Go small and show up

The other day, I came across the quote above from Rachel Macy Stafford that really struck a chord with me. It got me thinking about how often we’re bombarded with messages from hustle culture—constantly pushing us to go bigger, scale up, and chase the next big thing. We're told that success is all about making the greatest impact, but is that really the only way?

Over the past few years, I’ve learned that the pace required to meet those expectations is not healthy for many people. Pushing yourself to the point of burnout for the sake of chasing bigger results is not sustainable—or necessary. We’re conditioned to believe that if we’re not constantly growing, we’re falling behind. But is growth for the sake of growth always the best path?

I don’t think so.

Small businesses can truly be just that—small. Not everyone needs to start a business in the garage and turn it into the next tech giant. There’s so much value in staying small, whether it’s to maintain balance in life, focus on quality over quantity, or simply to create meaningful work at a pace that feels right. Staying small allows for a certain kind of intentionality, and that’s something I’ve come to embrace in my own journey.

One of the greatest joys of running a small business is building real relationships with my clients. When I work with someone, I get to know them—their goals, their vision, their challenges. It’s personal. I don’t want to be managing dozens of clients at a time, juggling endless projects without the chance to fully connect with each one. For me, it’s about those meaningful partnerships, where I can truly show up for people in a way that feels genuine and supportive.

I’ve intentionally built my business around the life I want to live. I don’t want my business to be my life. For me, that means staying small, focusing on what matters most, and making space for the things that bring me joy—both in my work and beyond it.

So if you're feeling the pressure to do more, be more, or constantly grow for the sake of keeping up, I’m here to remind you: there’s nothing wrong with keeping it small so it feels safe to show up each day. In fact, there’s a lot of power in showing up fully where you are, exactly as you are.

Scale Smartly: The Benefits of a Fractional COO for Growing Businesses

As I continue to grow GYST Business, I’m constantly learning—about myself, my clients, and the ever-evolving landscape of business operations. The journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of operational leadership, especially for small businesses and startups. Today, I’m excited to introduce a service that I believe can make a significant difference for businesses like yours: the Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The Challenge for Small Businesses and Startups

Starting and growing a business is no small feat. As a founder or small business owner, you’re likely wearing many hats—juggling everything from sales and marketing to product development and customer service. While this hands-on approach is often necessary in the early stages, it can also be overwhelming and, at times, unsustainable.

One of the most critical roles in any business is that of the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO is responsible for the day-to-day operations, ensuring that everything runs smoothly, and that the business is moving in the right direction. However, many small businesses and startups simply don’t have the budget to hire a full-time COO. This is where the idea of a Fractional COO comes in.

What is a Fractional COO?

A Fractional COO is an experienced operations leader who provides executive-level support on a part-time or project basis. This means you can access the expertise and guidance of a seasoned COO without the financial commitment of a full-time salary. It’s a flexible and cost-effective solution designed to help your business scale, streamline operations, and achieve long-term success.

Why I Believe in This Service

Having worked with a variety of businesses over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that strong operational leadership can make. I’ve also seen how the lack of it can hold a business back. I know how much the support of an operational leader can help small businesses and startups get off on the right foot.

I understand the struggles of balancing growth with day-to-day operations, and I want to help you overcome these hurdles so you can focus on what you do best.

Who Can Benefit from a Fractional COO?

If you’re finding it difficult to manage the operational side of your business, or if you’re struggling to scale efficiently, a Fractional COO can provide the guidance and support you need.

Some scenarios where a Fractional COO can be particularly beneficial include:

• Navigating Growth: When your business is growing rapidly, it’s easy for operations to become chaotic. A Fractional COO can help you put the right systems and processes in place to manage growth effectively.

• Strategic Planning: If you have big goals but aren’t sure how to achieve them, a Fractional COO can work with you to develop and implement a strategic plan that aligns with your vision.

• Project Management: If you have specific projects that need oversight, such as launching a new product or entering a new market, a Fractional COO can ensure that these initiatives are executed smoothly.

• Operational Efficiency: If you feel that your operations could be more efficient or that you’re not maximizing your resources, a Fractional COO can help you identify and implement improvements.

• Team Assessment and Mentoring: As your business grows, the dynamics within your team can change, leading to challenges in communication, collaboration, and leadership. A Fractional COO can step in to assess your team’s strengths and weaknesses, helping to identify leadership potential and areas for improvement. By providing targeted mentoring and guidance, a Fractional COO can develop your team’s capabilities, enhance collaboration, and ensure that your leadership pipeline is strong and ready to support your company’s continued growth.

If you think your business could benefit from the guidance and expertise of a Fractional COO, I’d love to discuss how we can work together to achieve your goals. Let’s build something great together, one step at a time.

Hopetimism

I came across the word "hopetimism" for the first time this week as a hashtag, and it really struck a chord with me. Being both hopeful and optimistic is something I've always wanted to be, but rarely am. I often view the world through a fairly jaded lens, and that perspective often seeps into my business.

When something great happens, I "hope" that the good fortune will continue. When I receive kudos from those I work with, I feel optimistic that the positivity will persist. But too often, I snap myself back to reality. I convince myself that those hopeful and optimistic feelings are fleeting, and I need to focus on the "reality" of the situation.

Simone Biles told reporters after her Olympic success to stop asking athletes, "What's next?" She explained that they had spent so much of their lives training for this very moment, and they wanted to be able to enjoy it. I've thought about that a lot lately. How often do I deny myself the chance to truly savor those hopeful or optimistic moments because I'm too quick to move on to the next task?

I want to be an entrepreneur who is not only grounded in reality but also takes the time to experience hope and optimism. I think too often we convince ourselves that embracing these feelings is a denial of reality, when in fact, we're simply denying ourselves moments of joy.

So this week, take a moment to enjoy the little victories, and don't be so quick to push them aside. Maybe they'll be the catalyst that takes your business to the next moment of hopetimism.