It’s not easy.
I don’t think that I make it look easy, however some folks say that I do. In that case, let me shout it from the hills, it’s not easy.
I’m referring to growing your business, and in my case, expanding my agency footprint by buying a second agency.
Business growth in all of its forms is not easy, but it can be easier if you do the following:
Do your homework. It’s important to check out “everything” and I mean everything. It also helps to have some incredible trusted advisors (i.e., accountant, lawyer), as well as a support community of friends and family to help you when things go haywire or at least haywire in your head.
Be realistic. Timing isn’t everything but it can play a role in smoothing out the bumps that are natural in any sort of growth endeavor. Carefully consider where you are at, and if you have the financial, mental, and emotional bandwidth to do what you are thinking of doing. This can range from rebranding, adding staff or, in my situation, acquiring a new book of business.
Know your why. Why do you want to grow? It’s important to understand the reasons behind your desire, and to confirm, with yourself and others, that the reasons make sense.
Be prepared for bumps. As much as you plot and plan, there will be bumps in the road, but without planning, I can pretty much guarantee that it won’t be a bump, it’ll be a cavernous hole into which you will fall. Maintain your cool and remember the hard work you did to have things go “almost” perfectly.
Keep your “other” balls in the air. Focusing on your growth initiatives will probably divert your attention from other “mission-critical” work. Make certain that you create a plan so that your clients are taken care of while you put your growth plan into effect.
I’m excited about what I accomplished and know I worked hard to make it happen. As I said at the beginning, it isn’t easy!
If you need any moral support, I’m here for you.