The three essential roles in business

By LBV

13 Sep 2010

Can I share an idea with you about the three roles that any business owner must understand if they are to have a successful business?

See details of John's free workshop

Each role performs a different function within the business, operates in a different time frame and requires a different mindset and set of skills. To be successful you must embrace all three:

1. The Technical Expert – deals with the Product, they make the thing, or deliver the service. They face the customer and operate in the here and now.

2. The Business Administrator – deals with the Processes required within the business. It’s about measuring and reporting, doing the paperwork and is focused on the past. What has been done?

3. The Entrepreneur – deals with the People. They are the leader, the marketer, the person with the vision and the plan. Their focus is in the future. What is possible and what are we going to do?

When we start a business, often we are the Technical Expert. Slowly and painfully we acquire the skills of the Entrepreneur and the Business Administrator. Hopefully, not make too many expensive mistakes along the way.

The challenge comes, when the going gets tough. We tend to go back to what we know, being the Technical Expert, we work harder. At the very moment we should be focusing on working ON the business, we spend more time working IN the business.

Be aware, if you going to have a successful business, you must stop doing what you WANT to do, being the Technical Expert, and start being what your business DEMAND you do, being the Entrepreneur and Business Administrator.

So, ask yourself: Which of the three roles do I spend most of my time in? And which role do I need to do more of to be successful?

John Garrod
Business and leadership coach
Ology
 

Enjoyed this? Read more from LBV

Latest news

1

Brewer to buy city centre premises after 17 year journey from garage hobby Ryan Hayes Chain House Brewing

Brewer to buy city centre premises after 17 year journey from garage hobby

18 Aug 2026

2

New milestone for £10m Amounderness House project Ah Group Picture

New milestone for £10m Amounderness House project

18 Aug 2026

3

First of new Chinese electric vehicle showrooms to open in Lancashire Processed B9612b99 D7d4 4baf Be0e Bf84dbc87c2e

First of new Chinese electric vehicle showrooms to open in Lancashire

17 Aug 2026

4

Family business: Growing through the generations 3generations Who Currently Work In The Business Steve Dad Hannahdaughter And Gracegrandaughtermoorings

Family business: Growing through the generations

17 Aug 2026

5

Morecambe Business Improvement District given fresh five-year mandate David Waddington Chair L John Oneill Bid Manager R 1024x768

Morecambe Business Improvement District given fresh five-year mandate

14 Aug 2026

Blackburn College (July-Aug 26)
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event
LBV130 Magazine Launch Social720No Text 17 Sep 2026

LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event

The Beehive Blackburn, Shadsworth Business Park, BB1 2QS

08:30 - 10:30

Built Environment Conference 2026
BEC26 WW Logo720 24 Sep 2026

Built Environment Conference 2026

EG On The Move, Waterside Head Office, Blackburn, BB1 2FA

08:30 - 13:00

Sub36 Awards 2026
Sub36 WW Logo720 16 Oct 2026

Sub36 Awards 2026

Park Hall Hotel & Spa, Chorley, PR7 5LP

18:30 - 00:30

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event
LBV131 Magazine Launch Social720No Text 19 Nov 2026

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event

Lancashire

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Business Day 2026
LBD26 WW Logo720 27 Nov 2026

Lancashire Business Day 2026

Burnley Football Club, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

Finding, Getting and Keeping The Right People - FREE Workshop
LBV Website Events Graphic Action Coach 1 20 Aug 2026

Finding, Getting and Keeping The Right People - FREE Workshop

The Wellsprings, Bolton, BL1 1SB

09:00 - 11:30

U35 Networking
Lancaster And Morecambe Logo 1 25 Aug 2026

U35 Networking

The Royal Hotel & Bar, Lancaster, LA1 1YD

17:30 - 19:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: August
LBV Website Events GraphicFreelancer Meet Up 27 Aug 2026

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: August

Society1, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 12:00

Build Your Business To Sell It - Even If You Aren't Planning To Sell - FREE Workshop
LBV Website Events GraphicAction Coach 2 27 Aug 2026

Build Your Business To Sell It - Even If You Aren't Planning To Sell - FREE Workshop

The Wellsprings, Bolton, BL1 1SB

09:00 - 11:30

Chamber Breakfast Networking – September
Lancaster And Morecambe Logo 1 03 Sep 2026

Chamber Breakfast Networking – September

Soul Bowl, Morecambe, LA4 4BU

08:00 - 10:00

Mediation in the workplace: a practical guide to resolving conflict
LBV Website Events GraphicMediation In The Workplace 08 Sep 2026

Mediation in the workplace: a practical guide to resolving conflict

Online, Preston, PR1 3JG

12:00 - 12:45

Preston Tech Connection Hot Takes
LBV Website Events GraphicHot Takes In Tech 09 Sep 2026

Preston Tech Connection Hot Takes

Society1, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV129 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin