Grown UP Business – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Paul Avins interviews Pete Wilkinson, author of the book 'Unstoppable' and creator of the 135 system. They discuss the importance of strategy, clear outcomes, and leading indicators in business success. Pete explains that strategy is about figuring out what to do with limited resources and unlimited opportunities. He emphasizes the need for clear outcomes and alignment within the team, as well as the importance of measuring and tracking leading indicators to predict and improve lagging indicators. Pete also highlights the significance of training and developing the team to ensure successful execution of the strategy. The conversation explores the concept of the one-three-five method and its application in business and endurance sports. The one-three-five method focuses on three main objectives: strategy, operations, and people. It emphasizes the importance of simplicity, balance, and focus in achieving goals. The conversation also touches on the significance of vision and mission in goal-setting, the role of values in business planning, and the parallels between business and endurance sports. The guest, Pete Wilkinson, shares insights on the Reclaro software and how it helps individuals and organizations implement the one-three-five method.

Takeaways

• Strategy is about figuring out what to do with limited resources and unlimited opportunities.
• Clear outcomes and alignment within the team are crucial for successful execution of the strategy.
• Measuring and tracking leading indicators is essential to predict and improve lagging indicators.
• Investing in training and developing the team is key to business success. The one-three-five method focuses on three main objectives: strategy, operations, and people.
• Simplicity, balance, and focus are key to achieving goals.
• Vision is the long-term ambition, while mission is the next mountain to climb.
• Values and mission should be aligned with the one-three-five objectives.
• Business is an endurance sport that requires energy, focus, and regular breaks.
• Efficiency is doing things right, while effectiveness is doing the right things.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:51 Unleashing the Power of Strategy

09:30 The Importance of Clear Outcomes and Alignment

13:49 Measuring and Tracking Leading Indicators

23:43 Investing in Training and Development

26:25 The One-Three-Five Method

28:23 Vision vs. Mission

30:47 The Importance of Focus

33:37 Efficiency vs. Effectiveness

45:22 Business as an Endurance Sport

In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins interviews Barnaby Wynter, a renowned marketer and brand strategist. They discuss the importance of marketing in today's business landscape and how it has evolved over the years. They also delve into the concept of personal branding and its role in business growth.

Barnaby shares insights on creating a value proposition and defining the behavioural style, benefits, beliefs, and what you want to be famous for in your business. He emphasises the need to understand your target market and build relationships based on trust and resonance.

In this conversation, Paul Avins and Barnaby Winter discuss the importance of branding and marketing in building a successful business. They explore topics such as the value of brand on a balance sheet, the impact of AI on marketing, and the role of automation and augmentation in business. They emphasise the need for clear strategy, a strong value proposition, and the importance of building relationships with customers. The conversation provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses and create a go-to brand.

Ket Takeaways

• Marketing is now the lead discipline in businesses, focusing on bringing the buyer into the boardroom.
• A brand is every experience that affects the relationship between a product or service and its buyer.
• Personal branding is important for individuals who are the face of their business, but it should not be the core of the value proposition.
• A value proposition consists of defining the behavioural style, benefits, beliefs, and what you want to be famous for in your business.
• Understanding your target market's attitudes, thoughts, and experiences is crucial for effective marketing.
• Building relationships based on trust and resonance is key to successful marketing and business growth. Branding has value on a balance sheet and is an important asset when selling a business.
• AI is becoming essential in marketing and can be used for tasks such as copywriting, creative development, image creation, and CRM.
• Automation and augmentation are two strategies for using AI in business, with augmentation being the more valuable approach.
• A strong value proposition and clear strategy are essential for successful branding and marketing.
• Building relationships with customers is crucial for creating a go-to brand and attracting loyal customers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Barnaby Winter

02:04 The Evolution of Marketing and its Importance in Business

08:09 Defining Your Value Proposition: Behavioural Style, Benefits, Beliefs, and Fame

13:53 The Role of Personal Branding in Business Growth

20:03 Understanding Your Target Market for Effective Marketing

25:29 Building Relationships Based on Trust and Resonance

32:34 The Value of Branding on a Balance Sheet

49:38 The Impact of AI on Marketing

53:09 Automation vs. Augmentation in Business

01:00:06 The Importance of a Strong Value Proposition

01:03:21 Building Relationships with Customers for a Go-To Brand

In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, host Paul Avins sits down with sales expert David Angel to delve into the common challenges businesses face in their sales processes and how to overcome them.

David brings his wealth of experience in helping entrepreneurs scale their sales and build effective sales teams. The discussion focuses on the pitfalls of relying too heavily on salespeople without having robust systems and processes in place, the importance of continuous training, and actionable strategies to enhance sales performance.

1. Challenges in Sales and Solutions:

- Identifying the pitfalls of over-reliance on individual salespeople.

- Importance of having structured systems and processes to support sales teams.

- Strategies to ensure sales processes are scalable and repeatable.

2. Importance of Continuous Training:

- How ongoing training helps maintain and improve sales skills.

- The role of training in preventing skill erosion and keeping the team sharp.

- Examples of effective training practices and how to implement them.

3. Building a Resilient Sales Team:

- Characteristics of a successful salesperson and how to identify them during recruitment.

- The significance of onboarding and ongoing support for new sales hires.

- Tips on creating a supportive environment that fosters continuous improvement and resilience.

Quotes:

- Paul Avins: "When we start out, we sell the way that we feel comfortable selling rather than the way necessarily people wanna buy. Understanding different buying energies is crucial."

- Paul Avins: "One of the biggest mistakes people make with salespeople is they don't onboard them very well. They spend all this time and money hiring and then just expect them to impress without any proper training."

- David Angel: "Most business owners sell the way they like to buy, not based on the way their clients would like to buy. Adjusting to the client's buying preferences is key to improving sales."

- David Angel: "Sales isn't an eroding skill. Like going to the gym to maintain muscles, continuous training is essential to keep sales skills sharp and effective."

Connect with us on social media:

Paul Avins:

- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulavins/)

-Twitter](https://twitter.com/paulavins)

David Angel:

-[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidangel/)

-[Twitter](https://twitter.com/davidangel)

In this insightful episode of The Grown UP Business Podcast, host Paul Avins sits down with Jamie Beaumont, the CEO of Playter, a company revolutionizing the way small businesses manage their cash flow. Jamie shares his journey from the recruitment industry to founding Playter, highlighting the challenges and solutions small businesses face when dealing with cash flow issues.

The conversation dives deep into the common cash flow problems that many entrepreneurs encounter, such as late invoice payments and difficulties in securing funding from traditional banks. Jamie discusses how Plata's innovative financial solutions are designed to help businesses pay their bills later and get paid faster, thereby easing the cash flow crunch.

Whether you’re a startup struggling with liquidity or an established business looking to optimize your cash management, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples that can help you navigate the financial hurdles in your business.

Highlights:

- The importance of managing cash flow for business sustainability.

- Jamie’s personal journey from a recruitment entrepreneur to the fintech space.

- Common cash flow challenges faced by small businesses.

- Innovative solutions Plata offers to help businesses manage their finances more effectively.

- The role of technology in streamlining financial processes for SMEs.

Quotes:

Paul Avins:

1. "I think it can be really confusing sometimes to be an entrepreneur because you look at the data, and even though your business might be turning a profit on paper, there's very little cash in the bank at the end of the month."

2. "The ability to access capital quickly is a skill, and the power of your network plays a crucial role in finding solutions that traditional banks often overlook."

Jamie Beaumont:

1. "We want to leave every business at the end of every single month with more cash in their bank to do whatever they want to do with, whether it's investments or just peace of mind."

2. "Our mantra is to help slow the flow of money leaving your business and help speed the flow of money coming in, providing a more stable cash flow for small businesses."

Follow and connect with us:

- Follow Jamie Beaumont on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/b2bbnpl/)

- Connect with Paul Avins on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulavins/)

- Learn more about Plata and their financial solutions at [Playter's Website](https://www.playter.co)

In this episode of The Grown UP Business Podcast, host Paul Avins is joined by customer service expert and keynote speaker Geoff Ramm to delve into the critical role that customer service plays in business growth.

Geoff, known for his groundbreaking work on "Celebrity Service," shares invaluable insights into how businesses can transform their customer service practices to not only meet but exceed expectations.

Highlights:

- Introduction to Celebrity Service: Geoff Ramm introduces the concept of "Celebrity Service," explaining its origin and how treating every customer like a celebrity can create unforgettable experiences and boost customer loyalty.

- Why Customer Service Matters: The discussion highlights the direct correlation between excellent customer service and business growth. Geoff emphasizes that outstanding service leads to higher customer retention rates, increased referrals, and ultimately, greater profitability.

- Common Pitfalls in Customer Service: Geoff and Paul explore why many businesses fail to prioritize customer service, often treating t as an afterthought rather than a fundamental aspect of their operations.

- Real-world Examples: Through engaging anecdotes, Geoff illustrates the significant impact of small, thoughtful gestures in enhancing customer satisfaction and driving positive word-of-mouth.

- Practical Strategies for Improvement: Geoff provides actionable tips for businesses to elevate their customer service standards. He stresses the importance of consistency, attentiveness, and creating a service culture that permeates the entire organization.

Quotes:

- From the Host, Paul Avins:

- "I've always said profit is a direct result of repeat customers."

  - "Too often, great service is down to one or two individuals who innovate it rather than it

being across a whole company."

- From the Guest, Geoff Ramm:

  - "If you are not being tagged into the posts based on the service experience you are giving,

you are not giving a service experience worthy of being tagged into."

  - "We need to change our mindset to a celebrity service mindset, redesign and redefine our

levels of service."

- Join us at the Scale Up Summit 2024:

Discover more about how to revolutionize your customer service by attending the Scale Up Summit.

Visit [Scale Up Summit](https://scaleupsummit.co.uk) to grab your tickets now.

- Follow Us on Social Media:

  - [Paul Avins on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulavins/)

  - [Geoff Ramm on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/customerservicespeaker/)

  - [Paul Avins on Instagram] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/customerservicespeaker/)

In this enlightening episode of The Grown UP Business Podcast, host Paul Avins sits down with Marianne Page, an expert in business systems and processes, and a former executive with over 27 years at McDonald's.

Marianne shares her invaluable insights on how implementing effective systems can be a game-changer for businesses looking to scale up.

Key Themes:

1. The Power of Systems in Scaling a Business: Marianne explains how systems and processes are the backbone of any successful scaling strategy.Drawing from her extensive experience at McDonald's, she illustrates how a well-implemented system can create consistency, improve efficiency, and drive growth.

2. Building a Systematic Approach: The conversation delves into the importance of creating a blueprint for success. Marianne emphasizes the need for businesses to develop repeatable and scalable processes that ensure high performance and reliability across all operations.

3. The Four Types of Systems: Marianne introduces the concept of the four critical systems every business needs:

   - Sexy Systems: These are your marketing and sales processes that attract and convert

customers.

   - Security Systems: Financial and data management systems that protect the business.

   - Service Systems: Operational systems that ensure the delivery of your product or

service meets customer expectations.

   - Sticky Systems: HR systems that focus on hiring, training, and providing feedback to

ensure team cohesion and performance.

4. Real-World Examples and Practical Advice: Using real-world examples from her tenure at McDonald's and her consulting experience, Marianne provides actionable advice on how to start building and refining these systems in your own business.

Quotes:

- Paul Avins: "Simple scales, complex fails. Systems are at the heart of simplifying things."

- Marianne Page: "Businesses aren't very good at systems, but systems are the foundation that creativity can be built on."

- Paul Avins: "If you don't have visibility of numbers as you scale, managing cash becomes a critical skill set."

- Marianne Page: "Train the team member to do their job really well and develop the person to fulfill their potential."

Follow Paul on Social Media:

- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulavins/)

- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/paulavins/)

Follow and connect with Marianne Paige:

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannepage/)

Entrepreneurs often trade off their health and well-being for financial success. Guest, Kat Thorne, shares her personal story of nearly losing her life and how it led her to prioritise her health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating positive habits and having a strong why. It also discusses the disconnect between knowledge and action, and the need for a compelling vision to drive consistency. The hosts highlight the power of energy and the danger of conforming to societal expectations. They encourage listeners to surround themselves with supportive people and to be mindful of their own habits and mindset. In this conversation, they discuss the importance of incorporating positive habits into our daily routines to improve our performance and well-being. They emphasize the benefits of exercise, consuming positive information, and practicing gratitude. They also highlight the significance of having a morning and evening routine that supports rest and recovery. The conversation concludes with the recommendation to focus on one habit for 21 days and analyse its impact before making any changes.

Takeaways

Entrepreneurs often sacrifice their health and well-being for financial success, but health is the number one currency for success in entrepreneurship.

Creating positive habits and having a strong why are crucial for maintaining health and well-being.

There is a disconnect between knowledge and action, and it is important to bridge that gap by consistently applying knowledge.

Having a compelling vision for all aspects of life, including health, relationships, and business, is essential for staying motivated and consistent.

Surrounding oneself with supportive people and being mindful of habits and mindset are key to achieving success and happiness. Incorporating positive habits into our daily routines can have a significant impact on our performance and well-being.

Exercise, or movement, can boost confidence and have a positive impact on our business.

Consuming positive information, such as reading or listening to podcasts, can help counteract negative thoughts and reinforce positive thinking.

Having a morning routine that includes positive habits sets the tone for the day and supports overall well-being.

Creating an evening routine that promotes rest and relaxation is equally important for quality sleep and mental well-being.

Journaling and practicing gratitude can help manage thoughts and emotions, leading to improved mental health and overall happiness.

Chapters

00:00 The Danger of Trading Health for Financial Success

01:37 Creating Positive Habits and Finding Your Why

08:37 Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Action

10:06 The Power of a Compelling Vision

19:21 Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People

26:42 Mindfulness of Habits and Mindset

29:21 The Power of Positive Habits

34:09 The Importance of an Evening Routine

38:17 Reading and Infiltrating the Brain

41:23 Asking Your Brain a Question Before Sleep

45:07 Viewing Life as an Experiment

48:20 Business as a Game of Sport

51:59 Focus on One Habit for 21 Days

In this episode, Liv Connlon discusses the importance of building a personal brand and shares her strategies for success. She emphasizes the power of putting your face and name on your brand, as it creates a stronger connection with customers. Liv also talks about the platforms she chose to build her brand on, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. She highlights the importance of being authentic and relatable in your content, and shares her own experiences of starting out and evolving in her personal brand journey. Liv also discusses the benefits of writing a book and provides tips on how to approach the writing process. In this part of the conversation, Liv shares her experience of launching her book and the marketing strategies she used. She explains how she worked with a hybrid publisher and planned a launch campaign to promote her book. Liv also emphasizes the importance of having your own show, such as a podcast or YouTube channel, to build relationships and promote your work. She discusses the effectiveness of direct mail marketing and shares examples of successful direct mail campaigns she has run. Liv also briefly mentions the tech tools she uses in her business, including ClickUp, ClickFunnels, ActiveCampaign, and TeamUp. The conversation concludes with Liv answering questions from the audience about personal growth, getting help as an entrepreneur, and starting a charity.

Are you looking to build a powerful personal brand and elevate your business? Tune in to this episode with Liv Conlon, where she reveals her proven strategies for success. Learn how to put your face and name on your brand to create stronger connections with customers, choose the right platforms for your brand, and maintain authenticity and relatability in your content. Discover the benefits of writing a book, effective book launch strategies, and the power of having your own show. Plus, get insights into direct mail marketing, leveraging tech tools, and much more.

https://www.youtube.com/@paulavins

https://www.facebook.com/PaulAvinsCoach

https://www.instagram.com/paulavins/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulavins/

https://www.paulavins.com/podcast

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Building a Personal Brand

03:37 Putting Your Face and Name on Your Brand

04:32 Choosing the Right Platforms for Your Brand

07:24 Authenticity and Relatability in Building a Personal Brand

13:14 The Benefits of Writing a Book

17:46 Tips for Writing a Book

22:26 Launching a Book: Working with a Hybrid Publisher and Planning a Launch Campaign

24:52 The Power of Having Your Own Show: Building Relationships and Promoting Your Work

25:48 Direct Mail Marketing: Getting People's Attention and Generating Sales

28:19 Investing in Coaching and Mentorship: Learning from Both Successes and Failures

40:28 Starting a Charity: Making a Positive Impact and Changing Lives

In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Scale UP Coach, Paul Avins interviews Piers Linney, a former dragon on BBC Two's Dragons' Den, about the power of AI and how to scale a business using AI. They discuss practical applications of AI, the potential for wealth creation, the future of AI regulation, and the importance of embracing and learning how to use AI technology. The conversation highlights the need for businesses and individuals to adapt to the changing landscape and leverage AI to stay competitive.

The conversation explores the potential impact of AI on various aspects of society and business. It discusses the reinvention of search and the potential decline of advertising due to AI advancements. It also highlights the shift in job markets, with AI potentially replacing high-paying professions and creating new opportunities for skill-based jobs. The conversation emphasises the need for businesses to embrace AI and identify areas where it can be implemented to automate tasks and improve efficiency. It also addresses the risks associated with AI, such as cybersecurity threats and the potential for misuse. Overall, the conversation encourages a proactive approach to AI adoption while also considering the ethical implications and ensuring the preservation of human experiences and fulfilment.

Takeaways

• AI is a powerful tool that can help businesses scale and innovate, improve customer service, and empower teams.
• Businesses need to embrace AI and learn how to use it effectively to stay competitive in the market.
• Practical applications of AI include translation services, customer support, and data analysis.
• The future of AI regulation is uncertain, but businesses should have policies and guidelines in place to ensure ethical and responsible use of AI.
• AI has the potential to disrupt industries and create new opportunities for wealth creation. AI has the potential to reinvent search and disrupt the advertising industry.
• The job market will undergo significant changes, with AI replacing high-paying professions and creating new opportunities for skill-based jobs.
• Businesses should proactively embrace AI and identify areas where it can be implemented to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
• There are risks associated with AI, such as cybersecurity threats and the potential for misuse.
• It is important to consider the ethical implications of AI and ensure the preservation of human experiences and fulfilment.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Piers Linney

03:00 The Power of AI and Practical Applications

08:42 The Danger and Disruption of AI

12:00 The Future of Energy and Nuclear Fusion

15:23 Embracing AI to Add Value

17:02 The Importance of Learning and Embracing AI

21:11 The Future of the Internet and AI

23:03 The Reinvention of Search and the Decline of Advertising

24:00 The Changing Job Market: AI Replacing Professions and Creating New Opportunities

25:40 Embracing AI: Identifying Areas for Automation and Efficiency

32:19 The Risks of AI: Cybersecurity Threats and Misuse

41:37 Ethical Considerations: Preserving Human Experiences and Fulfilment

In this episode, Terry Fisher shares his experiences in the corporate world and as an angel investor. He discusses his time at Thomas Cook and the missed opportunity to buy the company. He also talks about his investment in a music app called Voicey and its eventual sale to Snapchat. Terry emphasizes the importance of having a clear exit strategy and surrounding yourself with supportive people during challenging times.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Corporate World

11:36 Missed Opportunities and Billion Pound Potential

18:04 Learning from Failure and Building a Supportive Network

23:23 Investing in a Music App and the Power of Timing

29:26 Selling the Music App and Looking to the Future

37:32 The Future of the Travel Industry and Personal Branding