4 Quotes to Keep You Sane During Exponential Business Growth

Most new business owners don't expect to go viral soon after opening their doors — but that's exactly what happened to Do , a cookie dough shop in Manhattan.

Not long after it opened in January 2017, Insider Food posted a video from the shop on Facebook that got 73 million views and drew large crowds from all over the world. Do wasn't prepared. It ran out of product and had to shut down online orders altogether.

While few businesses have to deal with the outcome of a viral video, many struggle with unexpected growth. New and small businesses are vital to a strong economy — especially when businesses with fewer than 50 employees represent 95 percent of companies in the U.S.

Planning for Success

Entrepreneurs start businesses with ideas they're passionate about. But reality often sets in when those businesses open and are slammed with unexpected growth. Many point to unexpected popularity as a cause of that growth, but that's a myth. After all, if you don't expect your business to take off, why are you putting all your money, time, and effort into it?

Planning ahead can prepare you for popularity. If you assume you'll have lots of traffic from the beginning, you can hire enough staff to handle it and hope the business brings in enough revenue to support your employees. You can always cut back if necessary, but hiring extra workers after your business proves to be popular is not practical.

On the other hand, enlisting help from a mentor, friend, or educational source can save you from wasting time and money if your business fails. Accountants, lawyers, and financial advisors can provide a clear path to success without much interference in the business.

Planning is also key in instances when you could be personally liable for legal shortcomings your business suffers. You could have liens placed on your personal assets to satisfy your business debts. Make decisions wisely, and set your pride aside. Take the time to make sure you're in the right by having experts double-check everything. Their advice could cover things you haven't considered.

The entrepreneurial fairy tale will end before it begins if you can't handle your company's growth. If the doors open to large crowds but customers are faced with unorganized customer service or understaffing, those crowds will likely die down the next week after word gets out about customers' poor experiences. Months later, when you're behind on lease payments and losing employees, you'll be left with nothing but your idea.

Fortunately, a look toward the future while you're still starting out can save you from those regrets.

Powering Through Unexpected Growth

Regardless of the cause, dealing with fast-paced growth can be difficult. Sometimes entrepreneurs just need a little inspiration from strong leaders to help them power through those trying times. Here are four quotes to keep you sane during periods of unexpected growth:

1. "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." — Colin Powell

My mantra has always been, "Be the most prepared person in the room" — within logical expectations, of course. Planning for the unexpected and having the right tools in place to get you over hurdles is key to success. It's better to overstock on employees, tasks, or inventory to ensure you're ready for whatever comes next. You can always cut back, but adding elements during a crunch can leave you in chaos.

2. "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." — Henry Ford

I get more excited about working with people who truly care about what they do than working with individuals who have a stellar resume but no passion . Sometimes people might seem enthusiastic at the start, but as time goes by, it might become clear that some employees were only excited about their paychecks. It's vital to work with a team of people who believe in and are passionate about common goals.

3. "Some of the best lessons we ever learn are learned from past mistakes. The error of the past is the wisdom and success of the future." — Dale Turner

All people deserve a chance to figure out where their passions lie, both in their personal lives and at work. Sometimes that means taking a chance on an employee who isn't quite sure whether he's passionate about your business. Hire team members who fit a balance of personality, skill, and team chemistry. If it becomes clear that an employee isn't happy with his or her position, it's OK. Let her move on to become a rock star somewhere else.

4. "Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." — Bobby Unser

Always look for opportunities to grow and improve. Watch for the next trend in marketing, innovation, and technology. Every day, read something that contributes to the overall growth of your business. Keep an eye on trade magazines , blogs focused on your industry, or social media sources that provide the kind of insight that will contribute to your personal and business growth.

Most entrepreneurs dream of creating a runaway success, but growing too much too fast can be detrimental to a business' success. Planning ahead for future popularity and learning to power through the tough stages of growth will keep you on your feet.