Your Expectations Are Stunting Your Business Growth Don't let the situations that you can't control spiral your emotions out of whack and keep you from growth.

By Kimanzi Constable Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.

Oscar Wong | Getty Images

You've felt it, right? You get off a discovery call with a potential client feeling good about how the conversation went. They ask you to send them the invoice so they can hire you and both of you can start your business relationship. You send the invoice out excited to be working with an interesting new client and for the income that it will add to your bottom line. All is going as plan and you want to do it again and again.

Then, something unexpected happens. You hear crickets. The invoice is not paid and you get a little anxious while you wait. You're tempted to message the client asking if everything is okay. You might even do it but you know that it comes off needy and desperate when you pursue the client too aggressively. So, you're stuck. What once started as an exciting experience turns into something that makes you irritated and questions why you still work with clients.

The reason this situation happens too often with BIZ Experiencess starts and ends with your expectations. You expected the client to sign up long before you had a conversation with them. When your expectations aren't meant, it brings out feelings, emotions and actions that could ultimately hurt your business. Here's what BIZ Experiencess need to understand about expectations and growing a business.

Related: Stop Trying to Exceed Expectations -- You Can't

Preconceived expectations lead to desperation.

Sometimes business is hard. The income isn't flowing and you want as many opportunities coming your way as you can get. You expect business to be better. You expect potentials leads to turn into clients. You expect that the people you market to will value what you offer. These preconceived expectations don't lead to business. They lead to you expecting business and when it doesn't work out as planned, you are crushed. It then leads you to make desperate decisions because you think that's how you'll get the business. It's not.

Don't expect to lock in business. Instead, lead with value and show why you're the expert the client should hire. Do what you can to make yourself more appealing. Do what you can with the situations you can control. Don't let the situations that you can't control spiral your emotions out of whack and keep you from growth.

Related: 8 Unrealistic Expectations That Can Harm You

Somethings have to happen naturally

For the longest time, I didn't believe in the "abundance mindset." Whne I heard BIZ Experiencess talking about it, I thought of a Southern church raising funds to buy the pastor a helicopter. I didn't understand that if you focus on the things that lead to growth, opportunities and income find you.

In my business now, I don't chase. I let things happen naturally. That's not to say that I don't market my business, but it's in a way where I put out value and customers respond.

It took failure and struggles to understand that you can't push and chase, you have to make yourself appealing and let things happen naturally. Everyone wants to work with someone they feel like is winning and where they want to be. You aren't meant to lock in every new client. You aren't meant to win at everything you do. You win some and lose some -- that's life.

Related: Powerful Women Never Let Other People's Expectations Define Them

There's a better way to show your value.

There are 3.5 billion people that use the Internet every day. As our world grows, that number can only increase. For BIZ Experiencess, this means that we have the potential to reach customers in one concentrated place. We don't have to use ineffective old-school methods to get new business. We can, instead, put out content that shows our expertise. We can add value to those we want to reach. When we do that, they understand what we do and offer, and some will spend money with us. It's a natural process that keeps us from appearing desperate.

We live in the information and digital age. We have access to tools and technology that make things possible that weren't even 10 years ago. There's never been a time where it's easier to get messages out in multiple ways. You can show your value without chasing clients or being needy. It comes down to shifting your focus to creating instead of chasing. Spend more time on the content, products, and services that show how what you offer leads to practical and tangible results for anyone that invests their time and money with you.

Don't let your expectations cloud your judgment. You have what you need to grow a business in a natural and strategic way. Develop an abundance mindset that helps you see how much opportunity is out here for us as BIZ Experiencess today. And, don't chase or push -- it will repel potential clients. Be strong and focus on what you do best. It will shine through and opportunities will come to you.

Kimanzi Constable

Content Marketing Strategist

Kimanzi Constable is an author of four books and has been published in over 80 publications and magazines. He is the co-founder of Results Global Impact Consulting. He teaches businesses modern content strategies. Join him at RGIC.

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Starting a Business

These Brothers Started a Business to Improve an Everyday Task. They Made Their First Products in the Garage — Now They've Raised Over $100 Million.

Coulter and Trent Lewis had an early research breakthrough that helped them solve for the right problem.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Franchise

10 No-Office-Required Businesses You Can Start for as Little as $5,000

With strong Franchise 500 rankings and investment levels starting under $5,000, these brands are ready for new owners to hit the ground running.

Franchise

How to Prepare Your Business — And Yourself — For a Smooth Exit

After decades of building your business, turning it over to someone else can be emotional. But with the right mindset and a strong plan, it can also be your proudest moment.

Starting a Business

3 Things I Wish I Knew When I Founded a Company 20 Years Ago

If I could sit down with a new B2B founder today, these are the three conversations I'd make sure we had — the same ones I wish someone had with me early on.