During my years of working directly with small businesses, talking with entrepreneurs day in and day out, speaking in forums and seminars, joining small business and entrepreneurs associations, etc., I have noticed three factors that make any small business thrive. Contrary to what you might believe, it has nothing to do with the academic or business background of the owner. It has also nothing to do with the type of industry or geographical location the business is in. Most of the time it has nothing to with the quality of your product or service.