The concept of appointing an executive assistant or 2IC to help execute vision and strategy isn’t a radically new idea.  This is a centuries long tradition that has proved to be valuable & empowering. So why is it that many business owners fail to take this crucial step when their business needs it most? Is it because we believe we don’t have the ‘time’ or does fear of what you may have seen or heard in the past play a contributing role?

A few weeks ago, I caught up with a friend who has become a key figure in his local community since establishing his real estate agency 10 years ago. Full of vision, he founded the company solo – leaning on his skill and passion for the industry to forge his name and brand.

After experiencing first-hand the highs and lows of the real estate industry, it was at the end of his first trading year he decided he needed to break the mould or his business would simply not survive.

What seems like a logical idea now was frowned upon 10 years ago. Sole agents had only 2 options – go it alone or partner with another agency. Anyone he spoke to counselled him against hiring a No.2 believing the financial strain would send him into ruin. In true form he trusted his instinct and moved forward in hiring a No. 2 and saw his business explode over the past 8 years. 

This is a familiar crossroad. All sole owners whose business is enjoying growth and success will eventually ask themselves “how can I expand my business well, if I’m doing all the work?” To ignore the question ultimately results in working harder, diminished service and missed opportunities.

Could you be at this crossroad right now? Ask yourself ‘is everything I’m doing something I have to do?’ If the answer is a clear no this leads to the next question ‘if I was to delegate some of these tasks to a No.2, what benefit could I be to my business?’ It really is a simple exercise that will bring clarification to making the right move. 

As I was leaving I asked my friend one final question – if given the opportunity would he do it again? His response was ‘yes every time’.  You see, the key to growing a business and enjoying the journey is to have the right people on the journey with you – to have a trust No.2 to help see vision and strategy outworked.

Reach out today to see how a trusted No.2 can help you and your business move forward.