It’s hard to feel as involved with the entrepreneurial spirit when you own a business that exists solely online. However, if you want to succeed in this competitive marketplace, your business needs a strong leader now more than ever.

Entrepreneurs wear a lot of hats. Depending on the size of your online business, you might be responsible for everything from marketing to daily operations. No matter what your official roles are, your biggest responsibility is being an effective leader when you are starting a business. In this guide, we’ll share the best ways to be a business leader for your online business so you can take it to the next level of success.  

1. Be Humble 

Your first step is to simply be humble. Of course, this is easier said than done. We’ve all heard from the online business “gurus” out there that claim to be experts at just about everything. They populate our Facebook feeds, Instagram followers, and more. They claim to be an expert at online success, but why are they prattling on about themselves endlessly instead of actually doing?

Nobody wants to work for or be around someone who’s always full of themselves. Instead, learn how to stay humble, respect others, and take the lead confidently. The best way to be humble is to admit you’re not perfect. If you make a mistake, own up to it quickly. Don’t be afraid to share your obstacles with others, even your online audience.

2. Utilize Your Team

Are you a micromanager? It’s hard to let go when it comes to your online business. You’ve worked so hard to get where you are today. You know what works and what doesn’t, and it’s hard to let others take the lead. However, you hired your team for a reason. Even if you’re just outsourcing to freelancers, these are individuals who know what they’re doing.

They have something valuable to offer your company, even if they’re just taking over minor tasks so you can focus on big-picture projects. Take advantage of your team to make the most of your time, work effectively, and bring other opinions into the mix. Nobody wants to feel like someone’s working over them all day. Work alongside your team and become a valuable member of your own workforce.  

3. Always Keep Learning 

The biggest thing that separates the fake “gurus” online from the real-life entrepreneurs is the ability to keep learning. A real entrepreneur knows that nobody is perfect. He or she knows that you sometimes need support to keep pushing forward, and that success is a highway not a closed street.

When it comes to learning, be proactive. Look for online resources, support tools, and ask for help when you need it. For example, if you’re running an ecommerce store, getting the best WooCommerce support will come in handy when growing your website. As we said before, it’s okay to not know anything. In fact, admitting you have room to grow is one of the fastest ways to become a respected leader.  

4. Welcome Feedback

Finally, be sure to welcome feedback about yourself and your company. This doesn’t mean you need to blindly accept criticism, but be aware of how you’re perceived by others. According to Forbes, one of the qualities that makes a great leader is that he or she is a human being. Humans aren’t perfect, and they’re open to feedback that helps them grow.

How can you welcome feedback? Open yourself to mentors, those who know better than you about online business, and your own team. Keep lines of communication open, and never become defensive.  

Bring These Skills Together

Becoming a memorable, effective leaders isn’t just about being born with the right skills. Great leaders are made by their experiences. If you’re not sure that you’re an effective leader for your online business, it’s time to take inventory of yourself.

Remember these characteristics and steps above. Take on each one at a time to slowly see yourself grow into the online business leader you wish to become. Don’t take stock of the louder, so-called entrepreneurs you see online today. A real entrepreneur is sometimes the person acting behind the scenes holding everything together.