Not So Minor……

If you followed me at all in my journey, you will know that I’m a sports fan. My wife will tell you that I put the “fan” in the word fanatic. One sport that I enjoy following is hockey. The pace, the athleticism, the contact and often the drama is rather exciting.

Of course, I love the National Hockey League (NHL). These are the best of the best. These are the athletes that have achieved the pinnacle of their career by making it to the highest level.

But below the NHL are different level levels of what some might call “minor league hockey.” This is not college hockey or some advanced form of a recreational league. These are professional hockey players that get paid to play the game. These are the individuals who are doing everything that they can to make it to the NHL. We absolutely love going to minor league hockey games. These are professionals in every sense and who not only earn a paycheck, but they’re just about as good as the ones who have made the NHL.

What I love about these players is that they lay out every game, every play, every pass, and every goal hoping to be noticed by the big teams as possible future stars. We are very fortunate that where we live there is a minor-league hockey team that my wife and I attend quite often.

Not only are these players highly talented, but they come from all over the world and we get the chance to see them play and infuse their brand of hockey each time they lace up their skates and hit the ice.

Over the years as I’ve been going to these games, I have paid close attention to not only the players, but the coaching staff and observed how they develop these players and how they cheer them on when they get the called up to the next level of their sport.

I cannot say enough about the commitment that these athletes have to excel in the sport. And, at the same time and cannot say enough about witnessing first hand, the teamwork and the support that these players and coaches give to each other.

It is truly amazing to see over 6000 rowdy fans fill our local event center to watch these players. When you enter the building, it doesn’t feel like the minor leagues. The excitement and buzz is simply amazing. And when the puck drops, the sticks hit the ice, bodies crash against the boards, and a puck finds the back of the net, you’d think you were in an arena that holds 25,000 people.

Again, you forget they’re in the minor leagues as these players do their job well and are exactly where they are meant to be at this time in their life.

After each game as we walk to the car, my wife and I recap some of the highlights of the game and not once have we ever commented that this is just minor league hockey. This is the real deal!

And I would venture to say that if you talk to any of these players, they play the game with the same intensity and tenacity as if they were stars playing in the big league, the NHL.

So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!

When it comes to business, many people still fall into the trap of associating “big” with “better.” They assume a recognizable name must mean higher quality, stronger value, or greater impact. But just like those players on the ice who have not yet made it to the NHL, small business owners show up every day with the same drive, discipline, and commitment as any Fortune 500 CEO.

Their audience may be smaller. Their budget may be tighter. But their purpose, their performance, and their potential are in no way diminished.

In fact, being a small business often means being closer to the heartbeat of your customers. You’re not trapped behind layers of corporate decision-making or generic branding. You can be personal, you can be flexible, and you can be innovative in ways big businesses can’t. While large companies fight to appear “authentic,” you already are because you are the brand, you are the voice, and you are the difference-maker.

The truth is, success isn’t defined by the size of your operation. It’s defined by the size of your impact. Those minor league players don’t skate any slower, hit any softer, or celebrate any less when they score. They perform with excellence because every moment matters. As small business owners, every conversation, every email, every offer, and every customer interaction matters just the same. You may not be the biggest name in your industry, yet, but you have every opportunity to dominate in value, service, and loyalty.

So, let’s flip the narrative. Instead of feeling “less than” because your business is small, start seeing the advantages that set you apart and make you powerful.

Here are five reasons why being a small business isn’t a setback but it’s a strategic advantage:

1. You Deliver Personal, Human-Level Value. Unlike large companies that treat customers like account numbers, you build relationships. You know your customers’ names, their goals, their struggles and even their stories. That level of personalization creates loyalty that no marketing budget can buy.
2. You Are Agile and Adaptable. While big corporations need meetings, approvals, and committees to make changes, you can pivot in real time. Whether it’s adjusting pricing, launching a new offer, or responding to customer feedback, you can innovate quickly and lead your industry forward.
3. You Compete on Quality, Not Just Scale. Major brands may have more resources, but small businesses often deliver superior craftsmanship, attention to detail, and authentic service. Customers don’t just buy products, they buy experiences. And experience is where small businesses win.
4. Your Passion Is Your Superpower. Large organizations are often driven by shareholders. You are driven by vision, passion, and purpose. That authenticity is magnetic. People don’t just support what you sell, they believe in why you sell it.
5. Every Customer Matters and They Feel It. In big companies, a single customer is a small blip in a massive database. In your business, that customer is a valued part of your community. When people feel seen and appreciated, they stick around and they bring others with them.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you’re running a one-person startup or a hundred-person enterprise. Your value is not defined by the size of your business, but by the size of your impact. Just like those players who step onto the ice with everything they’ve got, you are not “minor league.” You are playing at the level you are meant to play, with the potential to rise to whatever level you choose.

So, the question isn’t, “Am I big enough?” The real question is, “Am I showing up with excellence every single day?” If the answer is yes, then you’re already winning.

Now is your time. Keep showing up. Keep delivering value. Keep playing your game with passion and purpose. The world doesn’t need another big name, it needs more businesses with heart, integrity, innovation, and service. It needs businesses like yours.

If this message encouraged you, drop a comment below. Tell me one strength you have as a small business owner that sets you apart from the big players. And if you’re ready to take your online business to the next level, stick around because I’m here to help you win like the pro you are.

The next hockey game is tonight, and you bet my wife and I will be there.  I’ll be yelling at the refs, she’ll be yelling at the nacho prices, and together we’ll be living our best life in Row G.

“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” – Mark Twain

 “You don’t build a business, you build people, and then people build the business.” – Zig Ziglar

And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

What do you do to a hockey player who can’t stop telling jokes? Put him in the “pun-alty” box.

Why don’t hockey players ever get hot? Because they always have a lot of fans.

Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!

 

 

 

 

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