “one-man shop” isn’t a one-person team. None of us are really alone, and I hope everyone reading this knows that deep in their heart. 

So, in answer to my daughter’s question: “Well… I don’t have anyone else working in the office every day, but I do have a whole ton of people that I get to work with.” 

Until next time, God Bless.

Ian