“Success can kill your business.” This statement is referring to the point in time when the owner of a small business has more work than she easily can handle. She has to do something; perhaps she decides work more hours, work faster, or hire out some of the work. Any of those things can cause a decrease in quality. She also could turn away business, which could lead to a bad reputation, and a bad reputation will result in less business sooner or later.
So, what’s a girl to do when business rolls in like a surfer’s dream wave?
You have to make your own decision. I’ll share with you what I’m doing.
Expanding business
I’m outsourcing a little (within the US; for those of you who are against shipping US dollars overseas, don’t worry, I’m not tipping the balance of the Force). I’m sending part of the transcription to a few wonderful and talented stay-at-home moms who would like to earn some money.
At some point, I may train one or two in proofreading and have them do that part of the work while I keep doing the editing, which requires more skill. I’m slowly and carefully multiplying myself to an extent. This way, I’m able to help others and “share the love.” I also have a waiting list and it’s growing. I’m now booking 2016, and have half that year filled already, and we have nearly half of 2015 left.
That was my goal when I joined Stephanie O’Brien’s Mastermind group last year, so it is not a surprise, and yet it still boggles my mind a bit: I’m booked about a year ahead of time (although I leave room for people who need to get in sooner), and I’m so thankful for that. All of my clients have expressed deep gratitude and complete satisfaction (which contributes greatly to my being booked solid), so I’d say this endeavor is a success. May yours be as well, whether you choose to work longer hours, hire staff, outsource virtually, or take another road.