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Curated Essex Artists & Artisans

Small Businesses: Avoid Putting All Your Eggs In One Basket

Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket: Building a Stronger, Safer Business
If there’s one key lesson every small business owner should take to heart, it’s this: don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Relying too heavily on one supplier, one sales channel, or one big customer can leave you vulnerable — and if things go wrong, the impact can be devastating. Instead, by spreading your risks and exploring new opportunities, you can build a more secure, resilient business.

So, let’s crack this open and look at some practical ways you can avoid disaster.

1. Use More Than One Supplier
Imagine relying on one supplier for your stock, only for them to go bust or let you down at the worst possible moment — yikes!
To avoid being left with egg on your face, build relationships with multiple suppliers.
Spread your orders across different suppliers — that way, if one hits a bump in the road, your business can carry on.
Consider local options too — they might be closer than you think, and having alternatives on hand gives you peace of mind.
Stay in touch with your suppliers — good communication makes finding solutions easier when things get tricky.
A little forward planning can make all the difference when things don’t go to plan.

2. Diversify Your Revenue Streams for Eggstra Stability
Relying on just one source of income is risky. But by adding a few extra strings to your bow, you can create a stronger foundation.
Offer workshops, training sessions, or online courses — sharing your skills is a fantastic way to earn extra income and build your reputation.
Got a spare room or underused space? Consider renting it out for meetings, events, or storage.
Expand your product range — catering to different customer needs or niches can open up whole new income opportunities.
The more baskets you have, the safer your eggs will be!

3. Don’t Rely on One Big Customer or Client
Landing a big client can feel like a dream come true — but if they’re your main source of income, losing them could spell disaster.
It’s easy to get comfortable, but don’t take your foot off the gas when it comes to marketing and attracting new customers.
Continue promoting your business to ensure you’ve got a steady flow of new clients coming in.
Build relationships with multiple customers — even smaller ones — so you’re never overly dependent on one source.
Putting all your trust in one major client? That’s a risk worth avoiding.

4. Don’t Rely on One Sales Channel
If your business depends heavily on just one platform — like Instagram, Amazon, or Etsy — what happens if it suddenly changes its rules, or worse, disappears altogether?
Instead:
Explore bricks-and-mortar options — could you partner with a local shop or take part in pop-up events?
Sell through multiple online marketplaces like eBay, Faire, or Not On The High Street to widen your reach.
Consider building your own website — this way, you’re not completely reliant on third-party platforms.
The more ways people can find you, the better.

5. Don’t Put All Your Trust in One Marketing Channel
Social media, email, SEO — each has its place, but relying on just one is risky.
Use social media for awareness, but back it up with email marketing to nurture relationships and encourage repeat business.
Don’t forget good old-fashioned face-to-face networking — building personal connections can be invaluable.
Be ready for the unexpected — social media accounts get banned, email providers shut down, and algorithms can change overnight.
Diversifying your marketing means you’re less vulnerable if one channel disappears.

Let's Crack On!

The heart of a resilient business lies in being flexible, adaptable, and always one step ahead. By spreading your risks — from suppliers to sales channels — you’ll create a business that’s sturdy enough to weather unexpected storms.
So, don’t put all your eggs in one basket — spread them out, stay nimble, and watch your business thrive!

Have a lovely day!
Love, Katy x

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