Running a small business can be both challenging and rewarding. When Clever Little was founded, we were slightly naive which in hind sight allowed us to overcome incredibly daunting challenges. Sometimes when you don't know what you're in for it makes it easier to overcome. Every week brings us new experiences and opportunities to learn and grow. We've learnt some incredibly valuable lessons in past year running Clever Little, here's a few key takeaways we've learned running a small business.
- Adaptability is Key to Survival
One of the most important lessons we've learned from our time running Clever Little is the need to be adaptable. If we had given up after our first or even second idea failed (thank you wool & hemp for those lessons), we would not be here writing this. Sometimes, the best ideas simply don't get past the product testing phase. Technology is constantly evolving, and being able to pivot and adjust to rethink your product concepts is crucial for success. Whether it's a sudden change in technology, customer preferences or an unexpected market shift, the ability to adapt and embrace change is vital to creating products that consumers love.
- Customer Feedback Is Invaluable
We LOVE hearing from our customers and listening to your customers is an essential part of running a small business. Customer feedback not only helps you improve your products or services but also strengthens your relationship with your clientele. We see your DM's and we love responding! Sometimes thought, it's the people who are nearly customers that offer the most valuble insights. Having the opportunity to ask, why didn't they purchase you products, gives us insight into how we can improve or do things better.
- The Importance of Time Management
This one is self explanatory but always deserves a mention, time management is an ongoing challenge for any small business owner. When your team is small, you end up being a jack of all trades. Prioritisng the essential tasks, setting clear goals and doing what will bring in revenue to a small business essential to survival. At Clever Little we create a schedule and stick to it because we have to! Plus, we are secret organisational freaks and love feeling on top of shit!
- Building Strong Relationships
Relationships are at the core of any successful small business. Everyone involved in our business is important, being focused on nurturing existing relationships with customers, suppliers, and business partners is critical to our survival. Businesses are like children, needing your time and nuture to grow. Surely you've heard the phrase - it takes a village to raise children? In business, it takes a village and that village is your network. It's often how you find your next stockist, partner or even investor. Building and maintaining strong relationships has open up new opportunities for Clever Little and has certainly helped our business grow.
- Resilience and Perseverance
Single handedly this has been the most important lessons in running Clever Little. Clever Little, like any business has come with its fair share of setbacks and challenges. From founders leaving to product failure to revenue challenges to flat out rejection by potential stockists, we've seen it all. Everyday we get reminded of the importance of resilience and perseverance. It's true what they say, if it was easy everyone would do it. Believing in Clever Little's 'WHY', is how we continue to push forward after every set back. It's crucial not to get discouraged by obstacles but instead use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Clever Little has been on a journey to better for it's customers but it's also taught our Founder and the team involved how to do business better too. We love hearing from our customers that have joined us on this journey and we cannot wait for what's to come next. So from the bottom of our hearts, thank YOU!