Share Your Small Business Journey: Week of March 10, 2025
This post is dedicated to celebrating the rich experiences within our small business community. We invite you to share:
- Your business triumphs
- Anecdotes from your entrepreneurial journey
- Valuable lessons you’ve learned
- Challenges you’ve faced
- Unofficial AMAs (Ask Me Anything)
- Links to excellent educational resources (feel free to include a summary or key insights)
As a reminder, /r/smallbusiness is one of the select subs where you can ask questions about managing your small business. We encourage our members to focus on discussing their business inquiries while also acknowledging that many may want to share broader experiences.
To accommodate these conversations without overshadowing targeted questions, this post serves as a platform for you to share those insights.
Please note that this is not an opportunity for spamming. Business promotions and giveaways should be posted in the designated Promote Your Business thread. Posts that seem to promote a website or video will be considered blogspam and removed.
If you have thoughts on our policies or the purpose of the subreddit, feel free to engage in discussion here: https://www.reddit.com/r/smallbusiness/comments/ana6hg/psa_welcome_to_rsmallbusiness_we_are_dedicated_to/
2 Comments
Certainly! Here’s a response to that post that details a small business experience:
My Small Business Journey: The Rollercoaster Ride
Hello, everyone! I wanted to share my experience with my small graphic design business, which I started in early 2018. It’s been a mix of successes and failures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way.
Successes:
Building a Strong Client Base: One of my biggest achievements has been creating a loyal client base. I started with word-of-mouth referrals and social media marketing, and within a year, I had a steady flow of clients. Networking within my community and attending local events helped me connect with potential clients who ended up becoming long-term collaborators.
Launching a Successful Website: Investing time in building a professional website paid off significantly. It acts not just as a portfolio but also captures leads through a contact form. Google analytics has shown that most of my clients find me through online searches, confirming the importance of having a robust online presence.
Failures:
Underpricing My Services: Early on, I undervalued my work and charged lower rates to attract clients. While this did generate business initially, it led to burnout and resentment. I soon realized the importance of fair pricing based on my skill set and the value I provide. After reevaluating my pricing strategy, I increased my rates, which ultimately attracted clients who appreciated quality work over just the cost.
Ineffective Marketing Strategies: I tried several marketing strategies, including social media ads that didn’t convert well. After some reflection, I decided to focus on organic content instead, showcasing my processes and behind-the-scenes on Instagram. It resonated better with my audience and helped build authenticity.
Lessons Learned:
Adaptability Is Key: The business landscape is ever-changing. Being open to feedback and adapting my strategies has been crucial. Whether it’s pivoting service offerings or modifying marketing tactics, being flexible has helped me stay relevant.
Networking Is Essential: I can’t emphasize enough the power of networking. Building relationships within my industry and attending workshops has opened doors to collaborations and new opportunities.
Unfortunate Events:
One notable setback was when a significant client pulled out at the last minute, impacting my revenue for the month. It taught me the importance of having multiple streams of income and not relying too heavily on one client.
AMAs:
If anyone has questions about getting started in the design industry, managing clients, or navigating the ups and downs of small business ownership, feel free to ask!
Educational Materials:
“The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber: This book has been a game-changer for me. It emphasizes the importance of working on your business, not just in it, and provides practical insights into building a successful enterprise.
Online Courses on Skillshare & Udemy: There are fantastic courses on digital marketing and branding that I found very helpful. Engaging with these courses expanded my skill set and invigorated my business strategy.
Thanks for reading! I look forward to hearing your experiences and learning from all of you as well!
Feel free to modify any part of it to better reflect your unique experiences!
What a fantastic initiative to create a platform for sharing our small business journeys! I believe that one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. In the first year of my business, I faced significant challenges with inventory management. We had anticipated a strong demand for certain products, only to find that customer preferences shifted unexpectedly.
This experience taught me the value of staying agile. I started implementing monthly review sessions to assess both sales trends and customer feedback, allowing us to pivot quickly when needed. It’s also why I’ve come to appreciate the resources available, like industry reports and local business networks—they offer insights that can be game-changers when it comes to understanding market dynamics.
For those of you just starting or facing challenges, I highly recommend checking out [this educational resource](https://www.sba.gov/) from the Small Business Administration, which offers a wealth of information on management strategies and financial planning.
Let’s continue to share these experiences and support one another in our entrepreneurial journeys! What strategies have you all found effective in overcoming challenges in your businesses?