Northern Insight talks to Nicola Halse of Riverside Marketing about her 2024.
What did you set out to achieve this year?
I’m terrible at taking time away from the business, so this year I really wanted to make an effort to take more breaks and a holiday where I switched off and I’m pleased to say I did that.
Setting goals doesn’t always have to be about business growth or profits, I think it’s just as important to take time away to make sure you’re refreshed and don’t burn out. I’ve definitely been guilty of that in the past so it was great this year to have a lovely family holiday (without taking my laptop!) and enjoy quite a few overnight stays in the UK too.
Has everything gone according to plan?
No, does it ever? Part of running a business means that you’re hit with curve balls sometimes, however, it’s how you deal with these that matter most.
Whether that’s changes in clients, strategies that haven’t worked as well as you hoped or family pressures, you simply have to adjust to the situation, try something different, keep calm and generally, things always work out for the best.
What are you most proud of this year?
Deciding to invest in a co-working space at the North East BIC. From starting the business at the very start of the Covid pandemic in 2020 (which now seems like a million years ago!), I was very proud to see just how far I’ve come in that time.
Working as a freelancer can be isolating at times so it’s been a great move for me, the atmosphere, fellow tenants and business advisors are fantastic and having several clients based here as well, it made perfect sense.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received this year?
I was lucky to attend the Women in Leadership event as part of the Sunderland Business Festival and one piece of advice which a panellist had received really struck a chord with me, ‘Anything you ignore, you accept.’
Thinking about previous employment roles I’ve had, it really resonated with me, I think it’s so true and a great piece of business advice.
What has been the most enjoyable business event you’ve been to this year?
That was definitely the chocolate making experience at The Canny Chocolate Company in South Shields. Organised by Rachel Skeoch from Truenorth Marketing, it was a fantastic afternoon going behind the scenes into the art of chocolate making. We got to make our own chocolate bar, use the amazing chocolate machine and all while networking with a great group of North East business women. I would highly recommend the experience to any chocolate lover!
What have you learnt about yourself this year?
I’m more resilient than I thought. When things don’t go to plan, which they often don’t in business, it’s important to react in the right way. As somebody who is very laid back and pragmatic, there have been instances this year both in my business and family life where my character has certainly been tested. As generally happens, everything works out well and I’m pleased to say that my reactions to events have certainly make me realise that I’m more resilient and my character is stronger for it.
Describe 2024 in three words…
Enjoyable. Challenging. Fun.
What are your aims for 2025?
With the business celebrating its fifth anniversary in April, I’m hoping to continue working with great North East clients and of course, continue in my role as Enterprise Advisor at Durham Sixth Form Centre, something which I really enjoy doing.
Ultimately, however, I think it’s important to simply be healthy and happy!
www.riversidemarketingsolutions.co.uk