Written by: Oriel Ross McKinney, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
US Small Business Week is celebrated from May 2nd ‒ May 8th. Due to the pandemic, this is the first Small Business Week in over 2 years where businesses are in a sense, back to normal. Leverage this time to share your story, take pride in your survival and enjoy your business! Yes, enjoy it! We often forget that part. There was joy in the idea you were blessed to develop. Share that story and joy with someone else today. Not just someone else, everyone!
Check out these successful strategies!
Thank your team. Your staff, partners, supporters, everyone who has poured value into who you are today.
Take a class. What course have you had your eye on? Choose one that will provide you with clarity and actionable information.
Share your story. Yes, people do want to know about you. The person behind the brand. Share a little bit about why you started on your journey. You may inspire someone today.
Partner with someone. Host a joint event. Cross-pollinating your contact list has value. It can be as small as a guest appearance webinar or an after work mixer. Collaborate with the right partner and watch the magic happen.
Go local. Choose a local business to support every day. Be intentional about circulating your money in small businesses.
Plan. What’s your next move? Brainstorm on the next business you will buy or an investment you will make. Also consider if you should diversify your offerings.
Conference / Tradeshow. Lookup a conference or tradeshow to attend in the next 12 months. It’s a great way to expand your connections and visibility. Not to mention, increase your industry knowledge.
Invest. Invest in a starter business with a micro-loan. Understand the business completely and the risk. If that works within your risk tolerance, pay it forward to the next burgeoning entrepreneur.
Mentor. Get a Business Mentor and Coach! Mentors – They have been where you’re looking to go. Ask someone with proven success to guide you. Consider someone retired who keeps up with your industry. Coaches – There’s no shortage of coaches these days. Choose someone with a personality that compliments yours but moreover someone with the experience and professionalism that will propel your business.
Rebrand. Hire a Branding Expert to give your business a little flare. You don’t have to totally rebrand but sometimes to smallest changes provide the biggest impact. Rebranding can be as big as a name change and mission assessment to as noticeable as a color change or as impactful as a new webinar series.
Happy Small Business Week!
Oriel Ross McKinney, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Oriel Ross McKinney is a renowned Business Strategist, Author, and Speaker. Known as The Small Biz Engine®, her experience includes a successful 20-year tenure in Business Strategy and Development, Finance, Non-Profit Management, and Entrepreneurship.
As the mastermind behind several success stories, brands, and businesses, she methodically assesses her projects and delivers profit-driven strategies again and again. Oriel hones in on business & socially conscious topics while unveiling success in a brilliant way. For those looking to transition from corporate workplaces to entrepreneurship, read her anchor chapter in the anthology, Soaring Beyond the 9 to 5, or tap into one of her signature F.U.E.L.® Academy courses.
On a personal level, Oriel's biggest challenge and gift are being a mom to two children who were born prematurely. In her spare time, she supports preemie babies and their families in any way she can. Her motto is “You’re your greatest asset; invest in yourself.”
