Talk about a true champion for small business owners.
I'm a longtime fan of Brian Moran's work to support entrepreneurs and was honoured to interview him for a recent episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast. If you're looking for an edge in your new business, you're in for a treat.
With over twenty years of corporate experience including executive roles at The Wall Street Journal and Inc Magazine, Brian has a wealth of knowledge to share. In 2012, he founded Brian Moran & Associates, a hub for entrepreneurs, and later the Small Business Edge, a platform offering valuable resources for small business owners including his popular show called The Small Business Edge Podcast.
Brian's passion for helping others is evident in his work, as he states, "I love what I do. I love the people I meet, and I love watching business owners realize their dreams."
Brian shares several key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs during the podcast. For example, he advocates for a "GPS plan" rather than a traditional, rigid business plan.
"A GPS plan allows you to pivot and adapt."
He describes a GPS plan as a dynamic and flexible approach to business planning, likening it to a navigation system that adjusts routes in real-time based on obstacles and changes in the environment. "A good GPS plan anticipates obstacles and provides alternate routes," Brian explains.
This approach helps business owners navigate unforeseen challenges more effectively and ensures they stay on track toward their goals. Brian elaborates, "Imagine having a GPS plan for your business. When you encounter a traffic jam, you don't just sit there — you find an alternate route. The same applies to business. A GPS plan allows you to pivot and adapt, ensuring you're always moving toward your destination."
Brian further explains that a GPS plan should be detailed and regularly updated. It should include clear strategic goals and the steps needed to achieve them, but with built-in flexibility to handle unexpected events.
"The best time to have a GPS plan for your business is before you start it. If you miss your goal, you'll miss it by an inch, not a mile, because you are true to the plan," he emphasizes. This method provides business owners with the discipline and foresight to anticipate potential challenges and adjust their strategies accordingly.
"If you allow excuses to creep in, you'll never reach your goals."
Also during the interview, Brian introduces the concept of DCA (Discipline, Commitment, and Accountability) as the secret sauce to entrepreneurial success. Discipline ensures you stick to your plan, commitment keeps you moving forward despite obstacles, and accountability means having someone to hold you responsible for your goals. "If you allow excuses to creep in, you'll never reach your goals," Brian warns.
We also discusses the common challenges entrepreneurs face today, from economic fluctuations and technological advancements to accessing capital. Brian highlights the importance of being a good student of history and learning from past market changes. Additionally, he stresses the value of having a diverse board of advisors to provide a comprehensive perspective on your business.
For those considering starting a business, Brian’s advice is clear: do your homework. Thorough preparation, understanding your market, and building a strong support system are crucial steps to increase your chances of success. He also underscores the importance of self-care, noting that business owners often neglect their well-being in the pursuit of success.
Brian's dedication to helping others navigate the entrepreneurial path is truly inspiring — and I'm personally grateful he's there to help business owners along. As Brian aptly puts it, "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life."
Listen to this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur.
Check out The Small Business Edge website.
Listen to Brian interviewing me on The Small Business Edge Podcast.
[Photo credit: Brian Moran]
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