Innovation and enterprise blog

The British Library Business & IP Centre can help you start, run and grow your business

20 January 2025

Beat the January blues: our best business advice

After the New Year's festivities and burst of resolutions die down, January can be a tough month. With colder weather and shorter days, it can be a difficult time to stay motivated and enthusiastic about your business plans and goals. To help give you a boost and keep the January blues away, we've put together some of the best business advice we've heard from our BIPC businesses and supporters across the country.

If you're feeling inspired after reading all of our best business advice, get your business moving this January with our free in-person Kickstart Your Business programme starting next week. Find out more and sign up here.

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Look after yourself 

Running a business is a challenging endeavour, especially in the beginning, and new business owners have a lot to learn. My advice would be to visit your local BIPC for business support instead of struggling to work things out for yourself. This, in turn, will reduce your stress levels and give you breathing space. When things feel too much it's important to take some time out to think and do something that excites you. Spend time with good friends and loved ones. That experience will boost your mood and confidence.   

- Nevo Burrell, Founder of Nevo Concept and BIPC Local Waltham Forest Business Ambassador

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Take risks

Our business advice would be to take risks, not worry too much, and never be afraid to ask questions – Melvin and Matthew, Founders of PlayPress Toys

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Always think of your customers first

Our best business advice is to stay customer-focused and continuously innovate. Understand the needs and challenges of your customers, and strive to create solutions that not only meet but exceed their expectations. Additionally, building a strong network of partners and advisors, like those available through the BIPC, can provide crucial support and insights that drive your business forward. - Anthony Lau, Founder of Cyclehoop

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It's okay to fail

The best piece of business advice I’ve been given is that it’s ok to fail. You have to fail to be successful. In fact, we need to fail more. - David Burroughs, Founder of Buddies for All and BIPC Local Lewisham Business Ambassador

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Surround yourself with uplifting people

The best business advice I’ve ever received has been to surround yourself with people who lift you higher. It can be a lonely journey but business is all about relationships and creating value for other humans. - Denise Nurse, Chief Success Officer of DBN Enterprises and host of the BIPC's Inspiring Entrepreneurs event with Sara Davies (watch online here)

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Find your niche

Our best piece of business advice is to find your niche. This has really helped us to focus our attentions on who our target customers are, ensuring that we play to our strengths. - Jennifer and Fiona, Founders of Amaze Associates and BIPC Local Lewisham Business Ambassadors

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Be true to yourself 

Our best piece of business advice is to be true to yourself and not fear failure, as you can always try again. - Patty and Ali, Founders of Sweet Paper Creations and BIPC Local Waltham Forest Business Ambassadors

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Celebrate every small win

Celebrate every small win. When you’re motivated your creativity improves and it’s easier to develop new solutions for business-related problems or invent new products. The connection between physical and mental health is stronger than I thought. It’s important to exercise both mind and body to fully use all your skills on your business. Female entrepreneurs can often face a wider range of challenges: in my case I’ve started my pre-menopause at 42. This brings short periods of depression and lack of sleep, some mornings I don’t want to even get out of bed. It’s difficult, but exercise helps a lot. - Judy Chicangana, Founder of Delmora and BIPC Local Bromley business ambassador 

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Alongside these words of wisdom, don't forget that our network of BIPCs is here to help you this year - wherever you are in your business journey, and wherever you are in the country. Find your local BIPC here.

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