The Harsh Truth About Business Growth: You’re Probably Doing It Wrong

The Harsh Truth About Business Growth: You’re Probably Doing It Wrong

Let’s cut through the noise. You want a thriving business, right? More revenue, a high-performing team, and—dare I say it—more time to enjoy your life? 

But here’s the uncomfortable reality: most business owners are stuck on a treadmill, running themselves into the ground and calling it “success.”

And I get it. Because for years, I did it too.

The Myth That’s Keeping You Stuck

We’ve been sold the idea that success comes from hardcore hustle—pushing harder, working longer, grinding it out. But let me ask you this: At what cost?

  • Late nights?
  • Missed time with family?
  • The constant feeling that if you step away, everything will collapse?

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And here’s the kicker: it doesn’t have to be this way.

Why Hard Work Alone Won’t Get You to the Next Level

There’s a point in every business journey where what got you here won’t get you there. We call it the growth set point (or perturbation point). It’s that moment where things start to feel harder, not easier.

 Maybe you’re feeling it now.

You’ve built something successful, but suddenly, growth feels heavy. Your time is maxed out, your team isn’t stepping up the way you need them to, and you’re questioning whether this is even worth it​.

Spoiler alert: The problem isn’t your business. It’s the way you’re running it!

 

Smart Growth Over Hard Growth

What if I told you that scaling your business doesn’t have to mean working more? That the key to sustainable success isn’t doing more but doing it differently?

Here’s what actually works:

1️⃣ Stop Being the Bottleneck. If your business falls apart when you step away, you don’t have a business—you have a job you can’t quit​.

2️⃣ Create a Coaching Culture. Training and mentoring are great, but coaching unlocks next-level performance. 80% of people who receive coaching report increased self-confidence, and over 70% see improved performance and communication​.

3️⃣ Define What Success Actually Looks Like. If you’re still chasing some vague notion of “more,” you’re running blind. Get clear on what growth means for you—revenue, time freedom, leadership development—so you stop spinning in circles​.

4️⃣ Shift from Chaos to Clarity. Most businesses are drowning in inefficiencies. A structured framework ensures you’re working on the business, not just in it​ and getting on the balcony of your business.

Are You Ready to Do Business Differently?

If you’re at this critical tipping point, you have two choices:

1️⃣ Keep grinding and hope that someday, magically, it gets easier.
2️⃣ Get intentional about building a business that grows without consuming you.

I know which one I’d choose.

If this hit home, I’ve got something for you – The Momentum Map™. A practical (and free!) set of short (4-minute!) videos and tools to help you keep your energy high and stay strategic when things get chaotic.

No fluff. Just quick, powerful tools you can use right now.

Get instant access here: https://www.b2businesstogether.com.au/momentum

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How to Ditch Decision Fatigue and Make Smarter Choices Without the Stress

How to Ditch Decision Fatigue and Make Smarter Choices Without the Stress

Ever feel like your brain is on a never-ending treadmill of decision-making?

You’re not alone.

McKinsey research shows that executives spend between 40% to 70% of their time making decisions. That’s a huge chunk of your day spent deciding everything from big strategic moves to whether you’ll reply to that email now or later.

No wonder decision fatigue creeps in, slowing you down, leading to second-guessing, or worse—pushing you to make choices that don’t serve your business.

But here’s the thing: decision fatigue isn’t just annoying, it’s costly.

A report from Decision Design Australia found that poor decisions by leaders lead to higher business costs (58%), lower profits (40%), and declining sales (35%). That’s a scary reality check, right?

So what do you do about it?

Here are three simple, practical ways to take control of your decision-making, free up your mental space, and keep your business movin forward without burning out.

 1. Set Your True North – So You’re Not Winging It

If you’re constantly questioning what the right move is, chances are you’re lacking clarity on your bigger picture. That’s why having a True North (aka a clear vision, direction, and priorities) makes decision-making a whole lot easier.

Think of it as your filter for saying yes or no. If an opportunity, project, or idea isn’t moving you closer to your goals, it’s a no. Simple as that.

One way to do this? Create a Plan on a Page – something short, sharp, and easy to reference so you (and your team) always know what’s important.

No more overthinking every little choice—just check in with your plan and move forward with confidence.

2. Stop Being the Bottleneck – Turn Doers into Decision-Makers

Here’s a hard truth: if you’re making every single decision in your business, you’re probably the reason things are slowing down. When your team keeps coming to you for approval on every little thing, it’s exhausting. For you and for them.

Instead, empower them to make their own decisions. Give them the confidence, clarity, and structure to step up, so you’re not the go-to for every minor call. And if the thought of this freaks you out, check out Michelle and Douglas’ story from Healthy Hustle. They left their business for a year to live in Spain, and the company didn’t fall apart. Why? Because they prepped their team to think and decide without them.

So, what’s one decision you can hand over today to start shifting the dynamic?

3. Automate Your Decision-Making – Ask the Right Questions

Not all decisions need hours of thinking time. Some just need a quick gut check. That’s where a decision-making framework comes in handy. Instead of debating every choice, run it through three simple questions:

Does this take me closer to my goal? If it’s not aligned with where you’re headed, it’s a distraction.
Will this keep my hustle healthy? If saying yes means longer hours, missed family time, or burnout, it’s worth reconsidering.
Does this feel right? If your gut is screaming “no,” listen to it.

Here’s the rule: Three yeses? Go for it. Two yeses? Dig deeper. One or zero? It’s a no.

Stick this somewhere visible (on your desk, in your notes app, wherever you’ll actually use it) and save yourself from endless decision paralysis.

Your Next Step – Because This Stuff Only Works If You Use It

Decision fatigue is real, but you don’t have to let it control you. In the next 24 hours, take a moment to:

✅ Write down your top three decision-making questions (feel free to borrow ours).

✅ Start handing off one decision to your team, even a small one.

✅ Check your Plan on a Page (or create one!) so you’ve got a clear guide for future decisions.

Less decision fatigue, better choices, and more time for the work that actually lights you up.

Give it a go, and let me know how you get on.

 

Ness is a Business and Leadership Coach and co-author of Healthy Hustle – The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business and Life. Her approach is grounded in practicality and empathy because she believes in the power of careful, thoughtful decision-making that respects your needs. Having run successful coaching businesses since 2015, Ness is obsessed with helping business owners and leaders thrive. She helps her clients install smart business growth strategies and leverage leadership for peak performance.

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Four Ways to Keep the Sales Hustle Healthy

Four Ways to Keep the Sales Hustle Healthy

In today’s fast-paced sales environment, healthy hustle isn’t just a buzzword… it’s a necessity. 

The pressure is intense, with 54% of sales professionals reporting that selling feels harder than it did last year.

A massive 67% of business development and salespeople are on the edge of burnout.

With budgets tighter, lead times longer, and trust harder to gain, it’s more important than ever to find sustainable ways to succeed in sales without burning out.

Here are four strategies to keep your sales hustle both productive and sustainable:

1. Align Sales and Marketing.

When sales and marketing work in sync, conversion rates can leap by 38%, and customer retention can rise by 36%. 

Ensure your sales team is receiving qualified leads that match your ideal customer profile. This alignment not only drives better results but also eases the workload on your salespeople by bringing in leads who are genuinely ready to engage.

2. Adopt an Active Sales Process.

Instead, shift to an active sales process that includes pre-qualifying leads, engaging early on LinkedIn or other channels, and warming up prospects before the first meeting. 

When every potential client (aka lead) feels known and valued, you’ll find the conversion process smoother and quicker.

3. Go Beyond Email.

Don’t rely on emails alone to nurture your leads. Try creative touches like LinkedIn voice notes, a short video via Loom, or even a handwritten note. 

These personal touches cut through the digital clutter and build genuine connections, helping keep you top of mind without overwhelming your prospects.

4. Embrace Sales Archetypes.

Every salesperson has unique strengths… some are charismatic “Influencers,” while others are detail-focused “Specialists.” 

Recognise these archetypes within your team to maximise everyone’s potential. Schedule calls, client meetings, and follow-ups during their most productive hours, and help each person use their strengths to drive results and satisfaction.

Learn more about the four sales archetypes here – https://businesstogether.com.au/the-specialist-vs-the-influencer-who-wins-in-sales/ 

If you’re aiming to keep your sales hustle healthy, start by strengthening your approach with these simple and easily actionable steps.

Ps. If you want more ways to keep your sales hustle healthy – grab a copy of our book here 👉

Or for a taster download for the first chapter for FREE 👉 here
Time Management is Dead: The Real Secret to Business Success is Energy

Time Management is Dead: The Real Secret to Business Success is Energy

Let’s be honest, time management is overrated. If you’ve spent years trying to fit your life into neatly scheduled 9-to-5 blocks, you know the struggle. 

For most of us, it’s exhausting, unproductive, and frankly, outdated. 

The real secret to success? Managing your energy.

Here’s the deal: we don’t all work the same way, and that’s okay. 

I used to push myself to stick to rigid schedules, thinking that’s what “success” demanded. But after too many repeated patterns of pushing too hard, I realised something game-changing: I wasn’t failing at time management, I was ignoring how my body and brain actually work

Some days, I can power through tasks like I’ve got the energy of ten people; other days, I’m practically running on empty by midday. Can you relate?

This isn’t just personal, it’s universal. Every single person on your team has their own natural rhythm, and as a leader, forcing everyone into a cookie-cutter workday is a fast track to exhausting them. 

 

People aren’t robots. One-size-fits-all productivity just doesn’t work.

And yet, so many business owners and managers still cling to the idea that productivity equals hours worked. It’s time to stop pretending that everyone should be “on” at the same time, at the same pace. The real question is: are your people working when they’re at their best?

Creating a flexible work environment that respects individual energy patterns isn’t a luxury. 

When we stop managing time and start managing energy, everything changes. 

You create a team that’s engaged, thriving, and, most importantly, sustainable. Business success isn’t about working more, it’s about working smarter.

So, why cling to outdated schedules when the future of success is rooted in how well you manage energy.

What’s your favourite way to manage your energy to keep the hustle healthy?

Nicky

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How to Ditch Decision Fatigue and Make Smarter Choices Without the Stress

The Dangerous Reality of Hustle Culture

We live in a world that glorifies the hardcore hustle – the idea that working harder, longer, and faster is the only path to success.

But behind the scenes, this version of hustle culture that so many of us subscribe to is a leading cause of burnout, strained relationships, and declining mental health. 

This doesn’t just affect leaders; it impacts entire teams.

Have you ever felt that taking a break is a sign of weakness? 

Or that your worth is measured solely by your productivity?

The truth is, this relentless grind is unsustainable. 

It leads to exhaustion, not excellence. Worse, it often results in focusing on tasks instead of meaningful outcomes.

It’s time for a mindset shift.

We’ve all heard “hustle hard,” but what if that mindset is actually holding you back?

Success shouldn’t come at the cost of well-being.

How to Escape the Daily Whirlwind and Focus on Growth

The whirlwind of daily tasks can trap us in a cycle of busy, making us think the solution is to ‘work harder’. But real growth requires a smarter approach.

Here’s how you can break free:

  • Delegate tasks: Focus on what only you can do, and empower others to take ownership of the rest.
  • Set clear priorities: Align your daily actions (set weekly top 5’s) with your larger goals (quarterly milestones), both in business and in life. This clarity will make decision-making easier.
  • Carve out time for what matters: Block out regular time for deep work, strategic planning, and essential but often neglected tasks, like coaching your team or reviewing finances.

It’s time to step out of the whirlwind and into a space where you can focus on what really makes a difference.

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Are you addicted to your business?

Are you addicted to your business?

You dream of having a smoothly running business, a high-performing team, and the freedom to step back without the constant need for you to be in the business. 

After all, it’s why you went into business in the first place.

But what about when you achieve this ideal scenario? 

Have you stopped to consider the often-overlooked downside?

When your business no longer hinges on your every move, you may find yourself grappling with a surprising challenge: the lack of significance and validation that comes from being the go-to problem solver.

Because you’ve built your business from the ground up, it’s really hard to let go. 

The need to swoop in and save the day, to validate your importance through solving daily issues, can become addictive. 

Even when your team is performing well, it’s tempting to fall into the thought pattern of “I would’ve done it this way,” despite the fact your team is achieving the same results. 

This urge can make it difficult for you to step back and fully trust your team.

But the idea of having nothing to do can be simply daunting. 

Your fantasy of endless beach days can quickly turn into boredom. 

Because you’re wired for growth, always seeking the next challenge. 

This drive is part of your DNA as a successful business owner, but it can also be a double-edged sword, leading to what some experts call “entrepreneurial addiction”.

Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and mental health author, describes addiction as compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences

This definition is particularly relevant for business owners who find themselves compulsively working longer hours, neglecting personal relationships, and sacrificing health and well-being for the sake of their business.

Amy identifies 6 warning signs of entrepreneurial addiction:

1. Obsessive thoughts (constantly thinking about your business – getting new clients, introducing new products, the next onboarding round…)

2. Withdrawal (once that big pitch or project is done withdrawal symptoms can occur, boredom, depression, anxiety, a feeling of ‘coming down’)

3. Self-Worth problems (never acknowledging how far you’ve come or celebrating your successes before searching for the next big thing will impact your self-worth, it’s never enough)

4. Increased Tolerance to your substance of choice, in this case unhealthy ways of working (the long hours, no lunch breaks or lack of sleep become the normal way to function)

5. Neglect (other areas of life come second and are neglected – your health, family, time for you, hobbies, sleep)

6. Negative Outcomes (continuing your way of working despite the negative effects on your health, relationships, and life)

Do you see any of these warning signs in you?

If yes, then you need to break the cycle.

You can start this by setting clear boundaries – allocate specific times for work and personal activities, and stick to them. 

Celebrate your achievements and acknowledge your progress to maintain a healthy sense of self-worth. 

Most importantly, remember why you started your business in the first place. 

Reconnect with your initial goals and ensure they’re being met without compromising your well-being.

Taking these steps can help you regain control and create a sustainable work-life balance. 

If you find yourself struggling, consider booking a clarity call with me to discuss strategies to get yourself out of this mess. 

It’s time to move from being indispensable to leading a thriving, self-sufficient business so that you can enjoy the freedom and fulfilment you deserve.

Ness is a Business and Leadership Coach. Her approach is grounded in practicality and empathy because she believes in the power of careful, thoughtful decision-making that respects your needs. Having run successful coaching businesses since 2015, Ness is obsessed with helping business owners and leaders thrive. She helps her clients install smart business growth strategies and leverage leadership for peak performance.

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