Your business is just a ‘lifestyle’, ‘hobby’ business isn’t it?

How I feel when another person refers to my business as a ‘hobby’….

Seven steps to scale for success: an essential guide for small business — you know that business which others have referred to as a ‘lifestyle’ business or a ‘hobby’.

That business which has taken your blood, sweat and tears yet is not taken seriously by others…don’t worry, I take it seriously.

When you think of ‘scaling up’ this business, what pops into your head…

Do you conjure up images of expanding beyond recognition? Do you think of multiple premises, a large number of staff, you swanning around from office to office with others doing all of the donkey work? Do you think scaling may burst the seams of your comfort zone and you’re not quite ready for it? Or do long to grow your business sustainably but you’re not sure where to start because you are afraid?

For a long time, I felt those words ‘scaling up’ didn’t apply to me — and many people made sure that was how I saw myself. As a micro-business owner who is essentially a freelancer or sole trader, I employ only myself. How could I possibly scale up doing what I do?

Don’t listen to negative Nancy: any business can scale

Too often I’d heard people (usually men) talking about my ‘lifestyle’ business and how it wasn’t suitable for scaling. It’s such an easy…