It can be tough to run a business, especially once you hit 6-figures (or more).

We don’t talk about the struggles. So often, we sweep them under the rug – and they come to life only in tearful late-night discussions or moments of extreme frustration.

If you’re not prepared to navigate this stage of growth – what I like to call the bursting point – you may find yourself experiencing some of the following: 

• You are (finally!) making money, only to see it all go back out the door again, and you have no idea where it went. (YIKES!)
• Instead of working less, you are now working 24/7 trying to get everything done, there is no light at the end of the tunnel, and you have no idea how you got into this mess.
• You started your business to do what you love, but your day is now full of work that you loathe, and you rarely have time for the stuff that brings you joy.
• You fly by the seat of your pants in your business, not sure what you will offer next and suffering from the roller coaster ride of last-minute promotions.
• Sadly, your spouse and/or kids are asking you why you are working so much and may even be begging you to turn off the computer or put down the phone so they can spend time with you. (I’ve been there)
• Even though you want to grow your business, you can’t possibly take on one more client or project – because if you try to cram one more thing in, you might just burst!

The bottom line is that you are tired, frustrated, and starting to wonder if it’s worth it.

The bursting point is when you can’t take anymore without sacrificing more time, energy, or money than you are willing to give.

The bursting point is a rite of passage in business. It’s when you have created something people want (yay!) but can no longer provide it on your own. It’s the stage where demand outweighs your capacity to serve.

The bursting point can either be a painful or exciting phase in your business. Painful if you keep trying to do it all yourself and serve beyond your capacity. Exciting if you embrace that your business is becoming bigger than you, and it’s time to do things differently.

The breaking point generally happens in the early 6-figures. It also depends on your business model and how much you can handle on your own. The experience of wanting to grow and not having the capacity is important.

Once you recognize you are at the bursting point, there are three areas of your business you will want to develop to get through the struggle.

1. Planning

In the early stages of business, you can get away with a spontaneous approach – taking things as they come. But as your number of clients and services increases, planning ahead and strategically mapping out what comes next will reduce the frantic nature of the bursting point and, ultimately, your stress level.

Planning is the cornerstone of what an Operations Manager does in a growing business. One of my main objectives with clients is to create plans that provide clarity & stability.

2. People

DIY can get you to 6-figures, but it won’t take you past the bursting point. First, you need to get clear on your role as the CEO (your YES List) and then bring in the right people to take the other work off your plate.

An Operations Manager often comes into a business at the bursting point to take the work of getting the right people in place off your plate. The hiring, the training, and the managing of your new team does not have to rest entirely on your shoulders.

3. Process

The only way to create freedom for you, and a strong foundation for your growing business, is to build out systems & processes. Systems keep everyone on the same page, doing work the way you want it to get done. Systems & processes are key to increasing capacity.

As an Operations Manager, this is the type of work on my “YES” list. Creating & implementing the SOPs that will keep your business running smoothly – without your input on every detail – is my sweet spot.

The bottom line is – what got you to 6-figures is NOT going to be what gets you through it – and beyond.

If your vision is bigger than your bursting point, it is time to make these changes. And if you are looking for support with this, I’d love to connect.