Intertwining 'The Art of Story Telling' with SME Business: Inspired by Anthony Trollope.

Written in 2024 by an e-commerce company with 20 years of online experience selling Gift Baskets and Hampers

When it comes to capturing the complexities of social and economic life, few authors do it as brilliantly as Anthony Trollope. This Victorian-era powerhouse didn’t just write stories; he dissected the moral dilemmas of his time, showing how people juggle personal ambition, ethical duty, and the greater good. Even though his novels are set in a different century, the lessons they offer are surprisingly relevant today—especially for those of us in the business world.

At Basketsgalore, we’ve found a lot of inspiration in Trollope’s work. As a UK-based SME that’s been operating in the e-commerce industry for over 20 years, we specialise in designing high-quality, creatively themed gift baskets and hampers for all sorts of occasions. Our busiest time, of course, is Christmas, when everyone’s after the perfect Xmas hamper. But it’s always been our mission to go beyond just selling products; we’ve always wanted to build a sustainable business that benefits society now and for generations to come.

In a world where mega-corporations and populist leaders often put profits before people, we see it as our moral responsibility to stand up for SMEs like ours. In 2024, we’re doubling down on storytelling—an art that Trollope mastered—to inspire and support other small business owners. By sharing our journey and the wisdom we’ve gained, we hope to build a business community that values collaboration, ethics, and a shared vision for a better society and future for the human race.

Lessons in Discipline, Innovation, and Ethical Leadership: Why Anthony Trollope Would Make an Excellent Business Leader at Basketsgalore

If Anthony Trollope were alive today, his wisdom, work ethic and keen insights into both human nature and organisational efficiency would make him an invaluable addition to any business team. Trollope’s life and work are rich with lessons that resonate deeply with the values and practices we ourselves strive to uphold in our own business. His disciplined approach, innovative mindset, and deep understanding of social and political dynamics provide a blueprint for ethical and sustainable business leadership and practice.  

Here are just 5 examples of how Trollope would make an excellent business leader:

1. Prolific Writing Routine: The Power of Discipline
One of the most remarkable aspects of Trollope’s life was his rigorous and prolific writing routine. Waking up at 5:30 a.m. every day, Trollope would write for three hours before heading to his full-time job at the Post Office. With a stopwatch in hand, he aimed to write 250 words every 15 minutes, a discipline that allowed him to produce 47 novels, along with numerous short stories, essays, and travel books. This disciplined approach is a quality that would be immensely valuable in any business setting, where efficiency and productivity are key to maintaining high standards of quality and service.

2. Working Career: Innovation and Practicality
Before becoming a full-time writer, Trollope had a successful career in the British Post Office, where he is credited with introducing the pillar box (public mailboxes) to Britain. This simple yet significant innovation greatly improved the efficiency of the postal service, demonstrating Trollope’s practical mindset and his ability to implement ideas that make a real difference. At Basketsgalore, we value innovation that enhances customer experience and operational efficiency, and Trollope’s experience in streamlining services would align perfectly with our goals.  His understanding of large, complex organizations and his ability to see both the big picture and the finer details would provide valuable insights into optimising business operations.. 

3. Writing Process: Systematic Approach to Success
In his Autobiography, Trollope revealed his systematic approach to writing, treating it like any other job with set hours and specific targets. This was a departure from the romantic notion of writing as purely an act of inspiration and instead framed it as a professional craft requiring dedication and discipline. At Basketsgalore, we similarly believe in the importance of structure and consistency in achieving success. Trollope’s approach to his craft is a reminder that great outcomes are often the result of disciplined processes and continuous effort.

This systematic approach is reflected in how we manage our business. From product development to customer service, we believe that consistent, deliberate action leads to excellence. Trollope’s ability to demystify the creative process and treat it as a disciplined practice resonates with our own commitment to methodical and sustained effort in building our brand.

4. Not Immediately Celebrated: Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
Despite his prolific output and the popularity of his novels during his lifetime, Trollope did not achieve the same level of posthumous fame as some of his contemporaries, like Charles Dickens. His reputation suffered partly due to his candidness in his Autobiography about writing for money and treating it as a business. Yet, his honesty and transparency are qualities we admire deeply at Basketsgalore. Trollope’s story is one of perseverance—continuing to produce work he believed in, despite the lack of immediate recognition.

In the competitive world of e-commerce, we often face challenges and setbacks, but Trollope’s experience teaches us the value of perseverance. His long-term vision and commitment to his work, even when it wasn’t celebrated, is a powerful reminder that success is often about staying the course, believing in your mission, and continuously striving to improve. At Basketsgalore, we are inspired by Trollope’s resilience and his understanding that true recognition often follows after sustained effort and unwavering dedication.

5. Interest in Politics: A Vision for Ethical Leadership
Trollope’s deep interest in politics, particularly his focus on the interplay between politics, social issues, and personal morality, is another reason why he would be a brilliant addition to our business team. His novels, especially the Palliser series, offer a detailed examination of the political landscape of his time, reflecting his belief in ethical leadership and the importance of balancing personal ambition with the common good. Trollope even ran for Parliament as a Liberal candidate, underscoring his commitment to public service.

At Basketsgalore, we believe that businesses have a responsibility to act ethically and to contribute to the greater good of society. Trollope’s understanding of politics and his commitment to ethical principles would be invaluable as we navigate the challenges of running a business in today’s complex social and economic environment. 

Incorporating Trollope’s Wisdom into Our Brand Identity

At Basketsgalore, the wisdom we’ve taken from Anthony Trollope’s writings is not just a source of inspiration; it’s a cornerstone of our brand identity. 

One of the most significant ways we’ve incorporated his wisdom into our brand is through the art of storytelling. Trollope was a master storyteller, using his narratives to explore the moral complexities of life and to provoke thought and discussion among his readers. Similarly, we at Basketsgalore believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with our customers and the broader business community. By sharing our journey—our challenges, triumphs, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way—we aim to inspire other small business owners and encourage them to tell their own stories.

We believe that storytelling helps to humanise our brand, making us more relatable and trustworthy in the eyes of our customers. In a world where consumers are increasingly looking for authenticity, our goal is for the stories we tell about our commitment to quality, sustainability, hard work and ethicality to resonate with our customers. By aligning our narrative with the values expressed in Trollope’s work, we strive to build a brand that stands for more than just commerce—it stands for integrity, social responsibility, and a dedication to the common good.

Trollope’s emphasis on the balance between individual pursuits and the welfare of the community is another aspect that we have woven into our brand identity. We are acutely aware that our success as an SME is intertwined with the well-being of the community we serve. This awareness drives our efforts to build a sustainable business model that not only benefits us but also supports other small businesses. We see it as our moral and social responsibility to be a voice for SMEs, advocating for a business environment where collaboration and mutual support are prioritised over competition and corporate greed.

In 2024, this commitment has taken on even greater significance. With the increasing concentration of power in the hands of populist leaders and mega-corporations, there is a growing need for SMEs to band together and support one another. At Basketsgalore, we are using our platform to promote the idea that small businesses can make a big difference by working together. We want our voice to be heard as a voice of truth—one that challenges the status quo and advocates for a more equitable and ethical business landscape.

By weaving our narrative with that of Anthony Trollope, we are not only paying homage to his literary legacy but also reaffirming our commitment to the principles he championed. In doing so, we hope to inspire others to embrace the power of storytelling as a means of building stronger, more resilient businesses that contribute positively to society.

Why Trollope’s Teachings Matter to SME's

n today’s fast-paced and increasingly complex business environment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a unique set of challenges. From navigating the pressures of global competition to managing limited resources, SMEs must constantly adapt to survive and thrive. In this context, the teachings of Anthony Trollope are not just relevant—they are vital.

Trollope’s work offers timeless insights into the ethical and social dimensions of business, which are particularly pertinent for SMEs striving to build sustainable, community-focused enterprises. One of the key challenges for SMEs is maintaining a balance between the drive for profitability and the need to uphold ethical standards. Trollope’s writings remind us that the pursuit of financial success should never come at the expense of integrity. His characters often grapple with the consequences of unethical decisions, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s principles, even when faced with difficult choices.

Another significant lesson from Trollope’s work is the importance of resilience and perseverance. SMEs often operate in highly competitive environments, where resources are limited, and the margin for error is small. Trollope’s characters frequently face adversity, but those who succeed are often those who remain steadfast in their efforts, refusing to compromise their values for short-term gain. This mirrors our own experience at Basketsgalore, where resilience has been key to our survival and growth over the past 20 years. By remaining committed to our core values, we have built a business that not only meets the needs of our customers but also contributes positively to the broader business ecosystem.

In 2024, the challenges facing SMEs are more pronounced than ever. The growing influence of mega-corporations and the centralisation of power in the hands of a few pose significant threats to the viability of small businesses. This is why Trollope’s teachings are so crucial. His focus on the ethical responsibilities of business leaders and the importance of contributing to the common good offers a blueprint for SMEs looking to navigate these turbulent times.

At Basketsgalore, we believe that SMEs have a critical role to play in shaping the future of the business world. By embracing the principles found in Trollope’s work—integrity, resilience, and a commitment to the community—we can create a more equitable and sustainable business landscape. By telling our own stories and sharing our experiences, we can inspire other small business owners to do the same, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support.

Trollope’s writings remind us that business is not just about transactions; it is about relationships, ethics, and the impact we have on the world around us. For SMEs, this perspective is invaluable. It encourages us to think beyond the bottom line and consider how our actions can contribute to a better, more just society. By following Trollope’s example, we can build businesses that are not only successful but also socially responsible and deeply connected to the communities they serve.

The Lasting Impact of Trollope’s Wisdom

As we reflect on the journey of Basketsgalore over the past two decades, it becomes clear that the wisdom of Anthony Trollope has not only inspired our business philosophy but has also played a crucial role in shaping our identity as a company. In an industry where trends come and go, and the pressures of competition can often lead businesses to compromise on their values, Trollope’s teachings have provided us with a steady compass. 

Trollope’s emphasis on the moral dimensions of economic and social life, his commitment to integrity, and his belief in the importance of balancing individual pursuits with the common good have all found their place in our business. These principles are not just theoretical ideals - they are practical tools that we have used to navigate the challenges of running an SME in the modern world.

In 2024, as we face a business landscape that is increasingly dominated by global corporations and influenced by populist leaders, Trollope’s insights are more relevant than ever. His writings remind us that true success in business is not just about financial gain, but about the impact we have on our community, our environment, and the broader society. This belief has driven us to use storytelling as a means of connecting with our customers and fellow business owners, sharing our experiences and the lessons we’ve learned in the hope of inspiring others to embrace ethical and sustainable practices.

At Basketsgalore, we see ourselves as more than just a business - we are part of a larger movement to promote the values of integrity, community, and sustainability in the business world. By weaving our narrative with Trollope’s, we aim to be a voice of truth and a force for positive change, advocating for the rights and interests of SMEs and encouraging others to join us in building a business community that values collaboration over competition.

As we move forward, our goal is to inspire other small business owners to share their stories, so they receive the recognition they deserve for the positive impact they make on society. We believe SME’s should be rewarded fairly for their hard work and dedication. This is crucial for keeping the balance of power in check, ensuring that the future growth and success of both humanity and small businesses continue to thrive, even in the face of rising populism and the advance of artificial intelligence.

We invite you to follow our journey, not just as spectators but as active participants in a shared narrative. Your stories are just as important as ours, and by sharing and collaborating, we can create a mutually beneficial space where we learn from each other’s experiences, celebrate our successes, and tackle challenges together. Let’s build a network of support where every voice from the past, present and future can be heard, and where every story contributes to the collective wisdom that drives us all forward.