Being a small business owner is a journey filled with constant learning, connection, and growth. This past weekend was no exception. From diving deep into digital transformation to reflecting on the value of personal relationships, I experienced moments that reminded me of a powerful truth: You don’t know what you don’t know.
The Realisation: Systems Can Make or Break You
As a small business owner, I always strive to ensure that everything runs smoothly, but this weekend brought a crucial realisation—our current systems are slowing us down. While I had suspected inefficiencies, it wasn’t until I started discussing solutions that the scale of the problem became clear.
Enter Cris Iconomu from ViBuNe, a systems expert whose work I’ve seen and admired firsthand. His ability to streamline processes is exceptional, and I knew he was the right person to help me embark on this journey of digital transformation.
We spent three hours together mapping out a clear direction for my business systems. During that time, it became evident how many opportunities I’d been missing simply because I didn’t know the possibilities that better systems could unlock. This realisation was both humbling and empowering.
As a small business owner, it’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day grind, assuming that inefficiencies are just part of the process. But as Cris showed me, the right systems can do so much more—they can drive growth, improve productivity, and free up time to focus on what truly matters.
The Connection: Blurring the Lines Between Work and Family
After my meeting with Cris, I shifted gears and headed to a birthday party for Debbie Hatumale-Uy, someone I’ve come to know through Realise Business. Debbie is not just a fellow advisor but also a digital sister, and being invited to her personal celebration touched me deeply.
For me, the moment was about more than just attending a party—it was a reminder of how professional relationships can evolve into meaningful personal connections. The lines between work and family blurred as I celebrated Debbie’s special day alongside people who’ve become part of my extended professional “family.”
While at the party, I also bumped into Martin Rogers, the CEO of Realise Business. We had a great chat that went far beyond work. We talked about our families, our hobbies, and the things we’re passionate about. These are the moments that make me grateful for the community I’ve found through Realise Business—a place where relationships transcend professional boundaries, creating a network of support and camaraderie.
Lessons from the Weekend: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
This weekend reinforced a vital lesson for me as a small business owner: You don’t know what you don’t know.
- On systems: Until I sat down with Cris, I didn’t realise the extent to which outdated systems were holding me back. Starting this transformation has already opened my eyes to what’s possible when you bring in the right expertise.
- On relationships: Being part of communities like Realise Business has shown me the power of genuine connections. When professional relationships grow into personal ones, it’s a reminder of how much we can achieve when we care for and support one another.
Final Thoughts
Running a small business is not just about strategies and systems—it’s about the people you meet, the relationships you build, and the lessons you learn along the way.
This weekend was a perfect example of that balance. From tackling inefficiencies with Cris to celebrating milestones with Debbie and chatting with Martin, I was reminded of the importance of staying open—to new ideas, new opportunities, and new connections.
To all the small business owners out there: Take time to reflect, reach out for help when you need it, and cherish the relationships that make the journey worthwhile. Because sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs happen when you realise just how much you still have to learn.
Disclaimer: Content refined by AI but thoughts are my own.
Pulkit Agrawal is the SEO Expert and Founder of UR Digital, a Sydney-based SEO agency renowned for delivering impactful and measurable results. With responsibilities spanning leadership, guidance, and innovation, Pulkit ensures that UR Digital remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving SEO landscape.
Pulkit’s journey into SEO began serendipitously in 2005 when, as a qualified network engineer, he discovered a book on Google during his daily commute. One book led to another, and Pulkit fell in love with the art and science of SEO. Determined to put his knowledge into practice, Pulkit faced skepticism until his father trusted him to apply his strategies to the family business. His father’s business thrived on Google, and word of his success spread, leading to the birth of his first SEO agency, URADICS, in India.
However, Pulkit’s journey wasn’t without challenges. In 2019, his reliance on a single, large white-label account proved catastrophic when the client left, bringing his first agency to a halt. After two years of reflection and rebuilding, Pulkit emerged stronger, founding UR Digital in January 2021 with a renewed vision and purpose.
Pulkit’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Never say or do something you wouldn’t be comfortable with yourself.” This principle drives his work, relationships, and leadership style, ensuring integrity and trust at every step.
Achievements
Judge: Top 50 Small Business Leader 2024
Certified Practising Marketer: Australian Marketing Institute
Top 50 Small Business Leader 2022: Inside Small Business
Top 20 Australian Digital Marketer to Work With in 2022
SEO Advisor: Realise Business for the Australian Government-funded Digital Solutions Program
Guest Author: Inside Small Business, Semrush, Entrepreneur Media
Volunteer SEO Lead: World Literacy Foundation
When not immersed in SEO, Pulkit enjoys spending time with his family and indulging in spirited games of Monopoly on weekends, where he passionately builds his “Monopoly empire.”
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