Keys to Small Business Success

The following list of Keys to Small Business Success was generously provided to us by Danny Korman, the owner of Park+Vine. This business located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, has been called the "General Store of the Future." They specialize in eco-friendly merchandise that minimizes the use of natural resources and animal byproducts. Products include reusable bottles, bags and food carriers, non-toxic cleaning and paint supplies, natural baby and parenting supplies, a growing selection of foodstuff, and lots more. Through a variety of events hold at their store, they have successfully made it a center of the social and cultural life of Cincinnati. 

Hopefully, some of these suggestions will be helpful to you and/or your business...

1. Running a small business is a lot of work, but a lot easier when we're in touch with our inner spiritual self. This little store has taught me how to be a better human. It's the hardest and most rewarding experience of my life
2. Be yourself and be persistently positive no matter what.
3. Be kind to yourself first and every single person who walks in the door, regardless if (s)he buys something.
4. Avoid worrying about/competing with other small businesses. They're allies. Cheer them on and be glad you're not in a business district desert.
5. Move stuff and, therefore, energy around. This gives people a reason to question what's up.
6. Listen to what people are saying, sleep on it, keep listening and then respond if you hear the same thing often enough.
7. Tell folks how grateful you are that they're supporting your business and how much of a difference it makes.
8. Surround yourself with people who know more than you do.
9. Hand over the scary tasks (taxes!) to a trusted person.
10. Shake things off, like puppies.
11. Local places are struggling/doing-everything-they-can to stay open, while others are thriving. Businesses come and go. Change is the essence of life. If you love a business, do everything you can to support it. This could be the day that makes the difference in the life of someone or something you love. This is both sappy and the real deal.
12. People go where they want to go, do what they want to do, and spend time with people they want to spend time with.

Courtesy of Park + Vine, Cincinnati, OH, http://www.parkandvine.com/.