Business expansion is an exciting time for any manager, as it’s a sign that things are pushing forward and that success has been realised. Of course, there are some more complex elements that need to be navigated so that you do not set up your expansion incorrectly and have to suffer the fallout. Today we are going to step through a guide to expanding your business so that you don’t get wrapped up in the chaos and can make some measured steps toward the future.
Furnish your office with modern hardware
Old and inferior hardware is going to take your team longer to do their jobs, without optimised tools that can make work faster and even more enjoyable. Quality laptops, Epson WorkForce Printers and access to any other company devices are a great place to start. Now that your business is expanding you want to be bringing hardware to your office that is geared toward productivity and output. If you are not sure what your team needs, ask them to come up with a wishlist and highlight what is the ‘must have’ and what is the ‘nice to have’. Business expansion comes with access, so don’t skimp on this process!
Stay aligned with your business ‘why’
Growth is not an excuse to abandon your core ‘why’, but a time to actually double down on your brand ethos. Companies will make the unfortunate mistake of changing too quickly and too permanently so take the time to revisit your business plan and be methodical. Swift change can alienate you from the long-standing staff that support you, and your faithful customers and clients might not recognise you either. You don’t want this to happen ever, especially not when you are going through a comprehensive business expansion. Before any expansion plans are set in motion, sit down with your business plan and reassess how and why you are going to grow so that you can do it effectively.
Consider outside help
There is no shame in finding the right people to assist you in your business expansion, especially as this is a specialised project and a period you will want experienced help with. You might consider a change management consultant or you could even choose to hire some mid-level employees that will free up your more senior staff to help out. As a manager, you are most useful when you are thinking strategically and working on the business and not necessarily in the business. So if your business expansion is being haphazardly managed because you are on the frontline, then you need more hands to assist you and your big plans.
Celebrate the moment
Yes, there is lots of work to come – but make sure you take a moment to celebrate this incredible journey your business has been on. As a manager, your team is going to look to you to understand how they should be responding to growth, and you want to be exhibiting pride and excitement at the prospect of expansion. You could do this with a team lunch at the pub, a special night out, or even give the team a half day. There are so many options and you don’t have to limit your celebrations to just one. Celebrating the moment will also strengthen the morale of your team, which is going to be important given the change that lies ahead for everyone.
Navigating business expansion comes with a number of pressures and priorities. Work hard to establish and stick to a plan and remember to get counsel from outside help and the team who helped you get to this great position.
