Don't be afraid to become great.

Have we ever heard a simple story about a small business that grows big without realizing it? This story comes from a meatball seller who initially sold only by bicycle.

Start of the business

On the small wooden rack attached to his bicycle, he arranges all his trading gear: a tiny stove, a pot of hot broth, bowls, spoons, and the fresh ingredients that have already been prepared at home. Every pedal stroke brings new hope. The roaming vendor goes from street to street, greeting loyal customers who are willing to queue for a bowl of hot bakso with an extraordinary flavor.

Over time, customers come not only from the surrounding area, but also from various parts of the city. The savory broth and chewy meatballs he crafts become a magnet that is hard to resist. Eventually, they realized that the pedal-powered bicycle was no longer enough to carry the merchandise.

Grow according to conditions

Then they decided to switch to a motorcycle. With more space, they can carry more stock of meatball ingredients. It is at this point that the scale of his business begins to rise. He even gave his old pedal bicycle to his younger sibling so that they could sell at another location. The same brand name makes the bakso recipe more widely known.

Day by day, the customers keep increasing. Even the motorcycle was replaced with a pickup truck. The volume of trade has increased many times over, while motorcycles and carts have been passed down again to the other younger siblings. There are more and more sales locations, more and more customers, and the bakso name has become increasingly ingrained in the hearts of many people.

The size that is controlled.

Fifteen years have passed, and the bakso seller can now enjoy a peaceful retirement in the village. The business is still running, managed by family and those closest. Even from his own home kitchen, he can still steer the direction of his business. What began as a pedal-powered bicycle has now evolved into a family business that endures across generations.

The lesson from this story is simple: Never be afraid to become big.
Sometimes we start with small steps, but if we keep at it consistently, the opportunity to grow will come on its own. The key is not to resist change. Follow the growth trend, but continue to manage it with good management.

Because in the end, small businesses not only can provide a livelihood today, but they can also be inherited by future generations.

Practical Tips for SME Management to Grow

Record your finances neatly.

Separate personal funds and business funds. Use a simple cash book or a free financial app to monitor income and expenses.

Give the product an identity.

Brand name, logo, and product story are very important. Make sure it is used consistently in all branches or locations.

Build Networks and Relationships

Involve family or friends to help at the beginning, then gradually develop a professional team.

Use simple technology

Promote your business through social media. Attractive photos and customer testimonials can serve as free promotional material.

Don't be afraid of diversification.

If the main product is already stable, try adding variations—for example fried bakso, bakso noodles, or accompanying beverages.

Staged Investment

Don't rush to buy large assets. Start with what is needed to support capacity.

Prepare Regeneration

Involve family or trusted people so that the business can run even when the owner is resting.