The San Francisco Business Times Small Business Summit was held this week.  It was a refreshing look at the state of small businesses with reports from their research group and a discussion among panel of small business owners, Mike Puente, Owner, House of Bagels; Peggy Howse, President & CEO, All Seas Wholesale Inc.; Babette Pinsky, Owner, Babette; Joy Chen, CEO, Yes To Inc.

Research report indicates that businesses have had a tough time since 2008 bu that owners feel optimistic and see a move toward increased profitability.

The three business owners identified their secrets to success and not surprisingly they agreed on the secret sauce that helped them survive. I want to share

• Being incredibly focused on the most important strategies for your success
• Put attention only on what matters
• Be passionate about your product and service, its contagious
• Convey that passion to a your clients, vendors and staff
• Believe in yourself and your business
• Look forward, focus forward and keep moving

Take a moment and self-assess.  Where are you now relative to these and what can you change?  It will make a difference.

Best wishes on your success, Kay