A Note From @Tos.Boss

Welcome to the Sunday Brief where each week, I share insights and experiences from my entrepreneurial journey, along with a short article designed to resonate with fellow small business owners.

Good Morning! 🌞

 How was your week?  Did you do anything fun and exciting?  I was a guest on two podcast. One was a couple of fun guys from the UK - The Next Hundred Days Podcast. I'm sure hoping I get better at that stuff.   

This week I also had the opportunity to speak with a young lady about my 10 point review.  She was interested in reviewing her business. We had a nice conversation but I couldn't help her.  Why?  Her business is all her.  She didn't think she could "duplicate" her talent which means she doesn't have a business. She has a job. I did make some suggestions that may help and we will keep in touch. I'm a firm believer in if there's a will there's a way.

 The article below touches on the subject and has some helpful hints for anyone stuck in a similar spot. 

 I hope you find value in my message - Dida

Build a Business That Runs Without You Not a Job That Needs You

By Dida Clifton with a ChatGPT assist.

As the seasons change and we move into the final stretch of 2024, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and reflect on what you’re truly building. Are you creating something that can thrive without you, or are you finding yourself tied to the grind every single day? It’s a critical question: Do you have a real business or just a job?

The Difference Between a Business and a Job

Many entrepreneurs start with a dream of freedom, envisioning a business that allows them to set their own hours, grow their income, and eventually step back while the company runs itself. But for a lot of small business owners, the reality looks much different. Instead of building a system that grows independently, they end up building something that depends entirely on them. And when you’re the one always putting out fires and handling every detail, what you’ve really built is a job—not a business.

Recognizing the Signs

So how do you know if you’re on the path to creating a job instead of a business? Here are a few telltale signs:

• You need to be involved in every decision, no matter how small.

• If you take a day off, things don't go well or have to wait until you return. 

• You’re doing tasks that could (and should) be delegated.

• There’s no clear system or process for others to follow.

If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. We've all been there. How do you turn it around?  Ask yourself these three questions: 

1. Am I holding onto tasks because I’m afraid someone else won’t do them as well as I can?

2. Do I struggle to trust others to handle key parts of my business?

3. Is the need to be involved in everything giving me a sense of importance or security?

Don't worry. I'm not going to leave you hanging.  Now that you've narrowed down what's holding you back, here are a couple of ways to fix each issue:

Fear of Losing Control: 1. Start Small with Delegation: Begin by delegating smaller, less critical tasks to build your confidence in others. This helps ease the fear of handing over control and allows you to test your team’s abilities gradually. 2. Create Clear Systems: Develop documented processes for how tasks should be completed. When there’s a clear system in place, it’s easier to trust that things will be done correctly, even if you’re not directly involved.

Lack of Trust in Others: 1. Hire the Right People: Trust starts with having the right team. If you’re struggling to trust others, it might be time to assess whether the people around you are the best fit for your business. Bringing in skilled, dependable squad members can make a huge difference. 2. Give Feedback and Train: Build trust through open communication and training. If someone makes a mistake, use it as a learning opportunity rather than a reason to take back control. Trust is built over time with the right guidance.

Need for Importance or Security: 1. Shift to Big-Picture Thinking: Remind yourself that your true value as a business owner lies in growing the company, not handling every detail. Focus on vision, strategy, and business development—areas that only you can handle—while delegating operational tasks. 2. Set Boundaries: Create a clear distinction between your role as the owner and the daily tasks that others can manage. Establish boundaries for yourself and your involvement, and resist the urge to jump in unless absolutely necessary.

Shifting Your Mindset 

When you stop thinking like a manager and begin thinking like a CEO the magic starts to happen.  Stop thinking about your day to day job and start thinking about your vision.  And if you don't have one, schedule a time to chat and let's get you one.