5 Lessons I Learnt at Big Small Business

I had the joy of attending Big Small Business at the beginning of April, it is a brilliant conference hosted by Laura Turner, founder of Hero and Monica Welburn from The Elgin Avenue. The conference is designed to help and inspire anyone with an existing business or simply a business idea looking to take their project to the next level.  If you are familiar with my own story you’ll know why I had to be a part of such a fantastic event.

The lineup of  speakers on the day was truly awe-inspiring – I make no apologies for using all the superlatives in my vocabulary for this post. The business related advice we heard on the day was invaluable but what really shone through was the infectious enthusiasm and passion of people chasing their dreams and growing their businesses. I was also struck by a common thread beyond the business world and it was the desire to have freedom to make choices in life and to love what you do. This message was most apparent in Kristina Karlsson’s keynote address – Kristina is the founder of Kikki K – where she shared her tips for living your best life. You can read more about that in a post by Claire, The Green Eyed Girl, here.

Now it’s time for me to stop gushing and start sharing. So what did I learn at Big Small Business? Well, far too much for me to list in one single post but I’ll leave you with the 5 most valuable lessons I learnt at Big Small Business.

Everybody has a gift inside them – Elizabeth Scarlett

Find your gift – I had to lead with this quote by Elizabeth Scarlett because it is the most beautiful and true sentiment. Find and value the things that you are good at and nurture them.

Anything is achievable if you are prepared to work hard – Holly Anna Scarsella founder of Pampelone

I felt like standing up from my seat and shouting yesssss!!! when I head Holly say this because whilst I really do believe that you should do something you are passionate about, I don’t subscribe to the idea that ‘if you can dream it you can be it’ which gets bandied about a lot these days. Those elusive dreams and ambitions are within reach but you have got to plan, strategise and work your butt off in order to make them a reality.

Take action – Both Kristina Karlsson and Laura Turner agreed that the best thing to do when you feel daunted, overwhelmed or paralysed fear is to take action and DO something. The emphasis is always on  moving forwards with your vision and taking positive steps every day, no matter how small.

Your passion is your driving force – another soundbite from the lovely Elizabeth Scarlett which was also echoed by Kevin Latouf aka The Wine Butler who said that ‘passion and drive are the things that get you out of bed at 7am to do the accounts’.

I have to say that Kevin was one of the most impassioned and engaging speakers of the day and I have already placed my wine order!

Surround yourself with people who are going to fall in love with your story – Monica Welburn

This quote from Monica was in relation to social media but I believe it applies on many other levels. Being surrounded by people (physically or virtually) who are supportive and understanding will help you on your way to success. Find your tribe and treasure it, your people will help you, listen and act as your sounding board. Remember your vibe attracts your tribe. I love that saying!

I personally believe that these 5 lessons go beyond the world of business and I’d love to know if any of them resonate with you.

Until next time!

Antonia x