By: Chris Cole, Maine SBDC Business Advisor & 2025 State Star
“Success is best when it’s shared” Howard Schultz
As we wrap up the year, one consistent theme for me has been teamwork. None of us succeeds alone. Collaboration and connection make the work stronger, more sustainable, and far more impactful.
As a Maine SBDC business advisor, collaboration has been essential to my growth and ability to better serve small business owners. I benefit from having trusted colleagues to bounce ideas off, share resources, and problem-solve. Teamwork within our organization leads to broader perspectives, meaningful referrals, and more thoughtful guidance for our clients.
Why Teamwork Matters, Even When You Work Alone
Many of the small business owners I work with are single-person operations. They are passionate, capable, and deeply invested in their businesses, but they are also stretched thin. Wearing every hat can be rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. Collaboration helps relieve that pressure. It creates space for better decisions, new ideas, and long-term thinking instead of constant reaction.
Redefining What a Team Looks Like
Small business owners benefit from building a circle of support around them. A “team” does not have to mean employees. It can be made up of people and organizations that support, challenge, and encourage you.
For a small business, a team might include:
• An SBDC advisor or other business coach
• An accountant, bookkeeper, or attorney
• Fellow business owners in a networking or peer group
• Contractors, vendors, or suppliers
• Referral partners and mentors
In Maine, we are fortunate to have strong local networks that support small businesses. Chambers of commerce, business networking groups, and local industry associations play a critical role in connecting owners to one another. These groups provide opportunities to learn, pool resources, and realize that you are not alone in the challenges you face.
Ways to Build Your Support Network
- Find a Trusted Advisor – Having a regular check-in with a business advisor or mentor creates accountability and provides a sounding board for decisions big and small.
- Get Involved Locally – Joining a chamber of commerce, local networking group, or Maine-based industry association helps build relationships that often turn into referrals, partnerships, or informal support systems.
- Share the Load – Outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping, marketing, or IT support can free up time and reduce stress.
- Build Peer Connections – Talking with other business owners who understand your experience can be just as valuable as technical advice. Peer groups offer encouragement, perspective, and real-world insight.
- Stay Open to Collaboration – Some of the strongest business relationships begin with a simple conversation. Be open to partnerships, shared opportunities, and learning from others.
Looking Ahead
As this year comes to a close, I encourage small business owners to reflect on who is in their corner. My own growth as an advisor has been shaped by the support and collaboration within the SBDC and the broader Maine small business ecosystem. The same can be true for any small business owner willing to reach out, connect, and build their own team.
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