5 lessons I've learnt building a multi-million-pound eCommerce start-up

For those that don't know, I decided to partner with my mother, almost four years ago, in her business that she started in our garage at home. My vision was to pursue some business, but the finer details were not at all concrete at the time. In hindsight, that decision truly changed everything.

In 2016, the year I joined her, we were operating from a small office room that we rented from the local Leicestershire council. We employed one part-time staff member for just two days a week, to help us pack a handful of parcels that we sold online. The business was in its early embryonic stage, and it was the perfect opportunity for us to try almost anything we wanted to. So we did.

We've since had an exciting four years at WP, and it's been a rollercoaster, to say the least. The team has grown consistently in both size and resource, and we've moved depot three times. The company has expanded to have operations and clients in all corners of the world.  

At 24, I am still new to the world of business, but I wanted to share my experience over the last few years, and the top lessons that I have learnt. So whether one person reads this or a hundred, I'll continue to document this journey for myself, as a way to reflect.

We often hear about the overnight 'success' stories on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. However, sometimes I feel these stories distance themselves from the adversity that can (and most likely will) be faced when trying to grow a business, and ultimately the great lessons that you get to learn along the way.

So here are my top FIVE lessons:

1. RELATIONSHIPS MATTER. No one wants to do long term business with someone they dislike, simple. It may seem obvious, but just like most relationships, business relations may face some strain over the years, and you have to continue to work on them. Be this customers, suppliers, clients, team members or just about anyone you come into contact with. This doesn't mean you have to 'people please' 24/7. Always be honest, but don't let your ego get ahead of the bigger picture.
2. ASK QUESTIONS. When I first started, I used to regularly hesitate when asking about things I didn't understand. A simple shift in mindset, of looking to learn and not always to try to impress people, is underrated. Be as curious as possible. These days I want to know how everything works and why, and I'll keep asking questions until I get it.
3. YOU ARE NOT THE COMPANY. Yes, I put 'I' in the title, but that could not be further from the truth. As things started to grow at WP, I briefly reflected on why. Whilst you may have created the vision, the team are the ones that have come together to create it. Everyone involved in the journey is the reason, and you can't let your 'ego' get in the way of seeing this. "None of us is as smart as all of us." --Ken Blanchard 
4. LITTLE DISCOMFORTS. We hear the motivational comments of taking yourself out of your comfort zone, and I, for one, agree. However, I feel this should be a daily habit, rather than one significant change, that we often think it should. In growing WP, I've tried to discipline myself to do uncomfortable things daily. It's allowed us to get involved in projects that seemed so far-fetched not long ago, but it also keeps things exciting. I hope to still have that "butterflies in my stomach" feeling many years down the line due to this particular habit.
5. LOVE IT ALL — even the tough times. I mean, you need to learn to love every moment, even when it's not your day. If something doesn't go the way you/the team planned, you start to question the position you've put yourself in. Instead, draw the lessons and positives, and focus on the bigger picture. That leads to my favourite word in business, resilience.