When you are a one-man or one-woman show there comes a point when you realize that if you don't get help you'll be destined to be overwhelmed, and you might run screaming out the door. Have you 'topped-out' with the work you can currently take on? Perhaps, like me, you are determined to actively grow your business, rather than passively complete the work that comes your way. If you've made that decision to actively grow your business, here are some things you should consider before you make your first move.

1. Determine your course of action. Make a business plan or revise your current one. As your business grows, it's always a good idea to revise your business plan. So, your first action step should be to identify the areas of your business where you need help. This will ensure you know which positions you need to fill to plug the gaps in your business plan.

2. Consider your competition. You don't have to hire novices. While doing so might work for your business-you pay less-but you also get less, so looking to your competitors might actually be a better plan. You'll find that those business owners who have the talent, skill, and determination to build their own business might be more helpful than you would expect. If you network with them and exchange ideas you'll be able to count on not only their particular area of expertise, but their work ethic as well. Perhaps they have expertise in an area you don't, and vice versa. Why not expand your range of services by swapping services?

It might just surprise you to find out that they are looking to grow their business too. Therefore, they might be open to the possibility of forming a partnership or sub-contractor relationship with you. This brings up another point...

3. Employee or Sub-contractor. Know what works best for you. Will you want to take on the responsibility of being a 'boss'? If so, know that there are many rules and regulations that come with this decision which you must strictly adhere to. Things like withholding taxes and posting mandated health related posters are just a couple of things we touched on in previous articles on this subject. Your subcontractor is responsible for all their own taxes and for adhering to government regulations. This leaves you free to run your business rather than keeping up with the ever-changing rules and government regulations.

4. Learn to accept less. There, I've said it! In order to grow, you have to be willing to be happy with less. As a sole-proprietor, it is often difficult to accept the fact that you can't keep 100% of the profits from a project. Nevertheless, if you ever hope to grow your business, you need to set your prices at a point where you can pay your subcontractors and still have a small margin of profit. Often your subcontractor will be happy to take 10-20% less if he or she knows that extra referrals will also come their way from you. If they have need of your services, a kind of reciprocal agreement might be the perfect solution.

5. Learn to let go. This may be the most difficult thing a business owner must do to move their business in a positive direction. Absolutely never micro-manage your employees, partners, or subcontractors. They will be happier and more productive, and so will you.

Now, for your bonus tip. This is something I recently became aware of.

Bonus Tip: When you make an appointment with a potential hire, don't get so set that you don't heed the warning signals. If the potential hire doesn't show up for your meeting, or is late without a valid excuse or fails to call to let you know they are running behind, your best course of action is to keep looking. If you can't count on them to show up on time for the very first interview, how can you believe they will be trustworthy enough to get the job done on time? If they do show up, but seem controlling or bossy, stand up and walk away. You'll be glad you did.

There you have it. If you are ready and willing, you can continue to expand your business. Take these simple concepts and apply them to your business development plan as you grow. You'll find the journey much more enjoyable.