What lessons have you learned as a small business owner? 

When you own a small business for more than two decades, there are countless lessons you learn along the way. There’s a lot of trial and error. Still, there are also a lot of rewarding experiences and growth opportunities as a person and a business owner. I can certainly attest to this! A lot of personal investment, ongoing learning, and commitment goes into running a successful small business.

I’ve learned much about running a successful business, family life, and balancing the two. Being open to important lessons along the way is essential, so I want to share four of the most important lessons I’ve learned.

Four Life Lessons

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff – there will always be challenges, whether it’s with employees, customers, or family. Work through it and keep moving forward. There have been countless difficulties over the years, but we’ve managed to overcome them.
2. Never stop learning – or else you’ll get left behind.
3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and allow your employees to make mistakes. We’re human, so mistakes are inevitable. Learn from them and keep improving. If I try to micromanage every aspect of the business, I limit our ability to grow.
4. Don’t be a workaholic. Be committed to your job – but not overly committed. As a business owner, I did that early on, and it was tough on my family. Now I make it a priority to take vacations, coach/volunteer, and attend every single one of my kids’ events.

These are valuable lessons for us all, whether for everyday life, a particular job or career, or as a small business owner. I hope you enjoyed reading these and can take something away from my lessons.

Mike Katounas

Mike Katounas is the owner of Home Works Painting, a painting business in Northern Virginia. He has over 15 years of experience in residential interior and exterior painting, drywall installation/repair, carpentry, wallpaper removal, power washing, commercial painting, color consultation, and staining/sealing. Their service areas include Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Oakton, Reston. Mike takes pride in his work, and he always follows a strict code of conduct that includes the use of quality paint, a clean workspace, and an honest, respectful approach to his customers.