Finding Your Place in Business Growth

Dear Brilliant Community,

After last week, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was hearing the same thing over and over again. Different conversations. Different people. Different businesses. But the same underlying message. It didn’t come all at once. It showed up in pieces—one conversation here, another there. And then at some point, it stopped feeling like coincidence. It started to feel like a pattern.

Understanding the Common Thread

Not just that the same thing was being said—but that I was starting to understand what it actually meant. Over the last several months, I’ve been talking to people who have been in business for years—some for decades. Different industries. From service-based consultants to founders building in entirely different spaces. Different paths. Different ways of building.

Yet, when they talk about how they got there, the stories begin to sound familiar. Not identical. But familiar enough that you start to notice the rhythm. They didn’t describe a breakthrough moment. They didn’t talk about a formula. What they described was something quieter.

They stayed with the work. They kept building. They kept going—long enough for something to take shape. They weren’t chasing every new idea. They weren’t constantly pivoting. They weren’t trying to optimize everything at once. They focused.

Not perfectly. Not without missteps. But consistently enough that the work had time to become something real.

The Power of Consistency

Then I had another conversation this week with someone I’ve known for most of my life—someone I’ve always looked up to. She’s worked at the highest levels in corporate America and now runs her own consulting practice. When I asked her about business development, I expected to hear about strategy. Systems. Outreach. Something structured.

Instead, she said something simple. She doesn’t really “do sales.” Most of her work comes through people who already know her. People who trust her. People who call her when they need something done well. What struck me wasn’t the outcome. It was what it took to get there.

Years of doing the work. Years of showing up. Years of staying with it long enough that the work started to speak for itself. There’s something else I noticed.

Working In vs. Working On

We talk a lot about working in the business versus working on the business. As if those are two separate modes. As if one is better than the other. But the people I’ve been talking to didn’t seem to describe it that way. They weren’t stepping outside the work to manage it from a distance. They were inside it. Shaping it. Adjusting it. Learning from it in real time.

I’ve been thinking about that. Because if I’m honest, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out the “right” way to build. The right structure. The right strategy. The right next move. Trying to make sure I’m doing it correctly. Trying not to miss anything. Trying not to get it wrong.

But the conversations I’ve been having are making me question that. I’m starting to think there isn’t a right way in the way we’ve been taught to look for one. There are patterns. There is guidance. But there isn’t a formula you can follow step by step that guarantees the outcome.

Embracing the Journey

And maybe that’s the part we don’t always want to accept. Because a formula would be easier. A clear path would feel safer. A defined sequence would make it all feel more predictable. But the people who have actually built something that lasts don’t seem to be operating from a formula. They’re operating from something else. They stayed with the work. Long enough for it to become something. Long enough for it to take shape. Long enough to stop looking for the shortcut.

This week, I’m experimenting with something different. Instead of trying to find the right system, I’m blocking time to stay with the work. Not the visible work. Not the polished output. The quiet work. The kind that doesn’t feel urgent, but builds something underneath everything else.

Documenting the Process

For me, that looks like documenting my thinking. Capturing processes. Building things slowly enough that I can actually see what’s taking shape. I’m starting to see that the work doesn’t respond well to urgency. It responds to attention.

I have a feeling I’ve been trying to move faster than the work actually requires. And maybe that’s what I’ve been missing.

The Importance of Patience

Patience is a virtue, especially in business. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily tasks. However, taking a step back can often yield better results. When you allow yourself the time to reflect and adjust, you create a solid foundation for growth.

Building Sustainable Systems

To truly empower your business, consider implementing clear, repeatable systems. These systems will help reduce reliance on your constant presence. They will allow your team to function effectively, even when you're not around. This approach not only fosters independence but also encourages innovation within your organization.

The Role of Trust

Trust plays a crucial role in business relationships. When clients know you and your work, they’re more likely to return. Building trust takes time, but it’s worth the investment. As you nurture these relationships, you’ll find that your business grows organically.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

As I reflect on these conversations, I realize that the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace the process. Stay committed to your work. Allow it to evolve naturally. In doing so, you’ll create a business that not only thrives but also resonates with those you serve.

Be Well,

Soyini