Expanding your business usually involves dedication and hard work. Whether your business is large or small, there are several personal and operational issues to consider.
PERSONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Evaluate your motivations for expanding your business and the impact it could have on your personal and family life, before going ahead. Consider:
- Are you ready to devote more time to the business, if needed?
- Does your family understand your need to commit more time to the business?
- Will you need to invest some personal financial resources?
- Does expansion fit into your short and long term business objectives?
- Is the return on investment worth your time and effort?
- Will you still enjoy the business?
- Are you willing to take the risk?
- Do you have the right skills and abilities to manage growth? If not, where will you get them?
If your business is home-based:
- Will additional traffic to your home affect your privacy or that of your family?
- Could it disrupt your neighbours? Some municipalities establish rules for residential areas. Be sure to check for restrictions or requirements before expanding.
OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Research shows that trying to grow when the business is not ready is a leading cause of business failure.
Growth can put a strain on your cash flow, your production capacity or ability to deliver services; be sure your business is stable. Carefully research your ideas and consider the impact on your operations. Consider whether you and your team are fully committed to making the effort.
If you are ready to move ahead, take a look at the ways to grow your business and some of the general activities you may need to do to achieve your goals.
(Source: Canada Business Ontario)