Small business particular frustrations.
Small businesses and the pioneering spirit built nations.
See a Case Study by Peter Sergeant in the Knowledge Base.
Today, small businesses are commonly called Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) or not-for-profits (non-profits in some countries) (NFPs). They face various issues daily, both from an internal and external perspective. If the owner/manager of the business stops, their business often stops. Only the best will survive, and the marginal players will struggle and eventually collapse. This is an alarming thought.
- They were self-sufficient to the extent that they couldn’t rely on an all-powerful government to pick up the pieces if things didn’t work out.
- Farms were developed, deserts explored, schools built, businesses created, and cities grew, often at significant personal or financial risk to the individuals.
- When they failed, they would pick themselves up, dust themselves off and start working towards their goals again. They had no welfare to fall back on.
- It would do some people well to remember that most corporations and government departments started small.
- Unfortunately, many lost their way and approach to life somewhere along the way.
There is no room for those who provide products and services of marginal value. Accept that your business and the life associated with it are your responsibility. You must seek to rekindle the pioneering spirit and help you move forward.
Effects of the owner/manager on the small business.
The owner/manager and their small business team have a close and intense relationship. Personalities, attitudes, perceptions, and aspirations are the source of many of the smaller business’s inherent features. This permeates the whole organisation and affects its management, operations, and overall performance. Many issues must be faced despite the small size.
Overcoming problems and frustrations makes a difference.
A wise small businessperson knows that everyone has something to teach, while the unwise struggle on regardless. Surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you, not the stress; remember that nobody makes it alone. Look for people who can help you practically and find ways to excite them to keep helping you.
Quotable quotes
“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards”. Vernon Law
“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right”. Thomas Paine