I want to share a conversation that, in many ways, acts as a litmus test for almost any business.
Recently I had a Zoom with a business owner who was exploring whether working with BSP might make sense. By most measures, he has a good business.
● Solid revenue.
● A capable team.
● Customers who genuinely enjoy dealing with him.
On paper, things looked good. But within a few minutes, I could tell something wasn't right. He looked tired. Not physically tired. Worn down.
Halfway through our conversation, he said something I hear surprisingly often:
"I don't know why, but everything still ends up back on my desk."
Sound Familiar?
I asked him one simple question: "When was the last time you were completely unavailable to the business?"
He smiled. "Over Christmas. We shut down for a couple of weeks."
"Completely unavailable?"
He paused. Then grimaced. "Not exactly."
The business closed. But his phone didn't. There were still texts. Still calls only he could take. Still decisions that somehow needed him.
Then he quietly said something that really stuck with me:
"Honestly… I don't think this place knows how to run without me."
That's a hard thing to admit. But I'd bet a lot of business owners reading this know exactly what he means.
How It Happens
Nobody sets out to build a business like that. It happens slowly.
You answer the question because it's quicker than explaining it. You make the decision because you already know the answer. You step in because it's easier than watching someone else work it out.
None of those moments feel important on their own. But over the years, the business learns one simple rule:
If it matters… ask the owner.
Before long, you've become the business's operating system. Not because anyone planned it — simply because everyone adapted around you.
One Question That Tells You Where You Really Stand
If you disappeared for a month tomorrow:
● What would stop?
● What would slow down?
● What would break?
Most owners know the answer immediately. They just don't ask themselves the question very often.
The Good News
This usually isn't a hiring problem. It's definitely not a "you" problem.
You don't need to work harder or become a different leader. You simply need to start moving yourself out of the middle of everything.
One decision. One process. One person stepping up at a time.
A business that doesn't rely so heavily on its owner is usually:
● More enjoyable to run.
● Easier to grow.
● Less stressful.
● Ultimately worth more.
If this story felt a little too familiar, we'd be happy to invest some time with you.
Spend 20 minutes with one of our advisors and together we'll work out whether a BSP Discovery Session would be valuable.
Kind regards,
Rob Dorey
Co-Founder
BSP Advisory Group
