We're growing.

<a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/7/prweb10946079.htm" target="_blank">Microsoft </a>sees it. <a href="http://www.inc.com/profile/egroup" target="_blank">Inc. Magazine</a> profiles it. <a href="http://egroup.jasonmangone.com/about/careers" target="_blank">Job seekers</a> notice it. <a href="http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130218/PC05/130219249/egroup-expanding-another-month-another-tech-firm-grows-into-new-officehttp://" target="_blank">The Post &amp; Courier</a> publishes it.

On behalf of the team, I can say each one of us is ecstatic and wanting more. It's a better position to be in than the alternative, right?

That said, accelerated growth naturally creates "growing pains" of which no business is immune, including eGroup. As a senior member of the team in my previous job, where the company found itself on a high growth trajectory in the mid 2000s, I experienced many similar and consistent challenges then as we do now. A few observations:

Growth equals change

Accept it. Adapt. And continue winning. I say that somewhat in jest but it's mostly true. Leaders must realize that the new distractions and outside forces that manifest themselves as you quickly grow are not necessarily controlled. The solution to success is how to respond to these new forces and build them into your quarterly and yearly plans.

Growth requires new internal processes

It's no longer sufficient to run your financials in Excel saved to the finance director's desktop or scheduling your support team through Outlook invites. You're a "big boy" now which require news systems and processes - especially in managing cash flow, sometimes neglected during accelerated growth phases. Make sure you have named leaders to ensure these new ways of doing business are communicated and socialized effectively, adopted, adhered to and continually updated to new team members as they join.

Growth needs imagination

We often say, "What got us here will not get us where we are going." So, be open to learning new ways to service customers or communicate with employees, for example. The old school approaches may not be sufficient for the new markets you're serving and the speed at which the business is moving. Be imaginative and creative.

Growth is evolutionary

As a result of hyper growth, the business model will undoubtedly evolve - new offerings, strategies, infrastructure, and operational processes. In the same vain as new core systems, the successful businesses will have specific leaders own these changing aspects who ensure they're implemented (smoothly) with little disruption to the customer.

Growth is a time suck

Often times, you'll find that your daily calendar is filled with meetings addressing the day's priorities - err, fires. This is part of corporate life, but ensure you free up enough time on a weekly basis to "think" and not simply "work." What I mean by this is, the leaders must think about what's next and brainstorm to prepare for the next phase of growth whether it's next quarter or in 36 months.

&nbsp;
<div id="stcpDiv">
In spite of all of the above factors, growth is a good thing, a great thing for businesses. By simply thinking about what might go wrong, you’ll be ahead of the growth game!

&nbsp;

</div>
&nbsp;

During the past week, I've had the opportunity to think about eGroup's

SC 25 Fastest Growing Companies

http://www.scfastestgrowingcompanies.com/

&nbsp;

Roaring 20s

https://www.charlestonbusiness.com/events/Roaring20

&nbsp;

Oh, and by the way, we just announced our placement in the Inc. 500 | 5000 list. See below:

&nbsp;

&nbsp;