Change is hard. But you don’t need to do it alone.

Last week, I attended SCORE’s 2023 National Leadership Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. I’ve spent the better part of the last year volunteering as a mentor with the organization, which is the non-profit arm of the Small Business Administration (SBA). 

SCORE used to stand for Service Corps of Retired Executives, though they recently relaxed the ‘retired’ requirement and younger volunteers like myself have joined.

And that’s not the only thing the organization plans to switch up. One of the most consistent themes I heard at the conference was that continually adapting and evolving is the best way to help, because the real world is dynamic and ever-changing.

Over three days, we talked about new technology, new processes, and new methods of collaboration. It was refreshing to see the national organization clearly listening to its field members on the frontlines, taking feedback on how they can better help clients and implement changes that will continue to drive results. To stay relevant as a business, change is a must, whether it’s a national organization with 10,000+ volunteers or a neighborhood coffee shop with five employees.

Was there widespread enthusiasm for all the proposed changes? Hell no, change is hard! But there was definite enthusiasm to do it as a group, because everyone in the room was working towards the same goal: better helping our clients and addressing their real-world needs.

All small business owners have undoubtedly faced a similar scenario. How do you change the way your business operates to be more efficient, to attract more clients, or just to stay relevant?

I left the conference feeling energized and ready to work. The passion I felt from other volunteers, no matter what age, was infectious, and it was an eye-opening experience to join 300+ other mentors from around the country who are just as passionate as I am about helping small business owners (I met a volunteer couple from the NYC Chapter who have helped over 1200 people between them just this year!).

No small (or large) business owner can do it alone, and that’s where Third Act comes in. Armed with marketing and business strategy experience, we’re here to help, whether you’re looking to change up your approach to sales and marketing or need new processes for better servicing your clients.