The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the second-in-command of an organization and provides executive leadership to guide the operations and growth of a small business. The COO works with the CEO or other senior leaders in order to develop long-term plans and strategies that ensure that the organization will succeed in its goals.
The COO will oversee all departments in the organization, such as marketing, finance, customer service, human resources, IT and more. They will be responsible for ensuring the team members are well-trained and knowledgeable about their respective duties, and that they are working together to achieve the company’s goals. Additionally, the COO will manage budgets and implement financial strategies focused on cost savings and revenue generation. They must also foresee potential operational risks and create contingency plans to protect the organization from them.
By ensuring that all parts of the organization are working towards a common goal, the COO plays a critical role in the success of small businesses.