You shouldn't be here.

This is Sara Blakely in the world headquarters (at the time) of Spanx - her apartment.

Throughout my life, I’ve often been told, “You shouldn’t be here.” Whether it was in sports, education, or my career, I’ve faced moments when I felt like an underdog—someone who didn’t quite fit the mold didn’t have the resources, or didn’t meet the expectations of others. For individuals, being an underdog often means facing doubt, overcoming obstacles, and pushing against expectations. But in the world of business, the underdog status can be a powerful force. Small businesses, much like individuals who feel underestimated, may lack the large budgets, established reputations, or extensive resources of bigger players, but they make up for it with resilience, agility, and a unique ability to innovate.

68% of entrepreneurs in the U.S. started their businesses with less than $10,000 in capital.

A Real-Life Underdog Story: Sara Blakely

Consider the story of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Initially, she faced repeated rejections from major companies and investors when pitching her shapewear idea. Despite working from her apartment and juggling a job selling fax machines, Blakely persevered in an industry dominated by established brands. With no formal fashion training, she identified a market opportunity others missed. Her belief in her idea and fresh approach led to the creation of Spanx, which became a household name, making Blakely a billionaire.

Her success didn’t come because she was better funded or had more industry experience than her competitors. It came because, like many successful underdogs, she believed that being smaller allowed her to do things differently and more nimbly than larger companies. Blakely’s story is a perfect example of how being underestimated—whether as an individual or a business—can be a motivator to prove that you belong, even when the world tells you otherwise.

“You have to be odd to be number one.” — Dr. Seuss

Underdogs as a Source of Innovation

What makes small businesses such a force to be reckoned with is their ability to innovate. When a business is seen as an underdog, it often drives them to think outside the box. Without the luxury of massive budgets for advertising or infrastructure, small businesses must rely on creativity, agility, and personalized service. They don’t have the same advantages as the giants, but they have the ability to make fast decisions, pivot quickly, and connect with their customers on a more personal level.

Being an underdog doesn’t mean you're destined to fail—it’s a challenge that forces you to adapt, improve, and find ways to stand out. In a competitive marketplace, those who are underestimated often rise to the occasion. They push forward with a sense of urgency, motivated not just by the desire to succeed, but by the need to prove that they belong.

"It’s hard to be an underdog. But once you’ve embraced it, you’ve got the right mindset to succeed." — Unknown

The Takeaway: Embrace the Underdog Mentality

For small businesses, the underdog mentality is one of their greatest assets. It fuels resilience, determination, and the ability to think differently. Like individuals who prove themselves against the odds, businesses that are considered underdogs are often the ones that innovate, adapt, and ultimately disrupt industries. Being underestimated isn’t a weakness—it’s an opportunity to show what’s possible when you’re willing to fight for your place in the world.