Dianne Pajo
People are the most important asset of any startup. For that reason, building your staff can make or break your company’s present and future success. Starting your business with the right leadership team is crucial to building a strong foundation.
Everyone knows the big names in the office, like the chief executive officer (CEO) and the chief financial officer (CFO). But what about more niche positions responsible for everyday operations? Every business must fill these management roles if they want a fighting chance.
Business Development Manager
Launching a startup is only part of the job. Once you’re in business, you’ll need someone to expand your business’s reach and find new opportunities. This task is a job for a creative and ambitious business development manager.
Your business development manager will look for growth from a sales and marketing standpoint. They’ll reach out and form relationships with companies that have mutual interests, as well as analyze competitors. Complacency is the enemy of success, but your business development manager will always go to bat for your company.
Health and Safety Manager
Effective leaders care about the well-being of their employees, customers, and community. Therefore, you must ensure your workplace is safe and that your products or services don’t harm clients or the environment. An ethical health and safety manager will protect everyone from dangers.
For example, startups that generate hazardous waste must be diligent about creating safe handling and disposal procedures. Failing to do so will result in consequences from the EPA and OSHA. A safety manager will avoid hazardous waste violations by using their expertise to implement best practices.
Customer Service Manager
Another management role every business must fill is that of the customer service manager. No matter how excellent your business is, having unfriendly and unhelpful client interactions will ruin your reputation. Not everyone is a people person; hire a likable customer service manager to handle all of your face-to-face business.
Your customer service department is arguably the most important part of your startup. These people are the face of your company and establish your business’s first impression. You need someone kind, empathetic, and communicative to lead the charge.
Don’t forget to put people in charge of technology, operations, and quality control. Once you’ve assembled your dream team, you’ll be ready to take your industry by storm.
