Had a wake-up call today.

Customer emailed complaining my consulting rates were “insane” and I should “be grateful for any business in this economy.”

It triggered a memory of my failed startup. Back in college, I had a simple textbook reselling business making decent money. But I got cocky and tried turning it into an app overnight – hired developers, planned multi-school launches, the works.

Failed spectacularly.

Why? Because I was terrified of staying small. Thought I had to “go big or go home.”

Today’s angry email made me realize – I see so many small business owners making the same mistake. We’re pressured to:

Scale immediately Charge less than we’re worth Copy big company strategies Chase growth at all costs

But here’s what I’ve learned working with small businesses: The ones that succeed give themselves permission to start small and grow naturally.

Just like raising a kid, you can’t force a business to skip developmental stages.

Anyone else feel this pressure to scale faster than you’re ready for?