While there may be no new revelations in this article as it pertains to Small-Business owners, the information is certainly worth repeating.   There is however, one very important additional fact that is worth mentioning.  The fact is, that whether you are a small-business owner or a manager / decision maker in any size organization, the obstacles that tend to get in the way of success are very much the same.  As an accomplished business professional in both private and corporate sector business practices, I have faced all of these challenges at one time or another.  What I have learned from nearly 30 years of experience, is that entrepreneurs and small-business owners are the champions of their businesses.  There’s no need to spend hour upon hour preparing to go to the board room to make a presentation on topics where you are the subject matter expert, only to be denied and dismissed by a group of senior executives who live outside of what is the reality of what is needed in your particular business.  As champions of your business you have the ultimate power to steer your ship in the direction of success.  Yes, it is a tremendous responsibility, but the rewards and benefits are far greater than any position held in the corporate world.  Your are indeed the “Big Fish” in your pond and the size of that pond depends solely on you.  My advice to entrepreneurs and small-business owners is to stay aware of the obstacles and to set in motion a plan to avoid those obstacles before they become overwhelming and unmanageable.  In this regard it is critical to be proactive rather than reactive.  Understand your strengths and leverage them as effectively as possible and seek the support of professionals that can help you to achieve your goals.