Running a business sounds like the dream, doesn’t it? The allure of independence, pursuing your passion, and having the freedom to steer your own ship. That’s what draws so many of us into starting a business in the first place. But here’s the thing they don’t tell you in those shiny “Start Your Dream Business” guides: sometimes, actual business growth feels less like climbing a ladder to success and more like you’ve stumbled onto a treadmill you can’t quite get off.
The Journey from Passion to Pressure
When you start, it’s all about the love of your craft. Whether it’s making artisan jewellery, baking the best cupcakes this side of the galaxy, or designing fabulous interiors, there’s a spark that ignites the whole thing. You’re creative, driven, and excited about every new order or client.
Fast forward a bit, and you’re starting to grow. The orders pile up (yey!), but so do the emails, the tax returns, and the realisation that you need a hand – or ten. You hire someone to help, then someone else, and before you know it, you’re responsible not just for yourself but for a team of people.
This is the point where many business owners find themselves juggling VAT registrations, payroll headaches, and late-night sessions with the accountant. (Side note: accountants are unsung heroes, and we all owe them a coffee or five.) Yet, ironically, despite all this growth, your own income might not budge much. You’re too busy reinvesting in the business or covering the costs of expansion to see a personal financial windfall.
Why Growth Can Be a Trap
The cruel irony of running a business is that the very thing that made you start – your creative passion – often gets pushed aside as your role shifts. Instead of designing, baking, writing, or crafting, you’re suddenly managing people, solving logistical issues, and attending meetings that could have been emails.
Take it from Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks, who famously said, “Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of a cancer cell.” (Cheery, right?) The lesson here is that growth isn’t inherently bad, but it needs to align with your values and goals. If growing your business means losing touch with what makes you love it, it’s worth pausing and reassessing.
Case Study: From Humble Beginnings to Hard Lessons – A Beauty Business Journey
So, what started as a one-woman operation with a passion for helping people feel their best blossomed into a thriving beauty business employing six staff. With a growing clientele, it seemed like the dream had come true. Yet, behind the scenes, the reality was starkly different. The owner, (my friend) now a business leader with a team to manage, found herself stretched – working long hours, juggling payroll, rent, and rising overheads, and taking home barely enough to equate to minimum wage.
The tipping point came with the onset of COVID-19. As the pandemic shuttered businesses across the world, she was forced to close her doors. What initially felt like an insurmountable challenge turned out to be a moment of clarity. Realising that to survive, she needed to pivot – not just the business, but her entire approach.
Closing the business was heartbreaking, but it opened the door to a fresh start. She set up as a sole trader, offering bespoke beauty treatments on her terms. Operating without the pressure of a team or hefty overheads, she was finally able to strike the work-life balance she had been seeking all along. Now, she enjoys the freedom to focus on her craft and connect with clients on a more personal level, while having time to spend with family and prioritise her own well-being.
The Lessons Learned
The story is a reminder that growth isn’t always the right path for everyone. Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better, and sometimes scaling back can be the key to moving forward. For this business owner, the pandemic forced a re-evaluation of what success looked like – and it turned out to be simpler than she’d imagined.
There’s also a valuable lesson about resilience and adaptability, which she already had in spades. The ability to pivot in the face of adversity isn’t just a survival skill; it’s an opportunity to rediscover your purpose and reshape your business to align with your values.
Finally, the story underscores the importance of recognising when to let go. Sometimes, we hold onto things because of the time and effort we’ve invested, but walking away from something that no longer serves us can be the most empowering decision we’ll ever make.
For my friend, scaling down wasn’t a failure – it was the ultimate success. By prioritising happiness and balance over ambition for ambition’s sake, she’s found a way to make her work truly work for her.
Case Study 2: Back to Basics: A Web Developer’s Journey to Rediscovering Passion
What started as a small freelance gig creating websites for local businesses quickly grew into a thriving web development agency. With a steady stream of clients, a team of talented designers and developers, and a packed schedule, the agency became a success story on paper. But for the founder (my husband in his first venture after being in the Royal Marines) something was missing. As the business grew, he found himself buried in meetings, proposals, and management tasks – far removed from the coding and problem-solving that had sparked his passion in the first place.
The turning point came after a particularly exhausting year of juggling deadlines, staffing issues, and the constant grind of running a business. He realised that the thing he loved most about his work – building websites – had been replaced by the very tasks he dreaded. In a bold move, he decided to sell the agency, let go of the pressure to grow, and to hold onto a few clients, working as an independent developer.
Lessons in Letting Go and Loving Your Work
This journey shows that success isn’t just about building something big – it’s about building something that aligns with what truly makes you happy. For Steve, stepping back from running a business and focusing on coding again brought a renewed sense of purpose and joy.
It’s also a reminder that it’s okay to change course. The skills and experience gained from running an agency didn’t go to waste; they helped him become a more well-rounded professional, and led to many future opportunities. Letting go of the “business owner” identity wasn’t a step back – it was actually a step towards what would become a whole new career and a whole new life in the end.
Sometimes, success isn’t about managing teams or growing revenue; it’s about waking up excited to do the work you care about most.
Tips for Thriving (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Spark)
Over 20 years ago I actually worked as a small business adviser within my role at a social enterprise. As well as teaching an accredited business planning course, I used to see clients on a one-to-one business counselling basis to help them formulate their ideas into practice. Oh, how I have overlooked many of the basic business principles I used to impart to others. But, I have managed to revisit much of what I know and in doing so, have researched some top tips to help you (and me) to navigate the way to finding that elusive balance without sacrificing your sanity, or your creativity!
Define Success on Your Terms
Success doesn’t have to mean endless expansion. For some, it’s about building a small, sustainable business that provides a comfortable income and lets you do what you love. Be clear about what you want from your business. Is it financial freedom? Flexibility? A creative outlet? Knowing this can help you make decisions that align with your goals.
Delegate, But Don’t Abdicate
As your business grows, you’ll need to let go of some tasks. The key is to delegate wisely. Hire people whose skills complement yours and who share your vision. Then trust them to get on with it. But – and this is crucial – don’t lose sight of the areas that matter most to you. If you love the creative side, carve out time to stay involved, even if it’s just for a few hours a week.
Automate the Mundane
Admin tasks can suck the joy out of running a business faster than you can say “invoice overdue.” Invest in tools that streamline repetitive processes, whether it’s accounting software, scheduling apps, or automated email systems. Your time is valuable – spend it on what you do best.
Don’t Fear Saying “No”
Not every opportunity is the right one. It’s tempting to say yes to every client, project, or expansion idea, but spreading yourself too thin can dilute your brand and your enthusiasm. As Steve Jobs wisely said, “Focus is about saying no.”
Remember Why You Started
Keep a visual or physical reminder of why you started your business. It could be a notebook where you sketch ideas, a product prototype, or even an old photo of your first workspace. When things get tough, it helps to reconnect with the reason you took the leap in the first place.
Find Your Tribe
Running a business can feel lonely, especially when you’re the one calling the shots. Surround yourself with other business owners who understand the challenges. Share stories, swap tips, and commiserate over the occasional stress-induced craving for chocolate. Networking events (though some of you may dread them) can actually become a bit of a lifeline. I’ve met some truly wonderful people doing this, many of whom I now call my friends. Reaching out to fellow business owners via social media can also be really beneficial. A problem shared is a problem halved, right!?
Work On Your Business, Not Just In It
Take a step back every now and then to look at the bigger picture. What’s working? What isn’t? Are you still on the path you set out on, or have you veered into territory that doesn’t feel quite right? Regularly reassessing your strategy can help you course-correct before things get overwhelming.
A Note on Creativity and Business
It’s easy to think that running a business and being creative are at odds, but they don’t have to be. Think of your business as your canvas – it’s an extension of your creativity. Yes, there are spreadsheets and legalities, but there’s also immense satisfaction in crafting something that’s uniquely yours.
Successful entrepreneurs like Richard Branson often talk about the importance of staying true to your passions. “Business opportunities are like buses,” he says. “There’s always another one coming.” The point? Don’t get so bogged down in the business of running your business that you forget to enjoy the ride.
In Conclusion
Growing a business is a journey filled with twists, turns, and the occasional pothole. It’s challenging, yes, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you stay connected to your purpose.
Remember, you don’t have to follow a traditional trajectory of endless expansion to be successful. It’s your business – shape it into something that works for you. And if all else fails, there’s always tea, cake, and a good chat with a fellow business owner to lift your spirits.
So here’s to growth – on your terms, at your pace, and always with a dash of creativity.
