The Secret Recipe to a Successful Small Business

by smallbizbee · 5 comments

Ever wonder if there is a common thread amongst successful business people, and small business owners that make them successful?

It's common to think that really successful people must know something the rest of us don't, that they have some business secret that has given them such success, right?

Jenna Jantsch, who works with VerticalResponse, was asking herself those same questions when she decided to interview three very successful business owners and see if they would divulge their "secret recipe". Their responses were interesting, and should be quite telling for anyone who thinks to be successful you need to have some insider information that only a few are lucky enough to possess.

By: Jenna Jantsch

I work for VerticalResponse, a self-service direct marketing firm geared towards small businesses, you can just imagine the variety of businesses I encounter on any given day. But it never seems to matter if it is a salon, chocolate shop, marketing firm, film studio or a pizza parlor I am always blown away by the owner's optimism, creativity and determination. After pondering these three ingredients for sometime I decided I needed to find out what the prefect receipt was for creating a successful small business. I asked three of the most successful small business owners how they took that leap of faith you need to start a small business. What qualifies these three to be some of the most successful small business owners? That's easy, they love what they do and they can make enough to support themselves doing it. John Jantsch, a marketing and digital technology coach and author of 'Duct Tape Marketing – The World's Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide' said,

It was the fact that I knew everything would work out – win or lose everything happens for a reason. That is something my parents thought me and I bring that with me in everything I do. John Jantsch - Duct Tape Marketing

Something all small business owners need is optimism. Optimism allows you to try new things and believe that it will work out. It allows you to trust your employees during the times you have to put your business, also known as your life, in their hands. It permits you to make mistakes while understanding that you can learn and grow from them. Connie Hanrahan, owner of The Mantooth Company, a marketing and event planning company said,

I sent out a direct mail piece to all of my contacts asking what I should do next. I had an overwhelming response that said to start my own marketing firm. It was good to listen to others which just fueled my initial gut thought that I could do this. Connie Hanrahan - Owner, The Mantooth Company

Creativity is what makes your next big idea different than the any other. Let the creativity flow, allow yourself to be inspired by keeping your eyes open. Being one of a kind is never a bad thing when it comes to your small business. And Janine Popick, CEO of VerticalResponse, a self-service direct marketing firm said,

Starting a business and taking on responsibility for others will always keep you up for some portion of the night. That's what keeps you going and makes you successful – you don't want to let anyone down. Janine Popic - CEO, VerticalResponse

Having determination when starting your own small business is a must. Anyone who has done it knows there are sleepless nights and long hours in the beginning. Believing in yourself and knowing that you have a strong product will take you leaps and bounds farther than your competition. Optimism, creativity and determination are the three ingredients that I believe could make your next big idea into a thriving small business, even in this economy. In addition to an explanation of the three most important ingredients I was also reminded that you must never be scared to try. Succeed or fail jumping in is always the best way to go.

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