While TED began as a 1984 conference for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, these renowned talks now cover nearly any topic and are available in more than 100 languages. These short presentations are a great way to quickly learn key skills from experts in any given field. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, it’s a resource that is simply invaluable. You’ll learn from the top experts in your field to quickly grow your own skills and knowledge.
Here at PaySimple, we’re dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and businesses grow, so it only makes sense that we love a good TED Talk. Here are 10 of our favorite TED Talks for small business owners and entrepreneurs to watch.
1. Ruchi Shah: How small business can benefit “village banking”
As a small business strategist with experience working for billion-dollar businesses, Ruchi Shah brings unique knowledge to TED Talks for small business owners.
Nearly half of small businesses in the U.S. fail by year five, so how do small business owners overcome these financial obstacles? Shah explores a community-based solution seen in places like Ecuador and Guatemala, uncovering the secret to their longevity and success in small business operations.
2. Amber Hikes: Want to truly succeed? Lift others up while you climb
As the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Amber Hikes provides information on creating a more diverse workplace. Hikes argues that no matter where you are in your career journey, it’s important to assist others in their growth.
Listen in for ways to help others advance in your business communities, especially those who have historically been left out.
3. Vikram Bhalla: Family businesses are here to stay, and thrive
From giants like Wal-Mart to the mom-and-pop bakery down the street, family businesses are everywhere. In this TED Talk, Vikram Bhalla explores why this business model is the fastest-growing and most ambitious type of endeavor.
Mapping out valuable lessons, he explores their strengths and weaknesses in an effort to provide lessons any business can learn from. This is a must-watch if you’re running a family business!
4. Marcos Aguiar: 7 tools for building a business people trust
Being trustworthy is important in business, relationships, and friendships. But why do we tend to trust certain companies and not others?
Digital trust advisor Marcos Aguiar makes the case with real-world examples that demonstrate pillars of trustworthiness. Learn about seven tools that can help you achieve long-term success by creating a brand people can put their faith in.
5. Nimisha Jain: They joy of shopping – and how to recapture it online
From bargain hunting to spending time shopping as a social event, each experience is unique. However, the rise of online shopping has transformed the experience and made it more impersonal. How do retailers capture the magic and restore the shopping experience?
Nimisha Jain is a consumer expert with a fresh retail model that combines ideas from companies in India, Thailand, and China. If you’re in retail, listen in to hear more about restoring the personal side of shopping.
6. Patty McCord: 4 lessons the pandemic taught us about work, life, and balance
Patty McCord served as chief talent officer of Netflix for 14 years and helped create the Netflix Culture Deck, which has been viewed more than 15 million times. Today, she works as a consultant, advising companies on leadership and culture.
In this TED Talk, McCord discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on how we do business. You’ll hear four key insights into how companies can use lockdown lessons to think out of the box when it comes to business innovation.
7. Morra Aarons-Mele: 3 steps to stop remote work burnout
As a self-proclaimed anxious overachiever, Morra Aarons-Mele discusses the challenges of working from home. The truth is, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how many businesses operate. As more companies continue to operate under fully remote operations, it’s important to protect your energy and your limits.
Aarons-Mele discusses lessons we all can learn from introverts about how to navigate the endless stream of screen time and video calls. If you’re managing a remote workforce, this is an incredibly valuable (and quick!) TED Talk to watch.
8. Cindy Solomon: 5 tips for dealing with meeting overload
Likewise, Cindy Solomon explores the dangers of excessive meetings. If you feel like your entire work week is wasted on calls, Zoom meet-ups, and in-person meetings, this is the TED Talk for you.
Solomon shares five tips for clearing your calendar and taking back control of your productivity.
9. LeeAnn Renninger: The secret to giving great feedback
Leading a small business forces you to wear many hats, but providing constructive criticism may be one of the most important duties. After all, this is the best way to build a team of highly capable employees. Unfortunately, most of us are still somehow pretty terrible at providing feedback.
In this TED talk, cognitive psychologist LeeAnn Renninger shares a scientifically proven method for giving feedback that will make a lasting positive impact. This is one of our must-listen TED Talks for entrepreneurs.
10. Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: 6 essential lessons for women leaders
What does it take to be a standout female leader in the face of gender bias and stereotypes? This conversation led by the former Prime Minister of Australia and former Finance Minister of Nigeria will answer that question.
Listen as they share their own experiences and lessons as women leaders in positions of global power.
Grow Your Business
When you need help growing your business, PaySimple is the answer. Generate business wherever, whenever by diversifying your payment options. PaySimple allows you to improve cash flow and make decisions based on hard data. Enjoy these features:
- Accept payments through online storefronts, payment forms, and embeddable solutions
- Swipe or key-in credit and debit cards for one-time payments or to set up recurring billing
- Manage your finances on the go with PaySimple mobile apps for iOS and Android
Even better? You’ll get all of these features and more for one low monthly price. No contract necessary and no cancellation fees.
Read our post on How to Become Self Employed
