In this episode, John is joined by Nick Synnott, founder of Create Engage and host of the long-running “Climb in Consulting” podcast.

Many listeners will know Nick for his work on marketing in the consulting sector, but this conversation takes a different angle. John and Nick talk about Nick’s journey as a business founder and the decisions, successes and challenges that have shaped Create Engage over the last six years.

They discuss:

• Why Nick committed to a niche early on – and what he learned the hard way about trying to appeal to everyone.
• How he held that niche through the ups and downs of building a young firm.
• The difference between what a firm markets and what it sells.
• His early personal struggles with sales and the process that helped him build confidence in himself.
• How he supports his own team to build their skills and confidence in selling.
• How he approaches hiring inside a boutique firm and the framework that shifted his approach.
• Nick is an avid reader and always has strong recommendations. In the conversation, they touched on:
  - The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, by Al Ries & Jack Trout
  - Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business, by Gino Wickman
  - Topgrading, by Bradford D. Smart

It’s a conversation full of lessons from someone who’s built a successful firm and has spoken over the years to many of the leading figures in our industry. If you enjoy episodes like this, follow the show so you don’t miss future conversations.

Host: John Howard, Partner at Garwood Growth
Guest: Nick Synnott, founder of Create Engage