Running a business can be lonely. Sometimes you’d like some advice from an expert. Sarah Beeny, entrepreneur and TV presenter, has run a number of successful businesses. Here she shares what she’s learnt.

Take advantage of being small

“I think I’ve always wanted to work for myself rather than a big company. I like being a part of a small business, because by nature they can start and grow very fast. When something makes sense you should be able to run it past everyone and then say ‘let’s do it’, rather than take it to the next monthly meeting.

“That’s what makes small businesses exciting and vibrant. They can do things large companies can’t.”

Take the right opportunities, then realise them

“You need to take risks and punts, and comfort yourself that the worst that will happen is you’ll end up where you started. If you begin something, you never know where it might lead.”

Be better than the competition

“Don’t worry about who they are or where they come from, just make sure you’re better than them. Having said that, it’s important not to spend too much time looking over your shoulder. Look ahead and focus on executing your own plans.”

Be positive

“I don’t accept that these need to be hard times. There are always opportunities out there and in many ways these are exciting times. Recession is a brilliant time for launching a business, or for branching out. Anything that saves people money or time, anything that makes people’s lives easier, simpler or cheaper will find a market.”

Deliver something of value

“You have to be absolutely focused on delivering something of value, whether there’s a recession on or not.

“Make sure your costs are competitive and that you’re giving customers – rather than telling them – what they want.”

Ask for input

“When I get a new idea I just keep talking to other business owners and professionals to see what they think. I keep on asking people’s opinions until someone says ‘that’s a rubbish idea’ – that’s how I test it.”

If you’re online, get your website right

“Establishing a high quality website is the first and most important challenge. You could have the greatest idea in the world, but you have to get people to see you. After all, you need to have customers before you start worrying about profits.

“Once you’re established, the most important thing is to make sure that your site constantly evolves. The web changes constantly and your site needs to move all the time. So you should upgrade it constantly, keeping it as fresh and up to date as possible.”

Challenge established ideas

“The Tepilo website is an alternative way to buy, sell or let your property. We’re challenging the assumption that estate agents have any claim to special knowledge or skills.

“There’s no mystery to knowing how much a house is worth, it’s mainly about looking at what similar properties have recently been sold for. It’s something anyone can do themselves these days – all the information is available on the Internet now.”

Still looking for advice or inspiration?

Head over to the discussion boards and join other customers talking about the best ways to run a small business.