You're a late-career professional navigating the small business world. How do you stay ahead of the game?

In my experience it is true. Change is the only constant for a small business owner. I'm extremely flexible with my ideas and how I'm working in my business. Consistency is key. Even when things are shifting and changing it's important to stay consistent with how you serve your clients. Having a strong brand with customer care is more valuable than the shifting industry trends. Great customer service will out-live any new industry trend that is out there! Customers want quality now no matter what.

A late-career professional in the small business world, staying ahead of the game requires a combination of adaptability and strategic planning. Embrace change: Stay up to date on industry trends and new technologies, continuously learning and adapting your approach to stay relevant and competitive. Leverage experience: Use your experience and knowledge to provide valuable guidance and expertise to your team, leveraging your unique skills to drive business success.

My first business was a franchise and the franchisor said in order to be successful we needed to do 40 visits weekly. After 90 days they visited my office and when they asked me how many visits I had been doing and I quietly answered about 20, they flat out asked if I wanted to be broke! They knew the answer to building a successful business was NETWORKING! Now in 2024, you can do this online or in-person. So crunch you metrics and determine, how many "visits" you need to make weekly then get these done daily first thing! ??Sailynn... Your FUN Business Coach Creator of The Legacy Business System

In my experience as a new business owner networks are so vital to the growth of business. Also, it's not about the quantity of the people it's about the quality of the connections I have found. When I make genuine connections with people in my network they remain in my network and become a part of my business also. We collaborate, refer, and support each other as business owners. Making connections with non-business owners has been important to the growth of my business also. I have gotten many referrals from connections I have made through communities I belong to from non-business owners. There is power in connection!

One thing I have found helpful is to find a skill I know a little bit about already and then look for ways to expand my knowledge in that one skill. This takes the stress out of learning something completely new and saves me time. Tip: I always have learning or training on skills on my calendar every month. This helps me stay up-to-date and current with what I'm learning.

Updating your skills can give you the confidence when engaging in a new environment. Often times when something is new, we feel inadequate and question if we are ready or not. Learning new skills will always trump this feeling. You will feel more prepared. Whether you take online courses, read a book or attend a workshop, updating your skills will help you to stay ahead of the game.

From my experience, planning ahead is vital for late-career professionals in the small business world. As I approached retirement, I focused on succession planning to secure my business's future. I started grooming a successor early, ensuring they understood the business's values and operations. Additionally, I explored options like selling the business or passing it to family members. This thoughtful planning preserved the legacy of my business and ensured it would continue to prosper beyond my tenure. By preparing for the future, you can confidently navigate the later stages of your career, knowing your business is in good hands.