Creating Your Own Table: The Power of Community
Stepping into the SBOC Conference this year, it was immediately clear that this was not just another networking event. It felt like a family reunion—a gathering where the connections run deep, the support is genuine, and the spirit of collaboration pulses through each moment. In a world that can often leave small business owners feeling isolated and overwhelmed, this conference proved that real community, connection, and support are possible—and essential. Here, I discovered the true power of creating your own table.
A Space to Grow and Connect
At SBOC, every minute was intentionally designed to fuel progress. Each session was more than just a talk; it was a hands-on, solution-driven experience meant to address the realities entrepreneurs face in the "messy middle." When you're no longer a novice but haven't yet hit the comfort of a million-dollar safety net, it's easy to feel stranded. Resources seem plentiful for those just starting or already soaring, but those in-between stages often come with a unique loneliness. This conference acknowledged that space and said, "You don’t have to go it alone."
Pat Miller, the visionary behind the Small Business Owners Community, set the tone from the start. His words were an invitation: "It’s your dream; don’t grow it alone." Pat and his team weren’t just offering a conference; they were opening doors to a collective journey. From the early bird happy hour to the final celebration dinner, every touchpoint was a reminder that our businesses are more than just solo ventures—they’re legacies built stronger through community.
Empowering Moments and Key Takeaways
Throughout the event, we were empowered to think of our own tables—the ones we’re creating in our businesses, our communities, and our industries. The “family reunion” theme wasn’t just in the air; it was embedded in every session and conversation. In Lisa Raebel’s workshop, “Super Market - How Your Grocery List Can Power Your Marketing,” she simplified complex marketing ideas in ways that made the possibilities accessible and exciting. Meanwhile, Carl Gould’s powerful keynote on “5 Ways to Increase Your Revenue” and “How to Build Your Obnoxious Offer” delivered invaluable, actionable strategies to scale and grow our businesses immediately.
There was a unique feeling at SBOC—a quiet magic that comes only when people gather with a common goal, a spirit of collaboration over competition. Each person I met seemed genuinely invested in the success of others, and the real issues we grapple with daily—delegation, time management, mindset struggles, sales growth—were tackled in-depth, often with a surprising level of transparency. Geeta Nadkarni’s “Practical Mindset” talk provided step-by-step strategies to stay focused and optimistic during the challenging times when growth feels slow and funds thin. It wasn’t about sugarcoating our experiences but equipping us with the tools we need to push through.
A Historic Celebration
One of the standout moments at the conference was a historic announcement by Pat Miller himself: the proclamation of Small Business Owners Community Day, set for October 16, 2024. This formal recognition underscored the immense impact small business owners have in their communities and celebrated their ongoing resilience. The day also featured the prestigious Small Business Owners Community Awards, presented by Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative, which felt like an inspiring, business-world equivalent of the Grammys!
Meeting Precious L. Williams, the Rainmaking Speaker, was a highlight of my SBOC experience. After following her inspiring journey on LinkedIn for over seven years, seeing her in person felt surreal and incredibly rewarding. Precious has always stayed true to her authentic self, unwavering in her energy and passion, and her presence brought something truly special to the conference. As the MC for the awards ceremony, she brought her signature charisma, lighting up the room and making the entire event unforgettable.
I had the honor of being nominated for the Comeback Story of the Year, a moment that filled me with immense gratitude as I stood alongside incredible nominees in five dynamic categories. Hosted with flair and energy, these awards highlighted the outstanding achievements and inspiring journeys within our community. Recognized among the honorees were the Blue Collar BS Podcast for Podcast of the Year, Sara Deacon for Speaker of the Year, Pam Polyak for the Community Impact Award, Bron Watson for the Comeback Story of the Year, and Kiley Peters, who took home the ultimate honor of Small Business Owner of the Year.
The ceremony was a true celebration of small business grit, a shared reminder that each of us is part of something larger—a thriving network of support, success, and community impact.
Celebrating Achievement, Connection, and Community
I have my own community and have found it challenging being a part of others because of it. But not here! Leaving the conference, I felt energized by the power of connection and the beauty of creating our own table. The energy in each room echoed that powerful theme: you don’t need a seat at someone else’s table when you have the courage and the support to build your own. This amazing experience reinforced the knowledge that when we surround ourselves with others who share our vision and values, we’re empowered to build something truly remarkable.
Special Thanks to the Sponsors
The SBOC Conference would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
Waterfront Graphic Designs: Lunch Sponsor
First Look Family Law: SBOC Awards Happy Hour Sponsor
Clear Path Tax Strategies: Luminary Lunch Sponsor
Cruise Planners: Celebration Happy Hour Sponsor
Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative: Celebration Dinner Sponsor
Silver Sponsors:
Sidekick Accounting Services
Athena Legal Solutions
Hilltop Operations & Consulting
Horicon Bank
For those in the "messy middle," surrounded by decisions and uncertainty, it’s all too easy to feel alone. But the SBOC Conference was a transformative reminder: building a business is never truly a solo endeavor. Creating your own table means stepping out with conviction and surrounding yourself with a family—a network of fellow dreamers, doers, and achievers who believe in the power of community. As I walked away, I felt more confident than ever that we, as small business owners, are capable of not only joining tables but creating our own—tables that are inclusive, supportive, and filled with purpose.
