I recently had the incredible privilege of speaking to 140 new business owners and entrepreneurs—both online and in person at the Borra Center in downtown Lima—during the Small Business Development Center’s Small Business Academy – VIP. This program offers participants guidance in crucial areas like business planning, marketing, financial fundamentals, profitability analysis, and acquiring capital.
For me, it was a wonderful opportunity to share lessons I’ve learned over 40 years of helping businesses grow through effective marketing. But what truly stood out wasn’t just the teaching—it was the feedback I received from participants about my top ten takeaways for growing a successful business.
Among all the lessons, the one that resonated most strongly with the audience was my number one principle: Relationships.
I emphasized that relationships are what I feel are the foundation of every thriving business. They are built on trust, integrity, and genuine care, and they require time. These relationships extend far beyond employees and vendors—they include other small businesses and, most importantly, your customers. In fact, customers are often the best marketing tools a business can have through word-of-mouth recommendations.
What touched me most were the kind remarks I received about what I consider my most important relationship: my relationship with Jesus. I shared how this relationship has not only guided me through some of the toughest moments in my life but has also shaped me personally and professionally, helping me grow both as a person and as a business owner.
The trust, love, and guidance I draw from that relationship is, in my view, the best advice I can ever give to others. It reminds us that while strategies, plans, and numbers are important, the relationships we cultivate—grounded in integrity and care—are what truly sustain success.
It was a humbling and inspiring experience to connect with so many passionate entrepreneurs. I left the Small Business Academy–VIP feeling grateful for the opportunity to share and even more inspired by the bright futures ahead for our communities and each of these new business owners.