If you feel stuck in your business, let me tell you, girl… I hear ya.
I know how frustrating it can be to want growth but feel like you’re spinning your wheels.
But hear me out when I say this…
Not all business growth strategies are created equal.
In fact, some are a complete time suck and can lead to burnout faster than you can say “I need a vacation.”
Soooo, today I’m thrilled to share some actually doable business growth strategies that can help you scale up without sacrificing your well-being.
By the end, you’ll have a toolkit of ideas to expand your business in a way that’s sustainable and energizing.
Ready to change your life as you know it? Let’s dive in…
P.S. if you want to hear more about the start of my business journey, check out Sixth Sense CEO Episode 1:
Prioritize High-Impact Activities
WTF is a “high-impact activity?” you ask.
Well, my love, it’s any action that brings the most value to your business (a.k.a. the actions that make you money).
If you have a million things on your to-do list, but only a handful of them actually generate income, it’s time to prioritize.
Here’s how you can do that:
Focus on Revenue-Generating Activities
I’ve learned that the key to business growth is to concentrate on activities that directly produce income. It’s time to take a hard look at your to-do list and identify tasks that actually generate revenue.
For example:
If you have a marketing company like I do, your revenue-generating activities may include prospective client calls, social media management, and creating sales funnels.
But spending hours scrolling through Instagram or updating your website design? Not exactly high-impact.
So when in doubt, ask yourself: “Will this task directly generate income for my business?” If the answer is no, it may not be worth your time and energy.
And that leads me to my next point…
Delegate or Outsource Low-Value Work
To free up time for high-impact tasks, it’s essential to delegate or outsource work that doesn’t require your expertise.
I’ve found that tasks like editing videos or designing graphics can easily be outsourced to a team member.
Similarly, tedious and time-consuming tasks that don’t need your specific skills are prime candidates for delegation.
By delegating tasks, you can reduce your workload and give your team members opportunities to grow professionally… it’s a win-win scenario!
Don’t have the budget to hire a team yet? You should look into finding specialized freelancers on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. You can hire them on a project basis, which can be more affordable than hiring a full-time employee.
Use the 80/20 Rule
You may have heard of the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. It states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes.
In terms of business growth, this means that a small portion of your activities is responsible for most of your results.
So, take a moment to identify which tasks fall under that 20%, and make sure they receive the majority of your time and attention.
Implement Efficient Systems and Processes
Repeat after me:
Processes. Are. Sexy.
Processes are sexy.
They’re also the backbone of any successful business.
When you have efficient systems and processes in place, you can save time, reduce errors, and scale your business faster.
Plus, having well-documented processes makes it easier to delegate or outsource tasks to other team members.
Here are my tips for creating and implementing scalable processes:
Automate Repetitive Tasks
I’ve found that automation is a game-changer for business growth. By using task automation software, we can reduce manual effort and boost productivity.
For example, my team and I use ClickUp to automate recurring tasks, set reminders, and manage deadlines. It’s amazing how much time we save by automating email marketing flows, social media posts, and even invoice reminders.
Use Project Management Tools
Again, ClickUp is my team’s go-to project management tool. It helps us keep track of tasks, deadlines, and communication across all our projects.
But there are plenty of other great options out there, like Asana or Trello. The key is to find a project management tool that works for you and your team and stick to it.
Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
SOPs are detailed, step-by-step instructions for completing a particular task.
Having SOPs in place can help maintain consistency, reduce errors, and streamline processes within your business.
They’re especially useful when delegating tasks to team members or onboarding new hires.
Creating SOPs forces you to think through each process and identify any inefficiencies that need improvement.
Focus on Customer Retention and Satisfaction
According to HubSpot, the expense involved in acquiring a new customer can be up to five times greater than the cost of keeping a current one satisfied. Maintaining relationships with existing clients is more economical, but it also builds loyalty and encourages repeat business.
So, you want to keep your customers happy! Here’s exactly how you can do that:
Implement a Client Feedback System
Client feedback is a goldmine of information. It allows you to understand what your customers like and dislike about your products or services, so you can make improvements accordingly.
Consider implementing a client feedback system through surveys or one-on-one calls with your clients. This will not only show your clients that you value their opinions, but it will also give you valuable insights for business growth.
I recommend making your feedback form a part of your offboarding process as well. There have been times when I’ve received constructive criticism from clients at the end of their contracts.
Offer Exceptional Client Service… Within Boundaries
You should make your clients feel like they’re your top priority. This means responding to their inquiries promptly, providing personalized solutions, and going above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction.
Now, at the same time, there is a big difference between overdelivering within the scope of your agreement and overstepping your boundaries just to please a client. Always prioritize your well-being and the sustainability of your business.
I have had clients that demanded deliverables outside of our agreement, and I had to politely decline. Setting boundaries is crucial for your mental health and business success.
Optimize Your Marketing and Sales Funnel
I’ll always say this and stand by it:
Don’t. Be. Afraid. Of. The. Word. Funnel.
A funnel is just a visual representation of your customer’s journey from awareness to purchase.
Knowing the stages of this journey can help you optimize your marketing and sales strategies.
Tips for Each Stage of Your Funnel
Awareness
The awareness stage is when potential customers learn about your brand, products, or services. This is where you want to showcase what makes your business unique and how it can benefit them.
You can create top-of-funnel content like blogs, videos, or social media posts that introduce your brand and educate your audience on industry topics.
Consideration
In the consideration stage, prospects are evaluating their options and comparing brands before making a decision.
This is where case studies, testimonials, and product demos can be powerful in convincing potential customers to choose your brand.
Conversion
This is where the magic happens. The conversion stage is when a prospect becomes a paying customer.
You can optimize this stage by providing seamless purchasing options and following up with personalized thank-you messages or offers for future purchases.
How to Create a Funnel
Having an email list is essential for driving conversions and maintaining a connection with your audience. I personally use Flodesk as my email platform due to its user-friendly interface and stunning email templates. (I mean, they look flawless!)
To encourage people to join my list, I offer valuable lead magnets or freebies, such as e-books, checklists, or exclusive access to free trainings.
Once subscribers are on the list, I nurture them through an automated email sequence that introduces them to my brand, provides valuable content, and presents relevant upsells and special offers, often referred to as tripwires.
I also send a weekly newsletter to keep my audience in the know and build trust with them by offering… you guessed it, even MORE value!
By maintaining consistent communication and offering value at each touchpoint, you can maximize the potential of your email marketing efforts—which will bring your audience closer to the conversion stage.
Manage Your Time and Energy Effectively
As an entrepreneur, time is your most valuable asset. But it’s also important to prioritize your energy.
Here are some tips that work really well for me:
Practice Time Blocking
I’ve found time blocking to be a game-changer for managing my workday. It’s a simple yet effective method where I divide my day into specific blocks for tasks.
By scheduling my most critical work during peak productivity hours, I ensure I’m making the most of my energy. This approach has helped me reduce context-switching and focus on deep work.
My mind is the clearest in the morning, right after I wake up. So, I try to complete the most challenging tasks during this time. I also schedule breaks in between blocks to recharge and avoid burnout. (Snack breaks are a MUST!)
Set Up a Custom Dashboard in Your Project Management Tool
Utilizing tools like ClickUp can revolutionize your workflow. By setting up a custom dashboard, you can have a clear view of all your deadlines and to-dos for the day at a glance.
Spend a little time tailoring your dashboard to fit your specific needs—trust me, it will streamline your daily operations and boost your productivity.
For example, I set up a custom dashboard to display:
- A list view of my tasks for the day
- A calendar view of all my upcoming deadlines
These two views are the most important for me to stay on top of my tasks and meet deadlines. But feel free to customize your dashboard in a way that works best for you.
Put Your Needs First
It’s oh-so-easy to become wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship, forgetting to treat yourself to a little self-care.
Think of it this way: indulging in a good night’s sleep, enjoying delicious, nutritious meals, and adding exercise into your routine can work wonders for your mojo.
By pampering your body and mind, you’ll be strutting through the challenges of business like you own the place—ready to tackle anything that comes your way!
So go ahead, give yourself the love and attention you deserve. Your business will thank you for it!
Mindful Social Media Use
Be honest… how many times have you caught yourself aimlessly scrolling through social media today?
1? 5? 20?
It’s essential to be mindful of your social media habits. While platforms can be beneficial for networking and marketing, aim to scroll mindfully instead of mindlessly.
Set specific times for checking your feeds, and consider using tools that limit notifications.
This way, you can maintain focus and reduce distractions, ensuring that your social media use becomes a deliberate and beneficial part of your day rather than a productivity killer.
(Trust me, I learned that the hard way!)
Sign Up for My Free Training: Become a Freelance Marketer and Explore the World!
Reflecting on the business missteps I’ve encountered, I’ve gleaned invaluable insights that I’m eager to share with you. That’s why I’m excited to invite you to my free training session: Become a Freelance Marketer and Explore the World!
During this session, I’ll guide you on transforming your marketing expertise into a flourishing freelance career that enables you to work from any corner of the globe.
Don’t let fear or insecurity hold you back—whether you’re an experienced marketer seeking more freedom or an enthusiastic novice with a desire to travel, this training is tailored for you.
I’ll demonstrate that with the right mindset and practical strategies, anyone can create a prosperous freelance marketing journey.
Are you ready to embark on the path to your dream lifestyle? Simply enter your name and email address below to access the free on-demand training!