Why growing your business will actually give you more time
‘Workaholics aren’t heroes. They don’t save the day, they use it up.
The real hero is already home … because she figured out a faster way to get things done.’
– Jason Friend & David Heinemeier Hansson
As a small business owner, you’ve likely heard the constant push to “grow your business.” The logic often centers around increasing cash flow and boosting profits. But is growth always the answer? What if the pursuit of growth ends up costing you your most valuable resource—time? Instead of finding yourself in a cycle of working harder for the same (or even less) return, consider a smarter approach to growth.
We understand the challenges small business owners face when it comes to balancing work and personal freedom. Our focus on small business accounting shows us daily that working harder without strategy can be a trap. The more you’re consumed by day-to-day operations, the less time you have to think creatively or solve the big issues that could propel your business forward.
The Pyramid of Smart Growth
Picture your business activities as a pyramid divided into five levels. Activities at the base take more time and deliver lower returns, while those at the top require less time but generate much higher returns. Here’s how you can approach each level of the pyramid:
Get better at what you’re already doing: This might mean working harder or improving your skill set. It’s essential but not always the best long-term solution.
Expand your team: Hiring more people to replicate what you’re already doing can bring immediate growth, but it’s not sustainable unless you plan for more efficient systems.
Adopt new technology: Investing in tools that automate or enhance productivity is a critical step toward freeing up your time while maintaining growth.
Create a proprietary system: Developing your own process or technology not only makes you more efficient but could also become an asset you sell or license to others.
Reinvent your role: This is the pinnacle of the pyramid, where you innovate your position in the business. When you redefine your role, you maximize your ability to work "on" the business rather than "in" it.
Moving Up the Pyramid
To effectively grow without burning out, focus less on the tasks at the base of the pyramid (working harder) and more on the higher levels (innovation). The key to achieving level 5—redefining your role—lies in how efficiently you handle levels 2, 3, and 4. Our small business accounting services are designed to help you understand this process, ensuring that your growth doesn’t come at the expense of your freedom.
If you truly want to scale your business while retaining control over your time, you need to understand the pyramid of smart growth. Partnering with our team ensures you have the guidance and support necessary to grow without getting trapped in the cycle of working harder for diminishing returns. With the right approach to small business accounting, you can create a business that serves you, not the other way around.