Running a one-person operation is fine when you are starting out as an entrepreneur. Sure, it is a lot of work and you have to wear whole lot of hats, some of which you will not be totally comfortable with, but it lets you launch your startup on a shoestring. Of course, once your business starts to gain some traction, it’s pretty sensible to think about expanding your operations to If you have reached that point, and you want to grow your business as effectively, and as painlessly as possible, here are some tips to help you along the way:
- Realize You Can’t Clone Yourself (Yet)
Before you start placing ads for a clone machine, accept that you can’t do everything yourself. Your first hire should fill a gap that frees you up to focus on growing the business (or occasionally sleeping). This could be a virtual assistant to manage your emails or a salesperson to handle the calls that you swear multiply overnight.
Oh, and if hiring is on the horizon, you’ll to apply for a FEIN number, or a Federal Employer Identification Number to give it its full name. Consider it your business’s ticket to the big leagues. It’s essential for reporting taxes and setting up payroll—because paying your new team under the table is frowned upon, unless you’re running an Italian restaurant.
- Upgrade Your Tools
Still using the free software you downloaded during your “let’s see if this idea sticks” phase? It’s time for an upgrade. Invest in robust tools that can handle the extra load, whether it’s accounting software that doesn’t flinch at big numbers or project management tools that won’t crash when more than one person logs in.
- Systemize Like a Boss
When you’re a one-person show, your system might be a stack of post-its on your desk. But with a team, you need processes that don’t require telepathy to understand. Document workflows, set up standard operating procedures, and make sure everyone knows where the emergency chocolate is stored.
- Build Your Brand
Your brand might have started as just you and a laptop, but as you grow, your brand needs to evolve. Think about what your business stands for beyond the late nights and caffeine overdoses. A solid brand identity can attract customers and talent alike, making your business the place to be.
- Network Like You Mean It
Networking doesn’t mean handing out business cards like you’re dealing poker. Get involved in your industry, attend events, or even host some. The more you connect with others, the more opportunities you’ll find to grow your business. And yes, sometimes it means wearing a nametag and pretending you enjoy small talk.
- Delegate, Don’t Abdicate
As you bring more people on board, learn the art of delegation. This doesn’t mean throwing tasks over the fence and hoping they get done—it means training, providing context, and trusting your team to handle things. Remember, delegating is like teaching someone to fish, except you’re teaching them to email clients so you don’t have to.
- Keep Learning
Just because you’re the boss doesn’t mean you’re done learning. Keep your skills sharp with courses, workshops, or just a good old-fashioned book. Staying updated on industry trends and business management can inspire new ideas and keep you from becoming obsolete. After all, you don’t want your business knowledge to be like that one old software you can’t get updates for anymore.
- Prepare for Growing Pains
Expansion isn’t always a smooth ride. Be ready for some bumps along the way, from cash flow issues to team dynamics playing out like a reality TV show. Having a contingency plan for when things go sideways can help you navigate through tough times without flipping your lid.
- Embrace Automation
If you’re not already using automation to make your life as an entrepreneur easier, then you should be, and what’s more, have you been living in a cave? There is absolutely no doubt that using automation to complete all of those mundane tasks that businesses require to function, can boost productivity and allow your one-person operation to be scaled, even if you cannot afford lots of staff. It will change your life.
Expanding your one-person operation is exciting—it’s your baby all grown up! So, of course, you want to ensure you get it right and allow your business to flourish and reach its full potential. The above tips will undoubtedly enable you to do that, so try to implement as many as you can.
