Running a business or growing it?
You already run a business. You know how it feels: the freedom, the responsibility, the daily challenges. But sometimes you find yourself at a crossroads. You want to grow, but how? You want to work smarter, but where do you start? Or you wonder: am I still doing what really suits me?
Then it is time to spar with someone who knows entrepreneurship inside out. At Stichting Ondernemersklankbord (OKB), you get advice from former entrepreneurs who know how to keep a company not only running, but also thriving.
Resources for established entrepreneurs
"There comes a moment when you ask yourself every day: am I doing it right? Am I on the right track? Could it be better?"
It started small. Henry and his wife Xandra built Spa Treatments from the ground up. No staff, no safety net — just an idea, a mission, and a ton of hard work.
Today, they run a solid business with five employees and plans for the future. But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
Get your intake interview with an experienced mentor
Completely non-binding. After the intake interview, you decide whether you want to continue with the coaching process.
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Personal advice from an experienced entrepreneur
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Our mentors are independent and impartial
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Free, no-obligation intake interview
Grow your business: 10 questions you need to ask yourself
Your business is running. You have clients, income, and routine. But now you’re feeling the itch. You want to grow and professionalize. Maybe you’re about to hire staff or launch a second product. Or perhaps you’ve lost oversight and want to regain control. Many entrepreneurs want to grow their business, but aren’t sure how.
Growth brings a new and often risky phase in entrepreneurship. It requires different decisions and new skills compared to the startup phase. During this time, many entrepreneurs struggle with questions about strategy, finance, and organization. That’s why we’ve outlined ten key questions about business growth — including tips, deep-dive links, and stories from other entrepreneurs who’ve been through this phase.
Need support from an advisor? At the Entrepreneurs’ Sounding Board Foundation, you can receive six months of personal guidance from a retired entrepreneur or business specialist for just €200. This is someone with hands-on experience in business growth, doubt, and breakthrough moments.
This experienced advisor is not only your coach but also a valuable sounding board. You can choose a shorter period or even extend your program later at no extra cost.
1. How do I want to grow — and why?
Growth can take many forms: more clients, higher profits, new products, or a bigger team. It’s important to define how you want to grow and why. This makes the difference between purposeful entrepreneurship and constantly playing catch-up.
What does growth mean for your role as an entrepreneur? Learn how entrepreneurs Michiel and Tom Brinkhuis gained a fresh focus for their podcast company Voice Revolution with the help of their advisor Henk Zweers.
2. Am I still on top of my numbers?
Growing a business costs money. What worked in Excel as a startup won’t cut it now. Cash flows become more complex, and your revenue doesn’t always match your expenses. This affects your cash flow, margins, and reserves.
Need help understanding your financials? An OKB advisor can help — even if your figures aren’t clearly documented yet.
See our Finance page for more tips.
3. How do I consistently attract the right clients?
Word-of-mouth might have brought your early customers, but now you need a clear target profile. Who are your ideal clients? Why do they choose you?
An OKB advisor helps you sharpen your marketing and positioning.
Check out Marketing & Sales for actionable tips.
4. Am I too dependent on one big client?
Reliance on a single client puts your cash flow and planning at risk.
A coach can help you broaden your revenue model with small, strategic steps.
5. When and how do I hire staff?
Hiring employees is a big step. An OKB advisor helps you decide when and how to grow your team.
Visit the Personnel & HR page for guidance.
6. Is my organization ready to grow?
Structure is key to sustainable growth. With the help of an OKB advisor, you’ll strengthen the foundation of your business — from planning to internal processes.
Read how Rim from Maison Yoneiko benefited from her OKB trajectory.
7. What legal risks should I watch for?
Growth brings legal considerations: contracts, liability, IP, and partnerships. Many entrepreneurs act only when something goes wrong — often too late.
An OKB advisor helps identify key legal pitfalls before they become a problem.
See our Legal Matters page.
8. How is growth changing my role?
As your company grows, you need to step back from the day-to-day. Delegating and setting boundaries are essential leadership skills — an advisor can help you build them.
9. How do I balance growth with work satisfaction?
Growth is exciting but can also lead to stress and burnout. An OKB advisor helps you maintain balance, so you don’t lose sight of why you started.
10. Where do I want to be in three years — and what do I need to do now?
A strong plan brings your vision to life. What steps should you take now to reach your goals?
Jeroen and Bram Joosten did just that. With advisor Piet Fleuren, PJP Film & Studio now has financial clarity, better profit calculations, and renewed confidence.
Ready to grow your business? You don’t have to do it alone
At Stichting Ondernemersklankbord, you don’t get generic coaching. You get personal guidance from someone with real business experience — an accountant, director, lawyer, or marketing expert.
- Six-month coaching program: one-time fee of €200
- Free extensions available
- Personal guidance from an experienced entrepreneur
Register without obligation.
Explore all client stories and learn how others grew their businesses.
Or listen to our podcast The Entrepreneur’s Gym for insights and inspiring real-world stories.
Whether you’re just starting or already on the path to growth — we’re here for you. You’re the one doing the entrepreneurship, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s grow your business together.