Build Your Independent Business Through Teaming

The goal for any independent professional is building a professional brand and growing your business: filling the sales funnel, securing new projects, and upgrading skills to command higher rates. Independent professionals of all kinds—independent contractors, independent consultants, small business owners, and solopreneurs—are increasingly teaming up for ongoing business ventures or specific projects.

Why is that? Teaming provides powerful advantages as a strategy to achieve these goals. In this guide, we’ll explore the keys to success when partnering with other independent professionals. By the end, you’ll be prepared to collaborate and take your success to the next level.

From Great Realization to Great Collaboration: Benefits of Teaming for Independent Contractors

Teaming with other independent contractors brings together diverse skills and perspectives, making it possible to tackle projects that might be too complex for one person. Here’s how teaming can support your small business:

1. Tackle more complex and challenging projects

Combining your expertise with that of other independent contractors creates a multidisciplinary team capable of handling bigger and more challenging opportunities.

2. Increase opportunities for recurring work

Delivering great results as part of a team can lead to more projects without starting from scratch. This ongoing work can help you build long-term relationships with clients, making future opportunities easier to secure.

3. Work on multiple projects simultaneously

Being part of one team doesn’t stop you from taking on additional roles elsewhere. You can balance multiple projects, expanding your portfolio while gaining a wide range of experiences.

4. Gain access to high-value clients

Teams can secure larger contracts and open doors to new opportunities. These clients often offer additional projects, providing you with more chances to grow your business and network.

5. Expand your professional network

In addition to social media outreach on LinkedIn and other channels, collaborating with other independent professionals introduces you to peers who can become future partners or mentors.

6. Boost your current and future pay rates

Teams often negotiate competitive rates, and successful collaborations with reputable clients can strengthen your portfolio.

Taking on the Team Leader Role

If you decide to lead a team, you can further develop your skills and grow your business. Success comes from developing a collaborative environment based on mutual respect. Focus on choosing people from your network for better compatibility and carefully vet any new members before bringing them on board.

Team management essentials include:

• Clear scopes of work with timelines and milestones
• Defined roles for each team member
• Convenient access to project management and collaboration tools
• Regular communication protocols
• Relationship-building practices, such as celebrating wins and creating a positive team environment

Check Out: 6 Project Management Tips for Independent Contractors

Establishing Clear Processes for Your Teaming Efforts

Before locking in a project, make sure to sort out key processes to set your team up for success. For example:

• Assign a primary client contact
• Determine common work hours across time zones
• Select tools and platforms for communication and deliverables
• Identify training needs for unfamiliar tools and technologies

Discover: How to Stay Organized As an Independent Contractor

Ensuring Continuous Improvement for All Team Members

Regular live check-ins are crucial to success. Weekly meetings can resolve immediate challenges, while periodic deep dives can help refine your processes and identify bottlenecks.

Establishing a consistent rhythm for these discussions helps ensure accountability and keeps everyone aligned. Use simple frameworks, like after-action reviews (AARs), to maintain focus and ensure you keep moving forward.

More on Building Your Career As an Independent Business Owner

Whether you’re leading a team or part of one, teaming helps you grow faster, explore new paths, and strengthen your network. If you haven’t tried teaming as a business strategy yet, now is a great time to begin.

MBO Partners provides a variety of tools and resources on business strategy and building your career as an independent contractor. Plus, MBO’s talent marketplace gives you convenient to top companies seeking skilled independent talent, including those on the Fortune 500. Through our platform, you can find opportunities to grow your career, expand your professional network, and achieve your business goals.