How I Achieved Growth with BHAG (And How You Can Too)

When it comes to achieving business growth, one philosophy stands out to me: thinking big. For female entrepreneurs and businesswomen, adopting a growth mindset and setting a BHAG can lead to remarkable achievements.

As the founder of Experiencegift, I’ve seen firsthand how thinking big has helped my business achieve major milestones. From winning awards for fastest-growing companies in the Netherlands and EMEA to selling gift cards in over 50 countries, my journey shows what can happen when you dare to dream big. In this article, I want to share insights and strategies to help you think big and achieve growth by drawing on ideas like the Rockefeller Habits, setting a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), and building resilience.

Read Our Q&A With Female Entrepreneur, Loes Daniels

How I Achieved Growth

What Does Thinking Big Mean?

Thinking big means imagining a future that goes beyond what seems possible. It’s about setting goals that stretch your limits and challenge the way you normally think. For me with Experiencegift, this meant aiming for scalable international growth from day one. Even during challenging periods, like the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitment to ambitious goals kept us moving forward. Now, as we aim for unicorn status, one thing is certain: thinking big opens doors to growth, innovation, and impact.

The Rockefeller Habits and the Power of BHAG

Scaling up a business requires structure and a framework to ensure goals are met. One methodology that has been key to our success are the Rockefeller Habits. Created by Verne Harnish, this framework provides tools and strategies to drive sustainable growth in businesses. The most transformative aspect of the Rockefeller Habits for me has been the concept of the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG).

A BHAG is a long-term goal that’s so ambitious it feels almost unattainable. It forces you to think outside the box and ask, “Can it be even bigger?” Often, the answer is yes. For example, our BHAG at Experiencegift has evolved over time, driving us to expand into new markets, launch innovative products, and build a global presence.

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Here’s how to work with a BHAG:

Define your BHAG: Establish a clear picture of where you want to be in 3 years. This involves identifying the markets you aim to enter, defining the products or services you will offer, and determining the team structure needed to support growth. Ask yourself: Can you aim even higher?

Break it down: Translate the BHAG into a 3-year plan, then into annual, quarterly, and monthly goals. This makes a visionary goal concrete and actionable.

Identify changes: What actions should you take tomorrow to align with your big vision?

Inspire your team: A compelling BHAG unites and motivates your team. While some might think the goal is too ambitious, achieving milestones together creates a strong, growth-oriented company culture.

Stay flexible: Challenges will arise, but resilience and adaptability are key. Keep revisiting your BHAG and adjust your strategies as needed.

Download Our Free Rockefeller Habits Checklist

A Growth Mindset Can Also Help You Think Big

Having a growth mindset is key to thinking big. It’s about believing that your abilities and intelligence can grow with effort, persistence, and a willingness to learn. It’s about trusting yourself and your ability to overcome setbacks. Resilience is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart from the competition. During Experiencegift’s journey, setbacks were inevitable. But keeping the bigger picture in mind and focusing on our BHAG provided the motivation to push through and build the company we are today.

Inspiring Women to Think Big

Thinking big is not easy, but it is rewarding. It continues to motivate me every day. For businesswomen and female entrepreneurs, setting bold goals and staying focused can transform your career. Growth comes from dreaming big, staying disciplined, and overcoming challenges with resilience.

So, ask yourself today: What is my BHAG? Can it be even bigger? And what can I do differently tomorrow to make it a reality?

Loes Daniels

Loes Daniels is the co-founder and CEO of Experiencegift, a global platform offering personalized gift cards for hotels, flights, and experiences in over 50 countries. A passionate entrepreneur, she built her company from the ground up, turning a simple idea into an international success. Today, Loes is on a mission to empower women to do the same. She writes about leadership, growth, and the realities of entrepreneurship, sharing honest lessons and practical insights to inspire bold action.