Next Steps for Business

Call Website

Next Steps for Business Helping solopreneurs grow confidently

👋 Hi, I’m Marie | Business Coach & Accountant

Earn more | Stress less | Build a stronger business

31/10/2026

🚲 Business Story Saturday

Did you know Brompton bicycles started with an invention developed in a London flat?

Back in 1975, engineer Andrew Ritchie set out to create a bicycle that could fold into a compact shape, making it easier to travel around cities.

But building the business wasn't straightforward.

He spent years refining the design and making bicycles by hand for customers, while struggling to attract investment.

Then, in 1987, Brompton won the Best Product Award at a major cycling show in London.

That helped open the door to larger-scale production, and Brompton eventually became an internationally recognised British brand.

And there's a great lesson in that for small businesses.

Progress doesn't always happen as quickly as we'd like.

Sometimes you can see the potential in what you're building long before you've got the resources to achieve everything you want.

But that doesn't mean you can't keep moving forward.

Keep improving, learning from customers and making the most of the opportunities available to you.

Small steps still count as progress.

💬 What's one small improvement you've made in your business that's helped you move forward?

30/10/2026

Does your business depend a little too much on you? 👀

When you're running a small business, it's easy to become the person who does everything, knows everything and fixes everything.

But that can make taking time off, managing your workload and growing your business harder than it needs to be.

And this applies even if you work completely on your own!

Your business doesn't have to keep trading while you're away, but you should be able to take a break without everything becoming chaotic.

Making time to work ON your business, not just IN it, can help you build a business that works better for you.

Which of these five signs do you recognise?

29/10/2026

Systems and processes don't have to be complicated!

Every business already has ways of doing things. The important question is whether those ways of working are effective.

Sometimes the biggest improvements come from small changes that make everyday work easier, more consistent and less frustrating.

And that applies whether you're working on your own or managing a team.

28/10/2026

Does everyone come to you for answers?

Being the person who knows everything might feel like a strength, but it can also make you the biggest bottleneck in your business.

And it doesn't have to be the business owner. Sometimes an entire process depends on one employee knowing how it works.

Good businesses need good information, and that information shouldn't exist only in someone's head.

27/10/2026

Could you take a week off from your business without worrying about everything falling apart?

And yes, that question applies even if you're the only person working in it.

Your business doesn't necessarily need to keep operating while you're away. But you should be able to take a break without feeling like everything will descend into chaos.

That's one of the reasons good systems and processes matter, whatever the size of your business.

26/10/2026

Being good at what you do and being good at running a business are two different things.

It's one of the ideas explored in The E-Myth Revisited, and one that's influenced how I think about improving businesses.

Because success isn't just about delivering brilliant work. It's also about how the business operates behind the scenes.

Are you making time to work ON your business, not just IN it?

25/10/2026

🔧 Behind the Business Sunday

Did you know WD-40 was originally developed for the aerospace industry?

Back in 1953, the Rocket Chemical Company was developing a product to prevent rust and corrosion.

It took 40 attempts to get the formula right – hence the name WD-40!

But here's the interesting part.

Employees at the aerospace company started taking it home because they were finding it useful for everyday jobs.

And that helped reveal a much bigger opportunity.

WD-40 eventually made its way onto shop shelves and became a familiar product in homes and businesses around the world.

There's a great lesson in that for small businesses.

Sometimes there's a much bigger market for what you already offer than the one you're currently selling to.

Your product or service might be useful to customers you haven't even considered yet.

So, pay attention to how people use what you sell.

Who else could benefit from what you've already got?

💬 Have you ever discovered an unexpected use or customer for something your business offers?

24/10/2026

✏️ Business Story Saturday

Did you know Ryman has been around since 1893?

What started as a book printing business in London went on to become one of Britain's most recognisable stationery retailers.

But it hasn't spent all those years doing exactly the same thing.

From pioneering self-service stationery shopping to introducing new products and office technology, Ryman has continued to adapt as its customers' needs have changed.

And there's a useful lesson in that for small businesses.

Staying relevant doesn't always mean completely reinventing your business.

Sometimes it's about improving what you already do, updating what you offer and finding better ways to serve your customers.

You don't have to abandon what you're good at to keep moving forward.

💬 How has your business changed since you started it?

23/10/2026

If you’re trying to sell to someone, understanding their business is a pretty good place to start! 🙃

I’ve received so many cold emails and messages recently that make assumptions about my business, point out supposed problems and then try to sell me the solution.

But there’s a difference between identifying a genuine opportunity and creating insecurity to make a sale.

And if you’re on the receiving end of these messages, remember: someone telling you there’s a problem with your business doesn’t automatically mean there is one.

Do your research, treat people with respect and remember that building trust matters.
Have you received any of these messages lately? 👇

23/10/2026

What does success look like in your business? 💭

For some business owners, it's reaching ambitious growth targets. For others, it's financial security, flexibility, making an impact or building something that lasts.

And for many of us, it's a combination of different things.

Your ambitions can change as your business develops, and don't forget to celebrate what you've already achieved along the way! 🙌

Your business. Your ambitions. Your definition of success.

💬 What does business success look like to you?

Address

Leicester

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441164362554

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Next Steps for Business posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Other Business consultants in Leicester

Show All