By JOHNNY CARCIOPPOLO / Community Columnist

Growth is an important part of any business. Every company needs to be aware of growth and have a strategy for growth in place. Sometimes, business owners run into the problem of being too close to their business and too busy to identify the opportunities for business growth.

1. Are you turning away work?

Although this is a good problem to have, your business needs to take action to be able to supply the products and services in demand. If you have to say no to customers wanting your products or services, eventually they will start looking somewhere else. This is an issue to tackle as soon as possible so you can take on new businesses without any problems.

2. Do customers know your business by name?

If your business is often mentioned in the industry, it is clear that your business has established a name for itself. This is a sign that there will be more referrals coming your way for new business.

3. Are you looking for new team members?

If you know you need to hire new people to keep up with the pace of work, your business is on its way to the next level. If you suddenly find yourself creating new positions for your business in order to run more efficiently and effectively, this is a positive sign that your business is expanding.

4. Does it seem like you always need more time?

It is no secret that businesses take resources and time to build. But when you are overwhelmed, perhaps this is a sign that your job now has too many responsibilities for just one person.

If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following questions, your company may be at the start of a major growth period and a strategy should be put into place soon because your business is taking off to the next level. Congratulations!