Every solo business goes through different stages of growth.
First it's called the start-up stage, or some might call it the 'making the jump' or perhaps "Oh My Gosh! What am I thinking?" The next stage I like to call the stumbling in the dark stage, or "I sort of know what I want to do and I think people will buy from me".
In this stage there is lots of experimenting, trying new things, going the wrong way and getting back on track.
Then there's the "cruising along" stage.
Now is where you've started to get a few clients, things seems to be falling into place and you're thinking "Wow, this might actually work! You spend a bit of time in this phase because there is some money coming in and things seem pretty good.
After a while you find you are still cruising along! You've been at this same level for quite a while now and it's starting to make you restless.
You're thinking about how you can expand, but every option seems to be a compromise with your lifestyle.
It's because you're ambitious and understand the value of your expertise that you know it's time to step it up to the next level for increased income, greater impact and satisfaction.
This really is a breakthrough stage! Your intuition is inviting you to make that big breakthrough to a higher income and have a bigger impact.
The good news is that when you reach this point, your business is a little established.
Even if you don't realize it, you will most likely have all you need to make this transition easily and quickly with just a few simple tweaks and points of action.
1.
Consider tightening your niche.
It a lot about a mindset shift but you will be able to move quickly to the next level when you really focus on exactly what problem you solve and who is motivated sufficiently to invest to get this solved.
It's a great time to refine who it is you help.
My recommendation is to simply 'think about what it is your ideal client wants MOST.
' What words do THEY use to describe their problem? What is the language they use when they're talking about this problem to a friend over coffee? 2.
Different clients want to invest at different levels - and for some it is at the highest! A big mistake most heart based entrepreneurs make is they give away all of their time, especially in 1-on-1 sessions rather than offering several services at different levels of availability and investment.
If you are spending time with clients 1-on-1, this needs to be your premium or highest level of service such as a private VIP day or Platinum program.
You will always get clients who want to invest at this higher level but it's important to provide for other levels of investment too.
3.
Increase your fees.
Asking yourself "What is the cost to my client of NOT investing with me" and this will help you to set your price points.
It allows you to get really connected with the true value of your new packages and programs.
This will in turn help you set your fees.
If you transition away from 'dollars for hours' rates you can provide greater value to your clients.
It also means your services will stand our as unique if compared to others providing something similar.
Here's a great exercise to do with this: write down at least 30 results that your clients might get when they work with you.
This allows you to get very connected with the true value you can provide and how this can positively impact the lives of your clients.
4.
Activate a marketing plan to grow your list.
This part of your business never stops! You want to always have a simple marketing plan template to get your message out to more people.
It's great to set yourself mini goals for increasing your list (let's say 25% for starters) and then set a goal date (somewhere between 30 and 60 days).
Determine where your efforts are going to have the greatest impact and launch your Awesome Free Offer (AFO) to the world.
Remember, your business will only grow as fast as you grow yourself.
Although they are simple, you may find some discomfort in these action steps.
That's a good thing.
It means your moving forward to a higher level of service.
This will also create greater value for your clients.
First it's called the start-up stage, or some might call it the 'making the jump' or perhaps "Oh My Gosh! What am I thinking?" The next stage I like to call the stumbling in the dark stage, or "I sort of know what I want to do and I think people will buy from me".
In this stage there is lots of experimenting, trying new things, going the wrong way and getting back on track.
Then there's the "cruising along" stage.
Now is where you've started to get a few clients, things seems to be falling into place and you're thinking "Wow, this might actually work! You spend a bit of time in this phase because there is some money coming in and things seem pretty good.
After a while you find you are still cruising along! You've been at this same level for quite a while now and it's starting to make you restless.
You're thinking about how you can expand, but every option seems to be a compromise with your lifestyle.
It's because you're ambitious and understand the value of your expertise that you know it's time to step it up to the next level for increased income, greater impact and satisfaction.
This really is a breakthrough stage! Your intuition is inviting you to make that big breakthrough to a higher income and have a bigger impact.
The good news is that when you reach this point, your business is a little established.
Even if you don't realize it, you will most likely have all you need to make this transition easily and quickly with just a few simple tweaks and points of action.
1.
Consider tightening your niche.
It a lot about a mindset shift but you will be able to move quickly to the next level when you really focus on exactly what problem you solve and who is motivated sufficiently to invest to get this solved.
It's a great time to refine who it is you help.
My recommendation is to simply 'think about what it is your ideal client wants MOST.
' What words do THEY use to describe their problem? What is the language they use when they're talking about this problem to a friend over coffee? 2.
Different clients want to invest at different levels - and for some it is at the highest! A big mistake most heart based entrepreneurs make is they give away all of their time, especially in 1-on-1 sessions rather than offering several services at different levels of availability and investment.
If you are spending time with clients 1-on-1, this needs to be your premium or highest level of service such as a private VIP day or Platinum program.
You will always get clients who want to invest at this higher level but it's important to provide for other levels of investment too.
3.
Increase your fees.
Asking yourself "What is the cost to my client of NOT investing with me" and this will help you to set your price points.
It allows you to get really connected with the true value of your new packages and programs.
This will in turn help you set your fees.
If you transition away from 'dollars for hours' rates you can provide greater value to your clients.
It also means your services will stand our as unique if compared to others providing something similar.
Here's a great exercise to do with this: write down at least 30 results that your clients might get when they work with you.
This allows you to get very connected with the true value you can provide and how this can positively impact the lives of your clients.
4.
Activate a marketing plan to grow your list.
This part of your business never stops! You want to always have a simple marketing plan template to get your message out to more people.
It's great to set yourself mini goals for increasing your list (let's say 25% for starters) and then set a goal date (somewhere between 30 and 60 days).
Determine where your efforts are going to have the greatest impact and launch your Awesome Free Offer (AFO) to the world.
Remember, your business will only grow as fast as you grow yourself.
Although they are simple, you may find some discomfort in these action steps.
That's a good thing.
It means your moving forward to a higher level of service.
This will also create greater value for your clients.