What Is A Remote Integrator?
Introduction
What is a Remote Integrator? It’s a question I get asked a lot and for good reason.
With so many different job titles in the online space, it can be challenging to differentiate exactly what each role entails.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for help and support, or someone looking to set up an online business, learning these industry terms allows you to make the distinction and understand what to focus on.
That being said, sometimes these job titles can be used interchangeably. Someone can also be a combination of roles, depending on what is being offered.
Roles such as online business manager, virtual assistant, systems integrator, project manager, and operations manager, are roles that are sometimes interchangeable. it is no wonder that it can be difficult to hire a team member or niche down.
The Role Of A Remote Integrator
So, what is a remote integrator and how is it different from the plethora of job titles out there?
You may not be as privy to the term integrator, however, their role is something integral to any successful business.
The basic concept comes from Gino Wickman from EOS, Entrepreneurial Operating Systems.
A book, written by Wickman and Mark C. Winters, Rocket Fuel, delves into business frameworks and positions:
“Every great entrepreneurial business has a common element that has created Rocket Fuel for them. It’s the relationship between a Visionary and an Integrator. The Visionary is usually the founding entrepreneur, the big-idea person, typically called the founder or CEO. The Integrator is the unsung hero. They are the person that faithfully executes the business plan. They are typically called the president, chief of staff, or COO.” Source
This explanation of the integrator role perfectly summarizes the distinction between the owner of the company and the remote integrator.
The visionary, the founder of a business, tends to have the core ideas for the business. They know what they stand for, what type of business they want to create, what they value, and the type of customers or clients they want to attract.
However, they may not have the roadmap for how to get there…
This is where the remote integrator would step in. They’ll come into your business, look at it objectively and come up with a plan of action. An integrator will take a vision and turn it into something that’s not only tangible but effective and successful.
The integrator role is a bit of a hybrid one. Not only do they collaborate on the strategy and planning but they will also implement that strategy.
Working With A Remote Integrator
To give you a deeper understanding of exactly what it would be like to work with or be a remote integrator, here are some key areas and tasks that are undertaken:
Deep Dive
First and foremost, an integrator will dissect a business to figure out what is working and what isn’t. They will discuss with the CEO their vision and what they want to achieve.
Plan and Strategy
Together, the CEO/ business owner and integrator will come up with a strategy on how to best achieve the desired outcome/s.
SOPs
They’ll look at the business's SOPs (standard operating procedures) which are essential to evaluate how effectively the business is running.
Automations Check
Systems and automation can save a business not only time but money. An integrator will review all existing automation and figure out if there are any missed opportunities and that it is running in the best possible way.
KPIs
Assessing key performance indicators is a task that should be part of every business. How can we figure out what is working and what isn’t, without them? The integrator will review all KPIs and provide insight and advice on how to improve and proceed.
Team Management
Hiring, managing, and delegating a team can be a time-consuming and stressful task for any business. This responsibility is taken away and managed by the remote integrator who will run the day-to-day operations.
Client Success and Retention
Client retention practices begin at the start of the customer journey. Every interaction or communication with your client should have client retention in mind. This is down to your automation, systems, team attitudes, and quality of overall service. An integrator will focus on your client’s experiences to increase retention rates.
Is A Remote Integrator Essentially A Systems Integrator?
This question has popped up several times and is something I want to clarify and be super clear on so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
To put it simply, no. That is not to say that a remote integrator can’t also be a systems integrator, meaning that they could take on the tasks that also a systems integrator would undertake.
However, a systems integrator wouldn’t be concerned with the overall vision of the CEO or dive into the strategy or plan behind the business. They would focus on..well.. the systems! Automation, tools, funnels, etc so that the vision of the CEO and Integrator was successfully implemented.
Outcomes of Working with a Remote Integrator
Reduces overwhelm and stress of the CEO
Gives back valuable time and headspace to the CEO
A business will have smooth systems and processes in place
Business goals and expectations can be met time and time again
Summary
A Remote Integrator executes the CEO’s ideas and vision
Typically an Integrator will dissect a business, come up with a plan of action, check SOPs, Automations, KPIs, manage a team, and focus on client retention
An Integrator will manage the day-to-day operations of a business
A Systems Integrator is not necessarily a Remote Integrator
A Remote Integrator can also be a Systems Integrator
An Integrator plays a vital role in a business to ensure that it runs smoothly
Are you looking to find out more about hiring an Integrator? Find out more about HERE
Want to know more about starting your own online business? Check out my Youtube Channel for more advice.
