Simply Business - Don’t sweat the small stuff

‘If I had told you last year that you’d be trading at Boardmasters, how would you have felt? The truth was, I would have been elated. Just being there was a massive accomplishment.’

I have been collaborating with Simply Business, delving into the more serious side of start up business.

It’s something I talk about often but it wasn’t until I took on my own journey with Ryde, I learnt to recognise that every success story is accompanied by its own set of challenges and obstacles. That's why our partnership with Simply Business is so vital – it allows us to share not just the achievements but the entire spectrum of the journey.

The Untold Story of Small Business

Social Media is a highlight reel of success, opportunity and achievements. What tends to be missing is the lowlights, the tough days, weeks or months. 

Running a small business, much like life itself, means being subject to global events and circumstances beyond our control. Just as we try to strip back the ‘rosy’ filters of the outdoor industry, who - without critical thinking, would have you believing that going surfing immediately grants you washboard abs - I’m also all for documenting my own start up journey.  

Not Faking It

In many business circles, the mantra is 'fake it till you make it,' which often leads to a distorted perception of success. At Ryde, I’ve learnt the importance of a more realistic approach. Since stepping into mentorship roles, I’ve embraced a 'whole picture' mentality, recognising the importance of acknowledging the ups and downs of our journey and learning from them.

Sharing Our Journey 

I’m proud of our achievements, but I’m equally open about the often challenging journey that led us here. The partnership with Simply Business has provided a platform to explore these realities in greater depth, offering a fuller picture of what it means to run a small business.

Stay Tuned for More Insights

I’m excited to continue sharing stories, insights, and the realities of my own business journeys (there are plenty of them!). Grab a brew, settle in, and join us as we explore the multifaceted world of running a small business in the outdoor industry. Your support and engagement are, as always, invaluable and I look forward to sharing this journey with you. 

Check out our first collaboration here:

'How to Set Business Goals: Top Tips from Successful Entrepreneurs.'