We all start out in business being involved in everything, that’s just what a business owner does especially for a start up. We go from answering customer calls to managing finances and marketing. It’s like an internship.

But if your business can’t function without you, you don’t own a business, you own a job and probably not a very well paying job.

What is the real goal of your business?

For me it’s creating a business that thrives without my daily involvement so I can focus on growth, take time off, or even prepare for my eventual exit.

Whether you want more freedom, a better work-life balance, or a more valuable asset, here's a few tips I have discovered that will get you to that point.

1. Systemise Everything

Systems allow the business to run without you.

If your team constantly asks, "How do I do this?" then your business needs systems.

Well documented step-by-step procedures will help your team handle tasks without needing your input.

Think of franchises like McDonald's, every burger, every store, every transaction runs the same way because they have clear processes in place.

How to Systemise your business:

Look at every task in the business - make a note of them
Then create a document for everything from onboarding new clients to handling refunds and link it back to the task list.
Store everything in an online system like Google docs / product suite. I have used this and it’s a good way to store everything so it's editable and you have a master document of every task with a link to the procedure.
Use checklists, templates, and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to guide employees.

Example: Bakers Delight – This Australian bakery franchise developed detailed operation manuals for baking, customer service, and store management, ensuring that all 700+ locations run smoothly—even without the owner being there. Imagine what your business can do with some structure in place.

2. Build A Strong Leadership Team

So every decision doesn’t always come to you.

As business owners we all struggle with letting go. We have built this baby from the ground up and we are not always confident others understand our vision or how to do things the way we want them done.

However if you’re the only one making key decisions and leading the way then you’ll always be stuck in the business.

In order to step away, you need a reliable leadership team that can make decisions, solve problems, and drive the business forward.

How to Build a Leadership Team:

Look at the most important area of your business, I suggest it's delivering the service, product or experience. Then hire someone to look after that area.
Teach that person, mentor them but also be their support system so they feel like you trust them and have their back.
Do weekly check-ins after a few months so they have the space to put their mark on the business and build their own team.
Following that hire or promote your team to be managers to oversee different parts of your business.
Empower them to make decisions without checking with you first. Encourage them to be responsible and know you will support them.
Remember to guide them but avoid micromanaging.

Example: Boost Juice – Founder Janine Allis hired a CEO and leadership team to manage the business while she focused on growth. This freed her up to expand internationally and turn Boost Juice into a global success. What will a leadership team do for you and your business?

3. Automate and Outsource All Non-Essential Tasks

So You’re Not Stuck Doing the Small Stuff.

We all waste time on repetitive tasks; like sending invoices, following up with clients, or scheduling social media posts. There are hundreds of little tasks in your business that you do not need to do.

The more you automate and outsource, the less the business depends on you.

The first step to outsourcing is looking at what you do every day and asking yourself can someone else do this? Or can we automate this task?

What tasks do you have to Automate and Outsource:

Finance → Use Xero or MYOB for automatic invoicing and bookkeeping.
Marketing → Use social media schedulers and email automation. Give it to one of our part time staff to handle allowing a few extra hours of work each week.
Admin & Customer Service → Outsource to virtual assistants or AI chatbots.

Example: Koala (Australian mattress company) – By automating logistics, customer support, and digital marketing, Koala grew into a multi-million-dollar business without a physical storefront.

4. Train and Empower Your Team

So They Can Solve Problems Without You

If your team constantly needs your approval for every little thing, your business will always rely on you. The best way to free yourself? Train your team properly and give them authority to make decisions.

If you struggle with this, start small. First work out what types of decisions you are happy to handover, start there then in a month's time make another list of decisions you're not happy to handover but know you need to..

How to Empower Your Team:

Provide clear job roles and expectations for everyone in your team.
Ask them what they are responsible for. Ensure they can be specific and narrow it down to how their role contributes and benefits the business.
Encourage decision-making without needing your approval every time.
Reward employees who show initiative and solve problems independently.
If no one is making decisions, look at what training you can do to improve their empowerment and self belief.

Example: McDonald’s Australia – They invest heavily in training programs so that every restaurant runs smoothly, no matter who is managing it. This allows the company to maintain consistent quality and service worldwide.

5. Create Passive Revenue Streams

Ensure the Money Still Flows In, Even When You’re Not There

If your business only makes money when you’re actively working, it’s time to diversify.

You may be a doctor, chiropractor, accountant or massage therapist. These are the types of businesses that need someone to provide the service. If it’s not you then who?

Look at the options of creating new income streams so you can step away from daily operations and the business still generates revenue without your direct involvement.

Ways to Add Passive Income:

Bring in specialists that can replace you for a lesser cost.
Franchising or Licensing → Sell your business model to others.
Look at what complementary products or services could be introduced to grow your business without you.
Online Sales & Digital Products → Sell courses, e-books, or memberships.
Subscription-Based Services → Offer ongoing monthly services instead of one-off sales.

Example: Jim’s Group (Jim’s Mowing, Jim’s Cleaning, etc.) – Jim Penman started with a single mowing business in Melbourne. By turning it into a franchise, he built an empire of 50+ industries that runs without his daily involvement.

Start Working On Your Business, Not In It

If your business collapses when you take a holiday, you don’t own a business, you own a job.

By implementing systems, leadership, automation, and passive income strategies, you can create a company that grows while you take a step back.

Imagine being able to take a holiday, spend more time with family, or start new ventures while your business keeps running smoothly.

That’s not a dream, it’s possible with the right strategy.

Contact me today for mentoring and business coaching to help you step out of your day to day business operations and improve your bottom line.

Self-sufficient Business: How to Build One