Many women build successful businesses by becoming The Fixer.
For a long time, it works beautifully.
You respond quickly.
You step in when things go wrong.
You solve problems, keep the wheels turning and make sure everything gets done.
That’s what helps a business grow in the early years.
But as a business moves into what I call the Second Stage of business, the very habits that helped build success can be what is inhibiting its growth.
What Is a Second Stage Business?
A Second Stage business is one that has moved beyond the early startup phase.
At this point:
- The business is generating real revenue
- There are established clients
- There may be a team or contractors involved
- The founder is carrying significant responsibility
This stage often brings a new kind of pressure.
The decisions carry more weight. There are more moving parts. And growth depends less on doing everything yourself and more on building the right support around you.
When Being “The Fixer” Becomes a Problem
Last year I began working with a fabulous service provider who had built a successful business and was ready for the next stage of growth.
She had recently expanded her team so the business could grow without everything sitting on her shoulders.
On paper, everything was in place.
She had well thought-out position descriptions, clear KPIs, the revenue to comfortably cover salaries and she had hired fantastic people.
In theory, it sounded idyllic.
In reality, she struggled to let go.
She kept stepping back in to do the work herself.
Not because she didn’t trust her team, but because doing it herself felt quicker, easier and safer.
She was used to being the one who carried everything.
And this is the pain many capable business owners experience in the Second Stage of business.
Growing a Business Requires More Than One Person
Strong businesses are rarely built by one person doing everything.
They grow when the founder learns to recognise where expertise is needed and allows others to step in.
It could be a bookkeeper, marketing specialist, operations manager, advisor or coach. These specialists bring perspective and capability that allows a business owner to stop doing that function in the business and focus on growth activity.
Learning to trust that expertise is one of the most important shifts in a Second Stage business.
Questions to Ask Yourself if You’re Feeling the Weight of Responsibility
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of running a growing business, it can be helpful to spend some time considering:
- Where are you still the default problem-solver?
What decisions, tasks or conversations automatically land with you?A time audit can be incredibly helpful here. It may be confronting, but it’s often the best way to see what is truly absorbing your time and energy. - What would actually happen if you stepped back?
Many business owners assume things will fall apart if they aren’t involved in every detail.Instead, try choosing one area and imagine what would happen if it were handled by someone else with the right expertise. - Are you giving your team the opportunity to shine?
This one can sting a little.Where might you be stepping in or micromanaging instead of allowing someone else to take ownership?Are there talented people around you who could step up if given the space to do so?
You Don’t Have to Reach Breaking Point
One of the biggest misconceptions in business is that you have to reach exhaustion before you start taking things off your plate.
You don’t.
Stepping back is not about doing less because you’re overwhelmed.
It’s about making room for your business and the people around you to grow.
Strategic Support for Second Stage Business Owners
If you’re finding that shift difficult, you’re not alone.
One of the most common challenges I see with women running established businesses is learning how to move from doing everything themselves to leading a business that can grow beyond them.
Sometimes what helps most is having someone outside the business who can help you:
- Think through complex decisions
- Challenge your assumptions
- Provide experienced perspective
- Steady your thinking before you make your next move
You don’t have to hold everything yourself.
Michelle Broadbent is a Strategic Business Advisor based in Sydney, Australia. She works with women running established businesses who are navigating growth, leadership and complex decision-making.
Through private 1:1 advisory support and Accountability Circles, Michelle helps business owners simplify their operations, strengthen their leadership and build sustainable businesses without the hustle.
