At Zoholics Zoho User Conference, Brian Moran, founder of Small Business Edge shared some practical and good advice. With decades of experience guiding small business owners, Moran shared practical advice that cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of what growing companies really need: strategy, simplicity, and smart use of tools.
Think Short-Term, Plan Long-Term
Moran champions a simple but powerful metaphor: entrepreneurs must balance life “in the weeds” with time spent “in the clouds.” That means executing daily tasks while also zooming out to think about the big picture. Too often, business owners get buried in operations—fulfilling orders, answering emails, juggling meetings—and forget to step back and think about growth, vision, and direction.
“If you don’t schedule time to work on your business, you’ll always be stuck working in your business,” Moran says.
Don’t Just Use Tools—Master Them
Software platforms can save time, increase productivity, and improve customer experience—but only if you take the time to really learn them. Moran urges business owners not to just “dabble” in their software tools but to master them.
Whether it’s your CRM, your website builder, or your financial dashboard, these platforms can be transformative—if you know what they can do. Moran cited examples of entrepreneurs who went from being overwhelmed by customer management to operating with laser focus, simply by getting deeper training on their tools.
“Your software should be working for you, not the other way around,” he says.
Systems Scale. Chaos Doesn’t.
One of Moran’s key messages is that structure creates freedom. He encourages business owners to build repeatable systems early—even if the business is still small. This includes processes for onboarding new customers, following up on leads, managing finances, and delivering consistent service.
“The most successful businesses aren’t always the flashiest,” Moran says. “They’re the ones that are boring in the best way—they’ve got systems in place.”
Tools like Zoho and others are helpful here, but the takeaway is broader: your business must be able to run without you in every room, every minute.
Go Global with a Local Mindset
Moran also touched on the importance of reaching beyond your immediate market. Whether you’re a coach, retailer, or consultant, there’s often an opportunity to take your message or product to new audiences. The key is using tools that allow you to scale—such as websites that offer multi-language support or automation platforms that handle customer outreach.
“Don’t just think like a small business—act like a smart business,” Moran says. “That means thinking globally, even when you’re local.”
Learn, Share, and Evolve
Through his platform Small Business Edge and various podcasts and webinars, Moran continually shares lessons he’s learned from working with thousands of entrepreneurs. His tone is honest and approachable, but always focused on action. He believes in practical, step-by-step guidance that business owners can implement immediately.
In a world full of trends and hype, Moran’s advice stands out: master the basics, build strong systems, learn your tools, and never stop thinking about where you’re going.
Final Thought: Business Success Is a Skill You Can Build
Brian Moran reminds us that successful businesses aren’t built by chance. They’re built by people who take the time to think strategically, use tools intelligently, and act intentionally. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling fast, these lessons are a roadmap to creating a business that not only survives—but thrives.
For more from Brian Moran, check out Small Business Edge for workshops, podcasts, and practical resources to help you grow smarter.
