Tips To Help Your Small Business Succeed in 2021 with Suhaib Zaheer

On Tuesday, January 26th, budding entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike came together to share helpful advice for those looking to take their small business to the next level in 2021. For our first Twitter #BHChat of the year, we were excited for Bluehost General Manager, Suhaib Zaheer, to co-host the event.

Participants ranged from Rieva Lesonsky, CEO of SmallBizDaily, to WPBuffs, WordCamp organizer Carol Stambaugh, and many more. The keywords that stood out from the chat? Pivot. Optimism. Focus. Participants cited the biggest learning lesson from 2020 being the need to pivot successfully. When asked if they were optimistic about the year to come, the overwhelming majority gave a resounding ‘YES,’ citing new and creative approaches to tackling the challenges that small businesses are still being met within early 2021.

Here are some of our favorite words of wisdom that came from the chat:

A1. Lessons 2020 taught me:

✔️ Learn to prioritize things, it’ll help improve productivity
✔️ Take regular breaks because that’s what’s going to keep you going when the going gets tough
✔️ Take the time to reflect and share what you learn #BHChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) January 26, 2021

A1. 2020 taught me that the community surrounding small businesses is so strong, supportive, uplifting, and creative. With a world-altering event like we experienced in 2020, I was able to witness small businesses lift each other up and come together to push through. #BHChat pic.twitter.com/UtWiPtVo7m
— Bre McDede (@breannmcdede) January 26, 2021

https://twitter.com/VictorKagarama/status/1354144976054181888

A2. Take breaks. And take them often. It's good to step away from all screens and be with yourself, even if it's for 5 minutes. Eat, hydrate, rest. Check in with your needs often. It'll make you better when you get back to work. #BHChat https://t.co/WbxalWK2Ax
— Amanda Gorman (@amandagormn) January 26, 2021

A3. Target a niche. Don’t try to please everyone. Find a small group of passionate customers and create the best solution for their needs. #BHChat pic.twitter.com/24OTFUCef9
— Ben ? (@BinaryMoon) January 26, 2021

A3. Succeeding online as a small business will require time and focus. Try to set aside a certain amount of time each day or week for just the online part of your business – from social to content to store. Don't be afraid to get a pro to help when you feel stuck. #BHChat https://t.co/GP0klN08rF
— Aaron D. Campbell (@aaroncampbell) January 26, 2021

https://twitter.com/suhaib_zaheer/status/1354147188708945920

A4. Make an added effort to talk to your customers offline. Get feedback on how you can improve online and offline. Listen to your existing customers, ask them to recommend your products or services to their friends and families ?

Get to know your potential customer!#BHChat pic.twitter.com/ZkaGD5jhWw
— How Do You Tech (@HowDoYouTech) January 26, 2021

A5. Initially focus on building an audience. Give more than you take. If you have a particular set of skills then teach them. The more obscure the thing you teach the better. And don’t forget to tell people (email websites, send tweets to related twitter accounts etc). #BHChat pic.twitter.com/etnRJVX75I
— Ben ? (@BinaryMoon) January 26, 2021

A5. Reach out to EVERYONE you know and ASK them to refer you. Follow up on every lead THE moment you receive it. Connect, engage and then do whatever you say you will. You cannot wait for business to come to you. You must actively pursue it! #BHChat https://t.co/7r8iHFByXE pic.twitter.com/EPjjZ3mxZG
— Jen Miller (@JenMillerMBA) January 26, 2021

A6.

1. Focus on what matters – Aka Goals.
2. Plan everything
3. Work harder to achieve
4. Track progress and make changes (if)
5. Achieve your milestone

Repeat all the above steps ♻️#BHChat
— ' (@lifeofvraj) January 26, 2021

A7 People who are proactive can be optimistic about #smb in 2021. You must find a way to pivot to make money no matter what is going on around you.

Focus on growing your customer base to offset existing customers having reduced disposable income #BHChat https://t.co/poAxb9ox4S
— Gail Gardner (@GrowMap) January 26, 2021