From managing client relationships and handling operations, to overseeing marketing and making day-to-day decisions, owners can often be spinning too many plates at once. And if that’s you, here’s the hard truth – you’re probably the bottleneck in your business.

Why?

• Stagnant Growth | By being bogged down in the day-to-day operations, you’re not focusing on growth

• Burnout & Disengagement | Your team depends on you for direction, and if you’re not directing, you’re not empowering them to take on more responsibility. They’ll probably get frustrated by the lack of leadership and autonomy, which can lead to disengagement (and higher staff turnover). And if you’re not delegating and outsourcing your own tasks, you’ll work too hard for too little – a sure-fire way to burnout 

• Poor Client Satisfaction | Clients can feel when you’re stretched too thin, and if you’re not giving them the service that they deserve (because you’re too busy) this can have a knock-on effect on the standard of service you’re providing

So, how do you stop being the bottleneck? And how can you transition from a task-tangled MD, to a growth-guru and profit-producer? 

• Outsource, outsource, outsource
In the early stages of running an agency, it can make sense to take on different responsibilities. But to build a business that’s sustainable, scalable, and profitable? You need to get hands-off.

Whether or not you have a team of your own, you can’t be the one answering the phones or emails, handing over keys, or taking on any other aspect of a property or tenancy manager. You’ll need to hire someone else to do them, or make use of the many tools available like AI, chatbots, and virtual assistants.

• Implement Systems and Processes
When you’re the only one who understands how everything works in your business, it’s easy to fall into the trap of micromanagement. Create systems that allow your team to handle tasks efficiently, and make use of software tools, project management systems, and AI

• Focus on Your Zone of Genius
You didn’t start your business to get lost in the weeds of day-to-day tasks. What is your unique value? What can you do that no one else in your business can? Focus on those high-level, high-impact activities.

• Empower Your Team
Make sure they have the training, resources, and trust to take ownership of their roles. Set clear expectations, give them the autonomy to succeed, and celebrate their successes.

• Learn to Say No
Part of overcoming bottlenecks is understanding that you can’t do everything. Learn to say no to tasks, projects, or opportunities that don’t align with your long-term growth. Prioritise strategies and tasks that will move the needle and focus on what truly matters.

Sally Lawson runs Agent Rainmaker / AR Live