... CONTINUED FROM COVER
of tennis, and I am not retired, so I don’t know how to talk retirement talk. I am an active individual selling chains of convenience stores in the Mergers & Acquisitions business. Well, the day comes, and I have to go to this tennis get-together at this tennis club in Naples, Florida. I am a fish out of water. I don’t know anyone, and all these girls and guys are talking about their tennis game. Meanwhile, I am standing on the sideline drinking a beer, which I like to do but not at a tennis club. I prefer drinking beer either by myself or with my clients who are my friends, and we can talk business. That is when several guys who are standing next to me ask me who I am and if I am retired because everyone else in the place is retired. I tell them, no, I am not retired, even though I look old enough to be retired; instead, I tell them I am still actively working. The next question, of course, is what do I do if I am not retired? To which I respond that I work with owners of family-owned businesses in the convenience store industry who have decided to step away from their business, and I help them convert their many years of hard work into cash so they may retire and join you people at your tennis club. (I made that up about the tennis club part, but I was thinking about it when I said it.)
surround me, wanting to know about the deals I am working on, how I do it, and where I am working. The people who wanted to know more about me and my deals were all retired. One was a retired international banker, another was an ex-Federal Reserve person who owned a large HVAC company, and another was the CFO of a major Boston college, just to name a few. All of them had retired and gotten out of the game of business, and even though they enjoyed retiring, they still missed the game of business. I learned a huge lesson from those guys I met that day: Once you get out of the game, you can’t get back in. The game I am talking about is wanting to get up every day and go to work, deal with the issues that arise, and use your God-given talents to deal with and solve those issues. I know everyone has days when they want to quit the game, and that is okay, but looking in the eyes of those guys and hearing their voices convinced me that retirement was not for me. Instead, I am going to keep playing the game and enjoy working with the many wonderful people I get to work with. But if anyone who reads this article thinks they may want to retire and get out of the game, I am your guy because I know a great tennis club where they would love to meet you. 😊
–Terry Monroe
You are not going to believe what happened next. Instead of their eyes glazing over from having shared what I do for a living, they
2026: The Year Small Businesses Redefine Growth
As the global economy enters 2026, small- business owners stand at the forefront of what many experts are calling a new wave of entrepreneurial resurgence. The past few years have reshaped how business is conducted, prompting founders to become more adaptable, tech-savvy, and value- driven. Those lessons are now translating into strength, positioning small enterprises to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Technology levels the playing field. This year, technology continues to narrow the gap between small businesses and large corporations. Artificial intelligence, automation, and cloud-based platforms are no longer exclusive to enterprises with deep pockets. From AI-powered marketing tools to predictive analytics and virtual assistants, these innovations are helping small firms boost productivity, improve customer experiences, and make smarter decisions. Entrepreneurs who embrace digital transformation are discovering new efficiencies and gaining
valuable time to focus on strategy and growth rather than daily operations.
startup in Manila can now reach customers worldwide with unprecedented ease. The global marketplace is open and small businesses are taking full advantage. Capital and community are on the rise. Access to funding is also improving. Crowdfunding, venture micro funds, and fintech lending solutions are giving entrepreneurs more options to finance their ideas. At the same time, digital communities and mentorship networks are fostering collaboration and shared learning. In 2026, small-business success is increasingly built on collective knowledge and partnership, not isolation. With innovation accelerating and confidence on the rise, 2026 promises to be a defining year for entrepreneurs. Those who lead with adaptability, integrity, and creativity are poised not just to grow but also to lead the next chapter of global business. –Terry Monroe
Sustainability becomes smart business. Sustainability has moved from the periphery to the core of modern business strategy. Consumers are increasingly supporting brands that reflect their values, and small businesses have an edge in their authenticity. Whether it’s sourcing locally, adopting eco-friendly packaging, or implementing carbon-reduction initiatives, small enterprises are showing that profitability and responsibility can go hand in hand. Governments and investors are also backing this movement, offering incentives and funding for green innovation. A global market is within reach. Perhaps one of the most exciting developments of 2026 is the continued democratization of global commerce. E-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, and logistics networks have enabled even microbusinesses to compete internationally. A designer in Nairobi, a coffee roaster in Portland, or a tech
2
TERRYMONROE.COM
800.805.9575
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator