Small Business, Big Lessons

Kenny Rogers, in his song The Gambler, shares advice that works at the poker table and in business: “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, Know when to walk away, and know when to run.”

This post builds on my Water Balloon Economics idea and adds a twist: knowing when it’s time to wrap up a “wonderful” career or business, recognizing your own limitations, and being honest about the experience you’re delivering.

On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I had one of those great conversations with an Uber driver—the kind where you walk away seeing business a little differently. We were talking about how Vegas has changed over the past decade, and he shared an observation that stuck with me: what looks like growth and demand on the surface can be very different underneath.

Getting to know yourself and your limits is extremely important. Like a frog in a pot of water that slowly starts to simmer and finally boils them. Not knowing your limits can have a similar effect.

Throughout my career and in small business, I’ve heard and used the term “user error”. Maybe your heard “they don’t know how to use our product or service. This week I’d like anyone in business or working for a business to think about is it really user error?

Each year since it began in 1963, National Small Business Week is held the first week of May. The event honors entrepreneurs and small businesses owners from all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

Everything in life starts with your personal outlook. Think about people that exude positivity that are infectious. You just enjoy being around them. No matter how difficult a situation is, they find a way to look for the positive.

Having been on both sides of hiring, looking for a job, and looking to add talent, I’ve made a few things as my golden rule for finding the best candidates.

Sometimes we get so enamored by the latest technology or marketing tool we forget the basics. While this post is targeted towards sales, I would encourage everyone to read and see if there is at least one nugget you can apply in business or life.

Once again, another year is flying by and we are into the holidays. As a small business owner or...