I've been reading this book off and on for about a year - it's called "The E-Myth: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It". Intriguing, huh...
I got through the first chapter and felt "full". One of the first things he writes about is that a technician and an entrepreneur are two very different things. In order for a business to move from small, to medium, to big - the owner has to be the entrepreneur.
I think it's a conflict for most business owners - I see it all the time. The business owner mopping the floor at night - because nobody does it as well as they do (in their mind), the business owner doing all the bookkeeping, all the work, serving customers - because nobody cares as much as them.
I don't think it has anything to do with that! Obviously, no one will ever care as much as the owner. It's a different relationship. But I think the real reason why owners insist on STAYING technicians is fear; fear of taking things to the next level, fear of having that little business seedling go into full bloom. It's a huge responsibility - no question. And maybe it's not every business owner's dream to have a big company.
I can only speak for myself: I want that big dream. I've always seen it. New Moon wants to grow. and I want to be the one to take it there.
But here I am, stuck in a cycle of switching from Entrepreneur to technician - back and forth, back and forth. Right now we are down two bakers - and it's me and the manager pushing dough all week - on top of all the other myriad tasks.
When I am called into bake I feel confident, I know how to bake, I can do it with my eyes closed at this point. it's a safe zone for me. But I also feel stressed - if I'm baking it means I can't grow the business, it means that some things are on hold.
When there is no need for me to be in production, I sit at my desk with my head in my hands, wondering where to go from here... I am in the unknown. How DO I take my business to the next level? How DO I hand in my apron?
There's really only one way to deal with the unknown:
LEAP! eyes closed, whatever it takes - just move forward. I may fall miserably, I may stumble, or I may succeed. The knowledge I need is waiting somewhere.
First step: I have to make a clear decision - I have to draw a line in the sand. Take off the apron, make sure I have a solid foundation. and go for it.
Second Step: Hire people who will be part of the movement forward.
Third Step: I have no idea. I'll keep you posted.
