Although growth is the most commonly discussed topic in the entrepreneurial universe, the top three reasons startups fail (being outshone by your competitors, offering a product or service not geared towards your target market, and a lack of funds) are all related to a palpable lack thereof​.

In a nutshell, businesses that stagnate will fail. By better understanding what it takes to successfully instigate growth, your business will be better equipped to deal with a range of scenarios and ultimately come out on top! Here are some of the most common ways to grow your business:

Growing your top line sales​. You can do that by:
•   Expanding your client base: fold in new sectors, target markets, and distribution channels while keeping any expansion of your team, production, and distribution aligned with one another.
•   Increasing your value per client: offer complementary services or products, incentivized training programs, or irresistible tiered bundles.
•   Increasing your price per unit or service: adding value will justify this! You might also consider changing your business model (i.e. from sales to leasing) as a way of boosting revenues.

Growing your profit margins​. To do that, you can:
•   Find the most efficient route: streamline and optimize operations wherever possible; this may seem like more work, but it’s ultimately less!
•   Raise your selling price: again, make sure to add value to justify an increase.
•   Utilize economies of scale: increase production in order to lower costs. 
•   Offer high margin services: to achieve higher overall margins. Check out some of the most profitable businesses for inspiration!

Growing your product mix​:
•   Listen to your clients & watch your competition: What needs remain unfulfilled? What do your competitors do well, and what can you do better?
•   Go wide: broaden your offerings (think of lifestyle companies that offer accessories, apparel, shoes and protein shakes).
•   Go deep: increase your variety (think of drink companies offering soft drinks, juices, shakes, water).

Growing your market share:
•   Dominate your niche: work on achieving recognizable branding and delivering a quality offering, alongside having a strong marketing and customer engagement strategy.
•   Keep a finger on the pulse of your client base: keep up with and respond to their evolving needs.
•   Acquire competitors (if you can): both within your market and in new markets, but always be sure to assess if/how your new company will help you to achieve your long-term growth goals.

Bottom line: As a general rule, sustainable growth is gradual, but continual. It takes courage to grow, and mistakes will be made—but as long as you’re committed to evolving, you’ve got this!  

A YES Business Coach can help you create a successful growth strategy. Visit yesmontreal.ca to book your first appointment.