Practical Small Business Support

I think a lot of self-employed people, business owners and generally capable humans walk around carrying far more than anyone realises. We become experts at functioning while overwhelmed. We convince ourselves that asking for help is weakness when, actually, it often takes far more courage than staying silent.

A conversational look at why reviews matter for any small business—how they build trust, provide valuable feedback, and why asking for them shouldn’t feel so awkward.

For small business owners, AI can feel like another thing you’re supposed to “get on top of.” Another tool, another platform, another learning curve. But AI isn’t something to fear. It’s a tool. And like any tool in your business, it works best when there’s thought behind it.

Are you making these common visibility mistakes in your small business marketing? When it comes to getting your business noticed, many small business owners struggle—not because they lack ideas, but because of some common mistakes that quietly undermine their efforts. If your marketing isn’t getting the traction you hoped for, see if you recognize any of these pitfalls—and what you can do about them. 1. Chasing Every Platform It’s tempting to think you need to be on Instagram

Being authentic doesn’t mean being perfect—it means embracing who you are and showing up fully, with all your quirks, skills, and experience. In the world of small business, connection is everything. And when you lean into your true self, opportunities—and relationships—start to flourish.

Discover how small business owners and the self employed can simplify objectives with Andiamo Business Assistance — practical, clear, and achievable support.

Andiamo Business Assistance Blog: Their fire drill doesn't have to be your emergency There’s a quote that, as a former project manager, made me laugh out loud the first time I saw it: "Project management is like riding a bike… if the bike is on fire… and you are on fire… and you are in hell." It hit a little too close to home. But honestly, it wasn’t the project management part that felt like fire. It was the people. The deadlines. The last-minute changes. The “can you just…

There’s something about running your own business — whether you’re a startup founder, freelancer, or proudly self-employed — often from people who have never run a business, never tried what you're doing, and have zero experience beyond maybe watching a few Instagram Reels and listening to one podcast. The next time someone offers you an unsolicited “you should” or “you shouldn’t” — especially if they’ve never been in your shoes — take a breath and smile. You’re allowed to do

Let’s be honest: staying visible as a business owner can feel like shouting into the void. It’s easy to feel like it’s all pointless. But here’s the truth: it isn’t. So if today feels thankless, if you’re wondering whether to write that post or go to that event — do it. Stick with it. Your future clients are noticing — even if they’re not telling you yet.

We often hear the phrase “Nice guys finish last.” But in business—and in life—I’ve found the opposite to be true. People like working with nice people. Not the flashy ones shouting the loudest online. Not the ones who make life complicated. But the ones who just… make everything that bit easier.

We often hear that delegation is a skill. And it’s true. You can take courses on it, read books about it, and attend training sessions that break it down into bullet points and flowcharts. There’s a whole industry built on helping people learn how to delegate the "right" way.

A reflection on how much the workplace has changed since 2002—from fax machines and smoking rooms to AI—exploring what the future of work might look like next. I don’t consider myself old (some may try to argue I’m middle-aged — I respectfully disagree), but every now and then, something reminds me just how much the world of work has changed since I started out. Take my very first proper job, back in 2002. The induction process was… memorable, to say the least. It began with

Whether you’re a virtual assistant, a dog groomer, a freelance designer, a local florist, or run a micro-bakery from your kitchen — one thing is true across the board: your business lives or dies by your client relationships. Whether you’re a virtual assistant, a dog groomer, a freelance designer, a local florist, or run a micro-bakery from your kitchen — one thing is true across the board: your business lives or dies by your client relationships. Sure, doing the job well mat

At a recent networking event, I found myself in the middle of a lively debate: should small businesses specialise? It’s a question that comes up a lot, and one that I’ve often reflected on in my own work. The common advice is to niche down —focus on a specific industry, audience, or service. And I get it. Specialisation brings clarity, makes marketing easier, and can position you as an expert in your field. But for me? I’ve always embraced being a generalist . I don’t target

Let’s be honest—networking can feel terrifying . Walking into a room full of strangers, making small talk, and trying not to spill your coffee all over your brand-new business cards? Yeah, I get it. But here’s the thing: since becoming self-employed last summer, I made a commitment to push past the fear, put on my big girl pants , and get out there. Why? Because people buy from people . If I wanted others to know about me and what I do, I had to tell them. More than that, I n

What pops into your head when you hear the word “entrepreneur”? Maybe you think of a college dropout building the next tech empire in a garage, or a savvy business guru who always seems to know what’s hot before anyone else. But here’s a thought—replace those images with yourself. There’s no "one-size-fits-all" entrepreneur. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. Age, gender, background—it’s all irrelevant. If you’ve got the passion, drive, and willingness to l

Running a business isn’t a walk in the park. The long hours, constant demands, and saying goodbye to paid holidays, all while juggling personal relationships, can make anyone question their choices. Yet, here we are, diving headfirst into the entrepreneurial world. Why? Because, despite the hurdles, it’s worth it. Since 2010, the number of SMEs in the UK has grown by 24%, with 5.6 million small businesses thriving as of 2023. According to a 2023 NatWest survey, half of Britis

If you're running a business, investing in customer service is an absolute must for long-term success. Believe it or not, a whopping 88% of customers say that a company’s experience is just as crucial as its products or services. But here's the kicker: less than half of consumers (40%, to be exact) think small businesses provide a more personalised customer service experience than the big guys. In fact, most people (60%) believe larger companies are better at customer service

Did you know that business owners spend just 32% of their time working on the business? Assuming a 5-day workweek, they lose about 3.4 days on tasks that neither grow the business nor generate revenue. Common time stealers include emails, staff issues, difficult customers, social media, and bookkeeping. Reflect on your recent weeks – does this sound familiar? Try my top tips for increasing productivity and let me know how much time you gain. Manage your energy, not just you

Building momentum and facing challenges as a small business owner.