People don’t just buy products – they buy stories. So how do you tell yours in a way that sticks, connects, and builds loyalty?

In this minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez explains how you can write a brand story that does more than just sell – it builds a loyal customer base. You’ll learn how to craft your story, why embracing your struggles can make your brand more relatable and inspiring, and how to weave your customers into your story so they see themselves in your mission.

Plus, you’ll hear real-life examples from past guests like Conchita Pleasant, the founder and CEO of Nefertiti's Secrets and Ray Phillips, the CEO of Soap Sox, who turned personal challenges into powerful brand stories that inspire and connect.

By the end of this minisode, you’ll have tools to craft a story that doesn’t just explain what you do – it’ll show why it matters.

So, what’s your story? Share it with us (or even just a piece of it) in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email us at Thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.

Sources:

If you want to know more about Nefertiti's Secrets, listen to Conchita’s story here: How Looking Back Can Lead to Forward-Thinking Business Ideas - This is Small Business

If you want to know more about Soap Sox, listen to Ray’s story here: From Concept to Reality: Building and Validating Your Business Idea - This is Small Business

How to Tell a Compelling Brand Story [Guide + Examples] - Hubspot

People Buy Feelings, Not Things - Tony Robbins

Start with Why - Simon Sinek

Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. It’s the voice that whispers, ‘Just one more tweak,’ while your competitors are already out there, learning and growing. In this minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez dives into why waiting for perfection can sabotage your success – and what you can do to break free and start making progress.

Hear from past guests like Mayra Luz Colón, founder of Healthy Rican, who built a thriving business by learning from her mistakes, Val Fishbane, co-founder of Spread the Love Foods, who refined her product through real customer feedback, and Trinity Mouzon Wofford, the founder and CEO of Golde, who shares how to know when your product is ready to launch. Learn why launching, even when it’s not perfect, can build momentum, kill fear, and give you the data you need to grow.

Whether you’re stuck tweaking a product, redesigning your website, or hesitating to hit “send” on that email, this episode will give you the tools to stop perfecting and start making meaningful progress.

So, what’s one thing you’ve been overthinking? And what’s one small step you’re taking to move forward? Share it with us in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email us at Thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.

Sources:

If you want to know more about Spread the Love Foods, listen to Val’s story here: Growth Secrets for Food Entrepreneurs: Expanding from Farmer's Markets to E-Commerce - This is Small Business

If you want to know more about Healthy Rican, listen to Mayra’s story here: How Culture Can Lead to Unique Business Opportunities - This is Small Business

If you want to know more about Golde, listen to Trinity’s story here: How to Know When You’re Ready to Launch Your Product - This is Small Business

Fear Of Failure: The Silent Saboteur Of Entrepreneurial Dreams - Forbes

3 Ways Perfectionism Kills Your Business (and How To Overcome It) - Entrepreneur

Discover how your deeper purpose can be a practical tool for long-term planning and overcoming challenges. In the first minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez dives into the #1 thing every business needs to work on to be able to thrive: your why.

Get inspired from past guests like Sean Brownlee of Ravenox, who built his business to create jobs, and Teri Johnson of Harlem Candle Company, whose passion for Harlem’s history shaped her unique brand.

Whether your ‘why’ is rooted in personal passion, solving a problem, chasing financial freedom, or making an impact, this episode will help you define (or refine) your purpose and keep it at the heart of your business.

So, what’s your why? Share it with us in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email it to us at Thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.

Sources:

What ‘Finding Your Why’ Really Means - Forbes

If you want to know more about Harlem Candle Company, listen to Teri's story here: BONUS: The Benefits of Integrating Culture into Your Products - This is Small Business

If you want to know more about Ravenox, listen to Sean's story here: Benefits of Acquiring a Manager - This is Small Business