Amie-Leigh Minshull on How to run a successful business from someone who failed more times than she can count!

As with most things in life, when it comes to running a business, everyone has an opinion. From the simple set-up stages of choosing a business type through to pricing, products and services, and how to market the business, someone somewhere will offer you advice. Unfortunately, it’s not always good advice – as I learnt myself.

The truth is the only person who can really help you with those things is you. You are the heartbeat of your business, and while you can outsource certain elements to give you back the much-needed time to work on the business rather than in the business, ultimately, they all need guidance and direction from you. But there are some tips that I highly recommend to help you on your way.

Know Your Numbers

As boring as it sounds, numbers are the key to growing a successful business. I’ll be honest, numbers are not for me. I’d rather be dreaming up the next big idea or putting my all into something creative than stressing over spreadsheets. If that sounds like you, I can safely say an accountant is worth their weight in gold. A good accountant does so more than crunch numbers. They provide clarity, strategy, and foresight, so you can make informed decisions and hopefully avoid some of the costly mistakes that I’ve made.

When you keep track and know your numbers, you take the guesswork out of business growth. You can then plan strategically, allocate resources wisely, and navigate uncertainty with confidence – and isn’t that what we all want?

Lead With Insight

Public Relations (PR) and marketing is about so much more than broadcasting a message. As I often tell my clients, it’s about creating a meaningful connection with your audience, wherever they are. Customers today don’t care about catchy slogans or fancy graphics. They want real. Businesses that share expertise, tell honest stories, and address real customer challenges offer value far beyond their products or services.

Authenticity builds trust. Trust drives loyalty. An educational, insight-driven approach will position you and your brand as an authority in your space. Instead of pushing hard sells, guide your audience, empower them with knowledge, and show that your business truly understands their needs.

Be More Human

Perhaps the most important ingredient in success is humanity. In a world that is increasingly dominated by automation and AI, customers crave real human connection. This means being unapologetically yourself as a business leader, embracing your values, quirks, and vision without dilution. Authenticity resonates more deeply than corporate facades.

While AI tools can support efficiency within your business, relying solely on machines risks stripping away the warmth that builds lasting relationships. Given the choice, I will always invest in human employees. Their creativity, empathy and intuition are what make my business, and so many others, relatable and resilient. Being more human is not just about branding; it’s about culture, leadership, and the way you interact with every stakeholder. And that is something that right now a machine just cannot do.

Lean Into Your Imposter Syndrome

We’re always taught that imposter syndrome is something to be feared. That inner feeling that taunts you and tells you that you’re not good enough, that you’re a fraud. Well, it’s wrong. That feeling is not telling you that you can’t do this; it’s reminding you that you are alive and capable of rising to the challenge.

Think about it. If you are facing a business decision or an experience that doesn’t fill you with a little bit of fear and nervousness about what could happen, then you’ve become complacent. Successful businesses don’t grow from complacency; they grow through risk, innovation, and trying something that no one else has done before. So, next time you step into a room, and you feel out of your depth, don’t see it as a sign of your failure. See it for what it is, a chance to learn, to grow and to do something amazing.

Recipe For Success

Over the past few years, I have learnt that building a successful business requires more than ambition. I have worn multiple hats, learnt skills that I never would have dreamed of, taken advice and quickly learnt that it wasn’t the best advice for me, fallen more times than I can count, but every hurdle has taught me something new. When you know your numbers, lead authentically and bring humanity to the forefront, you don’t just build a company – you build a legacy.

So, the question is: are you ready to look beyond the spreadsheets and strategies and start shaping a business that people genuinely trust, connect with, and most importantly, remember?

By Amie-Leigh Minshull

Amie-Leigh Minshull is a seasoned PR professional based in Grantham, UK with her husband and daughter. With over a decade of experience in public relations, she has cultivated a robust network and a deep understanding of brand positioning. After 12 years working in global PR and marketing in both in-house and agency roles, Amie-Leigh identified a gap in the market for a PR agency that emphasises strategic ingenuity over budget size. With a vision to democratise access to high-quality PR services, she launched Shh! PR to support female business owners in navigating the rapidly evolving PR and media landscape.

Amie-Leigh’s expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, leveraging both traditional media and digital platforms to amplify her clients’ presence. Her strategic approach to PR has consistently delivered impactful results, enhancing brand visibility and reputation.​

Beyond her professional endeavours, Amie-Leigh is passionate about mentoring emerging PR professionals, sharing insights, and fostering growth within the industry. Her commitment to excellence and innovation continues to drive her success in the dynamic world of public relations.