A Funny Thing Called Business

In this heartfelt episode, Clare, Darren, Kate, and Pete gather to discuss Clare's big decision to take a sabbatical, marking a significant moment in her journey as a business owner. With over 50 years of collective experience, they delve into the motivations behind her choice and explore the steps necessary for taking a break from the hustle of entrepreneurship. They discuss:   - What prompted Clare to consider a sabbatical at this stage in her life.   - The emotional and practical aspects of stepping away from a business you've built.   - How to prepare for a sabbatical and the fears that come with it.   - The importance of having systems in place to facilitate a smooth transition.   - The challenges and silver linings of embracing change and uncertainty.   As always, expect plenty of laughs and genuine insights as they navigate this personal topic together! Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 50 years of collective experience share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk/    Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com/    Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/    Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk   

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete wish you a Happy New 2026 - and ask whether or not, as a business owner, it's truly a time for clean slates, renewal and change? So, we discuss:  - Do we treat January 1st (or whenever you're back at your desk) as a fresh start?  - Should we be making any plans at all?  - When should you "ditch" something?  - Why is AI nothinbg more than a Ponzi scheme (according to Darren)?   As always, there are plenty of smiles and laughs along the way!   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk  

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete enter the world of the woo-woo and discuss the idea, as a business ownder, of asking The Universe for different things within your business journey. In this episode, they discuss:  - Is Talking To The Universe for everybody?  - What does the process look like?  - What does Kate mean by 'twanging'? As always, there's plenty of laughs and smiles along the way!   Resources: The Secret (book) https://www.thesecret.tv Green Lights (book) https://www.matthewmcconaughey.com/greenlights The Slight Edge (book) https://www.jeffolsen.com   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber   Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk  

In this episode, Clare, Darren, Kate, and Pete dive into the art of developing a team that loves your business nearly as much as you do. With over 50 years of collective experience, they share their insights on the challenges and joys of team dynamics. They discuss:  - The importance of mentoring and supporting your team's career paths.  - How to create a culture that nurtures creativity and values individual contributions.  - The significance of aligning values when building a team.  - What they wish they had done differently when it comes to hiring and managing their teams.  - The ripple effect of a happy team on clients and the business as a whole. As always, expect plenty of laughs and relatable anecdotes along the way! Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 50 years of collective experience share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk/   Darren Langley can be found here: https://gravitaswebdesign.com/   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk  

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about growth; about taking your business to 'the next level' - which means something different to all of us They discuss:  - What are the indicators that you are ready for growth?  - Can you be a risk averse business owner and still grow?  - What's this about Pete's equipment?!?   As always, there are plenty of laughs and smiles along the way!   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://gravitaswebdesign.com/   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk  

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about what to do during the tough times in your business. They discuss:  - Why it's important to have faith  - Why you should look at your pricing during the lean times - but not in the way you think!  - What is a Broccoli Business Buffer?   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk  

IN this episode Clare and the gang talk about Working From Home.  It's something that became the norm for many of us back in 2020 - but a combination of home and office working has become the new working space for more and more people. So - what's the deal with Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete - how are they working? They also discuss:  - The challenges with working from home - and how to deal with some of the more common ones  - Does a modern business owner need to choose between one or the other?  - What was Darren's dream when he started the business - and what prevented it from happening? As always, there are plenty of laughs along the way! Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk  

In this episode Claire, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about the process of finding, connecting with and bringing onboard your perfect clients.   We cover:  - How do we seek out our ideal clients?  - What are some of the red flags that shows us that this isn't an ideal client?  - Is it possible to turn a less than ideal client into an IDEAL client?   All with plenty of laughs and smiles along the way!   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

In this episode, Clare, Darren, Kate, and Pete dive into the transformative turning points that have propelled their businesses forward. From networking to business coaching, they share personal stories and insights that reveal how these pivotal moments have shaped their entrepreneurial journeys.Also - people get involved as they were on LinkedIn Live whilst recording this episode!  They discuss:   - The unexpected power of networking and the relationships that flourish from it   - The life-changing impact of investing in business education   - How the lockdown led to new opportunities and growth for their ventures   - The importance of seeking help and taking yourself seriously as a business owner   As always, expect plenty of laughs and relatable anecdotes along the way! Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about the concept of Overpromising and Overdelivering within your business. During the conversation, they cover:  - Why Overpromising and Overdelivering can be different for different clients  - How you can train yourself out of Overpromising and Overdelivering  - Is Overpromising and Overdelivering really a curse? As always, there's laughs, smiles and giggles along the way! Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk   The 'Launch Your Business Podcast' can be found here: https://www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk/podcastlaunchcheckout/  

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about what differentiate's them from their competition - and how you go about finding that out for yourself. We discuss:  - The importance of finding YOUR difference in your business  - How being the cheapest or the biggest isn't necessarily the best way forward  - And why Kate wants to do a Naked Podcast!   As always, there's plenty of laughs and smiles along the way!   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

In this episode Clare, Kate, Darren & Pete talk about whether or not there is such a thing as a good work / life balance.   They discuss:  - Is 'work / life balance' a worn-out phrase?  - Should all the barriers put around your work life, rather than your personal life?  - What is in Kate's Murky Soup?   As always, plenty of smiles and laughs across the way :0)   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber   Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk   This episode is sponsored by Element45 https://www.element45.co.uk/

IN this episode Clare, Darren, Kate and Pete talk about how to keep produtive and effricient when you're running your business:   They discuss:  - The challnges of being productive when your the sole worker in your company  - Is there a better part of the day for productivity?  - What constitutes 'a produtive day'?  - What aspect of efficiency drive Kate bonkers?   As always, there are plenty of laughs and smiles along the way!   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk   This episode is sponsored by Element45 https://www.element45.co.uk/    

On this episode, Clare, Kate, Darren & Pete welcome Paul Faulkner, co-founder of Element 45 to the podcast. Paul discusses his journey to his current role - and how it worked with him leaving the corporate life behind and starting his own business in his 40's. Of course, there's plenty of laughs and smiles along the way!   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk   This episode is sponsored by Element45 https://www.element45.co.uk/

On this episode of the podcast Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about what is the right time to discount your prices and do deals with potential customers. They discuss:  - Should you have something like 'mates rates'?  - Can a discount be damaging in the long term?  - What's got Pete all riled up? As always, there are plenty of laughs and smiles along the way!   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

In this episode Clate - along with Darren, Kate & Pete - talk about falling in and out of love with your business. This episode was recorded in the middle of November 2024, so we find out just how the four business owners are feeling about their own businesses in this quite turbulent time. They cover:  - How do you cope when you're not feeling positive about the business?  - Why owning a business is a little like a marriage.  - What would Chat GPT call itself, instead of Chat GPT? Of course, plenty of smiles and laughs along the way!   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk   This episode is sponsored by Bondfield Marketing https://www.instagram.com/bondfieldmarketing/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bondfieldmarketing/

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about Exiting Your Business - not that any of tjem are on the verge of quitting! They discuss whether or not you should have an exit plan in place when you start your business; what is the biggest challenge in creating an exit plan - and which one of the group is read to take up Shark Wrestling!   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk   This episode is sponsored by Bondfield Marketing https://www.instagram.com/bondfieldmarketing/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bondfieldmarketing/

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about being the face of your business.   The discuss:  - The challenges of 'putting yourself out there' when it comes to your business  - How much do you share, and what do you keep back?  - What does Weekend Clare look like?   Of course, there are plenty of smiles and laughs along the way too!   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk   This episode is sponsored by Bondfield Marketing https://www.instagram.com/bondfieldmarketing/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bondfieldmarketing/

On this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about making sure that you keep developing your skills within your business. They'll discuss:  - Why 'Every day is a school day' applies more in your own business  - How you can keep on top of all of the changes in your industry  - Why does Clare have the OPPOSITE of Imposter Syndrome?  - What is it with Pete and a sty?   Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk   This episode is sponsored by Bondfield Marketing https://www.instagram.com/bondfieldmarketing/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bondfieldmarketing/

On this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about the issue of burnout - something which many business owners have to contend with! They discuss:  - What are the signs of burnout  - How do we deal with it, or prevent it?  - Some of the challenges with having to cope with it whilst running our business  - Did Kate really have to go to Ibiza because of burnout? As always, plenty of laughs along the way too! Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Clare Whalley can be found here: https://meta4coaching.co.uk   Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com   Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/   Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk   This episode is sponsored by Highlander Press: https://www.linkedin.com/company/highlander-press/ https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress/