The sheer number of things we need to focus on in small business is overwhelming. Amidst the sea of tips, tricks, and tools we know we "should" utilize there are a few things that are absolute musts. Today we are going to hear from one of the world's leading voices in running a successful small business, Henry Lopez. Henry has over 35 years of diverse business experience, including successful careers in the information technology industry, sales, sales training and business ownership. He is currently the Managing Partner of Levante Business Group (supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners and producers of The How of Business podcast), co-owner of iTopIt (a self-serve frozen desserts restaurant in Colorado Springs), co-owner of L3 Destinations (a Travel Agency co-founded with his wife), and a minority partner and investor in Office Evolution of Plantation (an executive suites and co-working business center franchise location). Henry currently resides in a suburb of Dallas, Texas with his wife Pam. He has been directly involved in over 11 different small businesses since purchasing his first business in 1991. He has developed and launched his own businesses, and has bought and sold businesses as well. Henry also serves as a volunteer SCORE Mentor. In this conversation Henry lays out the 5 things he believes are absolutely essential for a small business to do in order to have the best chance at thriving. We dive into the details of each one and let me tell you, there is a LOT of great insights that result form this interview.  We discuss:  Systems and delegation Working on not in your business Keeping systems simple  Hiring for the benefit of your businesses future  Empowering staff Managing your money Prioritizing your profit The business owners mindset  Taking action boldly  Enjoying the journey Redefining what success and happiness Links: www.thehowofbusiness.com Facebook: TheHOBPodcast LinkedIn YouTube   Related episodes: 184 : Making Great Business Decisions w/ Dave Stachowiak 211 : Straight Talk from the Retail Doctor, Bob Phibbs 223 : Building a Financially Resilient Business w/ Andrew Carroll   The BEST in commercial coffee equipment! www.prima-coffee.com/keys   Want the best plant based beverage for your coffee drinks? www.pacificfoods.com/food-service