The Power of Resilience: How I Pushed Through and Won

Four months ago, I received my first genuine enquiry through my website. You know that feeling when you see a new email pop up, and for once, it’s not another spammy “We can get you to page 1 on Google!” message? Instead, it’s an actual potential client interested in what you do. Pure excitement! 

Finally, a business reached out because they saw value in my services! It felt like a breakthrough moment—proof that all the networking, marketing, and late nights were starting to pay off.

But what I didn’t realise was that securing that contract would push me further than I ever expected.

Since December, I have been negotiating, waiting, adapting, and overcoming challenge after challenge like an endurance athlete who didn’t sign up for a marathon but somehow ended up running one anyway. I faced months of stress, self-doubt, and financial strain, watching my savings slowly disappear. There were days when I sat at my desk, staring at my laptop, questioning if this was all worth it. But something inside me wouldn’t let me quit.

And then, after four gruelling months, it happened. Two weeks ago, I finally secured that contract: 70 hours a month of corporate work.

But it wasn’t just a case of signing on the dotted line. Oh no!

I had to push back—hard—on the changes they wanted to make to my own business terms. They tried to adjust key elements that would have left me exposed, but I dug in my heels and pulled out every tough negotiation skill in my arsenal. I had worked too hard to build my business to let a contract leave me vulnerable. The deal had to protect me, my business, and my interests—otherwise, it wasn’t worth signing at all.

It wasn’t luck. It wasn’t handed to me on a silver platter. It was resilience.

What Is Resilience in Business?

Resilience isn’t about breezing through challenges without breaking a sweat. It’s about getting knocked down, dusting yourself off, and getting back up—again and again. It’s about taking a deep breath when yet another client ghosts you, when cash flow is tight, or when the Wi-Fi decides to die right before an important Zoom call.

It’s about saying: "Okay, this isn’t ideal… but what’s next?"

Every business owner faces struggles—unexpected expenses, tricky clients, lost opportunities. What is the difference between success and failure? How you respond.

I could have walked away when things got tough. Instead, I chose to keep going because building something worthwhile takes patience, determination, and a whole lot of caffeine.

How to Build Resilience as a Business Owner

If you’re in the trenches right now, feeling like you’re drowning in to-do lists, client demands, and the pressure of keeping your business afloat, I see you. Here’s what helped me build resilience—and what can help you too.

1. Focus on the Bigger Picture

When you hit a stumbling block, it’s easy to panic and feel like everything is falling apart. Take a step back. Why did you start your business in the first place? What’s your end goal?

Yes, right now, things might be tough, but short-term obstacles shouldn’t derail long-term success. Keep your eyes on the prize.

2. Be Adaptable

The business world is about as predictable as British weather—sunshine one minute, torrential rain the next. If one strategy isn’t working, change it. If a client cancels, chase new leads. If engagement drops on social media, experiment with different content.

Flexibility is what separates businesses that survive from those that thrive.

3. Stand Your Ground in Negotiations

Business is a two-way street. Your terms matter. If a potential client tries to make changes that could put you at risk, don’t just accept them for the sake of landing the contract.

Read everything carefully. Push back where needed. Protect yourself. A contract that doesn’t serve your best interests isn’t worth signing.

4. Surround Yourself with Support

Being a business owner can feel like you’re on a deserted island, talking to a volleyball like Tom Hanks in Castaway. Don’t isolate yourself. Talk to people who get it.

Join networking groups. Lean on mentors. Reach out to fellow business owners. Sometimes, just hearing "Yeah, I’ve been there too" can be enough to keep you pushing forward.

5. Prioritise Self-Care

Yes, I know—it sounds like one of those fluffy, feel-good Instagram posts. But hear me out.

You cannot run a successful business if you’re running on zero sleep, 10 cups of coffee, and sheer willpower. Burnout is real, and it kills productivity, motivation, and creativity.

Take breaks. Step away from your screen. Move your body. Get enough sleep. You’ll be amazed at how much clearer your mind feels when you actually rest.

6. Ask for Help When You Need It

Resilience isn’t about doing everything alone. It’s about knowing when to delegate and outsource so you can focus on what truly moves the needle in your business.

I get it—your business is your baby. But trying to do it all doesn’t make you a hero. It makes you exhausted. And let’s be honest, are you really the best person to be doing all the admin, finance, and operations while also trying to grow your business?

This is where I come in.

How I Can Help You Build a Resilient Business

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, and like you’re constantly playing catch-up, it doesn’t have to be this way.

As a Virtual Assistant, I can help you:

✔ Manage admin and finance tasks so you can focus on strategy and growth

✔ Streamline your processes to free up time and boost efficiency

✔ Create structure and organisation so your business runs like a well-oiled machine

✔ Take over time-consuming tasks so you can work on your business, not just in it

The road to success isn’t always smooth, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right support, you can spend more time growing your business instead of drowning in never-ending tasks.

So, let’s talk.

📩 Get in touch today and let’s build a stronger, more resilient business—together.

Final Thoughts

Resilience is a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Running a business is a rollercoaster, but trust me, the highs are worth pushing through the lows.

I’ve been there. I’ve questioned if I should keep going. But I did. And now, I get to help other business owners build something they love—without sacrificing their sanity in the process.

If you need a hand (or just someone who understands what it’s like to be in the trenches), drop me a message.

Here’s to resilience. Here’s to your success. 🚀

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