As a small business owner, it's highly likely you have given some thought to how you will grow your operations in the short to long term.
While the concept of growth will no doubt conjure up images of expanding your customer base and taking more orders, the truth is it can take a wide variety of forms.
You might, for example, focus on expanding the knowledge and skills of your workforce. Every small business can benefit from training its staff - when was the last time you offered any opportunities for professional development?
No matter how highly you might think of your industry knowledge, there is always more to be learnt. Factor this into your growth plan and your bottom line - as well as your staff - will thank you for it.
Another area you may not have thought about expanding is your employee base. As a business develops, the need for a greater range of roles will come to the fore.
Have you got someone who specifically takes charge of your company marketing? Is there an employee who's in control of human resources?
It's not uncommon for small businesses to allocate various jobs to a limited number of people, but as your operations develop, you might want to look at offering more niche roles.
Diversification is another hot topic in the corporate world and it has the potential to open up a host of new avenues to your firm. Are there markets and opportunities you haven't yet explored?
If the answer is yes then it's time to think big - as a business owner you will no doubt have a sound knowledge of your sector, so make sure you use this expertise to your advantage.
Growth is about seeing opportunities and making the most of them - so what direction will your company take in the months and years to come?
Wishing you all the best for your week in business.