When you are an entrepreneur, there will be times when you are not as passionate and self-motivated as you were when you first began your business.

Sometimes you may feel a little stuck and realize you’re not progressing at the rate you need to reach your business goals. It can be especially difficult for you when you’re working on these goals while making the transition from employee to entrepreneur! No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, consider getting a business accountability partner!

 

What’s an accountability partner?

An accountability partner is someone who makes sure you stay committed to the goals that you’ve established for yourself. They want to see you accomplish your goals, and they will hold you to them.

Having an accountability partner will give you the chance to get out of your comfort zone. They will not let you get away with excuses. They will provide you with honest feedback and offer you support and encouragement along the way.

When you listen to your accountability partner’s feedback, you will gain a different perspective on how you can approach things in your business. You’re also learning from each other when it’s a successful partnership.

A great accountability partner wants to see you succeed, and they’ll do whatever they can to make sure you do! 

 

How do you find your business accountability partner?

Networking will play a significant role in finding your business accountability partner.

They don’t have to be in your business industry or niche. If your backgrounds differ, then that can be an advantage. Because of the variety of experiences, you can share different viewpoints and recommendations.

Facebook groups are one of the best places online to meet other business owners from all types of backgrounds.

Find engaging Facebook groups and actively participate in them. You’ll start to meet others who are just as passionate about achieving business goals. Ask other Facebook group members if any of them would like to participate in an accountability partnership.

Be clear about what you expect in an accountability partner and get the ball rolling!

 

 

What should be addressed in the accountability partnership agreement?

Once you’ve both agreed to be accountability partners, schedule an initial meeting to discuss further how the partnership will work.

Your first meeting will be an opportunity to understand what stage you’re in with your business. You should also talk about the essential milestones you both want to achieve.

 

Here are some questions you should address during your first meeting:

How often will you meet?

Decide on the frequency that works for both of you.  For instance, you may want to meet weekly or twice a month.

 

How will you communicate with each other?

If you have your accountability meetings in person, then decide on your meeting location. Examples include coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, co-working spaces, etc. If you’re meeting via conference calls, then determine if they will be video or audio calls.  For video calls, select which video conference tool will be used.

 

How will you set goals and measure them?

Determine if you will be setting business goals for the year, quarter, or month.  Set a deadline for when you’ll share these goals with them.

 

What are some characteristics of a good accountability partner?

Here are a few characteristics that you will see in a successful accountability partner:

• Reliable – They are committed to attend your meetings and arrive on time. They make the meetings a priority.
• Honest – A good accountability partner is not afraid to give you constructive feedback…even if it’s not what you want to hear.  They will be candid with you when they offer advice. They’ll call you out when they realize you’re second-guessing yourself and selling yourself short about achieving your goals!
• Observant – They’re listening attentively to you during your meetings. They recognize when you may be overdoing it and risking business owner burnout.
• Supportive – They are encouraging and non-judgmental. They can offer assistance in some areas where you’re not as experienced.

 

How can you recognize when the partnership is not working?

As the accountability partnership continues, you may encounter some bumps along the road.

It’s important to address any issues with your business accountability partner as soon as possible.

 

Here are some examples of when accountability partners are not giving you their best:

• They begin to forget about your meetings.
• They agree with every decision you’re making with your business goals.
• They don’t offer suggestions or feedback.
• They don’t raise concerns about your commitment when you’re not making progress.
• They become increasingly negative and judgmental when you discuss your ideas.
• The partnership has become one-sided because they’re demonstrating a lack of commitment to their own goals.

 

It’s simple.

The partnership won’t work when you or your partner are not holding each other accountable!

The accountability needs to be reciprocated. Otherwise, it will not be mutually beneficial.

Make necessary adjustments to get the partnership back on track!

 

Having a business accountability partner should be part of your business growth strategy.

When you find the right person, you can see some incredible results for your business.

 

Respect each other’s time and show up for each other.

Stay committed to the process!

 

Make this partnership a priority, and it will be a win-win for both of you!