The Small Business Owner: Essential Reminders for Success

In the fast-paced world of small businesses, the journey is both exhilarating and challenging. As a small business owner, you are the heartbeat of your venture, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. It's an intricate dance where missteps can be costly. In this blog post, we'll explore crucial aspects that every small business owner should keep in mind, helping you navigate the dynamic landscape with finesse.

Running a small business is not about emulating retail giants like Amazon; it's about celebrating your uniqueness. While Amazon can promise two-day shipping, understand that your capabilities might differ. Be transparent about your delivery timelines, and set realistic expectations. Customers appreciate honesty, and managing expectations upfront can lead to greater satisfaction.

I remember when I used to just ship when I could. I would also preprint if I was getting ready to ship out a ton of orders in the next week or so. This resulted in people emailing me thinking that their stuff was lost in the mail. It wasn't. Now? I just print on friday and ship on saturday. If I'm not in that week, then oh well. Shipping every day was not a good schedule and just not doable for one person. Learn from me, pick a day and do pick up if you can!

In an era where attention spans are fleeting, it's essential to communicate clearly. Many customers won't dive into lengthy product descriptions. Clearly state if a product is on pre-order or has a specific shipping timeline. Despite your efforts, questions about shipping will inevitably arise. Be prepared to handle inquiries promptly, showcasing your commitment to customer service.

I used to post a lot on instagram and my newsletter about updates. Even with me doing that, I still got emails and questions. At this point of 2024, which is January, I've scaled back on instagram and only using my newsletter as an information gateway. I’m training my audience to look out for my newsletter. It isn't all about selling, sometimes it is updates, sometimes I'm showing them a new youtube video I’ve put out there, blog posts! Always selling to them doesnt work and I've learned that. But letting them fell as if they missed out because they didn’t think about that one place of information gateway, also works in my favor. I'll always add to stories or posts on Instgram, ‘sign up for my newsletter to know about XYZ’. I'm fine with people missing out because they didn't sign up beforehand. You own your newsletter, not your IG account. 

Customers tend to draw comparisons, often unwittingly, between businesses of varying sizes. If you're a one-person show, don't let the expectations set by larger small businesses overwhelm you. Acknowledge your limitations, focus on your strengths, and offer a personalized touch. Your uniqueness is your advantage; leverage it to create a memorable customer experience.

Transparency is a buzzword in the business world, but it comes with its nuances. While being open about your operations is commendable, be mindful of how it's perceived. Some may interpret transparency as 'whining,' so strike a balance. Share glimpses of your life beyond the business to humanize your brand, but avoid oversharing. Be genuine, stay true to yourself, and let your authenticity shine.

I like to show that it is just me behind this business by making cute reels about it or, more serious reels that just say what everyone is thinking. One time I made a reel about how hard 2023 was for small businesses like myself. A lot of other fellow creators agreed, it was an unsaid truth for the most part. I wasn’t beginning or asking for anything. I was just reminding people that I feel the hard times just like them. Try this approach! 

In the pursuit of success, financial acumen is paramount. It's not just about generating sales and profits; it's about managing expenses, understanding cash flow, and planning for the future. Keep a keen eye on your financial health, invest wisely, and explore avenues for growth that align with your long-term vision.

Plan out your collections at least a month or two ahead if you can. It is my goal this month to plan out what drops and when. That way I know when I have to promote for that sale, what my goals are and what money needs to be spent on supplies. It also helps me plan out all my bills and see what is due. It doesn't always work out, ( small business life!) but getting into the practice and planning is better than not planning at all! 

In the small business arena, customer relationships are your lifeblood. Focus on building lasting connections by personalizing the customer experience. Understand your customers' preferences, communicate genuinely, and consider loyalty programs to foster repeat business. Satisfied customers become brand advocates, contributing to organic growth.

This does not mean being a doormat for them and not every customer is right. You’ll know the good ones from the bad ones. Yes, I said it. Bad ones. Some will try to take advantage of you. Some will try to make you feel horrible because they are having a horrible day. It happens and will happen. I've been there and when I was there? I wanted to quit. Don’t. Just take that break, walk away from that email and do something that makes you happy. 

Small businesses can harness the power of technology to level the playing field. Establish a robust online presence, leverage social media for marketing, and explore e-commerce opportunities. Embracing digital tools not only enhances visibility but also streamlines operations, allowing you to compete more effectively in the modern business landscape.

Like chatgbt. Learn it, learn how to use it, learn how to make it your bitch. I’m telling you it has helped me so much. I can't afford to pay someone to take the load off and do things for me. Instead I have Chatty do it for me. That promote email? Chatty. That youtube description? Chatty. I could go on and on. Let me know if you'd like a list of prompts/ways I talk to create a ‘virtual me’ to do tasks. 

The business landscape is dynamic, and adaptability is key to survival. Stay informed about industry trends, be open to innovation, and don't fear change. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and continually reassess and refine your strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

If you feel like you're being copied, that means you got too comfortable. Switch it up, so something different. Keep people guessing. I always forget this and see change when I do. No one likes to eat the same cereal every day for months on end, so change the way you show things or products. It could really make a difference! 

Amidst the hustle, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Running a small business is demanding, and burnout is a real risk. Allocate time for relaxation, pursue hobbies, and nurture your well-being. A healthy and rejuvenated business owner is better equipped to face challenges and steer the business towards sustained success.

In the intricate tapestry of small business ownership, these reminders serve as beacons, guiding you through challenges and towards prosperity. As you embark on this entrepreneurial journey, celebrate your uniqueness, connect with your audience authentically, and remember, the journey is as valuable as the destination.