Why Your Business May Not Be Growing (and What to Do About It)

You’ve got the talent, the passion, and a solid service or product. So why isn’t your business growing like you thought it would? As a solopreneur or small business owner, hitting a growth plateau can feel frustrating, but it’s also a sign that something needs to change.

Let’s explore some common reasons why your business might be stuck—and, more importantly, how tools like 17hats and the Marketplace can help you break through the barriers to reach the next level.

1. You’re Too Busy Working In Your Business, Not On It

If you’re constantly swamped with day-to-day tasks, it’s hard to find the time to strategize for growth. Sure, sending invoices, replying to emails, and managing projects are all essential parts of running a business, but when those tasks consume your entire day, you’re left with little bandwidth to think about the bigger picture.

The fix: Automation is your new best friend. By automating repetitive tasks—like invoicing, follow-ups, and client onboarding—you can free up time to focus on strategy, marketing, and expanding your offerings. With 17hats, you can set up Workflows to handle much of your daily admin automatically, giving you back precious hours to work on your business, not just in it.

And if creating systems feels overwhelming, the Marketplace offers tried and true Workflows and templates from industry leaders that help streamline your operations. With the click of a button, you can implement a whole new process without reinventing the wheel.

2. Your Client Experience Needs an Upgrade

You might think that growth means getting more clients, but what if the answer lies in retaining and impressing the clients you already have? If your clients aren’t raving about your service or referring you to others, it might be a sign that your client experience could use some polish.

The fix: Focus on creating a seamless, branded client journey. From that initial inquiry to the final follow-up, every touchpoint should make your clients feel cared for and confident in their decision to work with you. 17hats makes this easy with its client management tools, automated reminders, and customized templates.

Need a little help with the structure? Head to the Marketplace where you can find templates to help along the way. Try Matthew Stagliano’s Connection Collection – Client Communication Bundle and let his process be a guide. It can be the secret to making sure every client feels special, valued, and eager to recommend you to others.

3. You’re Not Charging What You’re Worth

Let’s have a serious conversation for a second—are you undercharging for your services? Many solopreneurs fall into the trap of setting prices based on what they think clients will pay, instead of what their time and expertise are truly worth. Undervaluing your services can lead to overwork, burnout, and a business that doesn’t grow because you simply can’t take on more.

The fix: It’s time to evaluate your pricing. Are your rates aligned with the value you deliver? If not, adjusting your pricing can not only increase your revenue but also free up your time to focus on higher-quality clients. 17hats can help with this by simplifying your quoting and invoicing process.

4. You’re Trying to Do Everything Yourself

As a solopreneur, you’re used to wearing many hats (pun totally intended), but that doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. Growth often stalls when you’re spread too thin, trying to handle every aspect of your business alone.

The fix: Start delegating, even if that means handing off tasks to systems instead of people. For example, let 17hats handle your client management, automations, and scheduling. It’s like having an extra team member, but without the extra payroll. You can also use the Marketplace to discover ready-to-go processes for things like email templates and Workflows.

Automating your operations allows you to focus on what really matters—your clients, your craft, and your vision for growth.

Growing a business isn’t just about hustling harder—it’s about working smarter. If you’re feeling stuck, take a step back and identify what’s holding you back. Maybe it’s the day-to-day admin, a pricing mismatch, or simply not having a clear strategy. The good news? Tools like 17hats and the Marketplace are designed to help you overcome these obstacles, so you can focus on what you do best and scale your business to new heights.

Ready to start growing again? It’s time to take control, work strategically, and let 17hats be your partner in growth. Let’s do this! 💪

Spotlight Marketplace Item 

Portrait Photography Success Workflow Bundle by Megan Ewing
A comprehensive bundle of two workflows designed for portrait photographers, covering every step from lead capture to delivering final edits and collecting client reviews. Simplify your client management and provide a seamless experience from start to finish.