Where there is no vision, the people perish.
-- Proverbs 29:18
It’s critical that you build your business with the end in mind.
If you’re like us, you started your business for two reasons: abundance and impact.
However, most founders, especially agency owners, end up being trapped by the very thing that’s suppose to liberate them.
This is a massive problem that we’re on a mission to solve.
Below is roadmap to map your journey as a founder, from one-man show doing everything to board member earning a paycheck on autopilot, whether you work or not.
(Of course, everyone’s path is different, but it’s important to model a tried and true path then apply your own unique style to it)
Level 1: Operator
Situation: You’re the glue holding the business together. If you get sick or need to take a week off, the majority of business operations are paused.
Problem: You can’t grow without working harder and longer, meaning your earning potential is capped. The business isn’t sustainable or scalable and you are the bottleneck.
Solution: Document and systemize processses for one core business pillar (ie. sales or fulfillment) so you can hire a right-hand man or woman, likely a project or operations manager.
Estimated Timeline: First 6 Months
Level 2: Manager
Situation: You have a small core team, likely led by a project or operations manager which allows you to focus on higher value activities like marketing, sales or client success. You can take some time off but generally still are required to manage, supervise and maintain quality across the business.
Problem: You are wearing many hats and getting a bit spread thin. The business is a bit more scalable but still does not provide the level of freedom you truly desire.
Solution: Streamline holistic business processes so you can install dedicated management team and focus exclusively on the highest value tasks.
Estimated Timeline: Next 6-12 Months
Level 3: Owner
Situation: You have a dedicated management team and are close to being fully removed which feels amazing. You are spending more time training up your management team instead of working in the business.
Problem: You are incredibly close to the level of freedom you desire but are still required to support your team and operations on a weekly basis.
Solution: Develop and install performance management systems so your team can function autonomously without your supervision.
Estimated Timeline: Next 1-3 Years
Level 4: Board Member
Situation: You have the freedom to work when you want on what you want because whether you show up or not, your business is now a cashflow machine that works on autopilot.
Your team is happy, clients are happy and best of all, you’re happy because you only need to check in on the business a few times per quarter.
You have the time and space to spend your time how you want and are looking for investments to acquire assets that further compound your wealth.
Founder Roadmap
Answer the following questions... 1) Which level are you currently at? 2) Which level do you want to be at within the next year? 3) WHY?