“Accountability separates the wishers in life from the action-takers that care enough about their future to account for their daily actions.”
John Di Lemme
It’s common to work on your own and feel alone when you’re a small business owner or solopreneur. Leaning into someone else to use as a sounding board and as an accountability partner can be a vital component for support in business. Being in an accountability partnership can keep both parties accountable for reaching goals, moving forward and expanding in business while not feeling so alone. When both parties are business owners, that also means you have to be willing to open up and be vulnerable in your conversations. If you’re struggling with income, a business crises, questions or confidence, you will have to share things that you wouldn’t normally share about your business.
These are some things to think about when you’re looking for a good match in an accountability partner:
What are your needs and reasons for working with an accountability partner?
- Are you struggling with confidence, focus or knowledge?
- Have you been in business for a long time and you have a lot of experience to draw on to help your accountability partner?
- Do you just need the extra push of checking in with someone to make sure you reach goals and cross items off of your to-do lists?
- Do you feel like you need someone who has your back so you don’t feel alone in business?
Who is a good match for you?
Opposites often attract in marriage and they can attract in accountability partners too. When you connect with someone who is different from you and your ways of thinking and doing things, you can gain perspectives you wouldn’t have on your own. If you have two type A personalities working together, you both may want to take charge. But if you have a leader who charges forward and someone who is more introverted and takes more time to think things through, you may get some very different outcomes and solutions to consider.
Also take business experience into account. If you’re new in business, would you benefit from pairing up with someone who is seasoned in business and may have solved problems in the past that you are currently facing?
What about your accountability partner’s previous successes? Have they accomplished something you’re setting out to accomplish and would like to learn more about?
- They are a public speaker and you want to start teaching and training
- They are an author and you want to write a book
- They are a connector and you want to be more social and connect more people
- They exude confidence and you want to feel and look confident as a business owner
Be honest in your communication.
Be willing to be open and honest about where you are in business but remember that your accountability partner is not your coach or your counselor. This isn’t about spilling your guts and expecting someone to rescue you. This partnership is about letting someone into your sphere so they understand where you are in business and can better serve you as an accountability partner with feedback and support.
You can also be honest about your accomplishments and successes. Accountability partnerships aren’t just to solve problems and meet goals; they can also provide an opportunity to celebrate milestones, accomplishments and goals that have been met. Sharing this information isn’t bragging, it’s a way to reap the rewards of having an accountability partner and making progress in our businesses. It’s very exciting for each party to see the other one succeed!
You also need to be willing to get help outside of your accountability partnership. If you discover you need a lot more help with your business for a particular issue, your partner isn’t a one stop shop. You may need to look for a business coach to hire or a make a connection with a mentor in your particular field. You can still keep your partner in the loop with your progress and goals for the help or education you’re getting.
An accountability partnership can last for years and be a mutual source of support, solutions and celebrations!
Action Steps:
- Make a list of your needs for an accountability partnership.
- Write down the traits of someone you think would be helpful to you.
“Get an accountability partner. Someone who isn’t scared of you…or your antics. But cares enough about you to tell you the truth. And will push you when you don’t want to be pushed.”
Unknown
