Some news I’m still grinning about: Bexphoto has been chosen as one of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday winners! 🌈
What is #SBS?
Every Sunday evening, Theo Paphitis (yes, him from Dragons’ Den!) invites small businesses across the UK to tell him what they do, using the hashtag #SBS. Each week he picks just six winners and shares them with his followers. He’s been doing it since 2010, and there are now thousands of winners in the #SBS community.
As Theo puts it:
“My #SBS small businesses are under 1% of those who have entered my competition, and they all have something in common; that entrepreneurial fire in their bellies and a will to succeed. Do have a look at what they’re all about.”
– TV Dragon Theo Paphitis
How it happened
On Sunday I left a comment under Theo’s “#SBS is open” post on Instagram. It was a little intro to what I do: helping camera-shy business owners feel confident being the face of their business, with natural light, no airbrushing and plenty of laughter. I also mentioned that I’m a part-time dentist (nervous clients really are my speciality) and that I run the Sussex Business Club, because community beats competition every time.
Then I forgot all about it!
Theo announced his winners on Monday evening, and I found out on Tuesday morning, just as I was getting up for an 8am start at the dental practice. Shocked, excited and suddenly VERY awake – I’ve never got out of bed so happily on a dental day! Not only was I picked, I was at the top of the list on the very first slide, with my comment shared on the next one. You can see Theo’s post here.
What happens now?
Being an #SBS winner comes with a shiny new badge, and a profile in the #SBS directory alongside thousands of other small businesses. You can read mine here – it’s got a bit about my story, my favourite business tips, and a couple of easy ways to work with me.
There’s also a big annual #SBS event in Birmingham in February. I’m already getting messages asking if I’ll be there, so fingers crossed – I’d love to meet more of the club in person!
The lovely bit
It’s been so heart-warming to see the reaction. Lots of kind messages from friends, a few new followers on Instagram (hello if that’s you!), and congratulations popping up from fellow business owners cheering me on.
So I want to say a huge thank you to all my clients and business buddies who’ve supported me over the years. Every booking, every recommendation, every share and every kind word has helped get me here. 🌈
And congratulations to my fellow winners this week: Anavrin Kitchen, Green Traffic Light, Rock Circle Jewellery, We Are Together and Namaid Creative.
