Navigating Change with Purpose
During the first week of May, we celebrate National Small Business Week, a time to honor the passion, grit, and resilience that small business owners bring to their communities every day. However, in today’s economy, celebration also invites reflection.
With inflation, supply chain disruptions, and shifting customer behaviors, small businesses are being forced to evolve more quickly than ever. While this can feel overwhelming, it also presents an opportunity for empowerment.
In Chapter One of my book, A Fresh Perspective – Creating a Lifestyle Business, I share a belief that has guided me through challenging seasons - We experience change for a reason, and it unfolds in four phases:
Panic and Pause – The moment uncertainty hits, and we freeze or question everything.
Adapt – We begin to adjust, test new ideas, and find our footing.
Recreate – We rebuild, redesign, and realign our businesses to fit a new landscape.
Embrace – We stop resisting change and start growing through it.
Once you understand these phases, you can stop reacting, and start responding with purpose.
Small businesses have a powerful advantage: the ability to pivot quickly. Unlike large corporations, you can adapt in real time. Here are four ways to move forward:
Stay flexible – Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Move now and refine as you go.
Simplify operations – Automate, cut unnecessary costs, and focus on what matters most.
Lead with value – Inflation may slow spending, but people still seek quality and trust.
Go digital – Expand your reach through e-commerce, email marketing, and social media.
You’re Not Alone
If you're feeling uncertain about the future, you're not alone, and you're not stuck. My book, A Fresh Perspective, was written to help business owners like you navigate tough times with clarity, confidence, and creativity.
Whether you're in the Panic, Adapt, Recreate, or Embrace phase, you have what it takes to move forward.
Get your copy of A Fresh Perspective – Creating a Lifestyle Business, HERE
What phase of change are you in right now? Let me know in the comments.
Need support? We’re here to help. Let’s connect: HERE
A Brief History of National Small Business Week
National Small Business Week began in 1963 under President John F. Kennedy with the goal of recognizing the top entrepreneurs in the U.S. Since then, it has become an annual tradition to highlight the achievements of small business owners and inspire others to learn from their success. Small businesses have always been a core part of the American economy, dating back to the nation’s early years when entrepreneurs pursued the dream of creating something of their own.
With more than 31 million small businesses in the U.S. today, they represent 99% of all businesses in the country. This spirit of entrepreneurship, backed by resources like the Small Business Administration (SBA), continues to drive growth, offering support to help businesses thrive through challenging times.
History of National Small Business Week sourced from National Today
