10 Ways to Survive Serious Business Growth

Every small business owner loves it when their business growth suddenly takes off, or they’re offered the opportunity of a lifetime to jump their business forward 10 steps.  It’s ‘dream come true’ time and we launch into it with excitement and yes, even gladly put in the extra hours.

If we’re going to survive this time of change and business growth we not only have to transition that well within the business but also transition ourselves so we don’t burnout. This was a position two of my clients found themselves in at one point. They understood that the logistics of doing business were going to change and that they would need to make adjustments to accommodate the extra systems, administration and accountability requirements. What they didn’t take into account was the personal impact this would have on them personally.

While working with these two clients, this proved to be the biggest impact of the two, and presented some challenges they had to overcome and adjustments they had to make within themselves, their relationship and family. 

The following are some of the issues and ‘adjustments’ you need to consider if you are in this place of growth (regardless of the size of your business).

1. Recognise that you will  have a workload increase bubble. Business growth will demand more of your time and your energy for a short season, but if you put in the hours you will reap the reward. Self care is important at this time. Ensuring you take breaks away from the office are important, not just in the weekends, but taking lunch outside of the office in a relaxing environment. Make sure you communicate your changing needs to your family and make a plan to ensure you still spend quality time with them.

2. You may have to confront and change some mindsets, prejudices and attitudes. Growth may mean you have to deal with a new people group, change your thoughts, be open to new ideas and concepts
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3. You still have to leave time for self/family – this should never change. Diary in your family time and make it as immovable as possible. With one client we had to take a serious look at how they spent their time and then diary in non negotiable family slots.

4. You may have to reassess your priorities and values. Personal values and priorities, some of them we may not be consciously aware of, may be challenged. It is important to know who you are and what your ‘bottom line’ is as a person and a business, otherwise we may be tempted to listen to the loudest voice, or give in under pressure to something that doesn’t line up with our personal conscience.

5. You may have to make personal financial sacrifices. Putting it simply, so much of our money these days is spent on ‘toys’ we don’t need, and endless cups of coffee and fast foods. Sadly some of my observations are that we spend money on non essentials that would free up additional resources during growth spurts in our business.

6. You may have to upgrade your self discipline. If you have sloppy timekeeping, procrastinate a lot, or are disorganised, you will have to UP your game. When business is comfortably humming along, it can truly be amazing how much time we can waste when there is no pressure.

7. You will almost definitely have to step out of your comfort zones.

8. You may need to upgrade your personal skills e.g. presentation skills, speaking skills, become more professional.

9. Look for help – especially professional help if you are taking on new contracts, borrowing capital, needing to change the structure of the business. Talk to your accountant, your lawyer, business mentors, your local Chamber of Commerce etc. At a crucial time like this you can’t afford to make tactical errors.

10. Be accountable and responsible. We all need someone who will hold us accountable to our goals and responsible for our actions. Using a business advisor, mentor/coach or using an experienced business friend as a sounding board will help you stay motivated, focused and goal oriented.

What are some of the challenges and personal adjustments you’ve had to make at times like this? Did you struggle through on your own or get some help? I would love to hear about them. Leave me a comment below.

FionaD