SME Day: Reflections on Starting Your Own Business

When I think about SME Day, I can’t help but reflect on my own journey to start my business. It was a path full of challenges and satisfactions, marked by lessons learned and moments of personal and professional growth. From the first idea to seeing my business flourish, it has been an incredibly enriching experience. Today, I want to share not only my story but also some advice that may help you if you are thinking about starting your own business. 

Tip 1: Find Your Passion 

The first step in starting a business is finding your passion. Ask yourself what truly motivates and excites you. Entrepreneurship is a path full of ups and downs, and having a genuine passion for what you do will help you overcome the difficult moments. In my case, the passion for helping the community and making a difference was my main driving force. 

I clearly remember the moment I decided I wanted to start my own business. It was a cold winter day, and I was sitting in the living room, reflecting on my future. I had a stable job, but I always felt something was missing. The idea of creating something of my own, something I could shape and grow, fascinated me. 

Finding your passion may not be immediate. Sometimes, it is the result of multiple experiences and reflections. Take the time to explore different interests and discover what truly fills you with enthusiasm. Once you find your passion, you will have a solid foundation on which to build your business. 

Tip 2: Surround Yourself with a Support Network 

The support of your loved ones and community is essential. Do not be afraid to ask for help and advice. Building a solid support network can provide you with the emotional and professional backing needed to face the challenges of entrepreneurship. Consider seeking mentors who can offer you guidance based on their experience. 

From the beginning, the support of my family was fundamental. My wife, Casey, was always by my side, encouraging me and helping me stay focused. Our seven children were also a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Every time I thought about giving up, I remembered why I started: I wanted to build something I could leave as a legacy for them. 

In addition to my family, I found great support in my community. Friends, colleagues, and mentors provided invaluable advice and helped me navigate the initial challenges. I learned that there is no shame in asking for help and that having a support network can make a big difference. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision, and do not hesitate to turn to them when you need it. 

Tip 3: Prepare for Obstacles 

It is important to be prepared to face obstacles. Not everything will go as planned, and that is okay. Learn to adapt and be resilient. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Maintain a positive attitude and seek creative solutions to the problems you face. 

Starting a business is not easy. The first years were full of challenges. I remember sleepless nights, reviewing numbers and trying to find the best way to make my business take off. There were moments when it seemed that nothing would work and that all the effort would not be worth it. 

One of the biggest challenges was learning to manage finances. I did not have a solid financial background, and numbers always seemed intimidating to me. However, I realized that if I wanted my business to succeed, I needed to understand how to manage money effectively. I took courses, read books, and, over time, began to feel more confident in this aspect. 

Obstacles are inevitable, but the key is how you face them. See every challenge as an opportunity to learn and improve. Maintain a resilient attitude and do not be discouraged by setbacks. With determination and creativity, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way. 

Tip 4: Be Flexible and Open to Change 

Adaptability is key to business success. Stay informed about market trends and do not be afraid to pivot if necessary. The ability to adjust your strategy and operations can make the difference between success and failure. 

Along the way, I learned many valuable lessons. One of the most important was the importance of adaptability. The market is constantly changing, and businesses need to be flexible to survive. This became even more evident during the snowstorm that affected our region, teaching me about adaptability and resilience. 

During that storm, many of our operations were disrupted. However, instead of getting discouraged, we looked for ways to adapt to the situation. We implemented technological solutions that allowed us to continue operating remotely and maintained constant communication with our clients. This experience taught us to be more flexible and to be prepared for any eventuality. 

Tip 5: Celebrate Your Successes 

Do not forget to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they are. Recognizing and appreciating your successes will help you stay motivated and remember why you started. These moments of celebration are essential to maintaining a positive attitude and moving forward. 

Despite the challenges, the satisfaction of seeing my business grow and prosper has been immense. There is nothing like the feeling of having created something from scratch and seeing it take shape and become something significant. Every achievement, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. 

Seeing my employees committed and happy, receiving positive feedback from clients, and knowing that I am making a difference in the community is incredibly gratifying. All the effort, sleepless nights, and moments of doubt have been worth it. 

Throughout your entrepreneurial journey, take the time to celebrate every success. These moments of recognition will help you stay motivated and remember why you started. Celebrate your achievements with your team, your family, and your community. These moments of celebration are essential to maintaining a positive attitude and moving forward. 

As I reflect on my entrepreneurial journey, I feel grateful for all the experiences and lessons learned. Starting a business is not easy, but it is one of the most rewarding decisions I have made. If you are thinking about starting your own business, I encourage you to do it. It will not be an easy path, but with passion, dedication, and the right support, you can achieve it. 

Always remember why you started and keep your vision clear. Challenges will come, but so will the moments of triumph. Celebrate every small achievement and learn from every obstacle. In the end, you will see that all the effort was worth it.