Mar 4, 2025
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
Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business?
A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol
Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably?
OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy
Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?
Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective
Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.
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For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast