3 minute read
TO GROW, STOP THINKING LIKE A FAMILY BUSINESS
BY CHRIS BEARD
Let’s be real—family businesses are the backbone of communities, from the Sunshine Coast to across the globe. But here’s the kicker: most family businesses never reach their full potential because they’re stuck in “family mode.” They see themselves as a family business first, instead of a business that happens to be run by a family. That mindset could be holding them back.
I’ve worked with countless family businesses, and the ones that thrive have one thing in common: they stop running their business like a family reunion and start treating it like a growth engine. How do they do it? By embracing the Rockefeller Habits—a proven system that transforms, “We’ve always done it this way,” into, “We’ve hit seven figures and beyond.”
THE GROWTH TRAP: FAMILY-FIRST MINDSET
Loyalty, emotions and informal roles can derail a family business faster than you think. While family dynamics are important, they can too easily dictate business decisions, keeping the company small. Unclear roles, decisions driven by feelings and a lack of strategic vision for the future are the issues that can hold family businesses back.
The key to driving real growth is creating structure, setting clear goals and breaking free from the emotional decision-making trap. The Rockefeller Habits are all about making smart, strategic moves, professionalising the business, and holding the owner accountable for real, measurable results.
CLARITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ARE KEY
One of the major challenges for family businesses is undefined roles. One minute someone’s handling marketing; the next, they’re deep in operations. It’s chaotic. The Rockefeller Habits solve this by assigning specific roles, responsibilities and performance indicators. The family excuses disappear and the focus shifts to achieving results.
Accountability can be tricky in a family business. No one wants to be the bad guy with a sibling or cousin. That’s where external accountability comes in. Whether through a business coach, peer advisory groups or trusted advisors, it keeps the business laser-focused on outcomes—not just relationships.
SYSTEMS THAT SCALE
Here’s the truth: you can’t grow without systems. Many family businesses struggle because they’re improvising every step of the way. The Rockefeller Habits focus on implementing systems that streamline every part of the business—from profit margins and marketing to sales and leadership.
At The Accountable Boardroom, we help family businesses develop the systems they need to stop merely surviving and start thriving. With the right structure in place, your business can scale efficiently and effectively.
FROM FAMILY BUSINESS TO BUSINESS EMPIRE
The moment family businesses start thinking bigger, they start winning. I’ve helped companies on the Sunshine Coast and worldwide shift their mindset, adopt the Rockefeller Habits, and transform from small, family-run operations into thriving seven- and eight-figure businesses. By setting up systems, professionalising leadership and expanding into new markets, these businesses position themselves for long-term success.
The bottom line: if you want your family business to thrive, it’s time to stop thinking small. Embrace the Rockefeller Habits, create clear roles, lock in a structured meeting rhythm and hold yourself accountable to results. When you do, your family business has the potential to become so much more. With the right mindset and strategy, the sky’s the limit.
Visit my website for a copy of my free eBook, The 5-Step Business Playbook: The Coach's Secret Guide to Unleash Your Business.
