In my years as an entrepreneur and host of the Exceptional Companies Podcast, I’ve seen firsthand that every new venture begins with raw grit and the inevitable chaos of daily operations. In a recent conversation with my longtime partner, Tato Corcoran, we explored what it means to transition from working in your business to working on it.
The Early Stages: Survival and Foundational Learning
I remember those early days vividly. When I first took the plunge, I was thrown into a whirlwind of daily challenges—handling everything from production to customer service without any clear roadmap. It was pure survival mode, a period where every decision was about keeping the business afloat. Those chaotic times were my crucible, teaching me the essential lessons that would form the foundation of everything I do today.
From Survival to Stability: The Emergence of Strategy
As the initial chaos began to settle, I noticed a pivotal shift. With systems slowly taking shape and a reliable team coming together, I began to see the potential for growth beyond just staying afloat. This was when the idea of “Delegate and Elevate” truly resonated with me. I started to delegate daily tasks to capable team members, which in turn freed up precious time for me to focus on strategic planning. Even dedicating just a few focused hours made it clear that growth was on the horizon.
Lifestyle Business vs. Enterprise Value: A Matter of Vision
One of the most compelling discussions Tato and I had was about the difference between a lifestyle business and one built for enterprise value. I’ve come to understand that while a lifestyle business can allow an owner to earn a good income while staying hands-on, building a business with true enterprise value means creating systems and a team that can run independently. This distinction has been central to my decision-making process—knowing when to shift from being involved in every little detail to leading with a broader vision.
Embracing Continuous Learning and Technological Advancements
My journey hasn’t been just about surviving or stabilizing; it’s also been about continuous learning. I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. I’ve even begun exploring modern tools like ChatGPT to streamline marketing and other operational tasks. While these tools are just small parts of the puzzle, they’ve shown me how strategic choices can lead to significant time savings and efficiency improvements, reinforcing my shift from mere survival to sustainable growth.
Personal Growth: Vulnerability and Transformation
The path I’ve walked is not just about business mechanics—it’s also a deeply personal journey. There were times when I felt completely overwhelmed by the demands of running a business, moments when I questioned my own abilities. But through every setback and every small victory, I’ve evolved. I’ve learned to embrace vulnerability, to seek out new challenges, and to continuously elevate myself as a leader. This personal transformation has been as important as any business strategy in shaping the entrepreneur I am today.
The Ongoing Journey: Celebrating the Process
Reflecting on my journey, I see that it is not just a series of business strategies but a narrative about growth, resilience, and the power of delegation. From the early days of chaos to the gradual emergence of a strategic vision, every step has been a learning experience. I now understand that transitioning from working in the business to working on it is not about giving up control—it’s about building a legacy of sustainable success.
This piece is my personal account of that journey, a reminder to all entrepreneurs that while the early days are filled with relentless challenges, the eventual shift toward strategic leadership is where true growth happens. I invite you to embrace your own path, celebrate your progress, and always keep striving to elevate both your business and yourself.
AND MORE TOPICS COVERED IN THE FULL INTERVIEW!!! You can check that out and subscribe to YouTube.
If you want to know more about Tato Corcoran, you may reach out to her at:
- Website: https://www.brandtmarble.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatocorcoran/
- Email: ta*******@***il.com
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Books: Selling Main Street by Chris Seegers
