In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Mandeep Birdy.

With extensive experience in humanitarian work and social impact, and as a key figure behind the Start, Build, and Grow app, Mandeep shares her journey developing the app, highlighting some of its features and benefits.

Mandeep shares her passion for storytelling in marketing and the unique advantages of apps over traditional websites. She recounts inspiring stories, including helping a retired priest maintain community engagement through an app.

Our conversation today underscores the importance of clear brand values, the democratisation of app development, and fostering genuine connections with your customer base and community through digital tools.

In this episode you'll learn:

Mandeep's Background (00:02:24)

Mandeep shares her 20-year experience in humanitarian work and community development, emphasising her marketing strengths.

The Journey into Marketing (00:03:43)

Mandeep discusses her transition from community magazine production to various marketing roles, highlighting her creative approach.

The Importance of Storytelling (00:04:05)

She emphasizes the significance of storytelling in marketing to showcase impactful work in humanitarian efforts.

The Start Build and Grow App (00:06:55)

Rob inquires about Mandeep's involvement with the Start Build and Grow app and its developmental journey.

Creating the App (00:07:05)

Mandeep recounts her experience as a participant and her motivation to create an app for community engagement.

Support from the Start Build and Grow Team (00:09:04)

She appreciates the supportive leadership team and their commitment to participant success in the program.

Features of the App (00:11:59)

Mandeep outlines the app's features, including a glossary, resource library, and participant directory for enhanced engagement.

Apps vs. Websites (00:14:14)

Mandeep discusses the advantages of apps over websites in fostering direct communication and user engagement.

Engagement Through Push Notifications (00:15:28)

She explains how push notifications enhance engagement by delivering targeted messages to interested users.

Community and Engagement Tools (00:17:36)

Rob reflects on the app's interactive features that support users in their business journey and community building.

Apps in the Bigger Ecosystem (00:19:23)

Mandeep begins to share insights on how apps integrate into broader marketing and business strategies.

The Priest's Story (00:19:46)

Mandeep shares a story about a retired priest's inclusive sermons and his struggle with the church hierarchy.

The Need for an App (00:21:06)

The priest seeks a solution to maintain connection with his congregation after retirement, exploring various platforms.

Successful App Launch (00:22:01)

Mandeep demonstrates the app to the priest, leading to a successful launch that serves his community's needs.

Community Engagement through Apps (00:23:05)

Mandeep highlights the importance of apps in community engagement, drawing parallels with the Start Build Grow app.

Cost of App Development (00:25:10)

Rob questions the affordability of app development for startups compared to past high costs.

No-Code Solutions (00:26:14)

Mandeep discusses the benefits of no-code solutions, making app development...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Michael Clerk, who shares his experience as a coach and mentor to businesses, supporting them with their branding, marketing, and storytelling.

In this conversation, Michael highlights the importance of marketing for business growth, focusing on the "know, like, and trust" framework, storytelling, and maintaining an online presence.

Michael shares with us the significance of understanding your target audience, conducting market research, and building genuine relationships through effective branding and customer service.

He also discusses practical strategies for small business owners to enhance their marketing efforts to grow their businesses.

In this episode you'll learn:

Transition to Coaching (00:02:05)

After retiring briefly, Michael decided to use his knowledge to help startup businesses overcome challenges.

Importance of Marketing (00:04:41)

Michael emphasises that without paying customers, businesses cannot thrive, highlighting the need for effective marketing strategies.

Know, Like, and Trust Framework (00:05:09)

Michael introduces the concept that customers buy from those they know, like, and trust: outlining its significance in marketing.

Target Market Clarity (00:06:45)

Michael discusses the importance of clearly identifying and understanding your target market to effectively address their needs.

Telling Compelling Stories (00:08:15)

He encourages businesses to focus on storytelling, emphasising benefits over features to engage customers.

Real-World Case Study (00:09:35)

Michael shares a success story of a client who overcame micromanagement issues to significantly grow their business.

The Why Behind Businesses (00:13:29)

He discusses the importance of sharing personal stories and motivations behind a business to connect with potential clients.

The Necessity of Online Presence (00:14:57)

Michael explains the risks of not being online and the benefits of digital marketing for expanding business reach.

Using Google Business Profile and SEO (00:17:23)

Discusses the importance of Google Business Profile and effective SEO for online visibility.

Doing Online Marketing Properly (00:18:17)

Explains the minimum requirements for establishing a credible online presence.

AIDA Framework in Marketing (00:18:38)

Introduces the AIDA framework: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action for effective online marketing strategies.

Understanding Your Target Audience (00:19:31)

Michael emphasises the importance of knowing your audience and when they are online.

Researching Audience Groups (00:20:19)

Suggests researching groups and chat rooms to understand audience needs and preferences.

SWOT Analysis in Marketing (00:22:00)

Explains how to use SWOT analysis to assess business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Conducting Market Research (00:23:23)

Highlights the importance of market research through networking and competitor analysis.

Engaging in Online Communities (00:24:15)

Discusses how to engage with online groups without being overly promotional.

Building Empathy and Trust (00:25:50)

Stresses the significance of empathy in developing relationships and trust with potential customers.

Networking as a Spider's Web...

Rob Lawrence interviews Eleni Lialiamou, founder of Kimolian Academy, on how small business owners can leverage AI and technology to boost their organisation's efficiency, whilst gaining a better understanding of their customers, towards driving growth.

Eleni shares practical tips on using AI tools for customer insights, building effective communities, and simplifying business operations. Their conversation highlights the importance of combining human intuition with technology, embracing change, and continuously refining customer personas to stay competitive in today’s evolving business landscape.

Eleni also shares how 'finding your community' can help you to understand and leverage technologies, such as AI, rather than re-inventing the wheel or having to learn how to use AI from scratch; to grow your business further.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Introduction & Podcast Overview (00:00:02) Rob introduces Eleni and this episode, emphasising simplicity, community, and leveraging AI for business efficiency.

Eleni’s Background (00:02:17) Eleni shares her journey in tech, product management, and founding Kimolian and Kimolian Academy, for women in tech.

The Importance of Tools & Community (00:04:35) Discussion on how tools, processes, and community support are crucial for business productivity and growth.

Navigating Tech Overwhelm & Finding Your Pack (00:06:23) Advice on avoiding overwhelm, focusing on community, and selecting the right tools without distraction.

Practical Community Engagement (00:10:08) How to authentically find and engage with communities that support business growth and tech adoption.

Keeping It Simple & Consistent Tool Use (00:11:04) The value of simplicity, consistency, and integrating a stable set of tools into daily business operations.

AI as Leverage, Not Replacement (00:13:36) AI is positioned as a tool for amplifying productivity and creativity, not replacing human effort.

Choosing the Right Tools for the Job (00:14:53) Overview of practical AI tools for business tasks, including document search, meeting capture, and ideation.

AI for Pattern Recognition & Customer Understanding (00:18:59) How AI helps spot patterns in conversations and data, aiding in customer understanding and sales.

Bias in AI & Human Judgment (00:20:47) Discussion on AI bias, the importance of human oversight, and using AI as a sparring partner.

Combining Tools for Synthesis & Insights (00:23:38) Benefits of integrating multiple tools (e.g., Miro, Dovetail) for clustering, sentiment analysis, and deeper insights.

Chatbots & Customer Interaction (00:27:57) Rise of AI-driven chatbots, their ease of implementation, and opportunities for customer engagement and support.

AI-Driven Workflow Automation (00:31:03) The shift toward AI-first business processes, orchestrating workflows, and the paradigm change in tool integration.

Gaining a Competitive Edge with AI (00:34:04) How early AI adoption can optimise workflows, enhance customer interaction, and provide a business advantage.

Using AI to Research & Define Customer Personas (00:35:21) Leveraging AI to capture customer insights, create personas, and continuously refine understanding for better marketing.

Human-Centric Use of AI & Critical Thinking (00:38:46) Emphasising the irreplaceable role

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Steve Chadwick, a business coach and mindset consultant with extensive operational management experience spanning decades.

They discuss how clarity of vision and a positive mindset are essential for business success, especially for small business owners.

Steve shares practical strategies for setting and visualizing goals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

The conversation highlights the importance of aligning daily actions with long-term vision, fostering a supportive team culture, and prioritizing personal development to drive business growth and resilience.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Steve’s Background and Introduction (00:01:00)

Steve shares his operational management experience and transition to business coaching with a mindset focus.

Working with Big Brands (00:02:05)

Steve discusses his roles at Sainsbury’s and CenterParcs, emphasising team leadership and operational insights.

The Importance of Mindset in Business (00:02:49)

Rob introduces the episode’s focus on mindset and its impact on business success.

Clarity in Strategic Priorities (00:03:02)

Steve explains the need for personal and strategic clarity for business owners to avoid distractions.

Defining Strategic Clarity (00:04:42)

Discussion on what strategic clarity means, including purpose, vision, and aligning decisions with priorities.

Vision and Goal Setting (00:05:39)

Steve advocates for written visions and goals, and the importance of regular review and visualisation.

Imposter Syndrome and Negative Thought Patterns (00:06:38)

Rob raises imposter syndrome; Steve explains the thinking cycle and how thoughts drive outcomes.

Reframing and Breaking Negative Cycles (00:09:15)

Steve describes reframing, interrupting negative spirals, and shifting from a low to a high state of mind.

Burnout and Locus of Control (00:14:32)

Steve discusses burnout, external vs. internal locus of control, and the importance of taking responsibility.

Creating a Compelling Vision and Aligning Daily Tasks (00:17:16)

Practical strategies for developing a vision, writing it down, and aligning daily actions to long-term goals.

Emotional Goal Setting and Visualisation (00:19:31)

Steve introduces emotional goal setting—feeling and visualising goals to engage the mind and drive achievement.

Programming the Subconscious Mind (00:20:53)

Explanation of conscious vs. subconscious mind, using analogies like driving, and the importance of positive programming.

Filtering Inputs and Avoiding Doom-scrolling (00:24:17)

Steve warns about negative inputs, advocates for intentional information consumption, and monitoring mental “inputs.”

Daily Practices and the Reticular Activating System (00:27:29)

Steve explains the brain’s filtering system, focusing on opportunities, gratitude, and solution-oriented thinking.

Self-Talk and the Power of Belief (00:31:00)

Discussion on how self-talk and belief shape outcomes, referencing Henry Ford’s quote on mindset.

Reframing Setbacks and Building Resilience (00:32:13)

Steve emphasises reframing failures as learning opportunities and fostering a positive, open team culture.

Work-Life Mindset Interconnection (00:36:28)

Steve highlights the link between work and personal mindset, advocating for self-reflection and time...

Today we discuss essential skills for small business owners including strategic networking, prioritising your time, and the importance of trust.

In this final episode for this Start, Build, and Grow podcast series, host Rob Lawrence interviews Dave Schofield, a seasoned professional with over 46 years of experience in various roles in the banking sector.

Dave emphasises the importance of listening, building a network, as well as your resilience. Sharing insights on leveraging personal connections, and the significance of feedback and reflection, Dave also highlights the value of building your confidence and how coaching and mentoring can support you.

We also focus on reliability, credibility, and intimacy as key elements of building trust in business relationships.

In this episode you'll learn:

Introduction (00:00:00) Getting to know Dave and his professional background.

Career Evolution (00:01:23) Dave's various career transitions within a single organisation over 46 years.

Transition to Development and Training (00:03:01) Dave's shift toward development and training, and the significance of relationships in his work.

Skills for Small Business Owners (00:05:13) The essential skills for small business owners and the importance of networking.

Resilience in Business (00:10:35) Building resilience as a new business owner and managing challenges effectively.

Building a Network (00:16:30) Strategies for creating and maintaining a valuable professional network, even without a formal one.

Using Your Network (00:17:35) The power of personal networks and leveraging them for various purposes, such as fundraising and business support.

Networking Strategies (00:19:36) Exploration of networking strategies, including leveraging LinkedIn, joining specific business networks, and building a social media presence.

Nurturing Your Network (00:22:15) The importance of nurturing and maintaining personal and professional networks, including reciprocity and mutual support.

Prioritising Time (00:25:16) Prioritising time and focusing on activities that add value to personal and professional networks; with a focus on strategic use of time.

Strategic Networking (00:30:47) Insights into strategic networking, including thoughtful reflection, and targeting specific opportunities for network expansion and business success.

Social Media Management (00:34:12) Balancing social media engagement, and time management for effective business presence.

Confidence and Capability (00:39:06) The relationship between confidence, capability, and success in marketing and business, and the importance of experience and giving and seeking feedback.

Coaching and Mentoring (00:45:38) The role of a coach or mentor for moving forward in business.

Intimacy in Business (00:49:40) Dave explains the importance of understanding clients and building relationships for trust in business.

Trust Equation (00:50:47) The elements of reliability, credibility, and intimacy in building trust with customers.

Importance of Trust (00:51:45) Dave emphasises the significance of trust in business relationships and as a foundation for recommendations.

Connecting with Dave (00:52:02) Dave offers his contact information.

About Dave:

"I started work in 1976 at a small branch of TSB (Bank) on the outskirts of Manchester. I come from a family of 4 children; 3

Peter Basford, an experienced banking professional turned director and business coach joins host Rob Lawrence in today's podcast interview.

Peter shares his experience working with others to help them grow their businesses; from his extensive background and his role in the Start Build Grow program, which supports new startups.

In this chat, Peter emphasises the importance of customer relationships and seeking customer feedback. We also explore the importance of balancing product development, marketing, and operations toward creating a sustainable business.

This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners alike, including strategies for obtaining customer feedback and maintaining strong customer relationships.

In this episode you'll learn:

Peter's Background in Banking (00:00:28)

Peter shares his extensive 33-year career in banking, detailing various roles and experiences.

Transition to Coaching (00:02:26)

Peter discusses his transition from banking to coaching businesses and forming the Business Growth Coaches Network.

Start Build Grow Program (00:03:38)

Peter explains how the Start Build Grow programme is aimed at supporting new and startup businesses.

Reasons for Starting a Business (00:04:00)

Peter highlights common motivations for starting a business, including independence and innovative ideas and how the programme is for individuals with product ideas or those seeking lifestyle changes through entrepreneurship.

Social Entrepreneurs and Bootcamps (00:05:22)

Peter mentions the rise of social entrepreneurs and bootcamps designed to support their business ideas.

Understanding Social Enterprises (00:06:12)

Peter defines social enterprises and their focus on community benefits rather than profit for owners.

B-Corp (00:07:16)

Peter connects the concept of B-Corp to social enterprises and their shared mission of doing good.

Common Mistakes in Startups (00:07:57)

Peter discusses key mistakes startups make, emphasising the importance of balancing product, marketing, and operations.

Three Legs of a Stool (00:08:22)

Successful businesses require a balance of product, marketing, and operational systems to thrive.

Challenges in the Current Environment (00:09:31)

Peter reflects on the tough commercial landscape post-COVID and the need for comprehensive business strategies.

Importance of Customer Relationships (00:10:41)

Peter emphasises the significance of nurturing customer relationships for business success.

Building Trust with Customers (00:10:54)

Peter shares strategies for developing trust and loyalty among customers to enhance brand relationships.

Cost of Acquiring New Customers (00:11:54)

Peter highlights it's ten times more expensive to acquire new customers than to retain existing ones.

Staying in Touch with Customers (00:12:02)

Regular communication with existing customers is crucial to maintaining relationships and identifying new opportunities.

Customer Relationship Management Systems (00:12:28)

Peter recommends using some kind of CRM system to ensure consistent communication with customers.

Feedback Importance (00:13:50)

Peter discusses the necessity of gathering customer feedback to improve products and services.

Asking for Feedback (00:15:10)

Peter advises asking for...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Simon Baker, CEO and Co-founder of Hydrogenus, a startup specialising in low-carbon hydrogen projects.

Simon, with over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, discusses his transition from corporate multinational roles to founding a startup focused on low-carbon hydrogen projects.

In our chat, Simon emphasises the importance of refining business propositions, developing a long-term vision, and the role of creating diversity in teams.

Simon also highlights the challenges and opportunities in the low-carbon energy sector, stressing innovation, patience, and flexibility.

We also briefly explore the global sustainability goals; how they apply to small businesses and the importance of engaging with customers and networks to shape your business ideas.

In this episode you'll learn:

The experience of Hydrogenus (00:01:51) Simon Baker shares his background and experience, including the formation of Hydrogenus.

Starting a Business in the Energy Sector (00:01:56) Simon discusses the initial idea for the business, collaboration, and growth of the company in the energy sector.

Being Green and Sustainable (00:07:02) Simon talks about the importance of considering global sustainability goals and the impact of climate change on small business owners.

Career Inspiration and Low Carbon Energy (00:08:50) Simon shares his career journey in the low carbon energy sector and the inspiration behind pursuing this field.

Excitement in Low Carbon Energy (00:10:04) Simon discusses the excitement and opportunities in the low carbon energy sector, particularly focusing on hydrogen technology.

Emerging Market Challenges (00:12:32) Simon highlights the challenges and opportunities in the emerging low carbon energy market, emphasising the need for innovation and problem-solving.

Adaptation and Patience in the Energy Sector (00:14:31) Simon discusses the impact of government policy, the need for patience, and the importance of adapting plans in the energy sector.

Long-term Strategies for Business Sustainability (00:17:35) Simon shares strategies for staying in the game, emphasising the importance of engaging with colleagues and networks.

Preparing for the Future (00:19:52) Simon advises on preparing for the future by considering factors such as affordability, net zero, low carbon, and security of supply.

Navigating Industry Changes and Compliance (00:22:50) Simon discusses staying ahead of industry changes, compliance, and the importance of engaging knowledgeable people and trade organisations.

Persistence and Determination in Business (00:24:49) Simon emphasises the importance of persistence, determination, and adaptation in bringing business ideas to fruition.

Importance of Relationships and People in Business (00:26:54) Simon emphasises the value of engaging with people and building relationships in business, highlighting the significance of interacting with individuals who can help shape ideas.

Understanding Different Personalities and Cultures (00:28:47) Simon shares insights on understanding people of different nationalities, resolving issues, and effective communication in a multicultural environment.

Diversity in Teams (00:30:10) A discussion on the importance of diversity in teams for gaining different perspectives and shaping products and offerings.

Exciting Innovations (00:31:28) Discussion about upcoming projects and initiatives in the low...

In this podcast episode, Rob Hall, an experienced corporate and small business coach, discusses, with host Rob Lawrence, the common challenges, pitfalls, and mistakes entrepreneurs face.

Rob emphasises the importance of distinguishing between working in the business and working on the business; highlighting that many business owners struggle with time management and balancing their personal and professional lives.

Rob advises setting clear goals, defining the business vision, and establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) pointing out that focusing on customer needs and understanding the market is crucial for success.

Rob and Rob also explore the fear of becoming an employer as a significant growth barrier for most business owners.

In this episode you'll learn:

Corporate world and small business experience (00:01:00) Rob's background in corporate finance and small business coaching.

Reasons for starting a business (00:02:56) Motivations for starting a business.

Challenges of running a business (00:05:23) Capacity issues and time management.

Starting a business the right way (00:6:25) Importance of defining business vision and implementing proper disciplines from the outset.

Understanding customer needs (00:09:35) The importance of aligning products or services with customer needs and market demand.

Working on the business, not in the business (00:11:17) The mistake of getting too involved in day-to-day operations and not taking a broader perspective.

Transition from employee to business owner (00:14:17) Challenges and fears of transitioning from being an employee to leading and managing a business.

The importance of business support (00:15:05) Discussion about the need for extra support in business, including outsourcing and the mindset shift when taking on employees.

Establishing business systems and processes (00:16:57) Importance of defining and implementing systems and processes for employees to follow, using the example of McDonald's success.

Creating a business culture and vision (00:17:29) Insights on the importance of aligning employees with the business values, culture, and vision to drive performance and create a sense of direction.

Coaching and mentoring for business growth (00:21:40) How coaching and mentoring help businesses understand their goals, create action plans, and bridge the gap between current and desired states.

Accountability and external support (00:27:18) The role of external support, like coaching or mentoring, in providing accountability and driving action in business.

Surrounding oneself with the right people (00:28:27) Discussion on the importance of seeking advice and learning from others, including the benefits of networking groups and external support for business growth.

Business Challenges (00:29:40) Discussion on the struggles faced by businesses and sole traders, including the importance of understanding profit margins and seeking help.

Running a Business (00:30:31) The complexity of running a business and the importance of defining goals and vision for the business's success.

Reconnecting with Purpose (00:31:31) Emphasising the significance of reconnecting with the purpose of the business and working towards clear goals.

About Rob

Rob Hall spent most of his career in the finance industry, reaching senior levels in leadership and strategic positions. This experience has enabled him to gain extensive commercial knowledge and the ability to coach,...