The Growth Paradox is annoyingly simple.  It is the belief that as you grow a business and take on more clients, team members and business systems that things should get easier.  (Note " should "!)  What happens is that things will get more complicated/difficult/harder (choose one, or all!).

Why?  Consider the numbers.  Just one team member, one key product, perhaps only one client.  Now, make it ten or many of each and suddenly the interrelationships become enormous.

This complexity is like an anchor, holding you back.  Many owners give up because the pressure to slow down is more than the pressure to expand.  Even perhaps 'paralysis by analysis'!

The solution is to focus on these three fundamentals:

1. Leadership (for the vision) and Strategy (how will we get there)

2. Effective Marketing (how do we sell more stuff to people at the right prices)

3. The Team :  the right people doing the right jobs the right way (scalable infrastructure).

What are the main steps?

1. Get your accounts in order, accurate financials are essential, and ensure your understand what they mean

2. Where do you want the business to be (goals for 90 days, 1 yr, 5 yrs)

3. How could those goals be achieved (4 or 5 key strategies that will lead to more sales, better margins, lower costs)

4. Decide which marketing will be effective (online and other/offline)

5. Model the Plan (Forecasts of Profits and Cash)

6. How will progress be measured (key indicators)

7. Get the right structure, systems, and people

8. Ensure finances are in order, and/or arrange loans.

A study earlier this year showed that entrepreneurship increases quality of life significantly more when compared with staying in the same job.  Yet, switching to entrepreneurship meant, on average, a significant reduction of income.  Remember Michael Gerber's "Work ON the business, not IN it".

Deciding to succeed and to grow require the same fundamentals, which have never changed.  Thinking through the ramifications of success isn't just about being optimistic or hoping things work out.  You can make it happen!  If you're looking for a better year next year, would you like some help around the process or the numbers?