The Rollercoaster of Running an SME: Lessons You Won’t Learn in Business School
“Dey play my fans” I remember telling my friend Juanita in her ear as we laughed while the lecturer for entrepreneurial studies, Dr Muri was teaching. He had just said how some of us would not use our degree after school.
I was so confident I wasn’t going to be part of them, but I guess I didn’t ‘pack my shock absorber’ with me before leaving Heaven for Earth because I was in for the greatest shock.
I studied Mechanical engineering in school and graduated with a first-class result. After my service year, getting a job seemed harder than mopping a river. They were either underpaying or were looking for 7 years of experience from me, a fresh graduate.
I was tired of doing nothing, so I started my small shoe business. I learned to make both male and female footwear and slowly my brand grew, but no one told me the full struggles of being a business owner.
Running a small business is like strapping into a rollercoaster without a seatbelt—thrilling, unpredictable, and sometimes terrifying. Business schools teach you about strategy and projections, but they can’t prepare you for the real ride of owning an SME.
Here are a few things Business School won’t teach you (Hidden Tip at The End)
- Resilience is Key: Every plan will face challenges. Whether it’s a supplier hike or unexpected expenses, resilience is the tenace you build to adapt and overcome.
- Success Isn’t Linear: Progress in business isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes you sprint forward, only to take a step back. However, learn to celebrate small wins.
- Customer Love Matters: The emotional connections you form with customers are vital. Each happy client fuels your passion.
- Community Support is Crucial: You’ll rely heavily on your community—friends, family, and fellow entrepreneurs. AskHannah helps you build and strengthen these connections, ensuring your business has a supportive network.
Running an SME is an unparalleled journey that teaches resilience and heart. As you embrace this rollercoaster, remember: AskHannah is your partner, ready to help you navigate every twist and turn. From providing answers to your questions to giving data-driven insights that help growth opportunities. AskHannah refines your customer engagement strategies, ensuring those relationships with your customers thrives.
Discover how AskHannah can smooth out the ride and empower your SME business today!
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