Small Business Lessons: The power of real conversations

We all bring unique experiences to the table—each one valuable and worth sharing. In the world of small business, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities, those experiences shape not only our businesses but also our personal growth. I wanted to share a personal story my husband, Leigh, once told me, which beautifully illustrates the power of real conversations and the lifelong lessons learned from running a small business. This story is a reminder of how small businesses provide a unique "sandpit" for learning—where every role, every challenge, and every customer interaction offers a lesson that stays with us long after the doors have closed for the day.

Leigh’s parents ran a small, licensed grocery store on Highett Road back in the 1960s and 70s. The shop wasn’t just a business—it was a community. Every customer was greeted by name, and the sense of connection was at the heart of their success. His father, always dressed in a white shirt and maroon tie, was the friendly face behind the counter, while his mother worked behind the scenes managing stock and balancing the books. Together, they taught Leigh the value of building relationships and making each customer feel valued.

But like many small businesses, cash flow was always a challenge. Leigh was entrusted at a young age to deposit large bags of cash at the National Bank across the road—an early lesson in the realities of running a business. Leigh’s story is not unique; many business owners can relate to the importance of being hands-on, adapting to challenges, and making every role count. Whether it was delivering orders in the family’s station wagon or learning the importance of punctuality, these experiences were laying the foundation for lifelong business skills.

Running a small business teaches us far more than just profit and loss—it teaches us resilience, customer care, and how to solve problems on the fly. This story resonates because it mirrors the experience of so many business owners who, like Leigh, juggle multiple roles and absorb invaluable lessons.

As we approach the end of the year, it's a perfect time to reflect on these experiences, celebrate how far we’ve come, and look forward to continued growth. Join us for dinner and share your successes and learnings.

What stories from your past have shaped who you are and the experience you can share? Love you to let me know in the comments, or better still let’s have a conversation.

Hello , I am Kerryn Powell, The Network Catalyst and founder of Your Time Matters

I can support you and help you avoid mistakes in building your business and achieving your why, support you to stay on track, and achieve success more quickly and efficiently, by keeping you accountable and moving forward, reach out to me .

If you are interested in a business community, check out mine- Your Time Matters.