Scaling Your Small Business Series

Overcoming Growth Challenges for Small Service-Based Business Owners

Welcome to my new blog series, Scaling Your Small Business. As a Business Coach, I work with small service-based business owners at every state – just starting out, scaling for growth, or preparing to sell. Over the coming months, you are in for a treat. I’ll be sharing insights and strategies to help you navigate the challenges of expanding your business with confidence.

In this Scaling Your Small Business series, I’ll be speaking with small business owners who have successfully grown their businesses. We’ll explore the key obstacles small business owners face as they grow, with a special focus on hiring, building a team, and stepping into leadership.

Whether you’re struggling to find the right help, delegate effectively, or shift from being the doer to the leader, this series will provide actionable guidance to support your journey. Each guest will share their experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for hiring and leading a team. My goal is to provide valuable, real-world insights to help you make informed decisions as you scale.

Today, I’m excited to introduce Rebecca Meehan, MBA Chief Marketing Officer / Owner & Founder T.Ella Marketing Solutions. Rebecca is an experienced small business owner who has built a thriving business while learning to delegate, lead effectively, and maintain balance.

Finding Good Help

Kim:

One of the biggest struggles for small business owners is finding good help. How did you approach hiring and building your team?

Rebecca:

I started by getting really clear on what I actually needed help with. A lot of business owners wait until they’re overwhelmed before hiring, and then they rush the process. I took time to define the tasks I wanted to delegate, then looked for people with the right skills and mindset. It’s not just about talent—it’s about finding people who align with your work style and values.

Kim:

That makes sense. Did you make any mistakes along the way?

Rebecca:

Absolutely! Early on, I made the mistake of hiring based on convenience rather than compatibility. I’ve learned that taking the time to find the right person is always worth it. A great hire can save you time and stress in the long run.

The Value of Having Help

Kim:

Some business owners hesitate to hire because they’re worried about the cost or losing control. What would you say to them?

Rebecca:

I get it—I used to think that way too. But I’ve realized that trying to do everything myself was actually costing me money. When you free up your time, you can focus on growth and high-value tasks instead of getting stuck in the weeds. Having help isn’t a luxury; it’s a smart investment.

Kim:

That’s such a shift in mindset. How did you personally feel the impact of delegating?

Rebecca:

I noticed a huge difference in my energy and creativity. When you’re constantly bogged down with admin work, you don’t have time to think strategically. Once I started delegating, I was able to focus on the big picture and take my business to the next level.

Managing and Leading Effectively

Kim:

Once you have a team, the next challenge is managing them. What’s your approach to leading effectively?

Rebecca:

I focus on collaboration rather than control. I don’t just assign tasks—I make sure my team understands why their work matters. When people feel valued and connected to the bigger picture, they perform better.

Kim:

That’s a great perspective. How do you balance giving guidance while allowing your team to take ownership?

Rebecca:

It’s about trust. I set clear expectations and check in regularly, but I don’t micromanage. If I’ve hired the right people, I need to let them do what they do best.

Good Communication

Kim:

Communication is key in any business. How do you make sure your team stays aligned?

Rebecca:

I prioritize transparency and clarity. I check in regularly, provide clear instructions, and make sure there’s always room for feedback. Also, I’ve learned that communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about listening too. When your team feels heard, they’re more engaged.

Kim:

That’s a great point. Have you ever had a communication breakdown?

Rebecca:

Of course! Early on, I assumed people just knew what I wanted, but that led to misunderstandings. Now, I always overcommunicate when necessary and ask my team to repeat key instructions back to me to make sure we’re on the same page.

Being a High-Level Leader vs. a Worker Bee

Kim:

A lot of business owners struggle to step into the role of a leader instead of being the one doing all the work. How did you make that shift?

Rebecca:

It took time! I used to feel like I had to be involved in every little thing. But I realized that if I wanted to grow, I needed to step into a leadership role. That meant focusing on vision, strategy, and big-picture decisions instead of getting caught up in the day-to-day.

Kim:

What would you say to someone who still feels stuck in the “worker bee” mentality?

Rebecca:

Ask yourself: Are you spending your time on tasks that move your business forward, or are you just keeping busy? If it’s the latter, it’s time to step back and reassess. Your business needs you to be the leader—not just another employee.

Mindfulness

Kim:

Running a business can be stressful. How do you stay mindful and avoid burnout?

Rebecca:

I build self-care into my routine. That means setting work boundaries, taking breaks, and making time for things outside of business. Also, I check in with myself regularly. If I start feeling overwhelmed, I step back and ask, “What needs to change?”

Kim:

That’s such a healthy approach. Have you ever ignored those signs and regretted it?

Rebecca:

Oh, definitely. There were times I pushed through exhaustion because I thought I had to. But I’ve learned that taking a break actually makes me more productive in the long run. You can’t serve your clients well if you’re running on empty.

What Do You Wish You Had Known?

Kim:

Looking back, what’s something you wish you had known sooner?

Rebecca:

That I didn’t have to do everything myself! I wish I had set better boundaries earlier. Saying yes to the wrong clients or taking on too much only leads to frustration.

Kim:

Such valuable lessons. If you could go back, what’s one thing you would do differently?

Rebecca:

I’d start building a team sooner. I would have saved myself so much stress!

Advice for Another Business Owner

Kim:

If someone is feeling stuck in their business right now, what advice would you give them?

Rebecca:

Take a step back and look at where your time is going. If you’re spending too much time on low-level tasks, start delegating. If you’re working with the wrong clients, start saying no. And most importantly—trust yourself. You can grow your business in a way that feels good, but it starts with making intentional choices.

Kim:

Such great advice! Rebecca, thank you so much for sharing your insights today.

Rebecca:

Thank you! I hope this helps other business owners feel more confident in their next steps.

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