Has Your Small Business Reached ‘The Messy Middle’?
There’s a stage of business no one warns you about. You’re past the newbie hustle, you’ve figured out your brand, your dream clients, and your sweet spot in the market. You’re making decent money, which—yay!—but suddenly, you’re drowning in tasks, constantly busy, and somehow… still stuck.
Welcome to The Messy Middle.
This is the part where your business is working, but it’s also working you into the ground. You know you need to delegate, streamline, and level up—but when, exactly, are you supposed to find the time for that?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The messy middle is a natural stage of business growth, but staying stuck here? Not an option. Here’s how to navigate your way through and come out stronger on the other side.
1: Get Crystal Clear on Where Your small business is Going
At the start, you were probably happy just getting clients through the door. But now? It’s time to think bigger. What do you actually want this business to be? Do you want to scale? Build a team? Shift your offers to be more sustainable? Take a step back and define your long-term vision - because without it, you’ll just keep spinning your wheels.
2: Identify Your High-Impact Tasks (And Prioritise Them)
Not all work is created equal. Some tasks bring in revenue, attract the right clients, or move you towards your goals. Others? Just keep you busy. Get clear on what actually drives growth in your business and double down on those things. If it doesn’t move the needle, it might be time to let it go.
3: Start Delegating (Even If It’s Scary)
The messy middle thrives on control issues. You could do everything yourself, but should you? There are people out there who can do certain tasks faster, better, and with more joy than you ever will—whether it’s bookkeeping, content creation, or admin. Start small, outsource one thing, and see how much lighter you feel.
4: Create Systems That Work for You
If every task in your business relies on you remembering to do it, you’ve got a bottleneck problem. Automate where possible, set up workflows, and create repeatable processes. The more streamlined your business is, the more time you’ll have to focus on the stuff that actually excites you.
5: Give Yourself Permission to Evolve
You’ve grown. Your business has grown. So why are you still running it the same way you did two years ago? Your brand, website, and services should reflect the level you’re at now, not where you started. Don’t be afraid to refresh, reposition, or rebrand to match the business you’ve built.
are you Feeling Stuck in the Messy Middle of your small business?
You’re not alone. This is a tricky but exciting stage—one that signals you’re on the edge of something bigger. If your website, brand, or strategy is stuck in the past while you’re trying to move forward, I can help. Let’s get you out of the messy middle and into your next-level business.
