The Hidden Corner of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), describes common problems of business owners. Through my own practical experience, Mind Connector would like to share with readers.
I started my career in the construction industry and thought: “If I can be the boss here, I will be fine in any industry”. But when I switched to the clean food business, I realized that things are not simple. Being good at managing one field does not mean being successful in another. These are seven problems that I have experienced and want to tell you so that those who are switching have a more realistic perspective.
Overconfidence
In the early days, I often asserted: “No one understands this product better than me”. I believed that as long as the product was good, the market would accept it. But the reality was far from it. Customers had dozens, even hundreds of options. A “good” product in my eyes was not necessarily “right” in their eyes. The first shock was the silence of the market – the product was launched with great fanfare but sales were only a few orders.
Not understanding customers
I designed products based on personal taste, not on actual needs. I thought “everyone will definitely like this product” – but when I launched it, the feedback was completely opposite. One customer frankly said: “I think it’s good, but it’s not convenient for my family”. Only then did I realize that I was talking to myself, not to the market.
Burning money on advertising recklessly
A big mistake was that I rushed into advertising with the mentality that “if you have money, you will get orders”. I hired KOLs, ran ads, and even did livestreams. The result: there were views and interest, but there were very few orders. When I checked, I realized: advertising only amplified the message, but I did not have a clear message. Pouring money into media without a strategy is like pouring water into sand.
Misunderstanding the brand – Underestimating the brand
I used to think that a beautiful logo and eye-catching packaging were enough. But when customers asked: “Why should I buy from you, when there are many other brands that have been around longer?” – I was confused. I had no story, no belief to convey. I realized that a brand is not a cover, but a long-term commitment. When you have not positioned yourself in the eyes of customers, the product can easily sink.
Taking it all in by myself
As someone who used to oversee construction projects, I carried that habit over to my new field. I wanted to approve everything: from materials, design, communications to responding to customer messages. The result was burnout, overlapping work, and a passive team. It took me almost a year to learn how to delegate and trust my staff – something I should have done from the start.
Lack of long-term vision
At first, I was only focused on selling right away. I wanted to recover my capital quickly, to see results soon. But business is not a sprint. When the cash flow suddenly slowed down, I didn’t know how to continue. I realized that a long-term strategy is needed: building a brand, creating a customer experience, and maintaining stability. If you only look at the short term, your business will constantly struggle with small crises.
Afraid to ask and lack of companion
One of my biggest mistakes was being afraid to share. I thought: “I’ve been a boss before, I don’t need anyone to guide me”. But the truth is, when I entered a new industry, I was like a “newbie”. It was only when I sought out experts and joined the industry community that I realized I saved both money and time. There are lessons that cost hundreds of millions, while if I had asked early, sometimes it would have only taken a few hours of advice.
Conclusion
Looking back, the seven issues above are “scratches” in my journey of turning. But it is also thanks to those stumbles that I learned humility, learned to listen to the market and respect the rules of each industry. Working in a different field is not bad – on the contrary, it opens up many unexpected opportunities. But only when you take steps with preparation, continuous learning and a long-term strategy, will that path lead to sustainable success.
