You’ve probably heard the phrase grow or die – and it doesn’t even have to relate to marketing or digital growth.
It’s true.
But here’s the real truth: You don’t die when you stop.
You die when you stop starting.
Let that sink in.
Want to grow anything?
It’s simple: Step up to a new starting line.
A few years ago, I took up endurance running. It changed my life.
Any other runners out there? Reply “RUNNER” so I know you’re with me.
When I started running, I lost 40 lbs., improved my nutrition, and became mentally sharper.
But running didn’t just change my body—it changed my mind.
Running transformed how I THINK about growth.
Here’s what I learned:
Growth isn’t hard. Starting is hard.
I remember my first “starting line” with running.
My kids were biking ahead on a walk, and I turned to my wife and said, “Wanna run?”
She nervously agreed.
At the time, I didn’t think I could run a mile. And I couldn’t.
But I could run a quarter-mile.
That quarter-mile changed everything.
Digital growth is the same in business:
- Want to grow social media followers? Start posting.
- Want more leads? Start offering value.
- Want better ROI? Start measuring marketing.
That’s exactly what I help my clients with.
My Digital Growth Workshop and Digital Growth Systems help executive leaders drive exponential, lasting growth.
But, transformation doesn’t happen by accident—it’s about the actions you take year-over-year.
And what stops most people?
Fear.
It’s not lack of confidence or capability. Those come later.
Growth begins with starting scared.
One of my favorite frameworks is Dan Sullivan’s 4 C’s of Growth:
- Commitment: Growth starts with a decision.
- Courage: The first step is scary. Take it anyway.
- Capability: Action builds skills.
- Confidence: Confidence is the reward, not the requirement.
The secret to growth? Start small. Start simple. Start scared.
Fear isn’t the enemy; it’s the teacher.
It’s what gets you to the starting line.
So, here’s my challenge to you (and to me):
Cross your starting line.
Today, make a decision and take ONE action.
Do something crazy.
You don’t have to finish the race.
Just start it.
One step at a time.
–Simon Villeneuve
Next steps
If you want help growing your business this year, message me “GROW.”
An hour with me will save you a year of fear.
A year with my team will save you a decade of delay.
Tell me—what’s your biggest digital growth struggle right now?
Personal or professional, they often overlap.
Hit reply and let me know.
Replying might just be the starting line that makes 2025 the year everything changes.
Learn more about me
I believe business is personal.
If you’re like me, you want to know—and trust—the people who you let speak into your life.
Learn more about my professional picture on LinkedIn.
Learn more about how work and life intersect on Instagram.
Learn more about my team and our work on our Website.
More to explore
Find missing gaps in your brand with my Brand Maturity assessment.
Discover how digitally mature your organization is with my Digital Maturity quiz.
Get free, no-obligation advice on growing your brand, marketing, and sales with a Strategy Session.
