Navigating a Decade in Business: What we have Learnt, and Applied
10 years ago, RevenYou was just a vision - an idea that began with the identification of a gap in the industry, an ambition to create something, and the desire for greater flexibility to be able to balance the two, equally, important roles that I play: that of mother and businesswoman.
A decade on, that vision has transformed into an award-winning business, has grown from one team member (myself) to 13, and has expanded beyond my original business model to provide revenue management services to small-to-medium accommodation operators to now include a suite of tech, sales and marketing services.
The past 10 years have been shaped by challenges, successes and invaluable learnings. Operating a business is a constant evolution, and these ten key insights have guided me through the highs and lows of the first decade.
1. Start every day with a positive perspective.
A positive mindset encourages innovation and provides resilience. Every challenge has a solution. Every client presents an opportunity. The path forward is always possible - we just need to find the right way. Have confidence in your ability – we know more than we give ourselves credit for. As Richard Branson famously said, “Say yes and then work out how.”
2. The toughest clients teach us the most.
It is easy to enjoy seamless client relationships, but it is the difficult ones that push boundaries: challenging us, driving us to think differently and forcing us to adapt. In turn, we grow - both personally and professionally.
3. Leadership involves making brave decisions.
Being a business owner means making tough calls. It is about stepping into uncertainty with courage, trusting your vision and navigating obstacles with strength. Leadership is not about avoiding fear – it is about embracing and applying it.
4. Your team is everything.
The saying ‘there is no I in team’ is insightful for a reason. Success does not come from solo efforts - it comes from a motivated, supported and inspired team. Prioritising your staff means developing a culture of trust, appreciation and collaboration. When your team knows you have their back, they will go above and beyond.
5. Great ideas start within your team.
Innovation often comes from within. When a team member brings forward an idea they have been nurturing, take the time to stop and listen - it could help take your business to another level. Create a workplace that nurtures creativity, fosters excitement, and supports a desire to continuously improve and grow as individuals.
6. Celebrate growth - even when staff move on.
Employees moving on is not always a loss – it can be a positive sign of growth. If they leave for the right reasons, they will forever remain advocates, collaborators, often return with greater experience and fresh perspectives and can even become lifelong friends. Letting go gracefully strengthens your professional networks and long-term relationships.
7. Adapt or get left behind.
The world is evolving faster than your business. We cannot continue doing the same thing - what worked 10 years ago will not work today. Staying ahead means embracing change, rethinking strategies and being open to new approaches.
8. Surround yourself with inspiration.
Growth happens when you learn from those around you and aspire to be like - these people will inspire and influence you. Surround yourself with mentors, visionaries and those who challenge your thinking; quietly moving on from those you have outgrown.
9. Step outside your industry to learn more.
Networking beyond your immediate field is essential. Industry events are valuable but often provide similar learnings year after year. Ideas are often transferable across industry, so take the time to step outside your comfort zone where you will discover new ideas, unexpected solutions and innovative ways forward.
10. Take breaks and dream big.
We can all be guilty of allowing work to consume every moment of our day. But stepping away - taking time for holidays, self, reflection, and relaxation – is not just beneficial, it is necessary. Taking the time to stop and breathe provides you with opportunity to reconnect with yourself and start daydreaming.
The Bigger Picture
Business can be demanding, but at its core, it is about creating something meaningful, sustainable, and personally fulfilling. But when the going gets tough, take time to remember why you started your business - remind yourself to stop, reconnect and embrace life outside of work - whether that means hugging your kids, enjoying an ice- cream, sitting in the sunshine or simply putting the phone away for a while – because it can all be sorted tomorrow.
10 years down, and my journey continues. Here’s to the next decade: one that is filled with new challenges, new successes, lessons to be learned and travels to be taken.
Published: May 2025
