7 Reasons Why It Rocks to be a Small Biz Owner

National Small Business Week 2014 has arrived! May 12 – 16 is a time to celebrate the achievements of small businesses – and acknowledge their positive impact on our local communities.

If you’re a small biz owner, it’s also time to reflect on why it rocks to be who you are and do what you do! Who’s with me?

7 Things to Celebrate About being a Small Business Owner

Satisfaction of creating your own career destiny and building something from the ground up.
The opportunity to do what you enjoy – and get paid for it!
Flexibility with your schedule
Camaraderie of other small business owners
Opportunities for personal and professional development at every turn
Looking back, and realizing, “Wow, I’ve come a long way!”
Never a dull moment

Now nearly half way through my fifth year of working in my freelance writing business, I’m grateful for all of the above.

I wouldn’t call these past 4+ years easy; I’ve worked harder than ever before. But knowing it has been on my terms has somehow made the occasional moments of stress, frazzle, and exhaustion more bearable than when I experienced them working for others in a corporate environment.

I know my fellow freelancers and small biz owners also work exceptionally hard to build their businesses, make a name for their brands, and satisfy their customers.

So here’s to you, friends! I salute you for your determination and tireless effort to consistently show the world that small businesses might be small, but they’re also mighty in many ways.

P.S. Here are a few ideas to go the extra mile to support your small business community this week:

Schedule your client meetings at locally-owned coffee shops or eateries.
Buy your Father’s Day (or belated Mother’s Day) gifts at a privately-owned gift shop.
If you’ve got Happy Hour plans with anyone, move them to a small-town pub in your area.
It’s never too early to start tackling your Christmas shopping. Get a jump on it at local boutiques and specialty shops.
Give your favorite locally-owned stores, restaurants, and service businesses a shout out on social media.
Visit Yelp, Google Reviews, Foursquare, Trip Advisor, etc. and write glowing reviews of your favorite small businesses.

By Dawn Mentzer
Another Insatiable Solopreneur™ Post