Episode 113: Should You Manage 300 or 3,000 Doors?
Jan 8, 2024
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The podcast discusses the decision-making process for property managers, emphasizing the importance of setting a vision and goal. They also highlight the importance of endurance and commitment in building a business. Hiring A-Players for company growth and being intentional and focused in property management are also discussed.
Scaling a business involves financial challenges and leadership transition.
Scaling a business requires substantial capital investment and resilient team members.
Deep dives
Scaling a Business: Understanding the Tradeoffs
Scaling a business involves making intentional decisions and understanding the potential tradeoffs. As businesses grow, they often face financial challenges, with investments needed ahead of revenue. Owners should be prepared for a period of negative cash flow and recognize that scaling does not guarantee immediate increased profitability. Moreover, leadership transition is crucial, as the skills required to manage a small operation differ from those needed to lead a larger organization. It is important to have a long-term vision, commit to the journey, and surround yourself with resilient and capable team members.
Two Paths for Business Growth: Boutique or Scaled Organization
When entrepreneurs and property managers consider growth, they have two paths: boutique or scaled organization. A boutique business offers low risk and limited but potentially high rewards, where property managers may focus on being individual contributors and managing a smaller, more profitable portfolio. On the other hand, scaling an organization involves higher risk and potential for greater rewards. It requires hiring and managing teams, investing ahead of revenue, and enduring difficult periods of negative cash flow. Success in scaling hinges on being intentional, developing leadership skills, and hiring resilient team members.
Financial Challenges and the Importance of Capital
Scaling a business requires substantial capital investment. Owners should be financially prepared for periods of negative cash flow during the growth phase. Scaling organizations often spend money ahead of generating revenue as they hire and train staff. It is crucial to have enough capital reserves to weather the storm and manage the associated risks. Understanding the financial journey, having a solid financial plan, and having sufficient funds to sustain the organization through challenging times are critical aspects of scaling a business.
The Significance of Hiring Resilient and Skilled Team Members
When scaling a business, it is essential to surround oneself with resilient and skilled team members. Hiring A-players who can navigate through the messy growth process and contribute to problem-solving is vital. These individuals can hold the organization together during challenging times, ensure pipeline efficiency, and think ahead. Ensuring a strong balance between hiring individuals with potential for growth and those committed to being exceptional individual contributors is crucial for long-term success.
What do most property managers want to know when you meet them for the first time? Besides your name and where you're from, most PMs want to know how many doors you manage! Most property managers assume that the more doors you manage, the better your life is! But we want to dispel the myth and help you think through the possibility that managing fewer doors might be the best thing for you!
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Connect with Matt and Spencer at Evernest: Evernest.co