Tom Clancy — does this name sound familiar to you? Have you ever heard about the spy-thriller Jack Ryan series? Well, Tom is known as the author of all those books. But actually, once the book series became top-selling, Clancy hired ghostwriters. Their job was to write stories based on the concepts he created. This opened new opportunities for him to explore and perfect the universe of his franchise.

This is a perfect example of Dan Martell’s Buyback Principle. Owning a business or being the boss usually goes in hand with controlling everything. You check the advertisement suggestions, track the reviews, and answer every call and email. Sure, these are necessary aspects of creating your business. Yet, is it essential to be everywhere and do everything all at once?

It may restrict you from growing and expanding. Just like in parenting, you need to have established help from outside. It is imperative if you want your business to thrive. You should keep your health, relationship, and well-being balanced. Don't lock yourself up in the office to pull an all-nighter with accounting books.

Martell has identified a critical point known as the “Pain Line,” a common challenge businessmen face. This occurs when they have about twelve direct reports and revenue surpassing $1 million. At this stage, entrepreneurs typically have three options: selling their business, taking it in a different direction, or stalling due to fear of growth.

Martell’s Buyback principle is a method that helps you get out of these limitations. To apply it in practice, you need to examine your schedule. Identify how you divide your time among each of the tasks. You'll be surprised how easily you can transfer low-value tasks to your employees. It'd help you fill your time with more urgent matters or simply ones that bring you joy.