What does it take to be a successful business owner? Dedication, drive and resilience are a few of the qualities we hear about from clients. While managing their businesses, small business owners, like you, have also overcome obstacles and learned valuable lessons that can help others who are on, or are about to begin, a similar journey. To help capture and share this fountain of knowledge, ADP held a nation-wide Grit & Wisdom Contest, where over 17,000 ADP clients and non-clients shared their perspectives on persevering through the challenges they confront in starting and running their businesses.
As part of our desire to help you and your business benefit from the shared wisdom in our client community, we wanted to share this with you. Discover the Grit & Wisdom contest winners' top strategies — and see how their insights can help you and your business thrive!
Grand Prize
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It's the small ideas
Everyone’s looking for the next big idea. But I think most often, it’s not the next big idea that makes a business successful. It’s the solid execution of all the small ideas.
Take care of the customer, deliver what you promise, and provide value. Solidly execute the small ideas, and you’ll see big results. - David Dvorak
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Contest Winners
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The heart of your business
H: Hear your customers’ needs.
E: Exceed their expectations.
A: Adapt based on their feedback.
R: Retain through lasting relationships.
T: Thrive together.
When you put HEART into your business, your customers’ success becomes your own. Happy customers are the heartbeat of your small business’s success. - Amber I
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Embrace longterm planning
In the whirlwind of daily operations, don’t forget to cultivate the future of your business. Dedicate time at least quarterly to understand evolving customer needs, strategize growth, nurture partnerships, and innovate products and services.
Balance the demands of working IN your business with the foresight of working ON it. Embrace the power of long-term planning and watch your business thrive amidst the chaos. The seeds of success are sown in the moments you invest in the future. - Anthony L
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Be willing to roll up your sleeves
When you’re the boss, you’re not above any task. Being willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty can earn you the respect of your employees and customers alike. So, don’t be afraid to be seen sweeping floors. It shows that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the success of your business. - Sercan H
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Be ready to pivot
The best advice I’ve received is to pivot. When things aren’t working, you’re allowed to change and pivot to keep it alive. Even if it means pivoting your products, business, or branding, you can find new customers or a whole new customer base.
We’re not stuck on one thing, one type of product, or one certain brand. You have to change and pivot to flex with the times. - Katherine S
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Your “why” is your way
Clarify your “why.” Understanding your purpose fuels passion and direction. Define why your business exists beyond profit— to innovate, solve a societal issue, or enrich lives.
Communicate this purpose authentically to inspire employees, attract customers who resonate with your mission, and differentiate your brand in a meaningful way. This clarity not only motivates your team but also guides strategic decisions towards impactful outcomes. - Sherina M
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Do not fear failure
Fail often. In order to grow, change, and continue bringing value to the market, you must not fear the possibility of failure. Do things that scare you. Do them knowing that, whether it's a success or a lesson, you will be a better person and business for it.
Lessons often teach us more than successes, so lean in and foster a space where failing is encouraged rather than feared. - Sabrina H
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The answers are right in front of you
Sometimes, you may feel like you need to know EVERYTHING running a small business. I quickly learned that’s not the case at all. In fact, all the answers are right in front of you —within your team, your network, your community, and your mentors.
Lean into your resources full-fledged, and you will quickly realize the abundance of knowledge sitting at your doorstep. - Brooklyne B
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Conclusion
ADP is proud to be a partner to the small business community. We know firsthand the untapped grit and wisdom small business owner's possess, and we're grateful to be able to share their top pieces of wisdom to help you, and other businesses learn, grow, and thrive.
Find out more about the Grit & Wisdom Contest here: https://adp.com/contest.
