I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
It's Like a Jungle
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Hi Reader, These days, every time I open up TikTok or Insta or LinkedIn, someone is telling me more bad news. A lot of it is about the economy or what's going to negatively impact the economy in the coming weeks. When I look at news alerts on my phone, it's the same, only more global and more soul-crushing in terms of war and famine and violence. My emails aren't that much better, clients and students are struggling to keep their businesses going in the face of rising costs, slackening sales, tightening budgets, and changes to government grants and programs. It's all feeling pretty doom and gloom for a lot of folks and, boy, do I wish I had a magic wand or spell to ensure there's no more bad news in store for us. Sadly, I'm just an ordinary muggle. That said, here's what I've seen small business owners doing that seems to be helping them find their groove in the new world order and economy: Putting Themselves Out ThereIt's pretty tempting to pull the covers over our heads and withdraw from the world. But, resist that impulse at all costs. Entrepreneurs who keep showing up authentically—on social media, networking events, industry webinars, local meetups—are making new connections and finding unexpected opportunities and success. Try sharing your story or even your struggles—you might be surprised by the impact and outcome. Buddying UpMisery may love company but so does business. Whether it’s through collaborations, referrals, or just sharing the occasional coffee-fueled venting session, it's all better together. Often, the right people are already in our contacts or following us on our socials, and they're just waiting for an invitation. Reach out to a few connections to trade services, swap leads, or co-host an event to expand your audiences. Switching GearsSome of the most successful pivots I’ve seen are from small businesses that embraced new technologies or cultural/generational trends that they'd previous ignored. Others find creative ways to repackage and repurpose their skills for a new audience or to hyper-personalize their offers. Break down your talents and figure out who's in the market today for what you can do. Hitting PauseSometimes the bravest move is stepping back, recharging, and coming back ready for action. If you're stressing about business and the directions and decisions you should be taking and making, consider a time out to relax and refocus so you can tackle the tough questions with clarity and calm. Do something you enjoy like crafting, dancing, or take a hike or walk in nature (that always works for me). Listen, if you'd like my eyes on your business and a hand in designing a winning strategy, hit me up. I'm here to support you. Until next time...have some summer fun before the summer's done. PS -If you missed it, last month I recommended Keeping It Real and human.
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Easily Said & Done
I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
Hi Reader, Right now, there's a consumer 'blackout' movement afoot to, basically, stop buying stuff for the entirety of the Black Friday weekend from corporations. This isn't just happening in the USA, but also in Canada, as a way to protest the current economic climate and policies that are making the wealthy wealthier and squeezing every penny out of the rest of us. Don't forget, there's still active consumer protests against Target, Home Depot, and Amazon, among others, as well. In other...
Hi Reader, When I teach business growth classes one of the first sessions includes a discussion about Exit Strategies. What most entrepreneurs fail to realize is that how they plan to end their relationship with their business is perhaps even more important than how they start it. Exit strategies are a critical aspect of any business growth plan because the way in which you leave your business shapes key activities, priorities, and decisions all along your path. Some common business exit...
In all the hubbub of my crazy summer something pretty major happened that I completely ignored: My business turned 15. No celebratory notes or announcements. No cards or flowers. No social media posts. Not really even a second thought until weeks later when I casually mentioned it to a friend and they were amazed and said, "Let's celebrate." But, I didn't feel like celebrating. Or, more exactly, I didn't feel I had the time to celebrate. I was moving into my new apartment, getting my mom...