Scaling Your Business: 3 Proven Models for Sustainable Growth in 2024
Are you an unapologetically, impatiently ambitious woman who knows she wants to stop being the bottleneck in her business? Do you aspire to become the Lionhearted CEO you know you're meant to be? If so, you're in the right place. I'm here to share some bold, imperfect, and fun approaches to marketing and scaling your business without burning out every few months.
Recently, I hosted my Lionhearted CEO Mastermind Day, and it was, even if I do say so myself, a really, really incredible day. One of the things I love so much is the women in the room were so incredible. There were some real similarities, some real threads between everyone. Things like we've all pivoted quite a lot. We all like to start shiny new things a lot. We're all at a point in our business where we're ready to scale, get bigger, be more visible, and really own our businesses.
But one thing that was fascinating to me was that we all had such different businesses. It wasn't a cookie-cutter thing of "Oh I do this and I have that. This low-cost offer, this group program, and this high-ticket offer." Going around the room, everyone had something unique to share. It was absolutely fascinating how different everybody's businesses were, their business structures, and the way they preferred to work.
π¦ In this blog, we'll explore three main models for scaling your business sustainably, drawing insights from my own experience and the diverse businesses represented at the Mastermind Day.
1. The Membership Model: Building Long-Term Relationships
Memberships are a fascinating model for scaling your business. They offer the potential for recurring revenue and long-term client relationships. However, they come with their own set of challenges and opportunities.
β The Pros and Cons of Memberships
As someone who has tried various business models over the years, I've found that memberships can be challenging for several reasons:
No end date: I prefer projects with a clear finish line.
Energy maintenance: It's hard to keep up the initial enthusiasm over a long period.
Tendency to over-deliver: I often struggle to set boundaries in long-term engagements.
However, for many entrepreneurs, these are precisely the aspects they love about memberships. They enjoy:
Building long-term relationships with clients
Witnessing clients' journeys over years
Seeing familiar faces on regular calls
Making a lasting impact on clients' businesses
β Scaling Your Membership
If you have a successful membership and want to scale without adding more work, consider these strategies:
Create a standalone course: If your membership includes a course, consider selling it separately to those who prefer not to join a membership.
Add tiers: Introduce different levels of membership to cater to various client needs and budgets.
Develop targeted funnels: Create specific marketing funnels for different segments of your audience, such as beginners or more advanced clients.
2. The Multi-Course Model: Offering a Menu of Options
Another popular model for scaling is offering multiple courses or products. This approach allows clients to choose from a menu of options, potentially increasing your revenue streams.
β The Challenges of Multiple Offers
While having multiple courses can seem appealing, it comes with its own set of challenges:
Potential confusion for clients
Difficulty in marketing multiple offerings simultaneously
Risk of low sales for some courses if you lack a large audience
β Strategies for Success with Multiple Courses
To make the most of your multiple course offerings, consider these approaches:
Bundle related courses: Group courses with similar themes or outcomes to create more comprehensive packages.
Create clear pathways: Design a customer journey that guides clients through your various offerings in a logical sequence.
Prioritise key offerings: Focus on promoting a few core courses rather than trying to push all your offerings simultaneously.
β Tip: Focusing on One Course
If you're feeling overwhelmed by multiple courses, try this exercise:
Choose one course (preferably priced around Β£200)
Identify your ideal client for this specific course
Create targeted content that speaks directly to this audience
Develop a lead magnet that attracts the right people for this course
Design a focused marketing funnel for this single offering
By concentrating on one course at a time, you can refine your marketing strategy and potentially increase sales without the complexity of promoting multiple offerings simultaneously.
3. The High-Ticket Model: Maximising Value with Fewer Clients
The third model we explored is focusing on a single high-ticket offer. This approach has its own unique advantages and challenges.
β Benefits of the High-Ticket Model
Simplified marketing: All efforts focus on a single offer
Clear target audience: You're always marketing to the same ideal client
Consistent messaging: You can talk about your offer repeatedly without confusion
β Challenges of the High-Ticket Model
The main downside of this approach is potentially leaving money on the table. You might have many people in your audience who would buy from you if you had lower-priced offerings.
β Strategies for Scaling the High-Ticket Model
To scale your business while maintaining focus on your high-ticket offer, consider these approaches:
Extract smaller elements: Create lower-priced offerings based on components of your high-ticket offer.
Develop complementary products: Create products that prepare clients for your high-ticket offer or provide value to those not ready for the full package.
Implement multiple funnels: Design separate marketing funnels for your high-ticket and lower-priced offerings.
Example: Maximising Revenue from a Single Course
Here's how I've scaled my Audience Builder course:
Revenue Stream | Description |
---|---|
Direct Sales | Sold through a funnel with ads |
Affiliate Sales | Other marketers promote the course |
Licensing | Coaches can use it as part of their programs |
Group Coaching | Fortnightly calls for additional support |
Intensive Support | 30-day hands-on coaching option |
By creating multiple ways to engage with a single product, you can increase revenue without necessarily creating entirely new offerings.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Scaling Model
The key takeaway from our Mastermind Day and these scaling models is that there's always an opportunity to generate additional revenue from what you already have. Before creating new offerings or completely overhauling your business model, consider how you can maximise what's already working.
Remember, scaling isn't about constant creation or reinvention. It's about strategically leveraging your existing resources, skills, and client base to grow sustainably. Whether you choose to focus on memberships, multiple courses, or a high-ticket offer, the key is to find a model that aligns with your strengths, energy, and the needs of your clients.
As you consider these models, keep in mind that the most successful scaling strategy is one that not only increases your revenue but also brings you joy and allows you to serve your clients effectively. After all, that's what being a Lionhearted CEO is all about β creating a thriving, sustainable business that supports both your ambitions and your well-being.
Taking the Next Step in Your Scaling Journey
Now that we've explored these three proven models for scaling your business, you might be wondering about the next practical steps to implement these strategies. One crucial element that came up repeatedly in our Mastermind Day discussions was the power of targeted advertising to fuel growth, particularly through Facebook and Instagram ads.
Many successful entrepreneurs find that ads are the key to scaling without burning out, allowing them to reach new audiences efficiently and consistently. However, navigating the world of social media advertising can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling all the other aspects of your business.
If you're ready to take the leap into Facebook & Instagram ads, my Audience Builder Course is the perfect place to start. I'll walk you step by step through 3 key Facebook & Instagram ad campaigns to allow you to grow your email list AND Instagram followers - for as little as Β£3/day.
Click here for all the info & to sign up.
What next?
If youβve found this blog post useful, here are some ways you can be a part of my world:
1) Love an Instagram story? Good, me too! Come say hi & access plenty more of my free tips over on: @sophiegriffithsco
2) Listen to my podcast! Itβs all about taking big, bold moves in your marketing with strategic, practical advice and loads of inspiration too! Click here to find out more and listen!
3) Interested in working with me? To check out the client services I offer here click here
Listen to the full podcast episode for additional insights and tips here.