From Spare Bedroom to Success: Mark LaScola’s Inspiring Journey of Building On The Mark, Transforming Organization Design, Growing to 40 Team Members Over 35 Years, and Achieving a Landmark Acquisition in 2024. (Episode 641 - Mark LaScola)

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Mark LaScola, founder of On The Mark, a professional services firm specializing in organization design. Mark shares his 35-year journey, growing from a spare bedroom startup to a team of 40, culminating in a 2024 acquisition. He reveals insights on balancing leadership, resilience, and team collaboration. Mark also discusses the importance of documenting processes for scaling success. Don’t miss his advice on creating sustainable change and staying agile in business.

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Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   Mark LaScola believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is perseverance. He highlights the challenges of getting up every day, coping with ambiguity, and consistently putting one foot in front of the other despite setbacks. Mark emphasizes the importance of resilience, maintaining health, and finding ways to handle the psychological and physical demands of running a business over time.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Mark LaScola's favorite business books include "Good to Great" by Jim Collins, "The Learning Organization" by Peter Senge, and Edgar Schein's works on process consultation. He also admires early communication works by Virginia Satir, which have profoundly influenced his approach to leadership and organizational design.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Mark LaScola recommends exploring a variety of podcasts and online learning resources to grow a small business. While he doesn’t focus on any single resource, he values content on economics, behavioral science, and creative industries for diverse perspectives. Mark avoids overly popularized shows and prefers podcasts with substance and actionable insights, such as those focusing on behavioral economics, leadership, and business strategy. He believes branching out beyond one’s industry can spark valuable ideas and foster innovation.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Mark LaScola emphasizes the importance of listening to your customers and adapting your products or services based on market trends and feedback. While he doesn't highlight a specific tool, he recommends mastering strategic planning and understanding how to anticipate and respond to changes in the marketplace. He believes these skills are essential for staying competitive and fostering sustainable business growth.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Mark LaScola’s advice for starting out in business revolves around resilience, passion, and adaptability. He emphasizes following your instincts and staying focused on your vision, even amidst uncertainties. Challenges are inevitable, but they teach resilience and the importance of solving problems early to create options. Building a strong support system is essential for navigating tough times, while celebrating small wins helps maintain momentum. Above all, he encourages staying grounded, planning for the unexpected, and embracing the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship.

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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Follow your passion, but stay grounded and ready for the unexpected – Mark LaScola

Success begins with listening to your customers and adapting to their needs – Mark LaScola

Resilience is the key to navigating the inevitable challenges of business – Mark LaScola

 

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