Dear Small Business Owner,
I see, hear, and empathize with you. For almost 10 years, I’ve been in your shoes leading a small fundraising consultancy. We specialize in finding grants and writing proposals to (hopefully) win them for nonprofits. I now lead this organization alongside two wonderful partners, Anne and Leigh.
Mind you, I’ve never taken one business course. Fortunately, I belong to the Grant Professionals Association and network with other consultants. Both have taught me a great deal about successful consulting.
When I worked for small businesses or organizations years ago, I must admit, I was stumped about why my boss or the business owner forgot certain things. I couldn’t understand why it took them a long time to complete certain tasks. I’m embarrassed to admit I was a bit … well … “judgy.” Fast forward to today, and my goodness, do I ever understand now.
I read an excellent book years ago that said business owners need to make time to work ON the business vs. always working IN it. I realize that is easier said than done.
Take my business for instance. I have four retainer clients I work with every day. I also pay all six team members, check and monitor our bank account every day, regularly supervise two team members, meet with potential clients, and dozens of other tasks. Oh yeah, and I write columns for two newspapers and am an author who’s about to launch another book.
Add in my home caring; family, friend, pet, volunteering, exercising, and church tasks; and – like a lot of you readers – it leads to little extra time. But it’s still important work on the business.
My partners and I carve out an hour or two on our calendar every Friday afternoon to (attempt) to do this. And, little by little, we’re getting there. We now market our business regularly … sorta kinda.
I’m proud to say that I complete our cash flow sheet once a month to determine our profit margin. Doesn’t that sound like I know what I’m talking about? I truly do.
If someone had told me years ago I’d have my own company, I would have laughed. But here I am, learning something new almost every day. I make mistakes, but I know I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce states that small businesses make up well over 99 percent all of U.S. businesses, and 49 percent have just one to four workers. Small businesses fuel our economy.
So, fellow Small Business Owner, I apologize that I couldn’t fully grasp your challenges and the dozens of things you must juggle every day. I understand your world better, and I respect you more than ever. Thank you for all you do for so many of us, day in and day out.
And if you forget something or take a long time to get to a task, give yourself grace and keep going. Your courage and drive are admirable.
Best wishes,
Amy
Amy Shankland is an empty-nester, writer, and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John and two dogs. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.