This episode breaks down practical ways to grow your client base and manage a scaling team. Sadie Groom, founder of Bubble Agency, shares how she transitioned her company away from traditional business development roles and instead built a "sales engine" by teaching her entire staff how to secure specific referrals. We discuss the importance of peer networking, why you shouldn't treat your business like a family, and how to create internal events your team actually wants to attend.

Episode Chapters

[00:00:00] Intro and building a sales engine

[00:03:28] Taking the leap into business ownership

[00:05:36] Expanding into new global markets and niches

[00:06:55] Why traditional business development didn't work

[00:08:32] Launching the Super Connector referral program

[00:11:28] Replacing corporate offsites with "Bubble Fest"

[00:14:00] Why a business is a team, not a family

[00:16:05] The value of peer groups and sharing resources

[00:19:46] The real financial motivations for running a business

[00:27:23] Launching the Rise group for women in broadcast tech

[00:35:57] Why business owners must understand their numbers

[00:37:54] Navigating business after a late dyslexia diagnosis

Key Takeaways

• Build a structured referral system: Instead of asking clients for generic recommendations, identify specific targets you want to reach and provide your referrers with pre-written email drafts to make introductions frictionless.
• Involve your whole team in sales: Shift away from isolated business development roles and enable your entire staff with the tools and incentives to act as "super connectors" for new business.
• Get a handle on your numbers early: Work with financial professionals who can present your numbers in a format you actually understand, ensuring board-level decisions are driven by hard data

Guest Links & Resources:

Sadie Groom on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadiegroom/

Bubble Agency Website https://bubbleagency.com

Rise Website https://risewib.com

Agency Hackers Website https://www.agencyhackers.com

As The Crow Flies Website https://www.asthecrowflies.co.uk

Host Links:

Ben Baldwin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/

Berko & Beyond Website berkoandbeyond.com

Chuffed Productions LinkedIn | https://chuffed.video/

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