Important points:
- Small business owners tell their employees to find their passion and be the best they can be.
- A commitment to customer service is a winning strategy for small businesses.
- Do great work, get noticed in your industry, and build your business.
Starting a small business from scratch is not easy. Entrepreneurs must consider several variables, including creating a business model, choosing a location and service area, securing funding, hiring staff, and handling sales and marketing efforts.
Winning strategies for small business success include the entrepreneur's work ethic, the products and services offered, and other intangible variables.
We asked three small business owners to share their expert wisdom and tips on how to succeed in today's economy.
Find what you want to do and build a business around it
Two brothers-in-law founded the plumbing company in 1906, and in 2024 the tradition continues with the fifth generation owners of Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drain Cleaning in New York.
“We love working in this industry and feel the special feeling we get every day by helping our customers feel safer and more comfortable,” co-owner Chris Petri said in an email. said.
Petri believes the company's values of safety, integrity, a commitment to “great” service, and a team of service professionals dedicated to the company, the community, and the quality of their work are the secrets to the company's longevity.
“Together, we will lead the way to a future where every home is more than just a home, it is a safe, comfortable sanctuary,” he said. “Since 1906, we've been with our customers not just for years, but for generations.”
Over the years, Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drain Cleaning has faced many challenges and learned many lessons through solving them.
“We believe that thriving businesses will survive difficult times, whether in times of conflict or war or economic turmoil, as long as they can provide the services their customers need with investments commensurate with the value they provide. I believe we can do it,” Petri said.
When asked his best advice for small business owners, Petri said it's to find what you love to do and build a business around it.
“Love what you do. From starting a business to running it, business ownership is one of the hardest things a person can do. Love what you do for a living.” If you do, those challenges will be easier to overcome because you are doing what you love every day. ”
Doing great work in your industry will get you noticed and your business will grow
Gladys' Cleaning Service is a professional cleaning service with over 20 years of experience in the cleaning industry. She provides post construction cleaning, deep cleaning services, window cleaning, awning cleaning, barricade cover cleaning, pressure washing, carpet shampooing, and janitorial services in her five counties in New Jersey.
CEO Gladys Vonglahn said the secret to her business's success was its internal reputation for high-quality cleaning and its team of employees. That foundation of her trust has propelled the company to new heights.
“Last year, we had the privilege of starting work at Newark Liberty International Airport's new Terminal A, providing post-construction cleaning services for restaurants and retail stores to pass health inspections,” she wrote in an email. stated in an email.
In addition, her company recently completed a window cleaning project for all AirTrain stations at Newark Liberty International Airport commissioned by Alstom, as well as Avis, Hertz and Enterprise at Newark Liberty International Airport's new Terminal A garage. completed post-construction cleaning of rental cars. It's the same airport.
So, if you do a great job in your industry, you will get noticed and your business will grow.
prioritize people over profits
Sonoran Technology and Professional Services, based in Goodyear, Arizona, is a disabled-owned, veteran-owned small business primarily providing training support services for U.S. Air Force pilots and aircrews.
“We also have the subject matter expertise in courseware development, program management, logistics support, flight scheduling, command, control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C2ISR), and the expertise required by the Department of Defense, the Small Business Administration, and previous governments. “We also specialize in other support services, including the Department of Justice,” owner Paul A. Smiley said in an email.
Smiley, who has been in business since 2007, said he started the business from his home at the beginning of the recession.
“After I retired from the Air Force in 2002, I had a bad experience in the corporate world and said to myself, 'This will never happen again,' so I went out on my own,” Smiley said.
He said the change in life was a good fit.
“Our motto is 'People before profits,' and we are privileged to support the Department of Defense and other federal agencies with talented, experienced professionals who are committed to providing excellent service,” said Smiley. said.
Mr. Smiley attributes his success to several factors, including his religious beliefs, his leadership team, his commitment to building and maintaining relationships, and his passion for the company.
“I love my job and am passionate about life change and opportunity for our employees and communities,” he said. His advice is to find your passion, value your business connections, support your employees and have confidence in your work.
Smiley said there are three questions to consider when navigating the path to small business ownership.
- Is there a need for the service or product you offer? “It’s Business 101 to me,” Smiley said. “Someone has a need or a problem, and you have a solution.”
- Do you have the will and desire to see it through to the end? “Doing business is not for the faint of heart,” he says.
- Is money the main reason? “If that's the case…don't do it,” he said. “It's obvious that you have to make a profit to sustain and grow your business, but if making money is the number one reason you're doing it, then that's when you should actually be making business decisions. You will be making financial decisions.”
