As a dedicated business coach, I understand the common challenge many business owners face: being so deeply involved in day-to-day operations that they miss the bigger picture. This is about transitioning from being merely involved IN your business to strategically working ON your business.
Understanding the Transition: Technician to Entrepreneur
You likely launched your business driven by a passion for a particular skill or service. Over time, however, the complexities of running a business may have overshadowed your core expertise, inadvertently turning you into just another employee in your own company.
In his book “The E-Myth Revisited,” Michael Gerber brilliantly differentiates between three pivotal roles in a business:
Technician Phase: This is where many business owners start. You’re doing the work you love and know best. It’s hands-on, and it’s often what drew you into starting your business. However, staying too long in this phase can lead to a bottleneck, where your personal capacity limits business growth.
Managerial Phase: Here, your focus shifts from doing to overseeing. It’s about creating systems, processes, and a framework that allows your business to operate efficiently without your constant involvement. This involves training staff, developing standard operating procedures, and ensuring quality control.
Entrepreneurial Phase: In this pivotal role, you’re the visionary. Your job is to look ahead, plan for the future, set the direction of the business, and drive growth. It’s less about day-to-day operations and more about strategic planning, exploring new markets, and innovation.
As you position your business to scale, it’s essential that you step out of the technician role and spend more time in the manager and entrepreneur roles. You have to set strategy and provide an overarching vision that your employees can rally behind. This kind of leadership is working ON your business.
Why is this Shift Crucial?
Operational Efficiency: By not being involved in every minute detail, you enable smoother operations. It allows your team to be more autonomous and efficient.
Work-Life Balance: Stepping back means potentially more personal time, less stress, and better overall well-being. You get to enjoy the fruits of your labour, both personally and professionally.
Scalability and Growth: With systems in place and a clear vision, your business is positioned for sustainable growth. It can adapt to changes more readily and capitalize on new opportunities.
Improved Decision Making: With a bird’s-eye view, you make more informed, strategic decisions that impact the long-term success of your business.
Four Strategic Pillars to Work ON Your Business
Systematisation: Document every process. From customer onboarding to service delivery, every aspect of your business should have a clear, repeatable process. This not only ensures consistency but also prepares your business for scaling.
Team Empowerment: Invest in training and empowering your team. They should be able to handle day-to-day operations with minimal oversight. This includes having strong middle management that can uphold standards and values.
Strategic Outsourcing: Identify areas where external experts can be more efficient. Marketing, sales, and even certain administrative functions can often be outsourced to optimize operations and focus on core competencies.
Performance Monitoring: Regularly review key metrics that indicate the health and growth of your business. Use these insights to make informed strategic decisions, pivot when necessary, and identify new growth opportunities.
The Journey Towards a Self-Sustaining Business
Mindset Shift: Embrace the idea that your role is to lead, not just to do. It’s about being the architect of your business, not just the builder.
Continuous Learning: Stay abreast of industry trends, management practices, and business innovation. This knowledge will fuel your strategic decisions.
Networking and Mentorship: Connect with other business leaders and mentors. These relationships can provide valuable insights, support, and opportunities for collaboration.
Coaching and Guidance: Consider working with a business coach who can provide personalised guidance, hold you accountable, and help navigate the challenges of scaling a business.
Conclusion
Transitioning from working IN your business to working ON your business is a transformative journey. It’s about elevating your role, empowering your team, and strategically steering your business towards long-term success and sustainability. Remember, the goal is to create a business that not only thrives in the market but also enriches your life and aligns with your personal aspirations.
If you’re ready to take this step and reshape your business future, let’s start with a conversation. Book a session with me and take the first step towards creating a business that works for you, not just because of you. Book a 15-minute call with me at TimeWithShane.com
