More about this guidebook

A Stage 1 business is in a unique phase. With only 1-10 employees, each person is critical to the success of the enterprise. Profit is the first priority, and the organization must be confident overall, with a leader who casts and executes on a strong vision, coaches employees to develop their potential, and pushes through chaos with decisive decision making.

This book concisely presents the research-based rules for growth that will guide a business owner through the challenges of running a Stage 1 business. The chapters are based on the unique dimensions of the Stages of Growth methodology, and include an introduction to each topic as well as the specific findings for Stage 1 organizations.

Nearly every dimension represents an ideal for businesses to follow. For that reason, after the definition of each dimension, you’ll find a section that illustrates what happens when a business is out of alignment with the ideal. This brief example serves to cement the concepts that have been discussed and bring each dimension down to a more tangible level.

To help you put the information to use immediately, there is also an application section at the end of each chapter. You’ll find three or four questions to help you reflect on the material and apply it to your business, as well as a tip that you can carry with you.

Every business owner’s journey is different, but that doesn’t mean you have to forge a path on your own.