If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things but still not seeing momentum, you’re not alone.
One of the most common roadblocks I see among small business owners is this:
They’re doing the right activity… but at the wrong time.
It’s not that their idea is bad.
It’s not that their offer is broken.
It’s that they’re focused on tasks, strategies, and investments that don’t match the stage of business they’re in.
Let’s break this down using the three core stages of business growth — and I’ll show you exactly what to focus on right now to unlock the next level of growth and freedom. (I’ll warn you – this post is a little longer than usual, but so worth it! Once you’ve finished reading it, comment below and let me know if you can identify your stage of business growth and which stage you’re currently at.
Here we go…
🔹 Stage 1: EMERGING
Focus: Validate your offer, message, and pricing
There’s an old saying – we all begin at zero! And it’s no different for businesses. Every business begins at zero, and they have to invest time and money in testing, tweaking, and figuring out what actually works and what actually makes money.
At this stage, your #1 goal is to get leads and book sales conversations. That’s it. Not looking polished. Not launching a podcast. Not building a membership.
Here’s what to focus on:
- A clear message that solves ONE specific problem
- Booking as many 1:1 calls as possible
- Getting visible through low-cost channels (social media, referrals, networking)
- A simple landing page or opt-in (no fancy website needed)
Here’s what to avoid:
- Fancy branding, brochures, or business cards
- Paid advertising or expensive tech
- Hosting your own podcast or building a group program
- Facebook groups, memberships, or masterminds
At this stage, keep your business scrappy and cheap! The only job is to validate your marketing, offer, and pricing, and book calls.
🔹 Stage 2: GROWTH
Focus: Build consistent cash flow and refine your systems
Now that you’ve had some success (you got at least 10 paying clients), it’s time to shift from hustle to stability. But here’s where many business owners fall into what I call “The Growth Trap.”
They’re almost stable, but they try to scale too soon, take on too much, or invest in big-ticket strategies before their business is ready.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Consistent $5K/month for 4+ months
- One solid core offer + one additional (VIP day, small group)
- A simple lead magnet and opt-in email sequence
- Visibility through lives, webinars and other speaking opportunities
- Building a referral engine and warm network
- Basic branding ($2K–$5K), professional photos, and simple website
- Tech VA or assistant to support growth
Here’s what to avoid:
- Launching new programs before cash flow is stable
- Online ads or podcast hosting
- High-end CRMs or complex funnels
- Expensive branding overhauls
- Investing in masterminds or paid communities prematurely
At this stage, your job is to create consistent revenue — not shiny distractions.
This is where many business owners plateau because they’re wearing all the hats (Chief Everything Officers) and trying to “do it all.” Instead of expanding your offerings, double down on what’s already working.
🔹 Stage 3: FREEDOM
Focus: Scale with systems, support, and strategy
Now you’ve hit consistent $10K+ months, and the name of the game is to scale without burnout.
This is when you move from being the doer in your business to becoming the Visionary CEO who leads a team.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Maximize your core offer before launching anything new
- Optimize your conversion rate (30–40%) and raise prices if needed
- Grow your team with a bookkeeper, designer, writer, or event support
- Upgrade to a full CRM and automation systems
- Host events, increase visibility, and grow your list to 5,000+
- Build out your client journey and upsell path
Here’s what to avoid:
- Creating new offers before your current ones are optimized
- Hiring too fast or without clarity on roles
- Spending time on delivery rather than leadership
In the Freedom Stage, your time is most valuable when it’s spent leading, not doing.
This is where your business becomes a true asset — one that generates revenue without relying on your day-to-day involvement. This is what I call building a self-running business engine, a business where you are the least important person!
The Roadblock: Doing the Right Thing at the Wrong Time
This is why so many founders feel like they’re spinning their wheels.
They invest in branding when they don’t have leads.
They build programs before they’ve validated their offer.
They build complex funnels without cash flow to support the infrastructure.
The truth?
Every stage of growth requires a different focus — and a different CEO mindset.
So What Stage Are YOU In? I’d love for you to comment below and let me know.
Yes, You Can Do This,
Diana
PS. If you’d like support to shift from your current stage of business growth to the next, then let’s chat – book a call here!
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