Scaling Service Business to Six Figures: Smart Strategies [Guide]
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Apr 21
- 6 min read
Scaling Your Service-Based Business to Six Figures & Beyond: It's Not Just About Working Harder
Hey lovely ladies,
Let's talk scaling – that magical word that dances in the dreams of every entrepreneur, conjuring images of overflowing bank accounts & endless freedom. But let's be real, the journey to six figures & beyond isn't always rainbows & unicorns. It's more like a wild pony ride – exhilarating gallops, unexpected bucks, & moments where you're just holding on tight, hoping you remembered to wear your best riding boots (because, honey, blisters and balance don't mix).
I remember trying to record a training video once, convinced I had finally carved out a quiet hour while the kids were miraculously occupied. Famous last words, right? Mid-sentence, my toddler decides the perfect moment to launch into a full-blown "Destructo-cat" karaoke session with her toy microphone, amplified to ear-splitting levels. The look on her face when she finished? Pure rock star. Let’s just say the outtakes were...priceless. The point is, scaling a business, especially while juggling the beautiful chaos of motherhood or other significant life commitments, requires more than just grit & determination. It demands a fundamental shift in how you think, how you strategize, & how you prioritize.
This post isn't about the generic “hustle harder” mantra (because honestly, who has bandwidth for that between school runs and sanity checks?). This is about working smartersmarter & embracing the power of systems, smart delegation, & most importantly, taking radical responsibility for your journey.
Common Sticking Points & Smart Strategies for Scaling (Based on the Business Flourish Framework)
As you navigate the different stages of growth – from Foundation Builder to Scaling Leader & beyond to Visionary Leader – you'll inevitably encounter hurdles. These aren’t roadblocks, but opportunities to learn, adapt, & emerge stronger, much like how my eldest finally mastered riding her bike after countless wobbles & a few scraped knees (persistence, my friends, it's key). These reflections, informed by my ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship, often highlight the need for accessible support tailored to the unique challenges women face. Let’s explore some common sticking points & the strategic mindset shifts that can help you overcome them:
The £1k-£3k/month Hurdle: From Chaos to Clarity (Focus is Your Friend)
This is often where the initial excitement of launching wears off & the reality of inconsistent income kicks in. You might be juggling multiple offers, struggling to articulate your unique value, or feeling completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of things on your to-do list. Sound familiar? I've been there, trying to launch a webinar amidst a spontaneous toddler finger-painting session on my office wall (yes, really!). It’s where self-doubt and imposter syndrome creep in, reminding you of those early school days when you were afraid to even ask a question. What helped me was remembering my dad, always ready to champion my voice – a lesson in finding and owning your expertise, no matter how "small" you might feel.
This stage is all about focusfocus & building a strong foundation. Ask yourself: "What’s my core purpose? What problem am I solving?" (Remember Simon Sinek's golden rule: "People don't buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it.") Then, dive deep into your customer's world; what are her primal desires, her hidden frustrations (Sabri Suby's Halo Strategy)? Once you have that clarity, build a simple, high-value offer that speaks to her soul (Suby’s High-Value Content Offer is a game-changer). Mindset-wise, it's time to shift from "victim" to "victor" (Adrienne Weriner’s Level 1 to Level 2 Consciousness). Are you blaming external factors, or taking responsibility for your results? Own your power, lovely lady. You've got this!
Clarify your niche.
Refine your core offer.
Create simple, manageable systems (yes, even if you're not a "tech person").
Leverage accessible tools like Canva for marketing visuals & Trello for project management.
Perhaps consider our Ready-to-Launch Kit if you'd prefer to completely bypass the initial tech setup & get straight to building your brand. Ready-to-Launch Kit Page Think of it like creating the strong roots of a tree; they may not be glamorous, but they’re essential for future growth. One client of mine, Sarah, used the Ready-to-Launch Kit and landed her first five clients in just two weeks. She said it felt like “magic,” but really, it was about having a solid foundation from which to flourish.
The £3k-£10k/month Plateau: Streamlining for Sustainable Growth (Flow Creates Freedom)
If you're a Scaling Leader, you've validated your idea & you're getting clients, but growth feels slow & inconsistent. You're working harderharder but not necessarily smartersmarter, like trying to build a house with just a hammer and sheer willpower – possible, but probably not the most efficient approach. You might be the bottleneck in your own business, still doing everything yourself (I get it; delegation can feel like a foreign language at first).
This is where flowflow becomes essential. Implement efficient systems. Ask yourself: "Where are the bottlenecks in my processes? What can be automated or delegated (remember Cody Sanchez, ‘build a business that pays you’, not one that enslaves you)?" Think about the psychological impact of your messaging (Sutherland's Uber map anecdote is a masterclass in managing customer anxiety). Mindset-wise, are you stuck in "hustle" mode (Weriner’s Level 2)? Learn to trust your intuition and let go of the need to control every detail. A simple, powerful affirmation for this stage: "I trust the process. I am open to receiving." This shift to Level 3 Consciousness (Flow/Intuition) is where the magic happens – the sales start to flow, the ideas come easier, and you feel a sense of joyful momentum.
Implement efficient systems, perhaps leveraging smart AI tools to truly streamline your processes.
Delegate or ditch what’s not serving you.
Invest in tools or training that free up your time for strategic activities.
Perhaps exploring the Launch Programme could be helpful at this stage. Launch Programme Page One of my Launch Programme graduates, Maria, was able to double her client base in just three months after implementing the strategies we covered. Don't be afraid to invest in support; it’s not an expense, it’s a strategic move towards sustainable growth. My own MBA taught me that – much like figuring out how to wrangle four kids, two dogs, a PhD, and a business – delegation is not a luxury; it's a necessity for scaling effectively.
The £10k+/month Expansion: Embracing the Power of Leverage (Fusion Fuels Growth)
Congratulations, you’ve broken through! But now, new challenges emerge. Managing a team, attracting premium clients, maintaining consistency – it can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle (and trust me, no one needs that kind of stress after a morning of deciphering toddler demands and puppy antics).
This is where fusionfusion & strategic leverage come into play. Ask yourself: "How can I amplify my impact with strategic AI integration? Where are the opportunities to expand my reach and serve more clients without burning myself out?" Think about building your trust funnel and streamlining your client journey (Adrienne Weriner’s approach to simple, yet effective, funnels). Mindset-wise, are you truly embodying your "Big Deal" energy? Are you pricing your services according to their value, or are you still the "Oprah of discounts" (Adrienne is hilarious and so relatable)? Embrace your worth, my friend. The world needs your magic!
Integrate AI for tasks like content creation or customer service.
Invest in advanced coaching (like our Momentum Coaching programme) to hone your leadership skills & build a robust, scalable business that supports your desired lifestyle (because you deserve a business that works forfor you, not the other way around). Momentum Coaching Page
One client, after joining Momentum Coaching, shared that she finally felt like she was “running the business, not the other way around” – isn’t that the ultimate dream?
Remember that early venture I mentioned, Nisbett & George? That was a fashion and marketing business I co-founded during university after a pivotal “now or never” moment during the E-Factor competition (talk about pressure!). It taught me a lot about the power (and pitfalls) of partnerships, especially as a new mum trying to balance everything. It was a valuable lesson in the realities of juggling family and entrepreneurial ambitions – a “Little Red Hen” moment, if you will. This isn’t just about scaling your income; it's about scaling your impactimpact.
Beyond Six Figures: The Visionary Leader (Ascend to Your Next Level)
Scaling beyond six figures requires a whole new level of leadership – much like when my youngest started walking, her newfound independence brought a whole new set of joys and challenges. You’re not just building a business; you're building a legacy. You’re leading a team, shaping a culture, & making high-stakes decisions. This stage often requires a deeper level of self-awareness & a willingness to continuously evolve. This is where our Ascend Executive Coaching programme can provide the support and strategic guidance you need to navigate this next level of growth and impact, with grace and flow. Ascend Executive Coaching Page The Ascend programme is designed to help you create a business that not only thrives financially but also aligns deeply with your vision for a fulfilling and impactful life, allowing you to make those "earth-moving" contributions.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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