What are the different operational roles in small business?
Ok, creatives- let's dive into the world of operational roles within your small business.
As creative entrepreneurs, we know that running a successful business goes beyond the creative process itself. It takes a well-oiled operational machine to bring our artistic visions to life. So, let's explore some key operational roles that play a vital part in the success of a small creative business.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
First up, we have the Operations Manager, the glue that holds everything together. This role focuses on overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business. From managing schedules and resources to coordinating projects and ensuring smooth workflows, the Operations Manager keeps things running seamlessly. They act as the central point of contact for teams, clients, and vendors (if you’re a product-based business), providing amazing communication and troubleshooting any operational challenges that come to light.
PROJECT MANAGER
Next on the list is the Project Manager, the master of organization and coordination. This role is crucial for managing creative projects from start to finish. The Project Manager works closely with clients and creative teams to define project goals, establish timelines, allocate resources, and track progress. They ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the client's satisfaction. Their attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to juggle multiple projects make them indispensable! If you are a creative, this is your opposite, someone that’s uber type-A and helps get sh*t done!
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING
Numbers may not be everyone's cup of tea, but they are vital in running your business. The finance and accounting role takes care of the financial health of the creative business. They handle budgeting, bookkeeping, invoicing, and financial reporting. This role ensures that financial records are accurate, expenses are tracked, and revenue is accounted for. They play a key role in monitoring cash flow, managing expenses, and providing financial insights to support informed decision-making. Most businesses fail in the first five years because they don’t pay attention to the dollahs!
HUMAN RESOURCES
The human resources role focuses on the people side of the business. They handle recruitment, onboarding, employee benefits, performance management, and overall employee engagement. This role ensures that the creative business attracts and retains top talent, fosters a positive work environment, and promotes employee growth and development. They also act as a bridge between employees and management, fostering effective communication and resolving any human resource-related issues. Many times early in your business, and Operations Manager can do many of these duties as well.
IT AND TECHNOLOGY
In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in creative businesses. The IT and Technology role takes care of all things tech-related. They manage hardware and software systems, ensure data security, implement digital tools and platforms, and provide technical support. This role helps streamline processes, enhance productivity, and keep the creative business up to date with the latest technological advancements. Many times this is the last team member you might bring in, but make sure you have someone on your team more techy than you!
MARKETING AND SALES
Last but certainly not least, we have the marketing and sales role, responsible for promoting the creative business and driving growth. This role develops marketing strategies, manages social media presence, creates compelling content, and identifies sales opportunities. They work closely with the creative teams to showcase their work, attract clients, and generate new business opportunities. Their efforts are essential for building the brand, expanding the client base, and ensuring a steady stream of creative projects.
Each of these operational roles plays a unique part in the success of YOUR small creative business.
How many of you are reading this blog and thinking, “Wow- I’m playing most (OR ALL) of these roles?” If that’s the case, it’s time to start expanding your team. Sustainability, growth, scaling, success… All of these things will not be possible if you are doing it on your own! Remember, successful creative businesses need a balance of artistry and operational excellence to thrive and leave a lasting impact on the world.
And that’s where Fierce Decorum comes in. While you are the creative expert, we are the operation experts. Most of the above list, we do! Our team is here to help take business owners out of the day to day operations and allow them to flow in their creativity. If you’re ready to have a fierce team in your corner, let’s talk!
