The Power of Choice: Building a Business That Works for You

As women business owners, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that growth means bigger teams, more clients, and a never-ending hustle. But what if growth could look different? What if growth meant a business that truly aligns with your life and values?

This was a key takeaway from a recent conversation with Paul Farmer, CPA and founder of Mentoris Group, who has spent decades helping business owners rethink their approach. Paul’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: You always have a choice.

Too often, we let our businesses run us instead of the other way around. We say yes to every client, take on too much, and wake up one day wondering how we got here. Paul encourages women to pause and ask themselves: What does success look like for me? Maybe it’s not about scaling to a massive operation. Maybe it’s about working with fewer, higher-quality clients, creating consistent profitability, and reclaiming your time.

Define What Growth Means to You

Growth doesn’t have to mean “bigger is better.” For some, it might mean adding 10% to your bottom line without working longer hours. For others, it’s about streamlining operations or preparing the business for sale. There’s no one-size-fits-all.

Paul suggests setting a 12-month vision for your business. Ask: What kind of clients do I want? What work excites me? What would I like my role to be in the business? Then, create intentional steps to move toward that vision. And remember: saying “no” to the wrong opportunities is just as important as saying “yes” to the right ones.

Mindset Matters

As business owners, our decisions shape our businesses. But those decisions are often influenced by fear, scarcity, or outdated definitions of success. Paul reminds us: Your business reflects your mindset.

If you feel trapped doing everything yourself, consider this: could you create more space by outsourcing admin tasks or hiring a virtual assistant a few hours a week? Freeing up even one day can open up time for business development or strategic planning.

Coach, Don’t Play

One of Paul’s most impactful insights is the concept of “coach, don’t play.” As your business grows, your role should evolve from doing the work to supporting and empowering your team. Investing time with your team members builds loyalty and creates a culture where they feel valued—leading to better outcomes for everyone.

Take Action Today

Strategy without action is just a nice picture on the wall. Start by asking: What’s one step I can take to create a business that works for me, not the other way around? Whether it’s redefining your ideal clients, delegating a task, or setting a clear 12-month vision, small steps create big momentum.

You deserve a business that supports the life you want. The power to create it is already in your hands.