Running a small business can feel like running on a treadmill—every fire, every decision, every shift depends on you. The solution? Hiring a general manager.
But how you hire one makes all the difference.
If you’ve ever Googled “how to hire a general manager,” you’ve likely seen fluffy job board articles or recycled HR advice. This isn’t that. This is a practical, owner-focused guide to stepping out of the day-to-day—and putting the right person in charge.
Here are the six most important lessons every small business owner needs to know:
Your reason should drive how you define the role and who you hire.
Generic job descriptions won’t cut it. You need to map out:
You’re not hiring a middle manager—you’re hiring an operational leader. Write a compelling job ad that shares:
Forget bloated bonus structures. Your incentives should reflect the business transformation you want:
Resumes aren’t enough. Use assessments to see how candidates think.
Look for:
Don’t just ask what they’ve done—ask how they think.
Try these:
Hiring a general manager isn’t just about offloading tasks—it’s about building a resilient business that can thrive without you.
That resilience translates directly to business value. Buyers love businesses with systems, leadership, and low owner dependence.
Whether you’re preparing to sell, install a GM, or just want your evenings back, I help small business owners like you plan the right exit—or step into a true ownership role.