This summer I learned to sail. Now this is Calgary, so we’re not talking about sprawling yachts on vast lakes; we’re talking 2 person sailboats on the reservoir…just perfect for us newbies. In these baby-boats, there’s two jobs: skipper and crew.

The Skipper steered the boat and tightened/released the main sail, while the crew was in charge of the smaller (jib) sail and needed to be always on their toes (literally) to balance the boat. My girlfriend and I became a dynamic duo and totally rocked the reservoir. We’ve got our eyes on a Caribbean adventure…though we both agree that we should just hire a crew so we can actually enjoy the ride ;).

Now, imagine your business is a boat. Maybe it’s a shiny yacht, or it’s like me on my sailboat gliding by. Maybe somedays you feel more like a tugboat just chugging along.

Whatever your vessel, every boat has a crew, and that crew all have a job to do – just like your business. For you, the crew are the departments within your business that move the company forward.

Looking to build an empire? Or even just hire a small team to take the pressure off of you? Understanding these departments can help you in thinking and planning for the growth in your business.

Not looking to grow just yet? That’s ok, this will help you fully appreciate (gulp) the breadth of the work you do…no this is not “just a hobby”.

CEO (CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER)

The one with the fancy hat! The CEO is like the captain of the ship. They steer the company's vision, set goals, and make sure everyone's sailing in the same direction. They're the face of the company and are responsible for making strategic decisions.

CFO (CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER) / FINANCE / ACCOUNTING (ME!!)

These are the money navigators. They handle the company's finances, keep an eye on budgets, manage cash flow, and make sure the books are balanced. If a ship isn’t balanced - it capsizes! The CFO is all about the numbers and ensuring the business stays financially healthy. The captain sets the course, but the CFO is the one to look at the map and determine what resources are needed to reach the destination.

COO (CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER) / OPERATIONS / PRODUCTION

Think of the COO as the engine room operator. From manufacturing to logistics, they ensure that products or services are delivered efficiently and on time. They manage day-to-day operations, making sure things are ship-shape.

MARKETING

These storytellers are like the lighthouses of the business world. They tell the world “Hey!! We’re here!! Notice how AWESOME we are!” Whether it's through social media, ads, or events, they're all about making space to shine a light on the work you’re doing. There are a few key teams under the marketing umbrella:

The Creative Department: The Artists of the Business World – these are Graphic Designers, Copywriters, or Content Creators. They’re job is to craft eye-popping visuals, penning catchy slogans, creating social media magic. It's where imagination runs wild!

Marketing Squad: The Party Planners – here you’ll find Marketing Managers, Social Media Strategists, and SEO Specialists. They’re the ones throwing the business's virtual parties on social media, sending out the invites (ads), and making sure everyone knows the business's name.

Sales Team: The Friendly Faces You Know and Love -while the creative and marketing teams bring people to the door, the sales team helps them spend their money. They build relationships with customers, shaking hands (virtual or real), closing deals, and always wearing a smile!

CUSTOMER SERVICE

These helpful helpers are here to make sure everyone is happy. If I ever get to hire that crew, these will be the butlers and concierge’s that will make my every wish a reality (yes, apparently I am sitting in port at Monaco while ringing my bell!).

The Customer Service team will be answering questions, solving problems, and giving virtual hugs when needed. They're always there to lend an ear.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Businesses need to keep things fresh. The product development department are the inventors cooking up new products, tweaking the old ones, and dreaming up the next big thing!

HUMAN RESOURCES (HR)

This team is hiring new stars, keeping the team happy, and making sure everyone plays nice in the sandbox.

If you’re a one-person dinghy, a sizable sailboat and crew, or a full-fledged yacht - Whether you’re on your maiden voyage or been around the world - having a grasp of these roles can help guide you through the eye of the (business) storm and ensure your ship is sea-worthy!