Small Business Mastery: Top SMB Entrepreneurs to Follow on Social Media for Expert Insights

Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) form the backbone of the global economy. According to the World Bank, SMBs represent over 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. Besides, a recent statistics from Verizon has also stated that 71% of SMB decision-makers feel they are in a better position than a year ago, while 45% have seen improvements in their financial security recently. An impressive 77% of SMBs are also either expanding or contemplating expansion into new markets. 

This trend is a result of the advancements of the digital world. Social media continues to evolve. Currently, it hosts over 4.95 billion active users, a statistics that highlights social media immense reach and influence. With such platforms becoming continually crucial for business growth, marketing, and even networking, SMBs must realize that the future of social media lies in the ability of these platforms to spearhead business growth today in the future. 

In this bustling world of SMBs and the growing importance of social media, small and midsize business owners and entrepreneurs must stay ahead of the business. Whether you are starting off or already in the business, you need to understand the changing digital world. You must also understand the need to learn from industry leaders and innovators, not just through their success stories but also their sources of inspiration, practical knowledge, and innovative strategies. By following them, you can gain meaningful insights that can help you enter into this business world, adapt to market trends, and harness the power of digital tools for your business growth. Their experiences can also provide you with valuable lessons, such as resilience, creativity, and strategic thinking in business. So, let's meet the best SMB entrepreneurs you should follow.

1. Lisa Barone

Lisa Barone is an innovative expert in the fields of marketing, social media, and content creation. As the Vice President of Brand at Overit/Smith & Jones, Lisa’s role is not just about creating flashy marketing campaigns. Her role extends to sparking conversations that people always sit up and take notice of. Think of her as a magician who knows exactly what spell to cast to get a brand buzzing on social media.

Lisa’s knack for making brands shine has turned her into a go-to entrepreneur for SMB owners who would want to break through the digital clutter. She is the brain behind those insightful newsletters at Overit, packed with tips and tricks straight from the marketing playbook. And her insights are not just any run-of-the-mill advice. No! We are talking gold nuggets of wisdom from big names like Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos.

But Lisa’s magic does not stop there. She once took the stage for a TED Talk and shared a personal story that left the audience both moved and inspired. She talked about embracing what makes you different and is using that to stand out in the business world. As a business owner, such insights are what you need to learn not just in marketing but in life too.

Before taking the marketing world by storm at Overit, Lisa co-founded a digital content marketing company, Outspoken Media, and grew it into a leading name in the industry. She has remained influential in shaping the world of content marketing since 2006, and her insights have found their way into some of the biggest publications out there, including The New York Times and Forbes.

When Lisa is not busy transforming brands, she lends her time to Disability Rights New York. She contributes to the running of the organization as one the directors. She is also a mom who loves hiking around the Capital Region with her son, Henry.

Following Lisa Barone can allow you to learn how to market better. She can also inspire you to tell your brand's story in a way that's uniquely you. Lisa proves to be a mentor that every small business owner can learn from. So you need to follow her and learn more about the digital world.

2. Joshua Jenson

Joshua Jenson, fondly known as "JJ the CPA," is not a typical accountant. He is the CEO and founder of his CPA firm, which he established in 1997. JJ ,based in Edmond, Oklahoma, has turned his 26+ years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant into a mission to make finance more accessible for small business owners. Imagine having a friend who is a finance whiz, breaking down complex tax laws and financial concepts into easily digestible pieces of advice. 

Joshua uses various platforms to start off discussions on different tax topics. For example, he uses his popular YouTube channel JJ the CPA, to tackle everything from the nitty-gritty of tax credits to the complex topics of cryptocurrency and loan forgiveness. His videos are a goldmine for small business owners who often find themselves confused about financial regulations and laws. 

But JJ's expertise does not just live on YouTube. He is also an accomplished author of the popular book JJ the CPA Here!: Cracking the CPA Code. His insights in this book offers practical, straight-to-the-point financial advice for small businesses. He gives sound pieces of advice to small businesses and guides them through tax topics, as a trusted tax advisor.

Joshua is also an ADP ambassador, a role that allows him to step beyond the typical accountant role. He helps other financial professionals to improve their efficiency and service quality. This role also allows Joshua to leverage ADP’s advanced payroll and HR solutions.

What's truly inspiring about Joshua is his dedication to his craft. Since establishing his own CPA firm back in 1997, he's been passionately serving and advising business owners to make sure that they are compliant and financially savvy. As a respected figure in the accounting community, Joshua uses engaging presentations and seminars to reach thousands of followers. He uses his YouTube channel, with significant following, for talk shows, which has made him one of the social media sensation in the finance sector.  

So, following Joshua Jenson is like having a financial guru in your corner. His down-to-earth approach, coupled with his vast knowledge, makes finance less daunting and more doable for small business owners everywhere.

3. James Altucher

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James Altucher is not an average entrepreneur. He's a man who has worn many hats – a former hedge fund manager, blogger, author, podcaster, and a chess master, no less! Having formed over 20 companies, 17 of which he admits failed, James's journey is nothing short of a testament of what an entrepreneurship journey really entails. He's had his fair share of ups and downs. However, Altucher’s resilience, adaptability and willingness to share his lessons learned from all these experiences makes him stand out as an influential SMB entrepreneur to follow.

James's influence on social media confirms that he is a true force to reckon in the world of entrepreneurship. As a Top 10 LinkedIn influencer, boasting more 1,181,948 followers, Altucher’s reach is undeniably expansive. Besides, he has a massive following on other social media platforms, where he voices his opinion on different business topics. His writings and podcasts also blend his personal anecdotes and professional insights to discuss just everything business, from embracing failure to finding joy in what you do as a business owner. For instance, his podcasts, The James Altucher Show, which has more than 40 million downloads since it started in 2014, has helped Altucher to reach out to millions of listeners worldwide.

But what really makes James Altucher a must-follow? It's his raw honesty and unique perspective on life and business. You can learn from his blog posts and tweets, which offer life lessons. Altucher‘s style of straight talk makes him a guiding light for entrepreneurs and anyone looking to understand life and business.

If you are looking for an SMB entrepreneur who will help you understand how to succeed in life and business, following Altucher will be like getting a daily dose of reality checks mixed with inspiration. Whether it's through his blog, his podcasts featuring renowned guests like Mark Cuban and Arianna Huffington, or his candid social media posts, he offers a window into a life lived with authenticity and courage. For anyone in the business world or just looking to improve their life, James Altucher is also a source of invaluable wisdom and a reminder that it's okay to fall, as long as you get back up.

4. Chris Guillebeau

Chris Guillebeau is a standout figure in the world of entrepreneurship and personal development. Other than a renowned author and blogger, he's also a visionary who encourages people to live life on their own terms. His blog, The Art of Non-Conformity, along with his books, including The $100 Startup and Side Hustle, are interesting reads and invaluable blueprints for anyone looking to create a life filled with passion and purpose.

Chris's journey is marked by his unconventional approach to life. He encourages people to question the status quo and find their unique path. His advice is simple yet profound, resonating with a global audience across his Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn platforms. His informative messages across these platforms can give you tips and help you challenge how you go about business and life at large. This kind of practical wisdom is what makes him a must-follow.

He also founded the World Domination Summit, an annual event in Portland, Oregon, bringing together people with non-traditional career paths. This summit, along with his Side Hustle School podcast, provides a wealth of resources for those looking to turn their dreams into reality. 

Chris Guillebeau can be a great example of those who will help you tap into a world where your career is not just a job but a reflection of your deepest passions. His insights will empower you to break free from conventional paths and craft a fulfilling, independent, and adventurous life.

5. Mike Michalowicz

Mike Michalowicz is a true entrepreneur's entrepreneur. Based in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, he's not just talking the talk; he's walked the walk, having founded three multimillion-dollar companies. Today, Mike focuses on sharing his wealth of knowledge through coaching and his insightful blog. He's a man who's seen it all in the business world, and he's not shy about sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly.

His experience as a small business columnist for The Wall Street Journal has honed his ability to break down complex business concepts into digestible, actionable advice. On his personal blog, Mike tackles everything from preventing burnout in small businesses to strategies for boosting profitability. For instance, Mike advocates for a “Profit First” approach, advising business owners to prioritize financial gain by managing cash flow effectively and cutting unnecessary expenses. He believes that this can ensure sustainable growth and financial health for businesses. These nuggets of wisdom make his blog a goldmine for actionable business advice.

What sets Mike apart is his direct, no-nonsense approach to business coaching. He's a guy who's been in the trenches and has come out the other side with invaluable insights. Following Mike is like having a seasoned mentor guiding you through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. His experience, coupled with his ability to communicate complex ideas simply, makes him an essential follow for any business owner looking to grow and thrive.

How to Leverage Social Media for Small Business Success

Following these entrepreneurs is just the start. Leveraging social media for your small business involves more than just passive observation. Engage with these influencers, ask questions, participate in discussions, and apply the insights and strategies you learn to your business. Remember, social media is a two-way street; it’s about interaction and engagement.

Engaging With Content

When you follow these entrepreneurs, don’t just scroll through their posts. Engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing. This not only helps you build a network but also keeps you active in the small business community.

Applying Learned Strategies

Each entrepreneur brings a unique set of skills and experiences. Apply their strategies and tips to your business model. Experiment with their advice and see what works best for your business.

Networking and Collaboration

Use social media to network with other small business owners. Collaboration can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and growth. Interacting with peers also provides a sense of community and support, which is vital for small business owners.

Staying Updated and Informed

The world of small business is constantly evolving. Following these entrepreneurs helps you stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and market shifts. This knowledge is crucial for keeping your business relevant and competitive.

Personalized Learning

Social media allows for personalized learning. You can follow entrepreneurs who align with your business values and goals. This tailored approach to learning ensures that the information you consume is relevant and beneficial to your specific business needs.

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Why Should You Follow Small Business Experts on Social Media?

In today's fast-paced world of entrepreneurship and small business ownership, staying ahead of the game requires you to have more than just an ambition. It requires knowledge, insights, and guidance from those who have already walked the path of success. Small business experts are the unsung heroes of the entrepreneurial world. They can offer you valuable advice and inspiration. You can also generate great ideas from your interactions with best SMB entrepreneurs on social media.

Perhaps, you are asking yourself why you should follow these SMB entrepreneurs. Remember the story of Julie Deane - the entrepreneur whose journey began with a goal to raise £12,000 to send her children to a better school, free from bullying? Julie started with just £600. Her idea was simple yet powerful: create durable, retro-inspired satchels for school children.

She started with basic designs, crafting each bag by hand. Then, she leveraged the power of blogging and social media to market her products. A major breakthrough came when Italian Vogue featured her satchels. This exposure propelled her brand into the international fashion scene. Soon after, the company started to grow exponentially, with collaborations with famous brands such as Comme des Garçons and Vivienne Westwood. Despite facing copycats and manufacturing challenges, Julie's perseverance and innovative strategies kept the business thriving. Today, The Cambridge Satchel Company is a globally recognized brand. It symbolizes the power of a simple idea executed with passion and savvy use of social media and digital marketing.

Julie Deane's story is a testament to the power of a strong vision and the effective use of online platforms to grow a small business. It's an inspiring example for any entrepreneur looking to make their mark in the world of business.

So if you are still wondering why you should follow SMB experts on social media, here are some key insights:

• Access to Expert Knowledge. You will gain insights and strategies from experienced entrepreneurs.
• Staying Updated. You can keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and market shifts.
• Networking Opportunities. You get to connect with other entrepreneurs and potential collaborators.
• Motivation and Inspiration. You will learn from real-life success stories and overcome challenges.
• Affordable Guidance. You basically benefit from free access to expert advice that could otherwise be costly.

Are You Geared up for Entrepreneurial Excellence?

The world of small business is dynamic and challenging, but following the right entrepreneurs on social media can provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. From marketing and finance to leadership and technology, these experts offer insights into every aspect of running a successful small business. By engaging with their content and applying their strategies, you can enhance your business acumen and steer your small business towards greater success.

Remember: the journey of entrepreneurship is continuous learning and adapting. Let these entrepreneurs be your guides and mentors as you navigate the exciting path of small business ownership. Stay curious, stay inspired, and let the wisdom of these successful SMB entrepreneurs fuel your journey to success.