Section 1.1: A New Venture in Sales Leadership

Initially, I aimed to provide sales training and coaching, but I quickly discovered that many viewed these services as optional rather than essential. Sales coaching is frequently the first expense to be cut when budgets tighten, primarily because it assumes that business owners can implement the suggested strategies independently.

This realization led me to identify a crucial gap: Business owners required robust sales leadership to effectively establish their sales frameworks and guide their teams, all within a reasonable timeframe and budget.

Through some preliminary online research, my co-founder, Chad Meyer, and I recognized that no one was catering to this specific market. While fractional models had already emerged in areas like marketing and finance, sales leadership remained largely unaddressed. We decided it was time to take the plunge.

At that moment, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension—wondering if this concept had been tried before and failed, leading to skepticism about the market's viability. We realized that we had the responsibility to enlighten small to mid-sized business owners about their options in sales leadership. Informing companies of this unique opportunity—one they were unaware even existed—was daunting, yet it was a challenge we were eager to embrace.

Section 2.1: Laying the Groundwork

Even the fundamental aspects of your business require financial commitment. We initially underestimated the budget for our first website; we spent only $5,000 when we should have allocated between $40,000 and $50,000. This miscalculation resulted in subpar foundational elements that necessitated revisions later, costing us both time and money.

As you embark on your business journey, prioritize wisely by investing in critical areas such as software systems, physical locations, and essential personnel. These investments will establish a robust foundation for success.

Section 2.2: Making the Right Hire

When considering expenses, it's vital to evaluate the potential return on investment (ROI). We delayed hiring a director of operations for too long, only to realize that her presence allowed us to concentrate on our strengths—sales leadership. She took charge of her domain, enabling us to thrive. Ensure you invest in the right talent; the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that hiring the wrong individual can cost a business up to 30% of that employee's first-year salary.

Section 2.3: Embracing Failure

This investment is more about mindset: embrace the possibility of failure. Understand that the quicker you fail, the sooner you can adapt and improve. Holding on to the notion of being right only serves to hinder your progress. Recognizing that I had lost my way in my sales career led me to take the leap and seek something fulfilling. If you feel a similar pull, trust that instinct and pursue it.

Section 2.4: Seeking Guidance

In our early years, we often limited our business's potential due to our preconceived notions. It wasn't until we established an advisory board, consisting of experts from various fields, that we began to see things differently. They encouraged us to think outside the box, aspire for more, and explore paths we hadn’t considered before. To assemble an effective advisory board, compile a shortlist of individuals from your network, focusing on those who have rebounded from previous setbacks and come from diverse backgrounds.

Success is rewarding, but it becomes even more gratifying when it stems from overcoming obstacles. If you’re ready for an exhilarating challenge with unlimited potential for your income and achievements, it may be time to venture out on your own. Just be prepared to invest in yourself and the choices you make.