Who is your 2nd in command?

• Who looks after your business when you are away on holiday?
• What would happen to your business if you were suddenly unable to work?
• Who supports you to achieve your business potential?

Your 2nd in command should support the growth of your business and provide back-up as required, so 

• What do you need to look for when appointing someone?
• How do you prepare them effectively?

Read on to find out....

Your 2nd in command could be a:-

• A full or part time employee who is there to help grow the business regularly; they would have the skills and knowledge to undertake tasks and responsibilities that you wish to delegate to them.
• An employee, colleague or friend who could take over the daily running of the business if they needed to; they would have the skills and knowledge to undertake all or part of your job role if required.

How to ensure you and your 2nd in command achieve the desired results:-

• Copy them into email correspondence with relevant clients, so they have an understanding of your approach and client requirements.
• Record details of conversations with clients in your client management system so any previous communication is recorded for others to review.  
• Ensure you set up a virtual operations system, so they have access to your communication systems and access important documentation as required. e.g. emails, client management system, virtual filing space.
• Create a task list of what needs to be done each day. What are the weekly deadlines, activities and results they are expected to undertake and achieve in their job role and your own. Highlight the compulsory and flexible tasks to be undertaken.
• Create a company manual that details how you communicate and manage client or partner relationships to provide a step by step guide of how the company operates. Business owners who franchise or sell their business need to create a manual so it's also good practice for all other entrepreneurs. This enables you to share your methods with others and it's a good induction handbook for new members of staff.
• Let them work shadow you for the day or week. Give them an insight into what your working week entails so they can take over tasks as required.

Need Help?

If you need some help pulling together the above components to support your business growth, one of our business coaches could help. If you would like to discuss your needs with us then email your details to [email protected]

Alternatively participate in the Business Growth programme to help you reflect on what's important to you. Find out more here

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Need Help?

Our business coaches are here to help. Find out more about our business coaching services or email us at [email protected] to arrange a chat with one of our coaches.