Stop Confusing Growth with Profitability — Here’s Why
Adebukola Ajao
Digital Marketing Consultant & Small Business Advocate | Providing small businesses with creative and cost efficient digital marketing services
Peace Friends,
Small business owners sometimes get tripped up on the distinction between growth and profitability. Many say they want growth when what they’re really after is profitability. While these goals can overlap, they aren’t the same thing, and this difference is crucial. A profitable business prioritizes maximizing revenue over expenses, creating a stand-alone, self-sustaining enterprise that consistently generates income. Growth, however, is more about influence—it’s about expanding your customer base, boosting brand awareness, and building long-term relationships with people who value your offerings. Growth often requires a broader focus, sometimes at the expense of immediate profits, to build a solid foundation that can later be leveraged for increased revenue.
This distinction is vital because knowing which goal to prioritize will shape your strategy. Are you looking for quick revenue, or are you working to build a brand that’s influential enough to drive profitability in the long term? Neither approach is inherently better, but aligning your objectives to the right outcome will ensure you’re putting effort into the strategies that truly serve your goals.
As you continue growing your business, pause and ask yourself: What is my outcome? Am I focused on profitability, growth, or a mix of both? By clarifying this and setting objectives that align, you’ll find it easier to make meaningful progress in your biz!
Read the rest of this week's newsletter here.
Best,
A
Vice-President, Business Community Officer| CDFI Ambassador| Change Maker
4 个月I love this topic! Many business owners are laser focused on growing revenues too quickly instead of working on increasing profit margins first while ensuring they have the proper infrastructure to grow revenues and increase market share.
Bookkeeping Services for Small Businesses
4 个月Great insights! It's essential for small business owners to understand that profitability ensures survival, while growth fuels opportunity.??