The Support Team Every Independent Professional Needs

As an independent contractor, you will spend part (or, in some cases, all) of your career as a solopreneur. With autonomy, flexibility, and full control over your work, being your own boss brings many rewards.

The choice to go solo does have its share of challenges as well. Respondents to our 2024 State of Independence survey cited unpredictable income, uncertainty about future projects, and low job security as top concerns of independent professionals. While these challenges are part of the solopreneur experience, there are strategies to reduce their impact.

One smart approach is to build a support team. Think of your support team as the key departments of any company—functions like accounting, HR, and marketing are just as vital to a solo business as they are to a large corporation.

The Essential Roles on a Support Team for Independent Contractors and Solopreneurs

As a solo entrepreneur (solopreneur) or independent contractor, building a support team is essential to managing key functions efficiently. While you may not have the resources for full-time employees, there are cost-effective ways to access expert help. These team members help ensure your business operates smoothly and stays organized.

Mentor or coach

One challenge of going solo is the lack of human interaction in your daily work. A mentor or coach can fill this gap in valuable ways. Their expertise can help you navigate the learning curve faster, offer insights into the strategies you’re considering, and highlight areas where you may have blind spots.

Discover: Benefits of Having a Mentor for Independent Contractors

Mastermind or peer advisor group

Peer advisor groups provide a valuable opportunity to connect with other solo business owners. You can exchange expertise, collaborate on brainstorming ideas, and gain a fresh perspective from the group on challenges you’re facing on a regular basis.

Legal advisor

Your legal advisor can guide you in choosing the best structure for your business—whether that’s an LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship—based on your goals and risk factors. They can assist with filing necessary paperwork, ensuring compliance with local laws, and navigating legal challenges, while also providing ongoing consultation on contracts, intellectual property, and other matters, offering peace of mind as you grow your business.

Tax advisor or CPA

Taxes are a constant concern to manage, and with ongoing changes to tax codes, having a reliable tax advisor or CPA on your team is crucial. They can help prepare your annual tax documents and provide guidance on tax-related business strategies.

Learn More: Filing Self-Employed Taxes: What You Need

Bookkeeper

You’ll collaborate with your tax advisor periodically and rely on your bookkeeper on a monthly or even weekly basis. A bookkeeper can ensure your finances stay organized, prepare financial statements, and, in some cases, manage customer billing and handle your bill payments.

Personal assistant

Your personal assistant, at your service! This key team member handles administrative tasks and communications that don’t require your direct involvement. From managing your schedule and making phone calls to organizing your email, they free up your time so you can focus on more important priorities.

Marketer(s)

Depending on your business needs, your marketing team may require multiple members to cover various roles. For example, you may need one person to manage your website and oversee SEO, another to handle your social media strategy, and someone else to create and manage email campaigns. Meanwhile, a content manager can help generate copy for your site, social media, and email communications.

Check Out: Effective Marketing Strategies for Independent Contractors and Self-Employed Professionals

Tips on Finding Support Team Members for Your Small Business

Many functions of your support team can be managed digitally with minimal human involvement. This offers a significant advantage for independent contractors, small business owners, and solopreneurs, as digital support typically costs much less than hiring employees for each role. Here are some ways to identify and engage the skilled professionals you need for your team:

• Hire human help through an online talent marketplace, where you can find and contract with personal assistants, marketing specialists, bookkeepers, and even tax and legal advisors.
• Use bookkeeping/accounting software like QuickBooks and TurboTax and hire a bookkeeper who is experienced with your chosen software to manage your records. You can also purchase live tax advisory services through your software.
• Utilize cloud services like Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive to store and manage your documents.
• If your business requires appointments, automate scheduling software to handle most interactions.
• Use content management applications to publish and track your content.
• Use marketing platforms that enable you to schedule social media posts and email campaigns in advance.

More Resources Available for Independent Contractors

If you’re seeking more resources to support your journey as an independent contractor, visit MBO’s blog for expert insights and practical advice. Our blog covers a wide range of topics, from financial planning to client management, to help you succeed in the world of self-employment. Plus, if you’re looking for opportunities in your field, join our talent marketplace to connect with top clients and exciting projects.