Scaling a business in Malaysia is a balancing act. We are often told to “do more” to grow, but true growth usually comes from doing less, but doing it better.
Over the last few weeks, I have been reflecting on a few core principles that every budding entrepreneur should consider. It starts with a simple, almost radical idea about technology.
1. Reclaim Your Creative Time
We often use AI for the “fun” stuff like art and writing, while we stay stuck doing the physical chores like dishes or manual admin. It should be the other way around. The promise of technology is to handle the mundane “bits” so we can focus on the “atoms” of our business strategy. If you are still doing your own “digital laundry”—repetitive tasks that require zero creativity—you are stalling your own progress.
2. The Art of Letting Go
You cannot scale if you are a bottleneck. I recently re-read a “Delegation Cheat Sheet” that reminded me of the 70% rule. If someone can do a task 70% as well as you, let it go. Stop chasing 100% perfection yourself and start empowering your team. Use the 80/20 rule to find the 20% of work that actually moves the needle for your company. Everything else? Delegate it.
3. Focus vs. The “Rojak” Business
There is a temptation in our local market to offer every service under the sun. We think being a “Jack of all trades” makes us more resilient. But as Houston Golden points out, the easiest way to scale is to pick one thing and be the absolute best at it.
I often debate this with myself. Should I have one company doing ten things, or ten companies doing one thing? The answer is focus. Master one service until it is replicable and can run without you. Don’t let your brand become a “rojak” mess where customers don’t know what you actually stand for.
4. The Tesla “War Rules” for Efficiency
Once you start building a team, you have to fight the “big company” disease. Elon Musk’s productivity rules are famous for a reason. They keep things lean:
- Nix big, frequent meetings: If you aren’t adding value, walk out. It isn’t rude to leave; it is rude to waste people’s time.
- Drop the jargon: If it requires a glossary to understand, it’s a barrier. Speak plainly.
- Communicate directly: Forget the “chain of command.” If a junior needs to talk to a director to get a job done, let them talk. Speed is everything.
- Logic over rules: If a company rule is ridiculous, change the rule. Use common sense.
The Bottom Line
Running a business isn’t about working the most hours. It is about managing your energy and your focus. Whether you are automating your admin with AI, delegating to a trusted team, or cutting down useless meetings, the goal is the same: Winning back your time to do the work that actually matters.
