5 Things To Consider When Expanding Your Business

Business expansion requires more revenue, so before you consider what your company needs to complete it’s expansion first and foremost commit to a sales strategy that will create income in new territories. Even with investment to get set up with new products and services and roll out marketing campaigns, before long, the sales revenue needs to cover costs and then provide a profit to satisfy investors and stakeholders.

Taking your business to the next level is not an overnight success, and even with the best sales strategy, there are many other considerations and obstacles to overcome before you can say it worked!

One way you can grow quickly is to acquire another company and then you will have their assets as well as their sales revenue. Plus the infrastructure including staff, buildings, equipment and vehicles. However, it can take too long to identify the business you want and then get the terms you need to secure the purchase. Plus there’s the merger of the two business to consider.

Will, there be duplication of resources and therefore unnecessary waste and expense? The bringing together of two company cultures is a challenge too; hence this path can fall into the ‘too hard’ basket.

Expanding organically is a more natural process; however, it is a costly exercise. We’ve identified a few areas that can make or break company expansion aspirations. In no particular order let’s first look at vehicles.

Vehicles

If company cars are necessary within your business, then it’s vital to consider whether you need to expand your fleet. Purchasing multiple cars will be expensive, so it’s important to measure the necessity against the cost. If you do, it’s worth looking into vehicle tracking too as this improves safety amongst your fleet and ensures you can keep tabs on them while they are out, to improve efficiencies and ensure they are driving safely. Vehicle tracking tools can also deter thieves or increase your chances of finding a commercial vehicle if it has been stolen.

Staffing Requirements

Employees are an added expense to the business, so it’s important to consider whether you need staff all year round. If not, it could be worth looking into temporary staff instead and hiring people on a contractual basis. StrategyDriven encourages employers to work out how much work is necessary to spread across the team before hiring new starters, because you may find you don’t need the number of employees that you initially thought.

Cashflow

When you take into consideration the fact that you’ll be hiring new employees and possibly paying for further training, it’s important to assess the working capital and cash flow. A financial statement with profit and loss projections will identify strengths and weaknesses in your financial position. Work out whether you’ll see the profit still after expanding your business. Although an expansion may make sense, will it be good for your company? This leads to market research and assessing competitors

Market Research and Competitors

What is the market opportunity? Conduct a thorough analysis using a SWOT statement. It’s better to learn of a change in direction for your company before you start spending the money on the project. Plus what are your competitors doing in the area? Learn through other company’s errors and change course or make the necessary adjustments to avoid leaking money. Forbes suggests researching what’s worked and what’s failed with your competitors’ growth into new markets. Knowledge is power, so give yourself the time you need to be adequately resourced for a successful launch into unknown territory.

Summary

There is never a dull moment in business. With competitors hot on your heels, standing still is never an option. Even in uncertain times where much of what can affect a company is out of your control, focus on what you inherently know works for you and your customers and growth will happen.