South African businesses are no strangers to resilience. But far too many are stuck in survival mode—treading water, unable to scale, expand, or evolve. From one-person startups to large operations, a growing number of business owners are asking the same question: Why isn’t my business growing?
According to Gary Bateman, founder of Mechanics of Business, the answer often lies within the business itself.
“Growth doesn’t just happen because you work harder,” says Bateman. “It’s often stunted by internal patterns—broken systems, outdated mindsets, and blind spots that no one is addressing.”
Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa are trapped in the day-to-day grind, with no breathing room to strategise for the future.
“You can’t scale from survival mode,” says Bateman. “If every month is a hustle just to pay bills and staff, there’s little energy left for innovation, expansion, or long-term planning.”
Five Reasons Your Business Isn’t Growing
1.You’re Working In the Business, Not On It
Owners who micromanage every task often become the bottleneck. If you’re wearing all the hats—from sales and admin to customer service—you’re not creating space for growth.
Fix it: Start building systems and processes that allow your business to run without you. “Document everything, delegate, and learn to trust the people you hire,” says Bateman.
2.You Have No Clear Growth Strategy
Hope is not a strategy. Many businesses launch with passion but no long-term plan.
Fix it: Get clear on what growth actually looks like—whether that’s more revenue, new markets, or a bigger team. Then reverse-engineer the steps to get there. Gary recommends setting quarterly growth objectives and measuring them religiously.
3.Your Internal Systems Are Broken or Non-Existent
From customer service workflows to inventory management, broken systems can create chaos and inefficiency.
Fix it: “Even basic automation or SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) can make a massive difference,” says Bateman. Invest in technology and training to streamline your operations.
4.You’re Stuck in a Scarcity Mindset
Fear-based decision-making can limit growth more than the market ever could. This includes under-pricing, avoiding investment, or constantly expecting the worst.
Fix it: Cultivate a growth mindset. Surround yourself with mentors and business advisors who challenge your thinking. “The way you think about your business defines how it will behave,” says Bateman.
5.You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
Many business owners operate in isolation. Without fresh input, new perspectives, or honest feedback, they may keep repeating the same mistakes.
Fix it: Get outside support. Whether it’s a coach, an advisory board, or joining a business mastermind group, external insights can drive clarity and innovation.
“Think of your business like a machine. If a gear is stuck or misaligned, it can throw off the whole system,” explains Bateman. “Growth isn’t just about chasing sales or bigger office space—it’s about creating a business that works, scales, and sustains itself. Your business should grow you as much as you grow it.”
