From Survival to Growth: The Mindset Shift Every Business Owner Needs
- Jacob Acker
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
I've been there - waking up every day just trying to keep things running. The focus was always making it through the week, covering expenses, and putting out fires. Some days, it felt like I was barely holding it together. But I quickly began to realize something along the way: you can't build a thriving business if you're always stuck in survival mode.
Growth doesn't just happen. It's not luck, and it's not something that "just clicks" one day. It's the result of intentional shifts - in how you think, how you make decisions, and how you run your business.
If you're tired of just getting by and you're ready to start actually growing, here's what I've learned about making that transition.
1) Adapt a Business Growth Mindset: Think Long-Term, Not Just About Today
When you're in survival mode, every decision feels urgent. You chase quick wins, cut corners, and focus only on what brings in immediate cash. But sustainable growth requires a different approach:
Growth Shift: Start making decisions with the next 12-24 months in mind. Set clear goals for where you want your business to be - and work backward from there.
Action Step: Write down your vision for your business one year from today. What needs to change to make it happen?
2) Work on Your Business, Not Just In It
Most business owners wear too many hats - handling operations, sales, marketing, and everything in between. But if you're stuck in the day-to-day grind, you'll never have time to focus on actual growth.
Growth Shift: Learn to step back and build systems so your business can run without you being in the weeds.
Action Step: Identify one task you can delegate or automate this week. Freeing up even a few hours can shift your focus to bigger priorities.
3) Stop Chasing Customers - Start Keeping Them
Survival mode means constantly hunting for new customers, often at the expense of the ones you already have. But real growth happens when you build relationships that keep people coming back.
Growth Shift: Prioritize customer retention over acquisition. Loyal customers spend more and refer others - reducing the need for constant ad spend and marketing.
Action Step: Follow up with your past customers. A simple check-in email or exclusive offer can go a long way in bringing them back.
4) Invest in Growth, Even When It Feels Risky
A survival mindset often leads to cutting costs wherever possible - including areas that could drive real growth. Marketing, technology, and hiring often get pushed aside to "save money."
Growth Shift: Start seeing investments in your business as a necessity, not a luxury. Growth requires putting resources into the right areas.
Action Step: Look at where you're holding back due to costs. What's one investment (in marketing, training, or tools) that could generate long-term returns?
5) Make Decisions Like a CEO, Not Just an Owner
When you're in survival mode, every decision is based on immediate needs - paying the next bill, filling today's schedule, or dealing with the latest fire. But true business growth happens when you step into a leadership mindset.
Growth Shift: Start thinking like a CEO. That means making decisions based on where you want to go, not just where you are now.
Action Step: Surround yourself with growth-minded people (like TRALE) - whether it's a mentor, a mastermind group, or just other business owners who challenge you to think bigger.
Don't Wait, Make the Leap
Running a business is tough. But staying stuck in survival mode will only keep you spinning your wheels. If you're serious about growing, start shifting your mindset today - think long-term, build systems, invest wisely, and surround yourself with the right people.
Ready to make the shift? Let’s talk!
