Scaling a firm takes more than ambition—it requires structure and a system that keeps everyone accountable. That’s where an Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) comes in. At The Charity CFO, we started using EOS when we were a team of just four. Hiring a consultant wasn’t financially possible, so we chose to self-implement. It’s been a game-changer for our growth.
Here’s how we used EOS to scale from a small team into a fast-growing firm of more than 50 people.
Why EOS?
EOS revolves around six key components: vision, people, data, issues, process, and traction. For small firms like ours, EOS brings clarity, accountability, and a roadmap for growth. The principles can be applied without the need for a consultant. What matters most are discipline and commitment.
1. Clarity of vision
One of the first steps in EOS is getting your vision clear. We used the Vision/Traction Organizer—more commonly known as V/TO— to ensure our leadership team was aligned. From day one, we knew our mission was to empower nonprofits with better financial management. Articulating where we wanted to be in 10 years helped us create quarterly goals or “Rocks” to guide our team forward.
Even if you’re a small firm, taking time to align on your vision sets the foundation for growth.
2. Building the right team
At four people, every team member plays a critical role. EOS helped us map out an accountability chart, ensuring everyone knew their responsibilities. This wasn’t about titles; it was about clarity and ensuring each role was driving the firm forward.
Even small teams can benefit from this framework, helping avoid confusion and making sure everyone is focused on the right priorities.
3. Data-driven decisions
EOS pushed us to track the right metrics. We created a simple scorecard to focus on key data points, such as revenue, client retention, and new leads. The goal isn’t to track everything; it’s about identifying the numbers that matter most to your growth.
When you’re a small firm, it’s easy to overlook data. If you start by tracking five to 10 key metrics weekly, you’ll be better equipped to spot issues before they become problems.
4. Tackling issues head on
Problems are inevitable, especially when growing. EOS introduced us to the IDS (Identify, Discuss, Solve) framework, which we now use in weekly meetings. This structure helped us address challenges immediately, instead of letting them linger and grow.
As a small firm, being proactive about solving issues is key to preventing them from derailing your growth.
5. Process and traction
We documented our core processes to ensure consistency as we grew. Even with a small team, having documented processes keeps service quality high and helps onboard new team members faster. The traction component—setting quarterly Rocks—gave us a system to track progress and ensure we stayed aligned with our long-term vision.
By staying disciplined with these Rocks, we maintained momentum even as our team expanded.
Why self-implementing worked for us
When we started down this path, paying a consultant simply wasn’t an option, but EOS is designed to be accessible. By self-implementing, we learned to hold ourselves accountable, align our team, and create a system for sustainable growth. If you’re a small firm owner, you don’t need a consultant to get started; just commit to the process.
EOS isn’t just a business system; it’s a mindset that helps you take control of your firm’s future. It taught us that with the right framework, small firms can scale with purpose, no matter their starting size.
Most growing small businesses have an owner who is pulled in too many directions, constantly putting out fires and losing sight of strategic goals. As the business grows, change becomes constant, and many leaders struggle to figure out how to organize their thoughts and communicate changes effectively to their team. EOS provides the tools and framework to help small firm owners regain control, think strategically, and focus on working on the business rather than getting stuck in the day-to-day grind.
Self-implementing EOS gave us the clarity and structure to stay aligned with our goals, track our progress, and communicate clearly with our growing team. If you’re looking to scale your firm, EOS is the system that can help you stay focused and navigate the challenges of growth—without needing a consultant to get started.
