Are you being a snake oil salesman to your team?

As a small business or digital agency owner, you've likely faced the challenge of expanding your services and bringing in new team members. 

The common approach is to hire someone with the potential to learn on the job. 

However, this often leads to inconsistencies in client interactions and a misalignment between expectations and deliverables.

If you want the quick and dirty 3-minute version of this, check out my 3-minute ops tips video on how not to bait and switch your teams

The Dinner Invitation Analogy

Imagine inviting someone over for a delicious steak dinner. 

You promise a memorable evening, but upon their arrival, you hand them a shovel, stating that you need to build the house first.

The promise of a beautiful dinner seems more like a future plan than an immediate reality. 

Similarly, we often make promises to our team members about the job they've applied for, only to build the necessary structure and processes later.

Why Process Should Come First

I firmly advocate that processes should precede people in your business.

When structuring your team, consider the account manager and the person responding to the job description. 

Ideally, you, as the account manager, focus on client relationships and retention. 

The person who responds to your job description should genuinely enjoy and excel at the tasks specified, not the behind-the-scenes building of systems and managing production teams.

Avoiding the Snake Oil Salesman Vibe

Many business owners unknowingly create a future-oriented job description that doesn't align with the immediate responsibilities. 

This misalignment can lead to dissatisfaction and unmet expectations. 

To avoid this, concentrate on developing your business processes first, setting a solid foundation for future team members.

Utilizing Digital Tools for Seamless Onboarding

In today's digital age, creating and sharing processes has never been easier. 

Tools like Loom, available as a Chrome extension, allow you to record your daily tasks and activities. 

This forms a library of instructional videos that your team members can access, providing them with a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities. 

By theming out your daily routines, you pave the way for your team to seamlessly integrate into their roles.

Building a Foundation for Success

In conclusion, the success of your team and, consequently, your business, lies in the careful balance of people and process. 

Avoid misleading by prioritizing process before inviting team members in. 

Establishing a strong foundation ensures that your promises align with reality, setting the stage for a thriving and consistent business environment.

If these insights resonate with you or if you have your thoughts on striking the right balance between people and process, DM me on Instagram with your ideas. 

Your feedback helps tailor future content to address the unique operational needs you face. 

Stay tuned for more quick and practical operational tips. Until next time!