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Small Business Week is coming to an end. The U.S. Small Business Administration set this week aside to recognize the nation’s top small businesses, entrepreneurs, small business advocates and champions. Have you patronized your top small business owner(s)? We all know these companies are the backbone of our economy.
I focus my weekly blogs on my perspective as a small business owner. As you might imagine, this is a continuous learning process. In fact, life itself is a series of lessons. (If you don’t know, then keep living.) I learned and heard so many great things this week. I, of course, want to share them with you. So, please forgive me if it feels as if I’m rambling and my thoughts seem out of order.
I am so glad that tax season is over. I went to sign the paperwork for my forms last week and thought I was going to receive the best news ever. Well, I was disappointed. I have to pay. For the first time, I have to pay more than I ever thought I would have to give to the IRS. Now I understand why my dad always waits until the last minute to do his American duty. Uncle Sam is no joke. We all know it's been said that nothing is certain except death and taxes.
You’ve done your spring cleaning. You’ve done your self-inventory. The taxes are done! (Well, almost) Now, it’s time to relax. I know you are probably saying that we as small business owners never have time for a little R& R. I would have to agree. I am constantly on the go! But, we have to take time for ourselves. It’s been said that “sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.”
It doesn’t matter how long you have been in business, we all know there will be ups and downs. It can be tough sometimes getting that new client. But, after you make a connection, what are your next steps? How do you seal the deal? (I’m not asking for any trade secrets.) Follow up is key. I recently attended an event where a business owner said she followed up eight times with a company before she got the gig. (Wow!)
We know that privacy issues for social media have been in the news. Some are now calling for people to cancel their subscriptions to one social site. But, many of us are sticking with all our social platforms. They have become important to promoting our brand and sharing the power of our voice. How do you use social media? What’s your favorite platform? (I want to hear from you.)
I feel as if I’m slipping a little. I did not have a blog post last week. (Did you notice? LOL) I have been on the grind looking for new business opportunities and of course, working hard for my clients – creating social media content, writing news releases, making community connections, networking and much more! I am having fun. But can I tell you, this small business owner is tired! I would not have it any other way!
There are times when you are the student as well as the encourager. These are hats we as small business owners wear all the time. I was reminded of a valuable lesson I’ve written about in the past – remember what you know. Once you remember what you know, go for it and don’t let others discourage you. I was sort of doubting myself on a project this week and a very good friend let me have it (in a good way… this time)!
“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” I find this quote from Albert Einstein to be so true. Life is a continuous education. You must never stop learning. You can attend conferences that lead to professional development. But, sometimes just listening closely to others can be key to enhancement.
8261 Halls Hammock Ct.
Jacksonville, FL 32244
(904) 535-8862
angela@angelaspearscomm.com
