Ever feel like the only conversations you hear are about 6- or 7-figure businesses?
In this solo ep, I'm breaking the silence on the reality of the five-figure business, a.k.a. the often-overlooked and actually most common segment of the UK's private sector. I challenge the "hustle bro" narrative, help you redefine success on your own terms, and reveal the common revenue traps that keep us business owners stuck.
I wrap up with a practical solution: a Real Hourly Rate Calculator, designed to help you smash those revenue ceilings without sacrificing your wellbeing.
You'll hear about:
- Why I'm Opening Up About Five-Figure Businesses: The media narrative focuses on huge numbers, but in my work I see that most business owners are aiming for consistent, comfortable revenue like £3k−£5k months.
- The Data Don't Lie: I share some interesting UK statistics showing that the vast majority of businesses are very small, one-person operations with turnover below the VAT threshold (£85k). We are the majority! Did you know that…
- 54% of the estimated 5.7 million UK businesses are unregistered for VAT or PAYE.
- 57% (3.2 million) of all UK businesses are sole proprietorships.
- 88% of sole proprietorships are unregistered for VAT/PAYE.
- What These Numbers Look Like In Context: With an estimate of £4k per month for average household expenses and rent/mortgage, I sense check the £5k−£10k monthly revenue range as a realistic and necessary goal for many of us.
- Rejecting the Hustle Narrative: Why are we being told we need to aim for £100k months? Spoiler alert: the people that say this on the regular are selling something (!)
- Three Key Areas to Break Down Your Version of Success:
- Measurement: What are your metrics? (e.g., time off, physical/mental health, presence for family). Money is a tool, not the goal.
- Common Traps: I dive into the issues I see like hourly charging, not taking enough time off, and the dreaded boom-bust cycle (and how I suggest adopting a healthier cyclical view of business much like the ‘seasons’ in nature - because they all have their value, right!?).
- The Money Mindset Trap: How personal money beliefs, stories, and debt habits you’ve had inevitably manifest in your business too (and how this looks for me, personally!)
- The Solution: The Real Hourly Rate Calculator: I provide a step-by-step guide to calculating the true revenue you need . Warning: doing this calculation might come as a bit of a shock!
Mic-drop moments:
“Here's a permission slip for you: only YOU get to decide if your business is successful.”
"The money that comes in is a tool that facilitates me to do the stuff I want. For me, it’s not a goal in and of itself."
“Rather than ‘can I afford to take time off?” can you afford NOT to take time off? Because otherwise what you are doing is pushing yourself towards burnout."
Hot Takeaways:
- Redefine Success: An invitation to determine your own metrics for a successful business - it's not just about the money!
- Evaluate Your Time: Honestly assess the hours you can work in a week and figure out how much is actually sellable time after things like admin, marketing, and rest.
- Ditch Hourly Charging: Start thinking about how to package your services to make more money in less time.
- Build in Marketing: Your version of "fully booked" must include time for permanent marketing activities to escape the boom-bust cycle (credit to Charelle Griffith for this truth bomb!)
- Get Real with Finances: Calculate your Real Hourly Rate to understand the true revenue your business needs, to facilitate the life you want.
Resources Mentioned:
So what now?
Did this episode hit home? Email me or leave a comment with your biggest takeaway! If you need help calculating your Real Hourly Rate and breaking through those revenue ceilings, drop me a DM or email and let’s chat!
