Why does it feel like everyone else is flying past you when it comes to business growth? 

You’re putting in the work. You’ve built your offer (or maybe you’re on version 2.0). You’ve posted, pitched, and even tried a few new tools. But here’s the truth nobody talks about:

👉 Momentum stalls when you don’t know which stage of business you’re actually in.

When you’re unclear, you waste energy chasing shiny objects instead of building simple systems. You get stuck in marketing loops without building the kind of business development that leads to real growth. And comparison? It creeps in fast—especially when someone else looks like they’re further along.

Credentials? Check. Lived expertise? Absolutely.

The missing piece? Squashing the imposter syndrome that led to procrastination.

She’d been behind the scenes running social strategy for others, but when it came to putting herself out there? She hesitated. She needed a boost—and a strategy she could actually trust.

If you’ve ever felt that way—like you should be further along, or like you’re spinning your wheels trying to do everything—this post is for you.

Let’s walk through the four stages of business growth so you can finally see:
✅ Where you actually are
✅ What’s keeping you stuck
✅ What to focus on next

Start-Up: You’re Building (and Overthinking) Everything

If you’re at the beginning, it can feel like you’re underwater. You’re trying to build your business from scratch—offers, emails, maybe a site—and figuring out your audience, message, and niche at the same time. There’s excitement… and overwhelm.

🔍 You might be in Start-Up if…

• You don’t have consistent income or clients yet
  
• You’re still unsure who your ideal client really is
  
• You’re trying to DIY everything—logo, offer, website, messaging

✅ What to focus on now:

• Research your real client: What are they struggling with, and what do they want?
  
• Build your brand foundation: A clear niche, value prop, and visual identity
  
• Create your first lead magnet + outline a starter offer

⚠️ Common traps in this phase:

• Marketing too early without clarity
• Getting stuck in shiny-object syndrome
• No systems = all your time goes to spinning plates

Here’s the truth: Most people try to sell before they’re even clear on what makes them unique. And without a way to filter opportunities, everything feels like the right next step… until it doesn’t.

Survival Mode: You’re Working 24/7 But Still Not Profitable

This is the stage where most burnout happens. You’re not new anymore. You’ve worked with a few clients (maybe from a free workshop or warm leads), but it’s inconsistent. One month is decent. The next? Crickets.

📉 You might be in Survival Mode if…

• You’re marketing on every platform but seeing little traction
  
• Your offers look good… but aren’t selling like you hoped
  
• You feel like you’re hustling for every single client

✅ What to focus on now:

• Refine your niche + messaging so it emotionally connects
  
• Differentiate between marketing and business development
• Create a system to track leads and client conversion
  
• Shift from content creation to actual lead generation strategies (hint: social posts alone won’t cut it)

⚠️ Common traps in this phase:

• Relying on referrals and random visibility
• Getting discouraged when discovery calls don’t convert
• Thinking visibility = growth (spoiler: not always)

💡 This is the phase where strategy matters more than hustle. Without a roadmap for how to attract, nurture, and convert leads, it’s easy to feel like your business is just an expensive hobby.

Systematize: You’ve Got Clients—Now It’s Time to Work Smarter

You’ve started to get traction. You’ve got paying clients. Maybe even waitlists. But there’s a catch:

Everything still runs through you.

This stage is the turning point between burnout and long-term growth. Without systems, you’ll keep hitting a ceiling.

📌 You might be in Systematize if…

• You’re seeing income—but it’s inconsistent
  
• You feel like you’re reinventing the wheel every month
  
• You’re still managing client work, emails, launches, and tech on your own

✅ What to focus on now:

• Automate basic workflows (inquiries, onboarding, follow-ups)
  
• Build smart funnels to reduce seasonal slumps
  
• Simplify your tech (start by reviewing your tools and costs)
  
• Start prepping for team support—even a VA for 5–10 hrs/month

💡 In the Incubator, I give members three fast-start systems that create instant clarity:

• A Google Drive setup that saves hours
• A side-by-side of free vs paid ChatGPT so they stop wasting time
• A Clarity Snapshot spreadsheet that reveals hidden time/money drains

Small systems solve big problems. Most people overcomplicate this phase and wait too long to delegate. Start small. Test. Repeat.

Grow + Scale: It’s Time to Delegate, Expand, and Lead

This is where you think the fun begins—until you realize scale without clarity just means bigger problems.

Scaling isn’t just about creating a course or hiring a team. It’s about knowing what to delegate, when to optimize, and how to lead like a CEO (even if you’re still a solopreneur).

🌱 You might be in Grow + Scale if…

• You’re ready to grow your audience or expand your offers
  
• You’re stretched too thin—your time is your biggest bottleneck
  
• You know you can’t do it all, but you’re not sure where to begin

✅ What to focus on now:

• Leverage what’s working: group offers, evergreen funnels, or live workshops
  
• Hire to fill strategic gaps, not just tasks
  
• Shift from reacting to vision-setting—make decisions that guide your business

🚫 Scaling isn’t just about “making 7-figures.”

It’s about building a business that runs without you doing everything. A business that aligns with your actual goals—not someone else’s Instagram highlight reel.

TL;DR: Your Growth Stage Cheat Sheet 

Here’s how to know what phase you’re in—and what to prioritize next:

✅ Start-Up:
You’re building everything from scratch. Focus on niche clarity, brand foundation, and your first lead magnet.

🚧 Survival Mode:
You’ve launched—but leads are inconsistent. Shift from random content to real business development strategies.

⚙️ Systematize:
You’ve got clients, but everything still runs through you. Start streamlining with automation, smart funnels, and simple systems.

📈 Grow + Scale:
You’re expanding. Delegate strategically, build leveraged offers, and step into your CEO role—without the burnout.

🎯 Need help figuring out where you are (or how to move up)?
Join the Incubator for hands-on strategy, messaging, and systems built for real businesses like yours.

Whether you’re in Start-Up, stuck in Survival, or ready to Systematize—we walk you through the strategy, buyer psychology, and systems that fuel consistent visibility and lead flow. No 7-figure pressure. Just real support, smart structure, and guidance tailored to your business.

👉 Tap here to learn more and join the Incubator.
(Spoiler: it’s $99/month and wildly valuable.)

CHECK OUT THE INCUBATOR

Ready to stop guessing where you are—and build the next level with clarity?