E47: Building Resilience: How to overcome setbacks in business

You had a dream, took the leap, and started your business...amazing! But let’s be real, entrepreneurship isn’t always smooth sailing. Maybe you’ve hit a slow month, lost a big client, or things aren’t growing as fast as you’d hoped.

In this episode of Dream Business Dream Life, I dive into resilience. How to push through challenges, learn from failures, and keep building even when things feel tough. Every successful entrepreneur has faced struggles...Oprah, Steve Jobs, Sara Blakely, yet they adapted, learned, and kept going.

You'll learn:
 ✔️ How to reframe failure as feedback
 ✔️ Why adaptability is key to success
 ✔️ The power of having a strong support network
 ✔️ How self-care fuels resilience
 ✔️ Real-life success stories of entrepreneurs who overcame setbacks

If you’re feeling stuck or ready to throw in the towel, this episode is for you.

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Website: https://www.emmahine.co.uk

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaHineStrategy

Transcript

Hello & welcome to Dream Business Dream Life, helping ambitious people, like you, to grow a business they love.

I’m Emma Hine and I’m on a mission to show you that it is possible to grow a business without sacrificing your life.

Having experienced the rollercoaster of making millions of pounds, but feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and totally unsuccessful, I know first-hand the importance of growing a business on your terms.

On this podcast I'm going to share with you lots of tips and advice that will enable you to grow a business that gives you the financial freedom to live the life of your dreams while sharing with you some inspirational growth stories from other fabulous business owners.

Ready to live the dream? Then let’s get stuck in…

Hello & Welcome to today’s episode of Dream Business Dream Life.

You had a dream, you took the leap, and now you're running a small business. Amazing…but let’s be real it's not all smooth sailing. 

Maybe you've hit a slow month, lost a big client, or things just aren’t growing as fast as you'd hoped. 

The truth? Every business owner faces setbacks…it’s part of the game. But how you respond to those setbacks is what makes the difference between giving up and growing stronger.

In today's episode, I’m talking about resilience…how to push through challenges, learn from failures, and keep building even when things feel tough. 

If you’ve ever felt like throwing in the towel, trust me you’re not alone. Every business owner from the biggest names to the newest startups, has faced serious struggles.

Oprah was fired from her first TV job. Steve Jobs was kicked out of Apple. Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, was rejected by multiple manufacturers before finally getting her big break. 

And then there was Thomas Edison…imagine if he had given up before he discovered the light bulb.

But these people didn’t stop. They adjusted, learned, and kept going.

So let’s talk about how YOU can develop that same resilience when things don’t go as planned.

I like to reframe failure…instead of seeing it as an end, I just see it as data. What went wrong? What can you learn? Maybe your product launch didn’t go as planned, or an idea flopped…great! That means you’re learning, you’re improving. Failure is proof that you’re trying.

And you have to try if you want to find your way.

Resilient entrepreneurs don’t just stick to one plan; they adjust. If your marketing strategy isn’t working, tweak it. If customers aren’t biting, ask them why. Businesses that survive are the ones that evolve.

Airbnb started as a simple idea: renting out air mattresses in a spare room. They adapted, listened to the market, and now, well… we all know how that turned out!

Running a business can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it solo. Find mentors, join business groups, network with fellow business owners….find your people. Having people who ‘get it’ can be a game-changer. They can offer advice, encouragement, and remind you that setbacks are normal.

Resilience isn’t just about working harder, it’s about taking care of yourself. Get your Sleep. Take breaks. Exercise. Meditate if it works for you. A burned-out business owner can’t run a business effectively so prioritise your well-being, and you’ll have the energy to keep pushing forward.

Every successful business owner has a ‘rock-bottom’ story. Look for books, podcasts, or interviews where business owners share their struggles. It’s inspiring and reminds you that setbacks don’t last forever. This is exactly why I share other business owners’ growth stories on this podcast so go and listen to some of those.

So to summarise:

Reframe failure – It’s just feedback.
 Be adaptable – Change the plan, not the goal.
 Lean on others – Find mentors and a support network.
 Manage your energy – You are your greatest asset.
 Learn from the greats – So many success stories start with struggle.

So if things are not feeling great right now…lean into it, what can you do differently, how can you adapt and change.

Just do one thing to start the process and don’t let one set back stop you in your tracks.

Thank you for listening; see you next time…

You have been listening to Dream Business Dream Life with Emma Hine. If you want to know more about how I can help you to build your dream business and your dream life, then visit my website emmehine.co.uk. Until next time remember you really can have it all!