The Struggles of a Small Business Owner: What You Should and Shouldn't Do

Being a small business owner is a thrilling, rewarding, and often challenging experience. As an entrepreneur, you wear many hats—you’re the CEO, marketer, accountant, customer service representative, and so much more. While the freedom and opportunity that come with running your own business are undeniably exciting, the journey is far from easy.

If you’re just starting out—or if you’ve been at it for a while and are feeling burned out—this post is for you. I’m here to shed some light on the common struggles small business owners face and offer some advice on what to do—and what not to do—on your entrepreneurial journey.

The Struggles of Owning a Small Business

1. Overwhelming Responsibility Running a small business often means that everything rests on your shoulders. From the big decisions to the everyday tasks, you have to manage it all. Whether it’s handling client inquiries, setting up a website, managing finances, or just trying to keep your inbox from overflowing, the workload can feel never-ending.

2. Cash Flow Woes Cash flow is a major challenge for small business owners, especially in the beginning stages. It can be tough to balance paying bills and covering expenses while also trying to reinvest in the growth of your business. Sometimes, you might feel like you’re barely scraping by or that profits are never as high as you expected.

3. The Fear of Failure As a business owner, you live with the constant fear that your hard work might not pay off. There’s a lot of uncertainty, and setbacks are inevitable. The pressure to succeed can feel heavy, especially when it feels like everything is riding on your success.

4. Time Management As a small business owner, time is your most precious resource. It often feels like there’s never enough time in the day to get everything done. Balancing client work, marketing, administration, and personal life can be overwhelming. It’s easy to burn out, especially when you feel like you’re working around the clock but still falling behind.

5. Marketing & Visibility Struggles Marketing is crucial for the growth of your business, but as a small business owner, it can feel like a battle. You may be competing with larger, well-established brands that have bigger marketing budgets and larger teams. Getting noticed in a crowded market can feel like an uphill climb, and without the right strategies, it’s easy to feel invisible.

What You Should Do: Advice for Small Business Owners

1. Focus on Your “Why”
When things get tough—and trust me, they will—remember why you started your business in the first place. What motivated you to take the leap? Was it to have more control over your time? To follow your passion? To build something meaningful? Revisiting your core mission can help keep you grounded and motivated during the difficult days.

2. Prioritize Your Time
You can’t do everything yourself, and trying to will lead to burnout. Be intentional about your time. Prioritize your tasks and focus on what’s most important. Consider outsourcing or automating tasks where possible. Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant or using software to manage your social media, free up time for what truly matters—growing your business and serving your clients.

3. Build a Financial Cushion
It’s crucial to have some financial buffer in your business, especially in the early stages. Saving a portion of your earnings or setting up an emergency fund for your business can help you weather the storm when cash flow gets tight. Set realistic financial goals, track your spending, and be strategic about how you reinvest into the business.

4. Seek Guidance & Support
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s reaching out to fellow small business owners, hiring a mentor, or seeking professional advice from an accountant or business consultant, guidance can make a huge difference. You don’t have to go it alone—find a network or community of like-minded individuals who can support and encourage you.

5. Embrace Marketing, Even on a Budget
Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive. Start small, but be consistent. Use social media to connect with potential customers, offer valuable content, and showcase your expertise. Building a brand presence doesn’t require a massive budget—it requires consistency, authenticity, and time. Look for creative ways to promote your business, like partnerships, collaborations, or referral programs.

What NOT to Do: Mistakes to Avoid as a Small Business Owner

1. Don’t Undercharge for Your Services
It’s tempting to offer low prices when you’re starting out, but doing so will only undervalue your work and burn you out. Set your prices based on the value you provide—not on what you think clients will be willing to pay. If you undercharge, you risk not being able to cover your business expenses, let alone grow. Value your time, your skills, and the expertise you bring to the table.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
As a small business owner, it’s easy to say “yes” to every opportunity that comes your way. But that’s a surefire way to overextend yourself. Saying yes to everything can lead to poor work-life balance, mistakes, and burnout. Learn to say no to projects, clients, or tasks that don’t align with your goals or values. Protect your time and energy.

3. Don’t Try to Do Everything Yourself
You can’t be the only person doing everything in your business. Trying to wear all the hats will leave you stretched thin and unproductive. You may feel like you need to handle every detail personally, but trusting others to help with certain tasks—whether it’s marketing, accounting, or even small admin tasks—can free up your time to focus on what you do best.

4. Don’t Be Discouraged by Slow Growth
Building a successful business takes time, and it’s easy to get discouraged if things don’t take off right away. Small business growth is often slow and steady. Keep putting in the work, remain consistent, and trust the process. Don’t compare your journey to others—focus on your own progress and celebrate the small wins along the way.

5. Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself
Your business can only thrive if you do. Don’t neglect your health, relationships, or mental well-being in the pursuit of success. Make time for rest, exercise, and self-care. The more you take care of yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to take care of your business and your clients.

In Conclusion: Stay Focused, Stay Resilient

The life of a small business owner is a roller coaster of highs and lows, but it’s a ride worth taking. By staying focused on your “why,” managing your time wisely, and seeking support when needed, you can weather the challenges that come your way. And by avoiding common mistakes—like under-pricing your services or trying to do everything yourself—you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

Remember: Every business faces its struggles. What matters is how you respond to them. Stay resilient, trust yourself, and know that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep going—you’ve got this!

Jamie Goode
Beauty Photographer | Small Business Advocate