Bottlenecks: How to find and crush them.

Let’s be honest - most businesses aren’t growing as fast as they could.

Not because the founders aren’t working hard. Not because the team isn’t trying.

But because there’s usually one main thing quietly bottlenecking the whole operation.

The problem is, when you’re in the thick of it - putting out fires, answering emails, and keeping the wheels turning—it’s hard to see it. 

You get caught in task momentum. But not necessarily in growth.

I’ve been in that situation a few times, and thankfully, it’s getting easier to see and respond to. 

Here’s a simple exercise I like to do to find out what’s stalling progress. 

I imagine putting on a consultant’s hat and stepping outside my business.

Imagine you’ve been engaged as a business growth advisor to uncover why your business isn't growing as fast as it should.

(and no, it's not just the economy)

For some reason I imagine myself looking down on my business like you would a toy house. 

Watching people move around in a tiny business - customers coming and going, people doing things, making things—It's almost animated. 

In my mind, I zoom in listen to meetings and watch work happen.

Then, after observing all the moving parts at a distance, I ask:

What’s the one thing stopping this business from growing?

For us, its been different bottlenecks at different times.

At one point: space and infrastructure. We were redlining our equipment and bursting at the seams.

Then: people. We didn’t have the right team to scale.

Now: We’ve got both of those sorted, and the answer’s changed again.

Growth bottlenecks evolve - but there’s always one main one holding you back.

Sometimes it’s that the product isn’t up to standard. 

Sometimes it’s a lack of cash, sales conversions or profitability.

Sometimes it’s people, leadership or decision-making speed. 

Whatever it is, it’s your job to find it.

Because once you name it - you can solve it.

So, what is it for you right now?

What’s the one thing that, if fixed, would unlock the next level of growth?

There are a few people who read this email who don’t have a business yet. 

If that’s you, maybe you want to apply the same logic to your career? Or personal finances?

I’d love to hear what’s holding you back.

And what you're going to do about it?