I started NKC Equestrian Training 8 years ago this month (I know where did that time go!), and I’ve been reflecting on what’s helped me to grow the business, and what I wish I’d done sooner. I wanted to share this with you so that you can learn from these and hopefully save you holding back from growing your own business.
1. Believed in Myself More
I sort of started my business by accident, beginning with just one course, and things just snowballed from these (in the best possible way). In the beginning I spent too long second-guessing myself, the value of my courses and my prices.
I was so excited to help horse owners and professionals, but also, I was terrified! Working on my mindset has been the gamechanger for my business, and I wished I’d backed myself a bit more at the start.
2. Stopped Taking Things So Personally
Not every “no” is about you. Not every client ghosting or criticism means you’re failing. It’s business, not rejection of your worth, and ‘no’ doesn’t mean ‘no’ forever.
In the early days of business hearing no was hard, it hurt. You grow a thicker skin and become more resilient, but I do wish that I’d known how people say no, and then say yes (sometimes day later, sometimes years later!).
3. Got the Right Support Sooner
For too long, I thought I had to figure it all out alone, like I had something to prove.
When I finally asked for help and invested in the right support, an amazing business coach, it was incredible. Someone who had my back, and I could bounce ideas and questions off.
I worked so hard with that first coach, I implemented every idea and suggestion, and it paid me back in clarity, momentum, and growth.
I’ve gone on to invest in many more masterminds, business accelerators and other coaches, and each time I grow and move the business forward.
It is such a privilege for me to offer coaching and support to equine and canine therapists and watch them grow themselves and their businesses. Even with over 20 years coaching experience it is still the most rewarding work ever!
4. Focused on One Niche
Trying to be everything to everyone is exhausting. I was so passionate about helping anyone with a horse that it made marketing harder. Once I got clear on who I really wanted to serve, things flowed more easily—and my messaging landed.
I see this all the time with equine and canine therapists, marketing to anyone with a horse or a dog. Niching down is something I’ve been teaching with my business coaching services for the last 5 years, and it is incredibly powerful.
5. Set Better Boundaries and delegating
Trying to do everything myself was hard, and yes everyone does this when they start their business. Looking back, I waited a bit too long to get support and start delegating tasks.
Bringing a VA into the business for one hour a week was amazing and looking back I wished I’d started outsourcing sooner.
6. Let Go of Perfection
Done is better than perfect. Nobody remembers the typo in the post—they remember the message that helped them.
Creating ‘placeholder content’ really helped me move past perfection and looking back I still have content that I thought ‘this is good enough for now, I’ll change it later’ in place today. PDFs and free downloads that might not have been perfect, but contained a lot of value, and have helped thousands of people all around the world.
7. Trusted the Long Game
Quick wins are great, but business is a marathon. Despite what you might see on social media there are no overnight successes. The seeds I planted years ago are bearing fruit now. Patience and persistence matter, and not everyone stays the long haul.
8. Celebrated the Small Wins
When you are doing anything with animal’s things tend to move fast, and we aren’t always great at recognising what we’ve achieved.
Translating this to building my business I was so focused on the next goal that I forgot to enjoy the journey at time. Celebrating progress kept me motivated and grounded and I could have started this habit sooner!
9. Created Systems and Processes
Looking back, my business certainly lacked structure for the first few years, and most of the processes were kept in my head. Not very helpful when you want to delegate more!
I thought “winging it” meant everything was flexible—but it was slightly chaotic. Systems helped me reclaim time and feel more professional (and less overwhelmed). Coupling systems with habits meant that I actually had a clear plan for what to do when, which has made business growth much easier!
As you build your equine or canine therapy business, some of these lessons will resonate and be helpful for you.
And if you’re in the messy middle—keep going.
You’re doing better than you think.
If you’d like my help and support with growing your equine or canine practitioner business, then please do reach out to me on Instagram with the word SUPPORT. We can have a chat about what you’d like to achieve with your business and how I can help you.
