Business Success: The “How” vs. “Who”

Business Success: The “How” vs. “Who” 

In the dynamic landscape of business, there’s a common misconception that to succeed, you must master every skill and strategy on your own. This mindset often leads to burnout and inefficiency. Instead, savvy business owners and professionals understand that success hinges not on knowing *how* to do everything, but on identifying *who* can help them achieve their goals.

The “How” Dilemma 

Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of trying to become a jack-of-all-trades. From marketing to financial management, and from customer service to technical support, they believe mastering every aspect of their business is the key to success. This approach, while seemingly practical, is a recipe for exhaustion and mediocrity. 

The Power of “Who”

The solution lies in a simple yet profound shift in focus. Rather than obsessing over *how* to do everything, ask yourself *who* has the expertise, experience, and skills you need. Delegating and collaborating can propel your business forward in ways you might not have imagined. 

Why “Who” Matters More Than “How”

The benefits of NOT doing it all yourself are many. It may feel scary at first but finding your “Who” people will be one of the best business decision you will make. Here are a few of the benefits just to name a few:

1. Leverage Expertise

Specialists in different fields bring depth and proficiency that can elevate your business. For example, hiring a seasoned marketer can enhance your brand presence more effectively than trying to learn marketing yourself. Or having an assistant manage your calendar or your books has a high chance of keeping you more organized and on top of things – because they have a better idea of how to do those tasks. Using their expertise to do what they excl at leaves you to focus on the stuff that “only you can do”.

2. Save Time and Energy

By outsourcing tasks to the right people, you free up time to focus on your core strengths and strategic vision. Time saved on learning and executing tasks can be invested in innovation and growth. Plus you can then focus on income producing activities.

3. Boost Efficiency

Professionals with the right skills can complete tasks faster and with greater precision, saving you both time and money. This efficiency translates to higher productivity and better results.

4. Foster Collaboration

Building a network of experts fosters a collaborative environment that sparks creativity and innovation. Diverse perspectives can lead to breakthrough ideas and solutions. These collaborations also increase your referrals and expands your circle of influence, making you open to even more opportunities.

5. Scale Your Business

Effective delegation is crucial for scaling operations. As your business grows, relying on a team of skilled professionals ensures sustainable expansion.

Who vs. How: The Alphabet Game

Interestingly, the words “who” and “how” are composed of the same letters, just rearranged. This playful linguistic fact underscores a critical business lesson: the elements for success are often the same, but their arrangement makes all the difference.

H-O-W: Represents a focus on method and execution. It emphasizes the process and steps needed to achieve a task.

W-H-O: Shifts the focus to the people involved. It emphasizes relationships, expertise, and collaboration.

Rearranging your approach from *how* to *who* can transform your business strategy, leading to greater success and fulfillment.

Practical Steps to Focus on “Who”

1. Identify Your Core Strengths

• Determine what you do best and where your time is most valuably spent.
• Delegate tasks outside your core strengths to specialists.

2. Build a Network of Experts

• Cultivate relationships with professionals in various fields who can contribute to your business.
• Attend networking events, join industry groups, and seek recommendations.

3. Invest in Talent

• Don’t hesitate to invest in hiring or contracting skilled individuals.
• The return on investment from expert contributions invariably outweighs the cost.

4. Embrace Collaboration

• Foster a culture of teamwork within your business.
• Encourage open communication and idea-sharing among your team members.

5. Continuously Evaluate and Adjust

• Regularly assess the effectiveness of your team and their contributions.
• Be willing to make changes and bring in new talent as needed.

In the pursuit of business success, the question shouldn’t be *how* to do everything yourself, but *who* can help you achieve your goals. By shifting your focus from *how* to *who*, you harness the power of expertise, save valuable time and money, and create a more efficient and dynamic business environment. Remember, the right arrangement of letters—and the right arrangement of people and skills—can make all the difference.

Not sure what the next best step is? Start by hiring a strategic business coach or a virtual assistant who specializes in strategy. We have several here at NBG.  Check the member portal or reach out to me and I can connect you to an expert or assistant for your needs.