Starting and growing a small business is no small feat. As a small business owner, you might already excel in your craft or have a specific skill set that gives you an edge. But turning that passion or expertise into a thriving business? That’s where the real work begins. 

In this post, I’ll share the key insights and lessons I’ve learned from starting and growing multiple businesses, including my wife Courtney’s successful journey. This guide is not just theory but real-world advice for those ready to step into the business world and build something from the ground up.

1. Start with a Strong Foundation

Many small business owners launch their companies without fully understanding the road ahead. Before you jump into the excitement of owning a small business, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation. This means developing a clear business plan and understanding your target audience.

From the outset, Courtney and I had to be intentional about our vision. We didn’t just want to create any business; we wanted one that made an impact. Whether you’re launching a product or service, the way you communicate and serve your customers from day one will set the tone for your growth.

When starting a small business, long hours and uncertainty are part of the equation. But if you’ve got the right mindset and vision, you can turn those hours into a well-oiled machine over time. To set your business up for success, ask yourself these questions:

• Who is my target audience?

• What problem does my product or service solve?

• What unique value can I offer to differentiate my business?

These answers will guide everything, from marketing efforts to building a sustainable brand that resonates with your customers.

2. Leverage Your Skillset But Be Ready to Adapt

Being good at your craft doesn’t always translate to business success. That’s why it’s essential to understand that skills alone won’t build a thriving small business. Business owners need to adapt and continuously evolve, just like we did with our businesses.

For example, Courtney was a nurse practitioner specializing in thyroid dysfunction and hormone therapy. Initially, she worked for other companies but eventually realized that her vision didn’t align with theirs. This was a turning point, and she decided to launch her medical practice from our parents' dining room table. While her expertise was in healthcare, the journey of running a small business was something entirely new.

Many small business owners make the mistake of thinking they only need to rely on their craft to succeed. But the reality is, you must become adaptable and learn business skills like managing cash flow, understanding day-to-day operations, and creating efficient systems. Successful businesses require a blend of skill, strategy, and perseverance.

3. Understand the Realities of Entrepreneurship

Building a business from scratch requires a significant investment of both time and effort. I’ve seen a lot of people with great business ideas who quickly get overwhelmed by the amount of work it takes to make those ideas come to life. You need to be prepared for the long hours that come with being a small business owner.

Courtney worked 60 to 70 hours per week during the first few years of her practice, balancing everything from patient care to administrative tasks. That’s the reality for most small business owners, especially when you’re just starting out. You need to be involved in every aspect of the business, whether that’s managing cash flow, marketing, or hiring employees.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) reports that there are 33 million small businesses in the United States, employing around 500 employees or fewer. That statistic shows just how competitive the business world is. To survive, you need the grit to handle setbacks and the flexibility to pivot when necessary. As Courtney pointed out, it’s like nurturing a child: you give your heart and soul to watch it grow.

4. Build Systems and Processes for Success

Success in the business world isn’t just about working hard; it’s about working smart. One of the most critical steps we took to ensure the success of our businesses was creating systems and processes to streamline operations. When you have clear workflows, it makes scaling your business so much easier.

For instance, when we launched WellSpot Functional Medicine, we didn’t rely on chance. We built a comprehensive business plan, put systems in place to automate day-to-day operations, and developed a clear targeted audience strategy. One of the best decisions we made was automating our marketing efforts, especially for tasks like collecting Google reviews. In just a few months, our reviews skyrocketed, improving our SEO and ranking us at the top for local businesses.

It’s crucial to remember that having a great product or service is only half the battle. You must also have the infrastructure to support that growth. This includes:

• Automated systems: From marketing to customer service, automate what you can to save time.

• Hiring the right team: Eventually, you’ll need to delegate tasks to skilled employees or contractors to ensure you can focus on what you do best.

• Constantly improving processes: As you grow, tweak and improve your systems to optimize efficiency.

5. Prioritize Customer Service

Your customers are the backbone of your business, and their experience with you will determine whether your business thrives or fades away. In Courtney’s case, her commitment to exceptional service and genuine care for her patients has been the foundation of her business’s growth. Over 80% of her clients came through referrals, which shows the power of word-of-mouth marketing when you focus on serving your customers well.

In a world with 33 million small businesses, how do you stand out? By being the business that goes above and beyond for your customers. Whether you’re running a sole proprietorship or have a team of 500 employees, customer service should always be a top priority.

Here’s how you can excel at customer service:

• Listen to your customers: Understand their needs and make them feel heard.

• Deliver on promises: If you say you’re going to do something, follow through.

• Create a personal connection: Your customers should feel like they’re part of your journey, not just another transaction.

6. Build a Strong Online Presence

We live in a digital age, and every small business owner should invest in a strong online presence. When we started WellSpot IV, we began building out the website and focusing on local SEO even before the physical location was up and running. This strategy helped us gain momentum in search engine rankings before we even opened our doors.

If you want to grow a small business in today’s market, your online presence is essential. Here are some tips to get started:

• Optimize your website for SEO: Make sure your website is optimized for search engines, especially if you’re targeting local businesses.

• Create a sales funnel: A well-built sales funnel can guide potential customers from the first interaction to a purchase.

• Use social media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook can help you connect with your audience and build your brand.

7. Stay Focused on Your Vision

There will be times when you’ll want to throw in the towel. Being a small business owner comes with its fair share of challenges, and it’s easy to lose sight of your original vision. But if you stay focused on why you started in the first place, it will keep you going during tough times.

In the case of Courtney’s business, she knew her vision was to help people align their health with their biology and create a kingdom-focused business where she could pray with patients when appropriate. This vision kept her going, even when things got hard. It’s important to know your “why” because it will fuel your motivation and help you make decisions that align with your long-term goals.

Take The First Step Now!

Building a thriving small business takes dedication, long hours, and a lot of sacrifice, but the reward is worth it. The key is to approach your business with both passion and practicality. Stay adaptable, create systems that allow you to scale, and focus on serving your customers.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level and want help crafting a targeted marketing strategy or building scalable systems, let’s chat! Schedule a call today, and let’s start building a thriving business together.