One is the Loneliest Number
Sole Proprietors, Solopreneurs, Sole Practitioners – operative word being Sole. There seems to be confusion about how professionals work on their own yet in a team.
Many corporate workers we have engaged with over the past several years seem to be confused about how one person firms operate. Yes, we may not want to offer credit cards due to the processing fees, yes, we may not offer electronic payment options due to the operating fees, yes, we pay our own health insurance, and yes, we work all hours, as needed. Many of these seem to almost frighten those who work within a rigid corporate structure. They find benefits, security, peer support and cannot understand why others do not also want or embrace that environment. We have even felt some hostility around our choices. But, being a one person firm does not mean you are on an island and not part of a greater work team.
Most sole proprietors we know work within the greater structure of a team of consultants. They pair up with other small firms or even larger firms, depending on the situation, to present a look that is like very large corporate organizations. The only difference is that they do not all work for the same company. They are, however, united in their determination to accomplish the project or the job, as a team, working together to complement one another in their respective roles. Despite having a lateral relationship with all the team members instead of a corporate linear relationship, the goal remains the same.
So, why then, are we hearing about large corporate players asking sole practitioners what their backup plan is or what happens to the project if they die? Yes, this is an actual example of a conversation we were recently made aware of by at least a few colleagues. Anything can accidentally happen to any of us at any time. It is called life. So, if you are interviewing smaller firms for a project, make sure you do not just ask them for a backup plan. It should be part of your request for proposal for any respondents, regardless of size. Do not reserve it only for the micro businesses you are interviewing.
A great example of a micro business having a backup plan is a friend of ours who lost their primary photographer to some personal issues occurring. Another friend stepped up with the idea of using photography students. It seems to have panned out well and is giving these students real life opportunities to learn and hone their talent. Interns and college or graduate level students can be great sources of personnel backup. And, if that it not available in your field, due to licensing requirements, then make sure you have another professional colleague lined up to step in your shoes, if a crisis demands it.
If we all approach this topic with kindness and logic, we can take away some of the hostility that can pervade the discussion of backup for sole proprietors. Backup plans are relevant in many phases of life and surely this is just another landscape.
Be well.
