Living the Small Business Life

Join us for this fun episode as we close out Season 3. Ben, Ben and I have only 5 seconds to answer the questions which Ben generated with AI and our cameraman Wes calls out! 0:06 - Welcome to *Living a Small Business Life* 0:28 - Question 1: What's your favourite midnight snack? 0:44 - Question 2: Who would you choose if you could be friends with a fictional character? 1:14 - Question 3: What's the best costume you've ever worn to a party? 1:55 - Question 4: What's the best surprise you've ever received? 3:00 - Question 5: What's the most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced? 3:57 - Question 6: If you could have any talent, what would you choose? 5:07 - Question 7: If you were stuck on a deserted island and had to choose a family member to be stuck with, who would you choose? 5:48 - Question 8: Who would you be if you had to be a character from a book? 6:42 - Question 9: What's the best joke you've ever heard? 7:56 - Question 10: If you could live in any movie, which one would it be? 8:33 - Question 11: Who is your favorite celebrity? 9:11 - Question 12: If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? 9:59 - Question 13: What's your funniest relationship deal-breaker? 10:53 - Question 14: If you could be any animal, which animal would you be? 11:48 - Wrap up and thanks for watching Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore the rapidly evolving world of AI and its immediate and future implications for small businesses. We chat about our own levels of AI adoption, ranging from complete skepticism to leveraging it for daily operational efficiency. We talked about key tools like Microsoft Copilot, concerns over data security, the impact of AI on creative content and jobs, and the necessity of maintaining human connection in an increasingly automated world.00:07 - Introduction: AI in Small Business00:21 - Are We Using AI in Our Businesses?00:41 - Using Microsoft Copilot and Other AI Tools01:30 - AI Skepticism and Industry Challenges03:09 - The Creative and Tone Problem with AI04:31 - Managing AI with the Team and Copilot Benefits05:15 - AI for Meeting Efficiency and Proposal Drafting07:28 - AI Email Management with Fixer09:12 - Security and Data Concerns with Copilot and AI11:36 - The Fundamental Bias and Environmental Cost of Large Language Models12:41 - Using Gemini and Closed Data Sets13:36 - AI and Cyber Security Threats15:06 - Massive Increase in AI-Generated Email Threats16:44 - Deep Fake Voices and Financial Fraud Examples17:37 - The Rise of Deep Fake Video and Image Creative19:43 - Younger Generations' Perspective on AI Content20:57 - The Evolution of CGI and Creative AI23:33 - The Impact of AI on Jobs and Industries27:00 - Job Differentiation vs. Elimination28:47 - The Future of Work: AI Employees and Flexible Hours29:54 - Over-Employment Enabled by AI30:30 - Is AI a Bad Thing? Reflections on Current Use31:14 - Microsoft Power Platform and No-Code Solutions33:10 - Refining AI Output and Focusing on Human Connection35:17 - AI Tools Used by the Hosts39:03 - The Competitive Disadvantage of Not Using AI41:15 - AI Reducing Admin Burden42:58 - Conclusion and Future Outlook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Living the Small Business Life! In this episode, we're joined by Laura Dolphin, the founding director of Dolphin Outsourcing. Laura shares her inspiring journey of building a social enterprise that champions flexible work and empowers individuals facing challenging circumstances.She talks about the origins of her company, the unique services they offer, and how they navigate the evolving landscape of business, including the impact of the 2020 pandemic. Laura also offers valuable advice for aspiring business owners and introduces her new product, Will Plus, designed to help entrepreneurs plan for unexpected life events.0:00:00 Introduction to Laura Dolphin and Dolphin Outsourcing0:01:13 Services Provided by Dolphin Outsourcing0:02:20 Dolphin Outsourcing's Ideal Client0:04:22 The Driving Force Behind Starting Dolphin Outsourcing0:06:45 Laura's Career Before Starting Her Company0:08:31 Impact of COVID-19 on Dolphin Outsourcing0:14:12 Flexible Working Opportunities at Dolphin Outsourcing0:27:22 Laura's Approach to Work-Life Balance0:32:48 Advice for Aspiring Small Business Owners0:35:56 Biggest Challenges Faced by Dolphin Outsourcing0:44:39 Marketing Strategies and Growth Plans0:40:51 Will Plus: A Product for Business Owners Facing Challenging Times0:45:29 Conclusion---Find us on socials here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-lifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslifeTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.smallFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of "Living the Small Business Life," join us as we chat with Jamie Thacker, Managing Director of Hearn's Coaches. Jamie shares his unique journey of entering the family business straight out of university, the challenges of navigating the coach hire industry through the pandemic, and his insights on managing a growing fleet. He discusses the evolution of Hearn's Coaches from a school contract focus to a diverse business and the importance of adapting to change and investing in a supportive work environment.0:00 Intro0:20 About Hearn's Coaches1:01 Jamie's Journey with the Business2:34 Control of the Business3:20 Business Then vs. Now5:02 The Impact of COVID6:42 Acquiring a Competitor10:14 Starting in the Family Business13:19 Challenges in the Transport Industry16:14 Staffing Challenges in Small Business20:29 Creating a Positive Work Environment22:06 Starting a Small Business After University26:31 Work-Life Balance30:11 The Future of Electric Coaches33:57 Chinese Coach Manufacturing37:06 Advice for Small Business Owners38:33 Outro---Find us on socials here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-lifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslifeTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.smallFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 3 of Living the Small Business Life! In our first episode we recap the end of 2024, discussing highs, lows, and market hesitancy. Then we dive into our strategies for 2025, highlighting plans for growth and customer retention. With personal anecdotes and insights, this episode provides valuable perspectives for small business owners facing uncertain times. Don't miss out on hearing from upcoming guests and learning effective business strategies - hit subscribe to get the next episodes straight away!00:00 Welcome to Season Three00:30 Reflecting on 202401:12 Business Hesitancy and Market Uncertainty03:43 Changes and New Beginnings05:01 Starting Fresh in 202508:54 Launching a New Business12:38 Strategies for Growth and Retention22:25 Customer Retention Challenges24:01 Challenges in Customer Retention24:57 The Impact of Relationships on Business27:23 Customer Service and Retention Strategies29:14 Dealing with Customer Loss31:12 Balancing New and Existing Customers33:05 Strategies for Long-Term Customer Relationships44:18 The Cost of Losing a Customer48:47 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes---Find us on socials here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-lifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslifeTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.smallFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next up on Living the Small Business Life, we sit down with Chris from ACS Staffing Solutions to discuss the challenges and successes of scaling a recruitment business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear about Chris's journey, from how he and his wife Helen started the business, to navigating the ups and downs of the recruitment industry. Learn about the impact of COVID-19 on their operations, the importance of strong company culture, and the lessons learned in managing cash flow and scaling effectively. Whether you're a business owner or interested in the recruitment sector, Chris's insights offer valuable takeaways.00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:19 Meet Chris: The Journey Begins02:19 Scaling the Business: Challenges and Strategies04:42 Navigating COVID-19: A Turning Point06:20 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Operations13:17 Post-COVID Adjustments and Market Shifts21:40 Company Vision and Culture27:37 Strategic Partnerships and AI Integration28:11 Scaling Challenges and HR Foundations31:46 Leadership and Team Dynamics36:44 Economic Impact on Recruitment39:06 Navigating Financial Struggles49:41 Customer Relationships and Retention52:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts---Find us on socials here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-lifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslifeTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.smallFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of 'Living the Small Business Life' Season Two, Ben, Ben and I reflect on the highlights and lessons learned from our conversations with various guests. We discuss the realities of running a small business, the unplanned nature of business growth, the importance of drive and determination, and the significance of work-life balance. We also emphasise the value of backing oneself, the freedom that comes with entrepreneurship, and the evolving nature of networking. Special mentions to our wonderful guests from Season Two - More Driver Solutions, Vision 29, Happydashery, and Red Rascal Creative. 00:00 Welcome to the Season Finale01:09 Reflecting on Our Guests01:49 Key Takeaways from Season Two02:11 The Reality of Business Planning04:04 Challenges with Admin and Regulations09:09 Balancing Work and Life12:21 The Importance of Physical Activity18:27 Would You Go Back to Employment?22:40 The Freedom of Running a Small Business24:43 Networking and Knowledge Sharing30:19 Looking Forward to Season Three31:28 Thank You and GoodbyeMore Driver Solutions - https://moredriversolutions.ltd.uk/Happydashery - https://happydashery.co.uk/Vision 29 - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocoxhillRed Rascal Creative - https://www.redrascalcreative.com/---Check out the dedicated page for the Living the Small Business Life Podcast: https://movedigital.co.uk/podcast/living-the-small-business-life/Or, connect with us in the comments below or find us on social media ⬇️https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslifehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life/https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.smallhttps://www.twitter.com/living_smblife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Living the Small Business Life, the host welcomes Wes Venn, a multi-business entrepreneur and the show's cameraman! Wes shares his journey from being a radio presenter to starting a greetings card company, Buddy Fernandez, known for its 'naughty' cards. He discusses how COVID-19 led him to focus full-time on his ventures, including founding Red Rascal Creative, a company providing video ads and promotional content. Wes touches on the challenges and funny moments of running multiple businesses, his unique marketing strategies, and the value of saying 'yes' to opportunities. We also chatted about work-life balance, financial planning, and the importance of being adaptable in the small business world.00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:18 Meet Wes Venn: The Media Mutt00:41 Wes's Small Business Ventures01:37 The Impact of COVID-1902:01 Red Rascal Creative: A New Beginning02:23 Voiceover Work and Calgon Adverts02:57 Adapting to New Media Platforms03:50 The Art of Juggling Multiple Roles06:35 Challenges of Running Small Businesses08:35 The Tesco Experience14:00 Defining Success in Small Business15:10 Struggling with Work-Life Balance17:02 Weekend Work and Holiday Plans17:12 Chillfest and Celebrity Encounters17:52 Balancing Work and Personal Life18:46 Financial Planning for Freelancers19:44 Adapting to Change and Taking on Odd Jobs20:53 Marketing Strategies and the Buddy Fernandez Tour23:55 Unique Marketing and Event Filming27:42 Funny Trade Show Stories29:53 Business Mentors and Personal Philosophy31:54 Quirky Customer Requests and Theme Songs34:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts---Check out the dedicated page for the Living the Small Business Life Podcast: https://movedigital.co.uk/podcast/living-the-small-business-life/Or, connect with us in the comments below or find us on social media ⬇️https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslifehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life/https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.smallhttps://www.twitter.com/living_smblife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 4 of the Living the Small Business Life podcast, hosts Ben and Ben welcome Jo from Vision 29. Jo shares her 10-year journey from starting a marketing consultancy to transforming it into a company focused on internal communications, employee experience, and organisational culture. She discusses the initial challenges she faced in balancing work and family life, the trigger that led her to start her own business, and how she overcame fears and doubts along the way. Jo also talks about the importance of networking, work-life balance, and staying motivated. The episode offers valuable insights into running a business, dealing with burnout, and the evolving landscape of business networking.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:30 Joe's Business Journey: From Marketing to Internal Comms03:20 Trigger Points and Challenges of Starting a Business06:47 Transitioning from Limited Company to Sole Trader09:38 Daily Life and Networking Strategies20:25 The Role of Internal Communications22:48 Employee Engagement and Feedback23:49 Challenges in Implementing Feedback25:26 Winning and Attracting New Customers27:55 Balancing Work and Personal Life29:18 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Public Speaking36:50 Experiencing Burnout and Recovery41:41 Reflecting on Business Journey43:09 Podcast ConclusionProduced by Move Digital - https://movedigital.co.uk/podcasts/Jo at Vision 29 - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocoxhill---Check out the dedicated page for the Living the Small Business Life Podcast: https://movedigital.co.uk/podcast/living-the-small-business-life/Or, connect with us in the comments below or find us on social media ⬇️https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslifehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life/https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.smallhttps://www.twitter.com/living_smblife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Living the Small Business Life' we hit the road and are on tour in Leighton Buzzard!Sarah and Carrie, owners of Happydashery and The Workshop, two shops next door to each other on the High Street, share their inspiring journey from pop-up shop to two premises. They discuss the transition from part-time jobs to full-time business owners, the importance of a supportive local business community, and the candid challenges of retail, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We talked about the value of adaptability, strategic planning, and embracing imperfection. It was so great to hear both Sarah and Carrie reflect on the difficulties of running a small business, such as managing cash flow, juggling roles, and maintaining work-life balance. Sarah and Carrie were such great guests and shared some wonderful personal anecdotes, quirky customer experiences, and moments of unexpected joy from running their business. Big thanks to them for joining us. 00:00 Welcome to Living the Small Business Life00:11 Meet Sarah and Carrie of Happydashery00:42 The Journey of Happydashery02:39 Taking the Leap: From Part-Time to Full-Time05:58 Community and Collaboration in Leighton Buzzard12:42 Challenges and Triumphs During the Pandemic20:56 Balancing Multiple Revenue Streams24:07 Implementing Processes for Business Growth25:09 Balancing Strategic Planning and Daily Operations26:08 The Importance of Team and Delegation27:31 Admiration and Strengths in Business Partnership29:33 Building a Community-Centric Business31:00 Handling Disagreements and Business Philosophy35:15 Staying Motivated and Reflecting on Achievements40:19 Balancing Work and Personal Life47:38 Unexpected and Hilarious Business Moments49:08 Final Thoughts and Fun QuestionsFind Happydashery here: https://happydashery.co.uk/This episode was produced by Move Digital - find out more about our podcast work here: https://movedigital.co.uk/podcasts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Living the Small Business Life' podcast, Laura, Ben and Ben discuss the interconnectedness of branding and reputation for small businesses. We explore personal experiences with branding, including how a recognisable brand can spark memories and influence customers' buying decisions. Drawing on our own (mis)adventures in coming up with branding for our businesses, we also look at the challenges faced in maintaining consistency across various platforms. We also chat about how Google reviews can affect business reputation and the necessity for businesses to manage online perceptions. How does your branding help (or hinder?) in recruitment, how does customer feedback shapes business strategy, and how can you leverage referrals and case studies? 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:10 Understanding Branding and Reputation01:28 The Role of Consistency in Branding02:03 The Evolution of Business Logos05:02 Branding in the Real World07:56 The Importance of Professionalism15:05 Consistency Across Platforms18:33 Customer Feedback and Reputation28:52 Handling Negative Reviews30:27 Responding Professionally to Criticism33:14 Dealing with Fake Reviews35:33 Importance of Customer Referrals36:30 Effective Use of Case Studies39:47 Website Optimisation for Better Leads42:58 Fun Branding Questions49:23 Dream Collaborations53:38 Conclusion and Call for Guests Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back for Season 2! In this episode of Living the Small Business Life, we welcome Emily and Nikki of More Driver Solutions. They dive into their journey of building a business from its humble beginnings in 2008 to becoming a key player in driver recruitment in the logistics industry. They discuss their initial lack of a formal plan, how they funded and eventually bought out their initial business partners, and the importance of flexibility and resilience. They share the challenges they faced, including navigating a recession, managing cash flow, and dealing with regulatory changes. The conversation also explores their partnership dynamics, the support they provide each other, and their emphasis on work-life balance and exercise. It was so lovely to have them and hear about how they have turned challenges into growth opportunities and gave us some genuine insights into the highs and lows of running a small business.https://moredriversolutions.ltd.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final episode of Season 1 we've gone off-script and are answering questions about running a small business that Ben has found from Chat GPT! Find out what AI thinks we should have been talking about in the last 5 episodes and what answers we have. Subscribe to the podcast now so you're the first to know about Season 2 - coming soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you achieve work life balance as a small business owner? What is important to you? In this episode Ben, Ben and Laura discuss how they achieve and work on a work life balance that works for them. How does it work for you? Let us know in the comments! Produced by Move Digital: https://movedigital.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This time around we're talking about growth and expansion for small businesses. What does it look like? What are the growing pains that small businesses face? And what does it look like when your business is growing and expanding but you're constantly trying to keep up. Join Ben, Ben and Laura to chat about all things small business, the highs, the lows and everything in between. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This time round Ben, Ben and Laura talk about the small business reality of recruitment and outsourcing. We talk about everything to do with building a team, growing a team, what your team my look like in terms of employment versus using freelancers and outsourcing including outsourcing overseas. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcast to hear the next episode first and find us on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWshi7mIvNoVMDJB7TrPLg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you’re starting out, how do you plan for your small business? What is recommended, and what is the reality? We’re Laura, Ben and Ben and we all run small businesses. In this episode of Living the Small Business Life, we tackle strategy and planning. What did we do when we were starting out? Was it helpful? How has it changed along with our businesses? Join us for a frank conversation about the highs and lows of running a small business, and subscribe to the podcast to catch all our upcoming episodes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Ben, Ben and Laura to find out all about us, the small businesses that we run and why we've decided to start this podcast. We'll also be talking about what we're going to cover in our first series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.