The Sigmoid Curve

Written By Julie Entwistle MBA, BSc (OT), BSc.

All things in life have a lifecycle, including business.

The life cycle in business is usually a typical path from learning, to growth, to decline, which is represented by a Sigmoid Curve.

The Learning Phase

The learning phase is chaotic and busy. Things will be hard, and you will question your path. Many new companies don’t get past this. The entrepreneur must be courageous and persistent, staying the course with a strong vision and flexible strategies.

The Growth Phase

The growth phase is full of energy. You made it past the learning phase and things are changing and improving rapidly. Opportunities are everywhere and ongoing learning makes you better and better. The entrepreneur must focus on the market, the economy, emerging competitors, and prevent complacency. Cash needs to accumulate to prepare the business for the challenges that come with success.

The Decline Phase

Then, the decline phase is where the excitement will start to fade. Sales and profits decrease, morale will decline. Struggle will ensue. The entrepreneur needs to return to the learning phase and essentially reinvent the business or suffer ongoing decline. Long term success will require entrepreneurs to restore the vision and recreate the intentions of their offering(s).

So, where is your business? Are you ready for the next phase?

Want to learn more? Let’s connect.

Adapted from “Clarity 1.10 The Sigmoid Curve” by FocalPoint Coaching and Training Excellence, Copyright 2018, by Brian Tracy and Campbell Fraser. Reprinted with permission.

Julie Entwistle MBA, BSc (OT), BSc.

Julie Entwistle is a Certified FocalPoint Business Coach and works with business owners and professional service providers.

Julie helps her clients by building their business confidence so they can run, grow, and develop legacy practices that are focused and optimally successful. Julie knows that when professional service businesses do better, their clients also benefit. She knows this because she was one! Prior to joining FocalPoint, Julie was an independent owner of her own healthcare business before successfully merging, growing, and selling the practice. As an owner Julie had her own business coach, and this was a key element in her success.

Academically, Julie has degrees in Health Studies and Gerontology and Health Science (Occupational Therapy) from the University of Waterloo and McMaster, respectively, and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier. She attended Queens University as a part-time Doctorate student prior to discontinuing her studies in 2023. Julie is also a Chartered Director and has Board and governance experience.

Julie grew up in a franchise family, so business is in her DNA. She has raised four daughters who are off writing their own stories as young adults. Julie is active and fit with a black belt in Karate, a competitive golf game, and enjoys many other sports. She believes in authenticity, showing kindness to all living things, and is happiest when helping others to build their own wealth and wellness.

Find Julie on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/in/julieentwistle

https://www.businessyou.ca
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