What It Really Takes to Build a Business with Business Mentor Lynne Thomas
One of the things I love most about hosting the Class Business Podcast is hearing the unexpected journeys behind successful businesses.
Sometimes people have a carefully planned route into entrepreneurship.
And sometimes, like Lynne Thomas, they end up there almost by accident.
Lynne is now known as The Business Builder, helping startups and small businesses across the UK gain confidence, develop their business skills and create sustainable growth. But her path into business support started somewhere completely different.
A Business Built By Accident
Before becoming a business mentor and trainer, Lynne worked as an NVQ trainer and assessor.
She loved helping people gain qualifications and develop new skills, but over time the role changed.
As workloads increased and the job became more focused on processes and paperwork, Lynne eventually became unwell and found herself needing a fresh start.
At the time, she had one simple goal.
“I had this dream of being able to work at home in my pyjamas on my laptop, not have to commute.”
After searching online for opportunities that would allow her to do exactly that, she discovered the world of online marketing.
Three years later, she was selling products online and working entirely from home.
There was just one problem.
She was lonely.
“I was getting a bit stir crazy in the house on my own.”
What happened next would shape the next decade of her career.
The Power of Sharing What You Know
Looking for a reason to get out of the house and connect with people, Lynne approached a charity that had previously helped her gain qualifications and offered to provide some free online marketing training.
The sessions were so successful that the organisation asked her to make them a regular paid service.
What started as a way to meet people quickly became the foundation of the business she runs today.
Over the past ten years, Lynne has supported startups, small businesses and entrepreneurs through workshops, mentoring programmes, business bootcamps and one-to-one support.
And while the delivery methods have evolved, the goal has remained the same:
Helping people build businesses that work.
Why Relationships Still Matter
One part of our conversation that really stood out was how Lynne has built many of her opportunities.
Not through complicated sales funnels.
Not through endless cold outreach.
But through relationships.
When local organisations needed speakers, trainers or mentors, Lynne stepped forward and offered support.
Over time, those relationships opened doors to partnerships with chambers of commerce, councils, universities and growth hubs.
She explained:
“Relationships I think can definitely pave the way.”
It’s a useful reminder for class business owners.
Many people spend huge amounts of time chasing new opportunities while overlooking the relationships already sitting right in front of them.
Schools talk to schools.
Nurseries talk to nurseries.
Parents talk to parents.
Business owners talk to business owners.
Often the next opportunity is much closer than we think.
What Startups Are Struggling With Right Now
Lynne works with businesses at every stage, from people who are still exploring an idea to those who have been trading for several years.
One thing she highlighted is that while people are still enthusiastic about starting businesses, established businesses are feeling increasing pressure.
Particularly those with:
- Physical premises
- Staff costs
- Rising overheads
- Increasing software and subscription costs
- Growing operational expenses
While every business faces challenges, Lynne believes one of the most important things business owners can do is focus on what they can control.
Take Back Control
When I asked Lynne what advice she would give business owners who feel like they’re fighting their way through a tough season, her answer was simple.
“Take back control.”
For Lynne, that starts with understanding costs.
She believes many business owners fall into the trap of assuming growth always requires more spending.
In reality, some of the biggest improvements can come from becoming more intentional about where money is going.
Her advice includes:
- Review every business expense regularly
- Identify what’s essential and what’s simply nice to have
- Focus on profitability, not just turnover
- Use existing resources more effectively
- Strengthen relationships with current customers
- Look for opportunities to generate repeat business
It’s practical advice that applies whether you’re a startup or an established business.
The Value of Existing Customers
One topic that comes up regularly in my work with class business owners is marketing.
Many people immediately focus on finding new customers.
Lynne encourages business owners to look at the customers they already have.
“It’s much easier and much cheaper to sell to somebody who already knows us and trusts us.”
That principle is something class businesses can benefit from enormously.
Existing customers can become:
- Repeat customers
- Referral partners
- Advocates for your business
- Sources of testimonials
- Introductions to new opportunities
The strongest growth often comes from serving existing customers well and building deeper relationships, not simply chasing new ones.
Lynne’s Experience as a Class Business Awards Judge
This year, Lynne is also one of our judges for the Class Business Awards.
After reading through applications from across the UK, she admitted she was surprised by just how difficult judging would be.
Not because of poor applications.
Quite the opposite.
She said she was blown away by:
“The ambition, by the drive, by the resilience.”
She was particularly impressed by the creativity and determination shown by business owners who had built successful businesses in highly competitive markets.
One thing that stood out to her was the amount of thought applicants had put into understanding their customers, developing their marketing and finding ways to stand out.
And perhaps most importantly, she recognised something many business owners forget.
Success doesn’t happen overnight.
As Lynne reminded us:
“People only ever see the success, don’t they? They don’t see all the hard work and the determined effort that’s gone into making that success happen.”
It’s a message every business owner needs to hear from time to time.
Watch the Full Interview
Lynne’s story is packed with practical advice for anyone building a class business, growing a service-based business or navigating a challenging season.
From building relationships and controlling costs to finding opportunities through networking and partnerships, there are lessons throughout this conversation that apply to businesses at every stage.
Watch the full interview with Lynne Thomas on our YouTube channel.
What’s the most valuable business relationship you’ve built and how did it help your business grow?
