Next up in our Small Business Inspirational Series is JONATHAN GLASER, part IT Contractor and part full-time professional. Through a sea-inspired analogy, Jonathan dictates how he faced the challenge of client dependency and the ways he sailed into a brighter horizon filled with more stability, prosperity and balance.
As an IT Contractor small business owner in the ever-evolving world of information technology, I have weathered storms, scaled peaks, and emerged stronger. I’ve steered my ship through turbulent waters for two decades, balancing entrepreneurship with full-time employment. Let’s delve into my voyage, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the lessons I’ve learned.
The Challenge: A Solitary Voyage
Client Dependence: The Perilous Waters
Picture this: a small boat adrift in a vast ocean. My business was akin to that boat, navigating the unpredictable currents of client dependence. For years, a single client, a behemoth corporation, provided the lion’s share of my revenue. It was a comfortable arrangement, like a well-worn life jacket. But comfort can breed complacency, and complacency can lead to vulnerability.
The Risk: Relying solely on one client was akin to sailing in treacherous waters. If the winds of corporate decisions were to shift unfavorably, my boat could capsize. My business was a delicate ecosystem sustained by a fragile balance. The stakes were high—the livelihood of my family of four hung in the balance.
The Solution: Diversification became my compass. I charted a course toward new horizons, seeking out other clients. Networking events, heavy social media involvement and communicating closely with my network of friends and colleagues became part of my strategy. Slowly, I expanded my clientele, casting a wider net. I learned that relationships mattered intensely. The art of profound and astute listening, carefully understanding client needs, and delivering beyond expectations became my guiding light.
The Best Advice: Balancing Quality and Growth
The Sage Counsel: “Quality Over Quantity”
Early in my journey, a seasoned entrepreneur shared a pearl of wisdom:
“Balance quality and growth.”
It resonated deeply. I very soon realized that chasing every contract wasn’t the answer. Instead, I focused on delivering excellence to existing clients. Each project became a canvas, a chance to showcase my expertise. I didn’t sprint; I paced myself, ensuring that every brush stroke was precise.
The Strategy: I became selective. Rather than casting my net wide, I cast it deep. I nurtured and built relationships, turning clients into advocates. Word-of-mouth referrals flowed like favorable winds, propelling my boat forward. As demand slowly grew, I tuned my skills further to ensure I delivered my commitment to quality.
Conclusion: Anchored in Resilience
My journey is a testament to resilience. I’ve juggled dual roles, entrepreneur and employee, without dropping the ball. My small business, though modest in size, stands tall. It’s a testament to the power of adaptability, the strength of relationships, and the wisdom of balance.
As the sun sets on another day, I gaze out to the horizon. The boat still rocks, but now it’s part of a small fleet of clients, collaborators, well-wishers and supporters who have my back. I’ve overcome the challenge of client dependence, and my sails billow with promise.
Storms will come in the IT Technology seas, but so will calmer waters. As a small business owner, I know resilience is my anchor, and the compass always points toward growth.
-Jonathan Glaser
Thank you for sharing the advice you received and the way you navigated the perilous challenges that threatened to sink you Jonathan.
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