Small businesses often fail because owners dive into their ventures with a product or service they love, but without a solid business plan. While they may try marketing through channels like social media or online ads, their messaging often falls flat, failing to clearly communicate the value they offer. The key to success lies in creating a strong, market-dominating position that sets you apart and makes it clear why clients should choose you over competitors. Without this, many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of lowering prices to attract customers, which leads to frustration and burnout.

The solution is simple: if you are struggling, accept that you need help and talk to someone who can help. One can hire a coach with experience who understands the intricacies of building a market-dominating position. This expert can help you identify what makes your business unique and guide you in taking small, consistent steps toward improvement. Business growth doesn’t happen through giant leaps; it's an evolution, not a revolution. Before diving into strategies like upselling or drip marketing, you must first establish a strong foundation with clear messaging that aligns with your market-dominating position.

To find the right coach, seek referrals from others who have used coaches successfully. Pay close attention to their track record and ensure they have a deep understanding of the full business approach, not just individual tactics. Harm believes in continuous learning, emphasizing that expertise in your field is vital for long-term success. With the right coach and a focused strategy, you can build a strong foundation for sustainable growth and profitability.

Many people invest to secure their future and ensure a comfortable retirement. Denis emphasizes the importance of working with a certified financial planner—someone you trust, connect with, and feel confident will prioritize your best interests. With just over 100,000 certified financial planners in the U.S., finding the right professional can make all the difference. Financial planning involves numerous variables, such as determining the right amount of liquid assets, considering health and life expectancy, and preparing for a secure retirement. Denis advises keeping it simple: hire an expert to guide you toward success.

Selling a business is not the same as running one, especially for first-time small business sellers. The challenges? Plenty.

Small businesses often come with risks that can make buyers cautious. Common concerns include:

• Heavy reliance on the owner without an empowered second layer of management
• Revenue concentrated in a few clients
• High employee turnover

Additionally, sellers may have higher valuation expectations, but is the deal easy to finance?

This is where the expertise of a seasoned business broker becomes invaluable. A good broker brings:

• A buyer’s perspective to evaluate the business objectively
• The ability to close the deal, which is more important than finding the highest offer
• The experience to educate, communicate, and simplify complex transactions

It takes years of relevant experience and closing numerous deals to become a trustworthy broker who can ensure a smooth sale—even for businesses with unique challenges.