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.
Instructions
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!
[PDF] 20 Motivational Questions for Small Business Owners
Leppert, R. (2024). A look at small businesses in the U.S. The Pew Research Center.
Annual Business Survey Program. United States Census Bureau.
Remember to stay in your marketing bag and expand your brand.