4 Business Lessons I Learned as a Fractional COO (And How They Can Help You Thrive)

Starting your own business can be a wild ride, full of uncertainty and rapid pivots. I know this firsthand because in the fall of 2023, I had to figure out how to move forward after the startup I was working with failed. Within minutes of the news, I needed to shift my focus, find flexible work, and keep my life stable.

As a Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO), I’ve had the opportunity to work with various small businesses, leveraging my years of expertise from corporate environments and early-stage startups. Over the past year, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that are worth sharing—whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out.

Here are the four biggest lessons I’ve learned, and how you can apply them to your business.

1. One Size Does NOT Fit All

When I first started out, I quickly realized that there’s no single formula for business success. Every business is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Sure, there are general guidelines and best practices, but each business needs a tailored approach based on its unique structure, goals, and challenges.

For example, one of my clients needed to structure their business like a corporation from day one—complete with a board of directors, stock options, and capitalization tables. Another client needed more flexibility and creativity, and applying the same rigid structures would have stunted their growth.

The takeaway here? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Learn to read the room, understand your business, and tailor your strategy accordingly.

2. It’s All the Same, Yet It’s All Different

No matter the industry, the core structure of businesses remains consistent. Every business, whether it’s a tech startup or a small coaching practice, has key functions like operations, marketing, sales, finance, and human resources.

While the foundation of every business may be the same, how those functions are implemented varies greatly. Some businesses are nimble and creative, while others rely heavily on structured processes and systems. The key to success lies in understanding the basic principles of how a business operates and being flexible enough to implement those principles in a way that suits your unique situation.

In other words: Business principles are universal, their execution is entirely dependent on the business’s needs.

3. Expertise Trumps Reinvention

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that when expertise is lacking, people tend to reinvent the wheel. Reinventing doesn’t solve the problem—it often leads to wasted time and resources.

For example, I once worked with a leader who was overwhelmed by the sheer number of emails in his inbox. He thought the solution was to change email servers or reorganize the way his emails were filtered. In reality, the problem wasn’t the technology—it was the company’s culture. People were copying him on every email because they didn’t have clear roles or trust in their own decision-making.

Rather than focusing on reinvention, it’s better to bring in expertise that can diagnose the root cause and provide the right solutions. In business, expertise is the secret weapon that can help you grow efficiently without burning down the infrastructure.

4. Know When to Say No

This one has been a tough lesson for me to learn. I’m an optimist by nature, and I always believe that there’s hope for every opportunity. Over time, I’ve realized that sometimes, the best thing you can do is say no.

Whether it’s a potential client who isn’t a great fit or a project that doesn’t align with your values or goals, it’s important to listen to your gut. Saying yes to everything might seem like the safe option when you’re building a business, and it can lead to frustration and wasted time. Instead, be selective and trust that the right opportunities will come.

Saying no can be empowering, and it frees you up to focus on the projects and clients that truly align with your vision.

Final Thoughts

Over the past year, these four lessons have shaped how I approach my role as a Fractional COO. If you’re navigating changes in your business, these lessons can help you make smarter, more informed decisions.

• Be flexible and tailor solutions to your unique business.

• Understand that every business is built on the same foundation, and no two are the same.

• Seek expertise instead of reinventing the wheel.

• And most importantly, know when to say no.

Your journey may not be easy, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can thrive.

Are you uncertain about what to do next? Book a free consultation call today.