Building a business into the enterprise you know it can become comes with a daunting number of tasks, and it’s easy to feel like more keeps landing on your plate than you’re getting done. As small business financial advisers, we’ve worked with many entrepreneurs, and the most successful ones tend to divide their role into three distinct jobs rather than trying to do everything at once.
The Visionary
This is the big-picture role. Visionary entrepreneurs have a clear read on where the business is today and where it needs to go. This role means setting aside real time to plan, set goals, and steer the business in the right direction — always looking forward, refining the day-to-day to make the future brighter.
For a deeper look at business finance strategies, explore our business finance resources.
The Salesperson
The salesperson shares the visionary’s outlook but goes further — constantly pitching that vision to employees, clients, and investors to win the resources needed to make it real. This role calls for quick thinking and a steady hand when problems come up.
The Workhorse
Nothing complements the salesperson like the workhorse. As manager, the workhorse keeps the day-to-day running smoothly — and the most important part of that job is managing the finances: balance sheets, budgets, and securing the funding needed to hit organizational goals.
Each of these roles looks simple on its own, but playing all three at once is genuinely difficult for a founder early in their career, and the demands of each can pull in different directions. With a strong team and the right financing in place, all three become far more manageable.
You may also find it helpful to read How to Provide Excellent Customer Service.
Entrepreneurs who master all three roles still sometimes need a capital infusion to fully realize their potential. REIL Capital works with small businesses every day to help make that happen — apply now to find out how we can help yours.
