9 Things I Learned in 9 Years of Being a Small Business Owner

Some of my blog posts include affiliate links.  If you purchase an item from one of my links I may receive a commission.  Please read my disclaimer for more details. 

I have been a small business owner for nine years.  Being a small business owner did not come easy and I still hustle daily.  The first business I started nine years ago showed me the ropes.

The first business I started with my husband caters to a specific industry and audience.  I reflect on the roles I have taken in the business and the opportunities it gave me to grow as a business owner.

9 Things I Learned in 9 Years of Being a Small Business Owner

1. Determination

Determination created my first business.  As the business grew the determination grew. If you want your business to work, you will hustle to find ways to help your business.  

2. Digital Marketing

Our website, Instagram, Facebook, Facebook ads, and Pinterest helped to market our business to people who are interested in our business products and services. 

3. Don’t Do Everything Alone

Being a small business owner takes a toll on you and your family. A small business owner usually works over 40 hours a week to get their business started.

If you have money to get help do it. Navigate with Price was started for this purpose, to assist business owners who need time to manage their business. So, hire a bookkeeper or use a company like Paychex for payroll.

4. Financial Situation

Know your financial situation when you begin a new business.  Be prepared for startup and understand your revenue and expenses when your business grows. 

Visit 9 Steps to Make Before Starting a Small Business to help you get started!

5. Patience

Even though I do not always feel like I have patience, it was patience that got me through running a new business.  Building a business can be chaotic and difficult. 

Other Related Posts:

6. Referrals

Word of mouth and referrals from good customers make all the difference.  You want to work with customers who appreciate what you do and who look for quality of work.

7. Supplement Income

It is not uncommon to supplement income while building a business.  I worked multiple jobs while growing my first business.  Technically I am still working multiple jobs, but it all revolves around bookkeeping, blogging, and websites now.   

8. Supply and Demand

You are supplying a demand for a service or for goods that people want. Remember the business you choose can change with the trends. You must be willing to change products and services to serve your clients and customers.

9. Understand Your Audience

Understand who you are selling your products or services to.  To grow a business your business should serve a need or solve a problem to a specific audience. 

Conclusion

Learning from my first business I was able to start my second business in bookkeeping. I now take the back seat in my first business.  In the nine years since starting my first business with my husband I have worked multiple second jobs, learned more about website software, integrations, digital marketing, and so much more. 

Since beginning my ventures as a business owner I have partnered with some wonderful companies like QuickBooks, SiteGround, Tailwind, ConvertKit, and Acuity Scheduling. Visit my Recommendations Page for more information.