The Small Business Development Academy

Why Most Businesses Are Leaving Sales on the Table

Most businesses think they need more leads. In reality, they’re sitting on a goldmine they’re not using. In this episode, we break down one of the biggest mistakes we see across almost every business we work with: a lack of follow-up. We dive into why so many business owners stop after one message, why rejection holds people back, and how much revenue is being left on the table because of it. The truth is — most people don’t buy the first time. And if you’re not following up properly, you’re missing out on the majority of your sales. We cover: • Why “we need more leads” is usually the wrong problem • The psychology of rejection and why it stops people following up • How many times you actually need to follow up (it’s more than you think) • Why your existing list is your biggest opportunity • How to build a simple follow-up system that converts • The difference between cold leads and the “gold” already in your database • Why being too polite is costing you sales If you’ve ever felt like your pipeline is full but your sales aren’t where they should be — this episode will show you exactly what’s missing. 🎧 Listen now.

The #1 Mistake That's Keeping Your Business Small

Most people start a business because they’re good at a job. They’re great at delivering the work, solving problems, and ticking tasks off a to-do list. But that’s also the exact reason many businesses stop growing. In this episode, we break down one of the biggest bottlenecks we see with agency owners and service-based businesses: the founder being stuck in the day-to-day work of the business instead of leading it. We talk about why letting go of low-level tasks is so difficult, why many founders stay trapped doing £10 tasks, and the identity shift that has to happen if you want your business to grow. We also discuss: • Why most agency founders become the biggest bottleneck in their own business • The difference between doing tasks and growing a business • Why time and energy in business are not equal • The stages of growth every agency owner goes through • Why learning to let go of delivery is one of the hardest but most important moves you’ll make • How to create the thinking space needed to actually grow your business If you're a service business owner, agency founder, or someone trying to step out of the day-to-day grind and build something bigger, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now.

Why “Just Sell More” Is Killing Your Business Growth

Most small business owners fall into the same trap: thinking the answer to everything is “just sell more.” In this episode, Greg and Nicky break down why that mindset keeps you stuck, overwhelmed, and trapped in a business that can’t grow without you. They dig into: * The real identity shift from job-doer to business owner * Why replacing yourself with admin is the first game-changer * The danger of hiring salespeople too early * How the Replacement Ladder actually works in a micro-business * Ego, fear, and the emotional blocks that stop you scaling * Why “doing okay” is the most dangerous place to be * How to lead, delegate and build a business that doesn’t rely solely on you * The power of coaching, learning and staying in “white belt mentality” If you’re feeling stuck, overloaded, or unsure what the “next level” looks like, this episode will give you clarity on the real steps that move a small business forward.

Why Your Business Only Grows as Fast as You Do

Most small businesses don’t fail because of cash flow or marketing, they fail because the owner’s mindset collapses first. In this episode, Greg and Nicky break down what really keeps a business owner performing at their best mentally, emotionally, and physically and the five mindset disciplines that separate those who grow from those who give up. They dig into: * Why your business rises and falls with your personal energy * How to sell the vision to yourself, your family, and your team * What to do when business gets lonely (and no one cares about your wins) * How to beat imposter syndrome and self-doubt * Why discipline beats motivation every time If you’re serious about scaling your business between £100k–£500k without burning out, this one’s essential listening.

How NOT To Run A Small Business..(and what to do instead)

Every business owner makes mistakes. But few talk honestly about them — or how they turn them into success stories. In this episode of the SBDA Podcast, Nicky and Greg unpack the real, unfiltered lessons from Greg’s book “How Not to Run a Small Business.” They share the chaos, bad calls, and breakthroughs that took a struggling company from borrowing money just to survive… to selling for seven figures. Expect real stories, not theory — including: * The mindset shift that changed everything * Why “pay yourself first” is the key to growth * How to take risks without losing it all * The painful hiring mistakes most owners make (and how to avoid them) If you’ve ever wondered why running a business feels so hard, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone — and every mistake can be fixed. 🎧 Listen now to Episode 7: How Not to Run a Small Business (and What to Do Instead).