A Business Advisor’s Perspective

For the last eighteen years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting across the table from hundreds of small business owners. Each one comes with a dream, a spark of ambition, and a willingness to take on the risk of building something from nothing. While every story, company and owner is unique, there is a common thread that weaves through them all. It is the desire not just to survive, but to thrive.

But what does “successful” really mean? And why is it so challenging to get there?

Defining Success Beyond the Numbers

When people first think of business success, revenue and profit usually come to mind. Financial strength is certainly essential because after all it’s the oxygen that allows a business to keep breathing. But after nearly two decades of advising business owners, I’ve learned that most entrepreneurs define success far more broadly.

For some, success is freedom or the ability to control their schedule, make their own decisions, and carve out time for friends and family. For others, it’s about creating an impact such as employing people, supporting the community, or building a legacy that will last beyond their own time in the business. Still others equate success with the stability of simply knowing the bills are paid and tomorrow is secure.

Success, in reality, is deeply personal. The challenge lies in balancing those personal definitions of success with the very real demands of running a business.

The Weight of Responsibility

Owning a business is unlike any other job. As an owner, you carry the ultimate responsibility, not just for your own livelihood, but for your employees, your customers, and sometimes your community. I’ve seen business owners stay awake at night, not because of their own financial worries, but because they were determined to make payroll so their staff could pay their mortgages.

This responsibility can be both a privilege and a burden. When things are going well, the satisfaction is immense. But when challenges hit, whether it’s an economic downturn, supply chain disruption, the ups and downs of cash flow or the craziness of something like a pandemic, the pressure can feel relentless.

The Myth of Overnight Success

Another reality I often remind entrepreneurs of is that success rarely happens overnight. Behind every thriving business is a long stretch of trial and error, setbacks, and lessons learned the hard way. Social media may glorify the “hustle” or highlight stories of businesses skyrocketing in months, but in practice, most success is built slowly, brick by brick.

Patience, perseverance, and adaptability are often the deciding factors. I’ve worked with owners who were ready to give up more than once, only to find that with a small shift in strategy or simply sticking it out through a difficult season, they unlocked opportunities that transformed their business.

The Constant Challenge of Balance

One of the greatest difficulties for business owners is balance. The demands of the business can consume every waking hour if you let them. Many owners struggle to step away, to delegate, or to set boundaries, fearing the business won’t function without them.

But long-term success depends on creating a business that can thrive even when the owner isn’t in the room. This means building systems, empowering teams, and sometimes learning to let go of control. It’s not easy, especially when the business feels like your “baby”, but it’s critical if you want to be able to reap the rewards of owning a business.

The Rewards That Make It Worthwhile

For all the challenges, there is something extraordinary about watching a business owner succeed. The pride in hiring that first employee, the joy of signing a major contract, the relief of finally taking a family vacation without the business falling apart, all of these are the milestones that make the journey worthwhile.

After eighteen years of advising, I can say with certainty that running a successful business is one of the hardest things a person can do. It requires vision, resilience, and a willingness to grow alongside your business. But it’s also one of the most rewarding.

My Final Thoughts

In this month and with Small Business Week coming up quickly, don’t forget to celebrate who you are an how far you have come. Know that your journey is not meant to be easy. It will test your patience, your resourcefulness, and your determination. However, remember, success isn’t just about the bottom line, it’s about building something that reflects who you are, supports your life, and gives you the freedom to define your future.

And if you ever feel like the challenges are too much, know that you are not alone. With the right support, perspective, and persistence, you know are building a business that will not only survive, but one meant to thrive….you have much to be proud of and we applaud you!

Cathy and Jeff