Every Small Business Owner Needs These Insights

If you’re anything like me, you care a lot about your business, your clients, your reputation, your brand. That’s what makes you great at what you do. But it’s also what makes running a business feel incredibly personal and let’s be honest… a little heavy sometimes.

Recently, I read a short but powerful book called The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, and I cannot recommend it enough. The premise is simple: let people do what they’re going to do and stop trying to control things that are outside your control.

Sounds easy, right? It’s not. But it’s necessary.

Reading this book had me change my mindset, and I wanted to share a few key takeaways with you. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, overthinking, or taking things too personally (hi, most of us!), this is for you.

1. Let Them…Go Somewhere Else

You know those moments when someone tells you, “You’re too expensive,” or “I found someone else who can do it cheaper”? It stings. Our first instinct is to defend ourselves or lower our price to keep them.

But here’s what I’ve learned: let them.

Not everyone is your client. And trying to convince someone to see your value is not a good use of your energy. The people who are meant to work with you won’t need convincing—they’ll just get it. Let the rest walk.

Your peace is more valuable than the wrong paycheck.

2. Let Them…Not Like You

Oof, this one is tough. We all want to be liked. Especially when we’ve built something from the ground up and poured our heart into it. But the truth is, not everyone is going to love your branding, your policies, your voice, or your product or service.

Let them have their opinions.

You’re not for everyone and that’s a strength. You don’t need universal approval to be successful. You just need the right people who connect with what you offer. The more you show up as your authentic self, the easier it is for those people to find you.

3. Let Them…Ignore Boundaries (And Face the Consequences)

Raise your hand if you’ve ever bent your policies just to “be nice.” (I’ve got both hands up.)

The problem is, when we constantly make exceptions, we teach people that our boundaries are optional. And over time, resentment builds—not just toward others, but toward ourselves for not honoring our own limits.

Now, when someone tries to bypass a deadline or ignore a policy? I politely enforce the boundary and let them react however they need to. That’s their emotional process, not mine.

Boundaries aren’t harsh. They’re clarity.

4. Let Them…Leave

Sometimes clients move on. Sometimes people unsubscribe. Sometimes relationships fade.

Let them.

I’ve learned that loss in business isn’t always a step backward, it’s often a clearing for something better. If you’re constantly holding onto everyone and everything out of fear, you’re not creating space for aligned opportunities or clients who truly value your work.

Letting go gracefully is a superpower.

5. Let Them…Underestimate You

There will always be people who don’t see your vision, who assume your business is a “cute little side thing,” or who question your decisions.

Let them think what they want.

You don’t need their validation to succeed. Your results will speak for themselves. Stay focused, stay consistent, and trust that the right people will see what you’re building—even if others don’t yet.

Final Advice to Fellow Business Owners

If there’s one thing I want you to take away, it’s this: you do not have to carry the weight of everyone else’s expectations.

As business owners, we’re constantly balancing relationships with clients, customers, peers, even ourselves. And that can get heavy. The Let Them Theory reminded me that we’re not responsible for managing other people’s thoughts, feelings, or reactions. We are only responsible for how we show up.

So the next time someone questions your pricing, doesn’t like your policy, unfollows your account, or thinks you’re doing too much (or not enough)—let them.

And then keep building your business, your way.

You’ve got this.