Levelling Up: What You Need to Know Before Expanding Your Business

This week we are pleased to welcome Beth Harris as our guest blogger.

As the founder of businesstipscenter.com, Beth Harris knows a thing or two about making smart business decisions. She founded her company with the goal of providing entrepreneurs with an all-access platform full of business resources and tips. Beth understands that every day brings new opportunities to make the best decisions possible for your business. That’s why she’s dedicated to making it happen.

Like it or not, being self-published author is the same as running your own business. And, like any other business, it helps if you know what you need to do to make your business a success.

Many blogs focus on the importance of book marketing, but there is more to running a self-publishing business than just marketing your books. This blog takes a look at some of those other business management issues in order to allow your business to grow.

When you decide it’s time to expand your business, you’re not just scaling operations—you’re reshaping your entire ecosystem. Growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It touches every corner of what you’ve built, from team dynamics to the way customers interact with your brand. Before you hit the gas, you need a grounded, thoughtful approach that ensures your next chapter doesn’t derail the momentum you’ve worked so hard to build.

Hiring Beyond the Résumé (CV)

At some point you may need to hire people to help you with your business. It may be that you only hire them as freelancers, for a specific task,  but you may need longer term help at some point.

Adding new people to your team isn’t just about skillsets—it’s about culture, adaptability, and alignment. When you're growing fast, you need employees who can evolve with you, who won’t get flustered when job descriptions change overnight. Prioritize candidates who show initiative and a willingness to take ownership over those who simply tick boxes on paper. You’re not just hiring for what your business is today; you’re hiring for what it will become six months from now.

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Funding That Doesn’t Cost Your Soul

Expansion needs fuel, and that usually means cash. Whether you’re pulling from reserves, seeking investors, or applying for loans, the key is clarity. Know exactly what you need, what you’re willing to give up, and what strings come attached to that money.

​A funding partner can open doors—or drain you dry—so be picky, even if the offer looks great on paper.

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IT Security

Whether it is protecting yourself against scams, protecting your hardware against viruses or protecting your work from getting lost, you need to understand what is happening in the world of cyber security.

Undertaking some form of professional qualification is probably your best bet, but just keeping up to date with what’s happening  in the world of IT is essential. There are numerous blogs available on the subject and you will do well to subscribe to them.

But there are 3 key things.

1. If something seems too good to be true - it probably is. Step back and look for the possibility of a scam being perpetrated. You could lose a lot by rushing in - but you will lose nothing by being cautious and checking things out. 

2. Have good anti-virus software - and keep it updated. Yes, it costs money - but it will cost you more to get a virus removed.

3. Back up your work regularly. It doesn't matter if you use the "cloud" or a USB stick, the day your computer crashes is too late to realise you should have backed up your work.

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Marketing with Fresh Eyes

Marketing during expansion is about more than just making noise; it’s about reshaping perception.

​Your audience is changing, and you need to evolve your message to meet them where they are. That might mean pivoting your brand voice, exploring new platforms, or telling your story in a different way.

You’re not just trying to reach more people—you’re trying to reach the right ones, with a message that sticks.

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Adding Value with Purpose, Not Pressure

There’s always temptation to launch new books, new products or new services when you’re expanding—just to show growth. But if those additions aren’t rooted in real customer needs or clear data, they can backfire fast.

Instead of chasing trends, look for gaps: what are customers asking for that you’re not yet offering? Innovation should feel like a natural next step, not a desperate reach for relevance.
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Forming Partnerships That Pull Their Weight

Strategic partnerships can offer reach, resources, and credibility—but only if the relationship is balanced. Don’t jump into deals where you're doing all the heavy lifting or compromising your brand identity just to chase short-term wins. The best partnerships feel like multipliers, not band-aids.

Set clear expectations, get everything in writing, and remember that synergy doesn’t happen by accident—it takes planning and trust.

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Tech That Grows With You

You may just be selling your books through Amazon today, but who knows where you might be selling them in 6 months time?

Your current systems might work fine today, but will they still hold up when your user base doubles or your inventory triples? Evaluate your software stack, automation tools, and internal workflows before growth exposes the cracks.

Scalability in tech isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Upgrading ahead of time can save you from breakdowns when it matters most.

Growing your business isn’t a moment—it’s a mindset. Every decision during expansion sets the tone for how your self-publishing business will operate moving forward. You can’t afford to rely on old habits or guesswork. Instead, you need a strategy that’s rooted in self-awareness, backed by data, and led by people who believe in where you’re headed. Done right, expansion doesn’t just scale your business—it deepens its impact.

Discover a world of captivating stories and talented authors at Selfishgenie Publishing – your next great read is just a click away!

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