How to run your small business efficiently as it grows

Are you growing your business or just going through the motions of running it?

Scaling a business up doesn't happen by accident. For a company to grow, it must be run as efficiently as possible day to day while moving forward on a growth strategy.

Here's how to get your business ready for bigger things.

Change your mindset.

When a business grows it often changes, along with the owner's day-to-day work responsibilities. You may have less contact with customers and more time traveling. You may spend more time strategizing and less time doing active tasks. And though you may remain the primary face of the business, employees will likely serve as representatives of your business as well. This can be quite the change for solo entrepreneurs and those who began with just one or two back-office employees. Realize that there will be a shift in your duties and the company culture ahead of time, so you won't be surprised later on.

7 easy relaxation ideas for busy business owners

Whether it's a restaurant or retail store, one thing is the same for business owners: You have to give it 100% all the time.

But you could end up wearing yourself thin. Working around the clock can take a toll, so it's important to find ways to take care of yourself before you reach a breaking point.

Here are seven simple ways to find rest and relaxation in the midst of your busy schedule:

7 lessons from entrepreneurs who kept their day jobs while starting their businesses

Keeping your day job while starting a business has its advantages. Aside from the steady income and free coffee, reliable full-time work helps you flesh out your résumé and portfolio and extend your professional network.


Even better, working for someone else gives you a front-row view of the best (and worst) ways to run a company, from managing timeand money to handling customers and employees.


We asked some successful entrepreneurs who founded companies while holding down a 9-to-5 to share the lessons they learned.