Strength in numbers part deux

I wrote a short time ago a post about my reasons for believing that blogging networks were a good thing becuase their was Strength in Numbers. Part of that post was about wanting to join 9rules, but the belief I have in the fact that there is strength in numbers goes beyond that. As a freelancer, it can all get a bit lonely and you can feel like some lone rider in a tabled inaccessible world. Lost with nothing to do but go from one project to another and with only your messaging link to the world. In starting a small business freelancer has to be all things to their client and looking or even farming out your weaker areas seems just a loss of money.

One thing that I have come to realise is the limits in my ability. When I was younger I fully admit to being a bit of an egotist about things and thinking I could do it all, that was just the way I was. Over time though I have grown to realise that by uniting with others who are good in my weaker areas or even those that just don’t interest me so much, I am able to focus on my strengths and to not damage a project by trying to do everything. I am lucky as I have a lot of people I can work with and I always find that in these group projects is where I truly flourish. For me I get both strength in numbers along with producing my best work.

When it comes down to it the phrase “strength in numbers” means using people to their strengths and working together to achieve a better goal. I think a lot of freelancers and people in general can easily spread themselves too thin thinking they can cope with everything including the kitchen sink. The fact is, if you concentrate your skills and link with others the success is always going to be beyond the individual. Of course if you are a super human maxed out skilled mutant hero, then maybe you are great at everything. For the rest of us mortals, there are always going to be weaker points in our armour and by admiting these you aren’t being weak you are infact going to achieve better than you could if you bashed your head against it. Unles you have a time machine, life really is too short to be good at everything – not a nice fact but a true one.

I am finding that the phrase "strength in numbers” is becoming a bit of a mantra to me and sums up this year for me, I am starting to found a company with another person and in this I am getting a great lesson in what can be done when you both play to your strengths. By firmly having in mind what you are stronger at and linking with others who are strong in your weak areas, you create a force to be reckoned with. Admiting your faults is possibly one of the hardest things to do, but it will only go to make you stronger.