As the seasons begin to shift and the first signs of fall emerge, it’s an ideal time for small business owners to reflect, reassess, and realign with their goals. This seasonal change offers more than just a transition in weather; it presents a valuable opportunity for both personal and professional resets.
If you’ve ever seen the famous Friends episode where Ross, Chandler, and Rachel struggle to move a couch up a narrow staircase, you’ll remember Ross shouting, “Pivot! Pivot! Pivot!”
The scene, while hilarious, also holds a valuable lesson for business owners. Just like moving a couch requires strategic adjustments, running a small business often demands the same. Whether it’s due to market shifts, customer needs, or personal circumstances, sometimes you have to “pivot” your approach to keep moving forward.
Recently, we were inspired by Anna Wilson, the owner of Glyn Mawr Winery – The Local in Mount Vernon, Iowa, a small business on one of our platforms that shared its journey of transformation and growth. Anna’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of balance, bravery, and, yes, embracing the need to pivot. Anna herself reflected on her journey, saying, “I have been searching for balance for myself, and my family, for a couple of years now. I only recently realized that it is never going to find me…I have to create it.” You can read more about her journey on The Local’s Facebook page.
Business owner, Anna Wilson, Glyn Mawr Winery – The Local.
Recognizing the Need for Change
Change is often one of the most challenging aspects of running a small business. It requires acknowledging that something isn’t working as well as it could and taking the steps necessary to address it. In Anna Wilson’s case, she found herself running on fumes, struggling to maintain balance between her business and family life. Recognizing that change was necessary was difficult, and taking the leap to implement those changes was even harder.
The statistics tell a story familiar to many entrepreneurs. According to research highlighted in a LinkedIn blog, 72% of founders struggle with mental health, with 36% experiencing burnout and 54% feeling overwhelmed by the stress of running their businesses. These numbers underscore the importance of reassessing how you manage your business and personal life.
It’s easy for small business owners to get caught up in the day-to-day demands, losing sight of the bigger picture. However, it’s essential to periodically step back and assess whether your business is still aligned with your personal values and long-term vision. Are you running your business, or is it running you? Just like Ross needed to find a new angle for that couch, this season might be a good time for you to ask yourself what adjustments might help you find the balance and fulfillment you seek.
Bravery in Transformation
Making significant changes requires a great deal of courage, as Anna Wilson bravely demonstrated. Anna shared her struggle with the fear of disappointing her customers and community by altering her business concept. However, she ultimately realized that the changes she was making would not only benefit her family’s well-being but also allow her to continue serving the community in a more sustainable and meaningful way.
For other small business owners, this story is a reminder that change doesn’t have to mean letting go of what you love. Instead, it can be an opportunity to pivot your business in a direction that better aligns with your strengths and passions, ensuring that it remains a source of joy rather than stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to consider whether there are aspects of your business that could be adjusted to better serve both you and your customers.
Planning for the Future
As we move into fall, it’s also a good time to start planning for the upcoming holiday season. The holidays can be a busy and profitable time for small businesses, but they also require careful preparation. By reflecting on what has and hasn’t worked in previous years, you can make the necessary adjustments—or pivots—to ensure a successful season.
Consider how you can leverage the resources available to you as a seller on our marketplace. From challenges and webinars to product onboarding services and social media audits, we offer a range of tools to help you optimize your business for the season ahead. If you’re a small business selling on a member marketplace site, take a look at all of our business resources. We have plenty of free resources, such as challenges and webinars, and some paid services, such as product onboarding from your website and social media audits.
Supporting Each Other
Lastly, remember that you’re not alone in your journey. Just as Anna found support and encouragement from her community, you too can find strength in connecting with other small businesses. Whether it’s sharing experiences, offering advice, or simply providing a listening ear, the small business community is a valuable resource. Or maybe you even commit to shopping local this holiday season!
This fall, as the leaves begin to change, take some time to reflect on your business and how it aligns with your personal and professional goals. Embrace the opportunity for change, plan for the future, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary. Together, we can navigate the challenges of small business ownership and continue to grow and thrive.
