When it comes to building a successful business, your team and network are the foundation. However, not everyone plays the same role in the structure of your growth. In the world of business, there are two key types of people: bricks and bridges. Both are essential, but they bring different strengths to the table. At The Business Growing Place, we believe understanding this concept is crucial for entrepreneurs and business owners who are striving to create a well-rounded, growth-oriented company.

The Brick: Foundation and Stability

Bricks are the core components of any structure. In business, they represent the people who provide consistency, reliability, and a strong foundation. These individuals are the ones who keep processes running smoothly and ensure that operations stay on course. They might be the detail-oriented admin who never misses a deadline, the dependable technician who gets the job done right every time, or the steadfast leader who grounds the team during periods of change.

How Bricks Help Your Business:

1. Consistency: Bricks bring stability to your operations. Their dependability allows your business to maintain quality and uphold standards, making them an essential part of building trust with clients.
2. Structure: They thrive on processes and frameworks, ensuring everything is in its right place. If your business is built on strong processes, your bricks help keep those processes working like a well-oiled machine.
3. Focus: These team members excel at their tasks, allowing them to hone in on their specific role without getting sidetracked by new or untested ideas.

The Downside:

While bricks are critical to stability, they can sometimes resist change. They’re not always the ones who will push for new ideas or look for ways to expand the business. This is where the bridges come in.

The Bridge: Connection and Growth

Bridges are the connectors. They see beyond the immediate tasks and focus on building relationships and opportunities. Bridges are the people who network tirelessly, bring new ideas to the table, and facilitate collaborations that push the business forward. They’re the ones who will say, "Let’s try something new," or "I know someone who can help with this."

How Bridges Help Your Business:

1. Expansion: Bridges open doors to new clients, partnerships, and opportunities. They excel in sales, networking, and building strategic relationships.
2. Adaptability: Bridges are often the first to pivot when things aren’t working. They embrace change and help the business stay agile in a fast-moving market.
3. Innovation: With their eye on growth, bridges are always looking for ways to improve, streamline, and innovate, helping the business stay ahead of the curve.

The Downside:

Bridges can sometimes overlook the details, focusing more on the big picture and less on the foundational elements that keep a business running smoothly. Without bricks to provide structure, a business led solely by bridges can struggle with consistency and operational efficiency.

Finding Balance: Building a Strong Business with Bricks and Bridges

At The Business Growing Place, we understand the importance of both roles. A thriving business isn’t built by bricks or bridges alone; it needs a balance of both. Here’s how you can leverage this concept in your own company:

1. Identify Your Team’s Strengths: Take the time to understand who on your team is a brick and who is a bridge. Knowing this can help you delegate tasks effectively, play to each person’s strengths, and create a more cohesive team dynamic.

2. Foster Collaboration: Encourage your bricks and bridges to work together. The bridge may have a new idea for a sales strategy, but the brick can help create the processes needed to implement it effectively. When these two types collaborate, great things happen.

3. Embrace Both Roles as a Leader: As a business owner or manager, you may need to wear both hats at different times. During periods of rapid growth, you might need to be a bridge, building connections and chasing new opportunities. But when it’s time to refine your processes, it’s important to embrace your inner brick and focus on creating stability.

How We Can Help:

At The Business Growing Place, our approach is all about finding that balance. We help servicepreneurs build a solid foundation with strong, repeatable processes (your bricks) while also creating pathways for growth and expansion (your bridges). Whether you need help with process improvement, sales training, or strategic growth, our team can guide you through the steps needed to build a business that stands strong and connects beyond.

Conclusion:

Bricks and bridges are two sides of the same coin in business. You need both to create something that lasts. By identifying these roles within your team and leveraging them effectively, you can create a business that’s not only solid but also dynamic and growth-oriented.

If you’re ready to strengthen your foundation and build new connections, reach out to The Business Growing Place today. Let’s work together to ensure your organization flows and your money grows.