Building Your Dream Team: CEO Tips to Reclaim Your Time

From Solopreneur to CEO: Building Your Dream Team (and Reclaiming Your Time!)

Ever feel like you're juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle, desperately trying to keep all aspects of your business afloat? You know, the marketing, the client work, the admin – oh my! If you’re nodding along, chances are you're a solopreneur. This is for you, the Foundation Builder, ready to scale. You’re definitely not alone. It's a badge of honour we wear, but honestly, it can also be exhausting. As I often say, "the theory of it is easy, but it's not actually easy. If it was easy, everybody would do it." I totally get it. I've been there, balancing everything with four kids, a PhD, and did I mention the two miniature pinchers who think my office chair is their personal playground?

I remember the day I tried to prep for a client call while simultaneously refereeing a debate between my teenage daughter & my school-aged daughter on proper TikTok etiquette. Let's be honest, sometimes you just have to laugh!

So, how do you move from this exhilarating, yet often exhausting, solo act to leading a thriving team? How do you make the leap from independent operator to confident CEO? This is where the magic of delegation & strategic team building comes in.

Letting Go of the Reins (It's Okay, I Promise!)

I know, I know, the idea of handing over tasks you’ve poured your heart & soul into can feel terrifying. Trust me, even the thought of anyone else formatting my slides used to make me sweat. It felt like letting go of control – a scary prospect for any entrepreneur. One early misstep I made was handing over a social media campaign to a VA without a clear brief. Let's just say, my carefully curated brand voice ended up sounding more like a robot than the relatable, kitchen-table vibe I strive for. Talk about a cringe moment! Even after setting up what I thought was a clear system, I still managed to accidentally approve a post with a glaring typo that made me question my sanity – and my ability to delegate. I learned the hard way that clear communication & robust systems are non-negotiable when building a team.

But what if letting go is actually the key to unlocking your business’s true potential? What if it’s the gateway to working smarter, not just harder, & finally achieving the work-life integration you crave? As Myron Golden says, “Poor people Major in minor things. Wealthy people Major in Major things.”

Think about it – are you truly being the best CEO you can be when you’re bogged down in editing Instagram posts or chasing invoices? You’re an entrepreneur with a vision, not an admin assistant! (Although honestly, it can certainly feel that way!). I always say, "I don't just dig the hole I'm told to; I actually question, Is this the best way of doing things?" This proactive, problem-solving mindset is essential for growth.

One of the biggest shifts for me was realising that my time was best spent on tasks that only I could do – the strategic visioning, the client connection, the big-picture thinking. Everything else? Prime candidates for delegation. This frees up essential time and energy to fuel business growth.

Remember, this journey is about evolving your role, embracing your inner CEO, & building something bigger than yourself. This transition can also be a powerful personal evolution, pushing you to step into a different level of leadership & trust. This reminds me of Tony Robbins’ powerful message: "What got you here won't get you there," which has been a guiding principle throughout my own journey, from navigating the corporate world to building Femmeprenista. It’s like that moment when my eldest finally took off the training wheels on her bike – terrifying for me, liberating for her.

Your First Team Members: Where to Start

Building a team doesn't mean you need to hire a whole office overnight (unless that’s your dream, of course!). It can start small, with a few carefully chosen individuals who can take specific tasks off your plate.

• Virtual Assistants (VAs): These multi-tasking marvels can handle everything from scheduling appointments & managing your inbox to social media management & basic customer service. It’s like having a super-organized, tech-savvy right-hand woman (or man!).

• Specialists: Depending on your business, you might need a graphic designer, a copywriter, a web developer, or a marketing strategist. Bringing in experts for specific tasks frees you to focus on your zone of genius & ensures a higher quality of work, leveraging their specialist skills.

• The Power of Fractional Support: Don’t underestimate the power of fractional support, particularly if budget is a concern. Hiring experts on a fractional basis gives you access to high-level skills without the commitment (or cost) of a full-time employee, allowing you to scale strategically.

Building a Foundation for Success: Clear Systems & Communication

Delegating effectively isn't just about handing off tasks; it’s about setting clear expectations, creating streamlined systems, & fostering open communication.

• Create Crystal-Clear Briefs: When delegating, provide a detailed brief outlining what needs to be done, including deadlines, specific instructions, and relevant resources. For example, when I delegate blog writing, I provide a comprehensive brief outlining the topic, key takeaways, target audience, desired tone, and any specific examples or stories I want included.

• Implement Streamlined Processes: Utilize project management tools, maintain organized files, & use standardized templates for smooth collaboration. At Femmeprenista, we love Trello for managing projects & Google Drive for shared files. This keeps everyone on the same page & minimizes confusion.

• Prioritize Open Communication: Conduct regular check-ins, offer clear feedback, & encourage questions to foster trust & empower your team. We have a weekly team meeting where everyone shares updates, asks questions, & celebrates wins. This creates a supportive environment & allows us to address any roadblocks proactively.

From Fear to Freedom: Stepping into Your CEO Role

Making the shift from solopreneur to CEO is a journey, not a destination. It requires courage, trust, & a willingness to let go of the reins a little (or a lot!). But I promise you, the rewards are worth it. As Cody Sanchez often mentions, “Don’t build a business you have to run, build a business that pays you.” This really resonated with me when I was making the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship. I knew I wanted more than just a higher salary; I wanted a business that worked for me & my family, not the other way around.

Imagine having the time & energy to focus on the strategic vision of your business, to connect deeply with your clients, & to finally create the work-life integration you crave. Imagine coming home at the end of the day feeling energized, not depleted, & having the mental space to truly be present with your family. That, my friend, is the power of building a dream team.

So, what’s one small step you can take today to start building your team & reclaiming your time? Perhaps it’s listing five tasks you could delegate, researching virtual assistant services, or creating a clear brief for a specialist project. Share your first step in the comments below – let’s support each other on this journey!

And, if you're feeling overwhelmed just thinking about setting up these systems yourself, our Ready-to-Launch Kit can help! We'll build your professional online foundation, including your website, branding, and essential systems, in about 60 days, so you can focus on what you do best. Find out more here: Ready to Launch Kit Page

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

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