How can you develop a unique brand personality that stands out?

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Richard Liverman about effective marketing strategies for startups and small businesses.

Richard discusses building a unique brand personality through curiosity and playfulness with customers. He explains that branding goes beyond logos, encompassing values, purpose, and customer experience.

Richard introduces the Johari Window model as a way of uncovering brand “blind spots”. He also highlights the importance of storytelling—encouraging businesses to be “the show, not the commercial.”

You'll hear practical tips on standing out, communicating your purpose, and ways to practice storytelling. Hear how to embrace authenticity and continuous improvement with branding your growing business.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Introduction & The Fear of Being Boring (00:02:00) Rob welcomes Richard and introduces the challenge of startups fearing generic, boring marketing.

Curiosity and Playfulness in Branding (00:02:46) Richard suggests staying curious and playful, using examples from his experiences and brand evolution.

Branding Beyond the Logo (00:05:44) Discussion on branding as more than just a logo—it's about values, purpose, and the holistic customer experience.

Identifying Your Brand’s Unique Value (00:07:52) Exploring how business owners can discover their unique strengths and “magic” using customer feedback and the Johari Window model.

Features vs. Benefits & The Power of Ordinary (00:10:48) Distinguishing between features and benefits, and realising how your ordinary can be extraordinary to others.

Be the Show, Not the Commercial (00:12:43) Richard explains the importance of storytelling and showing behind-the-scenes, rather than just selling.

Storytelling in Business (00:15:57) Introduction to storytelling as a business tool, with references to Jack Daniels and Donald Miller’s StoryBrand.

Positioning Your Customer as the Hero (00:16:50) Using Star Wars analogies, Richard explains why businesses should be the guide (Obi-Wan), not the hero (Luke).

Practical Storytelling Tips & The Value of Practice (00:20:06) Advice on practicing storytelling, embracing imperfection, and learning through repetition.

Authenticity and Off-the-Cuff Content (00:23:33) Discussing how spontaneous, authentic content often resonates more than polished, rehearsed material.

Standing Out & Personal Branding (00:24:48) Richard shares his approach to standing out, being authentic, and not being afraid to show personality.

Overcoming Fear and Embracing Individuality (00:28:08) Encouragement to break free from self-imposed constraints and embrace what makes your business unique.

Permission to Fail & Redefining Success (00:30:54) Richard discusses learning from failure, giving yourself permission to fail, and defining personal success factors.

Shifting Focus from Self to Customer (00:33:47) Advice on reducing fear by focusing on purpose, vision, and the people you serve.

How to Be Unforgettable (00:35:37) Tips for being memorable: start with why, use body language and tone, and focus on delivery, not just words.

Final Thoughts on Storytelling and Brand Freedom (00:39:13) Encouragement to practice storytelling, seek feedback, and enjoy the freedom of running your own business.

Building Scaffolding & Support...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Umashankar V D, an expert in leadership and globalisation.

Umashanker shares his journey from sales engineer to managing multinational subsidiaries and offers practical advice on expanding your business internationally.

We discuss the definition of a global company, the benefits and challenges of globalisation, market research, leadership, financial resilience, cultural sensitivity, regulatory issues, and entry strategies.

Umashanker shares with us the importance of understanding local markets, building resilient teams, and leveraging global best practices, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs, founders, and owners who are considering international growth.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Umashanker’s Career Journey (00:02:00)

Umashanker shares his background, entrepreneurial experience, and transition from the corporate world.

Entry into Global Companies (00:04:06)

Describes joining multinational corporations, managing subsidiaries, and handling mergers and acquisitions.

Defining Globalisation and Global Companies (00:05:46)

Umashanker explains the evolution of globalisation, types of global companies, and the impact of technology on global reach.

First Global Business Experience (00:07:43)

Umashanker recounts initial exposure to global operations, sourcing components, and pitching a unique market entry strategy.

Benefits and Reasons for Globalisation (00:11:50)

Umashanker and Rob discuss economic factors and the strategic advantages of expanding into international markets.

Readiness for Global Expansion (00:14:25)

Umashanker outlines how entrepreneurs can assess readiness, with consideration to financial resilience and leadership delegation.

Key Considerations and Challenges in Going Global (00:16:26)

Umashanker discusses market research, cost structures, supply chain, regulations, and potential impediments in new markets.

Competitive Advantages of Globalisation (00:22:14)

Rob and Umashanker explore economies of scale, centralisation, technology adaptation, and operational efficiencies from international expansion.

Entry Strategies for International Markets (00:25:31)

Umashanker details various entry methods: exporting, licensing, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and fully owned subsidiaries.

Cultural and Leadership Challenges (00:29:53)

Umashanker highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity, leadership adaptation, and building trust in diverse environments.

Non-Financial Rewards of Globalisation (00:32:19)

Umashanker describes to Rob the benefits of technology, transferring knowledge, best practices exchange, brand reputation, and resilience through diversification.

Final Advice and Resources (00:34:28)

Umashanker offers encouragement, book recommendations, and a top tip: to thoroughly understand the target market before globalising.

Contact Information and Closing (00:37:08)

Hear how to connect with Umashanker on LinkedIn

About Umashanker:

Umashanker V D has had over 35 years of operational experience in the automotive industry and a history of award-winning performance in articulating a vision, strategising businesses, and infrastructure development from the ground up for long-term success....

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Scott Russell, a serial entrepreneur with 34 years of experience founding, growing, and selling businesses.

Scott shares his journey from childhood ventures to building national companies, highlighting the importance of delegating, building strong teams, and fostering authentic, mission-driven cultures towards growing a business.

He discusses lessons learned from both successes and failures, the value of empowering others through equity, and the founder’s unique role.

Scott also highlights his social impact work in coffee supply chains. He offers practical advice for entrepreneurs and founders: reminding us to focus on innovation through improvement, prioritise getting the organisational culture right, and to approach business as a long-term and rewarding journey.

In this episode you'll learn:

Introduction & Scott’s Background (00:02:00) Scott introduces himself, shares his entrepreneurial background, and discusses his family’s influence on his business mindset.

Early Entrepreneurial Lessons (00:03:08) Scott describes learning business basics as a child, selling goods, and being a disruptive thinker in school.

Philosophy on Growing Businesses (00:04:34) Scott explains his approach to business as a vehicle for freedom, the importance of setting achievable goals, and replacing himself early.

Delegation & Replacing Yourself (00:05:22) Scott discusses the value of stepping back, building leadership teams, and avoiding micromanagement to enable business growth.

First Hire & Early Business Story (00:07:19) Scott shares a story from age 16 about leveraging others’ skills, scaling a jewellery repair business, and planning for business exits.

Mindset Shifts for Founders (00:10:34) Scott talks about coaching founders to delegate, reverse engineering goals, and the evolutionary process of changing mindsets.

Building Company Culture (00:13:49) Scott explains how to instill an ambitious, positive culture, using practical examples such as charity days and empowering employees.

Opportunity vs. Vision in New Ventures (00:17:28) Scott describes how he identifies business opportunities, applies past learnings, and thinks about new ideas and teams.

Hiring & Attracting Talent (00:21:00) Scott discusses the importance of making roles attractive, being mission-led, and how good companies naturally attract good people.

Building Networks & Reputation (00:24:53) Scott shares how reputation, storytelling, and handling failures shape his network and attract collaborators.

Biggest Challenges in Business (00:27:43) Scott reflects on his discomfort with raising external capital, preferring organic growth, and the challenges that come with it.

Proudest Successes & Legacy (00:29:42) Scott highlights the lasting culture in his companies and the impact of his coffee business’s social initiatives.

Letting Go & Equity Sharing (00:33:16) Scott explains when and how he hands over operational control, the importance of equity sharing, and empowering key hires.

Knowing When to Quit an Idea (00:35:42) Scott shares a story about ending a business that lacked traction and how to recognise when to move on.

Final Advice for Entrepreneurs (00:37:04) Scott shares how enjoying the journey, being realistic, and knowing when to pull the plug can be key parts of the growth mindset.

Top Tip for Business Growth...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Mandeep Birdy.

With extensive experience in humanitarian work and social impact, and as a key figure behind the Start, Build, and Grow app, Mandeep shares her journey developing the app, highlighting some of its features and benefits.

Mandeep shares her passion for storytelling in marketing and the unique advantages of apps over traditional websites. She recounts inspiring stories, including helping a retired priest maintain community engagement through an app.

Our conversation today underscores the importance of clear brand values, the democratisation of app development, and fostering genuine connections with your customer base and community through digital tools.

In this episode you'll learn:

Mandeep's Background (00:02:24)

Mandeep shares her 20-year experience in humanitarian work and community development, emphasising her marketing strengths.

The Journey into Marketing (00:03:43)

Mandeep discusses her transition from community magazine production to various marketing roles, highlighting her creative approach.

The Importance of Storytelling (00:04:05)

She emphasizes the significance of storytelling in marketing to showcase impactful work in humanitarian efforts.

The Start Build and Grow App (00:06:55)

Rob inquires about Mandeep's involvement with the Start Build and Grow app and its developmental journey.

Creating the App (00:07:05)

Mandeep recounts her experience as a participant and her motivation to create an app for community engagement.

Support from the Start Build and Grow Team (00:09:04)

She appreciates the supportive leadership team and their commitment to participant success in the program.

Features of the App (00:11:59)

Mandeep outlines the app's features, including a glossary, resource library, and participant directory for enhanced engagement.

Apps vs. Websites (00:14:14)

Mandeep discusses the advantages of apps over websites in fostering direct communication and user engagement.

Engagement Through Push Notifications (00:15:28)

She explains how push notifications enhance engagement by delivering targeted messages to interested users.

Community and Engagement Tools (00:17:36)

Rob reflects on the app's interactive features that support users in their business journey and community building.

Apps in the Bigger Ecosystem (00:19:23)

Mandeep begins to share insights on how apps integrate into broader marketing and business strategies.

The Priest's Story (00:19:46)

Mandeep shares a story about a retired priest's inclusive sermons and his struggle with the church hierarchy.

The Need for an App (00:21:06)

The priest seeks a solution to maintain connection with his congregation after retirement, exploring various platforms.

Successful App Launch (00:22:01)

Mandeep demonstrates the app to the priest, leading to a successful launch that serves his community's needs.

Community Engagement through Apps (00:23:05)

Mandeep highlights the importance of apps in community engagement, drawing parallels with the Start Build Grow app.

Cost of App Development (00:25:10)

Rob questions the affordability of app development for startups compared to past high costs.

No-Code Solutions (00:26:14)

Mandeep discusses the benefits of no-code solutions, making app development...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Michael Clerk, who shares his experience as a coach and mentor to businesses, supporting them with their branding, marketing, and storytelling.

In this conversation, Michael highlights the importance of marketing for business growth, focusing on the "know, like, and trust" framework, storytelling, and maintaining an online presence.

Michael shares with us the significance of understanding your target audience, conducting market research, and building genuine relationships through effective branding and customer service.

He also discusses practical strategies for small business owners to enhance their marketing efforts to grow their businesses.

In this episode you'll learn:

Transition to Coaching (00:02:05)

After retiring briefly, Michael decided to use his knowledge to help startup businesses overcome challenges.

Importance of Marketing (00:04:41)

Michael emphasises that without paying customers, businesses cannot thrive, highlighting the need for effective marketing strategies.

Know, Like, and Trust Framework (00:05:09)

Michael introduces the concept that customers buy from those they know, like, and trust: outlining its significance in marketing.

Target Market Clarity (00:06:45)

Michael discusses the importance of clearly identifying and understanding your target market to effectively address their needs.

Telling Compelling Stories (00:08:15)

He encourages businesses to focus on storytelling, emphasising benefits over features to engage customers.

Real-World Case Study (00:09:35)

Michael shares a success story of a client who overcame micromanagement issues to significantly grow their business.

The Why Behind Businesses (00:13:29)

He discusses the importance of sharing personal stories and motivations behind a business to connect with potential clients.

The Necessity of Online Presence (00:14:57)

Michael explains the risks of not being online and the benefits of digital marketing for expanding business reach.

Using Google Business Profile and SEO (00:17:23)

Discusses the importance of Google Business Profile and effective SEO for online visibility.

Doing Online Marketing Properly (00:18:17)

Explains the minimum requirements for establishing a credible online presence.

AIDA Framework in Marketing (00:18:38)

Introduces the AIDA framework: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action for effective online marketing strategies.

Understanding Your Target Audience (00:19:31)

Michael emphasises the importance of knowing your audience and when they are online.

Researching Audience Groups (00:20:19)

Suggests researching groups and chat rooms to understand audience needs and preferences.

SWOT Analysis in Marketing (00:22:00)

Explains how to use SWOT analysis to assess business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Conducting Market Research (00:23:23)

Highlights the importance of market research through networking and competitor analysis.

Engaging in Online Communities (00:24:15)

Discusses how to engage with online groups without being overly promotional.

Building Empathy and Trust (00:25:50)

Stresses the significance of empathy in developing relationships and trust with potential customers.

Networking as a Spider's Web...

Rob Lawrence interviews Eleni Lialiamou, founder of Kimolian Academy, on how small business owners can leverage AI and technology to boost their organisation's efficiency, whilst gaining a better understanding of their customers, towards driving growth.

Eleni shares practical tips on using AI tools for customer insights, building effective communities, and simplifying business operations. Their conversation highlights the importance of combining human intuition with technology, embracing change, and continuously refining customer personas to stay competitive in today’s evolving business landscape.

Eleni also shares how 'finding your community' can help you to understand and leverage technologies, such as AI, rather than re-inventing the wheel or having to learn how to use AI from scratch; to grow your business further.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Introduction & Podcast Overview (00:00:02) Rob introduces Eleni and this episode, emphasising simplicity, community, and leveraging AI for business efficiency.

Eleni’s Background (00:02:17) Eleni shares her journey in tech, product management, and founding Kimolian and Kimolian Academy, for women in tech.

The Importance of Tools & Community (00:04:35) Discussion on how tools, processes, and community support are crucial for business productivity and growth.

Navigating Tech Overwhelm & Finding Your Pack (00:06:23) Advice on avoiding overwhelm, focusing on community, and selecting the right tools without distraction.

Practical Community Engagement (00:10:08) How to authentically find and engage with communities that support business growth and tech adoption.

Keeping It Simple & Consistent Tool Use (00:11:04) The value of simplicity, consistency, and integrating a stable set of tools into daily business operations.

AI as Leverage, Not Replacement (00:13:36) AI is positioned as a tool for amplifying productivity and creativity, not replacing human effort.

Choosing the Right Tools for the Job (00:14:53) Overview of practical AI tools for business tasks, including document search, meeting capture, and ideation.

AI for Pattern Recognition & Customer Understanding (00:18:59) How AI helps spot patterns in conversations and data, aiding in customer understanding and sales.

Bias in AI & Human Judgment (00:20:47) Discussion on AI bias, the importance of human oversight, and using AI as a sparring partner.

Combining Tools for Synthesis & Insights (00:23:38) Benefits of integrating multiple tools (e.g., Miro, Dovetail) for clustering, sentiment analysis, and deeper insights.

Chatbots & Customer Interaction (00:27:57) Rise of AI-driven chatbots, their ease of implementation, and opportunities for customer engagement and support.

AI-Driven Workflow Automation (00:31:03) The shift toward AI-first business processes, orchestrating workflows, and the paradigm change in tool integration.

Gaining a Competitive Edge with AI (00:34:04) How early AI adoption can optimise workflows, enhance customer interaction, and provide a business advantage.

Using AI to Research & Define Customer Personas (00:35:21) Leveraging AI to capture customer insights, create personas, and continuously refine understanding for better marketing.

Human-Centric Use of AI & Critical Thinking (00:38:46) Emphasising the irreplaceable role

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Steve Chadwick, a business coach and mindset consultant with extensive operational management experience spanning decades.

They discuss how clarity of vision and a positive mindset are essential for business success, especially for small business owners.

Steve shares practical strategies for setting and visualizing goals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

The conversation highlights the importance of aligning daily actions with long-term vision, fostering a supportive team culture, and prioritizing personal development to drive business growth and resilience.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Steve’s Background and Introduction (00:01:00)

Steve shares his operational management experience and transition to business coaching with a mindset focus.

Working with Big Brands (00:02:05)

Steve discusses his roles at Sainsbury’s and CenterParcs, emphasising team leadership and operational insights.

The Importance of Mindset in Business (00:02:49)

Rob introduces the episode’s focus on mindset and its impact on business success.

Clarity in Strategic Priorities (00:03:02)

Steve explains the need for personal and strategic clarity for business owners to avoid distractions.

Defining Strategic Clarity (00:04:42)

Discussion on what strategic clarity means, including purpose, vision, and aligning decisions with priorities.

Vision and Goal Setting (00:05:39)

Steve advocates for written visions and goals, and the importance of regular review and visualisation.

Imposter Syndrome and Negative Thought Patterns (00:06:38)

Rob raises imposter syndrome; Steve explains the thinking cycle and how thoughts drive outcomes.

Reframing and Breaking Negative Cycles (00:09:15)

Steve describes reframing, interrupting negative spirals, and shifting from a low to a high state of mind.

Burnout and Locus of Control (00:14:32)

Steve discusses burnout, external vs. internal locus of control, and the importance of taking responsibility.

Creating a Compelling Vision and Aligning Daily Tasks (00:17:16)

Practical strategies for developing a vision, writing it down, and aligning daily actions to long-term goals.

Emotional Goal Setting and Visualisation (00:19:31)

Steve introduces emotional goal setting—feeling and visualising goals to engage the mind and drive achievement.

Programming the Subconscious Mind (00:20:53)

Explanation of conscious vs. subconscious mind, using analogies like driving, and the importance of positive programming.

Filtering Inputs and Avoiding Doom-scrolling (00:24:17)

Steve warns about negative inputs, advocates for intentional information consumption, and monitoring mental “inputs.”

Daily Practices and the Reticular Activating System (00:27:29)

Steve explains the brain’s filtering system, focusing on opportunities, gratitude, and solution-oriented thinking.

Self-Talk and the Power of Belief (00:31:00)

Discussion on how self-talk and belief shape outcomes, referencing Henry Ford’s quote on mindset.

Reframing Setbacks and Building Resilience (00:32:13)

Steve emphasises reframing failures as learning opportunities and fostering a positive, open team culture.

Work-Life Mindset Interconnection (00:36:28)

Steve highlights the link between work and personal mindset, advocating for self-reflection and time...

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