In a recent episode of The Fearless Business Podcast, Robin Waite interviews Chris Do, a successful entrepreneur who has built an $80 million agency over 22 years. Chris is also the creator of the YouTube channel "The Futur" which boasts over 2.5 million subscribers.

Chris Do is an award-winning designer, director, and CEO who founded Blind—a pioneering motion design and brand strategy consultancy—in 1995. Based in California, Blind quickly became known for producing standout video content for clients including Snapchat, Nike, EA Sports, and Microsoft.

Beyond Blind, Chris founded The Futur, an online education platform driven by the mission to teach 1 billion people how to make a living doing what they love. Through online courses and practical tools, The Futur helps creatives sharpen their skills and build thriving businesses.

Chris also gives back by serving as chairman of the board for the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) and providing guidance as an advisor to Saleshood, a leading sales enablement platform. Over the years, he’s contributed his expertise to organizations like AIGA/LA, the Emmys Motion & Title Design Peer Group, and academic boards at institutions such as Otis College of Art and Design, Santa Monica College, and Woodbury University. 

This conversation dives deep into Chris's journey, the lessons he's learned, and the strategies that have propelled his success.

Blind: Pioneering Motion Design Excellence

Founded by Chris Do in 1995, Blind has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of motion design. Emerging as an industry trailblazer at a time when motion graphics were just gaining momentum, Blind quickly established itself as a creative powerhouse.

With a dedicated collective of strategists, designers, filmmakers, writers, and animators, the agency has consistently delivered standout visual storytelling. Their groundbreaking approach has left an indelible mark on campaigns for major brands like Nike, EA Sports, Microsoft, and Snapchat, to name a few. Over the years, Blind’s commitment to innovation and artistry has set new standards, making them a sought-after partner for clients seeking memorable, high-impact video content.

Key Takeaways

• Everyone has a unique superpower that can be harnessed for success.
• Authenticity in branding can significantly accelerate business growth.
• Pricing strategies, including price bracketing, can enhance profitability.
• The importance of focusing on outcomes rather than time spent.

Leadership and Advisory Roles Beyond The Futur

Chris’s influence extends far beyond his agency and YouTube channel. He holds several prominent leadership and advisory roles within the creative and educational communities. As chairman of the board for the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA), he helps guide the direction of one of the world’s most influential anime organizations. Chris also advises Saleshood, lending his expertise to shape the future of sales enablement platforms.

In addition to these roles, Chris has contributed his insights as a board or advisory member for numerous respected institutions. These include serving with AIGA Los Angeles, the Emmys Motion & Title Design Peer Group, the Otis College Board of Governors, as well as roles at Santa Monica College and Woodbury University. Through these positions, he continues to foster creative talent and drive innovation across the design, academic, and entertainment worlds.

Discovering Your Superpower

Chris believes that everyone possesses a superpower—a unique strength that, when fully integrated into their professional life, can lead to greater success. He shares his journey of self-discovery, emphasising that many people often suppress their true passions in favour of societal expectations. By embracing all aspects of oneself, including childhood interests and curiosities, individuals can align more closely with their authentic selves.

The Importance of Authenticity

In the podcast, Chris discusses how many people present a version of themselves that they think others want to see, rather than their true selves. This can hinder genuine connections and business growth. He encourages listeners to be intentional about their branding and to express their true beliefs and values. By doing so, they can attract the right audience and foster deeper relationships.

Navigating Social Norms

Chris acknowledges that while some social norms are beneficial, they shouldn't dictate how one presents themselves in business. He uses the analogy of shopping in a supermarket, where products compete for attention based on their packaging and branding. Just as unique products stand out on shelves, individuals should strive to showcase their authentic selves to attract the right clients.

The Journey of Reinvention

Chris shares that throughout his career, he has had to reinvent himself every few years to stay relevant. He highlights the importance of being proactive in adapting to changes in the industry, rather than waiting for disruption to occur. This mindset has allowed him to pivot successfully from a service-based design company to a content-driven business.

Major Clients and Industry Impact

Throughout its history, Blind has had the opportunity to work with an impressive roster of global brands. Notable clients include household names like Nike, Snapchat, EA Sports, and Microsoft. These collaborations have helped Blind solidify its reputation as a leader in motion design, creating impactful video content that resonates across industries.

Pricing Strategies: Price Bracketing

One of the key topics discussed is price bracketing. Chris explains that when clients are hesitant to reveal their budget, it’s essential to provide a range. For instance, stating that a project could cost between $30,000 and $200,000 allows clients to feel more comfortable sharing their budget. This strategy not only helps in negotiations but also sets a precedent for the value of the service being offered.

Incremental Pricing: Go Higher

Chris advocates for incremental pricing, encouraging business owners to raise their prices significantly rather than making minor adjustments. He argues that this approach tests the market's perception of value and helps professionals understand their worth better. By focusing on the outcomes they deliver, rather than the time spent, service providers can better align their pricing with the value they create.

The Power of Outcomes

A significant point made during the conversation is the need to shift focus from time-based billing to outcome-based pricing. Chris emphasises that clients care more about the results they receive than the hours spent on a project. By framing conversations around the impact of their work, service providers can better articulate their value and justify their pricing.

Conclusion

Chris Do's insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to scale their operations. By embracing authenticity, understanding their unique superpowers, and implementing effective pricing strategies, individuals can create a more fulfilling and profitable business. The journey of self-discovery and reinvention is ongoing, but with the right mindset, anyone can achieve their goals and make a significant impact in their industry.

To Apply for a FREE Coaching Session with Robin

Use the following link: https://www.robinwaite.com/app

To find out more about Fearless Business: 

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore 

And check out the Robin's website: >> https://www.robinwaite.com

Unpack the hidden drawbacks of hourly pricing in this insightful episode with Robin Waite. Discover why hourly rates might be limiting your business growth and learn about alternative pricing strategies that can enhance your profitability. This discussion is a must for any service professional looking to move away from traditional billing methods and towards a value-based pricing model.

Key Insights from This Episode: 1. The Ethical Dilemma of Hourly Rates:

• Explore the controversial view that hourly rates are not just inefficient but potentially unethical, with detailed examples illustrating how they can lead to client dissatisfaction and reduced earnings.

2. Case Studies: The Tale of Three Web Designers:

• Hear about three web designers with varying levels of expertise and how their approaches to pricing affect their business outcomes.
• Analysis of how charging based on time rather than value can distort client expectations and work incentives.

3. Transitioning to Value-Based Pricing:

• Learn how to shift from time-based billing to value-based pricing, focusing on the results you deliver rather than the hours you work.
• Understand the benefits of this approach, such as improved client satisfaction, better project alignment, and higher revenue.

4. Practical Steps to Implement New Pricing Strategies:

• Get actionable advice on redefining your pricing strategy to reflect the true value of your services.
• Tips on communicating this change to existing and potential clients to enhance your business model.

Listen and Transform:

Join Robin as he breaks down the fundamentals of pricing strategies that empower business owners to earn more while working less. This episode is ideal for freelancers, consultants, and any professionals tired of the traditional hourly grind who are ready to revolutionise their pricing model.

To Apply for a FREE Coaching Session with Robin

Use the following link: https://www.robinwaite.com/app

To find out more about Fearless Business: 

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore 

And check out the Robin's website: >> https://www.robinwaite.com

I had a really fascinating conversation between Business Coach, Robin Waite and Darren Ockenden, founder of Motion to Profit, about the benefits of Video and Podcasts for small business owners and why it's wortwhile investing the money into building these as a marketing asset.

Having served as a police officer for 14 years, Darren is the visionary behind Motion to Profit, a top-rated marketing agency specialising in Video Production and Podcast Management. 

The podcast discussion covered a wide range of topics related to personal branding, content creation, and business growth. Here are some key highlights from the conversation:

What We Discussed With Darren Ockenden

1. Podcasting and Video for Personal Branding: Podcasting and video are powerful tools for building a personal brand. They allow you to connect with your audience on a personal level, create trust, and engage with your target audience effectively.
2. Consistency and Quality: Consistency in content creation is essential, but it should not compromise quality. Focus on delivering valuable content that resonates with your audience and aligns with your brand's message and values.
3. Transparency and Authenticity: Building trust through transparency and authenticity is key to personal branding. Share your journey, including successes and failures, to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
4. Diversify Content Formats: Diversify your content formats to cater to different preferences within your audience. Offer a mix of blogs, podcasts, videos, and social media posts to engage a broader audience.
5. Networking and Collaboration: Building a network within your industry and collaborating with influencers can open up opportunities for growth and exposure.
6. SEO and Online Visibility: Optimise your online presence for search engines to reach a wider audience. Use relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and backlinks to improve your website's search rankings.
7. Monitoring and Adaptation: Regularly analyse your personal branding efforts, monitor engagement metrics, and adapt your strategy based on what works best for your audience.
8. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider outsourcing tasks that aren't your core strengths, like content creation, to professionals who can help you maintain consistency and quality.
9. Stay True to Your Values: Never compromise your values or authenticity for the sake of personal branding. Your brand should reflect your true self and the values you hold dear.

To find out more about Fearless Business: 

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore 

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz and https://www.robinwaite.com

My Guest today is Matt Essam is the Author of Create and Prosper. Having worked in the creative industries for over 12 years within big agencies as well as running his own freelance business, Matt realised that being successful is about more than just adding bigger projects to your portfolio.

In 2015 a series of unexpected events changed his perspective on life and he decided that it was time to find some meaning and purpose in his work. With the support from some of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs and business mentors, Matt developed a framework that he now uses to help established freelancers and small agencies to grow their business through work that is both creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding.

What we’ll be discussing today:

• Sales without being salesy
• Finding fulfilment in your work
• What are dream clients and how do you find them?
• Mindset or anything psychology related

What is Matt working on at the moment?

His book! (https://www.createandprosper.co/)

How to get hold of Matt:

Website - www.mattessam.co.uk

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My Guest today is David Shar the Founder of Illuminate PMC. David is a keynote speaker, consultant, and trainer specialising in helping organisations improve their leadership and culture, combat burnout, and design meaningful work.

David holds a Masters in Industrial / Organisational Psychology and is a current doctoral candidate in Business Psychology where he is studying the intersection between burnout and meaningful work. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland where he is currently quarantined with his wife and 5 children.

What we’ll be discussing today:

• Employee burnout – what is it? What causes it? How can an organisation fix it?
• The deeper meaning of work; work as a calling; finding passion & meaning in your work.
• Employee selection – how to hire more effectively.
• How to be a more effective leader.
• Diversity & inclusion and why diversity is useless without inclusion.

Giveaway

David would like to offer access to his FTF Burnout-Proof Culture Model: http://zc.vg/d2taz

How to get hold of David:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/DavidShar Insta - https://www.instagram.com/illuminatepmc/ Website - www.illuminatepmc.com

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My Guest today is Richard Woods who is the Creator of The Lead Gen Academy and 'The Apprentice' runner up. Richard Woods, is an award-winning entrepreneur, BBC's The Apprentice finalist, professional keynote speaker, radio presenter, investor & bestselling author.

He runs the award winning Lead Gen Academy which shows entrepreneurs and marketers how to unleash the power of digital on their business - https://www.leadgenacademy.co.uk/ He was a finalist upon BBC’s The Apprentice, Series 11 (2015) – Where he was the top seller across all tasks during the competition and broke two Apprentice records one for most sales in one day (£4.3 million) and secondly “The best Advertising Task ever seen on The Apprentice” – Lord Sugar.

What we’ll be discussing today:

• Lead Generation

What is Richard is working on at the moment?

5-day Facebook ads challenge, Get more leads group

https://www.leadgenacademy.co.uk/Facebook-Ads-5-Day-Challenge

Links

Best Selling Book “Digital Trailblazer” - available on Kindle or Softback

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Digital-Trailblazer-Technology-Marketing-Business/dp/1781331693/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=richard+woods&qid=1598962076&sr=8-5

Sizzle Video https://youtu.be/9aT3SOTpeN4

How to get hold of Richard:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickwoods/ Insta https://www.instagram.com/richard_woods/ Website https://www.leadgenacademy.co.uk/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Today’s episode is hosted by Fearless Business Coach, Kate Hunter, where Kate delivers a fantastic insight on How to fix your Money Mindset.

To find out more about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore 

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz 

My Guest today is Paul Holbrook who describes himself as all round optimist and the Creator of The Diary Detox. Paul is a time rebel, speaker and author who walked away from a 20-year career in the City of London having become frustrated at standing-by watching the toxic effect of people's diaries on themselves and those around them without them realising it. On the way to creating a world of better-led people, Paul stumbled across the Diary Detox®, a business that he now runs.

Having covered a variety of roles within technology and people management, Paul is passionate about improvement. He believes the only thing stopping people getting the most from themselves, is an unerring attention to getting the best from everyone and everything around them. It all starts with what's in their diary.

Paul’s journey began while working as a technologist in banks across the City, where he spent years observing colleagues, particularly managers, frantically filling their days, running around with their hair on fire, yet rarely finding the time to focus on what truly mattered. He often found himself silently asking: What on earth are you doing? This persistent question eventually became the spark for his next chapter.

After two decades in the banking world, Paul decided he’d had enough. He left to change the story for those overwhelmed by their own calendars. Initially, he set out as a leadership coach, eager to help people step back and reclaim control of their time. But time and again, he heard the same refrain from potential clients: “It sounds really interesting, but I just don’t have any time to talk to you.”

Recognising this as the core issue, Paul drew upon a simple technique he’d used while managing large teams, one that helped people uncover hidden pockets of time and gain clarity on their priorities. What started as a doorway to meaningful conversations quickly grew in popularity, evolving into the Diary Detox itself.

Paul delivered the Diary Detox in person, then expanded into group courses, and soon realised that both large organisations and individual entrepreneurs were hungry for these insights. To reach even more people, especially those outside the corporate world, he captured his approach in a book, making his techniques for reclaiming time accessible to anyone ready to take back control of their day.

Having covered a variety of roles within technology and people management, Paul is passionate about improvement. He believes the only thing stopping people getting the most from themselves, is an unerring attention to getting the best from everyone and everything around them. It all starts with what's in their diary.

Why We Get Nervous About Our Use of Time

Let’s be honest—most of us get a little uneasy when the spotlight turns to how we manage (or mismanage) our time. It’s the classic case of the internal mirror: as soon as someone starts talking about priorities or productivity, we instinctively check our own calendars and ask, “Am I making the most of my days?”

There’s a reason for this. Time is the one resource none of us can get more of, and once it’s gone, that’s it. Unlike money or knowledge, you can’t hit “refresh.” That pressure, sometimes just beneath the surface, makes us question whether we’re truly focusing on what matters, or if we’re letting distractions run the show.

It’s normal to feel a bit exposed or self-conscious when this subject comes up, because deep down, we know the stakes are real. Reflecting on how we spend our time is uncomfortable precisely because it matters so much. The good news? Pausing to check in with ourselves is the first step to turning those nerves into action, and making every hour count.

What we’ll be discussing today:

• Time and how people waste it without realising.
• Management and Leadership and how they're misunderstood.
• The effect on not being sure where you're going.
• The effect of not planning time.
• Reflection on what's REALLY happening.

Accidental Managers: The Hidden Risk in the Workplace

One of the big culprits behind wasted time and disenchanted teams is something called the “accidental manager.” These are people who, often through no fault of their own, find themselves promoted into management simply because they were good at their previous job, not because they genuinely wanted to lead or had any training in how to do it.

Here’s the catch: when individuals are bumped up without a real appetite for people management, organizations often end up with frustrated leaders, stressed-out teams, and confusion all around. Instead of inspiring their teams or making decisions that drive the business forward, accidental managers spend most days reacting, firefighting, and just trying to keep up. The result? Toxic diary overload, wasted hours, and a workplace buzzing with avoidable drama.

To avoid this trap, it’s crucial to rethink how people move into leadership. Instead of just promoting the top performer, we need to focus on finding those who have a real passion for helping others succeed. Only then can businesses build strong foundations and create environments where both leaders and teams can truly thrive.

Guidelines for Balancing Your Activities

Now, when it comes to what you should actually do with your time, there’s no magic formula that fits everyone, especially as your role changes within an organization. If you’re the CEO of a startup, your daily breakdown will look very different compared to a middle manager in a multinational, or a freelancer spinning multiple plates.

Instead, think of the recommended “mix” of activities, like time spent planning, leading, executing, or networking, as signposts rather than strict rules. For example, you might see advice suggesting “spend 50% of your time on strategic work.” But don’t panic if you notice you’re actually hitting 70%. The point isn’t to follow these proportions rigidly. Instead, use them as a prompt to pause and reflect: Does this match what your role genuinely needs? Is the extra time in one area serving you, or is something else falling by the wayside?

Ultimately, these guidelines are meant to encourage honest reflection, not to add another layer of guilt to your diary. Consider them springboards for better self-awareness, rather than a checklist you must tick off every week.

Can we ever accomplish everything we want to do?

Let’s be real, there’s no magic formula to give us unlimited hours in the day. We all have a never-ending to-do list, and it’s tempting to believe we can tick every single box if we just try hard enough or find the right productivity hack. But here’s the kicker: none of us will ever have enough time to do absolutely everything we dream of. And that’s okay.

The trick isn’t to chase after every single opportunity or to spread yourself so thin that you burn out. Instead, the real skill is learning how to say “no” (or at least “not right now”) to the less important stuff, so you can give your energy to what truly matters, those things that move the needle for you, your business, or your team.

Give yourself permission to let go of the pressure to accomplish it all. Focus instead on what’s essential. Prioritize, plan, and make deliberate choices about your time. That’s how you make real progress, not by adding more to your diary, but by making sure what gets in there really counts.

How Diary Detox® Turns Time Management on Its Head

Now, if you’ve ever taken a time management course, you’ve probably left armed with to-do lists, colour-coded calendars, and the hope that if you simply sliced your hours into more bite-sized pieces, you’d finally conquer the elusive beast called “busy.” The trouble is, all those brilliant hacks last about five days, and then, whoosh, you’re right back to old habits.

But here’s where Paul Holbrook’s Diary Detox® does things wildly differently. Instead of teaching you to carve up your diary into 15-minute chunks or forcing your tasks through a productivity sausage machine, Paul gets you to pause and conduct a proper audit. Where exactly is your time actually going?

It starts with a simple exercise: look back at your previous week and break down everything you did, no fluff, no wishful thinking. Paul uses a colour-coding system (green, amber, red, brown, blue), which helps you see at a glance what your time is actually spent on. For example, green is all about leadership, making those crucial, strategic decisions that actually move your business forward. Amber is your classic management mode, overseeing, guiding, and ensuring the cogs are turning as they should.

The real genius? You begin to notice how much of your week is swallowed up by things that aren’t really yours to do—tasks you’ve adopted out of habit, obligation, or because someone else dropped the ball. Instead of grinding through endless checklists, you finally get clarity on which activities genuinely belong on your plate, and which ones are masquerading as your responsibility.

This way, Diary Detox® doesn’t try to squeeze more into your schedule. Instead, it helps you create space for meaningful work, so you can lead better, manage smarter, and actually enjoy the process, no stopwatch required.

The Five Colours of Diary Detox®

Paul's Diary Detox® method revolves around five distinct colours: green, amber, red, brown, and blue. Each colour shines a spotlight on how you actually spend your time, and, perhaps more importantly, how you could be using it more effectively.

• Green represents true leadership activities. This is your strategic thinking time, the moments spent shaping the bigger picture, making fundamental decisions, and steering the ship. If you're plotting the future of your business or setting a new direction, you're in the green zone.

• Amber covers management tasks. These are more about oversight than vision: making sure the gears are turning and things are running smoothly. It's the checking in, the course-correcting, and the gentle nudges to keep everything on track. Not quite steering the ship, but ensuring it stays on course.

• Red, brown, and blue round out the spectrum and point to other key activities and potential pitfalls, each inviting deeper reflection into whether your efforts are truly aligned with your goals or if your time is slipping away in areas that don't serve your best intentions.

By categorising your week using these colours, you gain clarity on where your leadership shows up, where you're simply managing, and where you might be missing opportunities to lead or improve.

What's Paul working on at the moment?

• Book – “What are You Doing?”
• Diary Detox® Practitioner

How to get hold of Paul:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmichaelholbrook/ Website https://diarydetox.com

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My Guest today is Dan Rice, the founder and creator at I Am Dan Rice (Digital Marketing). Dan is a creative marketer who has discovered how much he really enjoys coming up with content ideas. If you’re someone who is intimidated by the process of coming up with great ideas, simply don’t have the time or just want to focus on other areas of your business Dan is here to help.

What we’ll be discussing today:

• Using Twitter to drive traffic to your website
• Building real person to person relationships to drive business
• Why you should or shouldn't build a community/group

What is Dan working on at the moment?

• Dans services – a Digital Marketer Specialising in Creative Ideation
• If you’ve got any Twitter related questions: https://iamdanrice.co.uk/ccm/

How to get hold of Dan:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielrice85/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/iamdanrice Insta - https://www.instagram.com/iamdanrice/ Website - https://www.iamdanrice.co.uk

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My guest today is Jen Hall, Business Positioning Coach & Market Leadership Expert. Jen Hall is a Business Positioning Coach & Market Leadership Expert Helping successful entrepreneurs become market leading future proof business owners.

She’s a multi business owner herself including running a market leading multi-7 fig adventure travel company, she’s the best-selling author of Expert Unrivalled and has been featured on the BBC, Thrive Global & Psychologies Magazine & was recently invited to guest expert on Janet Murray’s top ranking podcast.

Based in Wales with her daughter and partner in crime she works with entrepreneurs all over the world.

What we’ll be discussing today:

• Differentiation Niche Market leadership

What is Jen working on at the moment?

• Recent invitation to Janet Murray top ranking podcast
• Jens own podcast The Expert Unrivalled

How to get hold of Jen:

Podcast – The Expert Unrivalled LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/jen-hall-23980840 Facebook Page - Www.facebook.com/jenhallbusinesscoach Website Address - Www.marketleaderleague.com

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My Guest today is Simon Severino, the CEO of Strategy Sprints, Europe’s leading remote Growth Advisory. His global team of Certified Strategy Sprint coaches do only one thing: Double the revenue of service-based businesses in 90 days.

Simon also teaches Growth Strategy in select business schools. And hosts the Strategy Show podcast.

www.strategysprints.com

What we’ll be discussing today:

• Double your Revenue in 90 days
• Fall in love with the problem, not the solution.
• You do not raise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.
• Cut your lists in half.
• Take the most direct path.
• How to double your sales conversions in 90 days.
• Solve one bottleneck after the other.
• This is how you identify your #1 bottleneck.

Giveaway

A free 45 minutes bottleneck analysis for the first 30 listeners who visit www.strategysprints.com/sales

What is Simon working on at the moment?

• Podcast - The Strategy Show

How to get hold of Simon:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/simonseverino Twitter: https://twitter.com/strategysprints Instagram: https://instagram.com/strategysprints Website: www.strategysprints.com

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My guest today is Sapna Pieroux, Founder of brand consultancy InnerVisions ID. Designer, author, speaker and mentor, Sapna Pieroux is the multi-award-winning founder of brand consultancy InnerVisions ID, helping ambitious, ethical and purpose-driven businesses stand out so they can make a bigger impact.

Her book Let’s Get Visible! will help you 'Get brand clarity, Stand out in your Industry and Supercharge your Business Growth'. It hit #1 best-seller status in four categories on launch (January 2020) and won an award at the Business Book Awards this March.

Sapna also won the Women in Business Rising Star Awards (October 2019), Creative Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 (Be Your Own Awards) and is currently shortlisted for the National Business Women’s Awards 2020 for Service Excellence.

Sapna is also the Brand Mentor for a national programme Shifts to Success, helping police officers into a life of entrepreneurship and a business mentor for Westmont Enterprise Hub at the University of West London.

She is married to Andy and they have two karate-crazy boys, Luc & Leon.

What we’ll be discussing today:

• My journey
• The book
• The No1 mistake that most entrepreneurs are making (I'll talk about DoSaySee)
• The VISION method

What is Sapna working on at the moment?

• Connect with Sapna on LinkedIn for a free first chapter of Sapna’s book Let's Get Visible!
• Running regular Brand Strategy Workshops so entrepreneurs can navigate their brands through change.

How to get hold of Sapna:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sapnapieroux/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InnerVisionsID/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/InnerVisionsID/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/InnerVisionsID/ Website Address: www.innervisions-id.com

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My guest today is David Jenyns, Founder of systemHub and SYSTEMology. In 2016, David successfully systemised himself out of his business, one of Australia’s most trusted digital agencies, melbourneSEOservices.com. Through this process he became a systems devotee – founding systemHUB & SYSTEMology. Today, his mission is to free all business owners worldwide from the daily operations of running their business

What we’ll be discussing today:

• How David fired himself, hired a CEO, moved to the beach, and tripled his bottom line.
• Case Studies - The 7 myths of business processes and why most people fail at systemisation.
• How to find, recruit and retain a team of “A” players.
• What most business owners will never understand about scaling their business.
• How to cut your wage bill by more than 50% and build a high-performance team

What is David working on at the moment?

• Book comes out 18th of August 2020 (Amazon - Kindle, Hardback and Audio)
• Can pre-register on www.SYSTEMology.com
• We'll send out preview chapters (text + audio)

How to get hold of David:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jenyns/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/davidjenyns Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidjenyns Website Address(es): www.systemology.com and www.systemhub.com

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

In this episode of the Fearless Business Podcast, Rob Moore joins seasoned business coach Robin Waite to talk about entrepreneurship and money mastery. 

Rob Moore is a self-made property investor, entrepreneur, accomplished author, record-breaking individual, dynamic speaker, skilled pilot, and proud father. He holds co-ownership in seven companies specialising in property, lettings, and finance. Rob has forged partnerships with some of the most prominent names in the business and household spheres. He has made appearances as a business mentor on prime-time TV shows, including those on Living, Channel 4, the BBC, The Independent, and The Business Channel. Moreover, Rob is dedicated to mentoring individuals striving for success, helping them attain greater financial prosperity and recognition in both business and life.

He is the acclaimed author of bestsellers like "LIFE LEVERAGE" and "MONEY" and serves as the host of the widely followed DISRUPTIVE ENTREPRENEUR podcast.

In the world of entrepreneurship, there are those who play it safe, and then there are those who embrace the challenges with a fearless attitude. Rob Moore, a renowned entrepreneur, author, and coach, undoubtedly falls into the latter category. In this insightful interview, we had the privilege of delving into Rob's world, exploring his journey, mindset, and the secrets behind his remarkable success.

What We Discussed with Rob Moore on the Fearless Business Podcast

1. Fearless Entrepreneurship: Rob Moore's journey from art to entrepreneurship highlights the importance of embracing change and making data-driven decisions in the world of business.
2. Role of Mentorship: Mentorship plays a crucial role in accelerating entrepreneurial growth by providing valuable insights and guidance to avoid common pitfalls.
3. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Rob Moore's success is built on data-driven decision-making, using available information and market insights to make strategic choices.
4. Harnessing Fear: Fear can be a motivator for entrepreneurs, driving them to make better decisions and confront challenges head-on.
5. Money Mastery: Rob Moore is an expert in money mastery, with a focus on helping others understand financial management through books like "Money Matrix" and "Money Loves You."
6. Rob.team: Rob's platform, Rob.team, empowers entrepreneurs with a wealth of resources, courses, and a supportive community to help them succeed.
7. Community Support: Being part of a supportive community is vital for entrepreneurs, allowing them to share challenges, seek advice, and celebrate successes together.

Future Impact: Rob Moore's fearless approach and commitment to empowering entrepreneurs make him a leader in the field, with a growing impact on the world of entrepreneurship.

My guest today is Richard Lau, Founder of Logo.com. Richard has an impressive track record of building successful businesses. He has founded, built, and sold multiple companies including MyDomain.com, Resume.com, and NamesCon. Along with success on the business side, he has a heart for giving back to others and is Executive Director of WaterSchool, a charity focused on clean water projects in Uganda.

Utilising his experience to benefit others, Richard has developed a passion for helping other entrepreneurs and potential business owners increase their own happiness and success. He does this through any venue he can - including podcasts, public speaking events, and conferences.

2020 is Richard's 20th year as a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 30 after just moving to a new country with his wife & 3-month old son. His faith in God carried him through this trying time for himself and his family and gave him even more drive to help others through business.

What we’ll be discussing today:

• Why overthinking your logo could end up undercutting your sales
• How to design your business now for a successful exit strategy in the future.
• Finding your voice: how to get out there and be heard (podcasts, written interviews, quoted in publications)
• Be helpful to succeed. It's what ties all of Richard's most successful businesses together. (NamesCon conference brings people together. Resume.com helps people get jobs. Logo.com helps small business get professional logos, fast and inexpensively.) What have you done for your community lately, for you business network, for your customers?

What is Richard working on at the moment?

Our AI powered, automated logo-maker at Logo.com It's extremely easy to use and displays dozens of designs for people to quickly see if there is a logo they love. No payment is collected unless someone finds a design they love.

How to get hold of Richard:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/logodotcom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/logodotcom/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/logodotcom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logodotcom/ Website: https://www.logo.com

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My guest today is Mark Nicholls, Founder of the Tectona Partnership. Chartered Accountant meets Civil Engineer. Managed team of over 100 at Business Link. Co-founder of Tectona in 2012 providing an insightful and cost-effective alternative to a full time CFO.

Exeter University. 2 boys. Car fanatic. Amateur (very) cricketer. Recreational flyer. Skier. Golfer.

What we’ll be discussing today:

• What does a CFO or FD actually do?
• Covid-19 Issues faced so far. What is likely to come?
• What pinch points do we foresee?
• What are businesses doing about it?
• Keeping costs down. Are you outsourcing?
• Anyone thinking of discounting - best first understand the implications.
• Cash is tight and going to get tighter - you must plan and plan hard.
• What is scenario planning?
• How should businesses get raising finance right - first time?
• Are you straining your creditors?

Why Your Financial Foundations Matter Most

Now, here’s a secret most business owners overlook: before you sprint towards growth, marketing blitzes, or even your next shiny sales funnel, you have to get your financial house in order. Think of it like building a skyscraper, you wouldn’t decorate the top floor before you’ve poured a solid foundation.

Mapping out your financial structure isn’t just about spreadsheets or boring math (although let’s admit, spreadsheets can be fun for some of us). It’s how you gain the clarity and confidence to make bold moves. With the right financial blueprint:

• You can test “what if” scenarios safely. Wondering how raising your prices or trimming overhead might change things? Now you’ll know, before you take the leap.
• You’ll spot key levers that influence profit: pricing, sales costs, outstanding invoices. Tweak these intentionally, not randomly.
• You can weather storms. When tough times hit (and let’s face it, they do), you already know which costs you can cut or what actions to prioritize.

Imagine knowing the impact of every decision before making it. That level of control sets you up to scale your business on your own terms, without sleepless nights or unexpected crises. Bottom line? Lock in your financial structure first and you’ll build a business that supports your big ambitions instead of holding you back.

What is Mark working on at the moment?

• A "Profit Booster" https://tectonapartnership.com/profit-booster/ session with the masters.
• Help with funding applications. Outsourcing really does make sense for some businesses.

How to get hold of Mark:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tectona-partnership-limited/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tectonapartners Website: https://tectonapartnership.com/

What are the implications of straining relationships with creditors?

Let’s face it, stretching payment terms with your creditors might seem like a savvy short-term fix, until it isn’t. When you consistently push the boundaries, you risk damaging the trust and goodwill you’ve built up over time. Creditors may tighten your terms, cut your credit limits, or in the case of big suppliers like Screwfix or Travis Perkins, even put you on stop completely.

Not only does this make it harder to manage cash flow, but you might also lose out on early payment discounts or favourable rates you once enjoyed. In the worst-case scenario, a poor track record with suppliers can leave you scrambling for alternatives, often at a higher cost and with more hoops to jump through. It pays (quite literally) to nurture those relationships and be upfront if you hit a snag; most creditors prefer communication and a plan over radio silence and surprises.

Why Monitoring Management Information Matters

Let’s clear up a key point: no business can truly thrive in the dark. Having solid management information, think up-to-date sales figures, cost breakdowns, and cash flow forecasts, at your fingertips is what lets you steer the ship rather than drift aimlessly.

When business owners regularly review this information, they’re far better equipped to make strategic decisions. For example, if you spot a downward trend in monthly revenue, you can take action early rather than waiting for things to spiral. Or, if costs start creeping up, a quick analysis could reveal areas to trim the fat, before profits take a nosedive.

This isn’t just for big corporates. Whether you’re a solopreneur getting started or managing a growing team, tapping into management information is like having your own dashboard, with dials you can actually adjust. Regularly tracking these numbers (every month for big outfits, every few months for smaller teams) means fewer nasty surprises and more opportunities to take control.

In a nutshell, consistently using management information is the difference between strategic growth and flying by the seat of your pants. Let’s see how that plays out in times of crisis, like a global pandemic, where those who monitor their numbers aren’t just reacting, they’re planning their comeback.

How often should you review your business finances?

Let’s get real, whether you’re running a lean startup or steering a ship the size of Unilever, keeping tabs on your numbers isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s essential. The frequency? Well, that depends.

• Smaller businesses: Think of reviewing your financials as a regular health check. Every 3 to 6 months is the absolute minimum. This gives you enough information to spot patterns early, tackle issues before they become full-blown headaches, and make sharper decisions.

• Larger businesses: If you’ve got a larger operation (or just love your spreadsheets), monthly reviews are a must. In fact, the likes of Coca-Cola and Apple have entire teams reviewing key numbers every few weeks, sometimes even weekly, so nothing slips through the cracks.

Bottom line: The more often you review your financial performance, the better equipped you’ll be to steer your business with confidence. Regular, action-focused check-ins blow annual panic sessions out of the water.

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My guest today is Daniel Priestley. Daniel Priestley is the author of four best-selling books Key Person of Influence, Entrepreneur Revolution, Oversubscribed and 24 Assets.

Daniel is a successful entrepreneur who's built and sold businesses in Australia, Singapore, and the UK. He's the co-founder of Dent Global, one of the world's top business accelerators for entrepreneurs and leaders to stand out and scale up.

With offices in London, Sydney and Toronto Dent's accelerator programs have global reach. Endorsed by the Institute of Leadership and Management, over 500 entrepreneurs and leaders, each year participate globally in developing their businesses with the support of high net worth mentors.

He's named in the Top 10 Business Advisors in the UK by Enterprise Nation and one of the top 25 entrepreneurs in London in the Smith & Williamson Power 100 Awards.

What we’ll be discussing on this episode:

• The four drivers for a market imbalance
• Building an audience in a specific niche
• Encouraging prospects to signal interest in products
• Building marketing assets (P4Ps) and why it’s important to use these instead of mindless outbound marketing
• Why being a Key Personal of Influence in your industry is so important

What Are Buying Signals in Sales?

We’ve all been there, chatting with a prospect, not sure if they’re on the fence or about to leap in with both feet. So, how do you know when someone is actually interested in your offer and it’s time to move in for the sale? That’s where buying signals come in.

Simply put, buying signals are clues, verbal, physical, or written, that show your prospect is seriously considering making a purchase. Missing these signals can mean walking away empty-handed, while spotting them lets you nudge the conversation toward a decision with confidence.

Spotting Buying Signals

Buying signals generally fall into three buckets:

• Questions: When a client starts asking about things like delivery times, payment options, or how the service works behind the scenes, you’re onto something. These questions aren’t just polite chit-chat, they’re windows into their intent and interest. For example:

  • “How soon could this be delivered?”
  • “Is there a warranty included?”
  • “Can I customize this for my team?”

• Statements: Listen for comments that show the person is picturing themselves as an owner or user. If you hear things like “I could really see this freeing up my Friday afternoons,” or “This would fit right near the entrance,” they’re mentally moving forwards. Even simple affirmations, “Yes, that makes sense,” or “That’s what I need”, can be a green light.

• Non-Verbal Actions: Body language often says more than words. When someone leans in, nods, takes notes, or keeps revisiting a specific feature, those are classic signals. People in deep consideration mode might stroke their chin (classic!), tilt their head, or even doodle with their pen while thinking.

Why It Matters

Recognizing and acting when these buying signals pop up separates the order-takers from the rainmakers. When your prospect starts showing signs, through their words, their body language, or their questions, that’s your cue to help them make a decision, rather than delivering yet another feature dump.

Up next, we dig into...

Spotting Customer Signals: What Are They Really Telling You?

Let’s talk about something that’s often hiding in plain sight, those statements your prospects make that reveal they’re ready to buy, or at least leaning eagerly in that direction. Instead of relying solely on your super-sleuth sales instincts, tune your ear to the subtle cues your prospect drops into conversation.

You'll often hear phrases that shift from passive interest to active ownership: things like, “When I use this system, I’ll be able to process items more quickly,” or, “I think we’d get the best results if the machine was installed by the entrance.” Suddenly, they’re picturing themselves using your product. That's gold dust.

Other signs are even more straightforward, repeating your points back to you, nodding along, tossing in affirmations like “yes,” “right,” or “that’s exactly what we need.” Sometimes, they loop back to revisit a detail or ask to compare their options one more time, which usually means they’re narrowing things down in their mind.

If you catch someone weighing alternatives or rephrasing the outcomes after adopting your solution, you’re probably closer to a handshake than you think. So, keep an ear out; these little nuggets tell you that the prospect isn’t just interested, they’re picturing a future as your customer.

What kinds of customer questions are considered buying signals?

If you’re wondering how to spot genuine interest versus polite curiosity, pay attention to the kinds of questions a potential customer asks. True buying signals typically show up when someone starts bridging the gap between consideration and action. Here are some stellar examples:

• Delivery & Timing Inquiries: When a prospect asks “How soon could we get started?” or “What are your delivery timelines?”, they’re picturing your solution in their life or business. That’s a major green light.
• Price & Value Questions: Queries like “What’s the cost?” or “Are there different price options?” show they’re weighing affordability, but crucially, also evaluating if the investment is justified. At this point, it’s about reinforcing value, not just stating a number.
• Detail Clarifications: If someone circles back with questions about specific features or requests more detail, “Can you explain again what’s included in the premium package?”, it’s a sign they want to feel confident before proceeding.
• Seeking Reassurance: When prospects ask “Which option would suit us best?” or “Do you think this will solve our particular challenge?”, they’re picturing themselves as customers and looking for expert guidance before making the leap.

Spotting these signals means you’re not just chatting, you’re helping someone make a decision. That’s where real momentum begins.

Spotting Verbal Buying Signals

So, how do you know when someone’s genuinely warming up to your offer? Listen carefully, often, customers give away clear hints they're seriously thinking about making a purchase. Here are a few tell-tale signs to watch (or rather, hear) out for:

• Ownership language: Phrases like “When I use this…” or “Once I get this set up…” suggest your prospect is already picturing themselves with the product or service.
• Agreement and affirmation: Simple affirmations such as “yes,” “right,” “that sounds good,” or “okay,” even tossed in mid-conversation, can indicate their interest is peaking.
• Detail questions: If they start diving into specifics, like installation, delivery times, or customization, they’re probably picturing how it fits into their world.
• Repeating benefits: When someone echoes your points (“So, this will help me process orders faster?”), it generally means they value what you’re offering.
• Comparisons and options: If they’re weighing features or debating which package to pick, you’re in buying-signal territory.

Some prospects may also circle back to important points more than once, signaling they’re double-checking before making the leap.

Recognizing these genuine buying signals can give you the confidence to guide the conversation naturally toward closing, without being pushy or overly “salesy.”

How Customer Questions Reveal Buying Interest

Ever noticed how the best customers start asking questions? That’s a sure sign they’re warming up and leaning into your offer, it’s the green light that signals genuine buying interest.

Here are a few ways those questions show up:

• Delivery and Logistics: When someone asks, “How soon could we get started?” or “What’s the usual delivery timeframe?” it’s rarely idle curiosity. They’re picturing your product or service in their world, and that means they’re moving from browsing to seriously considering a purchase.

• Pricing Queries: If you hear “How much does it cost?” or “Is there a payment plan available?” that’s another strong signal. Sure, there may still be objections to handle, maybe they need reassurance on value, but pricing questions mean you’ve piqued their interest.

• Clarification Requests: Sometimes prospects dig into the details, asking about specs, features, or how something works. These aren’t time-wasters; they’re double-checking that your solution truly fits their needs.

• Seeking Recommendations: When someone says, “Which package do you think is best for me?” or “What would work best in our case?”, they’re inviting you into their decision process. They’re moving out of research mode and closer to closing the deal.

Bottom line: The quality of your prospect’s questions tells you how far along they are in their buying journey. Questions rooted in logistics, specific needs, or recommendations are your cue to guide them confidently toward a yes.

The Three Main Types of Buying Signals

So, what should you actually look out for when a prospect is interested? Buying signals typically fall into three buckets:

• Questions: When your potential client starts asking about specific details, timelines, pricing, delivery, next steps, you know their wheels are turning and they’re picturing themselves as your customer.
• Statements: These sound like, “I could see myself using this,” or “That feature would really help my business.” They’re voice-memos from your prospect’s brain, letting you know you’ve struck a chord.
• Non-Verbal Cues: Sometimes the buying signal doesn’t come in words at all. You’ll notice nodding, leaning forward, taking notes, or lingering a bit longer after a meeting. All these little gestures add up to interest you shouldn’t ignore.

Once you spot these signals, it’s your moment to step up and guide the conversation forward, helping your prospect make the leap from curious to committed.

Non-Verbal Signs Your Prospect is Ready to Buy

One of the most powerful things you can do in a sales conversation is to tune into what’s not being said. Non-verbal cues often speak louder than words, and skilled salespeople know that a prospect’s body language can reveal their true level of interest.

Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs:

• Positive facial expressions: A relaxed, nodding head, or even a genuine smile typically signals agreement and receptiveness.
• Engaged posture: If they’re leaning in, turning their body toward you, or noticeably focusing in your direction, that’s a green light, they’re interested.
• Thoughtful gestures: Actions like stroking their chin, adjusting their glasses, or thoughtfully tapping a pen can mean they’re seriously weighing up what you’ve said. If they’re quietly contemplating, you’ve captured their attention.
• Wide, attentive eyes: Eyes that open a little wider or pupils that appear more dilated can be surprisingly good indicators of intrigue or fascination with your offer.
• Head tilts: A slight tilt of the head isn’t just curiosity, it often shows your prospect wants to know more and is genuinely engaged.

Notice several of these in a conversation? That’s your cue to gently move things forward, try a soft close or simply ask if they’d like to take the next step. When you tune into these subtle signals, you’ll spot golden opportunities to progress the sale before the competition even picks up on what’s happening.

Spotting Buying Signals Through Body Language

So, how can you really tell if a customer’s on the brink of buying, without them uttering a word? The secret’s in their body language.

Keep your eyes peeled for those moments when someone leans in during a conversation, or their head subtly nods as you talk about your offer, these aren’t just polite gestures; they’re green lights. A client who sits forward, maintains eye contact, or even tilts their head is usually signaling a genuine interest in what you’re saying.

Other tell-tale signs? Watch for people who begin to handle objects thoughtfully, a pen in the mouth, glasses twirled absentmindedly, or fingers tracing the edge of a notebook. These moves aren’t just fidgeting; they often show deep consideration and seriousness about the next step. You might also notice a shift in facial expressions, from neutral to more animated, or eyes widening slightly, a classic sign of curiosity or attraction to your proposal.

Of course, none of these signals guarantee a sale, but tuned-in salespeople treat them like gold dust. Over time, you’ll spot patterns in your own customers and know exactly when it’s time to ask for the close.

You can check out Dent’s website here: https://www.dent.global/

and complete the Key Person of Influence scorecard here: http://scorecard.keypersonofinfluence.com/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My guest today is Dean Coulson, Founder of The Lean Warrior. From IT consultant to gym owner and now performance lifestyle coach for want of a better term.

I help successful businessmen, entrepreneurs and CEO’s who are stressed, anxious and feel burnt out, optimise their health and performance so that they can relax, feel happy and fulfilled and spend more time with their family.

I show men how to remove fears and express who they really are and give them the tools and resources to thrive in all areas for their life.

I am married with one Son. I am passionate about health and what I see as its 4 elements that allow us to thrive. After been told we could never have kids naturally I embarked on a path uncovering what true health was to see if there was another way. turned out there was, and so Sam was conceived naturally.

I have been a martial artist for over 30 years, I have dan grades in different martial arts and have been inducted into the UK martial arts hall of fame.

In this Episode we’ll be talking about:

· My journey from owning my own IT consultancy changing careers into the wellness industry to creating my own coaching business.

· How trying to having kids literally changed the course of my life.

· How martial arts and physical self-protection marries into how I coach and how powerful it can be.

And connect with Dean here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanncoulson/detail/recent-activity/shares/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DeanNCoulson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeanCoulson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dean_n_coulson/ Website Address(es): www.theleanwarrior.com and www.deancoulson.co.uk

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Lena Robinson’s a straight-talking Kiwi that has built a powerful reputation for herself as savvy business person in London over the last 17 years. In 2018 she threw a grenade into her life to start FTSQ. She wanted to create a community that supported non-conformists and the business owners within that community. The aim being to support them, via her consultancy, in achieving everything they were told they couldn't by F***ing with The Status Quo.

She uses all of the knowledge, experience and the huge network of people she’s gained after almost 30 years in business across multiple countries to help others. She’s had a highly successful career in 'adland', started three companies (FTSQ’s her third, she sold her second). Has traded her parents business out of near disaster when the Inland Revenue (NZ equivalent to HMRC) threatened to end them. Has mentored many bright young people that have gone on to do amazing things, and has made millions for the companies she’s worked for and with. Lena is a tenacious, force of nature. She’s a maverick, but she’s also a caregiver, she will forever watch over the non-conformists, because they often struggle to stand up for themselves, she does so because she often sees in them that others do not.

Lena believes there is power in the unconventional, the different and the unorthodox.

Here’s what we’ll be discussing on this episode:

• Non-conformists.
• Being a non-conformist in big agency corporate life ie WPP (OgilvyOne, OgilvyAction, Wunderman), Vizeum, Dentsu etc.
• Why FTSQ Exists - what is FTSQ all about?
• My life story - it's a doozy
• Being a woman in business and not really feeling OK with being called a feminist - because I don't think I am Being a Kiwi in the UK There's power in your difference My illness - battling that while trying to keep my business alive

Let non-conformists know that there is a safe place to come to - FTSQ is a community where they can be weird, odd, unorthodox and know they'll be ok to be themselves there. Where one rule, rules all 'just don't be a dick'. Cause if you are, you answer to the Boss Lady and she will kick your ass out!

How to get hold of Lena:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinsonlena/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FTSQGoOn/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FTSQGoOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ftsq_go_on/ Website: https://www.ftsq.co.uk/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My guest today is Jonny Cooper, Founder and Author of Jonny Hates Marketing. Since growing a business to 8-figures and exiting, Jonny’s been supporting coaches, trainers, therapists and consultants who are serious about building their thriving practice, changing the world and enjoying a life of effortless abundance.

His Client Attraction Blueprint programme is filled with eager students every month and he’s closing in on his mission to impact the lives of 1,000,000 professionals by 2025.

Jonny’s Three Pillars of Effortless Marketing provides a template for universal success and growth to any aspiring coaches and therapists, and he’s passionate about increasing the average income across the profession.

He’s also the voice behind the legendary Jonny Hates Marketing Facebook Group, and swears that he really, really does hate marketing.

In this Episode we’ll be talking about:

• The one fatal mistake most coaches make when they’re starting out
• The three pillars of effortless marketing
• The reason average coaching income is so low across the globe
• Why Jonny Hates Marketing, and what he does instead
• How to build a coaching empire that doesn’t need you there
• The three key freedoms every coach should be shooting for
• How to build engagement on Facebook without paying for advertising
• Why you should ignore 99% of the population, 99% of the time
• Transitioning from expert to authority

And connect with Jonny here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnycooper/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JonnyHatesMarketing/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonnycooper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonnyhatesmarketing/ Website: https://www.jonnyhatesmarketing.com/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My guest today is Robert Craven is the Founder of the Grow Your Digital Agency Initiative and MD of The Directors' Centre. He works with ambitious owner/directors of agencies and businesses helping them to the organisation they really want to run. So that they can live the lives they really want to lead.

He leads coaching and consulting programs for the top 10% of digital agencies in five countries, creating double-digit growth in profit, sales and headcount for the delegates.

He is author of Grow Your Digital Agency and Kick-Start Your Business (with a foreword by Sir Richard Branson). He lives in Bath with his wife and two dogs - his three wonderful children have escaped to live their own lives elsewhere!

We’re going to be discussing:

• What do high-performing businesses do differently from the rest?
• What is my approach to pricing? And take massive action.
• Is there such a thing as an Elevator Pitch?
• Is the best way to get business to focus on getting referrals?

What are we working on?

• Members hub for digital agency leaders.

How to contact Robert:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcraven Facebook: https://facebook.com/robert.craven1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/robert_craven Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robert_craven/ Website: https://www.robert-craven.com https://directorscentre.com

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS RICHARD HAS WORKED WITHIN THE AESTHETIC MEDICINE SECTOR, WITH MANY DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS – HELPING THEM TO LAUNCH AND TO COMMERCIALISE THOSE INITIATIVES.

His background in software enabled him to bring iConsult – the first paperless client management system – to the sector, and last year saw him launch the first ever digital currency for the Aesthetic Market, along with a system that connects and links product manufacturers, practitioners and clients together and rewards best practice.

His bestselling book “Changing Faces”, has helped thousands of people around the world launch and grow their own aesthetic businesses. As part of his consultancy business, Richard has worked with everyone, from a small independent practice just starting out, right the way through to big, multi-site chains, and has been involved in deals from one box of filler through to £3M of breast implants.

Throughout his career Richard has worked with market-leading brands such as Allergan, Botox, Juvederm, ZO Skin Health, Regen PRP, Lynton Lasers, Hamilton Fraser, Aesthetic Source, Harley Academy, Schuco to name but a few.

All this insight and experience lead to the creation of the Aesthetic Entrepreneurs with Richard as lead coach... and where he presents the Facebook Live broadcasts.

In this Episode we’ll be talking about:

• Business Development Strategies
• Knowledge based business models

You can buy the Changing Face book on Amazon:- https://amzn.to/2xS5oA6

And connect with Richard here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcrawfordsmall/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RCrawfordSmall/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RCrawfordSmall Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r_crawfordsmall Website: https://www.aesthetic-entrepreneurs.com

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

 

A 25 year business career took David Gammon from a 16 year old Clerical Assistant to Director of Financial Operations via such incredible organisations as Tesco, Selfridges, Diageo, Ernst and young, Energis, Orange and British Gas.

I now work with Small and Medium sizes businesses training, developing and coaching Owners, Directors, Managers and key employees using a powerful yet simple blend of commercial and psychological tools.

My goals is to help everyone to bring their best performance and also to have a significantly heightened experience of their business work.

On the show we discuss:

• I work with the Directors and Leadership teams of £2m + businesses. I deliver Business coaching and Leadership development
• What creates high performance?
• My coaching technology is to work with people at a deeply transformational level so they don't need me as quickly as possible
• Why I don't encourage goal setting among my clients
• Why I don't like business books :-)
• Maybe why I see problems with the way most Business coaches organise around their clients

David runs monthly discovery Days for interested MD's and regular leadership development webinars. Best thing is to connect with me via social media or email: dave@sixthsensebusiness.com and https://www.facebook.com/SixthSenseBusiness/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba are startup entrepreneurs. Despite not going to university, Ash became an award-winning serial tech entrepreneur and the first marketing director of Just Eat (now worth over £5 billion). Hasan built a successful startup from his bedroom with nothing more than an online course and a yearning to escape the corporate ‘rat race’. They have each spoken at TEDx, advised and mentored hundreds of startups all over the world and are passionate about spreading the opportunities of startup entrepreneurship.

In this Episode we’ll be talking about:

• How would you encapsulate what the Unfair Advantage book is all about.
• Author backgrounds.
• How did you end up writing this book?
• What is an Unfair Advantage
• What is the MILES framework
• You say Status is most powerful. Can you tell us more about Status?
• How do you come up with a start up idea?
• What are the two different types of start ups?
• What has the journey been like getting a publishing deal and the actual writing of this book?
• What's the one thing you want readers to take from this book?
• What do you think about higher education, entrepreneurship degrees and MBAs for aspiring entrepreneurs?

You can buy their book, The Unfair Advantage on Amazon:

• https://amzn.to/2IESM1m

And connect with Hasan and Ash here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashali// https://www.linkedin.com/in/startuphasan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unfairadvantagetraining/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ash_ali / https://twitter.com/startuphasan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashaliuk// https://www.instagram.com/startuphasan/ Website: https://theunfairadvantage.co.uk/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Andrew and Pete; international keynote speakers, ATOMIC founders, authors and YouTubers, are the multi award winning business duo who help small business owners scale their business so they can stop swapping time for money.

What will be discussed on today’s show: 

• How do you prioritise time for sales?
• What should we be focussed on selling?
• What things do you see are holding people back from selling and making more money?
• How do we do all this, without working every hour of the day?
• What's your best sales tips?
• How do you get more people on the phone?
• How do you not get ghosted?

What are Andrew and Pete Working on Right Now:

• ATOMICON23 - https://atomic.site/atomicon/ 

How to get hold of Andrew and Pete: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewandpete/ 

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/andrew-and-pete Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndrewAndPete 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrewandpete 

Website: https://www.andrewandpete.com/ 

To find out more about Fearless Business: 

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore 

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz and https://www.robinwaite.com

 

Marc Mawhinney is a lifelong entrepreneur who helps coaches get more clients (without paid advertising!). He achieves this with his coaching programs, his podcast (Natural Born Coaches), his Facebook group (The Coaching Jungle) and his exclusive hard copy newsletter (Secret Coach Club).

He's been a speaker at events like Social Media Marketing World, frequently makes media appearances and has contributed to publications like Entrepreneur.com. You can learn more about Marc at www.marc.coach

Here’s some of the things that we talked about in this episode:

• Starting a successful business on a shoestring budget
• Building your online business WITHOUT fancy funnels or expensive ads!
• Increasing your fees and charging what you're worth
• Bouncing back from adversity and dealing with haters
• Polarizing for profits: why people pleasing is dangerous
• Using daily emails to turn your email list into a cash register!
• How I built my Facebook group to 17,000+ without spending a penny on ads!
• Thick Face, Black Heart - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thick-Face-Black-Heart-Philosophy/dp/0446670200

Here’s how you can get hold of Marc:

The Jungle Mastermind: www.JungleMastermind.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcmawhinney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturalBornCoaches/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcmawhinney Website: https://www.NaturalBornCoaches.com, https://www.Marc.coach

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

I’m known as the Crocodile Dundee of direct response copywriters. It’s a title I’m happy to have. I often have people try to impress me with their copy and the profits it's made them.

Yet as soon as I see their copy, I can instantly see where they are leaving money on the table. A quick “That’s not a profit! This is a profit” tweak . . . and they are making more money than they thought humanly possible.

Over the last 12 years I have mentored many copywriters across the globe.

And many of them went on to become world class and A-List copywriters and work for companies such as Agora Financial.

And I do it all while I live the International Lifestyle which began in 2006.

Long before I got into copywriting and marketing . . . I was in the banking profession.

Most of which was as a commercial lending manager.

During my banking career I estimate I interviewed over 10,000 business owners, pulled apart in excess of 35,000 sets of financial statements over a 20 year banking career.

This included 5 years as a self-employed commercial finance broker . . . brokering multi-million dollar deals for my clients between the greedy banks.

Since 2001, my breakthrough advertising and marketing strategies have consistently helped my clients double, triple, even quadruple their business.

At times . . . even more.

Here’s what Matt Furey (one of the speakers) said about me.

“Trevor Crook has a rare ability to find the financial leaks in any business that most great entrepreneurs cannot see. Once found, his powerful and insightful marketing methods quickly increase income while creating customer loyalty.

If you want the 'straight-scoop' with zero fluff, then pay attention to everything Trevor teaches about copywriting and marketing.

He is one of those rare marketers who can turn words into a magic elixir . . . from the stage or through his sensational copy. He has a knack for turning lemons into lemonade . . .”

In this Episode we’ll be talking about:

• Living The International Lifestyle.
• How to turn your words into cash.

How to Contact Trevor:

Your LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toecracker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BeersBourbonAndBusiness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinternationallifestyle/ Website: http://toecracker.com/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Entrepreneurs with big growth goals realize there’s a substantial gap between where they are now and where they want to be. Sharon Cully, owner and founder of Simply Processes, knows the best way to close that gap is through a clear, robust vision and well-crafted processes all with the right level of focus.

Over the course of 15+ years managing teams and leading projects in blue chip FMCG companies (including Coca-Cola, Diageo and GlaxoSmithKline), Sharon has successfully employed best practices and process improvement methods to increase performance and minimize inventory/operating costs, all while meeting customer objectives. She’s learned what it takes for large companies to succeed and grow, and that ongoing, recurring problems can kill business growth.

Sharon founded Simply Processes as a way to utilize her corporate experience to help smaller entrepreneurial companies gain control over their business processes, ultimately making more money while also freeing up the owner’s time, giving them more choices – to grow or sell their business, or simply work less. She works with entrepreneurs who have already been successful, but are now feeling stuck, helping them scale to the next level by working with their teams to put systems and processes in place. Clear, documented tasks and responsibilities, along with successful automation and delegation, ensure that everyone delivers consistently outstanding results.

Sharon is based in the UK but also spends a few months a year visiting family in New Zealand and South Africa, successfully avoiding the winter! Owning an online coaching and consulting business fits in well with her travels.

What we cover during the episode:

• Setting goals for your business and how to go about reaching them
• Why processes are critical to achieving your big growth goals
• Clarifying your personal measures of success - not always measured in dollar terms
• How to bring your team with you on a change journey
• Coaching and developing your team to get the best from them

A couple of GIFTS for you:

Please head on over to www.simplyprocesses.com/FearlessBusiness to download:

• my white paper: Want your team to support a big change to your business?
• 7 steps to success
• a free 45-minute coaching session with me: Scale Up Your Business

And to get in touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-cully/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyProcesses/?modal=admin_todo_tour

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Website: https://www.simplyprocesses.com/

Native South African, David Stafford's parents originate from the UK.

Nothing much on early life, except I did kind of beat a Mild version of Thyroid Cancer as a teenager.

My career path started when I studied Finance in Uni to get into the hedgefund world, but in my Third year - I had a change of heart. I job-shadowed a Portfolio Manager for big local hedge fund and all I saw was that this career would be the death of me.

So, midway in my third year, I did a lot of self-development, exploring options across the board. Rich Dad Poor Dad made me realize I needed to become a Business Owner.

And from there I met my first mentor: Ryan Sletcher. He brought me into the Internet Marketing World and brought out my love for advertising.

From there, after learning all about Info Product Marketing from him - I went my own way, freelanced and had projects working with awesome companies from all over the world. Education Brands, Local Celebs, Growing Tech Companies etc.

Decided to focus down on the Therapy industry after I saw amazing results working with a local Reflexologist and as I speak, am now making the transition from the Agency business model, to the consulting business model.

David will soon be launching Client Engine which is an Lead Generation Accelerator programme for Therapists...watch this space.

What we’ll be covering on this Episode:

• Advertising Strategies, Platforms & Practices that work in 2020
• When to start advertising for yourself
• Changing business models and what it takes to build a killer coaching/consulting program (feel like you and I can rap on that one for a bit.)
• One type of advert you can make RIGHT NOW, that can bring in new clients by this time next week.
• What it takes to succeed with advertising
• A bit on how to scale (we'll leave the juicy parts for your Fearless Business Group ;) )

How to get in touch with David:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-stafford-37934910b/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.b.stafford.1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_b_stafford/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Aleric ( al-er-ic ) Heck started out on YouTube 10 years ago by building the largest app review channel on the platform, AppFind, with over 400k subscribers.

He discovered the power of YouTube Ads 5 years ago and ran highly profitable campaigns for dozens of companies all over the world. Now, he helps entrepreneurs & marketers harness the power of YouTube Ads to grow & scale their businesses through AdOutreach.

Aleric has been on YouTube for over 10 Years & scaled his first channel on YouTube to over 400k+ subscribers.

His company AdOutreach has helped hundreds of clients leverage the power of YouTube Ads to generate a collective 8-figures in revenue.

Aleric is also a member of the Clickfunnels 2-Comma-Club.

During the episode we discuss:

• YouTube Ads for High Ticket Sales
• YouTube Ads for Business Coaches
• YouTube Ads vs. Facebook Ads
• How to Craft a Winning YouTube Ad
• Aleric's Entrepreneurial Journey into YouTube Ads

Aleric also very kindly volunteered his FREE GIFT for you lovely listeners:

• Ad Outreach Video - https://www.adoutreach.com/gift (so worth watching and implementing!!!)
• and his YouTube Ads Webinar: https://www.adoutreach.com/webinar

How to contact Aleric:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alericheck Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alericheck

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Website Address: https://www.adoutreach.com

A message from Dino Tartaglia - Heading for my bus pass (as I write this (not literally, but in years 😉), I've taken my original training as an Electrical & Electronics Engineer, then Chartered Engineer and finally as a Business Development guy, and used this to advise, troubleshoot, build, shut down and otherwise help 1,000+ companies from Globals to kitchen-table operations, in 20+ countries, across 5 continents for 30+ years.

Part-mentor, part-coach, part-troubleshooter and ALL business, I've been operational in the online space for a couple of years now running Success Engineers as a JV with my good friend, Simon Hartley, World Class Sports Psych and Coach.

We help Expert Business owners clarify & simplify what they are in business to do (which they've often lost sight of), and then help them achieve exactly that.

We've developed a different way of looking at business and how it is (and should be) run and our real M.O. is taking insights from the very best in the world and helping others adopt those principles to improve their personal performance, their team's performance (where relevant) and the performance of their business.

On this episode we discuss:

• Concept: The Boat [Components of a Successful Business Vehicle]
• Concept: Character-led Business. Why mindset is not the real success factor in business...
• "Traits before States"
• Philosophy: Better Thinking Builds Better Business
• Idea: Choosing your client based on Character and Disposition, not just demographics & psychographics, etc
• Approach: Seduced by Complexity. Why Simple is Best (Tina Turner had it [almost] right)

How to contact Dino:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinotartaglia/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DinoLTartaglia Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuccessDino Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/successengineers Website: https://www.successengineers.co/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Live interview with two amazing people, husband and wife partnership, Adam and Kerry Altman Anderson, founders of Whole Life Entrepreneurs.

With 21 businesses to their name, including 14 fails but one very successful acquisition, their journey brought them close to divorce at time’s.

We learn about the strategies entrepreneurs need to succeed in a Family Business.

Check out their page:

Whole Life Entrepreneurship - https://www.facebook.com/wlemission/ Website: http://wlemission.com Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/WLEMission Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlemission/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

David Jenyns’s entrepreneurial journey begins back in his early 20’s when he sold Australia’s most love sporting ground, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Since then, his business experience spans from developing and branching retail stores, to found one of Australia’s most trusted digital agencies, Melbourne SEO & Video. He’s an Amazon bestseller, lover of processes and procedures and the founder of systemHUB.

Recognised as a high achieving entrepreneur, you will find many of David’s keynote presentations on YouTube including: TEDx, WordCamp and Problogger.

David is the founder of a company called systemHUB who helps business owners step back from the day-to-day operations of running their business. To do this they have developed a system to extract, organise and optimise best practise systems, processes and checklists from your business.

Yes! Through this process, your business can run without you.

Imagine, your business running like a finely oiled machine with team members following systems and processes to deliver products and services to your predefined standard. It’s easier than you think.

We’ve already helped hundreds of business owners like you - let’s see if it’s a good fit for you. https://www.systemhub.com/the-details/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Your New Years Resolutions WILL FAIL

Why?

Well, there are three main reasons:

REASON #1

Your New Year Resolution is simply TOO BIG.

If you want to succeed at your New Years Resolution then START NOW.

You need to start planning your resolution now, breaking your big goal down into smaller achievable milestones. Otherwise, you'll start on Jan 1st and the goal you've set for yourself will simply be too big.

A resolution is for life NOT JUST for New Year.

Better to CHOOSE TO START YOUR RESOLUTION NOW...

...Than to put it off for another Month until you are "forced" into taking action.

REASON #2

You are fighting the Reptile part of your brain.

When you start in the New Year, you will immediately be triggering Fight, Flight or Freeze because you are trying to do something that you've been putting off until now.

You haven't got your brain comfortable and desensitised to the new behaviour patterns.

This is the most likely reason you will fail because those first 30 days will feel really bloody uncomfortable.

So, start training your reptile NOW.

REASON #3

You did it just because it's a New Year Resolution.

Basically your "WHY" needs to be much stronger than it's a New Year Resolution.

You must have a specific goal in mind to achieve with your new lifestyle change, as well as determined the activities you'll be doing to achieve that goal and FINALLY have a MASSIVE DESIRE to achieve the goal.

Otherwise, you'll be apathetic towards your resolution and not complete it.

Check out my websites: https://robinwaite.com and all of my free resources here: https://fearless.biz

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Karthik Vijayakumar is a Storyteller, Conversationalist and founder of Top 10 Entrepreneurship Podcast, Design Your Thinking.

Design Your Thinking attained over 250,000 downloads in the first year. His show episodes currently do over 10,000 downloads per month across audio and video. On the Design Your Thinking Podcast, Karthik interviews creators, entrepreneurs and rebels who’ve broken the rules, are changing the game, creating WOW with whatever they do, to uncover hidden stories, how-they-did-what-they-did and lessons they learnt in the process.

During the interview, Karthik very kindly offered our listeners his manifesto - How to Follow Your Heart and Thrive in a Highly Distracted World - which you can download here: https://designyourthinking.com/getmanifesto/ (no email required)

Please do also check out the Design Your Thinking website: https://designyourthinking.com/

And download the podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-design-your-thinking-podcast/id1165020553

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

In this episode of the Fearless Business Podcast I hand over the reins to one of our certified mindset coaches, Paul Wilson, who runs a group coaching/hypnotherapy session to help our members to gain clarity over what their objectives for the month ahead look like, what is getting in their way and the key results.

Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) are something I discovered in the book Measure What Matters by John Doerr. He uses some fantastic examples but what really stands out for me is why OKRs are better for businesses than traditional goal setting.

Paul now hosts a regular monthly OKR sessions once a month with the members in our business accelerator to lock on their objectives for the month ahead, with remarkable results.

A bit about Paul

Paul uses Advanced Conversational Hypnotherapy to quickly and easily resolve some of life's most difficult problems such as anxiety, erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction, driving and passenger anxiety, smoking & alcohol dependence and phobias without the use of medications and months of talk therapy. Based in Folkestone with online consultations for any timezone.

I also coach business owners to let go of Procrastination, Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome - letting go of beliefs that are holding them back from success in their field.

To find out more about Fearless Business: 

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore 

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz and https://www.robinwaite.com 

 

Kate Hunter is an Executive Coach who helps high achieving Women to revive & redefine their Purpose, Mind-Set and Goals, to achieve success on their terms, through her proven Coaching programmes.

Don’t Wait Until You’ve Finished Climbing, To Realise You’re On The Wrong Ladder. Another pay increase, a fancier job title, the name on your office door. To anybody watching, your life looks pretty damn great. So why does work feel like such a chore? Success doesn’t always equal happiness. The two are not mutually exclusive.

In this episode Kate introduces the listener to the Ikigai model, Ikigai is a Japanese term for Purpose, AKA your reason for getting out of bed. It’s that sweet spot of getting paid to do what you love. Throughout your life, your ikigai will shift; it’s never too late to revive and redefine.

You can find out more about Ikigai here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ikigai-finding-sweet-spot-getting-paid-do-what-you-kate/

Kate mentioned the Chimp Paradox: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chimp-Paradox-Management-Programme-Confidence/dp/009193558X/

We also broke down what's amiss in the coaching and consulting world, with coaches spending $1,000s on training and certifications yet neglecting the core business skills around attracting clients and getting paid what you're worth.

You can check out Kate's private FB Group "The Lounge for High Achieving Women": https://www.facebook.com/groups/366186747331767/

Find Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-hunter-%F0%9F%8C%9F-executive-coach-8662ab10/

And also via her website: https://www.kate-hunter.com/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Paul Maskill - business coach, multiple business owner, entrepreneur and host of the Business Owners Freedom Formula Podcast.

Paul works with business owners who are looking to make simple culture changes within their businesses which lead to increased turnover and more freedom.

We discussed a lot, most notably the 5 Mistakes Business Owners Make when it comes to Culture:

1. Using "I", "me" and "my" instead of "We" when referring to your business and team.
2. Delegating tasks without responsibility or understanding of what's involved.
3. Not having team meetings (or checking in with yourself regularly if you're a solopreneur)
4. Delegating tasks without there being proper systems or processes in place.
5. Hiring for talent instead of "family fit" - you can have the best performer but they might alienate themselves from the team and disrupt things too much.

Discover Real-Life Business Insights

Curious about how fellow entrepreneurs are navigating the ups and downs of running a business? One of the best ways to learn is through the authentic experiences of other owners. Dive into a variety of testimonials, client case studies, and personal stories that shed light on both successes and the occasional face-palm moments.

Getting Smart with Financial Planning

Paul and I didn’t just stick to culture and team, money talk inevitably snuck in (as it does). Small business owners wear enough hats to fill a walk-in closet, so keeping an eye on the numbers isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s essential if you want your business to thrive instead of stall.

So what works when it comes to financial planning for growth? Here’s how Paul breaks it down:

• Treat Cash Flow Like Oxygen You wouldn’t leave for Everest with half a tank, right? Paul recommends managing your cash flow weekly, know what's coming in and going out, and plan for any hills and valleys ahead. Tools like QuickBooks or Xero can help here, but whatever you use, watch those numbers like you’d watch your fantasy football scores.

• Budgets, Not Just for Big Corporations Creating a realistic budget isn’t about being stingy, it’s about giving your decisions a solid foundation. Factor in not just expenses, but also those unpredictable “oh look, the coffee machine exploded again” surprises. Reviewing your budget monthly (not letting it gather digital dust) puts you ahead of the herd.

• Strategic Investments vs. Panic Spending Growth often tempts you to throw money at the first shiny thing, Paul suggests the opposite. Every investment, whether it’s hiring, training, or new tech, should align with your long-term vision. Ask, “Will this move the needle a year from now, or is it just a quick fix?”

• Lean on Advice, But Trust Your Gut Whether it’s picking up tips from Dave Ramsey or studying Warren Buffett’s moves, learning from others helps. But at the end of the day, your business, your context.

Three quick financial wins Paul swears by:

1. Keep a rolling 90-day cash reserve (breathe easier during lean months)
2. Automate savings for taxes and big purchases, future-you will be grateful.
3. Block a non-negotiable slot each week to review your numbers, no excuses.

Financial planning doesn’t have to be scary or spreadsheet-obsessed. Approach it as a tool for your freedom, the same freedom that inspired you to build a business in the first place.

Financial Forecasting: Giving Your Small Business a Crystal Ball

A lot of small business owners treat financial forecasting like Brussels sprouts, something you know you should do but keep pushing to the back of the plate. But, just like those sprouts, forecasting is actually good for you (I promise, much less mushy though).

At its core, financial forecasting is about peering around corners. It lets you map out where your business is headed, sidestep potholes, and, crucially, plan with genuine confidence instead of crossed fingers.

How Do You Get Started?

• Establish Baselines: Start by digging into your recent sales, expenses, and profit margins. Patterns here are gold.
• Make Honest Projections: Use those patterns to forecast future sales, identify quiet and busy months, and map out expenses you know are coming (annual software renewals, team bonuses, those inevitable coffee machine repairs).
• Scenario Planning: Build in a few “what if” scenarios. What if you land that dream client, or lose your biggest one? What would it mean for cash flow?

Why Bother With Forecasting?

• You’ll spot cash gaps before they hit, giving you time to plan rather than panic.
• It helps you set realistic targets (rather than vibes-based goals).
• Banks and investors love seeing a founder who knows their numbers.

Remember, even giants like Starbucks and Pret weren’t built without some heavy-duty financial napkin-scribbling. You don’t need a crystal ball, just a willingness to look ahead and tweak as you learn.

And, pro tip: apps like Float, Futrli, or even good ol’ Excel will make you look way more organized than you feel.

Here’s how you can connect and grow:

• Listen and Learn: Tune in to candid interviews with business leaders willing to share what worked, what flopped, and everything in between.
• Explore Case Studies: Follow practical, real-world examples of challenges overcome, think like reading the inside scoop on how Patagonia tackles sustainability, or how Ben & Jerry’s churned out a cult following with quirky flavors and activism.
• Get Inspired by True Stories: From garage startups to global icons, personal journeys can spark new ideas and remind you that every business, big or small, faces its fair share of plot twists.

Connecting with others’ journeys isn’t just inspiring; it’s actionable. Armed with these stories, you’ll be better equipped to tackle your own business adventures.

Pricing Strategies to Maximise Profitability

After tackling culture, another area where business owners often leave money on the table is in their approach to pricing. Choosing the right pricing strategy can make all the difference in your bottom line, so let’s break down a few that genuinely move the needle:

• Value-Based Pricing Instead of guessing what the market might pay, value-based pricing starts with your customer. Figure out how much value your product or service brings to them (think: time saved, headaches avoided, money made), and price accordingly. Take a leaf from Apple’s book, they don’t just sell a phone; they sell an ecosystem and an experience, which is why they command higher prices.

• Premium Pricing This is all about perception. By positioning your offering as high-end, think of the difference between flying standard and splashing out on business class, you attract a different kind of customer. Premium pricing can boost your profit margins and your brand prestige, provided your product consistently delivers on that promise.

• Bundle Pricing Everyone loves a good deal. Packaging complementary products or services can entice customers to spend more than they might have on just one item. For example, fast food combos or curated software suites tend to increase the average ticket size, without a lot of extra effort on your end.

• Penetration and Skimming Penetration pricing means starting low to attract attention, then raising prices once you have a loyal base. Skimming is the opposite, launching high, grabbing early adopters (think new gadgets), and reducing your price later to reach the masses.

If you’re unsure where to start, test and track. Profitable pricing is rarely set-it-and-forget-it; it should evolve as your offers, audience, and positioning do.

Advanced Financial Metrics for Small Business Success

So, what numbers should you actually keep an eye on if you want your business to thrive, not just survive? Beyond the typical profit and loss statement, there are a few advanced financial metrics that can give you deeper insights and help you make smarter decisions.

Here are some worth tracking:

• Gross Profit Margin: Not just your overall profit, but how much you’re making after the direct costs of delivering your product or service. A rising margin often means you’re pricing well and managing costs.
• Operating Cash Flow: Forget paper profits for a second, look at the cash actually coming in and out. This helps you see whether you can cover your day-to-day operations without digging into reserves or jumping through flaming hoops for a loan.
• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV): Knowing what it costs to land a new client, versus what they’re likely to spend over time, can save you from betting the farm on expensive marketing strategies.
• Accounts Receivable Turnover: How quickly do your clients actually pay? Tracking this can nudge you to tighten up your invoicing or follow-up systems, especially if cash flow feels like a leaky bucket.
• Inventory Turnover: For those with products, this tells you if your stock is working for you or collecting dust. Too slow? Time to rethink what you’re ordering or how you’re selling.
• Break-even Analysis: This simple calculation helps you pinpoint exactly how much you need to sell each month before you stop losing sleep and start making real money.

Most importantly, regularly reviewing these metrics lets you spot trends, course-correct early, and ultimately build a business that works for you, not the other way around.

The Profit Plan: Setting Your Business Up for Sustainable Success

What exactly is a Profit Plan for business owners, and why does it matter? Let’s break it down, minus the usual jargon and with a healthy dose of real-world practicality.

At its core, a Profit Plan is your business’s blueprint for making sure that, after all the dust has settled, there are actual profits left in the bank, without sacrificing your sanity or customer experience along the way. Think of it as combining elements of Michael E. Gerber’s systems thinking with a “money-first” focus.

Here's how it typically shapes up:

• Intentional Revenue Goals: You start by setting clear profit targets instead of a vague “let’s see how the year goes.”
• Reverse Engineering Expenses: Rather than blindly spending and hoping there’s something left over, you work backwards from your desired profit and only allocate funds where they matter most.
• Built-in Profit Allocations: Inspired by frameworks like Profit First (by Mike Michalowicz), the Profit Plan ensures you’re regularly siphoning off profit, treating it as a non-negotiable, not an afterthought.
• Systems for Monitoring: You create reliable checkpoints (monthly or quarterly) to track your progress, tweak your systems, and keep yourself and your team accountable.
• Freedom through Structure: Because once profit isn't accidental, you can focus on growing the business and enjoying your freedom, rather than putting out fires.

In short, a Profit Plan is about being proactive rather than reactive. It’s how you move from hope-based bookkeeping to true financial freedom, freeing up your time and energy to lead, innovate, and maybe even take that much-needed vacation.

The Four Core Principles of Putting Your Business Profit First

When it comes to building a sustainable business that actually generates freedom, not just revenue, Paul champions the idea of putting your profit first (big tip of the hat to Mike Michalowicz here). It’s a straightforward but radical shift in mindset and operations. Here’s how it breaks down in practice:

• Prioritize Profit, Not Just Revenue Instead of focusing on sales and hoping there’s something left at the end, set aside your desired profit before allocating money to expenses. This makes profit a non-negotiable rather than an afterthought.

• Allocate Funds Using Separate Accounts Use dedicated bank accounts to divvy up your income into profit, owner’s pay, taxes, and operating expenses. This creates accountability and helps resist the temptation to overspend.

• Operate Within Realistic Limits Regularly review what's actually available in your operating expenses account. This keeps you vigilant and inventive, forcing you to streamline costs rather than mindlessly scaling up expenses with every new sale.

• Build Consistent Habits Make financial reviews and allocations a routine part of your business rhythm. Whether it's a weekly or monthly practice, this habit ensures you’re always steering the ship, not just reacting to financial fires.

These principles aren’t just about bookkeeping, they’re about creating a culture where sustainability and freedom are baked into the business from day one.

What to Expect from a Profit First Coaching Program Jumping into a Profit First coaching program is a bit like giving your business GPS navigation for its finances, except with fewer wrong turns and more celebration stops.

Here’s what you’re in for:

• Practical Systems: You’ll learn to set up bank accounts according to the Profit First method (think “profit” and “tax” accounts), making sales deposits less mysterious and surprise bills less terrifying.
• Hands-On Guidance: Coaches walk you through how to actually implement the Profit First framework, so you don’t have to read the book twelve times or guess what “real revenue” means.
• Mindset Shifts: Expect some “a-ha!” moments as you realize you really can pay yourself first (without making your accountant cry).
• Accountability: Regular check-ins, tweaks, and moral support help keep your business on that profitable track, even when pizza Fridays beckon.
• Personalized Advice: Your business is uniquely yours, so you’ll get tailored action steps and troubleshooting for your own quirks.

In short, a Profit First coaching program helps transform those “Where did all the money go?” moments into “Look at what we just achieved!” milestones, without needing a finance degree or a magic wand.

Understanding the Profit First Method

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where all the money goes at the end of each month, the Profit First method might just be the missing piece of your financial puzzle. Developed by Mike Michalowicz, this system flips traditional accounting on its head: rather than treating profit as an afterthought, you prioritize it right from the start.

Here’s how it works in practice:

• Prioritize Profit: Instead of the familiar equation (Sales – Expenses = Profit), Profit First suggests you take your profit out immediately (Sales – Profit = Expenses). By doing so, you ensure your business pays itself first, much like saving before spending in personal finance.
• Set Up Multiple Bank Accounts: To make the system foolproof, businesses typically maintain separate accounts for profit, owner’s pay, taxes, and operating expenses. Each incoming deposit is divided by predetermined percentages, allocating funds to each account, so you always know exactly what’s available, and for what purpose.
• Discipline and Clarity: This method encourages regular, scheduled allocations (often twice monthly), fostering healthier cash flow management and greater financial discipline.
• The Four Core Principles: The foundational ideas behind Profit First include small plate theory (restricting available cash), routine distributions, removing temptation (by keeping profit out of sight), and enforcing a rhythm so your business finances run on autopilot.

It might sound deceptively simple, but thousands of business owners have found that putting profit at the forefront leads to better decisions, less financial stress, and, yes, even actual profit. If you’d like actionable guidance, the “Profit First” book and community resources are worth exploring.

Paul is an avid fan and implementer of the eMyth by Michael E. Gerber: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280

And Paul's top tip for budding entrepreneurs is to "Avoid following the status quo, and do things regardless of what other people are telling you to do; the positives normally vastly outweigh the negatives".

Check out Business Owners Freedom Formula Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/business-owners-freedom-formula-actionable-advice-for/id1225076443

And finally if you want to get a hold of Paul here's his website: https://paulmaskill.com/mastermind

And email address: paul@paulmaskill.com

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Jo Dodds works with home based coaches and consultants to improve their productivity, wellbeing and business success in these days of overwhelm so they can ‘live more’. We work with my 5 Fundamentals of Simplify, Systemise, Share, Self Care and Sustain within my online membership site, focused around Community, Accountability, Learning and Materials.

• https://powertolivemore.com
• Https://twitter.com/jododds
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/usingyourpowertolivemore/
• https://www.facebook.com/powertolivemore/
• Https://LinkedIn.com/in/jododds

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

The Cancer of 2-Minute Tasks; if something needs to be done more than once, find a way to never have to do it again!

Our guests today are Peter Daley-Dickson and Pieter de Villiers of The Lazy Entrepreneurs who specialise in Whole Business Automation.

If you are, like many other business owners, swamped by the day to day, trying to find a different way to work. If you feel that your business is running you or taking over your life, then this podcast episode is for you.

If you want to know more about their Accelerator Programme then please check out:

https://thelazyentrepreneurs.org/fearless

You can check the guys out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheLazyEntrepreneurs/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

My guest this week is the master of disruption and branding expert, Danny Matthews:

Danny founded, Mortgy, an app which disrupted the Mortgage market by making the application process so much more simple. Danny was approached by a series of investors, but felt that the "app had done it's job well" and that there was nothing really for people to invest in. So, instead made it available for the greater good.

That process of creation and design led to Danny founding The danny&co. design studio which came about because of a deep desire to create powerful brands with people I believe in.

During the interview we discuss the power of branding, business automation, buffer, zapier, scheduling tools and the benefits they bring to businesses.

If you'd like to know more about Danny, jump onto his LinkedIn:

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

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

It's not often you get to hang out with a multiple bestselling author, one of the top 1% of coaches IN THE WORLD, and a genuinely all round decent Aussie at that.

My guest this week is Andrew Priestley, a business leadership coach specialising in the applied psychology of achievement and having confidential coaching conversations with clients. Andrew developed the award winning Business Leadership Development model that explores the five principles of highly effective leaders.

Andrew's books include:

• Starting - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starting-might-have-business-idea/dp/0995605165/
• Sales Genius - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sales-Genius-sales-professionals-secrets-ebook/dp/B07GZVWNX4/
• The Money Chimp - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Money-Chimp-Andrew-Priestley/dp/0957544073/
• Fit for Purpose Leadership - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fit-Purpose-Leadership-highest-value-best-practice-ebook/dp/B074TQ6L41/

Among many more.

Andrew gave so much gold that we had to split his interview up into two episodes so please do go back and check out Part One on Episode #20 of the Fearless Business Podcast.

During the interview, we discussed Jay Abraham's statement that "Most small business owners simply don't know how to articulate their value" and "the ability to make the right calls" when the chips are down, and also how important the five core pillars are that lead to growth:

1. Impact
2. Connection
3. Joy
4. Discovery/Exploration
5. Respect

If you want to reach out to Andrew you can do so here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpriestley/ Web: https://andrewpriestley.com/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

It's not often you get to hang out with a multiple bestselling author, one of the top 1% of coaches IN THE WORLD, and a genuinely all round decent Aussie at that.

My guest this week is Andrew Priestley, a business leadership coach specialising in the applied psychology of achievement and having confidential coaching conversations with clients. Andrew developed the award winning Business Leadership Development model that explores the five principles of highly effective leaders.

Andrew's books include:

• Starting - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starting-might-have-business-idea/dp/0995605165/
• Sales Genius - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sales-Genius-sales-professionals-secrets-ebook/dp/B07GZVWNX4/
• The Money Chimp - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Money-Chimp-Andrew-Priestley/dp/0957544073/
• Fit for Purpose Leadership - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fit-Purpose-Leadership-highest-value-best-practice-ebook/dp/B074TQ6L41/

Among many more.

Andrew gave so much gold that we had to split his interview up into two episodes so please do listen out for Part 2 in a few days.

During the interview, we discussed Jay Abraham's statement that "Most small business owners simply don't know how to articulate their value" and "the ability to make the right calls" when the chips are down, and also how important the five core pillars are that lead to growth:

1. Impact
2. Connection
3. Joy
4. Discovery/Exploration
5. Respect

If you want to reach out to Andrew you can do so here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpriestley/ Web: https://andrewpriestley.com/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

We have a fantastic guest on today's Fearless Business Podcast in the guise of Nicholas Hill, sales process specialist and Founder of Serve to Sell.

Nick and I went into a lot of detail in this episode on the benefits of setting up events as a form of marketing for Coaches and Consultants. he dropped a number of value bombs including:

• Free, Mid & Premium Events
• Following Up before/during/after the Events
• Sponsorship Packages / Sponsored Speakers
• Optimising the process through having bad experiences at events

Nick has also shared two great resources with you:

FREE GUIDE (no opt ins) - on Nick's website: www.servetosell.co.uk/guide

And he also recommended reading "Book Yourself Solid" by Michael Port: >>> https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Yourself-Solid-Reliable-Marketing/dp/1119431220/

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Mai-Kee is a Launch Strategist, & Conversion Copywriter for Personality Driven Online Course Creators

➣ IN A NUTSHELL: I'll help you define your Brand DNA and weave it in your sales messaging throughout your funnel for your online launch, so it actually sounds like YOU.

Whether it's a digital course or a LIVE group program you're launching, I'll take you through my The Black Belt Ethos™ framework - leveraging the power of empathy to coach your prospects towards the conversion.

• My website: www.MaikeeTsang.com (this will have my Instagram + Podcast links)
• Launch Freebie: https://launchguide.maikeetsang.com/
• The Copywriter Club Podcast: https://apple.co/2JLuofO
• The Copy Cure (a copywriting course for fundamentals in personality-driven copy): https://thecopycure.com/
• Copyhackers (online courses for in-depth copy training) https://copyhackers.com/
• Book Recommendation: Breakthrough Advertising: https://amzn.to/30MjsUP

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

here's the trick: it's not just about picking a bigger number and hoping your clients go along with it. If your costs increase, or if you’re delivering more value, you have every right, and sometimes a genuine need, to raise your prices. The key is to be open and honest with your clients about why the change is happening. Use your emails, blog posts, or even your social media to clearly communicate the reasons behind the increase.

Raising your prices is also the perfect opportunity to remind your clients of all the benefits they get from working with you. People aren’t just paying for your time, they’re investing in your skills, knowledge, and the transformation you offer. And if you’re feeling adventurous, rolling out a new product, service, or even a “premium” version can make a higher price feel natural and justified. Clients are often happy to pay more when they see additional value, think free delivery, bonus features, or special access.

A little transparency and a dash of extra value can go a long way, often resulting in stronger relationships and more sales. And remember: when you confidently own your pricing, your clients will feel that confidence too.

Staying Competitive: The Power of Monitoring Your Market

Just like you wouldn’t set off on a road trip without checking the map, you shouldn’t price your products or services without keeping an eye on what’s happening around you. At Fearless Business, we know that regularly checking in on your competitors and your clients is a crucial part of pricing confidently.

Here’s how it works:

• Know What the Market Is Doing: By keeping tabs on your competitors’ prices, you spot trends early. Maybe a rival starts charging more for a premium service, or perhaps someone offers a tempting low price. When you’re aware, you can decide whether to adjust your own prices, highlight what sets you apart, or refocus your marketing message.

• Listen to Your Clients: Nothing beats direct feedback. Run satisfaction surveys or simply ask clients how they feel about your pricing. If you consistently hear that something feels “expensive,” it doesn’t always mean you need to lower your price, it might just be time to better explain the value you deliver.

• Test and Tweak: Pricing isn’t carved in stone. Play with different strategies for different offers or markets. For example, Apple charges a premium because they pair their iPhones with unbeatable design and service. You can do the same by highlighting what makes your solution extraordinary.

• Measure What Matters: Track which products or services are your bestsellers, and make sure they’re giving you healthy profit margins. Adjust pricing based on real results, not just gut instinct.

Building a sustainable business is about giving yourself permission to adapt, test, learn, and evolve. Stay curious, keep learning, and never be afraid to tweak your approach as you gain more insight into your clients and your competition.

Why You Should Keep a Close Eye on Your Prices

Let’s be real, pricing isn’t a “set it and forget it” affair. Markets shift, competitors get clever, and customer expectations are on a never-ending rollercoaster. If you want your business (and your peace of mind) to stay solid, regularly checking in on your pricing is a must.

Here’s why it matters:

• Stay Ahead of the Curve: If your competitors suddenly drop or hike their prices, you want to know before your customers do. This gives you the chance to react strategically, without scrambling or undercutting your value.
• Connect With Your Clients: Open conversations with your customers, through feedback or quick surveys, can reveal if your pricing feels too steep or, on the flip side, worryingly cheap. Sometimes it’s not about the number, but whether you’re truly showing the worth of what you offer.
• Spot the Winners: Tracking which products or services are flying off the shelves (and which are gathering dust) helps you spot trends and direct your efforts toward what brings the best margin.
• Fine-Tune Your Strategy: Pricing isn’t just about making more money. It’s about building trust, showing your confidence, and finding that sweet spot where you get paid what you deserve while keeping clients thrilled with their results.

By being proactive with your pricing, not waiting for a crisis, you’re setting up your business for resilience and growth.

And as we guide you to confidently attract leads at your premium rates, just know: paying attention to your pricing is one of the smartest wins you can lock in.

Why Researching Competitor Pricing Matters

Now, before you can confidently set your own prices (or hike them up to where they deserve to be), it’s essential that you first peek over the fence to see what your neighbors are charging. Why? Because understanding competitor pricing positions you to make smarter decisions, not just wild guesses.

Think of it like this: if you price your offer way below industry standards, you risk undervaluing your own expertise and attracting bargain hunters instead of dream clients. If you go too high without justification, potential clients might bolt for someone who seems to offer the “same” thing for less.

Researching competitor pricing gives you:

• Perspective on Market Expectations. By knowing the price range in your industry or niche, you’ll have a sanity check, are you wildly out of sync, or are you right in the sweet spot?
• Insight into Value Positioning. Are your competitors touting higher prices because they include extra perks, use premium materials, or have a sterling reputation? Spotting these details helps you decide if, where, and how you can stand out and command a higher rate.
• Clarity on Your Differentiation. When you know what others charge and why, you can pinpoint what makes you different, and communicate that difference, whether it’s bespoke service, faster turnaround, or results that knock socks off.
• A Leg Up in Negotiations. There’s power in confidence. When you know the landscape, you’re less likely to be blindsided by objections like, “But so-and-so only charges X.” You can stand firm, and explain exactly why you’re worth your price.

How do you uncover competitor pricing? Check their websites, browse marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Etsy, you name it), or even download public rate cards when available. Don’t forget, real clients can be a goldmine of insight, ask them what they’ve paid elsewhere and why they switched (or would consider switching) to you.

With this knowledge, you’re not guessing, you’re pricing purposefully and profitably.

Leveraging Customer Surveys for Smarter Pricing

Customer surveys are one of the most powerful yet underrated tools in your pricing arsenal. They take the guesswork out of what your clients truly value and what they’re actually willing to pay. At Fearless Business, we’re big fans of regularly checking in with your audience, not because it’s the trendy thing to do, but because honest feedback is pure gold.

Here are a few ways you can use customer surveys to refine your pricing decisions:

• Gauge Willingness to Pay: Don’t just assume your price is right. Instead, ask clients directly what they would pay and what alternatives they’ve tried before. That way, your pricing isn’t just a shot in the dark.
• Spot Price Resistance: If you repeatedly hear that your services seem expensive, dig deeper. It could be less about the price, and more about a gap in how you’re communicating your value. Surveys help you pinpoint where those disconnects happen.
• Identify Competitors: By learning which other brands or experts your clients have considered, you’re better equipped to position yourself (and adjust your rates) in a way that makes you the obvious choice.

And most importantly, don’t make this a one-off exercise. Continually gathering feedback means you can adapt quickly, stay ahead of the curve, and keep both your bank balance and your clients in a very happy place.

Figuring Out Your Margin: Keeping It Simple

Let’s face it, working out how much to charge can feel like playing darts in the dark. But there’s a straightforward starting point: once you know your fixed and variable costs, the next step is deciding what margin to add on top.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Choose Your Margin Wisely: Take a look at what your competitors are charging, not so you copy them, but so you know where you stand in the market. Then, think about the value you deliver and your own business goals.
• Start With a Percentage: Many business owners pick a standard percentage to add, say, 30%, 50%, or even 100% if the market allows. For example, if your total cost per service is £100 and you want a 50% margin, you’d charge £150.
• Check for Value Alignment: Does your price reflect the expertise, care, and transformation you deliver? If you’re under-pricing, you’re not serving yourself (or your clients) well.
• Stress-Test Your Prices: Ask yourself, “If I double my margin, what would I need to change about the client experience to make it irresistible at that price?” This isn’t just theory, it’s the kind of bold question brands like Apple or Tesla ask themselves all the time.

Calculating your margin isn’t just about covering costs, it’s about creating the breathing space you need to deliver epic results and grow without burning out. When in doubt, aim a little higher; it’s easier to come down later than to raise your prices after the fact.

Why Knowing Your Break-Even Matters in Pricing

Before you go wild with pricing, there’s a crucial checkpoint: knowing your break-even costs. This is where a lot of bright business minds trip up, pricing with gut feel or copying competitors, instead of looking at the real numbers.

Your break-even point is the minimum you need to earn just to cover your outgoings, so you’re not dipping into your own pocket or racking up credit card debt with each sale. If you skip this step, you risk working flat out and still coming up short at the end of the month.

Here’s how it works:

• Fixed costs are your constants, things like rent, insurance, software subscriptions, even your Zoom account (thanks, tech revolution).
• Variable costs change with each customer, like the cost of materials, packaging, or payment processing fees Stripe and PayPal love to collect.

If you charge less than it actually costs to run your business (counting both fixed and variable), every sale means you’re digging a deeper hole. Let’s not do that, shall we?

So, get a handle on your numbers before you set your prices. Crunch your costs, layer on a profit margin, and make sure every client lifts you closer to financial freedom, not further away.

Because if you don’t have your break-even nailed, pricing becomes a guessing game, and the house always wins.

Using Lower Pricing to Break Into an Established Market

One tried-and-tested way businesses can make a splash in a crowded market is by strategically offering lower prices when they first launch. This isn’t about a permanent race to the bottom. Think of it like the classic “try before you buy” at your local Whole Foods, except you’re letting customers experience your value at a lower price point to build trust and excitement.

Here’s how it often works:

• Build Awareness Fast: By pricing your initial offering below what established competitors charge, you instantly turn heads and give customers a compelling reason to try you out.
• Prove Your Value: When customers see they’re getting solid results or a better experience for less, you’re already sowing the seeds for future loyalty.
• Raise Prices Confidently: Once you’ve delivered that value and built a foundation of happy clients, you’re in a much stronger position to raise your prices, often to match or exceed the competition.

The trick is to avoid staying in “discount mode” too long. Use this approach as a launchpad, then focus on showcasing the unique value, results, and transformation you bring, just like we advocate when helping coaches and consultants price with confidence.

Some things I've noticed about Coaches and Consultants:

• They are super bright, intelligent people
• They have an inordinate number of skills and amount knowledge
• Absolutely love helping their clients Get AMAZING results for their client

And yet:

• They work all hours under the sun For maybe 4-5 days per month
• Earning less than the average national wage
• Are completely exhausted If they stop working/selling then their business dies a slow and painful death

So, if any of that resonates then my little bonus episode might help you to understand why this is happening.

Basically you are struggling to articulate your value and undercharging for your services. This is because your clients' perceived value is based on the attachment to your time and NOT the results and outcomes you can deliver for them.

This episode of the podcast will change that. I refer to some slides in the episode, as the audio came from a webinar I delivered, if you'd like the slides then let me know - robin@fearless.biz.

Also, if this resonates then let's jump on a call - https://www.robinwaite.com/app - and I'll help you to articulate your value and get you earning more money!

Where Can You Find Your Competitors’ Prices?

So, you’re probably wondering, “How do I figure out what my competitors are charging?” Great question, and absolutely essential if you’re going to start charging what you’re worth.

Here are a few practical ways to do your homework:

• Check Their Websites: Many businesses (especially coaches, consultants, and freelancers) share their pricing or at least give clues about their packages right on their site.
• Browse Marketplaces: Have a snoop around online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. These platforms are goldmines for seeing real rates in action, great for product businesses or anyone bundling services.
• Download Rate Cards: Service businesses often make their pricing transparent by offering downloadable rate cards. It never hurts to take a look.
• Look for Public Contracts: If any of your competitors work with local authorities or government, those contract values are usually public, just a bit of digging required!
• Use Technology to Your Advantage: Price monitoring tools can track competitor adjustments for you (so you don't have to watch all day).
• Ask Your Customers: There’s no shame in simply asking your clients (or prospects!) what other folks are charging them or pitching.

Now, don’t get sucked into a race to the bottom just because you know what others are charging. Use this info to benchmark, but remember: articulate your VALUE and price for the transformation you deliver, not just your time.

What Are Fixed Costs?

Let’s talk about one of those business buzzwords you hear tossed around, fixed costs. These are the expenses that just keep turning up, month after month, no matter how many clients you sign or products you ship out.

So, before you panic about bills piling up, here’s a quick rundown of what tends to fall into this category:

• Rent or mortgage payments on your office/working space
• Staff salaries (yep, even if it’s just Brenda answering emails)
• Insurance premiums and loan repayments
• Utility bills that trickle in, like electricity, internet, water, and gas
• Depreciation of your trusty laptop and other office equipment

In other words, fixed costs are those regular outgoings you can count on, rain or shine, orders or no orders. The sooner you have a handle on these, the less likely you’ll be caught off guard when it’s time to review your pricing strategy or scale your business.

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://www.fearless.biz

Craig White gained his first coaching certification at the age of just 16. Now 51 he has been coaching professionally for over 28 years.

Long history coaching and consulting in pro rugby (Tigers/Wasps/Ireland/Wales/British Lions)

Background in sports coaching, leadership, culture building, yoga, meditation, and men's work

Creator of Men Without Masks.

What will be discussed on today’s show: 

• Challenges of Being a Man in today's world
• How MWM can help men to move through those challenges
• Business as a sacred practice
• The changing world of male leadership 

What is Craig Working on Right Now:

Craig and his amazing team run retreats for men throughout the year; you can download Craig’s free e-book, Secrets of a Man Without His Mask

How to get hold of Craig: 

Websites: https://www.craigwhitementoring.com/ and https://www.menwithoutmasks.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigwhitementoring/?hl=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-white-mens-coach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craig.white.165  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MenWithoutMasks 

To find out more about Fearless Business: 

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore 

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz and https://www.robinwaite.com 

 

Chris Murray the Managing Director of Varda Kreuz, one of the UK’s most innovative Sales, Customer Service and Management training and development organisations.

Chris has also written a few books and articles - including two Amazon #1 Best Sellers - "The Extremely Successful Salesman’s Club" and "Selling with EASE" Chris shared with us four steps that will help ease friction in your sales process:

• Perfect your client avatar.
• Sales isn't always about being put in the room with the right people.
• How to spot a prospect with a "bleeding neck".
• Get out there and start helping people.

There are some amazing resources available on the Varda Kreuz website:

• http://1stsalestraining.co.uk/

Chris also mentioned a number of books and resources which you should check out:

• Perry Marshall - "80/20 Marketing": https://www.amazon.co.uk/80-20-Sales-Marketing-Definitive/dp/1599185059/
• Daniel Priestley - "Oversubscribed": https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oversubscribed-How-People-Lining-Business/dp/0857086197/
• Felix Dennis - "How to Get Rich": https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Get-Rich-Felix-Dennis/dp/009192166X/
• Jim Rohn - "Disgust, Decision, Desire": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtjyexJ4xqI

Looking for More Inspiration?

If you're keen to dive deeper into motivational or business-focused insights, there’s a wealth of great reading and viewing out there. For fresh perspectives and advice, consider exploring thought leadership on platforms like Quora, Medium, or Substack. If you prefer learning via video, YouTube hosts countless channels dedicated to business strategy, personal development, and entrepreneurial journeys, plenty to keep your momentum going.

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Which marketing strategy consistently delivers the best ROI?

Over the last ten years, we’ve spent thousands of hours testing and executing dozens of different strategies. In total they’ve produced over 50,000 customers and have generated significant revenue. But which strategy consistently delivered the highest ROI? The clear winner, with a 16X ROI, is the customer win-back campaign.

And these campaigns can deliver a superior ROI for almost any type of organization. That’s why businesses ranging from small SaaS companies to billion-dollar enterprises like Dollar Shave Club use them. Why do they work so well? It boils down to this … It’s tough to get a new customer - but it’s relatively easy to win a former customer back. Dan talked about their unique 4-Step Process:

1. Survey 10 previous clients and ask them why they left. Narrow their reasons down to 3-4 key reasons.
2. Now reach out to your past clients and ask them which of the four reasons did they choose to leave.
3. Create a marketing campaign around the one reason which stands out and address the problem with a new solution.
4. BONUS - Build partnerships to re-market to new and existing customers.

Dan talked about several books and business resources:

• The Harvard Business Review, March 2016: https://hbr.org/product/harvard-business-review-march-2016/BR1603-MAG-EN
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Habits-Highly-Effective-People/dp/0684858398
• Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0141036257/
• Focus – Daniel Goleman: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Focus-Hidden-Excellence-Daniel-Goleman/dp/1408845881/
• Blue Ocean Strategy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Ocean-Strategy-Expanded-Uncontested/dp/1625274491/

If you’d like to contact Dan personally:

you can email him dan@customerwinback.com 

I would also highly recommend hopping onto https://customerwinback.com/ 

and completing their ROI Calculator and also watching the Four Minute Case Study Video.

And finally if you’d like to connect with Dan on LinkedIn you can do so here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmpfister/ 

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz

Some of the following as well as 77 Marketing Ideas to Try for Your Coaching, Consulting or Freelance Business:

• Lay a brick a day / imperfect action daily / Rome wasn’t built in a day
• Set up tools, reminders, notifications make a plan and write it down
• Trial and Error
• What works for me won’t work for you
• Unicorn marketing…

If you’re not willing to put the effort or time into marketing, then walk away now, it is harder than it’s ever been.

However, if you commit, then you will get results. If you do nothing you’ll never know what works and what doesn’t work.

Download the FREE PDF guide:

Just in case you need the associated PDF doc then here it is:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1PTMTbLVTlIAg_v1ZUcb5ASJ8dZP0Qoid

And also for all of our Fearless Business FREE Resources, please visit: https://fearless.biz/resources/ 

A Bit about Fearless Business:

Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore

And check out the Fearless Business website: >> https://fearless.biz