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Starting a business can be a long and difficult process. As a commercial real estate broker, I see businesses start up regularly. Observing these startups allowed me to see the benefits of good role delegation. Many sole proprietors are eager to take on the bulk of business duties. But, the team journey is the ideal path when organized correctly.
Some skills are advantageous no matter what business you start. Since it is almost impossible to do everything yourself, it is better to have a team behind you. Depending on your business plan, you can either hire your team or have partners. Diversifying the skills of your team is desirable, whether the team is salaried or has an equity stake.
Related: The 5 Crucial Phases of Team Building
1. The Numbers Guru
One skill to have in a team member is strength with numbers. This team member may be an accountant by trade or must have strong accounting skills. Additionally, your business will need a team member who is wise with money and understands how to manage company funds. Duties of this team member may include: balancing the books of the business, maintaining tax records and producing financial reports such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
Related: What Should You Do When Team Members Are Not Doing Their Part?
2. Analysis
Having strong analytical skills is another essential trait. This person must have the ability to read and understand complex documents. Some of your analytics team member’s roles will include managing the process of setting up your business and the forms and contracts your business needs. In an ideal world, your analytics team member would be a corporate lawyer, which could save your business money on attorney fees.
The money conscious and dedicated Document team members will work closely together. The combination of these two roles is an option to consider. However, if you are merging these roles for one team member, it is essential to confirm that the team member can handle both functions.
3. The artist
Artistic talent is another skill that can be a huge asset for a sales team member. Most businesses will need a logo, website, flyers, banners, and business cards. The whole team will benefit if one of the team members can design these elements and is proficient in Photoshop or other graphic design software. While I’m a fan of everyone on the team having a voice, especially with logo design, there can often be too many cooks in the kitchen. If you have a team member whose goal is to create the best logo possible, trust them and don’t let other team members take over. It is also important to note that artistic skills can easily be outsourced. If you need a creative member on your team, you can search online to fill this role.
4. The technical manager
With technology being prevalent all over the world today, it is very beneficial to have a team member who cares about technology. Your technical team member’s responsibilities may include setting up your company’s computers, printers, network, email, backups, and virus protection. When you encounter a computer problem, it can cause your business to shut down. By having a member of the in-house technical team, you will be up and running again as soon as possible.
If your tech team member can help you with the company website, that would be an added bonus. Depending on the complexity of your website, consider outsourcing the initial creation. If the design and programming is very elaborate, it is not a good idea for your technical team member to spend time creating the website. Once it’s up and running, you’ll need to perform periodic updates. Having a team member who knows how to do these updates will save your business time and money.
5. The seller
From day one, you’ll need a sales-focused person on your team to grow your business. A sales-oriented person can also handle marketing since marketing and sales are closely linked. The skills this person must possess include the ability to network and prospect. Strong customer relationship skills are also key to retaining existing customers. Duties of this role will involve prospecting for new business, attending networking events and closing deals.
Social media posting will also be the responsibility of the sales and marketing position. Whereas it can be difficult to find a non-owner as dedicated to this role as an owner, many business owners will be in charge of sales and marketing.
Before making your team official, have a test meeting. You want to make sure your team works well together. During the test meeting, prepare your agenda and stick to it. If one of your team members repeatedly wanders off topic, this could be a red flag. You don’t want to spend time in meetings with someone who is off topic. Sometimes people disagree in meetings to disagree, and it’s crucial that your team be on the same page as often as possible. Additionally, it’s a good idea for your team members to be friendly with one another, but it’s also important to make professionalism a top priority.
Good luck building your team. Remember to take it one step at a time and pay attention to your leadership style. A cohesive and happy team is the key to a successful and profitable business.
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