I remember the late nights, the endless planning and unwavering hope they held unto. But despite their efforts, the business collapsed. It was a painful lesson on how fragile dreams can be in the harsh realities of a competitive market.

Undeterred by failure, they started another business in 2019 but a fabric business. This time they were wiser, more cautious and even more determined to make this particular business a success. New challenges emerged in the business: declining sales and insufficient funds to sustain operations. Once again, the business faltered and failed.

Watching my parents go through this was heartbreaking. Their dreams of success, the countless sacrifices they made, all seemed to vanish with each closed door. Yet, in those moments of defeat, I learned some of the most powerful lessons about what it really takes to scale a business in a world where competition is fierce and the odds often seem insurmountable.

The pain of failure taught me success in business is not just about or even passion. It’s about strategy, resilience and the ability to learn and adapt. It’s understanding that scaling isn’t just about growing rapidly but about doing whatever it takes to ensure long-term success and survival.

Drawing from the struggles and hard won insights of my parent’s journey, I’ve complied 10 essential steps that can help you and they pitfalls they encountered and guide your startup from surviving to truly thriving in a competitive market.

Develop a robust sales strategy

Invest in technology

Level up the business branding

Leverage customer feedback

Build a strong team

Adapt and be agile

Streamline your operations and processes

Embrace strategic partnership

Manage resources wisely

Measure and refine your strategies.

First, we’ve to consider the company’s goals to scale your business. Using the SMART framework will help you ensure your goals are clear and attainable. They should be

Specific: You’ve to clearly define what you want your business to accomplish.

Achievable: Make sure you set realistic and achievable goals for your business.

Relevant: Ensure the goals you’ve set aside is in line with your overall business objectives and values.

Time-Bound: Set a clear timeline for achieving the goals.

Without a clear sales strategy, even the best products can go unnoticed. My parents ventures could have benefited from a focused sales strategy to the right audience. Scaling sales shouldn’t only involve acquiring new customers but growing your relationship with existing customers. The later seems to be cost-effective.

A robust sales strategy should include a mix of offline and online strategies, tailored to your target audience.

My parents learned the hard way that relying on manual processes can hold a business back. Investing in the right technology can be a game changer for your business, particular when it comes to scaling.

Consider investing in technology that automates accounting payroll, customer relationship management (CRM) and even onboarding process.

Platforms like Sales Force for CRM or Quick Books for accounting can transform how efficiently your business operates.

One of the reasons my parents business struggled was because they didn’t have a personal brand. In this digital era where attention is the new currency, having a personal brand is not a good to have but a must have if you want to be ahead of your competitors.

To efficiently scale your business, it’s crucial to create a distinct brand identity that sets you apart from your competitors.

The first step to establishing a personal brand is to define your unique selling (value) proposition to showcase your strengths. Develop a brand that appeals to your target audience.

In their early venture, my parents failed to capitalize on their customer’s feedback. You should always remember that your customer’s feedback is a gold mine of information that can guide your business decisions. By carefully listening to what your customer’s are saying- whether through surveys, reviews or direct communication- you can identify areas for improvement and innovation.

As my parents found out, trying to do everything was a recipe for burnt out. Scaling a business requires a strong, capable team that can share the load and bring diverse skills to the table. Hiring the right people and investing in development is critical to your success.

Consider current platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed to find top talent and don’t hesitate to offer training and development opportunities to help your team grow along the business.

If there’s one thing my parents learned, is the ability to pivot quickly- essential in today’s competitive market. Market conditions, customer preference and industry trends can change rapidly, and your business needs to be agile enough to adapt. It’s important to embrace a culture of flexibility and continuous improvements, so you can respond to changes and opportunities as they arise.

Using methodologies like Agile or Lean Startup can help your team stay adaptable and responsive to change.

One of the key takeaways from my parent’s experience was the importance of efficiency. When you’re scaling, every single resource counts. Implementing scalable systems and automating repetitive tasks can significantly improve productivity. By cutting down inefficiencies and refining processes, you can focus more on growth and less on operational headlines.

For example, using project management software like Asana or Trello can help your team stay organized and on track.

One of the biggest lessons from my parents' journey was that not everything has to be done in-house. Partnering with other businesses can provide valuable resources and expertise, helping you scale more efficiently while minimizing risks. Strategic partnerships can open doors to new markets, share costs, and give you access to specialized knowledge.

For example, if your startup lacks a strong marketing presence, consider partnering with a marketing firm that can help you reach your target audience more effectively.

Resource management was another challenge my parents faced. Scaling requires careful allocation of resources—whether it’s time, money, or manpower. Make sure you’re investing in areas that offer the highest return on investment, and avoid spreading your resources too thin.

Tools like NetSuite or Zoho Projects can help you keep track of resources and ensure they’re being used effectively.

Finally, it’s crucial to continuously measure the effectiveness of your strategies and make adjustments as needed. My parents’ businesses might have survived if they had regularly assessed what was working and what wasn’t. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to track your progress and refine your approach based on data-driven insights.

Software like Tableau or Microsoft Power BI can help you visualize your data and make informed decisions that drive growth.

In conclusion, scaling a startup is a journey fraught with challenges, but by learning from the experiences of others, you can navigate these challenges more effectively. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, these steps can guide you toward lasting success in a competitive market.