Flexibility is my key to success

Being a small business owner requires embracing constant flexibility, balancing the benefits of being in charge with the reality of managing multiple responsibilities and adapting to changing circumstances like clients, meetings, deadlines, and illness.

Upside: freedom and control

Launching my small business put ME in the driver’s seat - decisions about the business are made by ME. This leads to a sense of accomplishment and pride when things keep growing. I get the opportunity to create and market new services, adapt quickly to take on new clients, and work on the things that truly excite me.  Being the boss (& all the other employees) means I have a flexible work schedule, making it easier to attend personal events or take time off when I need it.

Flexibility: my secret weapon

But, being flexible is crucial in a small business, particularly during times of crisis or shifting priorities. As a solopreneur, I have access to immediate feedback, which allows me to respond to customer needs or unexpected changes. Flexibility also helps build connection and innovation, making clients feel valued and cared for with personalized solutions. Being quick to respond and very nimble gives me a competitive edge over larger agencies and teams bogged down by billable hours and lengthy approval cycles.

Challenge: wearing all the hats

Owning a small business means juggling all the roles - manager, marketer, salesperson, IT support, and more. Doing it all can lead to exhaustion and burnout, as workloads and administrative tasks pile up. I work hard to maintain clarity and health, sometimes risking productivity and mental wellbeing. Balancing all these roles while staying available for clients and deadlines is a learned practice and requires discipline, creative problem-solving, prioritization, and sometimes, the ability to know when to say no.  Having an accessible, approachable network is most helpful when these things crop up.  I’ve said it before – but I’ll say it again – small business owners are some of the most generous, helpful people I’ve ever met. 

Adapting required

Flexibility goes beyond rescheduling meetings or dealing with sudden illness; it requires the ability to shift your mindset and adjust your communication. Streamlining tasks, automating processes, and fostering open communication are key to staying productive without compromising the ability to react. Sometimes, unexpected challenges – like client cancellations or sudden changes in scope become opportunities to innovate and strengthen business resilience.

The reality is owning a small business is as rewarding as it is demanding. The benefits of independence, creativity, and adaptability are balanced by the challenge of doing all the things and flowing with constant change. Mastering flexibility is what enables me to not just survive, but to thrive in my business.  It’s a lot of work but a lot more fun than I could have imagined.  I’m so glad I’m here today doing what I love.