Why Small Businesses Win When They Collaborate

There’s something really powerful that happens when small business owners come together. We often spend so much time wearing all the hats…creator, marketer, bookkeeper, customer service rep, that collaboration can feel like a luxury. But in truth, it’s one of the smartest, most sustainable ways to grow.

Lately, I’ve been reminded just how impactful connection can be, thanks to one of my amazing clients who recently started the SoCal Small Business Social Club. What began as a simple idea, to gather local entrepreneurs in one room, has turned into an inspiring community of people who genuinely get it.

What moves me most about small business owners is the heart behind the work. These are the hard workers, deep thinkers, and creative spirits who pour their energy into building something meaningful, often while juggling families, full-time jobs, or side hustles. Many are driven not by profit alone, but by the hope of creating something better for themselves and their communities.

When we support small businesses, we’re investing in people with courage, the ones who take the leap, stay up late brainstorming, and show up every day to do work that matters. Every collaboration, purchase, or word of encouragement helps someone’s vision take flight.

At these meet-ups, conversations flow easily because we all share the same challenges: managing social media, balancing family and business, keeping momentum when motivation dips. And yet, for every pain point, there’s a small win waiting to be celebrated, landing a new client, mastering Reels, or simply carving out time for creativity again.

What’s so refreshing about collaboration in spaces like this is that it’s not about competing for attention; it’s about lifting each other up. One person’s idea sparks another’s. Someone’s story of resilience reminds you to keep going. Partnerships and cross-promotions naturally form, and suddenly, everyone’s reach expands, organically and authentically.

Here are a few simple ways collaboration can help your business take flight:

• Cross-promote each other’s work on social media. A simple tag or shared post introduces your business to a new audience.

• Co-host an event or giveaway. Shared energy and resources make it easier, and more fun to connect with your community.

• Exchange expertise. You might be a marketing pro while someone else excels at email strategy, photography, or product packaging. Collaboration allows everyone to play to their strengths.

Small business ownership can be lonely at times, but connection changes everything. Surrounding yourself with people who understand your journey, and who want to see you succeed, is the kind of support that fuels sustainable growth.

So here’s your reminder: collaboration isn’t just good for business, it’s good for the heart. ❤️

From Twitter (X) to Threads: What It Means for Your Business

If you’ve been wondering why so many people seem to be talking about Threads, Instagram’s answer to Twitter, you’re not alone. Launched in 2023, Threads quickly became one of the fastest-growing apps in history, gaining over 100 million sign-ups in just five days. But what caused people to leave Twitter (now called X) and give Threads a shot? And more importantly, what does this shift mean for small business owners? Let’s break it down.

Why Users Left Twitter (X)

For years, Twitter was the go-to place for breaking news, conversation, and cultural moments. But in the last couple of years, many users started to feel worn down. Here are the biggest reasons:

• Uncertainty under new leadership: With Elon Musk at the helm, Twitter experienced sudden rule changes, increased paywalls, and shifting algorithms that left users feeling frustrated and unstable.

• Toxic culture concerns: People noticed an increase in harassment, misinformation, and unchecked content. Some no longer felt safe or welcome on the platform.

• Ad overload: Twitter became cluttered with promoted content, which made the user experience feel more commercial than conversational.

All of this created the perfect opening for a fresh alternative.

Why Threads Took Off

So why did Threads catch on so quickly? A few key reasons:

• Seamless Instagram integration: If you already had an Instagram account, joining Threads was just a couple of taps away. Even better, you could instantly connect with the same people you already followed.

• A breath of fresh air: At launch, Threads was ad-free, clean, and simple, making it feel refreshing compared to Twitter’s busy interface.

• Stronger moderation: Threads carried over Instagram’s community guidelines, which made it feel like a friendlier, safer place to share thoughts.

• Curiosity + timing: With Twitter in chaos, users were ready to try something new, and Threads felt familiar without being overwhelming.

The Catch: Not Everyone Stayed

While Threads had an explosive start, not everyone stuck around. Some users missed the real-time energy of Twitter. Others felt that Threads lacked important features like hashtags, trending topics, or a strong search tool. Daily usage dropped after the initial buzz, which shows the app is still finding its identity.

What This Means for Your Business

As a small business owner, you might be asking: “Should I be on Threads?” Here’s my advice:

• Watch the platform’s growth: Threads is still evolving, but it’s smart to claim your spot early in case it becomes a stronger player in the social space.

• Think community, not ads: Right now, Threads is about conversations and connection. If you join, focus on sharing quick insights, joining discussions, and building relationships.

• Follow your audience: If your customers are active on Instagram, chances are they’ll be curious about Threads too.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

The mass migration from Twitter to Threads shows us something important: people want simplicity, safety, and connection in their social media spaces. As a business, leaning into these values, whether on Threads, Instagram, or elsewhere, will always put you ahead.

Have you tried Threads yet? What do you think, fresh start or just another platform?

Want to know if Threads—or any platform—is the right move for your business? At Take Flight, we help small business owners cut through the noise and focus on strategies that actually work.

Let’s chat about how to make the most of your time online. Schedule a free consultation today and start building connections that count.

How to Make Social Media Work When You Hate Being on Camera

Let’s get one thing straight: Reels and video still rule the social media world—but that doesn’t mean you have to be front and center every single time.  

If the idea of hitting “record” makes you want to disappear into your blanket cocoon with a cup of coffee (or wine, no judgment), you are not alone. Most of the time, those of us behind the business accounts are in our jammies or pleasure wear, hair in a bun, definitely not dolled up and “camera-ready”.

And sure, you could argue that’s the most authentic version of ourselves—which it totally is—but let’s be real: we’re all a little vain. We want to show up as the best version of ourselves, or at least with a little lip gloss and decent lighting. We get it. The pressure is real.  

So, what if we told you there are plenty of ways to show up without actually showing up on camera?

Here are some creative, faceless video ideas and tips to help you stay visible—without stepping too far outside your comfort zone:

1. Voiceovers Are Your New Best Friend

Record your voice sharing a tip, story, or answer to a frequently asked question. Pair it with:

• A screen recording of you working in Canva or packaging an order

• A timelapse of your workspace or daily routine

• Stock or branded video clips

Pro tip: Use Instagram’s built-in voiceover tool or record in your phone’s voice memo app for a more casual vibe.

2. Lean Into Text-Only Storytelling

Reels with trending music + bold text are still engaging. Try:

• “3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Business”

• “I said yes when I should’ve said no—and here’s what happened.”

• “What I’d Tell Any New Business Owner in 10 Seconds”

Use animated text, fun transitions, or Canva’s video templates to make it pop.

3. Let Your Products or Services Shine

Create videos that focus on what you do, not what you look like:

• A hands-only tutorial or packaging video

• A quick before-and-after

• Behind-the-scenes of your process, shot from behind or overhead

4. Repurpose Content into Reels

Turn an old blog post, caption, or testimonial into a Reel using tools like:

• Canva’s “Talking Presentation” templates (you don’t have to show your face!)

• InShot or CapCut for dynamic text + stock footage mashups

5. Use Templates + Trends Thoughtfully

You don’t need to memorize a script or be an improv star. Try:

• Lip-syncing a trending audio that fits your niche

• Using the green screen tool to talk about a visual (not yourself)

• Following a “this or that” trend using just on-screen text

And remember: Most of us aren’t nailing it on the first take. Or the fifth. Or the twelfth. Creating content takes time. It’s messy. It’s full of retakes and do-overs. But that’s normal.

You don’t have to be “on” to show up for your business. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. If your content helps just one person feel seen, learn something, or laugh a little, it’s already done its job. So go ahead, post that faceless Reel. Your lip gloss can wait.

Need help bringing these ideas to life? Reach out to Take Flight—we’ll walk you through these strategies (and more!) to help you confidently promote your small business without ever stepping in front of the camera. Let’s make social media work for you.