The Day I Closed My $30 Million Business: How I Knew It Was Time to Grow

I can still remember the day I closed my $30 million business. It was a turning point—a moment that felt like a gut punch, knocking the wind right out of me. I stood there, looking at 110 staff members, the clients who trusted us, and our loyal suppliers. In that instant, it all came crashing down. (It felt like everything was slipping away, faster than I could catch it.)

Let me be clear—this isn’t a sob story. I own my failure. I own the choices that led me to that point. And yeah, it was bloody hard. (Let’s not even talk about the sleepless nights. I’ll just say… there were many.)

But here’s the kicker: I wouldn’t change a thing. That failure was one of the hardest lessons of my life, but it turned out to be the biggest blessing. It taught me everything I needed to know about growth—both in business and personally. And now? I’m more fired up than ever. I want MORE. More for me, my family, my clients. I wake up each day with renewed passion because my new business is aligned with my purpose, and I’m driven by what I’ve learned.

(Who knew I'd be here? Sometimes I have to pinch myself.)

That experience showed me that knowing when to grow is one of the most crucial aspects of being a business owner. Growth isn’t just a matter of “feeling ready.” It’s about knowing the business plan, having the right mindset, identifying the market opportunity, and—most importantly—knowing your customer.

Step One: Revisiting the Business Plan

Looking back, if there’s one thing I wish I’d paid closer attention to, it’s my business plan. A solid business plan isn’t just about having goals on paper—it’s your roadmap for how to get there. If your business is your vehicle, then the plan is the GPS. Without it, you’ll drift. And that’s exactly what happened to me.

When considering growth, the first thing to ask is, “Does my business plan allow for expansion?” This isn’t just about how much money you’re making or whether you’ve hit your revenue targets. It’s about vision.

Does your business plan outline new markets to tap into? Does it have built-in flexibility for change? If your answer is yes, growth might be on the horizon. But if it’s not, that’s a red flag. Growth without a plan is chaos waiting to happen. (And trust me, you don’t want to learn that the hard way.)

Step Two: Embracing the Growth Mindset

Having a business plan is critical, but so is the right mindset. Here’s the truth: if you don’t believe you’re capable of growing, you won’t grow. It’s that simple. For the longest time, I struggled with doubt. Could I really grow my business? Was I ready for the next step?

A growth mindset means embracing challenges, seeing failures as opportunities to learn, and constantly seeking ways to improve. It’s about being open to risk and understanding that failure isn’t the end—it's a stepping stone to something bigger.

When I closed my business, I could’ve let that failure define me. But instead, I used it as fuel. I realized that I could diversify my income and build a business that not only survived but thrived. And this time, I had the right mindset to back it up. (Even on the days when I didn’t feel like I did!)

Step Three: Spotting the Market Opportunity

Knowing when to grow also means spotting the market opportunity. I missed out on some significant opportunities with my first business simply because I wasn’t paying attention. I was so focused on running the day-to-day that I didn’t stop to see the bigger picture.

One of the most critical lessons I learned is that market research is non-negotiable. Before you decide to grow, ask yourself: How big is my market? Are there gaps that I can fill? Is there demand for my product or service in other areas? These questions are essential for figuring out whether your business can expand.

Once I started my new business, I made market research a priority. This time, I wasn’t going to miss out on any opportunities. I studied the market landscape, identified new trends, and positioned myself to meet those needs head-on.

Step Four: Knowing Your Customer Inside and Out

None of this matters if you don’t know your customer. One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is thinking that a great product or service is all they need to succeed. (I know I did!) But here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter how great your product is if you’re not marketing it to the right people.

Do you know your customers’ pain points? What problems are they facing, and how does your product or service solve them? How can you make their lives easier, better, or more enjoyable?

When you understand your customer, you’re not just selling a product—you’re providing a solution. And that’s when the magic happens. With this knowledge, you can tailor your business offerings to fit their needs perfectly, ensuring that growth is sustainable and strategic.

Step Five: Preparing for the Inevitable Challenges

Growth isn’t without its challenges. Trust me—failure is part of the journey. If you haven’t experienced it yet but are terrified that you might, let me tell you something: failure isn’t something to fear. It’s what you do afterward that counts. It’s in those moments, when everything seems to be falling apart, that you find your strength.

The best part? You don’t have to do it alone. I learned the value of surrounding myself with mentors, guides, and a support system that understood the ups and downs of business. (Side note: If you don’t have a mentor, get one! It’s a game-changer.)

So... Are you Ready to Grow?

So, how do you know when it’s time to grow? It starts with revisiting your business plan and making sure it’s growth-friendly. Then, you need the right mindset, a keen eye for market opportunities, and an intimate understanding of your customer. Don’t fear the challenges—they’re part of the journey.

My failure turned out to be my biggest blessing. Now, I wake up each day excited about what’s to come because I’m building a business that’s aligned with my purpose and poised for growth. And here’s the thing—you can too.

If you’re ready to build something extraordinary, let’s do this together. Type “Let’s Go” below, and let’s get started on this incredible journey.