As a solo business owner, you’re likely used to working long hours in order to grow your business. This is especially true if you are a service-based business like a coach or a social media manager, for example. But what if I told you that you could grow your business without working more hours?
This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
That's right. It IS possible to spend more time with family and friends, more time doing things you love, and less time working — all while growing a successful business. No need to hustle harder, just work smarter.
So stick around to discover six ways you can grow your business without working more (and in many cases, while actually working less!).
1. Sell an eBook or Infoproduct
As an expert in your field, you likely already have a group of people who want to learn from you.
One of the best ways to share your knowledge – and make more money without working more – is to create an infoproduct. Some of the easiest types of infoproducts to create are eBooks, guides, workbooks, and templates.
The beauty of using this strategy is that most of your work will be done upfront. This means you can invest time now into writing it, and then sell it again and again indefinitely!
2. Outsource Tasks or Hire a Team
While it can be scary to give up some control of your business, hiring people, putting together a team, or outsourcing some of your day-to-day tasks can be a total game-changer. I know it has been for me.
Continuing to do all the work yourself means you have no choice but to work harder and put in longer hours. Plus, YOU aren’t necessarily the best person for every job. And, if you're anything like me, doing work you're not suited for causes frustration and takes longer to complete.
Instead, hire people who are the best at what they do. This frees you up to do more of what you love. And more of what you’re actually good at!
3. Move to a “One to Many” Model
Running a service-based business is so rewarding, but only offering one-to-one services will always mean you have these choices to increase your revenue:
- Raise your rates
- Work with more one-to-one clients
And let's be honest — working with MORE people won't always work because at some point you're going to run out of time.
This is why I encourage business owners to look at whether a “one to few” (that's a small group) or “one to many” model is right for their business.
Here are a few examples of what this could look like:
- Financial Planner: Hold live or online classes to teach people how to invest
- Coaches: Offer group coaching rather than – or in addition to – one-on-one coaching
- Makeup Artist: Have makeup parties where people can buy your products rather than only having one-on-one appointments
These options are all great, as they allow you to help more people while working less, and potentially making more money!
4. Use Amazing Tools
Using the right tools can make a huge difference in your business!
While there’s something to be said for bootstrapping, using tools to batch or streamline your work or boost your productivity can save you both time and money.
While there’s something to be said for bootstrapping, using tools to batch or streamline your work or boost your productivity can save you both time and money.Click To TweetSome tools you might want to consider include:
- A bookkeeping/invoicing tool like FreshBooks
- Customer relationship management software like Insightly
- Social media management software like Buffer
- A graphic design tool like Canva
5. Start a Membership Site
This one would fall under the “one to many” model mentioned above but deserves its very own section.
Membership sites are a great way for service-based business owners to offer more information and support while working less overall.
Membership sites are a great way for service-based business owners to offer more information and support while working less overall.Click To TweetA membership site typically consists of members-only content, a private discussion board or Facebook group, access to exclusive discounts, and some type of live support (e.g., member calls).
Members pay a set monthly or annual fee for access to all of the above. This means more predictable income for you and 24/7 access to info and support for your clients.
6. Create an Online Course
Another awesome way to grow your business without working more hours is to create and offer an online course. This could be a part of your membership site offerings or you can sell it as a standalone product.
There are so many great tools out there now that allow you to set up your own course with little to no technical skills required. And if you outsource the tech part, you'll save even more time! Just sayin'.
Here are just a few tools that will allow you to house your course, take payments, communicate with members, and more!
Again, this means helping more clients while spending less time working!
Final Thoughts on How to Grow Your Business without Working More
If you want to grow your business without working more, the six strategies above will certainly help you accomplish that. But don't try to implement them all at once. Start with ONE. Choose a strategy that most resonates with you and makes the most sense for your business.
To grow a business – one that’s sustainable over the long term – it’s important to find ways to help more people without necessarily investing more of your valuable time.
I trust you've been motivated to do just that!
Which strategies above are you going to try? Let me know in the comments below.
UPDATED on June 20, 2022
2 thoughts on “6 Ways to Grow Your Business Without Working More Hours”
This is great! I launched a subscription email and am building a one-to-many course. Great reminder about ebook too. You’re awesome. Thanks for the motivation.
Thank you, Gennifer! Love what you’re building.