Are you a small business owner who feels like you’re constantly stuck in the weeds? Do you find yourself buried in the day-to-day operations and unable to see the bigger picture? If so, you might be thinking too small in your business. As a business coach, I’ve seen this all too often and I’m here to tell you that there’s a better way.

One of the most common examples of thinking too small is being cheap and trying to do everything yourself. While it’s understandable that you want to save money, doing everything yourself can actually be counterproductive. Not only does it limit your ability to scale your business, but it also leads to burnout and stress. By investing in additional staff, you can delegate tasks and focus on growing your business. Yes, it may require an upfront investment, but it’s a worthwhile one in the long run.

Another example of thinking too small is not investing in systems and processes. As a small business owner, you might resist investing in technology, software, or processes because you think it’s too expensive or unnecessary. But let me tell you, this kind of thinking can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. For example, without an automated system for handling orders, you can easily become overwhelmed as your business grows. So don’t be afraid to invest in the right tools and systems to help your business thrive.

But simply investing in staff and systems isn’t enough. As a business coach, I’ve seen many small business owners who neglect to document their processes and procedures. Having clearly defined processes and procedures helps ensure consistency in your business operations. It also makes it easier for new staff members to learn and get up to speed quickly. Without documented processes and procedures, your business is more vulnerable to mistakes and errors, which can be costly in terms of time and money.

So, what kind of processes and procedures should you be documenting? It depends on your business, but some examples include sales and marketing processes, operational processes, financial processes, and human resources processes. The key is to document everything and make sure it’s accessible to all staff members. This can be done through a company intranet, shared folders, or other online platforms. It’s also important to review and update your processes and procedures regularly to ensure they’re still relevant and effective.

Lastly, small business owners who think too small may not have a long-term vision for their business. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations without planning for the future. However, this kind of thinking can limit your ability to grow and attract investors or secure funding. By taking the time to create a clear vision and set long-term goals, you can position yourself for success and growth.

Remember thinking too small in business can be detrimental to your success as a small business owner. By investing in hiring, systems, and processes, and focusing on long-term planning and vision, you can break free from being a work bee and build a business that thrives. As a business coach, I’m here to help you think big and make your business dreams a reality. So, are you ready to take the leap?