Written by Mary Fashanu, Business Strategy Consultant
Mary Fashanu is a successful strategy consultant, certified coach by John C Maxwell, published author, and serial entrepreneur. She is the founder of multiple business ventures under the group company, The Maverick Group Inc., and the author of The Limitless You Book, published in 2024.
Scaling a business can be one of the most exciting and daunting phases for any entrepreneur or leader. While growth brings opportunities, it also requires intentionality, precision, and a solid strategy. Without these, scaling can quickly turn into stumbling.
In this edition of Business Strategy Insights, we'll explore why having a clear strategy is non-negotiable when scaling your business, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that derail many businesses along the way.
Why strategy is key to scaling success
Scaling is more than just adding resources or growing revenue; it's about doing so sustainably and strategically. A well-defined strategy acts as a compass, ensuring that every decision aligns with your long-term vision. Here's why strategy is essential when scaling:
Focus and direction: A strategy keeps your team aligned, ensuring everyone is working toward the same goals without distraction or waste.
Efficient resource allocation: Scaling often requires significant investments, financial, human, and technological. Strategy ensures these are allocated where they'll have the greatest impact.
Risk mitigation: A strategic plan helps identify potential risks early, allowing you to prepare for challenges rather than reacting to crises.
Adaptability: Markets shift, and challenges arise. A strong strategy provides a foundation for pivoting without losing momentum.
Common pitfalls to avoid when scaling
Scaling isn't just about growing fast; it's about growing smart. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
1. Scaling without systems and processes
One of the biggest mistakes is trying to scale without the right operational infrastructure. If your processes are inconsistent or overly manual, they won’t withstand the demands of growth.
Solution: Prioritise automation, standardised processes, and systems that can scale with you. Tools like CRMs, workflow automation, and project management software are invaluable. My Centre Office is a great CRM choice we would recommend.
2. Neglecting your core values or culture
In the rush to grow, some businesses lose sight of their mission, values, or company culture. This can lead to internal misalignment and disengaged teams.
Solution: Ensure your strategy reflects your core values and reinforces your company culture as you scale.
3. Overextending resources
Rapid growth can strain your finances, workforce, or supply chain. Expanding too fast without adequate planning can lead to cash flow issues or burnout.
Solution: Scale incrementally. Use data to guide decisions and evaluate whether you’re stretching your resources too thin.
4. Failing to understand your target market
As your business grows, so do your customer segments. Without understanding your evolving market, you risk misaligned products, services, or messaging.
Solution: Continuously gather and analyse customer feedback. Regularly refine your offerings to meet the needs of your audience.
5. Ignoring team development
Your team is the backbone of your business, but many leaders overlook the need to upskill or hire strategically during growth phases.
Solution: Invest in your team’s development. Ensure you have the right people and skills to support your goals.
A strategic mindset for limitless growth
Scaling isn’t just about following a blueprint; it’s about cultivating a strategic mindset. Regularly assess your goals, adapt to changes, and focus on sustainability over speed.
Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, remember: growth without strategy is just chaos in disguise. Take time to pause, plan, and align your scaling efforts with your long-term vision.
Are you scaling your business this year? What strategies are you implementing to ensure sustainable growth? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments!
About The Maverick Group Inc.
At The Maverick Group, Inc., we are driven by a passion for empowerment, innovation, and transformation. Our mission is to help individuals, businesses, and communities unlock their potential and achieve extraordinary results. Through tailored strategies, transformative coaching, and impactful solutions, we inspire growth and success at every level.
Our vision
We envision a world where individuals and businesses thrive without limits. By combining innovative strategies, purpose-driven approaches, process optimisation and a commitment to creating meaningful impact, we empower our clients to achieve their goals and make a difference in their spheres of influence.
We specialise in helping business owners and leaders develop strategies, systems, and processes to scale sustainably and achieve limitless growth. If you’d like to explore how strategic consulting can transform your business, let’s connect! Contact us here.
Stay tuned for more insights in the next edition of Business Strategy Insights.
Read more from Mary Fashanu
Mary Fashanu, Business Strategy Consultant
Mary Fashanu is a strategy consultant, certified John C. Maxwell coach, published author, and serial entrepreneur. She empowers entrepreneurs and service-based business owners to grow their businesses and make an impact. With over a decade of experience in international business, consulting, and coaching, Mary has received numerous accolades. In 2022, she was recognised by the African Business Chamber as one of the top 100 African business leaders and acknowledged by the UK Black Business Guide for her business transformation expertise. She was also nominated for the Northern Power Women’s Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year award. Mary is a speaker, consultant, author, coach, and community builder.
