Small Business Growing Pains
Let's be honest, most of us small business owners have an adolescent attitude - where we don't plan too far ahead or imagine the consequences of our actions for the future. We have a great time, acting without thinking, doing without recording and pretty much winging our way through the first couple of years.
However, there comes a time where us naughty teenagers need to grow up. As the business matures it needs tighter policies, procedures for staff to follow, HR documents, position descriptors, terms and conditions.. the list feels endless. Plus importantly, we need to take care of the clients who have trusted in us by creating more sustainable practices. Don't be a business that "If you fail to plan you plan to fail" - instead, ensure a smooth future for your staff, your business and your clients!
This doesn't come without growing pains. As you implement changes in your business, you may momentarily lose efficiency and productivity. For example, if you upgrade to safer IT practices with 2-factor authentication, you're introducing an extra step. Another process that will take up time initially, is staff training around these new processes and procedures. The upside of this is that before you know it, you'll be a grown-up adult business! If anyone you know is in transit from naughty teen to responsible adult - get in touch!
Little Pig is Growing Up
We are a perfect example of a business blossoming into adulthood. Starting as a classic "Mum & Dad" Business in the 3rd bedroom to dragging mum from her teaching day job into a 40sqm office to help out! The best advice I can give is: think and act bigger than you are, then ensure you have the infrastructure in place to support your growth. We are working hard on processes for our business and all of the 'scaffolding' that would be needed for a LARGE business, instead of the SMALL business we are.
It definitely feels like overkill now, but we are future-proofing for the growth we envision for our business. So the plan is, do more than you need to and then grow into it!
Don't stop here, check out our other consulting blogs or check out our marketing blogs if you'd like to learn more! If you've found this helpful for your business, you may find a business coach & consultant like Clayton a match for you business. Find out today by booking a FREE 45min consultation.
