By Jeff Brown, President and CEO at The Biz Foundry.
When the team asked me to write about the future of small businesses and startups, my first thought was, “Well, my crystal ball isn’t all that clear.”
In fact, if anyone out there has figured out how to perfectly predict tariffs, interest rates, or regulatory changes, let me know. I’d be the first in line to learn from you.
The truth is, after 30+ years of running businesses, I’ve learned that most of that noise is just… noise. It’s easy to get caught up in the headlines, but at the end of the day, your real power is closer to home: your business, your customers, and your employees. That’s where the work, and the magic, happens.
A Story About Hot Dogs and Predictions
One of my mentors once told me a story that stuck.
There was a man in New York who ran a hot dog cart in the financial district for years. He was so good at what he did, people called him the “Hot Dog King.” He built a comfortable life, put his kids through school, and took pride in serving his customers.
When his oldest son graduated with an MBA, he came back with lots of advice. “Cut costs, prepare for downturns, scale back hours,” he said. The father listened, worried about all the economic predictions.
Sure enough, business went downhill. The quality dropped, the cart wasn’t open as often, and customers stopped showing up. Eventually, the man closed up shop.
But here’s the twist: right around the corner, another hot dog stand popped up and thrived.
Was it really the economy? Or was it the changes the first cart owner made out of fear?
The Takeaway
You don’t need a crystal ball to succeed in business. You need great products, great service, and the ability to stay focused on what you can control.
Adjust when you need to, but don’t let fear of predictions push you off course. No one knows your business better than you.
So, keep showing up. Keep serving well. And keep building. That’s how entrepreneurs win, no matter what the headlines say.
Need a Hand? We’ve Got You Covered!
At The Biz Foundry, we believe entrepreneurs don’t need a perfect crystal ball. They need the right tools, people, and support to keep moving forward.
The Biz Foundry is here for you! Our free business coaches and workshops can help you tackle the busy season with confidence. Don’t go it alone. Join our community of entrepreneurs and get the tools and support you need to thrive.
