In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jyotsna Ramachandran, founder of Happy Self Publishing, shares her journey to success. She discusses how focusing on team development and refining business strategies transformed her company’s growth. Jyotsna details the importance of authentic storytelling in publishing and reveals the impact of building a strong company culture. Tune in to learn from her experiences and the strategies that propelled Happy Self Publishing forward. Other Resources: When should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors? Get a return from an effective Chairperson of a Board   Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.   And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:   What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Jyotsna Ramachandran, the hardest thing in growing a small business is overcoming the entrepreneur's mindset of viewing their business as "small." She emphasizes that this mindset can hinder growth, suggesting that shifting to a mindset of scalability and possibility is crucial for reaching the next level of success What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Jyotsna Ramachandran's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. She found it particularly valuable for understanding the importance of prioritizing profits before covering other expenses, which shifted her perspective on managing her business finances. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jyotsna Ramachandran recommends the Mel Robbins Show for personal development and business growth. Mel Robbins, known for her "Five Second Rule," offers practical advice and motivation that Jyotsna finds resonant and actionable. For online learning, she suggests leveraging such podcasts and resources to enhance both personal and professional skills. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jyotsna Ramachandran recommends using a simple spreadsheet to track expenses and income. Despite its basic nature, she finds it crucial for managing finances and ensuring clarity on cash flow, especially for small business owners who may initially overlook the importance of detailed financial tracking. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Jyotsna Ramachandran would advise herself that "you can grow your business the way you want. There is no one rule or metric to define success. Each person’s life circumstances and goals are unique, so set your own rules and grow your business according to your vision. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success in business is not about speed, but about steady, intentional growth – Jyotsna Ramachandran Your business should serve your vision, not society's expectations – Jyotsna Ramacha