Some small business love and a pep-talk!
I don't know about you, but running a small business has felt like a bit of a slog recently. When I find things feeling a little bit heavy and sluggish, I have found that it really helps to take a moment to list the things that I’m grateful for in my small business to give me a boost of energy. I thought I’d share my latest list with you, so that hopefully this will give you a boost too and a reminder that you are doing amazing things.
1. Connection with Your Customers and Clients
As a small or micro business you can really connect with your customers and clients. It is so hard for big businesses to have a real personal connection with their customers. But as a small business owner, you can totally do that. And it's one of the things that I love most about working with or shopping with small businesses. It might be a personalized note in an order or a biscuit, an encouraging message from a coach I worked with a while ago checking in to see how I am. Whatever it is, as a small business owner, you have such an incredible opportunity to improve your brand with that personal touch and make it something truly memorable and stand out.
2. Championing a Cause
Small businesses can often champion a cause. I think a lot of us have different causes that we feel really strongly about in our lives, often due to personal, lived experiences. You can build into your business supporting that cause in a way that is really authentic and has a really positive impact on the world. It might be that you decide to give a percentage of your profits to a particular charity, or it might be that you raise awareness of a particular cause, maybe hosting a raffle or a giveaway on your social media.
3. Pivoting Quickly
Small businesses can pivot really quickly. One of the areas where I don't think small businesses often realize they have a huge advantage is how quickly they can adapt and change to what is going on around them. That could be offering a new service, a new product, or maybe it's just trying out a different social media platform. I think the global events of the last few years have shown how being able to adapt and change your business quickly can sort of be the make or break as to whether your business survives.
4. Embracing the Unknown
You never know what's around the corner. My last point is one that inspires and encourages me so much. Every now and then I'll get a message from someone who I didn't even know was following me on social media, or was signed up to my mailing list, or listened to this podcast with an opportunity that I couldn't have really dreamed of. I've worked with some really incredible clients who have made me screech out loud when the email landed in my inbox, and most of the time I didn't even know that they followed me. Yes, sharing your business and what you do online can be really scary, but it is worth it because there are so many opportunities out there.
So if you're feeling a bit blue, like business is a slog or a struggle, just know that things can change really quickly. You never know what's around the corner. Also, find your crew of fellow small business owners who get what you do and cheer each other on. I don't know what I would do without my small business pals who I can message for a pep talk when I'm down or who'll celebrate with me when something exciting happens.
Remember, building a brand takes time and effort, but the journey is filled with incredible moments and opportunities. Embrace the personal connections, champion a cause, pivot quickly, and keep your eyes open for unexpected opportunities. You're doing amazing things, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.
