Google “small business spotlight,” and you are sure to come across several lists spanning numerous business types and sectors. Those small businesses that have made a name for themselves and have somehow managed to take their game up a notch certainly deserve a shoutout. Small businesses are, after all, the backbone of the American economy, employing half of all workers in this country.
In surveying the current small business spotlight lists online, you will notice that just about any small business you can imagine is represented: from flower shops to restaurants to nonprofits to athletic equipment suppliers to tech firms. Have you ever wondered what it takes to have a small business spotlighted on this type of list? Do you have aspirations of getting your small business “in the spotlight”? In this article, we look at a few common denominators among the firms that have appeared in some of the more prominent small business spotlight pieces.
Starting a Small Business: It’s Usually About an Idea
For many entrepreneurs who find themselves and their companies in the spotlight, the journey that took them there usually began with a killer idea. As a small business owner, you probably got started because of an idea, a driving passion, and some new perspective that you felt could positively impact your community. For example, one small business idea that launched something of a holiday empire was the “Elf on the Shelf” concept. The founders of that company were looking to create a long-lasting “tradition in a box.” That idea launched a small business that grew into something quite impressive.
Small Businesses that Grew Out of Frustration
Sometimes those brilliant business ideas come to you because you’re exhausted and frustrated with your 9 to 5 job. Many small business owners launched their company out of a need to make a significant change and create a better life for themselves. Ariana Huffington was met with criticism and rejection repeatedly within the journalism community. This gave her the push she needed to start her platform, which eventually grew into a leading news and commentary website.
Customer Service as a Key Component of Company Success
As you are probably aware, the customer is at the heart of your business endeavor; without any customers, there’d be no business. Those companies that have made customer service a priority and consequently put the customer’s need front and center tend to be businesses that shine and get spotlighted. Case in point: back in 1967, the very first Trader Joe’s store opened. The founder, Joe Coulombe, insisted on a customer service approach that distinctly addressed emerging customer needs and wants. That small business has since grown into one of the most well-known brands in the nation.
A Successful Small Business is Often Helmed By an Expert
When you start a small business, you should, of course, know your “stuff” when it comes to your products and services. The more informed you are, the more knowledgeable, the more likely your customers will rely on your company for more than just a product purchase, but also your insights and expertise. Without question, your expertise in matters relating to your company, not to mention how to run a successful business in general, is essential when it comes to growth and sustainability. And if you want to get your company spotlighted, it certainly can’t hurt. Look at Zoom founder Eric Yuan. Over the past year and a half, Zoom has revolutionized how we do business, how we learn, and how we connect. Yuan, and engineering VP at Cisco, not only knew the development side of things, but he was pretty good at running a team and getting things done. This, no doubt, contributed to Zoom’s astronomical success.
Small Businesses Have Heart
Another critical component of many small business spotlight stories we read is the “heart” factor. That is to say. They are passionate about their endeavor and about helping others in some way. Especially companies that give back to their local community. Often, the impetus behind a company launch is an owner wanting to make a difference and create an opportunity or change for the people. If your business is passionate about a cause and has become involved in a meaningful way, perhaps your story needs to be told.
What’s the Story of Your Small Business?
One of the common denominators between many spotlighted small businesses is the fact that they have a story. That story can take many shapes and forms, but ultimately it is a narrative arc of their journey from just starting to their eventual success. If you have a story to tell, if you want your small business to make a name for itself, we can help. Our fast and flexible loan programs are designed to help entrepreneurs get the funds they need precisely when they need them—not weeks or months from now. Even if your credit score is less than ideal, we can still likely help. Call today and let’s get started together!