The Benefits of Intentionally Scaling Your Startup – Entrepreneur
Posted: December 15, 2021 at 1:59 am
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
When launching a company, the desire to grow quickly can be overwhelming, but successfully moving a company to the next level means carefully stabilizing a business model as well as proving viability. Without attention to these necessary details, along with finances, intelligent hiring and other operational needs, you run the risk of becoming one of the 50% of startups that fail by their fourth year.Focusing on being intentional in scaling a startup will help ensure that you tackling all these tasks appropriately, which then allows you to laser-focus on product development and other elementals.
But what does it mean to be intentional in this process?
Every new business faces hurdles, from development of an initial idea, to scaling, to hitting growth goals, but it can be easy for budding entrepreneurs to resist constructive criticism while addressing them to believe they are wunderkinds who simply dont face what others do. Some may feel their startup will grow easily and quickly simply because their idea is so good, because they have a strong online following and/or believe the world needs their service immediately.Learning the art of being humbleto absorb and apply constructive criticism or lessons from missteps whether in finances, supply, operational process or hiring can help you avoid mistakes.
Related: Why Some Startups Succeed (and Why Most Fail)
Even if your idea is solid and your plan is ironclad, change is a given, and embracing it will allow you to thrive. This last year we have seen how unforeseen events like a pandemic can foster new technological advances along with new business challenges.Successfully scaling a startup involves curating technology to fit your mission, organizational makeup and end goals, so don't run from change, even at the beginning of your startup journey. Those who accept its inevitability also learn to weave it into the fabric of business, and will be more able to weather storms to come.
Paying close attention to those you engage with, and how you are engaging with them, helps a startup tap into who their customers are and how they relate to a company, but its a process that takes time. This brand of communication awareness also applies to employees; growing a business too quickly can result in poor morale, or at least a loss of staff focus. Try to embrace serenity, simplicity and self-care, in yourself and your staff, and keep your ears open at all times.
A brand of engagement to be wary of, meanwhile, is excessive comparison to other startups in your niche. It can be tough to turn off this "comparison radar", to ignore what your competitors may be doing to scale their businesses, but to succeed in your first year and beyond, emphasize being authentic from the get-go, not an iteration of someone else. The simple truth is that trying to replicate what another company may be doing virtually never results in long-term success, and consumers and social media followers can spot a copycat from a mile away. Make engagement personal to you and your company, and growth will follow.
Related: How to Get Out of the Comparison Trap
A winning brand of entrepreneurial intentionality also comes from knowing an audience and what they want to hear from you.What problem is your business solving? How are you solving it? Why does anyone want your solution, and why do they want to pay for it? Where are these people who want what you're selling, and how do you reach them? Without knowing how to answer these questions, scaling will be difficult akin to just throwing things at the wall hoping something sticks. Scaling will happen more fluidly if you intentionally consider who is following your startup, why, and how to best serve them.
Its vital to hire for productive capabilities, to be sure, but also for temperament. Pay close attention, for example, to employees' appetite for groundbreaking. Do they bring ideas to the table or slink away to the fringes? Openly communicate regularly with staff about mission and goals. Keep them abreast of changes, triumphs and even losses, so they are invested in scaling the business as much as you.Finally, onboard intentionally, making sure to bring on people who align with what you are trying to accomplish. And the obverse also applies: scaling can mean losing people not aligned with your vision. And by all means, hire smart rather than fast.
Related: 9 Ways to Recruit the Best Talent for Your Startup
Here is the original post:
The Benefits of Intentionally Scaling Your Startup - Entrepreneur
- Mark Homer discusses how to achieve balanced career success [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2010]
- Leverage What You Know to Reach Your Goals [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2010]
- Weight Loss Transformation - Daiquiri's Hitch Fit Success! [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2010]
- Coaching with Dallas Teague Snider, Christian Business Women's Success Coach [Last Updated On: April 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 20th, 2010]
- Gary Coxe Transforms a Belief in Minutes Learn his simple 4 Step Process [Last Updated On: April 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 20th, 2010]
- Life by Design: 10 Steps to an Extraordinary You by Tom Ferry [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2010]
- Don and Renee Martin - Authors of THE RISK TAKERS [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2010]
- PJ McClure Secrets to Personal Success. PJ McClure Success Tips [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2010]
- The Secret To Getting What You Want - Part 1 [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2010]
- The Secret To Getting What You Want - Part 2 [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2010]
- Motivational Success Quotes - To Enjoy shining Life [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2010]
- FitOrbit Online Personal Fitness Training 1-888-658-3989 [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2010]
- MLM sponsors & how they help you rise to SUCCESS [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2010]
- Setting and Writing Your Goals - The First Steps to Reaching Personal Goals [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2010]
- Six Pack Abs at 59! Phil's Hitch Fit Success Story! [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2010]
- How to Achieve Online Home Business Success: Key principles and practices [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2010]
- Internet Direct Marketing Strategies For Your Online Business Success [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2010]
- Attract Abundance Through REAL Principles Of Success [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2010]
- Crush it and how to cash in on your passion [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2010]
- Developing Your Confidence Skills One Step At A Time... [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2010]
- Bartel Clyde Attorney - Personal Injury Attorneys - Allentown, PA 18101 [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2010]
- Philip Ruff - DC Comments on the Letting Go film release [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2010]
- The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D Wattles [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2010]
- Victoria Brawn - UK Comments on the Letting Go film release pt.1 [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2010]
- Sharing Sweet Success - The Honey Party episode 16 [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2010]
- Sonja Francis - NY Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2010]
- Marc Davies - Sedona Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- What Season Are YOU In? Season's Of Life With Jim Rohn [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2010]
- Sharing Sweet Success - The Honey Party episode 24 [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2010]
- Robert Shand - UK Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2010]
- Why you should never bother trying [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2010]
- Daphne Smit - NL Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2010]
- Jeff Peoples - MA Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2010]
- Kate Freeman - Sedona Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2010]
- Blooming Success [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2010]
- Brian Warnock - MA Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 25th, 2010]
- Tom Campbell - Sedona Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2010]
- Greg Turner - CA Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2010]
- Peter Kirby - CO Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2010]
- Bill Mull - Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2010]
- Kathi Benson - Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2010]
- Toronto Sales Executive On Clint Cora Personal Success Book [Last Updated On: August 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 8th, 2010]
- Pairing Success With Wine for Under $30 [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2010]
- Steve Wozniak on Apple's Success [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2010]
- Shake Shack's Secret Ingredients to Success [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2010]
- Gene Simmons' Tips for Success [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2010]
- Chronicles of Network Marketing 08.26.2010 - Do you Know that People Want to [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2010]
- Strategies for Success on the Job [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2010]
- Amenities Key to Success in Hotel Market [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2010]
- How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Grow Your Business [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2010]
- Chronicles of Network Marketing 10.12.2010 - The time it takes for MLM Success [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2010]
- How To Find The PERFECT Personal Trainer (Pt 1) [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2010]
- Chronicles of Network Marketing 10.13.2010 - Great Prospects Everywhere - What [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2010]
- Remote Viewing - Powerful Techniques To Know [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2010]
- Chronicles of Network Marketing 12.11.2010 - Mothering and Fathering your MLM [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2010]
- Master Keys to Success Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2011]
- Barbara Marx Hubbard, Conscious Evolution [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2011]
- Carmelo Anthony 2009-2010 Season Highlights [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- One Of My Personal Success Secrets [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- Robin Sharma [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- NSA Recap 2007 - Randy Gage [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- Napoleon Hill - Part 9 Success Principles (Personal Initiative) [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- Brian Tracey 10 Keys to Personal Power Part 2 of 6 [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- Napoleon Hill-What the mind can conceive, believe [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- Discover The Power Of Kaizen For Personal [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- Developing Personal Success Habits [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Bill Johnson - Your Personal History with God [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- TSC Super Cardio: Krueger 100's [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Will Smith shares his secrets of success [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Dani Johnson's 7 Keys to Success In Tough Times, Pt. 2 [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Realize Your Dreams [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Brian Tracy Personal Time Management 2 of 5 [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- TSC Super Cardio: Scottish 25's [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Les Brown - Unwrap Your Infinite Greatness [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Darren Hardy's DB10Y-#1 [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- #3 - Feel Safe [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Dani Johnson on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch ... [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Napoleon Hill - Part 6 Success Principles (Self-Discipline) [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Overcoming Inner Struggles [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]