Running a startup is practically synonymous with wearing multiple hats, but eventually, you need to call in reinforcements. While feeling like your startup is growing at light speed is exciting, the juggling can soon become a struggle. Seeking external help can be the strategic leadership move you and the team need to grow sustainably.
Avoid burning out your founding employees and engage with external support that can smooth your workload. Learn the key indicators for when it’s time to seek help and the benefits that lie ahead.
1. You Need to Streamline Your Processes to Reduce Risks and Increase Opportunities
Most startups specialize in solving a specific problem or innovating an industry. Less frequently, founders are concerned with the operational side of technology and innovation. While they can manage operations tasks, it may not be the best use of their time and talent.
Consider streamlining your processes and removing the workload from technical talent, whose genius is better focused on your core purpose. Offload the burden of human resources, payroll, and benefits to a professional employer, organization, or PEO. A PEO can streamline processes and reduce the risk of compliance issues.
Additionally, a PEO can increase access to employee benefits that may be out of reach as a small startup. This can help you improve your ability to recruit and retain the top talent you need to achieve your goals. By pulling resources together, your startup can gain access to competitive benefits.
You can also defer specific responsibilities through your PEO to contract talent. One example is contracting customer care and support to external resources. Specific front-line duties can be delegated externally, while technical support can be transferred to your team.
2. Specialized Expertise is Needed to Grow Strategically
If your growth has already stalled or deadlines are passing, it may be a sign that you need specialized expertise. When internal resources are strained, and teams struggle to keep up, call in reinforcements. These may be external consultants to help improve your processes and train your team with these new strategies.
Fractional executives have become increasingly popular, allowing you to access legendary talent on a budget. Assess your business areas that consume the most resources or where projects become stalled. This can be a key indicator of where to dedicate time and money to improving your startup.
If you’re working on cracking the code on new technology, you may need more support to get the job done. Work with a PEO to see what technological support is available globally. This can help you maintain productivity across time zones, achieving momentum toward your goal.
3. Your Team’s Bandwidth is Stretched to the Max
You can often feel the shift in a startup’s energy change, primarily as many new companies rely on enthusiasm. When the vision is clouded by overwork and overwhelm, your efficiency and end product can suffer. While many startup employees willingly accept the challenge of working long hours and tackling tough problems, they’re still human.
Monitor your teams’ satisfaction through surveys and candid conversations. Empower managers to speak with employees one-on-one to gauge their work- life satisfaction. If you suspect burnout, identify business areas you can outsource.
If hiring someone full-time is not an option, consider contract support to fill immediate gaps. Prioritize giving your founding team the space they need to innovate and contribute to your core purpose. This will improve morale and protect your business from losing critical talent.
4. You Have Efficiency Gaps That Are Stunting Your Potential
An inefficient business offering the same product or service as a competitor has the advantage. Your margins improve when you can do the same thing better, faster, or less expensive. Gaining brand recognition and loyal customers is less of a struggle because you offer something more.
Collaborate with consultants who can help you achieve efficiencies your internal team may not have as much experience with. If you’re selling a physical product, your team is likely great at creating the product, not shipping it.
Logistics consultants can help you identify the most cost-effective and customer-friendly way to deliver final products. They can also help you assess your materials needs, warehousing options, and how to time purchasing strategically. They may also have insight into global issues and logistics that only an experienced professional would understand.
Startups can often be so focused on immediate goals that long-term strategic planning falls by the wayside. External advisors can refine your vision and map out the steps and tactics needed for long-term growth and company health. These experts offer an objective viewpoint, often with decades of experience, successes, and failures that you can learn from.
The Right External Support Can Be the Key to Achieving Your Vision
As your business grows, keep an open mind to bring on external help when your team and plans need it. Whether contracting with freelancers or shifting your processes and working with a PEO, prioritize and protect your vision. In doing so, you’ll position your startup for sustainable growth and resilience while resisting distraction from your core purpose.
