Still Learning

I'm sitting in a pub garden after a long day’s riding, looking at my cycling helmet and to-be-consumed pint, reflecting on the past three months. Eight months into this independent journey, I'm still learning daily.

A recent conversation with another new consultant reminded me how much I've learned in what feels like both forever and no time at all. Most of what I'm about to share isn't revolutionary - many of you have lived this already and some have even shared these very insights with me. But here's what the experience has actually felt like from the inside.

The Work Is Different (And Harder) Than You Think

Designing high-impact, bespoke development programmes takes a lot of work. When you're starting out, you're building everything from scratch. What looks like a two-day workshop to the client represents weeks of thinking, designing, and crafting. I've spent entire days on what becomes a single exercise.

Here's what I learned: embrace it. That depth of thought is exactly what separates bespoke work from off-the-shelf solutions. Your clients are paying for your thinking, not just your delivery time.

You Don't Have to Do It All Alone

As a solopreneur, I don't have a team - and it takes more than Ferris (my trusty AI partner) to make this work. There are brilliant organisations out there ready to support you (shout out to Sheridan and The Training Designer's Club). Find the resources that amplify your strengths rather than trying to become expert at everything.

People Are Busy (And It's Not About You)

Here's something that took me longer to accept than I'd like to admit: just because a client hasn't been in touch doesn't mean they don't value you. They're dealing with budget freezes, restructures, urgent fires, and competing priorities. You need to learn to be zen about this whilst also...

Not Being Afraid to Follow Up

You're running a small business now, and cashflow is everything. I'm doing work today that I won't be paid for until early 2026. That's the reality. So, follow up professionally, consistently, and without apology. Your bills don't wait for their convenience.

Pipeline Is Your Lifeline

Whilst you absolutely need to focus on delivering excellent outcomes for today's clients, you need more than half an eye on tomorrow. What's paying the bills in six months? This isn't just about sales - it's about having the mental space to do your best work because you're not constantly worried about where the next project is coming from.

Protect What You Came For

Most of us made this move for space, autonomy, and flexibility. Don't forget that. Block time for yourself, put it in the diary, and stick to it. I've learned not to turn down work because I planned a ride to the local café, but I also won't sacrifice every ride for work that could wait.

Find Your People

I've said it before, and I'll keep saying it - find your crew. The collective support (emotional, practical, commercial) from other independents is infinite. But pay it forward. Be generous with your knowledge, connections, and encouragement. In cycling terms: be more Geraint Thomas, less Bradley Wiggins.

Get Your Numbers Sorted

You don't need to become a finance expert, but you need an up-to-date handle on cash, P&L, and how much tax to set aside. I learned this lesson when I realised I had no clear picture of what "profitable" actually looked like for my business.

Price Like You Mean It

Don't let imposter syndrome dictate your value. There's a market out there, and you need to reflect what you offer in what you charge. A savvy entrepreneur shared this with me: if your quote doesn't make you feel slightly uneasy, you've probably already started negotiating in your head. Quote what you're worth - the client will tell you if it's too much, and then it's a conversation, not a rejection.

The Market Is Tough (So Work Smart)

Everyone says it, and it's true. You need to work hard and smart. Keep putting content out there. Network. Then network again. Re-connect with people. Listen for opportunities in every conversation - they're there, but you have to be paying attention.

Celebrate the Small Wins

When you've worked hard all day, reward yourself. A beer, a cup of tea, a hug from someone you love. Make sure you acknowledge what you've accomplished. There's no boss giving you performance reviews anymore - you need to recognise your own progress.

The Most Important Lesson

I'm not naturally brilliant at any of this. But I'm learning, adapting, and getting slightly better each week. That's probably enough.

Fellow Indies. What would you add to this list? What lessons have surprised you in your own leadership journey? I'd love to hear your thoughts.