Financial Intelligence. Nikola Jakic from Compass App AI combines your financial data with context to give you confident decision-making.

Kevin and Graham introduce themselves and welcome their guest Nikola Jakic. Nikola is the founder of a financial AI tool called Compass AI. He provides background on how he came up with the idea for Compass AI based on his experience as a CEO of a software company. Then he discusses the limitations he faced in managing the financial aspects of the business.

Nikola explains that Compass AI combines a company's financial data with business context. Doing this provides insights and recommendations to help founders and fractional CFOs make better decisions. The tool can connect to accounting systems like Xero and QuickBooks, categorise transactions, generate forecasts, and allow users to interact with the data through natural language prompts.

Kevin and Graham discuss how Compass AI is positioned to serve small and medium-sized businesses. This as opposed to targeting the enterprise market that many financial software tools focus on. Nikola shares that his initial target audience was founders, but he has also found interest from fractional CFOs who can use the tool to provide more value to their clients.

The group explores Compass AI's competitive landscape, noting that while there are tools targeting CFOs and larger enterprises. He explains there is less focus on the small business market that Nikola is pursuing. They discuss Nikola's strategy of starting with founders and growing with them as their businesses scale, rather than chasing the enterprise market directly.

Graham and Kevin provide a positive recap of the discussion and encourage Nikola to continue focusing on his target market and leveraging the natural, conversational style he demonstrated during the podcast. They express enthusiasm for the product and suggest ways Nikola could use snippets of the conversation for marketing purposes.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. He's the founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, where he introduces AI Agents that you can talk to, that increase engagement, dwell time, leads and conversions. Now, Graham is offering Answer Engine Optimisation that gets you ready to be found by LLM search.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

John Bush has created a way for businesses to be seen by Large Language Models called Answer Engine Optimisation.

Kevin and Graham discuss reaching their 500th episode of The Next 100 Days podcast. They reflect on their journey over the past 10 years and how the podcast has evolved. They introduce their guest, John Bush, an expert in "Answer Engine Optimisation" (AEO). John will discuss how businesses can optimise their content for AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT.

John shares his background, including his experience in telecom, startups, and cloud infrastructure. He explains how he became interested in AEO after seeing the impact of AI on his marketing consultant friend's business. John describes the process of developing an AEO analysis tool. The tool evaluates websites on factors like visibility, accessibility, and authority. The outcome means businesses can make their content more searchable and usable by large language models.

Kevin and John discuss the declining importance of traditional Google search and the growing prominence of AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT. They explore how businesses need to adapt their content and website structure to be more easily understood and referenced by these new search engines, rather than just optimising for Google.

John demonstrates a tool his team has developed that can automatically analyse a company's competitive landscape and provide insights based on the data, without relying on the company to manually gather and synthesise the information. He explains how this type of AI-powered analysis can be applied to various business functions, such as RFP responses and lifetime value calculations.

Kevin raises concerns about the potential risks of using AI-generated content, such as the ability to verify the accuracy and provenance of the information. John discusses efforts to address these issues, including watermarking content and providing audit trails for AI-powered decisions.

John and Kevin discuss the broader implications of AI in the enterprise. They cover the importance of data stewardship, security, and the role of human expertise in augmenting AI capabilities. They explore how AI can be used to automate and enhance various business processes, while also highlighting the need to carefully manage the integration of these technologies.

Kevin and Graham reflect on the evolution of The Next 100 Days podcast over the past 10 years, noting the shift in focus towards AI and technology. They express their enthusiasm for continuing the podcast and exploring the latest developments in this rapidly changing landscape.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. He's the founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, where he introduces AI Agents that you can talk to, that increase engagement, dwell time, leads and conversions. Now, Graham is offering Answer Engine Optimisation that gets you...

Dan Norcross helps landlords, investors, and agents across Cheshire and the North West maximise property Income. There is hassle-free income and exceptional returns through expert property management, guaranteed rent, and serviced accommodation solutions. Tune into episode 499 of The Next 100 Days podcast to get the insights from Dan Norcross.

Kevin and Graham welcome Dan Norcross to the podcast. Dan introduces himself as a property entrepreneur who has been in the business for less than a year. He has already built up a portfolio of 6 rental properties. He explains that he is focused on the "rent to serviced accommodation" model. This provides short-term housing for contractors working on a major construction project in the local area.

Dan discusses how he has been able to scale his rent to serviced model quickly. He leverages investor financing to acquire additional properties. He explains the economics of the model, noting that he is able to generate around £1,000-£2,000 per month in profit per property. Dan also shares his plans to expand into other property investment strategies like title splits and purchase lease options.

Dan describes how he has been able to raise significant investor capital, around £400,000 over the past 6 months, to fund his various property deals. He discusses his approach to pitching deals and structuring the investments to provide attractive returns for his investors, often in the 30-50% range.

Dan shares that he is now looking to take on larger, more complex property deals, including a title split project on a block of flats in Devon. He explains the mechanics of the title split strategy and how it can add significant value. Dan also discusses a purchase lease option he is pursuing on a hotel in Scotland, which will involve raising £140,000 from investors.

Kevin raises the question of what would happen if something were to happen to Dan, noting that he is a single point of failure in the business. Dan acknowledges this as a potential risk and agrees that he should consider putting safeguards in place, such as partnering with a management firm to ensure business continuity in the event of an unexpected absence.

Graham and Kevin reflect on the interesting and innovative property investment strategies that Dan has shared, noting that it has opened their eyes to new models beyond the traditional buy-to-let approach. They express admiration for Dan's ability to structure win-win deals that benefit investors, tenants, and himself, and wish him continued success in his property ventures.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. He's the founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, where he introduces AI Agents that you can talk to, that increase engagement, dwell time, leads and conversions. Now, Graham is offering Answer Engine Optimisation that gets you ready to be found by LLM search.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing...

Etinosa said she doesn't have a nickname, but we felt she is the Pricing Maven! Get ready for some deep pricing insights on this week's episode of The Next 100 Days Podcast.

Etinosa, an expert in pricing and behavioural economics, discusses her approach to helping companies optimise their pricing strategies. She explains the "decision-offer pricing framework" which involves mapping monetisation zones, conducting pricing research, framing the pricing, and continuously testing and adjusting. Etinosa emphasises the importance of understanding customer psychology and value perceptions when setting prices.

Etinosa describes how companies often make the mistake of letting their sales team prioritise velocity over profitability, leading to excessive discounting. She explains how her team works to align the departments—sales, marketing, finance, and product— to develop a cohesive pricing strategy that captures the true value delivered to customers.

Etinosa discusses specific pricing tactics and frameworks, such as using "decoy pricing" to steer customers towards a preferred option, and the importance of understanding reference points and how customers evaluate value. She provides examples of how her team has helped clients reframe their pricing to be more effective.

Etinosa shares that in addition to her consulting work, she is also involved in real estate investing and financial counselling for individuals, which she finds very rewarding. She discusses how her background in behavioral economics informs her work.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. He's the founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, where he introduces AI Agents that you can talk to, that increase engagement, dwell time, leads and conversions. Now, Graham is offering Answer Engine Optimisation that gets you ready to be found by LLM search.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

Website Design agency "ALT Agency" was founded by Craig Murphy in 2005 and has grown to a team of 16, and is poised for significant expansion. In this podcast, we explore website design and what to consider in the age of AI.

• Craig, a neurodiverse founder with autism, has successfully built the agency by leveraging his strengths and adapting his leadership style
• The web design industry is evolving with AI, requiring agencies to educate clients and adapt strategies for brand building and search optimization

• Founded by Craig Murphy in 2005-2006
• Currently has 16 team members, recently added 5 new hires
• Expanding business development, development, design, paid media, and SEO teams
• Shifted from a Microsoft-style company culture to a more diverse team with varied personalities

• Shift from in-person meetings to efficient Zoom calls post-COVID
• Increased focus on ROI, lead generation, and conversion optimization
• Growing importance of AI in search and content creation
• Need for educating clients on AI's impact on web presence

• Three pledges: on budget, on time, and client satisfaction guarantee
• Money-back guarantee if clients are unsatisfied with designs
• Focus on high-end, luxury feel in their own website redesign
• Strong project management process to ensure client satisfaction

• Recently diagnosed with autism, which has influenced his approach to business
• Naturally gifted in coding and project management
• Learned to delegate responsibilities and trust team members
• Working with an executive director to structure the business for growth

• Mix of local Birmingham clients for smaller projects
• National clients for larger e-commerce and maintenance projects
• Specialising in web design, development, and digital marketing services

• Investing in team expansion ahead of anticipated growth
• Focusing on brand building through podcasts and media appearances
• Exploring AI-driven solutions for web design and customer interaction

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. He's the founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, where he introduces AI Agents that you can talk to, that increase engagement, dwell time, leads, and conversions. Now, Graham is offering Answer Engine Optimisation that gets you ready to be found by LLM search.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at

Ann shares how reading the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill in 1979 was a pivotal moment that set her on a path of personal and professional growth. Her credentials are long and impressive. Above all, she has an abiding personal commitment to serve.

The meeting begins with casual introductions and small talk between the three participants - Graham, Kevin, and Ann. They discuss Ann's background, her impressive construction career, and her work in personal development coaching.

Ann shares how reading the book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill in 1979 was a pivotal moment that set her on a path of personal and professional growth. She explains her approach of helping clients get clear on their financial goals, create a plan of action, and hold themselves accountable through mastermind groups.

The group discusses the "Next 100 Days" concept that Kevin and Graham use, focusing on setting achievable short-term goals rather than just long-term visions. Ann emphasizes the importance of an ongoing journey of growth and improvement, rather than just aiming for a final destination.

The group explores Ann's perspective on retirement, which for her means having the freedom to do what she wants, when she wants. She shares her vision of continuing to serve and impact lives well into her 90s, guided by a strong sense of purpose and mission.

Ann shares her passion for creating opportunities and representation for Black women in the male-dominated construction industry. She discusses founding the National Association for Black Women in Construction to provide a supportive community and open doors for the next generation.

Kevin and Graham reflect on the key insights from the conversation, emphasizing the importance of having a clear dream or vision, and challenging listeners to identify their own dreams. They express admiration for Ann's work and the positive impact she is making.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. He's the founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, where he introduces AI Agents that you can talk to, that increase engagement, dwell time, leads and conversions. Now, Graham is offering Answer Engine Optimisation that gets you ready to be found by LLM search.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on

Callum Gracie, founder of Otto Media and GIAI, is an expert in SEO & AI. On this podcast he shares an inspiring journey from professional musician to SEO & AI expert. Before COVID-19, Callum worked as a trumpet player and manager for The Bake Boys Band in Australia, booking over 500 events annually and managing approximately 100 creative professionals. When the pandemic hit, Callum lost everything due to severe Australian lockdowns that restricted events to 30-40 people. This crisis forced a career pivot into DJing (which was more pandemic-resistant as a one-person show) and eventually into digital marketing, where Callum now leads a team that has grown from 2 to 12 people in just 12 months.

Callum emphasised that traditional SEO tactics are becoming less effective as AI transforms how people search for information. Key points about this evolution:

• People can now get answers directly from AI tools without visiting websites
• Technical SEO remains important as a foundation but is no longer enough
• Content marketing and authentic storytelling are becoming crucial differentiators
• Digital PR is increasingly valuable - getting mentions from authoritative sources helps establish credibility with AI systems
• Business owners should focus on the EEAT guidelines (Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust)
• Optimize for Bing, not just Google, as ChatGPT uses Bing's search API to find relevant information

Callum shared several practical applications of AI for business:

• Used ChatGPT to analyze and improve sales funnels for clients
• Created AI-generated promotional imagery (including a branded vehicle with local landmarks) for a client website
• Developed AI workflows with a data scientist partner to analyze complex datasets
• Used AI to identify target journalists and publications for digital PR efforts
• Created project-specific AI agents that understand brand voice and specific business needs

Callum emphasised the importance of working with the right clients:

• "Find your ideal client...figure out who you like"
• Turns away more potential clients than accepted
• Seeks partnership relationships with deep trust and common goals
• Values clients who are excited about the work and aligned with the company's approach
• Focuses on being "relentlessly honest" with both clients and oneself

• [ ] Implement EEAT guidelines on websites to establish credibility (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust)
• [ ] Consider optimising for Bing search in addition to Google
• [ ] Focus on getting reputable publications and websites to mention and link to your business
• [ ] Incorporate authentic storytelling and personal elements into marketing content
• [ ] Explore how AI can automate repetitive customer communications (like annual service reminders)

Graham described the current moment as a "gold rush" for AI implementation in marketing. Callum agreed but suggested Australian businesses are generally a few years behind the US and UK in adoption. The most successful approach combines authentic content marketing with strategic digital PR, focusing on building relationships with journalists and creating shareable stories that demonstrate expertise and build authority.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely...

Bilal Jogi is the marketing director of the Royal Nawaab Pyramid Indian restaurant in Stockport. It's the biggest in the UK. He markets at scale and this podcast contains some of the secrets as to why they have hit the ground running in this iconic building.

Bilal Jogi, the marketing director for the Royal Nawab Pyramid / Royal Nawaab Group restaurant chain, is introduced. He provides an overview of the group's affordable luxury Indian/Pakistani cuisine concept, featuring a large buffet with live cooking in open kitchens.

Bilal discusses the group's recent takeover and transformation of the iconic Stockport Pyramid building, which had been derelict for years. He shares details on the scale of the project, the local suppliers and craftspeople involved, and the challenges of filling such a large space.

Bilal explains the group's innovative marketing approach, focusing on building anticipation and curiosity through social media, influencer partnerships, and providing an exceptional customer experience. He emphasizes the importance of great service, a diverse menu, and creating reasons for customers to return.

Bilal outlines the group's expansion plans, including a focus on corporate catering and events, as well as potential future acquisitions like a golf course or hotel. He also shares insights into the group's target customer demographics, which are predominantly non-Asian families.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. He's the founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, where he introduces AI Agents that you can talk to, that increase engagement, dwell time, leads and conversions. Now, Graham is offering Answer Engine Optimisation that gets you ready to be found by LLM search.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com