Small business owners, what's one approach you've taken to overcome a major obstacle in your journey?

Question

Navigating the hurdles of entrepreneurship, we gathered wisdom from a diverse group of small business owners, including Founders and CEOs. They shared their strategies for overcoming major obstacles, ranging from hosting community PR workshops to embracing change and seeking new ideas. Here are the top twenty approaches these resilient leaders have employed in their business journeys.

Matias Rodsevich · Answer

To overcome the challenge of building strong relationships with clients and local businesses, we organized local community events. For example, we hosted quarterly 'PR Workshops' where local business owners could learn about effective public relations strategies. These workshops featured guest speakers, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities.
This approach not only drove foot traffic to our agency but also positioned us as a valuable resource within the community. By providing practical value and fostering a collaborative atmosphere, we enhanced our community engagement and built lasting brand loyalty. This strategy proved more effective than traditional advertising by creating meaningful, face-to-face connections with potential clients.

Yoyao Hsueh · Answer

One major obstacle I faced when launching TopicalMap.com was standing out in the crowded SEO industry. My approach to overcoming this was to "Niche Down to Scale Up." Instead of trying to be a jack-of-all-trades SEO agency, we hyper-focused on our unique topical mapping process. This specialization initially seemed risky – we were turning away potential clients who wanted general SEO services. However, it allowed us to become the go-to experts in our niche.
We doubled down on educating the market about topical authority through detailed case studies and an online course. This not only attracted clients specifically looking for advanced SEO strategies but also positioned us as innovators in the field. The results were remarkable. Within three months of this focused approach, we hit significant five-figure monthly recurring revenue. More importantly, our clients saw an average 200% increase in organic traffic within six months.
This "Niche Down to Scale Up" strategy turned our biggest challenge into our unique selling point. For other small business owners, I'd recommend identifying your unique strength and leveraging it fully, even if it means saying no to other opportunities initially.

Gil Dodson · Answer

A big challenge we had to struggle with was the fluctuating market demand for recycled materials, which made it hard to keep operations and revenue stable. To solve the issue, we added electronic-waste recycling and composting services to our offerings, all to attract a wider customer base and to reduce our reliance on traditional recyclables. We also ran a series of community workshops and educational campaigns to teach recycling and how individuals can make a difference. By creating a more informed and engaged community, we saw a huge increase in participation and support for our services. This helped us navigate the volatile market and positioned us as a leader in the recycling industry. As a result, our business has grown, and we’ve made a tangible impact on reducing waste in our community.

Noel Griffith · Answer

As a small-business owner, one of the biggest obstacles I've faced is cash-flow management. In the early days, there were times when money was tight, and I had to get creative to keep things afloat. One approach that really helped me was negotiating longer payment terms with my suppliers. Instead of paying upfront, I asked for 30-, 60-, or even 90-day terms. This allowed me to use the revenue from sales to cover my expenses, rather than tying up my limited capital in inventory. It was a simple solution, but it made a world of difference in managing my cash flow during those lean times.

George Blandford · Answer

Our biggest challenge was growing too fast, which put pressure on our operational capability. One of the things I did to address this was centralizing our processes by implementing scalable systems and technology. We brought in an integrated CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system to manage customer relationships better. That freed up significant time by automating several administrative tasks, such as invoicing and customer follow-ups. We also upgraded our project management tools to better track progress and allocate resources.
These efficiencies not only helped us operate better but also allowed us to scale without sacrificing service quality. The fact that our infrastructure could handle the new, higher load helped us maintain customer satisfaction while we expanded. This is a testament to our ability to adapt and grow in the face of challenges.
Most importantly, this strategic investment in technology and process optimization enabled us to overcome the impact of explosive growth and to better ensure that our business operations deserve to see those continued long-term investments.

David Rubie-Todd · Answer

As a SaaS business co-founder, what I did was to leverage data analytics tools that predict customer behavior and market trends. These tools provided insights into which features our users valued most, allowing us to prioritize development efforts effectively. 
For example, by analyzing usage patterns, we discovered that a significant portion of our customer base favored mobile accessibility, leading us to enhance our mobile app features. Additionally, predictive analytics helped us identify potential churn risks, enabling us to proactively address customer satisfaction issues before they escalated. 
By utilizing data-driven decision-making, we not only improved our product offerings but also solidified our customer relationships, setting a strong foundation for sustained growth.

Danny Reddick · Answer

As a family-owned home service business, we encountered a significant challenge in navigating seasonal fluctuations in demand. During peak seasons, we experienced a high volume of service requests, while in the off-seasons, we experienced periods of low demand that impacted our revenue.
To tackle this challenge, we adopted a proactive strategy to balance our workload year-round. Our approach began with a thorough analysis of business data to identify service request patterns and distinguish peak and off-peak periods. Armed with this insight, we crafted a strategic plan to distribute the workload evenly. During slower months, we focused on enticing new customers with special promotions and discounts while encouraging clients to schedule preventive maintenance services. This approach helped us smooth out demand fluctuations.
Moreover, we invested in cross-training our staff to handle various services, enabling us to deploy team members efficiently based on demand. This flexibility ensured prompt responses to customer needs during peak times without straining our workforce. These initiatives not only enhanced our ability to manage seasonal variations but also elevated customer service quality, leading to consistent revenue streams year-round.

Arvind Rongala · Answer

One big problem we had as the founders of Edstellar, a top company that offers training solutions for businesses, was how to grow our business while keeping the quality of our training programs high. To get around this, we made a plan to use technology to our advantage and make our processes more efficient.
We bought a strong Learning Management System (LMS) that let us consistently offer high-quality training content, no matter how many people were in the class. With this technology, we were able to automate administrative tasks, keep track of students' progress, and make training more interactive and engaging. By working on integrating new technologies and making improvements continuously, we were able to grow our business while maintaining the quality of our programs. This strategic move not only helped us deal with the problem of scaling but also made Edstellar a leader in the field of business training.

Dinesh Agarwal · Answer

One major obstacle we encountered was scaling our platform to handle the growing demand for automated social media scheduling without compromising performance. Initially, we faced issues with server overloads and delayed post publishing, which impacted our clients' social media strategies.
To tackle this, we re-engineered our back-end infrastructure, implementing a microservices architecture to ensure better load distribution and fault tolerance. We also enhanced our machine-learning algorithms to optimize post recycling based on engagement metrics. This not only improved system reliability but also boosted user satisfaction and engagement rates.

Liga Rudzite · Answer

Early in my marketing career, I was focused on tactics and numbers—website traffic, click-through rates, conversion percentages. But something was missing. My campaigns felt flat, uninspired, and they weren't resonating with my audience the way I had hoped.
Then, I stumbled upon the power of storytelling. I realized that people don't just buy products or services; they buy into stories. They want to feel a connection with the brands they support, to understand the 'why' behind the 'what.'
I started experimenting with different ways to infuse storytelling into my marketing efforts. I wrote blog posts that shared personal anecdotes and experiences related to my industry. I created social media campaigns that highlighted the stories of our customers and employees. I even started incorporating storytelling elements into our product descriptions and email marketing campaigns.
The results were transformative. Our brand engagement skyrocketed, customer loyalty deepened, and our sales figures saw a significant boost. People weren't just buying our products; they were buying into the story of our brand, our values, and our mission.

Mark McDermott · Answer

One of the hurdles I encountered was dealing with the complexities of connecting our software to different types of screens and devices. At the start, compatibility issues threatened the advancement of our project. Then, feeling daunted, we shifted our mindset towards finding solutions.
To tackle this challenge, we organized a "hackathon" where our team worked closely together for 48 hours to brainstorm and experiment with ideas. This dedicated effort sparked creativity and led us to discover unconventional approaches to address our compatibility issues. By pooling our knowledge and promoting thinking, we transformed a significant obstacle into a stepping stone towards achieving success.

Patrick Deja · Answer

Running a boutique website development agency taught me to turn challenges into breakthroughs. When cash flow became an issue during an unexpected dry spell, I had to get creative fast. Instead of panicking, I offered a limited-time discounted service package targeted at local small businesses. It wasn’t just about pushing sales; it was about building relationships and offering value where it was needed most. The community responded enthusiastically, and our client base grew, not just in number but in loyalty. We ended up converting a short-term crisis into a long-term growth opportunity. The whole experience taught us that agility and empathy often pave the way for resilience.

Craig Focht · Answer

Facing a labor shortage has been a major challenge for us, similar to many other small-business owners. A key reason for this discrepancy is the declining population in some areas and the reduced presence of skilled labor and contractual workers, which inevitably reduces the local labor pool.
While we can't reverse demographic trends, we've adopted alternative strategies to attract more candidates. One effective approach has been to increase our presence and engagement within the community. Being visible and active in local activities not only raises our profile but also enhances our reputation.
In communities where everyone knows each other, the reputation of a business can play a crucial role in attracting potential employees. We've found that getting involved in local affairs, such as sponsoring charity events or participating in local sports or school programs, really helps. It shows potential candidates that we are committed to the community's welfare, which in turn builds trust and makes them more interested in working with us. This has helped us mitigate the impact of the labor shortage by making our business a more attractive place to work.

Ryan Farook · Answer

One unique approach that I took to address one of the major hurdles or impediments to my small business was implementing a reverse-mentorship program. We had some problems with old methods and needed to change at the time, so I matched young, tech-savvy employees with more experienced members.
That was not just teaching new skills; it was about mutual respect and collaboration. There were some benefits to be derived from the fresh views and digital fluency the young employees brought on board. These helped us innovatively change and adapt to the new way of business, though the industry insight and mentorship came from the older ones.

Jakub Kozlowski · Answer

As an entrepreneur, one of the biggest obstacles I've faced is a lack of funding to get my business off the ground. Many small businesses struggle in the early days to secure capital from investors or loans. Rather than give up in frustration, I've found that perseverance and creativity can lead to solutions.
One approach that worked for me was to tap into my professional network and ask for introductions to potential angel investors. It took time to build those relationships, address concerns, and make my case, but eventually, I found an investor who believed in me and my vision. With that initial infusion of capital, I was able to hire key staff, invest in marketing, and take the business to the next level.
Looking back, that obstacle seemed insurmountable at the time. But by staying determined and thinking outside the box, I was able to overcome it. For any entrepreneur facing a major challenge, my advice is: keep going, get resourceful, and don't lose hope. With hard work and the right mindset, you can push through barriers that once seemed impossible to overcome.

Erin Hendricks · Answer

One of the challenges I've faced as a small-business owner was accessing entrepreneurial ecosystems, especially since our business is based in a rural area. In rural regions, there's often limited access to crucial business resources and support, including networking opportunities with other business owners. This lack of professional and networking opportunities can make it tough for small-business owners like us to acquire the knowledge and connections necessary for success.
Despite these challenges, it's crucial to remember that rural business owners make significant contributions to their communities through job creation, innovation, and their impact within entrepreneurial ecosystems.
To overcome this obstacle, I've actively sought out local opportunities that bring me into conversations with other small-business owners. This includes engaging with university outreach programs and participating in Chambers of Commerce groups and events. Additionally, joining communities focused on supporting rural entrepreneurs and business owners has been invaluable. For instance, the Rural Ideas Network and the USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service offer various resources, including capital, training, education, and entrepreneurial skills, which are designed to help those in rural areas start and grow their businesses.
If your rural community lacks such alliances, consider taking the initiative to help form one. It’s not only beneficial for you but also supports other business owners and the community at large. This approach has helped me significantly in navigating the challenges of operating a rural business and could potentially aid other rural entrepreneurs facing similar hurdles.

Chris Estrada · Answer

In the vehicle transport industry, one of the major obstacles I faced was managing the intricate logistics of transporting a wide variety of vehicles nationwide. To overcome this, I drilled down to the specifics, determining the unique requirements for shipping each type of vehicle, from cars and RV trailers to oversized vehicles or boats. Leveraging my industry knowledge and focusing on innovation, we developed tailored strategies, including door-to-door transport and encapsulated transport, to cater to these diverse needs. This approach has not only streamlined our operations but also elevated our customer service, making Nationwide United Auto Transport a trusted name in the industry.

Gauri Manglik · Answer

As a small-business owner, one of the biggest obstacles I've faced was securing funding to get my company off the ground. Rather than taking out expensive loans or giving away equity to investors, I chose to bootstrap: funding the business myself through personal savings, side jobs, and tight cost control. It was difficult, but bootstrapping allowed me to maintain full control and ownership.
After a few lean years of plowing profits back into the business, we achieved profitability and positive cash flow. That success and perseverance gave me credibility with banks and investors, allowing me to secure affordable financing and take the business to the next level. Bootstrapping is not easy, but for me, maintaining control and vision for my business was worth the short-term struggles. With hard work and determination, small obstacles can be overcome and greater opportunities realized.

Rhett Stubbendeck · Answer

At Leverage, dealing with challenges is just part of the job. One smart move I made was using technology to improve how we stay connected with our clients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when we couldn't meet face-to-face.
When the pandemic hit, many clients were really worried about their finances. I quickly saw that traditional communication methods weren’t cutting it. So, we set up a digital platform with video calls, secure messaging, and real-time document sharing. This way, I could stay in close contact with clients and give them the advice they needed, even from a distance.
For example, a small-business owner was struggling because of lockdowns. Through our digital platform, we had regular video meetings to reassess their financial plans, adjust budgets, and find new ways to generate revenue. This ongoing support helped them get through the tough times and come out stronger.
We also saw a spike in demand for financial planning services. To handle this, I brought in a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that made client onboarding and service processes smoother. This made us more efficient and ensured every client got the attention they deserved.
At Leverage, using technology helped us keep strong relationships with our clients and support them effectively during challenging times.

Matthew Ramirez · Answer

I've found that the key to dealing with problems is to stay open to new ideas and be ready to switch things up. When things get rough, I usually gather information, chat with mentors, and brainstorm some new solutions.
When things got rough, I didn't freak out. I just kept an eye on consumer behavior and industry trends to come up with some new product ideas and target untouched markets. I also made sure my team was ready for any challenges by giving them extra training and skills.
I've noticed that being open to learning and embracing change has really helped me deal with obstacles and turn challenges into chances to grow. This attitude not only boosts resilience but also encourages creativity and flexibility in my business, helping us stay competitive and strong even when things get tough.

How Do You Overcome Major Obstacles in Your Business?

How Do You Overcome Major Obstacles in Your Business?

Host Community PR Workshops

Specialize to Stand Out

Expand Services to Diversify

Negotiate Extended Payment Terms

Centralize Operations with Technology

Utilize Predictive Data Analytics

Balance Workload with Strategic Planning

Adopt Efficient Training Technologies

Re-engineer for Scalable Performance

Infuse Storytelling into Marketing

Innovate Through Team Hackathons

Offer Value During Dry Spells

Engage in Community Activities

Implement Reverse-Mentorship Programs

Network for Angel Investor Funding

Engage with Rural Entrepreneur Networks

Tailor Logistics for Vehicle Transport

Bootstrap to Maintain Control

Adopt Digital Client Communication Platforms

Embrace Change and Seek New Ideas