Starting a small business is no small dream. Especially in a place like Lubbock, where local businesses add heart and soul to the community, it’s inspiring to see entrepreneurs take that leap of faith.
But here’s a bit of tough love—because it comes from a place of real support and care.
We love our local mom-and-pop shops, and it truly hurts to see some of them fail, often because of avoidable mistakes. If you’re planning to open a new business—or already have one—here’s some friendly advice that could make all the difference.
A Closed Sign That Could Have Been Prevented
This thought came to mind when I recently passed by a closed shop. My husband, who drives past that area regularly, had never even heard of the place. That’s already a red flag.
What went wrong?
They made a few serious errors—expanding too fast, and worse, not telling people about their new location. The result? Both locations shut down. It’s a sad example of how poor communication and planning can sink a great idea.
The Most Dangerous Mistake? Not Advertising
Let’s be clear—not advertising is one of the biggest mistakes any small business can make. You may have the best products or services in the world, but if people don’t know you exist, it won’t matter.
And no, advertising doesn’t always mean spending a fortune. Word-of-mouth, social media, local events, and partnerships—these are all low-cost or free ways to get your name out there.
Mistakes That Cost Nothing—But Can Cost You Everything
Some of the worst business blunders don’t cost money—they just require a little time and planning to avoid. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Opening without a strategy
- Skipping market research
- Not engaging with the local community
- Ignoring feedback
- Trying to grow too quickly
These are things you can avoid just by being a little more thoughtful, consistent, and committed to learning your business inside out.
Passion Isn’t Enough—You Need Planning Too
We admire your courage to follow your dreams. But success demands more than bravery and investment. It takes discipline, research, clear goals, and a willingness to learn from others—and from your own mistakes.
Before you sign a lease or buy your first stock, ask yourself:
Are you truly ready to make the sacrifices?
Are you prepared to put in the time, effort, and energy to not just open a business—but to grow and sustain it?
Because running a business is more than just a dream. It’s a full-time responsibility.
If you’re already a business owner, take this as a gentle reminder to check in with yourself. Are you doing all you can to stay afloat and grow? A quick review of your goals, marketing, and customer feedback can go a long way.
And if you’re just getting started—take your time. Learn. Plan. Build smartly.
We truly want to see every Lubbock business succeed. But remember, luck doesn’t just happen—it’s something you can create through preparation, action, and persistence.
So, good luck—and even better, go make your own luck. When you do, the world will meet you halfway.