Early on, a CEO has little to work with – because their company is still a relatively tiny operation, they have to do more than anyone might expect. Distributing tasks simply isn’t an option when there are so few people to share them with, so it’s up to the leader to pull up their boot straps, crack their knuckles, and do what needs to be done. Here are the five hats every startup CEO wears.
1. Accountant
Numbers are crucial to any entrepreneurial operation, but becoming adequately established to warrant hiring an account takes a lot of time, and while that process is underway, someone has to keep track of those digits. It’s a side of business that’s not considered too often, though it’s absolutely critical, even if it’s relatively daunting and unpleasant. It’s all for the best, though; without a firm grip on the numbers, staying on top of finances as a company grows becomes a task too difficult to reasonably achieve.
2. Mentor
The startup world is full of experts and novices alike, and it’s up to the seasoned vets to lend a hand to those who lack extensive experience. By embracing the role of CEO, a leader is responsible for the personal and professional growth of each team member. Beyond that, the startup game is full of younger minds whose experience is limited. Leaders have a unique responsibility to facilitate their growth, as a new generation of entrepreneurs will inevitably pave the way for the future.
3. Sales
To get a company off the ground, someone has to make some calls and sell whatever it is that’s being provided. When the team is small (or in many cases, limited to one person), launching a company will be a slow process indeed unless the leader stands on the frontlines and reaches out to anyone and everyone. It takes a shockingly long time for a company to grow enough to move past this stage, too – many CEOs work tirelessly to reach out and make connections for years following the initial creation of their company.
4. Operations
Before a COO enters the picture (and in many cases, even after they come on board), a CEO has to oversee day-to-day operations and make sure that the company stays afloat. They have to manage employees, oversee different tasks to ensure quality, and handle clients, all jobs normally reserved for different departments. Startups don’t have this luxury; instead, the leader must step up each day and move forward one step at a time.
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