Managing the Role of Fractional COO

In every job, there's a perpetual challenge: the never-ending workload. It's a familiar tale—no matter how hard you work, there's always more to be done. For Fractional COOs, who offer premium services to multiple clients, this reality is magnified. So, how can Fractional COOs navigate this delicate balance of responsibilities, delegation, and leadership? Here are some practical strategies.

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Samantha Dillenback
Be the Boss - Stand Up to Your Calendar

Let's face it: time is the ultimate currency. And just like any good leader, you want to invest it wisely. By drafting your Ideal Week Plan, you're essentially creating a blueprint for how you want to spend your time. It declares what (and who) is most important to you. Whether it's blocking off chunks for focused work, scheduling in those all-important coffee breaks, or carving out time for family and self-care, you're calling the shots.

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Samantha Dillenback
Navigating the Whack-a-Mole Game: A Commitment to Clarity in Business Operations

Bringing clarity and calm to the inner workings of your business shouldn’t be a complicated process. It does take something difficult, though - a commitment to addressing the problem. I speak often with business owners who are “too busy” dealing with fire drills to spend the needed time addressing the root causes of the problems. So why do so many leaders linger in the mess?

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Samantha Dillenback
Embrace Growth: Tips for Managing Your Workforce Ecosystem

Staffing doesn’t look like it did 10 years ago. Today’s leaders are navigating talent shortages, demand for increased flexibility, and an unpredictable economy while still trying to build a strong team culture and increased business output. Modern problems require modern solutions, right? Here are some tips for gaining traction with your workforce ecosystem.

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Samantha Dillenback
New Year Baseline Setting - Empathy Checks

As we stand on the threshold of a brand new year, it's the perfect moment to set some baselines. Knowing where you’re starting is an important part of planning for the year ahead. Since people are the most important part of any business, a collective empathy check is a solid first step. How are the people on your team, your valued clients, and most importantly, how are you as you enter into this fresh calendar year?

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Samantha Dillenback
The Customer Feedback Loop

In the world of business innovation, the voice of the customer carries immense weight. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that actively seek and utilize customer feedback are the ones best positioned for long-term success. Business must innovate and improve to stay competitive. Customer feedback should be the starting point for your continuously enhancing your products and services.

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Samantha Dillenback
How to Say No to Kittens

Opportunities come knocking, and they often seem exciting and fun. But they can also stretch us thin and drain our resources, just like taking care of a kitten when you're not a pro at it. Setting boundaries isn't about saying "no" to everything; it's about making thoughtful choices that align with your capabilities and priorities. It's about understanding when to pass up on the fun opportunities so you can focus on what truly matters.

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Samantha Dillenback