Every entrepreneur eventually encounters a difficult customer. Whether it’s someone who demands the impossible, complains about every detail, has unrealistic expectations, or all that stuff, and pays late. Dealing with challenging customers is simply part of doing business. The good news is that difficult customers don’t have to become difficult situations. The key is learning […]
How Do I Grow a Business Someone Else Built?
Buying an existing service business can be one of the fastest paths to entrepreneurship. Instead of starting from scratch, you inherit customers, revenue, employees, systems, and a proven market position. Whether you purchased an accounting firm, marketing agency, consulting practice, insurance agency, HVAC company, cleaning service, home health business, or an existing franchise, you have […]
How to Get Your Business Ready for the Holiday Shopping Season
The holiday shopping season can be the most profitable time of year for small businesses, but only if you are prepared. Customers are ready to spend, companies are purchasing year-end gifts, and people are actively searching for products and services that make their lives easier. However, increased demand also brings more competition, tighter deadlines, inventory […]
Why Great Sales Calls Still Don’t Close
One of the most frustrating experiences for any entrepreneur, consultant, coach, or sales professional is walking away from a sales conversation feeling confident that everything went perfectly, only to discover that the prospect never moves forward. The conversation flowed naturally. The prospect seemed engaged, asked thoughtful questions, expressed enthusiasm about your offer, and thanked you […]
How to Deliver Great Customer Service as a Service Business
Exceptional customer service is no longer optional for small businesses. It is one of the most important factors determining whether a customer remains loyal, refers others, leaves a positive online review, or takes their business elsewhere. For service businesses in particular, customer service is often the product. Unlike companies that sell physical goods, service businesses […]
Best Blog Posts of 2025
Every year, my team and I work really hard to elevate the game of our loyal subscribers by delivering practical, strategy-packed content on SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com. Our goal is to help small business owners grow, automate, and scale with confidence. And 2025 was no exception. From marketing and sales to leadership to profitability to AI and tech […]
10 Things Every Small Business Owner Should Do Before 2026
Small businesses face both challenges and opportunities as we prepare for 2026. With limited resources, the ongoing tariffs, and inflation, it’s crucial to focus on strategies that can maximize growth, enhance efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. Here are ten essential actions every small business should take before then. Conduct a Comprehensive Business Audit Before implementing […]
How to Transition Your Free Community into a Paid Membership
Selling through community is a way to always be able to get instant feedback on offers and print money. But turning a free community like a Facebook group into a paid membership isn’t just about adding a paywall. It’s a careful shift in positioning, value delivery, and member experience. Do it well and you’ll gain […]
Win in Your Own Backyard: The Ultimate Guide to Local Marketing for Retailers
Let’s get real: You don’t need to be everywhere—you just need to own your ZIP code. As a retailer or franchisee, your power isn’t in chasing a global audience. It’s in knowing your customers, showing up for your community, and building a brand that people can’t stop talking about right down the street. Local marketing […]
SmallBizLady Summer Reading List 2025
Why Summer Is the Perfect Season to Grow Your Mind—and Your Business—with Books. There’s something magical about summer. The pace slows down, the days stretch longer, and there’s finally space to breathe—and think. It’s not just a season for vacations and cookouts; summer is a prime opportunity to invest in yourself. While others are unwinding, […]
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