Small business contest winners

CONNECT, LEARN, CONQUER

You are not alone! There are numerous resources to help in all aspects of small businesses. Many of these are low-cost to free. Find them, reach out to them, and use their knowledge to flatten the learning curve.

Sam W

Colorado

CROSS-TRAINING IS KEY

Cross-training! Even if your business has few employees, it helps if everyone knows as much as possible about all the functions in the office. I train every employee to be efficient in as many areas as possible so that when an employee is away on vacation or sick leave, the other employees can provide the same service.

Beatrice R

Arkansas

MIX GRIT WITH GLEE

I tell my employees this all the time. If small businesses don’t work, we don’t make money. I also preach, “work hard, play hard.” It seems silly, but it’s so true. We spend so much time working. Without balance, what’s the point? I try to do lunches, donuts in the morning, days off, sales contests, etc., to keep them happy!

Jenna R

Maryland

SYSTEMS SPARK IDEAS

Innovation is not magic. It can’t simply be demanded from employees. Innovative and creative individuals use proven frameworks, structures, and tools during ideation and beyond. Research these, understand why and how they work, provide training, and make using them standard practice within your organization. You’ll build your and your team’s confidence, increase participation in the creative process, and generate better, more viable ideas that give businesses a competitive edge.

Susan B

Pennsylvania

HAVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN YOUR CORNER

Surround yourself with people who genuinely support you. On my worst days, my girls pick me up, dust me off, and tell me to keep moving forward—even when I want to crawl under a rock. Real friends cheer for your success like a team sport and are there during tough times. Having the right people in your corner can make all the difference on your entrepreneurial journey, turning struggles into stories and setbacks into comebacks.

Jacqueline B

Louisiana

RELATIONSHIPS DRIVE RESULTS

People are the heartbeat of your business. So, treat them like they are vital to it. Healthy relationships with the people on your payroll grow your company and keep you moving forward.

Kirk R

New York

PEOPLE FIRST, PROFITS FOLLOW

Your profits are a lag measure of your people. Invest in your team’s well-being and development, and everything else will follow. Instead of compliance, you will get commitment; instead of mere participation, you will inspire passion; instead of routine tasks, expect innovative solutions. When employees are empowered, they don’t just work. They become your business’s best ambassadors.

Roi B

Connecticut

BUILD YOUR BACKBONE

Employees are the backbone of any business. Invest in their training, provide growth opportunities, and foster a positive work environment. Happy and motivated employees are more productive and contribute significantly to the business’s success. Additionally, prioritize effective communication and encourage an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns.

Sushant G

California

LISTEN TO YOUR GUT

Always listen to your gut and good judgment about your business first. Don’t be afraid to ignore advice you know deep down isn’t right for you. But always watch and listen closely. Watch body language, what makes people’s eyes light up, and what makes your customers jump with excitement. Then do that.

Mark G

California

ENCOURAGE CURIOSITY

Curiosity killed the cat, but it bettered the business! Encourage your staff to be curious. To question existing protocols. To inquire why the office operates the way it does. Doing so encourages feedback and helps you find ways to optimize your business workflow. Every question asked opens the door to fresh ideas and improved practices.

Kayla B

New Jersey

DELEGATE FOR SUCCESS

If you think you know it all and nobody else can do tasks better than you, that is your biggest mistake. Don’t be afraid to work with people who are better at certain areas than you. You can only succeed when you delegate!

Zalina A

Pennsylvania

DO IT, THEN PERFECT IT

The best advice I’ve ever received is, “You cannot revise what hasn’t been done.” I’ve had to fight the urge to over-plan. You can’t refine and improve the plan until you’ve actually done it.

Anna Beavon G

North Carolina

STAY FLEXIBLE, STAY STRONG

Flexibility is the key to durability. Be confident in your decisions but not stubborn. Don’t take criticism from employees or customers personally. Learn one new thing every day. Reinvest in improving the lives of your employees, customers, family, and community. Persevere.

Jason M

Virginia

LISTEN, LEARN, AND LEAD

Listen to what others are experiencing, including everyone from the ground floor to the top suite.

Learn the business inside out and understand how to make a difference. Spot the weak areas that you can shore up. Recognize the solid areas that you can duplicate in other areas.

Lead with a strong work ethic. Respect others before you expect them to respect you.

Rita J

Illinois

SHOW UP, STAND OUT

People remember those who show up and, more importantly, those who don’t. Focus on the person or job in front of you. Make that interaction the center of your universe; you will exceed expectations every time.

Judith J

New York

LEARN BEFORE YOU LEAP

Do the homework and prep work before jumping in feet first. Take advantage of the free or low-cost classes and resources available through the Small Business Administration and their Small Business Development Centers. The trainers and consultants gave me the knowledge needed for business planning, structure, and funding referrals.

Cornelius S

Georgia

MAKE THEM FEEL RIGHT

Word-of-mouth is king. My best advice is always to treat people how you would want your grandmother treated. No, the customer’s not always right, but their experience can make or break you. Even if they’re wrong, make them feel right.

Joseph B

Tennessee

BE REAL, BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Embrace authenticity, champion connection, and prioritize your purpose. Your customers aren’t just transactions; they’re partners. Remember, success isn’t just about profit margins; it’s about the impact you make and the lives you touch.

Alexis A

Oregon

KNOW YOUR BEST, GROW YOUR BEST

Learn everything you can about why your best customers choose your business over your competitors and build around those insights.

Adam P

Arizona

STAND OUT BY SERVING

The secret to lasting success? It’s simple: serve passionately, adapt quickly, and lead with heart. Stand out by building genuine connections. Focus less on beating competitors and more on understanding and exceeding your clients’ expectations. Embrace every mistake as a lesson and every day as an opportunity to improve.

Logan B

Ohio

GOOD ATTITUDE AND GRATITUDE

People never remember what you said; they remember how you made them feel. Take care of your customers and keep them with a good attitude and gratitude. Everything in life boils down to this: greet them, learn their names, look them in the eye, and say “thank you” loud enough for them to believe it.

John Y

Massachusetts

LEVERAGE YOUR COMMUNITY

As a small Black-owned business, leveraging your community connections is important. Build strong relationships with your customers and focus on providing exceptional service. Keep pushing forward and remain proud of your identity and roots, as they are a powerful asset to your success.

Jakela D

Illinois

BE YOUR OWN CUSTOMER

Become a customer of your product and commiserate with other customers about the problems to see how they’d like it fixed. Then, as you continue building it out, you will have a clear vision of how and what to improve.

Wesley S

Oklahoma

FEEDBACK BREWS SUCCESS

Our motto is, “We put your needs before our coffee!” Our best advice? Treat customer feedback like your morning alarm—slightly annoying but ultimately helpful! Regularly polling our beloved patrons isn’t just a strategy; it’s our secret sauce. Because knowing what they need helps us skip the guesswork and serve exactly what they expect. After all, happy customers are the main ingredient in our recipe for success!

Angela M

Texas

PAY YOURSELF FIRST

Always pay yourself first. Take a percentage of your monthly profits off the top and drive your expenses lower or sales higher to adjust for this. If you pay yourself with what’s left, you will often find it’s not enough. You have to have a sustainable income, or your business will not be sustainable.

Sarah A

Wisconsin

KNOW YOUR FLOW, WATCH IT GROW

Master your numbers so you know how much you can scale and reinvest! Knowing your exact cash flow and expenses allows you to see where the constraints are in the business. Once you know how you’re spending money, you can double down on what makes you money.

Jerrin L

Hawaii

CHARGE WHAT YOU ARE WORTH

Do not be afraid to charge what you are worth. The race to the bottom is not a race you want to win. Crunch the numbers and figure out the least you can make per hour to meet your expenses (that means everything: rent, payroll, vehicles, insurance, and so on). Multiply that number by 1.5; this is your benchmark.

Robert H

California

FIND THE RIGHT NUMBER

Everything you need in business and life can be found behind a number. Therefore, build your business financial dashboard and understand the financial outputs. The right number is not always cash; it could be the number of people working, customers, ad views, or clicks. Metrics for your business are not only found in your bank account balance. The most valuable thing in business is your time over dollars.

Spiceda J

Georgia

BOOTSTRAP YOUR BUSINESS

I like to keep it simple, and the simplest advice I can give is to try to bootstrap your business before raising capital. Self-funding teaches resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep understanding of your business. When you rely on your resources, you learn to prioritize spending, make strategic decisions, and innovate on a shoestring budget.

Asmar G

Florida

COUNT WINS, NOT JUST PROFITS

Keep a milestone list. Include hitting revenue or profit goals. Include non-financial milestones, too. Review it when you’re exhausted from wearing so many hats or not seeing the desired results. It’ll keep things in perspective, fill you with gratitude, and motivate you to keep striving.

Daynel B

North Carolina

BUILD YOUR BUFFER

Always assume that your business will take longer to be profitable, expenses will be higher, and revenue will be lower than planned. Then, ensure that you have adequate capital to withstand it. Too many small businesses have failed because they needed more time to be profitable.

Ian P

Massachusetts

YOU DO NOT WORK FOR FREE

Your time and skills are valuable. Don’t forget to invoice and collect what is owed tp you. You do not work for free. Figure out your value and bill accordingly. Your bills are just as important as your customers bills. If possible, get their money or deposit upfront before you begin the project.

Dianne M

New York

SELF-CARE POWERS CLIENT CARE

While prioritizing client satisfaction is crucial, remember your happiness matters, too. Balance your dedication to clients with self-care and fulfillment. Set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance, allowing time for personal pursuits and relationships. Cultivate a positive mindset and pursue activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Happy, fulfilled entrepreneurs are better equipped to serve their clients effectively and sustain long-term success.

Amanda J

Oklahoma

SEPARATE SELF FROM SUCCESS

The most important thing you can do to help your small business succeed is to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Learn to separate yourself (as a person) from the business outcome. Your worth and value are not inextricably linked to your business’s performance! There will be good times and bad times. Be prepared for both by prioritizing your health and well-being.

Emily S

Florida

LIVE BY THE PILLOW TEST

Countless problems arise every day, and finding solutions can occupy much of your mind. Take a moment each night, just before you put your head on the pillow, to ask yourself, “Am I staying true to the mission I set out for myself when I started this journey?.” If the answer to your pillow test is “Yes,” you are on the right path!

Mark W

Pennsylvania

DEEP FOCUS, DEEPER REST

Know your worth, and focus your energy. Work hard and also rest well. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Have a niche, and go hard. Time and people are your most valuable resources. Don't abuse either. If you treat your people well, they will almost certainly return the favor.

Amanda M

Pennsylvania

TRADE FOMO FOR JOMO

If you are constantly stressed, something needs to change. Periods of stress as an entrepreneur are inevitable, but persistent stress will steal your health and creativity. Happy entrepreneurs trade Fear of Missing Out for Joy of Missing Out. When we are relaxed and grounded, new solutions become clear, and innovations abound. Accept what comes and remember: blessed are the flexible, for they will never be bent out of shape!

Kerry F

Washington

REST WELL, RISE STRONG

Rest is the secret fuel for growth. It’s where ideas simmer, resilience builds, and creativity thrives. Embrace downtime as a strategic investment in your business’s vitality. Nurture your team’s well-being (even if the team is just you); they’re the engine propelling your vision. Sustainable growth requires a balance of relentless pursuit and mindful restoration.

Crystal G

Pennsylvania

WHY NOT YOU?

“Why not me?” That is what I say to myself over and over every day. Why shouldn’t you be able to see your vision through to completion? When things get tough and doubts creep in (and they will), you must believe in yourself 100%. You know your vision and how your business can change the world for the better. So, why not you?

Jordan T

Washington

POWER DOWN FOR BALANCE

With so many deadlines on the brain, turning your thinking cap off can be a struggle. Yes, accomplishing your goals is key, but so is balance! You must preserve your body and mind. Managing time and responsibilities can be difficult. Establish a schedule that works for you while incorporating time for exercise, rest, and self-reflection. Never forget: balance is key!

Nychol W

California

KNOW WHERE YOU’RE HEADED

Every six months, take a step back to assess your strategy and think about the future. Is there anything new you can do? Key investments you need to make? New initiatives to drive business? It is vital to look 12 to 18 months down the road to see where you may be headed.

Stephen W

Virginia

PLAY YOUR HAND, BUT STACK THE DECK

You have to be willing to play the cards you are dealt. Always have a contingency plan should the economy or other factors affect your business revenues. Having partners and advocates in your industry is also essential for your business success. Other businesses are willing to help out other business owners who they like and can relate to. You should always offer help to them if needed as well.

Mark P

Florida

GROW THE NEXT GENERATION

Make your business a place that can help grow the next generations of the workforce. Too often, young people are overlooked for lack of experience. Be the business that gives them a chance. You will be pleasantly surprised with the result when you create an environment with healthy feedback to empower your staff, allow for growth, and tons of improvement along the way! You won’t regret it, and it’s more fun!

Erin F

Maine

PLAN LIKE BIG BUSINESS

Adopt a big business mindset: invest in the right technology, professionalize your brand image, and provide exceptional customer service. Implement efficient processes, foster innovation, and continuously train your team. Seek strategic partnerships, expand your network, and don’t be afraid to compete in larger markets. Remember, mindset is everything!

Laura B

Florida

DISRUPT TO STAND OUT

Small businesses have one advantage over big businesses: adaptability. Use this as an opportunity to challenge the status quo or reinforce your brand’s beliefs and positions on issues. Take a stand. The more disruptive you are, the more attention you get. The more polarizing you become, the more you inspire loyalty. Be fearless. Remember, if you try to be everything for everyone, you’ll become nothing to no one.

Yen Kai H

Illinois

SMALL ACTIONS, BIG IMPACT

Small actions like a single snowflake can create a chain reaction. A minor improvement—a customer interaction, a marketing tweak, or a product quality boost—can tip the balance toward success. Focus on excellence in every detail, and watch your business thrive like a snowflake starting an avalanche.

Jason B

Indiana

YOUR FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

Business is like baking. Blend passion, resilience, innovation, adaptability, and customer focus. Bake with patience. No one ingredient makes the recipe taste amazing; it’s about the perfect blend of ingredients and timing. You won’t be able to figure it out until you’re in the kitchen with your hands dirty.

Nadia K

New Jersey

LET YOUR VISION GUIDE YOU

Have a vision for your business and one for your life, too. Make sure they align. Once you have a clear vision, day-to-day decisions become clear because you can assess whether each new opportunity moves you closer to realizing your big-picture goals. Without a vision, you’ll over-commit, stretch yourself thin, and struggle to succeed in any one area.

Sarah J

North Carolina