If you could start your business all over again, what would you do differently?
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn't it? Having been in business for over 20 years, I often reflect on past decisions and think:
If only I knew then what I know now.
Why did I hire that person?
Why did I choose that system?
Why did I open that new class?
We've all been there, right? But every decision, good or bad, has shaped our journey.
The CEO Mindset
In the children's activity space, I see businesses run like hobbies or businesses where the CEO is glued to the day-to-day operations.
When you step out, the whole thing folds. We want to ensure your business not only grows when you're away but thrives.
A business can only thrive and grow over generations if it's a model that can operate without you.
Your main role as a CEO is to:
Lead from the front
Be the visionary
Inspire your team
Drive the business forward
Build from the Top
Think about your business as if you were starting fresh. Start at the top. If I started my businesses, including Gold Medal, differently, I would focus on building a strong leadership team from the outset. Who would replace you as the director?
You're the founder, but who would you hire to lead the day-to-day operations so you can focus on being the CEO?
The Importance of Delegation
We often start our businesses out of passion—be it gymnastics, football, dance, cricket, or rugby. We wear every hat possible, and as the business grows, we take on more responsibility.
This was me for the first 10 years. I was in the business, running classes, doing the day-to-day. It wasn't until later that I realized the importance of stepping into my CEO role.
Start delegating. Think about the caliber of person you need at the top:
Dynamic and forward-thinking
Experienced with a big vision
Able to lead the team
Level 7 Leadership Approach
Having a business that runs day-to-day without you, allowing you to:
Drive vision
Support your leaders
Inspire your team
It took 16 years for my gym business to reach this point, but I wish I had implemented this sooner.
That's why Gold Medal Business exists—to fast-track your success with my lessons learned.
Recruiting Top Talent
Recruiting top talent is key. Take the emotion out of it. You're looking for the right person to step into a top leadership role.
It's a constant cycle of evolving and finding the right fit. Think of it like turning over leaves in a park to find the hidden treasure. Keep searching until you find the right person.
Define the Role: Be clear about the responsibilities and expectations.
Look for Leadership Qualities: Seek candidates who can inspire and lead.
Consider Cultural Fit: Ensure they align with your company values.
Prioritize Experience and Vision: Find someone who brings expertise and big ideas.
Stay Persistent: Keep searching and interviewing until you find the right match.
Start thinking about top-level leadership and recruiting from the top down. This will help your organization grow without you and build you up as the CEO.
Remember, it's a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to a thriving business.
"Start from the top of your organization to really build your brand strong."
I hope you found this valuable. To get personalised support, book your 15-minute business growth audit with the link below - get your questions answered and receive support about the 5 core steps to grow your business. Marketing, Team, Scaling, Systems, and You - The CEO.
CLICK HERE >> https://go.oncehub.com/KatieCannon
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