
Are you feeling stuck in the “messy middle” of scaling your business, unsure how to break past your current revenue plateau? What if the key to reaching seven figures isn’t working harder or hiring more, but actually simplifying your business?
In this episode, I dive into the concept of scaling through the "messy middle"—the chaotic phase of growing a business from multi-six to multi-seven figures. This stage often comes with challenges like feeling trapped in daily operations, fluctuating profitability, and dealing with complex systems and team dynamics. I know this struggle firsthand, and it’s what led me to develop the Lean Out Method and the Simplify to Scale system.
I’ll help you recognize when you’re in the messy middle and debunk the common myths that keep business owners stuck—like the idea that more sales or a bigger team will solve everything. Instead, I’ll show you why simplification is the key to scaling sustainably. I’ll also introduce my SPSDI framework—focusing on Strategy, Planning, Systems, Team, and Insight—as the foundation of a scalable business.
Ready to streamline your business and scale smarter? Join me for my free Scale Smarter Workshop at strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter and take the first step toward simplifying your journey to success!
In this episode, I discuss:
• Characteristics of the Messy Middle
• Personal Experience with the Messy Middle
• Common Misconceptions and Traps
• Steps to Break Through the Messy Middle
Tune into Episode 218 of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast or keep reading below.
by Crista Grasso
Crista Grasso is the go-to strategic planning expert for leading global businesses and online entrepreneurs when they want to scale. Known as the "Business Optimizer", Crista has the ability to quickly cut through noise and focus on optimizing the core things that will make the biggest impact to scale a business simply and sustainably. She specializes in helping businesses gain clarity on the most important things that will drive maximum value for their clients and maximum profits for their business. She is the creator of the Lean Out Method, 90 Day Lean Out Planner, and host of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast.