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Growth and an increase in revenue are at the top of every small business owner’s list. According to James Cash Penney, the founder of JCPenney, “Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together." Don’t you love it when a plan falls into place? When it happens, you have to be prepared for the boost.
There are so many resources to assist small business owners. Please do your research and take advantage of the opportunities. The daily grind and hustle of trying to make it all work definitely keep you busy, but you have to find the time to network and apply for bids or projects. Please know that I do try to abide by my advice. I spent several hours for two days this week doing the necessary paperwork to help my business grow.
As National Small Business Week comes to an end, I encourage you to please take a moment to learn about a start-up company. The purpose of the week is to recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs. It has often been said that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. So, let’s put them to work.
This life as a small business owner continues to amaze me. I always tell my friends that I don’t know if this was a smart decision to go out on my own or if it was a stupid one. Despite the challenges, I love what I do! I love sharing the “Power of Your Voice.” I have advice for other entrepreneurs - hang in there. Don’t give up.
Small business owners often stay on the go. We are busy with our clients, in meetings, posting on social media or researching ideas that help us stay ahead of the game. I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to make time to do the little things. I am talking about logging mileage, making my 10 - 20 calls (some of them are cold calls) a week or doing other administrative work for the business.
As we know, technology changes constantly. Small business owners have to hop on the tech train. Some understand the trends and the importance of utilizing technology for growth. Some entrepreneurs just are not on board. Just as I believe in the power of your voice, I believe in the power of social media.
We all need words of encouragement sometimes. I am talking about words that go beyond “Don’t Give Up” or “Believe in Yourself.” I am not knocking them because I share this advice and will continue to do so. Those words are important. But, let me share what a friend told me recently about success. He said, “You have to out work your opponent.” That is powerful. You have to be willing to go that extra mile (sometimes, ten extra miles). You may have to stay up a little later or study a little harder and that’s okay. Do what you have to do to ensure you and your business make it to the top.
Have you been networking? We know that is important for small business owners to get out and share their unique story. Some people tell me they go to local coffee shops and hang out (or work). Others join clubs to meet potential clients. I recently heard one expert tell entrepreneurs to attend city council meetings and talk with lawmakers so that you can learn about opportunities. These are great ways to network.
There is always something new to learn in this small business venture. I still ask a lot of questions. My fellow business owners ask me a lot of questions as well. A good friend and I were recently talking about whether she should take the leap. Of course, I told her to go for it. There are so many advantages to being your own boss. I also shared some of my twists and turns of being a business lady.
8261 Halls Hammock Ct.
Jacksonville, FL 32244
(904) 535-8862
angela@angelaspearscomm.com
