Why 'People' Are Your Secret Weapon for Business Growth (Even If You're a Solopreneur)
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I can't afford to hire people" or "I don't want to manage a team"?
You're not alone. Many female business owners across Banyule and Nillumbik hit a ceiling in their growth journey and immediately assume they need staff to break through it. But what if I told you that's only one small part of the 'people puzzle'?
Reframing What 'People' Means in Your Business
When we talk about 'people' in your business, we're not just talking about employees. We're talking about:
The women's business group you surround yourself with
Strategic collaborators who share your values
Project-based contractors who fill skill gaps
Mentors providing marketing support for women-owned businesses
Your ideal clients and how they connect with your business
As we often discuss in our BAR Series, business success isn't a straight line. It looks more like waves—ups and downs that are completely normal regardless of your industry or experience level.
The Truth About Business Downturns
When you're in that trough, that downward point where maybe you're not making as much money or leads have dried up, it's easy to think: "I'm doing something wrong. This isn't working."
But here's the truth: these moments are crucial opportunities to leverage people to help you navigate to the next level.
Real Examples From Our Local Business Community
Several women in our BAR program have recently demonstrated exactly how to use 'people' to transform their business challenges:
Sarah from Organic Fix made the bold decision to close shop in January. While there was fear about losing momentum, having the right small business support network around her made it clear this was the best decision to replenish her cup. The result? She returned stronger and more focused.
Jamal and Jess recognised seasonal downturns in their businesses and planned strategically—bringing in help before the slow period to prepare for the upswing.
How to Leverage People When You're Stuck
Here are practical ways to use 'people' to break through business plateaus:
Connect with marketing support specialists for women-owned businesses when your DIY approach isn't bringing consistent results
Attend local networking events for women entrepreneurs in Eltham to learn about areas outside your expertise
Create strategic collaborations with business owners who share your purpose, values, and ideal client
Join our coworking sessions to work alongside other motivated women
Access small business support for women in Nillumbik and Banyule (hint: that's exactly what we've created at Origin Woman Network!)
The Collaboration Game-Changer
Collaborations can be one of the most powerful 'people strategies' in your business toolkit. When you find the right collaboration partner at our women's business group—someone who shares your purpose, values, and ideal client—you can expand your reach without expanding your workload.
"We are a living, breathing example of a collaboration where we both identified a need unconsciously in our business. We were drawn together and look what we've created as a result of that collaboration."
– Kath & Mira
How The BAR Series Helps You Master the 'People' Piece
In our BAR Series, we teach what we call "boss mode"—the forward planning, strategic thinking side of your business mind. It's that future thinking of:
Where is your business going?
What actions do you need to take to get there?
Most importantly, who do you need around you to make it happen?
Our members learn to navigate the inevitable peaks and troughs of business, with the support of other smart, ambitious women who understand exactly what you're going through.
Your North Star: Purpose-Aligned Products
Whether you're expanding or refining, remember that your purpose is your North Star. As we often discuss in our local networking events for women entrepreneurs, people follow people first—they connect with your vision and purpose before they connect with your brand.
When your products clearly express your purpose, everything else falls into place: your marketing becomes clearer, your energy aligns with your work, and your clients understand exactly how you can help them.
Take Your Next Step
If you're feeling stuck in your business or hitting that ceiling where you can't grow further on your own, it might be time to think about the 'people' piece of your business puzzle.
The BAR Series could be exactly what you need to connect with the right people, learn from those who've been there before, and create a strategy for leveraging relationships to grow your business in Banyule and Nillumbik.
