Bigger Isn't Always Better! Small Business Is A Good Niche To Be In!

I've dedicated a number of blogs over the last several months to praising uber successful business people and the empires they've built: Paul Allen, Richard Branson, Joanna Gaines, Jeff Bezos, just to name a few people I've highlighted. Obviously I admire them. They all started out with something small and just kept growing it, seemingly forever! Not sure if that's what any of them envisioned in the beginning, but their talent and vision kept them going and kept them growing. Pretty awesome, yeah for them!! However... lest you think that I have a constant case of business envy (which I don't)... I thought I should spend some time singing the praises of the niche I'm in – small business – because I like it here, dammit! Bigger is NOT always better and it isn't for everyone. And that's OK! So this week, I'm focusing on finding happiness in small business and enjoying the special place we occupy in the marketplace.

Finding Happiness: A Small Business Story!

When I started out, I didn't exactly know where I was headed. There was no plan for the rest of my life, let alone a business plan for the next five years. I just knew that entrepreneurship was in my blood and I wanted to run my own business. I spent some time working various jobs, learning the ropes and gaining experience. And then, together with my then-husband (gotta give him props in this story), I launched my first business. So true, I didn't do it all by myself – which absolutely took some of the pressure off me – but it was still nerve wracking, exciting and fulfilling, all at the same time. And for me, finding happiness depended on my doing that.

My journey since then has been more interesting than I could have imagined – circuitous at times, maybe even backtracked here and there. But so what? Who says we have to always go in a straight, forward-moving line? Sometimes in business – as in life – we have detours, pitstops, we get a little lost, find our way again, lose momentum, pick up speed, we pick up hitchhikers, run out of gas, stop to enjoy the view, end up in an unexpected destination... OK, maybe I'm enjoying this life-as-a-journey/roadtrip metaphor a little too much. But it totally works, doesn't it? Point is, my journey through the world of small business has been and still is a satisfying one. And for me, I don't see myself as passing through this territory trying to get to something much bigger. My roadmap is solidly situated here and this is the terrain I like.

Small Businesses Know Their Community!

Small businesses will always fill a need that larger, corporate-owned businesses cannot (I hope!). It's easy to worry about the future of small business when you drive past a shopping center of big box stores, and see chain restaurants and bookstores replace independently owned ones. But still, I believe we can all co-exist. People love Target, but will shop at a cute boutique in their neighborhood for a unique gift. They'll eat at Panera one day, their favorite taco stand the next. Or order birthday flowers from FTD for their cousin who lives out of state (because it's easy), but will always shop local when getting flowers for someone in town.

My event planning business – The Party Goddess! – relies almost entirely on other small businesses for just about every event I do. Flowers, rentals, DJs, catering, parking, lighting... you name it! Almost all of the vendors I hire to put on fabulous events are small, independently owned businesses. (Yeah for me!) But that's not a coincidence. The services that they provide are best when performed or provided by locally owned and managed businesses. It's easier to build relationships, as well as establish a rapport and a work history. Plus, I have the added benefit of knowing that I'm part of a network of other small businesses contributing to the local economy.

Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

As we start this new year, I hope you can take some time to reflect on all the good contributions you're making to your local community and economy. Small business ownership isn't always an easy path to take. But hopefully you think it's rewarding and worth the effort.

Speaking of effort, are you in desperate need of simple and easy steps to attract clients you love, create a pricing strategy and ditch the door knockers? Then you've come to the right place! Get it here for FREE!

I always say running a business means the work never ends! Ain't that the truth? I bet your to-do list is a mile long! Make sure that the items at the top of your list are the things that relate to being more profitable. Everyone is so proud of being so "busy"...But Are You Making Any Money? Don't be too busy to focus!

Check out the summary of last week's business tips and motivational quotes from my Instagram page which you hopefully got to see in real time! If not, let's make sure we're following each other on Instagram!! So...here is this week's roundup of Instagram images of My Top Business Tips and Motivational Quotes.

Finding Happiness – Tip #1:

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"Happiness comes from within. You have the power to change your own mindset so that all the negative, horrible thoughts that try to invade your psyche are replaced with happy, positive, wonderful thoughts." – Ellen DeGeneres

Finding Happiness – Tip #2:

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"Happiness is not by chance, but by choice." – Jim Rohn

Finding Happiness – Tip #3:

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"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." – Albert Schweitzer

Finding Happiness – Tip #4:

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"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open." – John Barrymore

Finding Happiness – Tip #5:

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"The thing everyone should realize is that the key to happiness is being happy by yourself and for yourself." – Ellen DeGeneres

Let's talk! I'd love to hear if your business has led to you finding happiness!

What do running a small business and finding happiness have in common? Anything? I would LOVE to hear from you! Anyhoo...I publish these business tips and motivational quotes to get you fired up for your work week!

Oh by the way, do you feel like you're too busy? Or like you're always working but not much is getting done? Your solution is right here and it's FREE!

And, if you want more business tips, get my book, But Are You Making Any Money? or contact me to really take your business to the next level!

xoxo M

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