Waylon Cunningham

Let’s face it. Running a business is one of the most challenging endeavors you can undertake due to a variety of factors including financial risk, time commitment, human resource challenges, and economic and market fluctuations to name a few. National Small Business Week takes place April 28 through May 4, and BBB and the Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrate small business owners’ strength, perseverance, and dedication to their employees and customers.

“While approximately 80% of all businesses survive their first year,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “Sadly, most businesses do not make it past the 5-year mark”.

Here are some ways BBB helps a company beat those odds:

Visibility. More than 10 million visitors go to bbb.org every month looking for companies with which to do business. Studies show consumers will overwhelmingly choose a business who has earned the BBB seal over one which does not display the seal.

Business tools. BBB provides resources to help with every aspect of running a business from improving your bottom line, to hiring and marketing best practices, to tips on how to cope with inflation.

Professional Development Opportunities. BBB provides in-person classes and workshops, business health assessments, and online educational platforms and certifications.

Additionally, BBB encourages everyone to visit your favorite small businesses. The more you can buy locally, the more you help the local economy.

BBB also provides the following suggestions for business owners to engage team members and customers this National Small Business Week:

Celebrate with your team. Hardworking employees are ambassadors for a business. They tell your company’s story, both in person and online. Make a commitment to invest in the development of your team. Celebrate Small Business Week with a special treat for your staff. See our business tip on valuing people over profit for long-term success.

Spread the word. Small Business Week has its own hashtags, including #SmallBusinessWeek. These are used nationwide in the U.S. and can help direct customers to your brand’s website or social media accounts. Use your social media accounts to invite your customers to visit your business and help you celebrate Small Business Week.

Consider running a giveaway or promotion that incorporates local shopping. Enter every customer that @ or # tags you in their social media posts into a giveaway for a product, complimentary service, or discount. Keep the energy going all week by getting creative and a little personal. Post pictures of how you started your business, tell the story behind your passion for your products, and have small videos showing the behind-the-scenes of your business.

Show your customers some love. Thank the community who help to support your small business. This will often attract new customers as well. A genuine “thank you” promotion helps increase customer loyalty and invites clients to partner in your success.