The Buddy System

Whether it is in the past, in the present or in the future everybody will have to endure a tedious job or duty by themselves. And for many, working alone proves better to them then working in a group. Being that I do consider myself to be a lone wolf at times, I always try remember every wolf has a pack.

Starting G2N has been a road never traveled and we have definitely learned a lot from our success but even more from our failures. Honestly,  failures build success and learning this early on will help to keep your head in the game. This can be a lonely road to travel, a road not many truly understand, but having like minded people  around to bounce ideas off of and spread the work,  is a great way to make sure your dream becomes a reality.

Trying to do EVERYTHING by yourself  never works. It might for a little while but many end up feeling overwhelmed and things get overlooked. Everyone needs a team, and your team members need a buddy. Since Going 2 Natural’s team members all work other jobs until we are financially stable, it is a challenge to have deadlines and establish a stable work ethic and environment, especially via the internet. But once I establish an online office and paired people up on projects using the buddy system, things started to move and progress really started to be made.

The buddy system really does work! For example, our Go2 Yogis used to be just one yogi. And to be honest, it was hard for G2N’s Yogi to build her persona by herself. Self motivation can prove difficult sometimes, especially when you have a ton of other things going on. So we were on a quest to find someone that could team up with her, and as we were looking for a new blogger, we met our Yogi’s perfect match. They immediately took to each other and their persona Go2 Yogis has really taken off. Just having a person to lean on and share a common goal with, really brings out the passion and dedication in both parties.

Finding people that have the same vision as you and your business will take time but when you meet the right person/people you will know, and it will all be worth it. It has taken G2N a year and half to build a strong team, and there is a good chance our team will evolve over time once more. People grow and lives change, so it important to find those few partners that are really in it for the long haul. There is nothing like being around inspired people. It gives me energy and takes my creativity to the next level and leaves me excited for the next great step.

*Sharing your best kept business ideas can be scary , but here are a few ways G2N protects its ideas and property:

• Make everyone(friends, family, and/or team members) sign a legally binding NDA, (Non Disclosure Agreement). You can find templates on google and change it to fit your needs.
• Do not share any ideas with people who are not directly invested in your start-up.
• Check personal and business references.
• Have new team members take a short personality test. We always give questions that are centered on ethics (and yes some are a bit tricky), but it really shows us how people would react in ethical situations, which is very important to us at G2N.
• Know the people you are working with, and if they are new to the team, a trial period is always a great idea. This gives you and the new team member time to make sure they are the right fit before giving them all the goodies, so to speak.
• Empower your team! This builds loyalty and dedication. When someone feels needed and appreciated, the dedication from them will soar.

The most important thing to remember is two heads are always better than one and it really does take a team to get the job done right. Using the buddy system helps people have accountability to each other and it will only drive you and your team members to work harder and better.

Schussler, Steve. “8.” It’s A Jungle In There. New York: Union Square, 2010. 61. Print.