You Want Business Growth, But What Type? Choosing the Right Kind of Growth for Your Business

by Sean Foster | November 26, 2025 | Business Coaching

Most business owners want to grow, but many don’t stop to ask what kind of growth they actually want. That’s why some businesses grow in size, but not in profit. Others grow their team but lose culture. Some chase more clients, only to end up with more headaches.

Growth for the sake of growth can be a trap. Real progress comes from intentional growth, growth that matches your goals, values, and the life you want to build around your business.

What Does Business Growth Really Mean?

Business growth isn’t just about bigger revenue or more customers. It can take many forms:

• Higher profitability
• Stronger team culture
• Greater owner freedom
• Better systems and efficiency
• Market positioning and brand authority
• Sustainable pace of work

Understanding this opens up new possibilities, and avoids chasing someone else’s definition of success.

Why Clarifying Growth Type Matters

Choosing the wrong growth path can lead to:

• Burnout
• Cashflow strain
• Loss of quality or customer experience
• Disconnected teams
• A business that no longer fits your lifestyle

Getting clear on your growth priorities allows you to build a strategy that actually serves you, not just one that looks good on paper.

This is backed by guidance from NI Business Info, which highlights that understanding what growth means to your business helps you make informed decisions and reduce the risk of scaling in the wrong direction. The article reinforces the need to choose a path that aligns with your business's capacity and long-term objectives.

Types of Growth You Might Consider

1. Revenue Growth

Increasing sales volume, introducing new products/services, or expanding into new markets. But financially model this out to ensure it makes sense.

2. Profitability Growth

Focusing on margins, pricing strategy, cost controls, or higher-value offerings.

3. Scalability

Building systems and structures that allow your business to grow without relying more on your time.

4. Team and Culture Growth

Improving hiring, leadership, communication, and values alignment to build a strong internal foundation.

5. Brand Growth

Becoming a trusted name in your niche through visibility, reputation, and consistent delivery.

6. Owner Lifestyle Growth

Freeing up your time, reducing stress, and building a business that fits around your life, not the other way around.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by trying to plan out every detail of your business growth, our article Why Most Business Plans Are Too Big (and What to Do Instead) is worth a read. It explains why oversized, rigid plans can limit your progress, and offers a simpler, more focused approach to planning that supports the type of growth that truly works for you.

How to Decide What Type of Growth Is Right for You

1. Start with Why

What do you want your business to give you? Freedom? Stability? Impact? Recognition?

2. Assess Where You’re At

Different types of growth make sense at different stages. What’s currently holding you back?

3. Check Your Capacity

Do you have the resources (time, people, capital) to grow in that area right now? Or would another path be more sustainable?

4. Think Beyond the Numbers

Growth should align with your values and the lifestyle you want, not just financial results.

5. Test and Iterate

You don’t have to commit forever. Try a growth approach, measure results, and refine as needed.

For more insight on evaluating whether your growth is moving you in the right direction, take a look at our article How to Tell If Growth Is Helping or Hurting Your Business. It explores the signs that your growth strategy might be working against you, and how to course correct before things spiral.

How Business Coaching Supports Smart Growth

Coaching creates the space to reflect, prioritise, and focus. A coach helps you:

• Clarify what growth means for you
• Uncover what’s getting in the way
• Build a plan that’s aligned and achievable
• Stay accountable and flexible as you grow

Working with a coach is especially powerful when your business is growing fast, or you feel stuck and unsure what kind of growth makes sense next.

You can also explore this more in our article: How Group Coaching Boosts Team Productivity and Business Growth

Book Your Free Clarity Call with Sean

Ready to stop guessing and start growing on purpose? Book a free clarity call with Sean. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what growth your business really needs, and how to move towards it with confidence.

Schedule Your Free Clarity Call Now

FAQ

Q: Is growing revenue always the best goal? A: Not always. Sometimes increasing profit, improving efficiency, or building a better team culture brings more value than simply selling more.

Q: How do I know if I’m chasing the wrong type of growth? A: If growth is making your life harder, creating chaos, or pulling you away from what matters, it's worth reassessing your goals.

Q: Can business coaching help me figure out the right growth strategy? A: Absolutely. A business coach helps you step back, get clear on what you actually want, and design a strategy to grow in a way that fits your vision and lifestyle.

Q: What if I want more than one type of growth? A: That’s common. Coaching can help you sequence your goals and build a roadmap that balances multiple priorities without burning you out.