Small Business Owners are a Different Breed
I have had the pleasure of working with 100 small business owners over the years and noticed that while they may offer different products or services, small business owners stand out as a different breed in a world populated by entrepreneurs and corporate giants. They possess a unique spirit, determination, and resilience that sets them apart from the rest. Today, let's delve into the reasons why small business owners deserve recognition for their exceptional qualities.
Purpose Combined with Passion and Drive
Small business owners are driven by an unwavering passion for what they do. They have taken a leap of faith to pursue their dreams and turn their passions into livelihoods. Whether it's a restaurant, a boutique, or a technology consulting firm, their businesses are an extension of their desires and aspirations. This strong sense of purpose fuels their creativity and innovation while pushing them forward, even in the face of adversity.
Small business owners understand that the key to success is having a passion and being willing to put the time in to see it succeed. Normal 9-5 hours are not usually possible; most owners work 50-60 hours per week or more. Weekends are the same as weekdays; depending on the business, they may even be busier.
Flexible and Adaptable
Unlike their corporate counterparts, small business owners possess an inherent ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Rigid hierarchical structures and bureaucratic red tape do not bind them. They can swiftly adjust their strategies, change their direction, and experiment with new ideas. This flexibility and adaptability enable them to seize opportunities, pivot quickly when needed, and remain responsive to their customers’ evolving needs and preferences.
Personal Connection and Customer Service
Small business owners recognize the immense value of personal connections and exceptional customer service. They can develop genuine customer relationships with fewer employees and less bureaucracy. They take the time to understand their customers' needs, preferences, and pain points, tailoring their products or services accordingly. This personal touch fosters a strong bond between the business and its patrons, creating a loyal customer base that often transcends monetary transactions.
Thrive Under Limited Resources
Small business owners are masters of doing more with less. They often start their ventures with limited resources, wearing multiple hats and juggling numerous responsibilities. They learn to be resourceful and creative, finding innovative ways to maximize their potential. From bootstrapping their finances to utilizing social media for marketing, they navigate the entrepreneurial landscape while making every penny count. This resourcefulness drives them to learn and adapt their strategies continuously, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.
Risk-Takers and Decision-Makers
Small business owners embrace risk like no other. They weigh the pros and cons, make informed decisions, and take calculated risks to drive their ventures forward. They understand that great rewards often come with significant risks, and they all have similar traits.
Small business owners are risk-takers who look for opportunities, then have the daring to take the risk. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” is a common mantra.
Optimistic
Not only are these owners driven, but they are also energetic and always look for the next opportunity. They believe that the next big thing may be just around the corner. This positive attitude makes business owners get through tough times because they understand that almost anything is possible with a bit of creativity and hard work.
Self-Reliant and Accountable
People cannot run a business without being able to take care of things themselves. In fact, small business ownership is what appeals to these types of people in the first place. This entrepreneurial spirit drives them to take charge of their destinies and rely on their skills and expertise. Unlike employees in larger corporations, small business owners do not have the luxury of relying on a team of departments to carry out essential tasks. They wear multiple hats and are often responsible for every aspect of their business, from sales and marketing to operations and finances. This level of self-reliance fosters a profound sense of accountability as they are directly responsible for the outcomes of their decisions. With their reputation and livelihood on the line, small business owners recognize the importance of being proactive, responsible, and accountable for their actions and their impact on their business. This commitment to self-reliance and accountability sets them apart and fuels their determination to succeed.
Able to Collaborate and Network
While small business owners are self-reliant, the truly successful ones know how to delegate where necessary and choose the correct people to work with. They embrace collaboration and networking as powerful tools for growth and success. With countless digital platforms and social media channels, they can seamlessly connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential customers worldwide. From participating in webinars and online forums to attending industry-specific conferences and workshops, small business owners actively seek opportunities to collaborate and share ideas. By joining forces with others, they gain access to valuable knowledge, resources, and support, ultimately helping them tackle challenges, expand their reach, and discover new growth opportunities. Through active participation in collaborative networks, small business owners build valuable relationships and foster a sense of community and camaraderie.
Willing to Sacrifice
Business owners tend to sacrifice a lot: time with family and friends and time to pursue hobbies or travel. Even if a vacation is taken, nearly 75% are still working in some capacity.
They are often willing to make sacrifices because they understand the immense value of their vision and the potential for growth and success. Entrepreneurs are driven by a passion to create something unique and meaningful, and they recognize that sacrifices are essential to bring their aspirations to fruition. Small business owners are ready to make tough choices and give up certain luxuries to build their dream, from long working hours and financial investments to personal time and stability. A deep sense of purpose fuels them. They are determined to overcome challenges, knowing that their sacrifices will ultimately lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and the realization of their goals.
And when a small business owner gets a little bit ahead financially, more often than not, that money goes right back into their passion: the business.
This is Why I Do What I Do
Every small business owner is a hero to me. Unless you own a small business yourself, it may be difficult to see the time, effort, and sacrifice needed to make that business successful. But I get it. Like all other small business owners, we are the CEO, CFO, COO, and CIO. We are the sales and marketing team, the development and visionary team, the accountant, the IT department, the customer service rep, the admin assistant, and the receptionist. And all that is on top of our actual business: offering a service or product and striving to do it better than our competitors.
Not every business owner has the time or expertise to create a professional website and write relevant content consistently, not to mention the knowledge to utilize SEO or social media to its fullest extent.
Please get in touch with Charlotte’s Web Designs, LLC for help getting your business seen and remembered. I’ve worked with over 100 small businesses and have a perfect 5-star rating for several reasons: over 35 years of technology and marketing experience, customer service, reliability, and unparalleled results. I understand how busy you are and, even more importantly, how to ensure your online presence reflects the care and expertise you put into your own business. Visit my current portfolio here or reach out to get started.
