Friends in Business

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh candidly reflect on their own successes and setbacks, offering listeners practical strategies to avoid similar pitfalls in the future. As the conversation unfolds, both hosts share the challenges they have faced in managing professional relationships and expectations. Ben cautions against overreliance on personal connections in business, highlighting how misplaced trust can lead to difficult consequences. Likewise, Jemimah recounts her experience of a partnership breakdown when expectations were not aligned, ultimately leading to the project’s demise. Together, their reflections underscore the vital importance of establishing clear boundaries and well-defined expectations within professional relationships—lessons that resonate with entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. Key Takeaways:  From the outset of any business collaboration, clearly establish expectations and protocols for all potential outcomes, including eventual exits or dissolutions. Engaging in open discussions about benchmarks and objectives in collaborations can prevent future conflicts. Maintain professionalism in business to avoid dependency on personal relationships, ensuring business integrity and control remain grounded. Both Ben and Jemimah highlight the invaluable lessons obtained from past mistakes, underscoring the importance of growth through reflection. Deploy robust systems and processes to navigate business ventures confidently and with preparedness. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:20 Jemimah’s Virtual Life 3:01 Mistakes 5:43 Ben’s Mistakes in Relationships 11:50 Jemimah’s Mistakes In Not Setting Expectations 15:41 Jemimah’s Advice In Making Mistakes 18:05 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh unpack proven strategies for harnessing social media to elevate business visibility and drive meaningful engagement. Opening with a light-hearted reflection on the pleasures and challenges of winter, they set a warm, inviting tone before delving into the art of building an impactful online presence. Jemimah stresses the value of posting with purpose, outlining a clear framework of five key content types—expert insights, CRM or sales-focused posts, personal updates, testimonials, and aspirational messages—designed to strengthen audience trust and connection. Ben shares practical examples of how weaving in personal stories and customer testimonials can deepen engagement. Together, they highlight the importance of consistency and authenticity in social media marketing, urging businesses to adopt a structured, intentional approach for sustainable long-term success. Key Takeaways:  It’s crucial to use social media platforms strategically, focusing on consistency and relevance to effectively engage with audiences. Businesses should incorporate expert posts, CRM/sales posts, personal posts, testimonials, and inspirational content to create a balanced and comprehensive social media strategy. Regularly share personal stories and testimonials to build a deeper connection and trust with the audience. Construct posts that remain relevant over time, such as educational and inspirational content, to maintain consistent engagement. The importance of a regular posting schedule using in-platform scheduling tools like Meta to avoid penalties associated with third-party platforms Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:44 5 Different Post for Social Media 2:03 Use Social Media Intentionally 2:56 Expert Posts 4:15 CRM or Sales Posts 5:30 Sales Posts 6:21 Personal Posts 8:11 Social Proof 11:30 Aspirational and Inspirational Posts 13:22 Evergreen Posts 15:04 When To Start Building These Habits 17:24 Recap 17:39 Weekly Takeaway 18:57 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh unpack powerful strategies to drive revenue growth in 2025. With their signature blend of wit and candour, they dive into the critical components of customer acquisition, client retention, and remarketing—all tailored to suit today’s fast-evolving business landscape. Ben offers a measured perspective on the financial fundamentals every business must grasp before chasing rapid growth, stressing the importance of gross profit margins and fixed cost awareness. Jemimah, meanwhile, highlights the value of strategic retargeting to re-engage dormant leads, reinforcing the long-term impact of relationship-building. Key Takeaways:  Discover three key methods to boost revenue: acquiring new customers, amplifying existing customer value, and re-engaging previous customers.  Prior to targeting revenue increases, gain insight into your business’s financial levers to avoid unprofitable growth. Enhance client value by expanding product/service offerings and understanding their evolving needs for effective upselling. Utilize nurturing campaigns for past clients and leads to maintain brand relevance and drive sales. Focus on scalable sales frameworks and train teams to recognize upselling opportunities to elevate business from within. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 0:44 “Banging the Table” 2:20 Jemimah’s Week 2:59 Ben’s Week 5:49 Revenue 8:50 Three Ways To Grow Revenue 5:58 Acquiring New Customers 12:10 Getting More From Existing Customers 17:41 Customers That Are Returning Back 23:39 Weekly Takeaway 25:08 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh dive into the core financial metrics every business owner should understand — from interpreting profit and loss statements to identifying your safety bank balance and staying on top of sales performance. Ben offers clear, actionable insights and proven strategies to help you get a firm grip on your numbers, demonstrating how a data-driven approach can lead to more confident decisions and long-term growth. Key Takeaways:  Understanding and regularly reviewing your Profit and Loss (P&L) statement is crucial for tracking the health of your business. Knowing your business’s revenue targets, gross profit margins, and monthly expenses allows you to make informed decisions and anticipate future financial requirements. Establishing a safety net of three months’ worth of business expenses or wages ensures financial stability in uncertain times. Effective management of debtors and payables can aid healthy cash flow, preventing potential solvency issues. Ben introduces the three-box model for sales, illustrating a systematic approach to measuring and managing sales performance that is integral for business leaders to master. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:04 Noosa Animals 3:10 The Importance of Numbers 4:48 Profit and Loss 7:04 The Metric You Need To Know By Heart 7:56 Overheads To Run Your Business 10:16 Safety Bank Balance 11:39 Accessing Debtors and Payables 12:37 Sales Numbers 15:14 Possibility If You Don’t Know These Numbers 16:33 Recap Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore the powerful intersection of personal adversity and professional ambition. Jemimah opens up about living with a rare medical condition — an extra kidney — and how it affects her health, productivity, and client relationships. She shares the strategies she’s adopted to manage her workload and maintain balance. Ben reflects on his own experience with anxiety, offering honest insights into recognising emotional triggers and the importance of having a solid support network. Together, they highlight the value of resilience, self-awareness and adaptability in navigating both personal and professional challenges. Key Takeaways:   Chronic health issues can significantly impact business productivity, necessitating strategic adaptations and support. Recognizing personal cues for anxiety helps in managing and mitigating its effects on professional life. Honesty with clients and a supportive team can help navigate personal challenges while maintaining business commitments. Resilience and adaptability are crucial in balancing personal health with professional success. Create a playbook of strategies and resources to manage health challenges and maintain business operations effectively. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:12 Poke Bowls 1:42 Personal Challenges  2:28 Jemimah’s Extremely Big Chronic Issue 6:00 How The Chronic Issue Impacted The Business 7:13 Being Productive Despite The Chronic Issue 9:29 Jemimah’s Advice For You 12:07 What Ben Has Grappled With Over His Career 15:45 Ben’s Advice For You Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh are joined by entrepreneurial visionary Dale Beaumont for a compelling conversation on strategic business systemisation—punctuated with a few entertaining tales along the way. Together, they unpack how structured systems can pave the path to true freedom for business owners, as Dale recounts his own transformation from an overwhelmed operator to a respected mentor guiding others toward sustainable success. The discussion highlights the critical role of technology and education in enhancing efficiency and scalability within modern enterprises. Dale offers valuable insights into Business Blueprint, his long-standing educational initiative that has empowered countless entrepreneurs over the past 16 years to reshape their business models and regain control over their time. About the Guest:  Dale Beaumont is a highly respected business leader and entrepreneur, bringing over 25 years of experience to the industry. As the founder of Business Blueprint—a leading business education and training enterprise—he has played a pivotal role in transforming the operations of more than 4,000 businesses. A prolific author, Dale has penned 19 best-selling books and is widely recognised for his innovative approach to business systemisation, empowering entrepreneurs to streamline their operations and scale with confidence. Key Takeaways:  Dale highlights the necessity of rigorously systemizing business processes to achieve time freedom and financial success. The significance of learning from experienced mentors and using proven blueprints for business growth. Steps to merge successful business practices with personal life goals, emphasizing balance and autonomy. The advantages of employing technology and building knowledgeable teams from diverse geographic locations for scaling efficiently. Dale shares insights about smart investments, including property and shares, to enhance financial security beyond business profits. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 0:44 Jemimah’s Beautiful Harmonics 2:03 Guest Introduction 2:20 About Dale Beaumont  4:10 Business Blueprint 6:49 Working Smart 9:45 Getting Some Work Life Balance 12:39 Dale’s Light Bulb Moment 19:05 Being Smart With Money 22:09 Bringing In Other Experts 25:14 Weekly Takeaways 26:55 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, hosts Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore the often-underappreciated power of celebrating achievements within teams and organisations. The discussion underscores the value of marking milestones—such as birthdays and work anniversaries—as a means of building morale and reinforcing a sense of community. From a leadership standpoint, the act of celebrating—whether through small gestures or ritualised events—is essential to maintaining motivation and long-term engagement. With a balance of wit and wisdom, Ben and Jemimah present a compelling guide to cultivating a vibrant and unified workplace culture through intentional celebration. Key Takeaways:  Celebrating team achievements, both big and small, is crucial for maintaining morale and motivation. Simple gestures, such as recognizing birthdays and milestones, can significantly enhance team cohesion. Integrating celebration into routine meetings and settings can align teams around specific goals and create a sense of collective purpose. Avoid controversial celebration methods, such as alcohol, and opt for inclusive and thoughtful acknowledgments. Creating a theme or using simple items, like chocolates, can make celebrations engaging and memorable. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 0:56 Jemimah’s Dinosaur Party 2:31 Signs of Being 40 3:28 Celebrations 5:40 Hacks On How To Celebrate With the Team 6:15 Document Anniversaries and Birthdays 7:09 Two Types of Celebrations 11:35 3 Ways Of How To Celebrate 15:50 Challenge To Leaders 20:24 Weekly Takeaway 21:10 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of Friends In Business, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh welcome the eloquent and perceptive Steve Plummer. The discussion delves into the evolving art of copywriting in an AI-driven era, highlighting the enduring value of human creativity and emotional resonance. Steve offers strategic insights into crafting distinctive, authentic messaging that connects deeply with audiences—emphasising that while AI may elevate basic writing standards, it cannot replicate the heart and nuance behind truly impactful communication. About the Guest:  Steve Plummer is a highly experienced copywriter, author, and speaker, with a rich history in the education sector. Beginning his career as an English teacher, he quickly advanced to leadership roles such as Head of Department and Deputy Principal. Today, Steve specialises in copywriting, supporting soul-driven businesses across Australia. He is a strong advocate for purposeful writing and has shared his insights on prominent platforms alongside industry figures like Russell Brunson. In addition to his copywriting work, Steve has explored diverse writing avenues, including freelance journalism with a focus on boxing, reflecting his deep passion for the craft of writing. Key Takeaways:   Copywriting remains crucial for business success by effectively communicating value and converting prospects into customers.  AI tools can assist in generating baseline content but lack the personalized touch and emotional resonance essential for impactful copy. Learning fundamental copywriting frameworks and strategies is vital to utilize AI-generated content effectively. The rapid evolution of AI requires constant adaptation and innovation to maintain authenticity and engagement in writing. Embracing the blend of human intelligence with AI can enhance the creative process and produce superior quality content. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 0:53 Ben: The Spotify Star 1:53 Guest Introduction 2:49 Soul Led Business 3:35 Steve’s Writing Journey 8:45 Value of Words Being Spot On 11:25 Change Brought By A.I. In Copywriting 14:46 The EMOJIS! 16:41 AI Generated Books 17:58 Tips On The Use of A.I. In Copywriting 22:30 Weekly Takeaway 23:42 Guest Socials 24:10 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of Friends In Business, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore how seemingly small decisions can lay the foundation for significant business growth. The conversation delves into the power of incremental change, with Ben emphasising the value of a continuous improvement mindset in sales and the role structured training programs play in driving long-term success. Meanwhile, Jemimah highlights the importance of maintaining a strong presence on social media and how this commitment can significantly boost brand visibility and engagement. Together, they share practical insights and real-world examples of how minor shifts can yield transformative results in business. Key Takeaways:   Small changes in business strategy can lead to major impacts over time. Continuous improvement and regular training can significantly enhance a sales team’s performance. Building a consistent social media presence is crucial for increasing brand visibility and audience engagement. Trust your intuition when making business decisions, as it can lead to unforeseen success. The right partnership and collaboration can create opportunities for significant business growth. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:40 Little Things Becoming Big Things 1:45 Starting Out 12 Months Ago 6:50 Decisions That Made Significant Growth In The Business Overtime 7:14: Continuous Improvement on the Sales Process 9:04 Dedicated Training Program 12:24 Going All In 13:15 Using Social Media Everyday 14:57 Weekly Takeaway 16:0 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of Friends in Business, hosts Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh catch up with Erik van Eekelen for a lively chat about how AI is shaking up the world of customer service and sales. Kicking things off with a relatable story about smart tech in everyday life — like robotic vacuums — the trio dives into how artificial intelligence is already transforming how businesses connect with customers and streamline their operations. They explore the real-world edge that AI can offer, from optimising call centres to unlocking new markets. More than just a buzzword, this episode makes it clear: AI isn’t something down the track — it’s here now, and it’s a game-changer for smart business strategy. About the Guest: Erik van Eekelen is the Managing Director of Icana AI, a company at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to supercharge customer service and sales performance. With more than two decades of experience under his belt and a master’s degree in AI, Erik has built an impressive career working across a range of industries throughout Europe and Australia. His deep, hands-on knowledge of AI’s practical applications — particularly in customer-facing roles — positions him as a true leader in the field. Key Takeaways:  AI tools are transforming customer service by analyzing and improving employee communication skills, focusing on both content and tone. Erik’s company, Ikana AI, utilizes AI to shorten employee onboarding times and enhance performance in customer-facing roles. By lowering operational costs and improving efficiency through AI, startups can now compete with larger firms in new and existing markets. Utilizing AI enables businesses to focus human efforts on creativity and strategy, enhancing the quality of customer interactions. AI offers strategic advantages and operational efficiencies that can help businesses pursue larger clients and expand their reach. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 3:00 Guest Introduction 4:02 Vacuum Cleaners Being A.I. 4:51 Changes That A.I. Is Bringing To Teams Functions 8:27 A.I.’s Impact on Developing Customer Base 10:02 Icana.ai 13:08 Impact of A.I. on the Business Prospect 15:45 Impact of A.I. on Customer Prospects 19:20 Weekly Takeaway 21:20 Guest Socials 22:23 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, hosts Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh unpack the ins and outs of business outsourcing — a key strategy for businesses looking to grow and boost efficiency. Drawing from their own experiences, they offer practical frameworks and tips on everything from working with virtual assistants to knowing when it’s time to bring in the pros. With a focus on identifying low-value tasks and freeing up time for what really matters, the duo provides actionable strategies to help businesses scale. Key Takeaways:  Identifying tasks that do not add value or that can be easily outsourced is crucial for business growth. Differentiating between reversible and non-reversible decisions can guide which tasks to outsource. Protecting intellectual property (IP) is vital when deciding whether to bring functions in-house or to outsource them.  Assessing the level of expertise needed in a task can influence the decision between in-house hires versus outsourcing. Utilizing virtual assistants for repetitive low-skill tasks can be a cost-effective strategy for business efficiency. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:11 Harvesting Honey 2:18 Outsourcing 4:10 Transitioning To Outsourcing 5:45 Jemimah’s Approach To Outsourcing 8:24 Ben’s Outsourcing Experience 14:19 Outsourcing Like Events Management 14:42 Golden Rules in Outsourcing 19:33 Weekly Takeaway 20:38 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, hosts Ben Wright and Jemima Ashleigh are joined by strategic advisor Andrew Blain for a compelling discussion on the evolving future of work. As the episode unfolds, the trio delves into the pivotal role artificial intelligence is playing in reshaping the modern workplace. Andrew offers a thought-provoking perspective on the diminishing exclusivity of knowledge as a business asset, forecasting a redefinition of the knowledge worker both in Australia and globally. About the Guest: Andrew Blain is a highly regarded strategic consultant renowned for his sharp strategic thinking and deep industry insight. He is the co-founder of Elaborate, a successful strategic consultancy that was eventually acquired by a global corporation. With a wealth of experience advising on complex strategic initiatives, Andrew has played a pivotal role in shaping business direction across a variety of sectors. Now enjoying a semi-retired lifestyle, he splits his time between winemaking and the golf course, while continuing to offer his expertise as a sought-after speaker and consultant. Key Takeaways:  Knowledge, traditionally seen as a commodity, is becoming more accessible and less valuable due to advancements in AI. AI tools will facilitate a seismic shift in white-collar work, moving economic value within companies and countries. Embracing AI and augmenting existing skills with technology will open up significant opportunities for business growth and efficiency. The sales industry is poised for transformation, but maintaining strong relationship-building skills and emotional intelligence will remain crucial. Strategic business leaders must integrate AI technologies to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving work environment. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 3:00 Guest Introduction 4:24 Golf or Making Wine 5:53 What Does The Future of Work Look Like 11:32 Practical Application of Experience an A.I. 15:13 Will A.I. Prosper? 19:49 What Does A.I. Mean For Business 27:35 Weekly Takeaways 29:30 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh engage in a dynamic conversation about overcoming business hurdles and building resilience amid economic headwinds. With a focus on the realities of business adversity, Ben and Jemimah unpack essential themes such as evaluating business health, identifying market opportunities, and harnessing the power of personal networks. The episode delivers a wealth of actionable insights—from reducing inefficiencies and boosting profitability to weathering difficult periods by honing in on core strengths. Key Takeaways:  Businesses are experiencing a significant rise in liquidation inquiries, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and resilience. Understanding and leveraging one’s core strengths and key skills are vital for rebuilding or sustaining a business. Identifying high-growth markets and focusing efforts there can assist in reversing business downturns. Developing a clear financial and activity plan with measurable metrics is crucial for monitoring progress and implementing corrective actions. Seeking guidance and maintaining a strong network is invaluable when facing business challenges. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:04 Jemimah’s Liquidator Girlfriend 3:50 How To Rebuild A Business 6:13 Taking A Look At Your Relative Superpowers 6:53 Picking A Market That Had Growth Numbers 8:03 Going Out To The Entire Network 8:41 Sitting Down With Family 9:43 Jemimah’s Take on How to Rebuild a Business 13:40 Area Around Making Sure The Handbrake Goes Early Enough 20:36 Ben and Jemimah’s Job If They Are No Longer In Business 22:02 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore the powerful concept of coaches having their own coaches, shedding light on why the right business mentor can be a game-changer for both personal and professional development. Drawing distinctions between effective coaching and general mentoring, Ben and Jemimah examine what truly makes an investment in coaching worthwhile. From elite athletes to their own lived experiences, they share how meaningful guidance has shaped their journeys—with a healthy dose of humour and practical wisdom along the way. Key Takeaways:  Seek coaches who have demonstrable expertise and are aspirational figures within your desired field. A well-structured coaching program or framework significantly enhances the effectiveness and outcome of the coaching engagement. Coaches usually provide paid, structured development focusing on eliciting business growth, unlike mentors who offer occasional advice.  A good coach not only supports but holds you accountable, crucial for tangible growth and progress. Coaches often provide access to their networks, which can be a treasure trove of opportunities in small businesses or specific leader roles. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:10 Coaches 3:55 Coaches vs. Mentors 6:11 Where Did Ben Got Connected With His Coaches 9:40 Why We Should Have A Coach? 13:05 What is A Good Coach 20:12 Advice On How To Look For A Coach 21:44 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore the complex and often-overlooked topic of mental health among entrepreneurs and business leaders. Drawing on their own lived experiences, Ben and Jemimah share candid reflections and pivotal moments from their professional journeys, offering practical insights into maintaining a healthy work-life balance amid the relentless demands of entrepreneurial life. The conversation highlights the critical role of consistent daily habits — from quality sleep and nutrition to regular exercise and recognising personal triggers — in supporting mental well-being. Key Takeaways:  Establishing and maintaining consistent routines around sleep, diet, and exercise significantly impact mental health. Knowing personal triggers and how to manage them can improve stress responses and overall well-being. Creating a physical environment at home that supports mental well-being—such as including workout spaces or saunas—can enhance life quality. Morning routines and practices like meditation or mindfulness exercises can aid in mental preparation for a busy day. Disconnection from digital devices and prioritizing downtime can enhance productivity and mental clarity. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:37 Ben’s Mental Health Haven 4:4 Jemimah’s Mental Health Haven 6:30 Mental Health Management 7:39 Know Your Levers Around Sleep 9:13 Know Your Levers Around Food 9:51 Health and Fitness 11:28 Knowing Your Triggers 13:01 Get Out Of Your Triggers 15:01 Morning Routine 16:30 Disconnection 21:03 Weekly Takeaways 22:11 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, hosts Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore their dream dinner conversations with influential thought leaders and share their vision for ideal business collaborations. They reflect on the profound impact that influential figures—such as renowned sales strategist Alex Hormozi and productivity guru James Clear—have had on both their professional journeys and personal growth. Their reflections offer listeners valuable takeaways and a deeper understanding of the principles that shape successful business practice. Key Takeaways:  Ben and Jemimah discuss the influential figures who have shaped their professional journeys, including Alex Hormozi, James Clear, and comedian John Oliver. The hosts share their aspirations for collaborations with major brands like Qantas and Spotify, which could significantly expand their audience reach. The episode highlights Jemima’s passion for merging entertainment with education, as seen in her admiration for John Oliver’s work on “Last Week Tonight.” The episode provides insight into Ben and Jemima’s personalities, as they share humorous takes on potential reality TV show participation. Throughout the episode, the importance of learning from diverse perspectives is emphasized, even when you don’t agree with every aspect of someone’s ideology. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:12 Jemimah’s Abode and Paintings 3:37 Dream Person to Collaborate With 4:29 Ben’s Dream Person to Hangout With 7:50 Jemimah’s Dream Person to Hangout With 11:14 Ben’s Dream Collaboration 13:26 Jemimah’s Dream Collaboration 14:30 Ben’s Dream Reality Show To Be On 15:46 Jemimah’s Dream Reality Show To Be On 17:55 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, hosts Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore the critical task of identifying and addressing gaps within business processes. Ben underscores the importance of defining a clear 12-month vision as a foundational step in uncovering areas for improvement. By setting a forward-looking roadmap, businesses can pinpoint inefficiencies and implement targeted actions for growth. Jemimah complements these insights with practical analogies and highlights the need for adaptability and a mindset of continuous improvement. Key Takeaways:  Establishing a clear 12-month vision is crucial for identifying and addressing gaps in your business processes. Effective change management requires team involvement and collaboration in devising solutions. Small, consistent changes can accumulate, leading to significant improvements in business outcomes. Measurement and management of progress are vital for accountability and ensuring goals are achieved. Leveraging technological advancements like AI can help streamline processes and drive growth. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:04 The United States 2:40 A.I. 4:20 Gaps In Our Offering 6:22 Work Out Where You Want To Get To 11:45 Come Off The Back of Process Mapping Your Business 15:50 The ONE Degree 17:35 Settings Deadlines 18:57 Weekly Takeaway 19:51 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, hosts Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh discuss how impactful outcomes are achieved by strategically structuring sales activities while remaining agile in the face of shifting market conditions. Building on themes from a previous episode (episode 31), they highlight the significance of ongoing value creation and maintaining strategic engagement with key decision-makers. Throughout the discussion, Jemimah and Ben share proven strategies for sales professionals to boost their success in closing deals. With a strong focus on structured processes and customer-centric strategies, the hosts offer a thorough roadmap for navigating the sales journey from initial lead generation through to seamless onboarding. Key Takeaways:  Structuring sales processes around lead generation, meet-and-greet, quotation, closing, and post-sale account management can significantly improve business outcomes. Effective sales techniques include ensuring visibility among decision-makers and leveraging needs analysis to address objections and closure. Post-closure onboarding is crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat business, with salespeople playing a proactive role in follow-up. The transition from closing a deal to onboarding impacts both short-term customer experiences and long-term business growth. A robust follow-up strategy will address customer needs and potentially uncover opportunities for more extensive engagements. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:14 Episode 31 Recap 3:49 The Closing Process 6:34 Getting In Front of Decision Makers 10:00 Checking Back to the Key Needs Analysis Questions 10:54 Setting Deadlines 14:27 Structured Follow Up 15:10 Booking the Next Steps 16:27 Onboarding 19:15 The Nurturing Campaign 19:34 Weekly Silver Bullet 22:29 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this insightful episode of the Friends in Business podcast, hosts Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore the complexities of developing a highly effective sales process, underscoring the value of a well-structured approach. The discussion focuses on the  first three stages of a comprehensive sales process: lead generation, initial meetings, and quotations. Jemimah and Ben offer a detailed analysis of how to effectively manage these crucial stages, providing practical tips for both inbound and outbound lead generation. Emphasising the importance of early-stage engagement, they highlight the need for personalisation to create value and foster stronger connections with prospects. Key Takeaways:  Developing a structured sales process with clear stages can significantly improve business outcomes. Creating value early and often in the sales process helps establish meaningful connections with prospective clients. Systematic, small changes in sales approaches can lead to a substantial increase in sales closure rates. Effective qualification of leads is crucial to ensure sales efforts are directed at the right prospects. Personalizing the sales process, such as by presenting quotes through conversation rather than email, enhances engagement and success rates. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 1:46 Sales Processes 5:30 The Broader Sales Process 5:58 5 Areas of a Sales Process 7:37 Qualifying the Leads 10:45 Meet and Greet 17:30 Give the Customer A Job 19:24 Preparing the Quotation 25:20 What To Watch Out for Next Week 25:55 Weekly Silver Bullets 26:23 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.

In this episode of Friends in Business, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore the importance of business awards and how entrepreneurs can use them to drive growth. As finalists in the prestigious Australian Small Business Champion Awards, both hosts share their excitement and offer valuable insights into the application process. The discussion focuses on the impact of accolades as powerful social proof that can greatly enhance a business’s credibility and growth potential. Ben highlights the significance of strategically selecting awards and adopting a methodical approach to applications. Jemimah also stresses how awards can become valuable tools for fostering long-term business growth and boosting customer trust. Key Takeaways:  Proudly share any nominations or awards on social media and other platforms to enhance visibility.  Engage with other finalists as potential collaborators or partners in business ventures. Using these events for networking and capturing social proof provides authentic content and exposure. Repurpose and refine applications to fit various awards, maximizing your likelihood of continuing to attain recognition. Incorporate awards in marketing collateral, email signatures, and websites to constantly promote business excellence. Time Stamps:  0:00 Intro 0:43 Congratulations On Being an Award Finalist 3:14 Process To Being A Finalist  4:52 Awards as Social Proof 6:20 5 Ways to Leverage Awards 6:40 Sharing The Award 7:53 Leverage The Fact That Other People Are Finalist 9:13 Go To The Awards 10:41 Leverage The Award Application 11:51: Put Your Award Everywhere 13:18 Recap 14:13 How to Be A Finalist 19:37 Outro Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.