Thrive in 2021

Success Tips from Business Professionals Across Industries

Let’s face it: starting a small business these days is daunting. Where do you even start? How do you build on a business idea? Though the pandemic caused many in-person businesses to downsize or shut down, small businesses can continue to grow even in the online world we now live in. Our Spring 2021 cover story features tips from a wide variety of business professionals and owners across various industries. They will help you grow a business from the inside-out with tips on advertising, SEO, stronger business connections, outsourcing and more. These tips will help you feel more confident and motivated to start and/ or grow your small business in 2021.

Entrepreneurs Thrive with Mentorship

Businesses don't operate or succeed in isolation. It takes a community of people playing different roles — customer, teacher, supporter, connector, etc. — to really catapult a company to the next level. One way entrepreneurs and business owners can grow their companies in 2021 is to seek mentorship. Through a mentor’s priceless guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls, learn from their mistakes, and get on a faster path to success. Your mentor may also facilitate other useful connections with prospective customers, business partners, suppliers, service providers, etc. But the best perk of all? Your mentor or coach understands what you're going through. They can commiserate with you in a way that your non-entrepreneur friends can't. Sometimes, you just need to spend time with someone else who gets it. When you have a mentor, you benefit from their experience, knowledge, network, and camaraderie.

– Laura Gariepy, Owner of Every Day by the Lake, LLC, https://www. beforeyougofreelance.com/