Why a Good Sergeant is Priceless to Small Business
I never joined the military but, having worked in the family businesses from a very early age, I nevertheless grew up knowing the value of a good sergeant. They say that sergeants run the military. Sergeants also run the best small businesses. Having good sergeants is the difference between being a small business owner and being self-employed.
The Difference Between Small Business Ownership and Self-Employment
Someone who is self-employed may “own” her business, but nevertheless does everything herself. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, but she can never claim all the benefits of being a true small business owner. Since she does most of the vital work of the business, the self-employed person can rarely leave the nitty-gritty of the business. Vacations are usually impossible, as are other high-level business activities like strategy and product development.
On the other hand, the small business owner knows how to get her hands dirty, but doesn’t have to if she doesn’t want to. The true small business owner has sergeants. Who are sergeants? Sergeants are well-trained employees who help run the majority of the business, and who are invested in the success of the business. Sergeants keep the business running smoothly and to the owner’s standards, whether the owner is present or not.
The Pros and Cons of Small Business Sergeants
As with everything, sergeants have their pros and cons. The pros are obvious. Small business owners who employ great sergeants can focus more on business development, strategy, and high-level networking. These owners don’t have to spend all their time in the trenches. Plus, they can actually go on vacation for rest, rejuvenation, and inspiration.
There are also the cons. You have to pay a quality sergeant well. Also, good sergeants can be hard to find. The truly great sergeants are in high demand, and are usually already employed by other businesses. That leaves the option of discovering a “diamond in the rough” and training your own sergeant. Developing a good sergeant takes time, energy, and a lot of trial and error. But, the rewards are rich.
I am fortunate to work with one fabulous sergeant exclusively, and two others on a contract basis. Having trained my main sergeant from the ground up over the last seven years, I’m not about to let her go. I offer a handsome bonus each year and strive to make sure our relationship is mutually beneficial. She keeps all three of my small businesses running smoothly, so that I mostly handle any exceptions on a daily basis. I spend the rest of my time on marketing, business development, and product creation.
Have there been rough times in the past? Absolutely. Screw-ups and miscommunications happen on both sides, but that’s just part of being human. We’ve gotten past them each and every time. With my sergeant running the businesses most of the time, I can spend 5 weeks in Mexico each year, and focus on the parts of my business I really love.
Based on the idea of having sergeants, are you a small business owner or someone who is self-employed? Which model are you more interested in? And if you want to be a small business owner rather than self-employed, do you know of any potential sergeants in your network?
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Photo credit: Staff Sergeant Goodwin
