Step 10 of Building a Better Business

Anna Stubbs • August 2, 2023

Keep your ‘well of happiness’

This should be something you focus on all the time. Just as the flight attendants tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others, it’s the same in business - you need to look after yourself at all times.

What are the things that fill your ‘well of happiness’?

These are activities that restore your energy and resilience levels and help you face challenges in your business. It could be dancing, yoga, mountain biking, reading, weightlifting, cooking, or meeting friends for coffee. Most likely, they’re the things you just don’t feel you have enough time for right now.


Of course, you do have the time; you have the same number of hours in your day as Einstein or Helen Keller had. You’re just choosing not to spend your time on these activities.


Make a list of the pastimes that make you happy. These are things you keep putting off doing because you think you don’t have time or feel guilty about taking time out of your business to enjoy.


Now, make a commitment to yourself to spend at least 1 hour per day doing these things. Share that commitment with your business mentor or someone who’ll hold you accountable to spending your time in this way.


Lastly, set aside time in your diary to do these activities until they become an ingrained habit.


Keeping your well of happiness full reduces stress and restores your energy, both crucial to life and business success. So, make it a priority.


“Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.” - Mallory Hopkins

Should your strategy be defensive or growth-focused?

By Anna Stubbs • December 3, 2025
The latest edition of the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Small Business Index had some unexpected results when it comes to growth expectations of UK small businesses. 27% of businesses said they expected their business to shrink, close or sell up over the next year. This outweighed the 25% who predicted their business would expand over the same period. It’s the first time in the history of the SBI that expectations of contraction have outnumbered those of growth. And it underlines a growing trend.

Why it's smart to accept payments online

By Anna Stubbs • December 3, 2025
One of the best things about online shopping is instant, hassle-free payment. Enter your details, click, and you’re done. If your customers can make an instant online payment, they’re likely to pay you more quickly – and they’ll appreciate the simplicity too. The details Online payment methods include credit and debit cards, ACH (Automated Clearing House) services like Paypal, and repeat payments through direct debit. Payments are managed by merchant service providers – specialist companies that process transactions on your behalf. Some focus on credit and debit cards, while others stick to ACH or direct debit. Choose a provider that can integrate with your accounting software, and you can add a super-simple payment button to future invoices. The costs While your merchant service provider shouldn’t charge any set-up fees, they will charge transaction fees. These range from 2-4% of the invoice for debit or credit cards, and under $2 a transaction for direct debit. These fees are an added expense, so they need to be included in your profit calculation – smart accounting software will do this automatically. Because credit and debit fees can add up, many businesses don’t offer online payment for invoices over a certain amount. The benefits Businesses using online payments get paid faster. Of course, not every client will pay instantly just because they have the option, but it should speed up your average payment time.  A bonus benefit? Customers appreciate the ability to pay online, so offering it as an option can be a big point in your favour. Ready to reap the benefits of online payments? Get expert advice and set-up support from our accounting team.

5 challenges for small business - and how to beat them!

By Anna Stubbs • December 3, 2025
Starting, building and growing your own small business is a hugely rewarding experience for many entrepreneurs. But the road ahead isn't always smooth. There are common challenges that crop up and ongoing issues that need to be factored into your business plan, your strategy and your own personal thinking. So, what can you do to beat these challenges and make the journey as frictionless as possible?