Running a successful, creative, small business requires a delicate balance of three roles: the Entrepreneur, the Manager, and the Technician. In Michael E. Gerber’s "The E-Myth Revisited" he reveals how these roles can make or break your business, especially if you get stuck in one of them.
As a creative person, when you begin your business the natural role you take up is the technician. You had an idea that turned into a business idea. You are excellent at your craft and you're becoming renowned for it, the sales are rolling in. Suddenly you realise you have reached your capacity and all of a sudden you feel understandably lost. I think Gerber's words are incredibly important for all business owners. we need to check-in and recognise where we are at in our business journey so we can reassess what we need to do next.
You are probably probably here right now, and chances are you are feeling all at sea. The Technician loves to dive into the nitty-gritty of tasks, ensuring that every detail is executed with precision. While essential for delivering quality products or services, they can become a bottleneck if they dominate all aspects of the business. if you do find yourself in the shoes of the technician and highly recommend grabbing a pen and paper, take a look at your balance sheet and figure out how you are able to work on your business, not in it.
The Manager brings order to the chaos. They ensure plans are executed efficiently, resources are managed effectively, and operations run smoothly day-to-day. Without them, the business lacks structure and struggles to meet its goals.
The Entrepreneur dreams big, always receptive to new opportunities and strategies that will drive the business forward. They thrive on creativity and are pivotal in shaping the future direction of the company. Their presence inspires and sets the vision for the entire team.
Get Out of Your Own Way
Gerber emphasises the importance of not getting stuck in the Technician or Manager roles at the expense of your Entrepreneurial vision. To scale and succeed you must prioritise the Entrepreneurial mindset—thinking strategically, considering everywhere you can innovate and notice where the growth opportunities are.
The key to business growth lies in embracing the Entrepreneurial role and hiring or delegating the Managerial and Technical tasks. This strategic shift allows you to focus on driving innovation, setting ambitious goals, and leading the business toward long-term success.
Balancing these three roles is critical for business success. Each role complements the others, forming a cohesive framework that drives the business forward. Action is key to clarity, and profitability hinges on a well-structured ecosystem where each role operates in harmony. Here are key strategies to leverage this framework effectively:
Let's get down to it. Mastering the Entrepreneur, Manager, and Technician roles empowers you to simplify processes, align your actions with your goals, and boldly pursue business growth. By embodying these roles effectively, you can create a business that not only survives but thrives in a competitive landscape.