20 Motivational Questions for Small Business Owners [PDF Included]

To motivate small business owners

I am lucky that whatever fear I have inside me, my desire to win is always stronger.

Serena Williams, Former Professional Tennis Player, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist

The Pew Research Center reported that according to the Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey (2021), 49% of small businesses have one to four workers (The Pew Research Center, 2024). The reality is that approximately 16 million small businesses have lean teams with all hands on deck to provide value to consumers, while small business owners manage not only day-to-day operations but also the entire infrastructure of the company.

While thriving small businesses are grounded in their purpose, mission, vision, and core values, the responsibility of managing demand and upholding the company's integrity is essential for a sustainable business.

This blog is for small business owners who feel as if they are not making a difference in society, whether local or national. You’re unsure if you can achieve the goal of establishing a sustainable business — sales are not favorable, team morale is low, and brand awareness has dwindled. You’re probably wondering if you should keep your business open or close the doors.

I want to encourage you to take the time to be refreshed, renewed, and motivated before making defining decisions for your business. Below are 20 questions to answer about your brand and company, and to be reminded about why your business matters. Maybe these questions might expose a problem area in your infrastructure that needs improvement. Maybe you might get the next innovative idea to increase revenue and profitability. These questions were created with you, the small business owner, in mind.

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20 Motivational Questions for Small Business Owners

Instructions

Carve out at least 20 minutes to answer these questions
Find a nice area or a comfortable environment where you can focus on answering these questions honestly with yourself
Take time to jot down notes, ideas, or tasks that were sparked from answering these questions

What was the catalytic moment that prompted you to start your business?
Why is your business important to you?
What is the problem that your business and brand solve for your clients/customers?
What is the unique value proposition (UVP) that your business provides to your target audience?
How do you see your business growing in 3 years?
What business goals do you want to accomplish by the 5th anniversary?
What is an example of a review or testimonial that you want to receive about the client/customer experience with your brand and business?
What is one task that is significant to grow and develop your business?
How do you stay motivated as a business owner on days you don’t feel motivated?
How do you overcome challenges?
Who do you lean on for support as you grow and develop your business?
How can you improve as a business owner?
What do you think is your best attribute as a business owner?
What empowers you to be the best business owner?
How do you show up for yourself as a business owner daily?
How do you show up for your clients/customers daily?
What is the best advice or suggestion that you’ve received as a business owner?
What is one thing you will do differently to make a greater impact in your business?
Are you satisfied with the current state of your business and brand? Why or why not?
Is your company an asset you want to pass on to the next generation? Why or why not?

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Reflection Questions

What is one word to describe how you feel after answering these questions?
What was your main takeaway from answering these questions?
How will you move forward as a business owner?

Wrap Up

Hopefully, these questions were helpful to motivate, encourage, and inspire you to make some changes within your business, improve different areas if needed, before throwing in the towel. Review your notes, meet with a trusted advisor or coach, converse with your team, and decide on the next steps for your business. You got this! Remember, your idea, mission, and vision matter. Keep going!