10 Levers to Unlock Your Next Business Growth Spurt

In business we’re on a constant journey of growth.

This doesn’t mean a panic, per se, but it does mean growth in one way or another. If we’re not innovating, growing, serving customers, we won’t be in business. At the very least, due to customer attrition, it’s important to grow.

I was reading an article about key ways founders have used to grow their business. Every business is different. How you grow your business and unleash it’s potential for growth is going to be different than another business. However, you MUST find that key to unlock growth.

Every business owner hits moments where growth seems elusive, like trying to push through an invisible barrier. The good news? There are multiple paths to breaking through these plateaus.

Here’s are ten proven strategies that can help unlock your next phase of growth.

When you hit a wall, revisit your bigger idea.

Remember why you started your business in the first place. That initial spark of inspiration often holds the key to future growth. A café owner who began with the mission of creating a community gathering space might find new opportunities in hosting events or expanding into catering. Your original vision might have been bigger than your current execution – don’t be afraid to dream big again.

Give customers what they want, no matter the cost.

Sometimes, accommodating customer requests might seem financially challenging in the short term, but it often pays dividends in loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. Consider the story of a local gym that invested heavily in childcare facilities after hearing from parents who couldn’t find time to work out. The initial investment was substantial, but it opened up an entirely new customer segment and dramatically increased membership retention.

Find your ideal customer (and it might not be you!).

While many entrepreneurs create products they personally need, your best customer base might be surprisingly different. A tech-savvy web designer might find their most profitable clients are traditional businesses that need extensive support and are willing to pay premium prices for it. Study your most profitable and loyal customers – they often reveal unexpected patterns.

Don’t try to do everything yourself.

Growth requires delegation and strategic partnerships. One boutique owner transformed her business by hiring a social media manager, freeing herself to focus on vendor relationships and customer service. Your time is better spent on high-impact activities that directly drive growth rather than getting caught in day-to-day operations.

Launch variations on your hero product.

Your best-selling product holds valuable insights. A successful food truck that became famous for its unique sauce might expand into bottling and selling that sauce to local stores. Look at what your customers love most and consider new ways to deliver that value in different formats or to different markets.

Find a better way to package your product.

Sometimes, growth isn’t about changing the product but rather how it’s presented or delivered. A consultant who switched from hourly billing to value-based packages saw both higher client satisfaction and increased revenue. Package innovations can transform how customers perceive and consume your offering.

Follow the money, even if it changes your model.

Be willing to pivot when you spot unexpected revenue opportunities. A residential cleaning service might discover that commercial clients are more profitable and require less marketing effort. While staying true to your core values, be open to evolving your business model based on market feedback.

Experiment, even if you were taught not to.

Traditional business wisdom often emphasizes consistency, but controlled experimentation can unlock new growth opportunities. A restaurant owner who tested a subscription meal prep service during slow hours found a whole new revenue stream. Small, measured experiments can lead to breakthrough insights with minimal risk.

Listen carefully to understand who needs your product most.

Your most enthusiastic customers might surprise you. A company selling organizational tools might discover that their products are particularly popular with ADHD adults, leading to targeted marketing and product development opportunities. Deep customer understanding often reveals unexpected niches where your offering resonates strongly.

Boost your credibility to earn people’s trust.

In today’s market, trust is currency. Whether through professional certifications, transparent business practices, or authentic customer relationships, building credibility directly impacts growth. A financial advisor who regularly shares educational content on social media might find clients are more likely to refer friends and family.

Remember, sustainable growth rarely comes from implementing all these strategies simultaneously. Instead, think of these as different levers you can pull based on your business’s unique situation and resources. The key is to identify which approaches align best with your business model, customer base, and personal strengths. Some businesses might thrive through product variations and packaging innovations, while others might grow primarily through better customer targeting and credibility building. The most successful entrepreneurs are those who can honestly assess their situation and selectively apply the strategies that offer the best return on investment for their specific context.