Scaling a business is like training for a marathon: strategy, endurance, and the right amount of carbohydrate loading.
Well, not the carbs, but scaling responsibly requires planning – investing financially, expanding the team, and building your brand. We talked to Jake Smolarek, London’s most trusted business coachfor practical tips for growing in 2025. Jake Smolarek is a seasoned entrepreneur and all-around expert in business growth.
As Jake joked during our conversation, “Expanding without a plan is like setting out to sail across the Atlantic without a map—you’ll drift aimlessly or worse, drown.” Expanding doesn’t mean working harder, he said; It’s about working smarter and laying the foundation for sustainable growth that doesn’t collapse under its own weight.
The first step is to take a good, hard look at the foundations of your business, Jake says. “Expansion is like building an extension to your house. If the foundation is not strong, the whole thing will wobble. And trust me, no one wants a dilapidated house.” Let’s take his advice on how to grow responsibly and avoid any Titanic-style disasters or dilapidated houses.
Action Step #1: Financial Planning – Your Growth GPS
Smolark stressed the importance of understanding your financial landscape before expanding. “Many business owners think expansion is just adding fuel to the fire, but without financial planning, you’re just throwing money into the fire,” Jake said.
Here’s how to get started:
- Create cash flow projections: Know where your money is going and how much runway you have.
- Invest wisely: Allocate resources to areas with proven ROI, such as lead generation and branding.
- Don’t overuse leverage: Expansion does not mean taking on unsustainable debt. Make sure your growth is in line with your revenue projections.
Action Step #2: Build a team that grows with you
As you scale, your team becomes your lifeline. Hiring the right people means your business can handle increased demand without sacrificing quality.
Pro Tips:
- Prioritize cultural fit: Hire people who fit your mission and values.
- Train your team: Invest in their growth to prepare for more prominent roles.
- Delegate effectively: Trust your team with responsibilities so you can focus on high-level strategy.
As Jake said, “The best leaders don’t do it all themselves; They enable others to shine.
The magic of branding and marketing
Let’s be honest: You can have the best product or service in the world, but if no one knows about it, you’re screaming into the void. Branding and marketing are the megaphones that amplify your message, responsibly of course.
“Pay equal attention to personal branding as much as business branding,” Smolark said. Quoting Daniel Priestley’s book Key Influencer, he said: “People buy from people. When you position yourself as a thought leader, your work reaps rewards.”
Science Bit: Consistent branding can increase revenue by up to 23%. Add that to targeted advertising and strong lead generation, and you have a winning combination.
So what do you do?
- Investing in professional branding means everything from logo design to brand messaging.
- Be strategic in marketing: Use data analytics to optimize campaigns and focus on high-converting channels.
- Leverage Social Proof: Customer testimonials, case studies, and reviews are gold.
Action Step #3: Elevate your personal brand
When we asked Jake about personal branding, he smiled and said, “Your personal brand is your company’s secret weapon. Use it wisely.”
Today, consumers want authenticity more than ever. They don’t buy products or services they invest in the people, stories and values they connect with. This is where building a personal brand becomes crucial. A well-designed personal brand showcases your unique personality, values, and experience and deeply connects with your audience. It is the foundation of trust, loyalty and long-term relationships. People who see you as a real, relatable person are more likely to interact, support, and recommend you to others. In the world of choice, your personal brand is what sets you apart. It’s not just about being different. It’s about something that matters to your audience.
The science behind team expansion
Expansion often means adding more talent to your team, but growing your team isn’t as simple as doubling your headcount. Research from McKinsey shows that companies that focus on team alignment while scaling see 30% higher productivity.
“Think of your team as an orchestra,” Jake said. “If everyone is playing a different note, you’ll end up with noise, not music. Alignment is key.”
Tips for team growth:
- Stay on board with intention: Set clear expectations and goals.
- Foster a culture of feedback: Regular check-ins can boost engagement and morale.
- Be flexible: Be prepared to pivot based on performance and market needs.
Conclusion: Invest in experience
Expansion is not a solo journey. Working with a professional business coach can save you time, money, and stress. As Jake Smolarek said, “Ann Executive business coach Not just a guide. They’re your sounding board, strategist, and cheerleader, all in one person.
Scaling a business is 50% art and 50% science. With the right mindset, tools and guidance, 2025 can be the year your business grows and thrives – in a responsible and sustainable way. So, go for it – just make sure you have a map (and a good coach) by your side.
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