Build a business that can run without you

A business that is completely dependent on its founder is not a scalable business; it's a job. To build a business that can grow and thrive in the long term, you need to design it in a way that it can operate without your direct involvement.

This doesn't mean that you should be completely absent from your business. It means that you should be working on your business, not just in your business.

The "Bus Test"

A good way to think about this is the "bus test." If you were to get hit by a bus tomorrow, would your business be able to continue operating? If the answer is no, then you have a problem.

How to Build a Business That Can Run Without You

• Document your processes: Create a detailed record of how everything in your business is done. This will make it easier to delegate tasks and to train new employees.
• Hire and delegate: You can't do everything yourself. You need to build a team of capable people who you can trust to run the business in your absence.
• Automate and systematize: Look for opportunities to automate and to systematize your business processes. This will make your business more efficient and less dependent on any one individual.
• Think about the future: As your business grows, you need to be constantly thinking about how it will operate at the next level. What will your business look like when it's five times as big? What systems and processes will you need to have in place?

By building a business that can run without you, you're not just creating a valuable asset; you're also creating a business that can have a lasting impact. This is a key part of building a business with growth in its DNA.