Today we discuss essential skills for small business owners including strategic networking, prioritising your time, and the importance of trust.

In this final episode for this Start, Build, and Grow podcast series, host Rob Lawrence interviews Dave Schofield, a seasoned professional with over 46 years of experience in various roles in the banking sector.

Dave emphasises the importance of listening, building a network, as well as your resilience. Sharing insights on leveraging personal connections, and the significance of feedback and reflection, Dave also highlights the value of building your confidence and how coaching and mentoring can support you.

We also focus on reliability, credibility, and intimacy as key elements of building trust in business relationships.

In this episode you'll learn:

Introduction (00:00:00) Getting to know Dave and his professional background.

Career Evolution (00:01:23) Dave's various career transitions within a single organisation over 46 years.

Transition to Development and Training (00:03:01) Dave's shift toward development and training, and the significance of relationships in his work.

Skills for Small Business Owners (00:05:13) The essential skills for small business owners and the importance of networking.

Resilience in Business (00:10:35) Building resilience as a new business owner and managing challenges effectively.

Building a Network (00:16:30) Strategies for creating and maintaining a valuable professional network, even without a formal one.

Using Your Network (00:17:35) The power of personal networks and leveraging them for various purposes, such as fundraising and business support.

Networking Strategies (00:19:36) Exploration of networking strategies, including leveraging LinkedIn, joining specific business networks, and building a social media presence.

Nurturing Your Network (00:22:15) The importance of nurturing and maintaining personal and professional networks, including reciprocity and mutual support.

Prioritising Time (00:25:16) Prioritising time and focusing on activities that add value to personal and professional networks; with a focus on strategic use of time.

Strategic Networking (00:30:47) Insights into strategic networking, including thoughtful reflection, and targeting specific opportunities for network expansion and business success.

Social Media Management (00:34:12) Balancing social media engagement, and time management for effective business presence.

Confidence and Capability (00:39:06) The relationship between confidence, capability, and success in marketing and business, and the importance of experience and giving and seeking feedback.

Coaching and Mentoring (00:45:38) The role of a coach or mentor for moving forward in business.

Intimacy in Business (00:49:40) Dave explains the importance of understanding clients and building relationships for trust in business.

Trust Equation (00:50:47) The elements of reliability, credibility, and intimacy in building trust with customers.

Importance of Trust (00:51:45) Dave emphasises the significance of trust in business relationships and as a foundation for recommendations.

Connecting with Dave (00:52:02) Dave offers his contact information.

About Dave:

"I started work in 1976 at a small branch of TSB (Bank) on the outskirts of Manchester. I come from a family of 4 children; 3

Peter Basford, an experienced banking professional turned director and business coach joins host Rob Lawrence in today's podcast interview.

Peter shares his experience working with others to help them grow their businesses; from his extensive background and his role in the Start Build Grow program, which supports new startups.

In this chat, Peter emphasises the importance of customer relationships and seeking customer feedback. We also explore the importance of balancing product development, marketing, and operations toward creating a sustainable business.

This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners alike, including strategies for obtaining customer feedback and maintaining strong customer relationships.

In this episode you'll learn:

Peter's Background in Banking (00:00:28)

Peter shares his extensive 33-year career in banking, detailing various roles and experiences.

Transition to Coaching (00:02:26)

Peter discusses his transition from banking to coaching businesses and forming the Business Growth Coaches Network.

Start Build Grow Program (00:03:38)

Peter explains how the Start Build Grow programme is aimed at supporting new and startup businesses.

Reasons for Starting a Business (00:04:00)

Peter highlights common motivations for starting a business, including independence and innovative ideas and how the programme is for individuals with product ideas or those seeking lifestyle changes through entrepreneurship.

Social Entrepreneurs and Bootcamps (00:05:22)

Peter mentions the rise of social entrepreneurs and bootcamps designed to support their business ideas.

Understanding Social Enterprises (00:06:12)

Peter defines social enterprises and their focus on community benefits rather than profit for owners.

B-Corp (00:07:16)

Peter connects the concept of B-Corp to social enterprises and their shared mission of doing good.

Common Mistakes in Startups (00:07:57)

Peter discusses key mistakes startups make, emphasising the importance of balancing product, marketing, and operations.

Three Legs of a Stool (00:08:22)

Successful businesses require a balance of product, marketing, and operational systems to thrive.

Challenges in the Current Environment (00:09:31)

Peter reflects on the tough commercial landscape post-COVID and the need for comprehensive business strategies.

Importance of Customer Relationships (00:10:41)

Peter emphasises the significance of nurturing customer relationships for business success.

Building Trust with Customers (00:10:54)

Peter shares strategies for developing trust and loyalty among customers to enhance brand relationships.

Cost of Acquiring New Customers (00:11:54)

Peter highlights it's ten times more expensive to acquire new customers than to retain existing ones.

Staying in Touch with Customers (00:12:02)

Regular communication with existing customers is crucial to maintaining relationships and identifying new opportunities.

Customer Relationship Management Systems (00:12:28)

Peter recommends using some kind of CRM system to ensure consistent communication with customers.

Feedback Importance (00:13:50)

Peter discusses the necessity of gathering customer feedback to improve products and services.

Asking for Feedback (00:15:10)

Peter advises asking for...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Simon Baker, CEO and Co-founder of Hydrogenus, a startup specialising in low-carbon hydrogen projects.

Simon, with over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, discusses his transition from corporate multinational roles to founding a startup focused on low-carbon hydrogen projects.

In our chat, Simon emphasises the importance of refining business propositions, developing a long-term vision, and the role of creating diversity in teams.

Simon also highlights the challenges and opportunities in the low-carbon energy sector, stressing innovation, patience, and flexibility.

We also briefly explore the global sustainability goals; how they apply to small businesses and the importance of engaging with customers and networks to shape your business ideas.

In this episode you'll learn:

The experience of Hydrogenus (00:01:51) Simon Baker shares his background and experience, including the formation of Hydrogenus.

Starting a Business in the Energy Sector (00:01:56) Simon discusses the initial idea for the business, collaboration, and growth of the company in the energy sector.

Being Green and Sustainable (00:07:02) Simon talks about the importance of considering global sustainability goals and the impact of climate change on small business owners.

Career Inspiration and Low Carbon Energy (00:08:50) Simon shares his career journey in the low carbon energy sector and the inspiration behind pursuing this field.

Excitement in Low Carbon Energy (00:10:04) Simon discusses the excitement and opportunities in the low carbon energy sector, particularly focusing on hydrogen technology.

Emerging Market Challenges (00:12:32) Simon highlights the challenges and opportunities in the emerging low carbon energy market, emphasising the need for innovation and problem-solving.

Adaptation and Patience in the Energy Sector (00:14:31) Simon discusses the impact of government policy, the need for patience, and the importance of adapting plans in the energy sector.

Long-term Strategies for Business Sustainability (00:17:35) Simon shares strategies for staying in the game, emphasising the importance of engaging with colleagues and networks.

Preparing for the Future (00:19:52) Simon advises on preparing for the future by considering factors such as affordability, net zero, low carbon, and security of supply.

Navigating Industry Changes and Compliance (00:22:50) Simon discusses staying ahead of industry changes, compliance, and the importance of engaging knowledgeable people and trade organisations.

Persistence and Determination in Business (00:24:49) Simon emphasises the importance of persistence, determination, and adaptation in bringing business ideas to fruition.

Importance of Relationships and People in Business (00:26:54) Simon emphasises the value of engaging with people and building relationships in business, highlighting the significance of interacting with individuals who can help shape ideas.

Understanding Different Personalities and Cultures (00:28:47) Simon shares insights on understanding people of different nationalities, resolving issues, and effective communication in a multicultural environment.

Diversity in Teams (00:30:10) A discussion on the importance of diversity in teams for gaining different perspectives and shaping products and offerings.

Exciting Innovations (00:31:28) Discussion about upcoming projects and initiatives in the low...