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My Biggest Lesson Learned as a Small Business Owner 
“Adaptability & Flexibility”

My Biggest Lesson Learned as a Small Business Owner “Adaptability & Flexibility”

By Claire P. Caldwell

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a small business owner is the power of adaptability and flexibility. When I first started, I had a clear vision of how everything would unfold, thinking each step would seamlessly fall into place. However, as any entrepreneur knows, the reality of running a business rarely aligns perfectly with initial plans. Over time, my business evolved from focusing primarily on event planning to becoming more centered on training, agile eq, workplace development, and sales coaching.

Instead of clinging to my original business model, I embraced the need to adapt. Letting go of my initial vision wasn’t easy; it felt vulnerable at times. However, being flexible opened up opportunities I hadn’t anticipated, allowing me to pivot my offerings and reframe my marketing strategies. This responsiveness to change not only helped me navigate tough periods but also positioned my business for long-term growth in ways that better align with market demands.

In the hospitality industry, where customer preferences can shift overnight and new trends like AI are emerging, adaptability is essential. Whether it's adjusting to new travel patterns or leveraging technological advancements, being agile has been key to my success. This experience taught me that with the right mindset, every obstacle becomes an opportunity to grow and evolve.

By integrating DiSC behavioral tools and customized training programs, I’ve expanded my focus beyond planning. Now, my mission is to develop the skills, emotional intelligence, and frameworks that teams need to excel in today’s fast-paced, dynamic environments. It’s about empowering the people behind the work, ensuring they have the tools to thrive.

Change is the only constant in sales.
By prioritizing flexibility and adaptability,
we can stay ahead of the curve and
turn challenges into opportunities.
LET'S MAKE THAT CHANGE!

 


Author

Claire P. Caldwell

Claire P. Caldwell is the founder of C&C Y Business & Marketing Services LLC, a “Selling Solutions Training Provider,” with over 20 years of experience in salestraining. She draws on her past work with a top telecommunications provider, supporting both inside and outside sales teams. Specializing in DiSC Sales training and Agile EQ, Claire is a Certified Wiley Facilitator and Practitioner with a proven track record of helping teams build stronger relationships, close more deals, and drive revenue growth. Known for her fun, concise, and actionable training style, Claire is a trusted partner for organizations looking to enhance their sales performance. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and watching her favorite game show, Name That Tune.

Contact: claire@seemarketingny.com
Website: www.seemarketingny.com