Most businesses don’t fail because the idea is bad. They fail because year one is harder than people admit.

In this episode, I talk honestly about what it really takes to get through that first year and actually grow. Turning down the voice in your head that tells you you’re not ready. Building something people will pay for, not just say they like. Protecting your cash when invoices drag and reality hits.

We start with mindset, because fear turns up for everyone. You can’t get rid of it, but you can learn to act anyway. From there, I break down how to build a value proposition that makes sense in the real world. Time saved. Risk reduced. Money made. If you can’t explain it simply, pricing will always feel uncomfortable.

We then get practical. How to look at competitors without copying them. How to find your angle. How to set payment terms that don’t choke your business. And the small habits that make a young company look serious and trustworthy.

Branding comes into it too. Not logos and colours. Trust. Being clear on who you are, what you do, and why someone should believe you. Showing up like a professional and then backing it up with delivery.

We also talk about going all in versus easing in. Why runway matters. And why grit, consistency, and humility usually beat waiting for the perfect moment.

If you’re good at what you do and you know there’s more upside than where you are now, this episode is for you.

Subscribe, share it with someone who’s sitting on the fence, and leave a review with your biggest question about year one. I’ll cover it next.