SBA Connecticut District Office’s Post

How Small Business Competes with Corporate America Posted by: COSE on Friday, December 15, 2023 By Tim Dimoff Small businesses, competing in a market dominated by large corporations, come with many challenges that can feel daunting and scary. However, it is possible to successfully compete in the marketplace if you are smart and use your strategies to your advantage. It is important in this instance to be very pro-active as you are competing with larger name recognition, branding, larger staffing and, of course, larger budgets. Some of the ways in which to do this are to play to your strengths as a small business. Here are some suggestions that may help you: Hire smarter. A good, strong workforce is an essential element to your success. If possible, offer some flexibility to your staff. Work-life balance is important to today’s workforce. Consider offering remote work opportunities as well. If you have high employee turnover, you should re-evaluate your company’s culture and/or compensation package. Be a fun and easy place to work. If it fits your business model, consider a casual dress code. Employees who are comfortable tend to work harder and longer. Offer fun things such as free lunches once a month or even a company outing once in a while. Develop a marketing strategy and use it. This includes knowing your demographic and marketing specifically to them. Forget general ads; it is smarter to segment your marketing to your customer. Emphasize excellent customer service. As a small business, you can tailor your customer service to your clients in a way that large businesses can’t. Personalizing services goes a long way toward building repeat business, as well as gaining a good reputation. Welcome customer feedback. As a small business you can act on customer feedback, which in turn makes them feel heard and valued in a way that larger companies cannot. Be an active part of the community in ways that get you noticed. Participate in events or join associations. If you can afford it, sponsor local sports teams. Giving back thru volunteering is also a good business model. Have a good online presence. Social media is necessary today to build name and brand recognition. Be selective, but make sure you have some kind of online presence to connect with influencers. You can compete with big companies in a successful way if you utilize some or all of the above strategies to create a strong connection with your clients.  

Building a business is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard and will test you in ways you never imagined. 💣 When your income triples over the same period as last year AND you have no sales calls on your calendar, you will think your business is broken. 💣 When two potential clients say YES and then ghost you, you’ll want to lower your price—even though five people have already paid your new fee. 💣 When you’ve got the 13th NO in a row, you’ll want to throw in the towel and get a “real” job, even though your current clients are getting fabulous results. 🔥 Building a business is trial by fire. It refines and purifies you. And makes you MORE of who you already are. You will eat humble pie—in the most delicious way. 💥 You have more resilience and untapped potential than you know. If you are level 10 committed to your business AND level 12 scared of taking the leap, I will hold your hand and guide you. Every step of the way. I will believe in you to the moon and back—sometimes, even more than you believe in yourself. I will show you how to create consistent $5k-$15k income months with my proven Wired for Wealth process. Here’s what you get when you join today: 1️⃣ Lifetime Access: Unlimited, live coaching every single week for life. This isn’t a temporary fix. This is a lifelong transformation. 2️⃣ 1:1 Onboarding Call: I will personally map out your action plan to keep you laser-focused on what’s necessary to start making money now. No fluff, no overwhelm—just results. 3️⃣ Weekly Group Coaching: Choose between two convenient times and dive deep into personalized coaching in a small, intimate group setting. 4️⃣ Daily Support on Slack: Ask questions, get feedback, celebrate your wins, and receive written coaching whenever you need it. This is your business lifeline. 5️⃣ Short, Actionable Training Modules: Dive into recorded workshops that will help you master sales, money, mindset, and more. These are your tools for success. 6️⃣ Community of Like-Minded Women: Connect with women who understand your journey and will stand by you as you grow and thrive. Enrollment is open now, but only for a few more days. Wired for Wealth is the #1 Coaching Program in the industry for Jewish Women in Business. Schedule your free 60-minute sales call here: https://lnkd.in/dE4ycvhY P.S. Enrollment closes Monday, June 24 (1pm EDT / 8pm IDT). This is the last open enrollment until September. Feel the fear and do it anyway. #wiredforwealth #businesscoach #moneycoach #salesmastery

I've been creating a range of printable business planners and one of the most recent ones I've created, is how to identify your USP and what makes your business stand out in the market. It dawned on me as I was creating this document, that my own USP is about giving women the time to shine! I do a few group sessions (The Founders Club) but I cap the group numbers at 15, otherwise (individually) my members cannot shine. They would get lost in the noise if they were in a Zoom meeting with too many others (this applies particularly to the introverts). When I do group work it is always in small groups. I do this to help others to feel comfortable, have time to have a voice, express their concerns or opinions and not feel rushed, but never to showcase myself. 1:1 work is not the most profitable as we all know, but I love it. Personally I am not motivated by money, but I am by the need (and purpose) to help others where I can, during their business journey. The thought of doing work using the 'one to many' approach is not my thing. I don't want clients or members to feel they are faceless or just a number to me. People matter, and so does their business. What is your USP?

Move your business forward with pace and gusto! 🚀 We’re in the final days now securing places for our 12-week Program for women who’ve stepped out of the employed world and started their own business. The program starts w/c 16th Sep and Elaine Atherton and I are looking forward to everything that brings. We know what it's like trying to find the answers on your own, not knowing who to listen to and that feeling of overwhelm that stops you in your tracks. When we did the research to put this together we heard loud and clear that it's not just about learning it's about doing, it's about finding answers together and knowing you are not on your own - we've got you! Having your own business is not a one size fits all, which is why the 1:1 time is hugely important. So, we have included THREE 2:1's in the program PLUS for this Beta round an additional TWO 2:1's, which is FIVE in total - I know crazy right when you see the price! In fact, our cohort for this beta program will have over the 12 weeks…. 9 Hours Live Group time (training and support time) 5 Hours 1:1 time (you'll get us both so that's 2:1 😍) PLUS other extra bonuses for the Beta round! Being part of a Beta program also means you've got a voice and a say in how this evolves, not only are you going to learn from us but we are going to learn and listen to you too and what you need. you're going to help us shape it further. This is what you will walk away with after the 12 weeks with us... ▶ Identifying the business model that best suits you and your ideal clients. ▶Mapping out your ideal client and discovering where to find them. ▶Creating a plan to attract clients who truly value your work and expertise. ▶ Learn how to build a profitable network of contacts for long-term success. ▶Creating a pricing strategy that feels right for you and your clients. ▶Learn how to create your market strategies for promoting and selling your services. ▶A plan with clear priorities and actions to deliver your business growth. And that's not including all of the other lightbulb moments we know you will have on your journey with us. The price for this Beta round (it will be at least £1000 more next time round without all the beta bonuses) Is just ▶£1,500 (payment options available) We get it, it's a big decision to make, but there is a reason we don't have a 'click here' to sign up button and that's because we talk to everyone to find out if it's right for you. We've already got calls booked in this week for those final places, we won't be taking more than 8 women and the final date for signing up is the 13th Sept, so it really is a case of which happens first. To book a call in send an email to hello@growherbusiness.com or DM me here and we guarantee you a call. #womeninbusiness #whatinspiresme #entrepreneurship

You run a small business, and it's Small Business Month. What do you do?  ↳ What you DON'T do is spend hours you don't have reading websites. That's our job. What you *DO* do is spend a few minutes looking at our executive briefs to decide if something is worth your time.   Start here 👉 The CO– website (part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) has a section dedicated to Small Business Month. ↳ You will find many articles, resources, and practical tips across various topics. If you have time, go look at it! ↳ 🔗 The link to the website is in the comments) If you don't have time, look at this brief! 🚨Who needs a high-res PDF? ↳ Follow us on LinkedIn Organized Q ↳ Drop "Brief!" in the comments. Companies on LinkedIn that appear in this resource include: ↳ AARP ↳ Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals ↳ Amazon ↳ Blanket Pancakes & Syrup ↳ BrightLocal 🇺🇦 ↳ CNBC ↳ CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce ↳ Champaign County EDC ↳ Dell Technologies ↳ HR.com ↳ HARO Help a Reporter Out ↳ HubSpot ↳ Internal Revenue Service ↳ Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU ↳ LinkedIn ↳ Massachusetts Institute of Technology ↳ National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) ↳ National Retail Federation ↳ U.S. Small Business Administration ↳ SCORE Mentors ↳ Stanley 1913 ↳ U.S. Chamber of Commerce ↳ Verizon ↳ Washington Center for Women in Business ↳ Wyzowl

This time last year, my business was just about making enough to get by. I went on a beach holiday last week and made £4k sales. Here are 6 things of getting from there to here 👇 ➡️ 1 - went back to basics and made sure my foundations were nailed (in business & wardrobe) Having a business that looks successful but is barely making money, is the equivalent of wearing a shiny new outfit for an event… and being in grotty pjs at home. Foundations are where I start with clients in their style, and it's where I also had to go back to in my business. ➡️ 2 - focused on the conversations, not on the money We all know that scratchy, constricted feeling of needing to make cash. But that is the exact opposite to how you need to feel. People can sense your energy, regardless of the words coming out of your mouth. When I focussed on having genuine conversations and creating products I'm genuinely excited about vs ‘the money’… the money started coming in. ➡️ 3 - energy is everything (daily rituals/get dressed as standard even working from home alone)   You can be doing alllll the things but nothing's working. And it's because you aren't being. Plus there are psychological benefits to getting dressed. And I don't just mean ‘putting on clothes so you aren’t naked'. This doesn't mean sacking off comfort for style, fyi. Your insistence that you can't have both is keeping you stuck. ➡️ 4 - raised my prices and became unavailable for any clients less than empowered brilliant women I decided I was only available for dream clients. Yes that means learning how to say no and hold boundaries. ➡️ 5 - switched my content from *how-to* to activation so it's working for me even when I'm on a beach When you start a business, you almost can't help getting swept up in ‘the way things are done’. You think the way to attract clients is show off all your knowledge and give helpful ‘how-to’ content, tips and tricks. That makes people view you as a free resource, not someone they'd ever consider paying. ➡️ 6 - having high-level mentorship as a non-negotiable, not dipping in and out in areas I needed to strengthen At the time of becoming suddenly very unwell, I was out of mentorship. I kept kidding myself that ‘if I just make X money, if I can just get my business back to when it was on track, then I’ll invest in that programmme'… But after struggling on for a few months, the day Instagram locked me out, I took it as a sign. Since then I have not been out of mentorship. Aside from long-term support, I've also invested in shorter-term programmes to strengthen my skills and confidence in other areas. 💡Inside That's Not A Business I'm breaking down the how of taking something most people believe is *a hobby* building it into a business on track for 6-figures: https://lnkd.in/e-wbE-ub   🔥 Get it bonus this round of Own the Room https://lnkd.in/ej9U4T4x

It's truly inspiring to see how small businesses are making a big impact. Recently, I stumbled upon an article discussing ways to celebrate Small Business Month, and it got me thinking about my own journey. When I first started out, I faced countless challenges—from visibility to navigating customer interactions. It wasn't until I embraced community engagement and strong digital strategies that things really began to change for my business. One key takeaway? It’s about more than just selling; building relationships and meaningful connections with your audience can transform your venture. This article offers great insights into actionable steps you can take to grow your business and connect with your community during this special month. What strategies have you found to work effectively in growing your network? I'd love to hear your experiences! https://lnkd.in/gTgtH-FQ

ATTN: I’m looking for 22 women business owners GLOBALLY to work with me PERSONALLY for 6 months ON their business. Comment “FBA” to get LINK to apply! Over the course of 6 months you’ll be guided step-by-step to... ✨ Position yourself as an authority & thought leader who gets paid $10,000-$100,000 monthly CONSISTENTLY for your services/products ✨ Craft a CLEAR and REPEATABLE systems... that allow you to rest more and create cashflow consistency without stress (no more smashing your face into a pillow trying to sleep under stress) ✨ Learn the simple SALES strategies and FUNNELS to scale your business into 6-8 figure realms (turning strangers into high paying clients ) ✨ Learn how to DELEGATE soul-sucking tasks, hire “lifers” for culture, and get versed in nuances of business TAXES and LEGAL foundations. This is the “golden offer” I wish I had when I started my business! COMMENT “FBA” to apply These spots are going to fill up fast- this is the CLOSEST GROUP proximity program PLUS 1-1 coaching with me where YOU get to build your Business with me. These spots WILL sell out fast (we are down to 21 already!!) ^^ that’s the only problem I want YOU to have in your business, too, SO: If you’ve been wanting a mentor who has scaled multiple businesses, got a product into Costco, and helped clients create over $62 Million in earnings.. The time is now. Let’s sparkle! ✨ COMMENT/DM: “FBA” TO GET THE APPLICATION LINK!

Thinking about starting your own business? 🌟 Discover the incredible benefits of following your passion, being your own boss, and making a difference in your community. 💼✨ Read the full article to learn how you can build a flexible, innovative, and lasting legacy with your own business. 🚀💡

For me birthdays are always a time of reflection, a time to look back at everything you have achieved that year and make plans for the following year. Yesterday I turned 43 and my head is buzzing with ideas as to what year 43 has in store. Joining this platform as a professional has inspired me and made me believe that I CAN grow my business, I CAN network with other professionals and I CAN be a professional business woman. So my year 43 plans are: 1 - build the brand for Wiser Bookkeeping - really sell ourselves and attract new customers. 2 - build brand ME - take time to increase my knowledge, increase my experiences and make sure people believe in me as well as Wiser Bookkeeping And 3 - put myself out there - go to the networking events, meet with fellow professionals, gain knowledge and experience from other people. Don’t be scared to talk to people. Here’s to Year 43!!