The business world often sends one message: grow bigger, faster. Chasing sky-high valuations or becoming the next 'big thing' can feel like the main goal. But this constant push for 'scaling up'—just getting larger—can hide serious problems.

There's another way: intentional growth.

This approach is about building your business with purpose, creating something strong and lasting. Instead of blindly pursuing scale, what if we considered a more thoughtful approach?

The Siren Song of "Scaling Up"

What does this 'scaling up' idea actually mean? It often means chasing aggressive revenue numbers, grabbing as many users as possible, or expanding market share at breakneck speed. Sometimes, outside investors with high expectations push this pace. A 'grow or die' feeling takes hold.

But this race has hidden costs. Resources like cash and team energy get stretched thin. Company culture, the shared values that once defined the business, can weaken. The quality of products or services might drop, and customer care can suffer. Founders and their teams face burnout. The risk of a dramatic collapse increases.

The Power of Intentional Growth

So, what is this 'intentional growth'? Think of it as growing with purpose and a clear plan. It's about building a business that lasts. Here, growth isn't the main target; it's what happens when you do other things well. The focus is on making good profits, building strong operational bases, and aiming for long-term business health.

The advantages are clear:

• Stability and Endurance: You build a company that can handle tough times.
• Profitability and Financial Strength: Growth that actually improves your financial position, not just your sales figures.
• Stronger Culture and Committed Team: You attract and keep people who believe in your mission.
• Better Customer Relationships: You consistently give customers what they need and value.
• Founder Well-being and Command: You build a business that supports your life, not one that consumes it.

The 7 Pillars of Intentional Growth

How do you make intentional growth happen in your business? It rests on several key ideas:

1. Start with Your Core Purpose: What kind of company are you truly trying to build? What difference do you want to make? Every growth decision should line up with this central aim.
2. Focus on Profit and Sound Economics: Understand how your business makes money on each sale or customer. Growth should make your company financially healthier, not just bigger in revenue. (Mike Michalowicz's "Profit First" offers good ideas here).
3. Build on Strong Bases (Systems and Operations): Put money and effort into good operational structures before they crack under pressure. Write down how things get done and use technology sensibly.
4. Know and Serve Your Best Customers: Grow by making your ideal customers happy, keeping them, and earning their recommendations. Concentrate on giving great value to a clear group of people.
5. Develop the Right Team and Work Environment: Hire people for their character and skills. Help them grow. Protect and support your company's work environment as you expand.
6. Learn to Say "No" Wisely: Not every opportunity is a good one for your business. Concentrate on chances that fit your plan for intentional growth, and turn down others.
7. Measure What Really Counts: Look past numbers that only stroke the ego. Track figures that show true business health: profit margins, customer lifetime value, customer happiness, and employee retention.

Making the Shift from Scaling to Intending

Changing from a 'scale-at-all-costs' view to one of intentional growth takes a different mindset. It calls for patience and self-control.

Here are some first steps to consider:

• Pause and Think: Where is your business now? Where do you genuinely want it to go?
• Look at Your Current Growth Methods: Are they built to last? Are they healthy for the business?
• Start with One Area: Pick one part of your business where you can apply intentional growth ideas.
• Explain the 'Why' to Your Team: Help them understand the reasons for this focused approach to growth.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Take time this week to review your growth strategy.

Think about these questions:

• What does 'intentional growth' mean for my business at this moment?
• What's one action I can take this week to be more deliberate about how my business grows?

Building a business with intention creates lasting value. Rather than chasing every opportunity, focus on growth that aligns with your mission and serves your customers.

When you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help:  

1. Assess your Business's scalability: Benchmark your business's potential for scaling. In just five minutes, you can assess your company against the 6 key systems you need to activate to ignite compound growth. Get your results here.

2. The Foundations for Business Growth Masterclass:  When you are ready to scale your business, we run a Foundation for Business Growth Masterclass twice a month. Signup here.

3. Are you a CEO who wants to find business momentum, scale up, and boost your business value? Apply for Business Team Coaching here.