I Wear Four Hats Now: An Entrepreneur’s Life

Last week, I had an insightful conversation on my podcast with Refael Botbol Weiss, the Head of Customer Experience at Cycode. We navigated the terrain of software development roles: developers, operations managers, and security folks. Given Refael's role, he's focusing on providing top-tier customer experience to the application security pros at large enterprises.

Listening to Refael made me realize something: as an entrepreneur, I wear all the departmental hats. It's a juggling act of sorts, but also a learning opportunity. I get to see firsthand the inner workings of sales, customer experience, marketing, and administration. Here's what's been unfolding:

1. Sales: The Art of Relationship Building

I wear the 'Sales Manager' hat every day. Today, I looked at my client base—current, past, and prospective. It was a mixed bag of referrals, marketing leads, and sales prospects. Guess what? Most came from sales—direct outreach, to be exact. 

It's a clear lesson: Taking the initiative matters. I've learned you need to actively seek connections, present your offerings, and deliver upfront value, even if there's no immediate return. It's not just about making a sale; it's about building a relationship. And yes, sometimes people are mean. Such is life.

2. Customer Experience: The User's Voice Matters

But relationships don't end after the sale. As the 'Customer Experience Manager', I can't overlook my current clients. They're a treasure trove of insights and feedback. 

Refael brought up a salient point: Good software developers constantly engage with their users. They seek out what users appreciate about their product and use this feedback to build new features or even entire applications. I’ve started to do the same, breaking down my services into various options to make them more accessible to different people.

3. Marketing: Creating Content that Connects

Then there's the 'Marketing Director' hat. That's where my podcast and Substack come into play. I've learned a great deal about inbound content marketing since late April, specifically tailoring it to my industry. I've used this knowledge to build platforms for many others over the years. Now it's time to apply it to my own busines, my own audience.

4. Administration: A Symphony of Roles

This role is perhaps the most diverse. It includes everything from managing accounting and finance, scheduling (and rescheduling) meetings and tasks, to handling project management, operations, and even human resources.

A. Financial Coordinator: Accounting and Finance

I oversee accounting and finance, ensuring the numbers add up, invoices get sent out, and payments get processed. This involves meticulous bookkeeping and budget management. It may not be as thrilling as the sales pitch or as creative as marketing, but it’s vital. After all, a business can't run without a clear handle on its finances.

B. Executive Assistant: Meetings and Tasks

Then there’s the scheduling. It’s not just about setting meetings and tasks; it’s about the constant shuffle of rescheduling. It's a perpetual balancing act, making sure everything gets the attention it deserves, that everything fits, that nothing falls through the cracks. I have to maintain the rhythm of the business, ensuring everything moves in sync and harmony.

C. COO: Project Management and Operations

Being the COO involves project management and overseeing operations. I must ensure every project gets executed efficiently, and every operation runs smoothly. It's about foreseeing obstacles, planning contingencies, and keeping everything on track. In real time, it means navigating the chaos and ensuring that in the end, the job gets done, and it gets done well.

D. Chief of Human Resources: Juggling People and Paws

Finally, I’m the HR Chief—a role that involves managing a unique workforce. I hire subcontractors when needed. At the same time, I also have to take care of myself, the sole employee. Self-care is crucial to prevent burnout and maintain productivity.

And then there's my intern:

He doesn't contribute much to the business in a traditional sense. He's not great at filing or fetching coffee, but he brings smiles and companionship. Looking over at him as he stares at birds and barks at lawnmowers reminds me why I started this lifestyle business: to enjoy the freedom and balance that comes with it.

The Long Middle

Now, I find myself in what I like to call the 'long middle'. After the initial burst of excitement, it’s time for the grind. It’s about consistent effort, week in and week out, focusing on sales, marketing, customer experience… and making sure all the administrative stuff works out.

And you know what? It's exhilarating. These are the good old days. The blowing and going. The days when the hard work happens, where the foundations are built. The hustle might seem unending, but it's these times that shape the business—and the entrepreneur.