Equestrian & rural business blog posts

Blogging has been so beneficial for my business. I enjoy it too. I started off in copywriting and, for me, this blog is a great way to share equestrian and rural businesses as well as PR, marketing and social media advice. All posts have been written to inspire, educate or to share something that is important to me, my business, or my customers.

The blogs you’ll find in the category are likely to be varied in content. Yes, there will be an equestrian, rural or country connection in them (mainly because that’s just who I am!), but be prepared to see a range of subjects. From business profiles, sharing information about the people behind the brand to social media know-how and how to promote your equestrian and rural business more effectively, you’re likely to find it in here.

An ‘essential read’ says Rachel Watkyn OBE

Rachel Watkyn OBE endorsement of You've Got Thi

I’m incredibly grateful to the people that contributed towards my book, You’ve Got This, and to those who took the time to read it and kindly endorse it. One of these was Rachel Watkyn OBE.

Rachel is the founder of Tiny Box Company and Tiny Box Maker, two incredible companies that provide brilliant packaging solutions for small businesses and beyond. In addition, Rachel is a friend of the Small & Supercharged Podcast and joined me for an episode in November ’24.

The graphic above shares a bit of Rachel’s endorsement, but I wanted to share the whole thing too:

“This book is an essential read for anyone at the beginning of their journey or debating taking the plunge. Sometimes you don’t know what you need, but this book is filled with insightful observations that will really help you to stay on course, I wish I had a chance to read a book like this when I was first starting out!” 

I’ll be honest, I was bursting with pride when I read those words! I’ve admired Rachel for a long time and, when we chatted for the podcast, she was everything I hoped she’d be and so much more. Fun, clever, kind… all the good things… and she had one heck of a journey to get to where she is today, let me tell you!

As part of the book support and promotion, I’ve written a few blogs over on Tiny Box Company to help support and inspire their customers too. I’ve talks about how to grow your business by setting good goals as well as how to start your own business.

…and there are a few more in the pipeline too!

Have you got your copy of You’ve Got This yet? You can grab it on Amazon, through Bloomsbury direct, or any good bookshop!

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Don’t wait for January – act NOW!

The Power of Action: Why waiting is a waste of time

Are you waiting for January 1st to make a change? Please don’t. Yes, New Year might be a common time to set goals, but why not take immediate action towards the things you want to do? You might be waiting for the perfect moment and the right time to start… but what you’re actually doing is procrastinating and wasting your precious time. The best time to start, is now…

Key points from this episode

  • Don’t wait for the New Year: Avoid delaying your goals until January 1st. Start taking action now and make progress towards your dreams. Why wait? If it matters enough, get cracking!
  • Small steps matter: Even small actions can lead to significant progress. Focus on taking consistent steps towards your goals, rather than waiting for a major breakthrough. Even the bigger goals are made up of lots of small steps. These are also a LOT less overwhelming.
  • The power of micro sprints: Break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks and focus on completing them one at a time. This approach can help you stay motivated and make steady progress.
  • Overcome procrastination: Identify the reasons why you might be procrastinating and develop strategies to overcome these obstacles. Take action despite your fears and doubts.
  • The benefits of immediate action: Starting now can lead to increased motivation, momentum, and a sense of accomplishment. It can also help you avoid regrets and missed opportunities.
  • Join the Small and Supercharged Mastermind Group: If growing your business is one of your goals, consider joining my Mastermind Group (I know – shameless plug alert!) – but it really is fab!

I really am very passionate about this subject because so much can be achieved in the time you could be waiting to start. On this episode of the podcast, I also talk about how to get started, to overcome procrastination and stay motivated. Because to achieve big goals, you need to do big things, and the path will not be smooth. But some would argue that’s part of the fun, right?!

Small & Supercharged Mastermind

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Emily Cole + Designed for Dogs = an amazing collaboration

Collaborating for Canine Comfort: A Conversation with Emily Cole and Holly Bryant

You know how much I love a collaboration, so can you even imagine my delight when two of my lovely clients got together to create a collaborative dog bed collection? Yep- I was very very excited. So excited that I invited them both on the podcast to chat all things Emily Cole Illustrations x Designed for Dogs.

In this episode, I chat to Emily Cole and Holly Bryant, two talented with brilliant business women, that I’ve known for a long time. We chat about how the partnership will work, why sustainability is important, and why offering a special experience is essential to keeping customers happy.

Key points from this podcast…

  • The synergy of collaboration: Emily and Holly discuss the benefits of joining forces as small businesses, highlighting increased efficiency, shared knowledge, and a stronger market presence. They talk about their complementary skills, passion for dogs, and how the way they operate in their businesses aligns so well.
  • Quality and sustainability: Both ladies talk about the importance of using high-quality materials and ethical manufacturing practices in their dog beds (Holly) and other products (Emily). They explain how their commitment to sustainability extends beyond the products themselves, influencing their sourcing, production processes, and packaging.
  • Personalised experiences for every dog: Holly offers a wide range of personalisation options for the dog beds and accessories she creates, to ensure that each product is tailored to the individual needs and preferences of its owner. From size and colour to fabric choices and embroidery, Designed for Dogs takes personalisation seriously, and the company’s customers love it.
  • Overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities: Holly and Emily share their experiences of navigating challenges, such as finding common ground and balancing their individual brands. They talk about the importance of open communication, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Inspiration and innovation: Emily and Holly discuss their sources of inspiration and how they stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving pet products market. They highlight the importance of staying informed about industry trends, listening to customer feedback, and continuously innovating to meet the changing needs of pet owners.

This is such a fab episode. Being able to share brand stories is something I love to do, and sharing the stories of two great brands working together was really lovely. I know how much time, energy, love and work goes into the creations of both Emily Cole Illustrations and Designed for Dogs, and being able to let people behind the curtain to see and understand more about these brands was also a real joy. I loved every minute and I hope you do too.

Small & Supercharged Book

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Can criticism ever be a good thing?

In Praise of Criticism

In this solo episode, I talk about the importance of constructive criticism and how it can help you improve and grow. I also share personal experiences of positive criticism and practical tips on how to seek, receive, and give feedback effectively.

Constructive criticism and  feedback

  • The value of constructive criticism: Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights, help you see different perspectives, and identify areas for improvement. It can also challenge your assumptions, broaden your horizons, and inspire new ideas. It should be noted that the key word here is constructive. Criticism on its own rarely serves any positive purpose to the person receiving it.
  • Seeking feedback: Actively seek feedback from clients, customers, and colleagues to gain valuable insights into your work. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, one-on-one conversations, or even by observing others in your industry. It can feel vulnerable and like you’re putting yourself out there, but it can be really valuable.
  • Giving feedback: Provide feedback in a constructive and helpful manner, focusing on specific areas for improvement rather than personal attacks. Be mindful of your tone and delivery, and avoid making assumptions or generalisations. Also, think about how you’d take the comments you’re sharing -would you find them helpful?
  • Receiving feedback: Approach feedback with an open mind and use it as an opportunity for growth and development. Be willing to consider different perspectives and challenge your own assumptions. Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions or seek additional information. Don’t put up your defences and become closed minded. It won’t help you to improve.
  • Asking for feedback: Consider using surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one conversations to gather feedback from your audience. Be specific about the areas you want feedback on and encourage people to be honest and constructive.
  • Observing others: Learn from others by observing their practices and identifying areas where you can see room for growth that you can apply to your own work. Pay attention to the feedback they receive and how they respond to it.

How can you start to embrace feedback and constructive criticism for your own benefit?

  • Reflect on your experiences with constructive criticism and consider how you can incorporate it into your own work.
  • Seek feedback from your audience and use it to improve your products or service- think about specific questions that will lead to helpful insight.
  • Practice giving feedback in a constructive and helpful manner.

Constructive criticism is a valuable tool for personal and professional growth, but you need to be receptive to it. By seeking, giving, and receiving feedback effectively, you can identify areas for improvement, build stronger relationships, and achieve your goals. Remember to approach feedback with an open mind, be willing to learn and adapt, and use it as a catalyst for positive change.

Small & Supercharged Book

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Are You Happy Where You Are?

In this solo episode I look at the importance of self-assessment and personal happiness. I chat about how life changes and opportunities can shift our perspectives on what makes us content, and challenge you to explore your preconceptions and take proactive steps towards achieving your goals. Oh yes, we go there!

Do you regularly assess where you are now, and where you want to go?

Key points covered in this episode:

  • Self-reflection: Ask yourself, honestly, are you truly happy with where you are in life, work, and personal relationships? It’s essential to periodically evaluate your current situation and assess if it aligns with your overall goals and aspirations.
  • Happiness is a journey: It’s important to remember that happiness is not a static state. Your definition of happiness can evolve over time as you gain new experiences, learn from challenges, and set new goals.
  • Don’t let age be a barrier: It’s never too late to make changes or pursue new goals. Age should not be a limiting factor in your quest for happiness and fulfilment.
  • Reverse engineering: Break down your desired outcome into smaller, achievable steps. This approach can help you stay focused, motivated, and make progress towards your goals.
  • Challenge preconceptions: Don’t let limiting beliefs hold you back. Examine your preconceptions and ask yourself if they are based on factual information or simply assumptions. Limiting beliefs feel like fact, but if you challenge them, you start to break them up and you can see them for what they really are.
  • Take action: Small, consistent steps can lead to significant changes. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the ideal circumstances- it will probably never happen. Start where you are and take action towards your goals.

If you want to take action, you can take really simple, small steps…

  • First up, reflect on your current level of happiness and identify areas for improvement.
  • Next, start challenging your preconceptions and exploring new possibilities.
  • Then, take small, consistent steps towards your goals.
  • It really is that simple. We overthink the process… it’s actually pretty straightforward!

Small & Supercharged Book

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Diversify Your Income Streams: Strategies for Business Resilience

How many income streams do you have?

Have you thought about where your income comes from? Do you have all your eggs in one basket, or do you have a few income streams to help support your business? Here I discuss why having more than one string to your bow can help build better foundations for you now and in the future.

If you’re looking to build a robust business, it’s really important to think about how you can diversify your income streams to enhance business resilience and mitigate risks. In this episode, I explore various strategies that businesses can employ to broaden their revenue sources and create multiple income channels.

Unexpected challenges

Drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, I chat through the need to be prepared for unexpected challenges and have alternative income streams in place. I discuss how diversifying your income can help you weather economic downturns, industry disruptions, and other unforeseen circumstances.

How to diversify your income – eight ideas

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, in the podcast I talk about some different ways to diversify your income, including:

  • Expanding product or service offerings: Consider adding new products or services to your existing offerings to cater to a wider customer base. For example, a restaurant could introduce catering services or a meal delivery option.
  • Leveraging digital platforms: Explore opportunities to sell products or services online, such as through an e-commerce store, online marketplace, or digital downloads. This can help you reach a broader audience and tap into new markets.
  • Offering consulting or coaching services: Share your expertise and knowledge by offering consulting or coaching services to clients. This can be a valuable way to generate additional revenue and build relationships with potential customers.
  • Creating digital content: Produce valuable content, such as blog posts, videos, or podcasts, and monetise through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. This can help you establish yourself as an authority in your field and attract new customers.
  • Developing online courses or workshops: Share your expertise by creating and selling online courses or workshops. This can be a lucrative way to generate passive income and reach a global audience.
  • Building a membership community: Create a community around your brand and offer exclusive benefits to paying members. This can foster customer loyalty, generate recurring revenue, and provide valuable feedback.
  • Diversifying your customer base: Target different customer segments to reduce your reliance on a single customer group. This can help you mitigate risks and ensure a more stable income stream.
  • Exploring passive income streams: Consider passive income opportunities such as rental income, investments, or royalties. While these may require upfront effort, they can provide a steady stream of income with minimal ongoing involvement.

I cover the importance of careful planning, research, and testing when exploring new income streams. It’s essential to assess the potential risks and rewards associated with each option and choose strategies that align with your business goals and expertise.

Key Takeaways:

  • The critical importance of diversifying income streams to enhance business resilience.
  • Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic- and there were many!
  • Some ways that you might be able to add additional streams to your income.
  • The potential benefits of diversifying your income, including increased financial stability, reduced risk, and new opportunities for growth.

By taking proactive steps to diversify your income streams, you can strengthen your business and position yourself for long-term success- which is what we all want!

Small & Supercharged Book

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The Power of Reflection: Learning from Your Experiences

The Power of Reflection: Learning from Your Experiences

In this episode of the Small & Supercharged Podcast, I delve into the importance of reflection as a tool for personal growth and development. I look at how, by examining your experiences, you can gain valuable insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and behaviours… and also the importance of focusing on both positive and negative experiences, rather than solely dwelling on mistakes. I share practical tips and questions to guide you through the reflection process, to help you become more analytical and objective as you start to assess your own process, and look at how you can improve it.

Do you reflect?

Self awareness is actually a really important of our growth and development. It might feel like a bad use of time, but it can be huge when it comes to understanding our own strengths and weaknesses, and how we manage both. Incorporating a little reflection into the day to day can reap significant rewards when it comes to personal and professional relationships, goals, and plenty more besides. But it’s not just saying that you’ll ‘reflect’, it’s creating a system and an environment that allows you to do this well, to be of maximum value.

By incorporating reflection into your life, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your capabilities, leading to greater self-confidence, personal growth, and overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reflection is essential for personal growth: By examining your experiences, you can gain valuable insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and behaviours.
  • Focus on both positive and negative experiences: Don’t just dwell on what went wrong. Celebrate your successes and learn from your mistakes.
  • Ask yourself specific questions: I suggest questions you can ask yourself, like: What went well? What could you improve? How did you respond? Was the outcome what you desired?
  • Be analytical and objective: Try to avoid emotional reactions and focus on the facts.
  • Take your time: Reflection is a process, so don’t rush it. Give yourself time to think and process your experiences.

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Luck or Hard Work? Why I’m not a big fan of chance!

Luck or hard work?

Are you lucky? Or did you just work really REALLY hard? Let’s go…

In this episode of the Small & Supercharged Podcast, I look at the myth of luck and its role in determining success. I challenge the notion that our achievements are solely attributed to luck, arguing that it is primarily our own actions and grit that have far more weight when it comes to the outcome.

It’s not all down to chance

I talk about how luck is not the most prominent determining factor in our life. I highlight the importance of recognising the  efforts and sacrifices that often go unnoticed. I admit that while there may be elements of chance involved, it is primarily our own capabilities that drive our success. The luck/chance doesn’t work if everything else isn’t there!

Focus on your own actions

By shifting our perspective from relying on luck to focusing on our own actions, we can take control and increase our chances of achieving our goals. I dip into why it’s important to set realistic goals, develop a strategic plan, and persevere, even when it feels like an uphill struggle. Cultivating a growth mindset and believing in our own abilities is crucial in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

I also address attributing our failures to bad luck while claiming credit for our successes. This can hinder our personal growth and prevent us from learning from our mistakes.

Control what you can, mitigate the rest

But I don’t live under a rock and I do appreciate that whilst we can control a lot, we can’t control everything and external factors do come into play. However, even if we can’t control what happens, we can control how we react, and we can also look at what could happen and look to mitiage that risk as much as possible.

By understanding the true drivers of success and taking control of our own destiny, we can debunk the myth of luck and achieve our goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Success is primarily the result of hard work and strategic planning.
  • Luck is a misconception that can hinder progress.
  • Take control of your circumstances and focus on your own actions.
  • Set realistic goals.
  • Persevere through challenges and maintain a growth mindset.
  • Challenge the tendency to attribute failures to luck and take responsibility for your actions.
  • Recognise the role of external factors but focus on what is within your control.

Small & Supercharged Book

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Unleashing Your Inner Adventurer: Overcoming Fears and Embracing New Challenges with Louise Robertson

Unleashing Your Inner Adventurer: Overcoming Fears and Embracing New Challenges with Louise Robertson

I had the privilege of speaking with Louise Robertson, a remarkable individual whose journey from self-doubt to becoming a successful business owner and outdoor adventure guide is truly inspiring. Louise’s passion for the outdoors and her determination to overcome challenges made her an amazing guest. And don’t tell my husband, but he was right when he said I HAD to interview Louise…

Pushing the comfort zone

Louise hasn’t always worked in the outdoors, but found that her outdoor adventures were changing her life and, when the time was right, decided to go all in. But Louise wasn’t brimming with confidence from day one. Setting up her business and developing herself caused her to step way beyond her comfort zone, but as she says, personal growth often occurs when you push beyond your perceived limits. Louise encourages listeners to embrace this discomfort and reframe challenges as opportunity.

We delve into the transformative power of outdoor experiences, exploring how immersing yourself in nature can boost your confidence, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being. Louise shares personal anecdotes about her own experiences, highlighting the massive impact that outdoor adventures have had on her.

The entrepreneurial journey

Louise also offers valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey, sharing her experiences of starting and running her own business, Snowdonia Peaks and Valleys. She discusses the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the rewards she has reaped from following her passion.

Throughout the conversation, Louise emphasises the significance of building a strong support network- something that regular listeners will know I couldn’t agree with more. She highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging individuals who can provide support, guidance, and motivation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The transformative power of outdoor experiences: Discover how immersing yourself in nature can boost your confidence, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being.
  • Overcoming self-doubt: Louise shares her personal experiences of overcoming limiting beliefs and taking the leap into a new career.
  • Embracing challenges: Learn the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.
  • Building a successful business: Gain insights into the challenges and rewards of starting and running your own business.
  • The power of community: Understand the importance of building a strong support network to achieve your goals.

By embracing new experiences and challenging yourself, you can unlock your full potential and live a more fulfilling life.

To find out more about Louise and her brilliant business, see Snowdonia Peaks and Valley’s website.

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Don’t Count Yourself Out: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Don’t Count Yourself Out: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

You know that little voice? The one that is telling you that you can’t or shouldn’t do this? Today, we’re coming for them…

Limiting beliefs and their real life issues

In this episode of the Small & Supercharged Podcast, I chat about limiting beliefs and their detrimental impact on our dreams. I explain the importance of critically examining thought patterns and identifying self-imposed barriers that may be hindering you. By shining a light on why limiting beliefs exist, I hope to help you to break free from them, see them for what they really are, and go on and be amazing!

These crafty limiting beliefs can sometimes be disguised as “realistic” or “practical” perspectives, but they still chip away at our motivation, confidence, and stop us doing the things that excite us and light us up! But not all is lost. But being able to see them for what they are, we can start to disassemble them and crack on!

Comparisonitis and the quest for perfection

I also talk about the massive impact that comparing ourselves can have, the quest for ‘perfection’ and what happens when we forget that everyone’s journey is unique. Striving for unrealistic standards can lead to disappointment and self-doubt when there’s no need. Plot your own path and celebrate the steps you take along it.

Shifting to a growth mindset

To overcome limiting beliefs, a mindset shift is needed – or at least it is in my experience. By adopting a growth mindset, believing in the ability to learn, grow, and adapt and trusting in your own potential, you can develop resilience and determination that will help you overcome challenges and push on towards those big, exciting goals.

Goal-get-em!

And talking of goals, this podcast also explores the importance of setting realistic goals and breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps. This approach can help prevent overwhelm and maintain motivation throughout the journey. Additionally, seeking support from others, whether through mentors, coaches, or like-minded communities, can also be huge when it comes to conquering these goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Recognise limiting beliefs: Identify self-imposed barriers that may be hindering your progress.
  • Challenge negative narratives: Question these limiting beliefs – are they helping you? And then replace them with empowering ones.
  • Embrace a growth mindset: Believe in your ability to learn, grow, and adapt.
  • Set realistic goals: Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps.
  • Seek support: Connect with others who can offer guidance and encouragement.

By challenging limiting beliefs and embracing a growth mindset, you can unlock your full potential and achieve your dreams. Simple as that!

Small & Supercharged Book

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