Rapid expansion can cause big problems for small firms. A huge rise in product demand — or overly ambitious internal plans to forge new sales markets, open satellite offices or hire more people — can easily topple a company. As many owners have learned, stretching too far too fast can lead to unhappy employees, strained client relationships and shoddy products.
“Fast growth is a double-edged sword,” says Deam Roys, founder of Los Angeles-based Roys & Associates, which specializes in executive recruiting for mushrooming companies. “It's good because things are working. But if you grow too fast, things can really blow up.”
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