Getting feedback: Why every soloist needs a bouncer

This bouncer is not going to stand outside the door to your office and deny you access if your choice of outfit for the day doesn’t meet the dress code. In this context, a bouncer is someone you can bounce ideas off and use for getting feedback.

Why do soloists need a bouncer?

Do you ever talk yourself out of ideas? Do you tell yourself you can’t do something even though there’s a strong possibility that you can? Do you agonise for days over decisions that could probably be made quickly and easily if you discussed them with someone else?

All of these habits suggest that you need a bouncer, because the very act of keeping everything to yourself is costing you business.

As soloists, most of us work alone. Having a bouncer means we have someone to give us objective feedback and ideas, boost our motivation and confidence, offer different viewpoints to our own, hold us accountable, and open our eyes to new opportunities.

Oh, and it can help reduce feelings of professional isolation too. Sometimes your bouncer might even make you a nice cup of tea.

Want more articles like this? Check out the working alone section.

Where can soloists find a bouncer?

Your bouncer should be someone who is empathetic, trustworthy and objective, and who has a good understanding of you and your business. They’ll be honest and straightforward with you, even if you don’t like their answers.

You can find bouncers in lots of places! Here are some ideas, but remember, choose someone who has a good understanding of your business so that they can give you informed feedback.

• Someone you already know: You might already have a friend or relative who can be your bouncer.
• Networking buddy: You might have gelled with someone at a networking event.
• Social media friends: Perhaps you’ve connected with someone via a blog, forum or other form of social media?
• Fellow student: Maybe you studied with someone you can reconnect with?
• Professional life or business coach: Consider hiring a coach for one-off or ongoing coaching sessions. 

Bounce, but always go with your gut

It might be that your bouncer tells you something that you really don’t agree with. That’s okay, the role of a bouncer is to listen and offer objective feedback, not to give you absolute and definitive guidance that must be followed. Sometimes it’s the process of bouncing an idea off another person that solidifies an initial decision.

Having a bouncer or two will take your business to new heights. And remember, bouncing is a reciprocal relationship that is beneficial to both parties.

So, do you think it’s important to have a bouncer for getting feedback? Or if you already have one, please sing their praises, or explain the benefits of your relationship here.