"Unlock Success as an Entrepreneur: 7 Essential Steps to Achieve Your Goals"

February 23, 2023

Katherine's Journey to Business Success: Finding Balance in the Ups & Downs of Youtopia

There is a ferris wheel in the foreground and a sunset in the background.

Are you an entrepreneur looking for the key to success and growth? Have you been searching for the right resources to help you achieve your goals? Look no further! In this blog, I'll be detailing the journey of Katherine, a small business owner who has seen the highs and lows of what it takes to run a business. I'll outline the 7 essential steps Katherine used to unlock success and growth in her business - the Work-Life Balance Paradox system. You'll learn how she found her first five or ten clients, how she handled the challenge of hiring someone, and how she achieved a better work-life balance. So join me as I take you on this journey and unlock success as an entrepreneur!

About Katherine

Welcome to our podcast, the Ups and Downs of a Small Business Owner, where we explore the trials and tribulations of business owners. Today, we have Katherine, my business partner, on the show to talk about her journey of growing Youtopia. Katherine started her business five years ago with a mix of blind optimism, enthusiasm, and a desire to build something better. With her extensive experience in corporate and operational roles, as well as finance, Katherine had the perfect background to set up her own business. Now, five years later, Katherine has learnt many lessons about running a business and is here to share them with us. So let's dive in and find out what Katherine has to say about her journey!

Why is it important to know what resources are available to help entrepreneurs succeed?

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, it is essential to know what resources are available to help them succeed. Knowing what resources are available to help entrepreneurs is key to gaining the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. With access to the right resources, entrepreneurs can develop the strategies and tactics needed to run a successful business. Resources can also provide entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and resources to create a business plan, develop a marketing strategy, and create a budget. Having access to the right resources can also provide entrepreneurs with the necessary support and guidance needed to stay on track and reach their goals. Resources can help entrepreneurs stay informed of the latest trends and developments, giving them the information they need to make informed decisions. Additionally, resources can help entrepreneurs identify potential sources of funding, enabling them to access the capital they need to start and grow their business. By understanding and leveraging the resources available, entrepreneurs can set themselves up for success and achieve their goals.

Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Identify the problem and the need for improvement.
2. Set a goal and create a plan.
3. Execute the plan and adjust it as needed.
4. Build relationships and get support.
5. Take calculated risks and don’t be afraid to fail.
6. Learn from mistakes and strive for continuous improvement.
7. Find a balance between work and personal life.

The first step in running a successful small business is to have a clear vision for the business and decide what it is you want to achieve. This should include defining what sets your business apart from the competition, setting goals for short-term and long-term success, and developing strategies for how to reach those goals. Furthermore, it is important to have an understanding of who your customers are and what their needs are in order to develop products and services that will meet their demands. Additionally, having a solid understanding of the industry and the trends that are shaping it is paramount to success. Knowing your competitors and their strategies can help you stay one step ahead. Finally, it is important to develop a team of individuals who are passionate about the business and the goals it is striving to achieve. Having a strong team of experienced and motivated individuals will help ensure the success of the business.

Once the vision and goals of the small business are established, it is important to develop a business plan. This plan should include the financials of the business and any potential risks, as well as the marketing and sales strategies that will be used to reach the target market. Additionally, it should include a timeline and budget allocation for the project to ensure that all tasks are completed on time and within the set budget. Furthermore, the plan should include any legal and insurance considerations necessary to start and operate the business. It is also essential to have systems and processes in place to ensure that business operations run smoothly. This includes creating a system for customer service and communication, as well as an inventory management system. Additionally, it is important to have a system of accounting and financial management in place to monitor the financial performance of the business and ensure that it is on track to meet its goals. Finally, the business must have a system for tracking customer feedback and reviews to ensure that the products and services are meeting customer expectations. By following these steps, a small business can ensure that it has the right infrastructure in place to ensure its success.

2. Identify the problem and the need for improvement.
Step 2: Identify the Problem and the Need for Improvement. From this transcript, it is clear that the business partner, Katherine, and the interviewer are facing a problem in regards to the hiring process. They have gone through the journey of hiring their first employee, which had its challenges and did not work out as expected. Katherine has identified that the root of the problem is that they were trying to find perfection, when that is almost impossible. In order to improve, she has identified the need to focus more on soft skills and attitudes of potential employees, as those are the core aspects necessary for success. Additionally, she has learned that the need to accept that the first employee may not be the forever employee, but instead hire people with the right attitude and teach them the other skills necessary. Finally, Katherine has identified that it is difficult to always switch off, but it is important to find a good work/life balance in order to remain present in life.

Step 3: Create A Plan for Improvement. Katherine has identified the need for improvement and now it is time to create a plan for how to move forward. First, the business partner and interviewer need to create a clear job description with the skills and attitudes they are looking for in a potential employee. Additionally, it is important to focus on the soft skills and attitudes of potential employees, as those are the key components of success. Furthermore, they should create a process to evaluate candidate’s soft skills and attitudes during the hiring process. This can be done by adding questions to the interview that focus on these aspects and by conducting an assessment to evaluate how the candidate will fit with their team. Finally, Katherine has identified the importance of finding a good work/life balance. To address this, the business partner and interviewer should establish a policy that allows employees to take breaks as needed and encourages them to switch off at the end of the day. Additionally, they should provide resources and support that allows employees to find a balance between work and life. By implementing these changes, the business partner and interviewer will be able to improve the hiring process and find employees with the right attitude and skills for their team.

3. Set a goal and create a plan.
Step 3 is setting a goal and creating a plan. This is a crucial step in starting and growing a business. It is important to have a clear goal and plan in mind in order to move forward and make progress. To set a goal and create a plan, it is important to start by asking yourself questions about the business. What do you want to achieve? What do you need to do to reach your goals? What resources and people will you need? It is also important to think about the timeline for reaching your goals. This timeline should include short and long-term goals that can be reviewed and adjusted if needed. After setting goals and creating a plan, it is important to execute it. This will involve taking actionable steps to reach those goals, such as networking, meeting potential clients, and hiring employees. Finally, it is important to measure progress and adjust the plan if needed. By setting a goal and creating a plan, it is possible to effectively manage a business and reach success.

Once a goal and plan are set, it is important to be proactive in making sure the plan is followed. This means taking actionable steps to reach those goals as soon as possible. It is also important to have an accountability system in place to ensure that goals are met in a timely manner. This could involve checking in with yourself or a mentor regularly to stay on track and make sure that goals are being met. Additionally, it is important to stay organized and create timelines for tasks. This will help break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. By staying organized and on top of tasks, it is possible to effectively manage a business and reach success. Finally, it is important to be open to feedback and adjust the plan if needed. This means that if goals are not being met, it is important to take a step back and reassess the plan. This could involve talking to mentors or other experienced business owners to gain insight and make changes if needed. By being open to feedback and adjusting the plan accordingly, it is possible to stay on track and reach success with a business.

4. Execute the plan and adjust it as needed.
Step 4 of this transcript is to execute the plan and adjust it as needed. This involves taking the ideas brought up in the conversation and turning them into actionable steps. The first step is to create a plan of action that outlines the goals and strategies for achieving those goals. This plan should include a timeline for execution, a budget for resources, and a strategy for measuring progress. Once the plan is created, the next step is to execute it. This includes assigning tasks to individuals, setting deadlines, and providing feedback and support as needed. Finally, it is important to adjust the plan as needed. As the business grows, there may be new opportunities or challenges that need to be addressed. It is important to stay flexible, and be willing to make changes and adjust the plan as needed to ensure the business is successful.

The execution of the plan should be monitored and managed continuously. This includes tracking progress, identifying areas that need improvement, and making adjustments as needed. It also includes regularly evaluating the performance of the plan and making changes to ensure it is meeting the expectations set. This process should involve input from all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers. Regular check-ins and feedback should be provided to ensure that everyone is on the same page and aware of any progress being made. Additionally, it is important to be open to new ideas, suggestions, and feedback from all stakeholders. This can help to ensure that the plan is staying on track and that any adjustments are made in a timely manner. Overall, it is important to remember that executing the plan is just the beginning. Execution, monitoring, and management should be ongoing processes that allow for adjustments as needed. This will help ensure that the plan is successful and that the business is able to reach its goals. With a well-executed plan, businesses can achieve their desired results and grow.

5. Build relationships and get support.
Building relationships and getting support is an important step when growing a business. This can be done in many different ways, such as networking, joining a business accelerator, and presenting to various organisations. Katherine has used many of these methods to help grow Youtopia, such as joining a women's networking group, giving a one-minute update every month, and giving presentations to groups. She has also used referrals to attract new clients and has learned to value soft skills when hiring employees. Katherine has noted that it is impossible to find the perfect employee and that it is important to look for individuals with the right soft skills and attitudes, as these can be taught. She has also discussed the importance of having a good work-life balance, which can be difficult for business owners due to their emotional investment in their business. Katherine has learned that it is important to take time for yourself and switch off from work, but admits that it is something that she finds difficult to do. Ultimately, building relationships and getting support are essential for a successful business and the key is to find the right balance between work and personal life.

Katherine has also found that having a mentor has been extremely beneficial in helping her to grow her business. Having someone with experience to turn to who can offer advice and guidance has been invaluable. Additionally, Katherine has found that attending industry events has been a great way to meet potential collaborators, customers, and learn from others in the same field. She believes that networking is an essential part of being an entrepreneur and that it is important to stay connected with the industry. Finally, Katherine has emphasised the importance of having a supportive network of friends and family. Having people to talk to and brainstorm ideas with can be very helpful in tough times, and having a cheerleader in your corner can make all the difference. Ultimately, building relationships and getting support are key to the success of a business and should not be overlooked.

6. Take calculated risks and don’t be afraid to fail.
Step 6 is to take calculated risks and don’t be afraid to fail. This is an important step in running a business, as it allows you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. Katherine, the business partner in this transcript, has taken several risks throughout her business journey. She took a risk when she joined a women's networking group and presented to the group, even though it wasn’t her comfort zone. She also took a risk in hiring her first employee, even though there was not enough work and the pandemic was beginning. Katherine has learned that it is important to take risks, but also to be prepared for the possibility of failure. She suggests that when taking risks, it is important to have a plan and to be aware of the potential consequences. Additionally, it is important to learn from your failures and not get too hung up on the lows. Lastly, she emphasizes that it is necessary to find a balance between taking risks and staying in control.

Katherine has also taken risks when it comes to marketing her business. She took the risk of using Instagram to reach new customers and build her brand, even though it was a new platform for her. She also took the risk of attending events and engaging with potential customers face-to-face, which was a huge step outside of her comfort zone. These risks have paid off and have allowed her to grow her business. Katherine believes that the key to taking risks is to stay focused on the end goal and to be prepared for the possibility of failure. She encourages entrepreneurs to be open to learning and adapting, and to never be afraid to try something new. Taking risks is an essential part of running a business, and it is important to remember that failure can be just as valuable as success.

7. Learn from mistakes and strive for continuous improvement.
Step 7 of the transcript is to learn from mistakes and strive for continuous improvement. This is a key part of running a successful business and the interviewee, Katherine, provides insight into how she and her business partner did this. She discusses the mistakes they made when hiring their first employee and how they learned to look for different qualities in employees - focusing on soft skills, attitudes and the ability to teach the rest. Katherine also notes the importance of not getting too hung up on the lows, as there are always solutions, and taking the time to prepare for sales and networking meetings. Finally, she emphasizes the difficulty of achieving a perfect work-life balance, noting that it is something she is still working on herself. All of these lessons can be used to strive for continuous improvement in a business, allowing it to grow and succeed in the long run.

Striving for continuous improvement is also about being open to feedback, even when it may be difficult to hear. It’s important to take constructive criticism in stride and use it to make changes to the business. For example, Katherine discusses how they implemented customer feedback into their business model, which allowed them to make improvements that better suited their customers’ needs. Additionally, it’s important to take the time to reflect on successes and failures. This can be done through creating a system of reviews, such as having regular meetings with staff members or conducting customer surveys. This will help identify areas of improvement and provide the opportunity to make necessary changes. Finally, it is essential to foster an environment of learning and growth. This means encouraging employees to take risks, ask questions and provide feedback. It also involves providing access to resources such as training programs and seminars that will help them develop their skills. By creating a culture of continuous improvement, businesses will be able to stay ahead of the competition and create a more successful and sustainable business model.

Running a business is an incredibly rewarding yet challenging journey. It is important to be aware of the resources available to entrepreneurs and small business owners, so that they can acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Katherine's journey has provided insight into the 7 essential steps to unlocking success and growth in her business - the Work-Life Balance Paradox system. From identifying the problem and need for improvement, to setting goals, executing a plan and adjusting it as needed, to building relationships and taking calculated risks, these steps can be used to set up a business for success. Ultimately, Katherine's story serves as a reminder that success is achievable with the right attitude and dedication. With the right resources, guidance and support, you too can achieve success and unlock the key to your business goals.

I’d love to hear how you apply Work-Life Balance Paradox to get success, growth, balance.. Leave me a comment on how it went for you or drop any questions you want me to answer!

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Unlock Smarter Spending for Better SEND Outcomes – Part 2

By David Adderson • July 14, 2025

In Part 1 of this series, Dr Anita Devi opened the conversation on the rising complexity of SEND and the need for intentional, values-driven provision. Her reflections focused on inclusive leadership, purposeful commissioning, and the principle that less can often be more . In this second part, I’d like to continue the conversation — but from a financial perspective. My name is Katherine Robertson. I’ve spent over 10 years working with organisations across sectors including the education sector, helping them to navigate their finances confidently and strategically. What I’ve learned over that time is simple: money follows priorities — but only when we lead with clarity . And now, with SEND needs rising faster than school income, we must work smarter than ever with the resources we have. 🎯 From Stockpiling to Strategic Spending In 2024, the Department for Education wrote to 64 academy trusts, concerned that some were holding onto reserves more than 100% of their annual income . These aren’t just large numbers — they are untapped opportunities. Of course, we know why these reserves exist: financial uncertainty, poor capital funding, and the understandable desire to protect future viability. But if money meant for today’s pupils is held for tomorrow’s problems , we risk doing a disservice to the very learners we aim to support. That’s why we’re asking an important question: Can schools and trusts use their reserves to strengthen inclusion and SEND support now, without compromising their long-term financial security? Our answer is yes — with the right approach. 🧩 Applying Financial Wisdom to Inclusive Practice We are not advocating reckless spending or draining reserves dry. On the contrary, we work with leaders to build a clear, defensible strategy for using reserves wisely , backed by robust modelling, compliance with DfE guidance, and an unwavering focus on improving outcomes for children with SEND. Together with Dr Anita Devi, we bring dual lens: educational insight and financial clarity. Here’s how we help to: ● Identify untapped funding within existing reserves ● Co-develop an evidence-led SEND investment plan ● Align to DfE expectations on reserve levels and financial health ● Build the narrative for governors, trustees, auditors and regulators ● Support ongoing evaluation to ensure value for money and impact It’s not about spending more. It’s about spending better . 🔄 Releasing Funds. Reinforcing Purpose. SEND needs are not going away — and nor are the financial pressures. But when finance and inclusion experts work together, we can unlock solutions that support both pupil outcomes and institutional resilience . With careful planning, strategic reserve use can: ● Fund early intervention ● Invest in staff development ● Improve provision infrastructure ● And reduce future costs from reactive SEND placements or escalation It’s a long-term gain — and a value-led approach to financial governance. 💬 Let’s Continue the Conversation If you’re sitting on reserves and wondering how best to use them — or if you’re just ready to rethink how your SEND resources are working for you — we’re here to help. We offer a tailored advisory service that helps schools and trusts plan, invest and lead with both head and heart. 📩 Reach out at SEND_Finance@youtopia.co.uk to book a preliminary conversation. Because sometimes, the smartest way to save — is to spend with purpose. Author: Katherine Robertson Strategic Finance Expert and Education Consultant In partnership with Dr Anita Devi – Leading SEND Specialist

Unlock Smarter Spending for Better SEND Outcomes

By David Adderson • July 4, 2025

Inclusion is desirable, yet it is complex. In this two-part blog, we begin to unravel the challenges of increasing needs in education and diminishing resources. In this article, Dr Anita Devi explores some of the many challenges Educators in England currently face. Her intent is to extend perceptual thinking from problem to solution. In Part 2, Katherine Robertson will unpick some of the financial levers for consideration. I have worked in the education sector for a fair few decades now. Am I showing my age? Possibly, but also my experience and out of that experience is born wisdom. Wisdom is applied knowledge with the benefit of lived experience and hindsight. To broaden our thinking, I have decided to focus on three areas: Rising needs in the classroom – ensuring each child receives an educational experience that is progressive, whilst meeting their needs Less is more – applying a structured and systematic approach to providing support for special educational needs and disability (SEND) Commissioning with purpose – intentionally involving others, when needed. Since the increase in needs always outmatches the rise in resource funding, sadly we will always be in a deficit. This is not about being despondent, but hopeful through responsive and creative solutions. In many life situations, we face elements of the unknown and so we put in place checks and balances to ensure we maintain stability. If our own personal finances were continuously in the red, we would be faced with three options: Reduce spending Increase income Look for alternatives In the education world whilst options 1 and 2 may be possible to some degree, it is restricted and ultimately option 3 has been our default; especially if we are to adhere to the core principles of The Salamanca Statement (1994) and more closely to home, The Children and Families’ Act 2014. Rising need in the classroom Those who lead on inclusion and /or SEND need to simplify systems to ensure those learners who require additional and adaptive provision receive it. I have expanded more on this in a July 2023 booklet, which you can download here . If as a leader, you understand the fundamentals of an inclusive provision framework, you can reduce the paper trail to make it purposeful, without compromising on keeping a diligent paper trail of evidence. This will also ensure you know whether what is in place is having an impact or not. SEND: It is time to lead differently . Less is more There are a number of core decisions to be made when additional provision is put in place. For example, in or out of the classroom? How long is the defined additional support required and most importantly what is the expected outcome from the additional support? For far too long, we have assumed the ‘forever’ model when it comes to interventions or additional support. We have often omitted to discern short-term from long-term, as well as factor in the negative impact of too many interventions simultaneously. Short-term interventions, if assessed and targeted well can (in many instances) provide the learner with new skills and/or increased independence. This is a desirable outcome, as none of us is truly seeking to create a dependency model. Equally, administering too many interventions simultaneously takes away from the exploratory nature of interventions i.e. what’s working and what needs to change. We have indeed moved away from the ‘medical model’, however, some of the basic principles still need to be considered. In response to a medical condition, a doctor would not prescribe multiple medications or remedies simultaneously. Due care and consideration would be given to the negative interactive impact of one solution upon another. We need to apply a similar approach to inclusion and SEND. This is not denying that a child may have multiple needs, but sometimes it is about focusing on one thing at a time. Commissioning with Purpose This has been a bugbear of mine since 2018 , if not before! As a previous SEND Advisory Teacher, I was always intentional about ‘adding value’ to what is already in place in any setting. As a previous Senior Leader / SENCO, I was always intentional about securing services that provided ‘value for money’. I’ve worked with The Audit Commission on this and The National Audit Office, not to mention Business Managers and local authorities. I would also encourage readers to explore their ‘decommissioning process’. As a long-standing Education Change Consultant, my team & I always write our exit plans before we go into support. This is regardless of whether we are working in the UK or overseas. I am continuously amazed how many schools/colleges rely on the same service for years, even if there is no impact evidence of change through the input they are buying in. Over the years, training head teachers at national conferences, I have always advocated ‘procurement with precision’. Even at local authority level, I think provision would be better if Porter’s Forces were applied during the annual review of an EHCP in regard to placement choices, especially non-maintained Independent schools (NMIs). Supplier power through exuberant price hikes, in a time when there is a shortage of places, is both immoral and financially unsustainable. This is just the start of the conversation, but with a few systemic tweaks – schools and colleges can begin to look differently at provision. Still meeting the needs of children and young people but reducing the strain on financial resources and human manpower. Do get in touch if you would like to find out more. Author: Dr Anita Devi dr. h.c. Dr Anita Devi , leading SEND specialist, and Katherine Robertson , strategic finance expert, have joined forces to offer a new advisory service for schools and colleges . This service is designed to provide strategic financial governance of SEND provision, focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, and value for money . We help you explore financially sustainable solutions that support early intervention, improve outcomes, and make the most of every pound spent, without compromising on quality. If you're ready to rethink how SEND resources are used in your setting, contact us for a preliminary conversation at SEND_Finance@youtopia.co.uk 📢 And keep an eye out for our upcoming blog