Why It’s Okay to Start Small (And How CLCC is Learning to Grow at Its Own Pace)
Have you ever felt like your business needs to launch with a bang or that starting small somehow isn’t enough? That feeling can be hard to shake, especially when you see others further along in their journeys. But here’s what I’ve come to realize: starting small isn’t just okay—it’s essential.
Right now, I’m in what I like to call the “crawl” stage of my business. The Classic Luxury Cheesecake Company is growing, but it’s still early days. And while I dream of scaling up someday, I’m embracing this stage and focusing on learning, adapting, and building a solid foundation.
The Pressure to Go Big Too Soon
When you’re starting out, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind if you’re not doing things on a large scale. Maybe you worry that people won’t take you seriously or that staying small will limit your opportunities.
But here’s the truth: jumping ahead too quickly can be risky. Without taking the time to learn and adapt, it’s easy to make costly mistakes or build something that can’t support long-term growth.
Why “Crawling” Is Part of the Process
I’ve been applying a principle I learned from the Crawl, Walk, Run approach. It’s a reminder that every big achievement starts with small steps. By taking the time to “crawl,” I’m giving myself the space to learn, experiment, and improve before moving to the next phase.
Right now, I’m focusing on:
- Testing and Learning: Farmers’ markets and pop-ups are my testing ground. They give me direct feedback from customers and a chance to refine my products.
- Building Connections: Meeting customers face-to-face lets me build relationships and a loyal community.
- Preparing for the Next Stage: Everything I learn during this stage is helping me plan for the “walk” phase of my business.
Embrace Where You Are
Here’s how I’m approaching growth right now:
- Keep Experimenting
Each market day teaches me something new—what flavors people love, how to streamline my setup, and even what stories resonate with customers. - Focus on Connections
Being small gives me the chance to interact with customers personally and hear their feedback. That connection is invaluable. - Dream Big, Start Small
While I have big plans for the future, I know that taking small, thoughtful steps now is what will help me get there.
Give Yourself Permission to Start Small
If you’re just starting out, remember this: you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. The “crawl” stage is where you learn, grow, and build the foundation for your future success.
Laying the Groundwork for Growth
For me, the “crawl” stage isn’t about big wins or rapid expansion. It’s about learning as much as I can, building strong connections, and preparing for what’s next. I know that by staying patient and focused, I’ll be ready to move to the “walk” stage when the time is right.
Skipping Steps Can Hold You Back
Rushing through this phase might seem tempting, but skipping the lessons of the “crawl” stage can lead to missed opportunities and shaky foundations.
A Reminder for Every Entrepreneur
Starting small doesn’t mean thinking small. It means taking the time to build something that lasts. For me, that means embracing the journey, learning from every challenge, and trusting that each step forward is setting me up for the future I want to create.
If you’re in the “crawl” stage too, know that you’re not alone—and you’re right where you need to be.
Sincerely,
Jeff Butler
The Classic Luxury Cheesecake Company