It’s Lonely At The Top.
Most small business owners that we know, find that statement to be both sarcastic and true.
When you run into a small business owner and ask how business is going, “Great!” is the common, reflexive answer. But it’s a marketing answer.
We always follow up with: “So how is it really going?”
(Especially now that it seems small business owners have to solve the problems of a pandemic-ravaged economy on their own.)
As small business owners, we know and understand the challenges.
One of the reasons small business owners so often suffer in silence – or just charge ahead…alone - is because they don’t know where to turn for help. While they know there are business self-help books and even business advisors available, they don’t know who to trust or even where to start.
We know.
About Us
Build A Better Small Business is led by Trenton and Amy Tipton-Fletcher, both seasoned business owners and small business consultants with extensive experience helping businesses in a variety of industries start, grow, turn around, or prepare for sale (For more information on their work - which includes services not available from Build A Better Small Business - please visit www.whitecapstewardship.com) . Specifically, Amy has owned multiple businesses; has guided business owners who were opening their Specialty Retail businesses and has driven sales growth in several other businesses. Trenton is an Accredited Small Business Consultant® and has worked in-depth with dozens of small businesses over the past 10 years after 20 years as a financial risk manager and professional investor.
While most of their clients have beaten the odds, they have also seen some clients reluctantly close their businesses. They have taken many lessons from these instances of permanent failure. Overall, small businesses served and owned by Trenton and Amy have seen annualized revenue and profit growth in excess of 25% and 85%, respectively, over the past 10 years and they want to help more businesses do the same.
Trenton and Amy are building a team of experienced, accredited, compassionate professionals. We call these professionals Directors. Why not call them “Coaches”? Because we feel that coach sounds too much like “Coax.” Why not “Consultant” or “Advisor”? Again, too passive. For us, the work isn’t optional. Progress isn’t optional. Business owners are NOT simply looking for advice or suggestions. They are looking for results. Why “Director”? Think movie director. Think Board of Directors. Think Accountability.
We Understand The Journey
We like to use metaphors. You may have heard the one that says owning a small business is more like running a marathon than running a sprint. Or, running a small business is like herding cats. We like the idea of a journey; a great family road trip; the adventure of a life-time.
Other small business owners know too.
What if there was a safe space where small business owners could candidly share their journey?
What would it mean to know their struggles – with seemingly un-trainable employees or constantly late-paying customers - are not so unusual and have been overcome by owners just like them?
What would it mean to know that even the smallest victories they celebrate – like a Friday with no emergencies or a great Google review from a consistently difficult client - make perfect sense?
What would it mean to be able to commiserate with other owners who feel anything but “on top”?
What would it mean to be reminded of the passion you once had when you were just starting your business?
How would it feel to know: You’re not alone?
Our forum is designed to host topics of interest to small business owners in a safe environment. Not only do we monitor conversations to ensure nothing is offensive, bullying or even condescending, we actively participate in conversations where we can positively engage and provide support.