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Six months in: Building a team, building a dream

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:55:03 GMT

It’s hard to believe that Digismart is already six months old. Time has flown, and with it, so much growth has happened—both personally and professionally. Today, I’m thrilled to share a major milestone: we now have employees!

Yes, you read that right. After months of solo hustle, late nights, and countless cups of coffee, I’ve taken a leap and brought on two interns and one administrator to join the Digismart journey. And let me tell you—what a difference it’s already making.

Why Build a Team?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my career is this: to be effective, you need a team. I know that’s not always feasible for new businesses. The pressure to keep the lights on, manage expenses, and generate revenue can make hiring feel like a luxury. But if you want to thrive , not just survive, you have to take calculated risks .

The reward? Momentum. Clarity. Collaboration. Tasks are moving faster, ideas are flowing, and I’m no longer talking to myself (although that did help more than I care to admit!).

The Human Touch

AI has been a game-changer for Digismart. From automating tasks to generating insights, it’s helped me achieve more than I ever thought possible. But as powerful as AI is, nothing beats the human touch . Having a team means I can delegate, strategise, and focus on what I do best: leading, motivating, problem-solving, and innovating .

Now, instead of being buried in development work, I can steer the ship. I can nurture ideas that have been bubbling in my mind and watch them come to life with the help of my team. And the best part? They’re not just employees—they’re co-creators of this journey.

Looking Ahead

I wish I had a crystal ball to tell you how this all turns out. The reality is, many small businesses don’t make it past the first few years. That thought looms over me constantly. But I choose to stay positive and trust the process . I’ve got 25 years of working experience behind me, and I believe that counts for something.

So, here’s to the next chapter. To growth, to teamwork and to helping other small businesses thrive. If you’re a fellow entrepreneur looking to elevate your digital presence, reach out . Let’s see how Digismart can help you shine.

Follow my journey. Let’s build something beautiful—together.

When the going gets tough...

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:23:35 GMT

Third month in...when the going gets tough...

Three months into this journey, and wow—what a ride it’s been.

Rewarding? Absolutely.

Challenging? Without a doubt.

Starting a business has pushed me in ways I never expected. I’ve had to do some serious soul-searching and, at times, questioned whether I made the right decision. The pressure of bills, the uncertainty of income, and the constant push to deliver—it can all feel overwhelming. And when you're knee-deep in it, that pressure can stifle both productivity and creativity.

�� Remember Your Why

In those tough moments, I’ve had to remind myself of my why. Why did I start this? What was the spark that ignited this journey in the first place?

Giving up isn’t an option. Instead, I’ve learned to reconnect with my passion—the same passion that started this movement. I’ve said it before in previous blogs: go back to your plan. Revisit it. Adjust it if you need to. In fact, I’ve decided to accelerate mine. I’m stepping into Phase 2 of this journey, even if it means biting down and pushing through the tough times.

�� The Power of a Support Network

Another lesson? The power of a strong support network.
In the corporate world, I always emphasized this to my team and mentees. But somehow, I overlooked it for myself. I didn’t realize how much I missed having people to bounce ideas off of, to talk things through with. That realization hit me—of all places—while I was driving and talking to myself out loud (yes, really!).

�� Final Thoughts

So, what’s the takeaway here?

Don’t give up when things get hard.
Use the challenges to reignite your fire. Let them fuel your vision.
And remember, you don’t have to do it alone—build your tribe, lean on your network, and keep moving forward.

You've planned it, now let's execute!

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:33:07 GMT

You've planned it - Now let's execute!

So, you’ve done the groundwork. You’ve mapped out your business plan, clarified your goals, and set your intentions. That wasn’t just a tick-box exercise—it was the foundation of your journey. Now comes the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) part: execution .

�� Keep Your Plan Visible

Your business plan is your compass. Keep it open on your desktop, print it out, pin it to your wall—whatever works for you. The key is to see it daily . Every morning, before diving into emails or tasks, take a moment to check in with your plan. Ask yourself:

What do I need to follow through on today?
Am I still aligned with my goals?
What small step can I take right now?
Remember to review your plan regularly too. As the world changes, so should your plan. Be agile. You cannot work on a rigid plan or you run the risk of becoming irrelevant and will fall behind your competitors.

�� To-Do Lists & Digital Diaries

I’m a to-do list person. I jot down little notes in my notebook every few days, and I use my email calendar religiously to diarise tasks and follow-ups. It’s simple, but it works. These small habits build credibility —with your clients, your team, and yourself.

If you promise to call someone back, set a reminder. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget. But following up - even just to say, “I haven’t forgotten about you,” goes a long way. It shows professionalism, care, and reliability.

�� Think Automation First

We live in an incredible time where automation and AI can take a load off your shoulders. Ask yourself:

Can I automate this email response?
Can I schedule this task?
Can AI help me write, plan, or brainstorm?

I use AI to refine my writing. The ideas are mine—AI just helps me polish them. That’s what augmentation means: enhancing your work, not replacing it. So, use AI to augment your work, it really will save you so much time!

�� Stay Connected to Your “Why”

Some days will be tough. Others will be tougher. You might even think about giving up. I’ve been there. Just weeks into launching Digismart, I thought, “Maybe I should go back to corporate.” It felt safer. Easier.

But then I remind myself why I started. And I want you to remember your why, too.

You didn’t start this business to play it safe. You started it to make a difference, to create something meaningful, to live on your own terms.

�� You’re Not Alone

If you ever feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure—reach out. At Digismart, we are here to help you problem-solve, strategise, and turn your challenges into growth opportunities.

Let’s build something great. Together.

Getting started in your new business venture

Wed, 14 May 2025 09:56:46 GMT

My personal experience in starting up a new business

Getting Started in Your New Business Venture

With the launch of my new website and business, I thought it would be fitting to share some of my personal experiences in setting up a new business. If you're just starting out, you might be feeling overwhelmed—sometimes to the point of procrastination—because you simply don’t know where to begin.

After spending 25 years in a large corporate environment, I know how structured those spaces can be. As a new joiner, everything is laid out for you: training manuals, experienced colleagues, established policies and procedures. But when it’s your own business? Well, there’s no instruction manual handed to you on day one.

So, where do you start?

The Temptation to Jump In

One thought that constantly weighs on your mind is: I need to make money. Understandably, you want to dive straight into selling, marketing, and creating—because that’s how businesses generate revenue, right? But before you rush in, let me share the most important lesson I’ve learned:

Plan, Plan, Plan

In the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

Nothing can truly begin without a clear strategy. Don't rely solely on intuition and think you've got it all figured out in your head. Do your research—consult reputable sources on the essential steps to start a business and develop a checklist. The great thing is, with AI, entire business plans can now be automated. While they might not be perfect, they certainly provide a solid foundation to build from.

Take the first few days to meticulously map things out. Work through your to-do list, and don’t forget to establish your digital presence—Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google Business Profile can all be game-changers when it comes to visibility and credibility.

You’re Not Alone

The process may feel overwhelming, but the good news is: you don’t have to navigate it alone. At DigiSmart, we specialize in helping businesses build their digital presence from day one, easing the burden so you can focus on your core operations.

Starting a business is a journey—sometimes thrilling, sometimes confusing, and even frustrating. But remember, this all began with a dream. Now, it’s time to make it a reality.

Celebrate every small success along the way and enjoy the ride!