Every Day's A Business School Day

How Podcasting can elevate your marketing content with James Marriott

In this episode, Nicky and James talk about the process of strategizing and delivering a successful podcast. We talk about how important it is to stand out with a good quality format and to research and pilot the podcast to ensure that it is hitting the mark. We chatted about the journey we went on together to develop the strategy for this podcast. And we also spoke about how podcasting is such an effective marketing tool that can answer the questions your customers are asking in a relaxed and entertaining way. What we discussed * That podcasting is a brilliant way to support storytelling in your marketing activity and can help scale your business. * It brings to life and humanises the way you do business and builds trust * What free and low cost kit to use to elevate the quality of your podcast * How being clear on your target audience will ensure the content is consumed * That pilot episodes really help you to hone your plan and future content * A simple plan for starting a podcast Follow and Review Keep up to date with all our episodes by tapping the 'Follow' button so you get new ones as soon as they're released. We have some great lessons planned! Help us to help more small businesses! We’d love your reviews to help us be found more easily by businesses who need some help and support. Want to network with us? Why not visit The Growth Community at one of our online or in personal networking meetings. You’ll be guaranteed a very warm welcome and some great onward conversations. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/locations/ More about the hosts Nicky Thomas is Founder of The Growth Community. A place where growth minded business people hang out to connect and help each other be more successful in business. Through enjoyable, productive fortnightly networking meetings and great onward conversations, our members and guests share knowledge and introductions and make valuable business friendships. Find out more on our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickythomas-growthcommunity/ https://www.facebook.com/GrowthCommunityNetworking/ https://www.instagram.com/growthcommunitynetworking James Marriott is the owner of podcast consultancy, Sound Media. With an extensive background in broadcast media, he helps people to unlock the power of podcasting to give businesses and brands an unique and strategic opportunity to connect with their audience. Find out more on our website or connect on Linkedin. https://wearesoundmedia.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-marriott-podcast/

Cyber Security and the Small Business with Phil Farey

In this episode we spoke to IT Specialist, Phil Farey, about the slight scary topic of cyber attacks. He talked us through some of the simple ways we can make ourselves less vulnerable to being targeted without it costing the earth. He also talked to us about the potential damage that being hacked can cause – not just physically but reputationally too. Phil also made the point that just because we are small businesses does not mean we are flying under the cyber attack radar. Who is Phil Farey? Phil is the owner and Director of Flyford Connect who offer the full suite of IT services for business of all sizes. Whether that’s providing support, software or full consultancy for business growth activities. What we discussed with Phil * That most small businesses are not adequately prepared for a cyber attack * What two (or multi) factor authentication is and how to quickly and easily apply it. * What is involved with Hacking and Phishing, and how to protect against it * Low cost and free options that can help small businesses get tighter security * Strong password formats and password managers * Being safe when working remotely * Cyber security and growth and how staff can become a vulnerability. * That your business trades on trust. So, a data breach could have a big impact. Resources Connect with Phil on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philfarey/ Website: flyfordconnect.co.uk Follow and Review Keep up to date with all our episodes by tapping the 'Follow' button so you get new ones as soon as they're released. We have some great lessons planned! Help us to help more small businesses! We’d love your reviews to help us be found more easily by businesses who need some help and support. Want to network with us? Why not visit The Growth Community at one of our online or in personal networking meetings. You’ll be guaranteed a very warm welcome and some great onward conversations. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/locations/ More about the hosts Nicky Thomas is Founder of The Growth Community. A place where growth minded business people hang out to connect and help each other be more successful in business. Through enjoyable, productive fortnightly networking meetings and great onward conversations, our members and guests share knowledge and introductions and make valuable business friendships. Find out more on our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickythomas-growthcommunity/ https://www.facebook.com/GrowthCommunityNetworking/ https://www.instagram.com/growthcommunitynetworking James Marriott is the owner of podcast consultancy, Sound Media. With an extensive background in broadcast media, he helps people to unlock the power of podcasting to give businesses and brands an unique and strategic opportunity to connect with their audience. Find out more on our website or connect on Linkedin. https://wearesoundmedia.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-marriott-podcast/

Staying on the right side of HMRC with Michael Harle

** This episode was recorded in spring 2024 and therefore some of the regulations and information mentioned may have since changed ** In this episode James and Nicky chat to Accountant, Michael Harle, about navigating the tricky world of tax and keeping on top of our business finances. We covered why tax should be taken seriously, but that with the right systems it doesn’t have to be ‘taxing’ or scary. And we talked about the differences between how businesses are set up (self employed versus limited companies) and how that affects the way you manage your money and your dealings with HMRC. Who is Michael Harle? With over 20 years as an accountant working with small and national accountancy practices, Michael knows a thing or two about staying on the right side of HMRC. His focus as Owner and Founder of Prosper Accountancy is to put all of his clients’ needs first and give them a tailored and personal approach to their business finances. What we discussed with Michael * That we need to get into the mindset that everything you earn is not actually ‘yours’ * Who needs to collect VAT, when you need to worry about it and how it works * How an accountant can in fact save you money (and give you back time) in the long run * How cloud based accountancy works and how it can save you loads of time and stress * HMRC are not as scary as you think * You can’t take your family to Disney World on expenses PLEASE NOTE: This podcast is for guidance on general tax and business knowledge. We absolutely recommend that you take advice from your own accountant or advisor as the law on taxation changes regularly with government budgetary policy. Resources Connect with Michael on LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelharle/ Website: https://www.prosperaccountancy.co.uk/ Follow and Review Keep up to date with all our episodes by tapping the 'Follow' button so you get new ones as soon as they're released. We have some great lessons planned! Help us to help more small businesses! We’d love your reviews to help us be found more easily by businesses who need some help and support. Want to network with us? Why not visit The Growth Community at one of our online or in personal networking meetings. You’ll be guaranteed a very warm welcome and some great onward conversations. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/locations/ More about the hosts Nicky Thomas is Founder of The Growth Community. A place where growth minded business people hang out to connect and help each other be more successful in business. Through enjoyable, productive fortnightly networking meetings and great onward conversations, our members and guests share knowledge and introductions and make valuable business friendships. Find out more on our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickythomas-growthcommunity/ https://www.facebook.com/GrowthCommunityNetworking/ https://www.instagram.com/growthcommunitynetworking James Marriott is the owner of podcast consultancy, Sound Media. With an extensive background in broadcast media, he helps people to unlock the power of podcasting to give businesses and brands an unique and strategic opportunity to connect with their audience. Find out more on our website or connect on Linkedin. https://wearesoundmedia.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-marriott-podcast/

Implementing CRM in your business with Mandy Allen

In this episode we had a chat with Mandy Allen about all things CRM – what it is, all the forms it comes in and why we need it. We discussed the basics of getting started and how it supports you in delivering the best experience you can to your greatest asset – your customers. Mandy also shared some useful tips on preparing the way for CRM implementationincluding mapping out a clear view of the customer journey. Who is Mandy Allen? Mandy works for CRM Insights who offer guidance and implementation of CRM solutions – not just in choosing the right software but getting the business systems in the right place before implementation. She is always incredibly generous in sharing her wealth of knowledge on the subject with anyone who needs advice. What we discussed with Mandy * What we mean by CRM – i.e. Customer Relationship Management * Why it’s important to take care of your data and customers and how a CRM system can support your success * About how we can go about finding the right solution for our business as everybody’s needs are different. * CRM at the different stages of your business & moving systems * The importance of mapping your customer journey to get the most out of CRM. Resources Connect with Mandy on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyallen1/ Check out CRM Insights website (including their useful blog): crminsights.co.uk Follow and Review Keep up to date with all our episodes by tapping the 'Follow' button so you get new ones as soon as they're released. We have some great lessons planned! Help us to help more small businesses! We’d love your reviews to help us be found more easily by businesses who need some help and support. Want to network with us? Why not visit The Growth Community at one of our online or in personal networking meetings. You’ll be guaranteed a very warm welcome and some great onward conversations. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/locations/ More about the hosts Nicky Thomas is Founder of The Growth Community. A place where growth minded business people hang out to connect and help each other be more successful in business. Through enjoyable, productive fortnightly networking meetings and great onward conversations, our members and guests share knowledge and introductions and make valuable business friendships. Find out more on our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickythomas-growthcommunity/ https://www.facebook.com/GrowthCommunityNetworking/ https://www.instagram.com/growthcommunitynetworking James Marriott is the owner of podcast consultancy, Sound Media. With an extensive background in broadcast media, he helps people to unlock the power of podcasting to give businesses and brands an unique and strategic opportunity to connect with their audience. Find out more on our website or connect on Linkedin. https://wearesoundmedia.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-marriott-podcast/

Developing A Proactive Mindset with Rachel Haith

In this episode James and Nicky spoke to Rachel Haith about one of the most important elements that a business owner needs – a strong belief in themselves and clarity on what they are doing and where they are going. We covered how addressing your mindset early in your business journey can make a real difference to whether you succeed, because things will get tough and it’s all about how you deal with it. Who is Rachel Haith? Rachel is a coach and speaker who helps people get the most from their lives by finding their inner belief, removing barriers and designing the life they were born to lead. What we discussed with Rachel * How cultivating a strong layer of self belief is the bedrock to personal and professional success. * How to develop resilience to deal with the roller coaster of life and business. * Imposter syndrome and reframing our language * The difference between coaching and counselling * How getting to grips with who you really are, what you really want and learning to love who that is, enables better decision making * The power of gratitude and being reflective Resources Connect with Rachel on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-haith/ Find out more on her website (which also includes an insightful blog): inspiredlifegroup.co.uk  Podcast: Rachel also has her own podcast that she does with fellow Coach, Dr Jenny Gordon called The Renny Show. Listen wherever you listen to podcasts or here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ndJaTFgNLKoQ1ixzI1kt4 Follow and Review Keep up to date with all our episodes by tapping the 'Follow' button so you get new ones as soon as they're released. We have some great lessons planned! Help us to help more small businesses! We’d love your reviews to help us be found more easily by businesses who need some help and support. Want to network with us? Why not visit The Growth Community at one of our online or in personal networking meetings. You’ll be guaranteed a very warm welcome and some great onward conversations. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/locations/ More about the hosts Nicky Thomas is Founder of The Growth Community. A place where growth minded business people hang out to connect and help each other be more successful in business. Through enjoyable, productive fortnightly networking meetings and great onward conversations, our members and guests share knowledge and introductions and make valuable business friendships. Find out more on our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickythomas-growthcommunity/ https://www.facebook.com/GrowthCommunityNetworking/ https://www.instagram.com/growthcommunitynetworking James Marriott is the owner of podcast consultancy, Sound Media. With an extensive background in broadcast media, he helps people to unlock the power of podcasting to give businesses and brands an unique and strategic opportunity to connect with their audience. Find out more on our website or connect on Linkedin. https://wearesoundmedia.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-marriott-podcast/