Learn from the crowd: how to grow a small business Small businesses are the driving force behind the US economy, creating 2 out of every 3 new net jobs. To succeed in starting your own company, you’ll need talent, dedication, and stamina. You’ll also need a tonne of knowledge. Luckily, the Partners community is made up of thousands of successful agencies, entrepreneurs and online experts. Here's their best advice to help you along if you're starting a business.

Be persistent… Always believe in your ideas, stand by them, and someday you will succeed. Kim Erling Boesgaard Lauritsen via LinkedIn

If someone says you can’t do it, they’re really saying they can’t do it. Ethical Marketing @EMS_TG via Twitter

Be brave. Be fearless as often as you can. Get used to hearing "no" and keep pushing forward. Don't give up! Shanee Kirk founder of Shanee Kirk Marketing

It’s essential to be determined, committed, and have the ability to see any situation as an opportunity for learning and growth. Jody Resnick @jodyresnick1 via Twitter

The number one quality for success is follow up, follow up, follow up. Number two is iteration. And number three is measurement. Do that over and over, and you’ll succeed! Jim Bilello @JimBilello via Twitter

Know your goals… Small businesses need goals to succeed. Without setting goals, you will get lost in the processes and time will eat away at your limited resources. Track your time and know your benchmarks. James Clemens founder & developer of Mica Specialties

Learn to prioritise and focus. There are always too many opportunities coming your way and you should decide where your chances to succeed are the best. Once you’ve chosen the opportunity - give it your best shot! Ala Kazlova via LinkedIn

Keep focused on your most productive and profitable opportunities. Also, make buyers a priority to establish consistent inflow for your business! Jeremy Waters via G+

Make a plan but don’t be afraid to stray from it when there is good reason. These days it’s often helpful to be agile and reactive, as technology continues to change so are our ways of doing business. Joel Crump via LinkedIn

Value your contacts… Look at opportunities with a holistic perspective. Businesses thrive when they build relationships and there’s nothing like having partners you can count on! Joe Grotto via LinkedIn

Do 20% of the talking and 80% of the listening and you’ll understand your clients and potential clients’ needs better. Jeff Neilson via G+

Trade services with other entrepreneurs. This ensures collaboration and growth for both parties without the cash outlay. Cleola Kunene via LinkedIn

Take care of the basics… Send out your invoices on time, keep your books up to date, and hire a good accountant. Jason Nelson on G+ Find a niche with your product or service. Know your target market within your local market. Know how consumers are searching for your product or service. Hurdie Burk via LinkedIn

Meditate for 5 to 10 minutes a day. Arthur Yeranosyan founder of Geoclix.com

And be brave… There ain’t no perfect time! There’s only time. Start now! Prashanth @prashanths0720 on Twitter

If you’re looking for more support on how to increase your online visibility and connect with more customers, check out Google’s Get Your Business Online page. There are links to free training courses, tips on optimizing your local search listings, and an offer to create a mobile-friendly website that’s completely free for the first year.

Visit the Google Partners communities