Expert Opinion: Are you working ‘on’ or ‘in’ your business?

Business coach, Julian Stafford, shares his advice for busy business owners to let go of the small tasks, and spend time on strategy.

“I’m flat out. I’ve got so much on. This place couldn’t run without me.”

A business owner told me that recently, and he said it with pride.

The trouble is… that’s not a badge of honour. It’s a warning sign.

When you’re the one solving every problem, approving every quote, chasing every lead, and answering every question… you’re not running a business, the business is running you.

I see it all the time: smart, hardworking owners trapped in a state of perpetual busyness. They think being busy means being productive no matter what they are doing. They go home every evening tired, but the reality is they’ve been doing the wrong things. The reality is, they’ve built themselves a job instead of a company.

How do I know?? Because I was that man!!!!

Here’s the truth: If you’re too busy doing, you’re not leading.

Every time you say, “I just need to get through this week,” or “Once this project’s done, I’ll focus on the big stuff,”…

… you’re kicking the can down the road.

That time never comes. There’s always another fire, another customer issue, another “urgent” email.

When you’re stuck in the day-to-day, you’re sending a message, even if you don’t mean to:

• “No one else can do it as well as me.”
• “I don’t trust my team to take it on.”
• “I’m too busy to plan ahead.”

And that’s dangerous, because it means the business can’t grow beyond you.

I learned a long time ago that being “hands-on” isn’t the same as being in control. True control comes when the business runs smoothly without you being in every detail.

So, here’s the challenge Stop saying you’ll make time for strategy once things quieten down. They won’t.

Start small:

1. Block out a couple of hours each week just to think and plan.
2. Delegate one thing you’ve been holding on to.
3. Trust your team and let them surprise you.

It’s not selfish to step back. It’s essential.

Because the minute you free yourself from the minutiae, you start leading the business instead of being buried in it.

And that’s when real growth begins. Trust me I know!!!!

What’s the one task you know you should delegate, but haven’t yet?