More bounce than a trampoline… Lesson 8 of 10 for 10 years

Resilience, it’s like a good pair of shoes (the comfortable sort, not the ‘pain is beauty’ sort), you can move forward without them but it’ll be a heck of a lot easier and more comfortable with them on… not to mention that fact that you can probably go further.

And that comfortable pair of shoes is one you’re going to want to get your hands on if you want to start, successfully run, grow and even survive a small business!

If I look back on the last ten years I’ve seen a lot:

• The set-up phase where I was desperate for new clients and scared of not paying the mortgage, which is perfectly normal.

• Losing clients, sob, and having to learn that sometimes it’s not personal and it is just business (thanks rejection sensitivity!).

• Being ghosted after proposals and the ‘what did I do wrong’ cycle of worry – FYI, it’s not you, it’s them.

• The pandemic which seems like a hazy memory and the stresses and challenges it bought (4 people working from the same dining table is not a good idea).

• Financial recessions, swings and roundabouts and general urgh, they happen, and they’ll keep happening, what can I say.

• The income seesaw, feast and famine and general unpredictability, everyone goes through this.

• The growth and omg the growing pains, hiring the wrong people, losing clients, gaining clients and fear of change.

• Change. A lot of it. Need I say more?

However, each road bump, stone in our comfortable shoes or challenge has been a stepping stone towards building a more robust and agile business and one that is still going today.

I’ve learned that resilience is not about bouncing back but about bouncing forward—turning obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into setups for future success.

The elements of effective Resilience?

1. Adaptability: The ability to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances is crucial. Whether it's shifting market trends or unexpected disruptions, staying flexible and open to change is key.

2. Innovation: Embracing innovation is a game-changer, you should always continuously seek new ways to improve our services, support your clients and get yourself out there.

3. Community: Building a strong community of people has been instrumental for me, when you find your tribe and you’ll know what I mean – the support and friendship are invaluable.

4. Planning: Long-term success requires thinking (I know, sorry). At least have an idea of where you want to be in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years and then you can map the steps from here to there.

5. Positivity: This might be the hardest one, but you need to get into a mindset where set backs are just that, where lost clients are for a reason, where ghosting make room for better opportunities, where it’s not about you, it’s just about business. Train your brain to think positively rather than beating yourself up all the time and you’ll build that resilience muscle.

Resilience in business is a journey, not a destination. It's about building a foundation that can withstand the test of time and emerging stronger from every challenge. As I celebrate a decade of not just survival, but of growth and adaptation, I still work on my resilience every day and will keep doing that as long as I’m in business.