Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur the contributors are their own.
To start a business it can be a long and challenging process. As a commercial real estate broker, I see companies starting up on a regular basis. Observing these business start-ups has allowed me to see the benefits of a proper role delegation. Many sole proprietors are eager to take on the lion’s share of business tasks. But, the team route is the ideal path when organized correctly.
Some skills they are advantageous, no matter what business you are starting. Since it’s almost impossible to do everything yourself, it’s best to have a team behind you. Depending on your business plan, you can hire your team or have partners. It is desirable to diversify your team’s abilities, regardless of whether the team is paid a salary or has an ownership interest.
Related: The 5 Crucial Phases of Building a Team
1. The guru of numbers
One skill that a team member must have is strength with numbers. This team member may be an accountant by trade or must have strong bookkeeping skills. Also, your business will need a team member who is wise with money and understands how to manage business funds. Duties of this team member may include: balancing business books, maintaining tax records, and producing financial reports such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
Related: What should you do when team members aren’t doing their part?
2. The analytic
have strong analytical skills is another essential feature. This person must possess the ability to read and understand complex documents. Some of the duties of your analytics team member will include managing your business formation process and the forms and contracts your business needs. In an ideal world, your analytical team member You would be a business attorney, which could save your business money in attorney fees.
Dedicated and money-conscious document team members will work closely together. Combining these two roles is an option to consider. However, if you merge these roles for a team member, it’s critical to confirm that the team member can handle both roles.
3. The artist
Artistic talent is another skill that can be a great asset to a business 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 say, especially with logo design, there can often be too many cooks in the kitchen. If you have a team member whose purpose is to put together the best logo possible, trust them and don’t let other team members assume this role. It’s also important to note that artistic skills can be easily outsourced. If you need a creative member on your team, you can search online for this position.
4. The technological leader
With technology Prevalent everywhere in the world today, having a tech-minded team member is very advantageous. Your technical team member’s responsibilities may include setting up your company’s computers, printers, networks, email, backup, and antivirus protection. When you have a computer problem, you can shut down your business. By having an inside technology team memberIt will be up and running again sooner rather than later.
If your technical team member can help you with the company website, that would be an added asset. Depending on the complexity of your website, consider outsourcing the initial creation. If the design and programming are very elaborate, it is not advisable for your technical team member to spend time creating the website. Once you’re up and running, you’ll need to perform regular updates. Having a team member who knows how to make these upgrades will save your business time and money.
5. The seller
From day one, you’ll need a sales minded individual as part of your team to grow your business. A sales minded person can also handle marketing as marketing and sales are closely related. Skills this person should possess include the ability to network and prospect. Strong customer relationship skills are also vital to keeping existing customers. Duties of this role will include prospecting for new business, attending networking events, and closing deals.
Posting on social media will also be the responsibility of the sales and marketing position. Given that it can be challenging to find a non-owner who is 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. At the test meeting, prepare your agenda and stick to it. If any of your team members get off topic repeatedly, this could be a Red flag. You don’t want to waste time in meetings with anyone who is getting off topic. Sometimes people disagree in meetings because they disagree, and it’s crucial to get your team on the same page as often as possible. Also, it’s a good idea for your team members to be friendly with one another, but it’s also important to keep professionalism a top priority.
Good luck with your team build. Remember to take one step at a time and be aware of your leadership style. A cohesive and happy team is key to a successful and profitable business.
