Scaling Smart: When and How to Grow Your Team

Growth is exciting — but it’s also a moment that calls for care, strategy and a healthy dose of self-awareness.

At Co-Women, we support women in business at every stage of their journey — from solopreneurs making their first sales to founders preparing to scale nationally or even globally. And while “scaling” is often used as a buzzword, knowing when and how to grow your team is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

If you’re considering your first hire (or your fifteenth), here’s how to scale smart — with purpose, clarity and connection.

Is It Time to Grow?

Before adding to your team, it’s vital to assess whether the timing is right. Here are some signs that scaling may be on the horizon:

• You’re consistently over capacity. You’ve streamlined your systems, prioritised effectively, and you’re still drowning in tasks.

• You’re turning down work. If you’re saying no to opportunities you want to take, you might need help to expand your capacity.

• You’re stuck in the weeds. If you’re spending more time on admin than vision, you may be ready to step back from the doing and back into leading.

• You want to grow revenue, not just workload. Hiring strategically can allow you to focus on higher-value tasks — and that can mean more impact and more income.

  
  

The Mindset of Smart Scaling

Many women in business hold off on hiring for longer than necessary, not due to lack of ambition, but due to over-responsibility. It’s common to worry about providing stability for a new team member or feel uncertain about stepping into a managerial role. But growth isn’t selfish. It creates opportunities — not just for you, but for others too.

At Co-Women, we encourage a mindset of support, not competition. That means growing your team can also be a chance to uplift others, provide meaningful work, and create the kind of business culture you wish existed when you started.

Who (and What) Should You Hire First?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few questions to guide your hiring priorities:

• What’s draining your energy most right now? Hire for your gaps, not your duplicates. If admin, tech or marketing are slowing you down, those might be your first key roles.

• What tasks could someone else do 80% as well as you, or better? Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re the only one who can do it “right.” Letting go is hard, but essential.

• Are you looking for support or partnership? Think about whether you need a freelance contractor, part-time support, or someone who will grow with you as a permanent team member.

  
  

How to Find the Right People

This is where your business networking skills come into their own. As a member of Co-Women, you’re already plugged into a supportive community of like-minded professionals. Don’t underestimate the power of warm referrals and trusted connections.

• Use your network. Let people know you’re hiring — not just on job boards, but in communities like ours where values alignment matters.

• Be clear in your ask. Know the outcomes you want, not just the tasks.

• Think values, not just skills. A good fit is about chemistry, ethics and ambition as much as it is about credentials.

  
  

Build a Culture That Lasts

Scaling smart isn’t just about who you bring in — it’s about how you bring them in. Set the tone early by fostering an environment of trust, communication and shared purpose.

• Onboard intentionally. Take time to explain the ‘why’ behind your business, not just the ‘what’.

• Keep feedback flowing both ways. Regular check-ins aren’t just for corporate teams — they’re essential in small businesses too.

• Celebrate together. Milestones, wins, challenges overcome — all of these deserve space.

  
  

You Don’t Have to Scale Alone

Many women in business assume they need to figure out everything themselves. But with the right business networking, community support and mentorship, you can grow a team that feels like an extension of your vision, not a departure from it.

At Co-Women, we exist to connect, support and empower women like you who are doing big things with big hearts. Whether you’re scaling solo or preparing to grow a team, we’re here to walk with you.

Your next chapter doesn’t have to be complicated — just intentional. Grow with clarity. Scale with support. Lead with heart.

🧡 Explore more about our events, connect with our network, and find your next collaborator at co-women.org