How to grow your online business

It takes a village to build a business - is it time to grow your village?

When I started Essential Shift, I didn't do it alone. And I never wanted to. From just about day one, someone offered to help, and I said yes. Not because I couldn't do it myself - I had the skills, the experience, the drive. But I knew something that many entrepreneurs forget when they step into business for themselves: it takes a village.

Let's explore why building your A-team isn't just about delegation - it's about creating the foundation for sustainable, soul-aligned growth.

1. Get clear on what you do best 

Your zone of genius isn't everything you can do - it's what only you can do.

For me, that's teaching, holding space, and creating programmes that change how people feel and work. That's where I need to stay. Once you know your true strengths, you can build around them strategically.

I knew I needed someone for content, someone for tech, someone for backend systems. It's not about doing less work - it's about doing more of what's yours to do while trusting others with their genius.

2. People aren't processes 

Here's what I've learned from years of leading teams: hiring someone isn't like launching a Facebook ad. You don't get instant ROI.

It takes time for someone to settle into a role, learn your business, and start truly shining. But if you invest in people with patience and presence, the return is deeper and more lasting than any quick win.

This is why I approach team building like I approach everything else in my business - with intention, care, and a long-term vision.

3. Season or reason: knowing the difference  

Some people are here for a season - a launch, a website, a short-term project. Others are here for a reason - they believe in your work, your values, your mission.

Both are valuable. The key is being honest with yourself about who is who and hiring accordingly. Season people help you through specific challenges. Reason people help you build lasting impact.

In my experience with both Essential Shift and now as co-founder of Understanding Zoe, the reason people become the backbone of everything you create.

4. Leadership through radical candor 

One of my favourite leadership resources is Radical Candor - the practice of caring deeply while challenging directly. That's how I lead my teams.

I give my people what they need to succeed, and I speak honestly when something's not working. This isn't about being harsh - it's about creating the kind of trust that allows everyone to do their best work.

When you combine genuine care with clear expectations, you create an environment where both the business and the people can thrive.

Final thoughts

I still don't do this alone. Essential Shift isn't just my vision - it's a shared creation. And now, co-founding Understanding Zoe, I'm drawing on those same leadership skills to bring more people along this journey.

I've built teams that complement my strengths. People who bring calm when I'm moving fast, structure when I'm dreaming big, support when I'm deep in creation. I don't rewrite every email or manage every task. I trust, I lead, I let go.

That's what allows conscious businesses to grow sustainably while staying aligned with their deeper purpose.

If you're ready to shift from solopreneur to conscious leader, consider joining The Circle - where we explore these leadership principles alongside other growth-minded entrepreneurs.

Remember: your business can only grow as much as you're willing to let others help you build it. You might not need a full team, but you may need mentors, friends in business and a few contractors to support you.