Startup Grind Lansing
Smart Ways Small Businesses Can Survive Rapid Growth
You didn’t expect it to happen this fast. Orders are flying in, new clients keep knocking, and your two-person team now needs to manage twelve. Growth is supposed to feel like winning, right? But when it barrels in all at once, it can feel like trying to fly a kite in a wind tunnel. Sudden success doesn’t guarantee long-term stability; it merely raises the stakes. If you’re a small business owner facing rapid expansion, the way you react in these moments could make or break what you’ve built.
Rework Your Money Habits
The adrenaline of rapid growth can mask dangerous blind spots in your finances. Suddenly, you’ve got payroll for ten people instead of two, suppliers need deposits upfront, and taxes—good grief, the taxes. You’ll need to streamline your financial management approach so your cash flow doesn’t outpace your cash clarity. That might mean hiring a bookkeeper or leaning harder into real-time accounting software, but the bottom line is this: you can’t afford to wing it anymore. Budgeting should be done every week, not monthly. If the numbers don’t talk to you, find someone who can translate them before things spiral.
Shift the Org Chart Before It Collapses
Growth exposes weak spots in your structure. The chain of command you started with probably made sense when your office was just a kitchen table, but now it needs to be stress-tested. Avoid waiting for chaos to erupt—adjust your company structure strategically while you still have control over it. Think in terms of roles, not people, and map out who does what, where the overlaps are, and which hats need to be passed on. If communication is slow or tasks fall through the cracks, that’s a red flag, not a growing pain. Tweak the chart, assign accountability, then over-communicate the changes.
Decide What You Shouldn’t Be Doing
Here’s the hard truth: You can’t keep doing everything. One of the first things to outsource should be non-core operational tasks that can be handled by external providers, such as payroll, customer service, or even parts of your marketing. These tasks eat time and often fall outside your team’s sweet spot. Outsourcing them can free up your energy for the things only you can do: building culture, closing deals, and shaping vision. You’ll still steer the ship, but you’re not patching sails in the middle of a storm. Delegating isn’t defeat; it’s a strategy.
Invest in Your Business Brain
No matter how scrappy and instinctive your leadership style is, you’ll need a sturdier foundation as your business grows. Earning a business management bachelor’s degree can build your skills in leadership, operations, and project management, giving you a sharper edge. A formal program also forces you to think long-term, rather than just reacting to the next crisis. Pursuing an online degree can make this kind of education more flexible and accessible, especially when your schedule is chaotic. You’ll gain frameworks, not just theories, and find yourself recognizing patterns you used to miss.
Say It So Everyone Hears It
Growth multiplies confusion if you’re not careful. Internal miscommunication can derail even the best-laid plans, especially when your team expands faster than your systems can support. You must take deliberate steps to improve internal communication so that your people are informed about what’s happening and why. That doesn’t mean more meetings; it means better tools, more precise language, and ensuring that folks at the edge of your operation feel as looped in as the core team. Create routines that support clarity, not just noise. The goal is trust and efficiency, not endless Slack threads.
Your Customers Already Know You—Don’t Forget Them
It’s tempting to chase the shiny new prospects during a growth spurt. But don’t forget to prioritize already existing customers who helped you get here in the first place. These are the individuals most likely to refer others, provide honest feedback, and remain committed during challenging times. Keep them close, reward their loyalty, and don’t let service quality dip just because you’re scaling. A thoughtful email, a loyalty bonus, or a simple thank-you call goes further than you think. Ignore them, and you risk trading steady income for short-term wins.
Revisit Your Marketing Strategy
Rapid growth is an ideal time to reassess your marketing efforts. What attracted your initial customers may not suffice for a broader audience. Consider enhancing your strategy with video marketing, which can boost engagement and convey your brand’s story more effectively. Collaborating with professionals like UnoDeuce Multimedia can help craft compelling video content that resonates with your target market. Their expertise in storytelling ensures your message is both authentic and impactful.
Is Your Business Built to Stretch?
Just because your business is growing doesn’t mean it’s ready to scale. You’ve got to ask yourself: Is your infrastructure ready to scale when demand doubles again next quarter? That means your technology, your processes, and yes, your people. If one bottleneck brings everything to a halt, you’re not scaling; you’re sprinting on sand. Identify stress points now before they break under pressure. Planning for scale isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about not being caught flat-footed by it.
Sudden success isn’t a straight line up; it’s a stress test. The decisions you make now, while the adrenaline’s high, will either turn growth into a launchpad or a cautionary tale. There’s no shame in slowing down just enough to think things through. Surround yourself with more intelligent systems, sharper advisors, and a team that can move with you, not just for you. Grow with intention, not ego. That’s how you survive success and turn it into something sustainable.
Discover the power of storytelling with UnoDeuce Multimedia and see how they can bring your brand’s vision to life through captivating video content!
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Building a Business While Giving Back: Digital Nomad’s Global Impact
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Building a Business While Giving Back: Digital Nomad’s Global Impact
Your Content Goes Here
From Digital Nomad to Global Change-Maker 🌍
Meet Victoria Levinsohn, a passionate entrepreneur who is turning the world into her workspace, one volunteer project at a time.
In today’s episode, Victoria shares how she blends her marketing expertise with a love for adventure and volunteering in communities around the globe.
She’s answering the question: “How do visionary entrepreneurs build businesses that go beyond profit and create long-lasting impact?” through the stories she’d lived.
What can entrepreneurs learn from Victoria’s unique journey?
✅ Social Media for Social Good: Using your skills to amplify voices and causes you care about
✅ Building Community Across Continents: The power of volunteering and real-world connections in today’s business landscape
✅ Creativity Beyond Borders: How to incorporate adventure and giving back into your business model
Tune in to hear how Victoria’s travels, nonprofit work, and creative initiatives are shaping a better world — and how you can incorporate some of her values into your own entrepreneurial journey.
CLIENT STORY: MSU College Of Osteopathic Medicine – Match Day 2025
CLIENT STORY: MSU College Of Osteopathic Medicine – Match Day 2025
Match Day is a momentous occasion for every medical student—a day filled with emotions, surprises, and the start of a new journey. At the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), Match Day 2025 was no exception. It marked the beginning of exciting transitions as students learned where they would be continuing their medical training and launching the next chapter of their careers.
For MSUCOM students, Match Day is more than just an announcement. It’s the culmination of years of rigorous academic work, countless clinical hours, and personal dedication. Each student receives their residency match, discovering where they will spend the next several years refining their skills and stepping into their roles as physicians.
One student was thrilled to match with their first choice at McLaren Macomb, an institution known not only for its excellence in medicine but also for its holistic and patient-centered approach. These values align closely with MSUCOM’s osteopathic philosophy, which emphasizes whole-person care and community impact.
Another student shared their excitement about heading south to the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. The shift from Michigan to Louisiana represents a significant cultural and professional change—one that offers a broader understanding of regional healthcare needs and patient diversity. This adaptability and eagerness to embrace new environments reflect the dynamic nature of today’s medical professionals.
Surprises are always part of Match Day, and this year was no different. One student expressed astonishment after matching at Dartmouth Health Medical Center, a prestigious institution offering incredible learning opportunities. Another celebrated their placement at Kettering Health Dayton, proud to join one of the nation’s oldest osteopathic hospitals—an environment that perfectly blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation.
Throughout all the excitement, one sentiment echoed loud and clear: pride in being a Spartan. Regardless of where they matched, MSUCOM students carry with them the values instilled during their time at Michigan State University.
“Go Green. I’ve always been proud to be a Spartan and I’m ready to be an MSU alumni and take that wherever I go,” one student shared. This sense of pride and belonging extends beyond graduation, becoming a lifelong connection that supports them in every step of their journey.
Match Day is not only a celebration of personal achievement, but also a reflection of MSUCOM’s commitment to excellence. The college’s partnerships with diverse healthcare institutions across the country create unmatched opportunities for students to train in various settings, serve different patient populations, and develop skills tailored to their passions and goals.
As these students step into their roles as residents, they bring with them a solid foundation of education, compassion, and resilience. They are the future leaders of medicine, equipped to serve their communities with knowledge, empathy, and purpose.
MSUCOM Match Day 2025 was a day of dreams realized, paths discovered, and futures launched. The entire Spartan community stands behind these new doctors, proud of how far they’ve come—and excited to see how far they’ll go.
For more updates and inspiring stories from MSUCOM, follow the college’s official channels.
MISSION CONTROL PODCAST: Megyn Forest on Mentorship, Leadership, and Building Community
MISSION CONTROL PODCAST: Megyn Forest on Mentorship, Leadership, and Building Community
The Mission Control podcast returns for Season 5 with an inspiring and insightful conversation between host Paul J. Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist at UnoDeuce Multimedia, and Megyn Forest, Executive Director and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region. This episode delves into the heart of nonprofit leadership, examining Megyn’s journey, her leadership philosophy, and the transformative power of mentorship.
Megyn Forest began her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters years ago as a volunteer Big Sister in Kalamazoo. Her early experiences helping young people build confidence and connection sparked a lifelong passion for mentorship and community development. These bonds often extend far beyond the formal program, evolving into lasting friendships that span years—something Megyn highlights as a central part of the organization’s mission.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters believes in the inherent potential of every child in our community,” Megyn says. “We help develop that potential by creating mentorships and supporting lifelong friendships.”
Before her role in nonprofit leadership, Megyn worked in injury prevention at Borgess Hospital, where she cultivated a strong background in healthcare administration, community education, and public speaking. Her transition to the nonprofit sector was both intentional and deeply personal, driven by a desire to have a broader impact in her community. She went on to earn a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership from Western Michigan University, equipping her with the skills and perspective needed to lead complex organizations with empathy and strategy.
Throughout the podcast, Megyn shares how her leadership style emphasizes asking the right questions, understanding team dynamics, and fostering inclusive collaboration. These values became even more crucial when she took on her current role at Big Brothers Big Sisters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating this transition involved implementing hybrid work models and maintaining team cohesion through regular weekly check-ins and fostering authentic connections.
Under Megyn’s leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region continues to expand its community presence. One highlight is the annual 5K run, a major fundraising event that not only generates essential support but also fosters community engagement. With over 200 participants last year, the event exemplifies how mission-driven organizations can rally people around a shared purpose.
Megyn also reflects on the concept of “work-life harmony”—a mindset that prioritizes being fully present in both work and home. As a CEO and mother, she embraces the dynamic nature of leadership and personal life, saying, “I joke around, but I think I mean it honestly, that I am a better mom when I’m a better CEO.”
This episode of Mission Control is a compelling look at what it takes to lead with heart, purpose, and a vision for lasting change. Megyn Forest’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone navigating leadership in the nonprofit world or seeking to make a more profound impact in their community.
To hear more from Megyn and other inspiring nonprofit leaders, subscribe to the Mission Control podcast, produced by UnoDeuce Multimedia, on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions, contact [missioncontrol@introduced.com](mailto:missioncontrol@introduced.com).
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Powering Business Growth: Inside the 517 Entrepreneurial Movement
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Powering Business Growth: Inside the 517 Entrepreneurial Movement
What happens when universities, business leaders, and local organizations come together to fuel innovation? A thriving startup ecosystem that’s reshaping the future of the entrepreneurial movement!
517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week is in full swing, bringing together some of the brightest minds in Michigan’s business and startup community.
But what’s really driving this transformation, and why does it matter beyond this week?
🎙️ In today’s episode, host Julie Holton Smith sits down with Harrison R. Leffel-Jones to explore the real impact of 517EI Week and what it means for the future of business in the Lansing region.
✔️ How organizations like Michigan State University, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Lansing Regional SmartZone, and local partners are unlocking funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities
✔️ The resources available to startups — from funding to mentorship to strategic partnerships
✔️ The long-term impact of 517EI Week on businesses, startups, and the regional economy
Learn more about 517EI: https://www.517ei.com/
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Can AI Feel? VERN AI Brings Emotion to Tech
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Can AI Feel? VERN AI Brings Emotion to Tech
Think AI can’t pick up on tone, sarcasm, or frustration? Think again!
Craig Tucker is redefining emotional intelligence in tech. He’s answering the big question: Can artificial intelligence act more human and understand emotion?
He believes it can, and he’s proving it with VERN AI — a patented Emotion Recognition System.
In this episode, host Julie Holton Smith talks with Craig about how emotion-sensing AI is used in real time to decode tone, detect bias, and improve how we connect at work, in business, and beyond. As a founder, Craig opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, building VERN AI, leading with purpose, and why empathy belongs in every conversation, human or machine.
✔️ The tech behind VERN AI’s patented speech emotion recognition
✔️ Real-world use cases that show the power of emotional context
✔️ How AI tools like VERN AI can be used for crisis response, education, and DEI
✔️ Why human-centered design and emotional intelligence in tech is the future of customer service
✔️ Craig’s mission to make technology more accessible and inclusive
From chatbots to corporate training, the possibilities are endless when AI learns to listen on a deeper level.
📢 Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve in tech, leadership, and purpose-driven innovation!
About Our Host, Julie Holton Smith
Julie is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and communications expert who helps businesses and nonprofits amplify their impact. As the Founder and Principal Strategist of mConnexions and host of Expert Connexions, she brings insightful conversations with purpose-driven leaders to help you grow and lead with intention. Learn more: www.mconnexions.com
About Craig Tucker & VERN AI
Craig Tucker is an entrepreneur and innovator committed to using AI for social good. As the founder of VERN AI, he’s created a platform that uses speech analysis to detect emotional cues, helping industries better understand, support, and serve their communities. Learn more: www.vernai.com
CLIENT STORY: Your Home Solutions Experts – Michigan Home and Garden Show Expo Video
CLIENT STORY: Your Home Solutions Experts – Michigan Home and Garden Show Expo Video
This video was a beginning-to-end illustration of how Your Home Solutions Experts does what they do best. They add insulation quickly and efficiently in a few hours and walk the client through the process. Special thanks to 517 Visuals for the collaboration.
ARTS ROLL-CALL: Theresa Rosado-Celebrating Culture and Traditions
ARTS ROLL-CALL: Theresa Rosado-Celebrating Culture and Traditions
Welcome to episode 28 of Arts Roll Call, a podcast for the arts curious. Join host Robin Miner Swartz as she interviews artist Theresa Rosado, founder and executive director of Casa de Rosado. They talk about Theresa’s journey as an artist and founder of Casa de Rosado and the importance of sharing culture and history through the arts.