Welcome to another insightful episode of ScaleUp Radio! Today, we have a fascinating conversation with Rob Spence, the dynamic founder of Paragon Sales Solutions. Rob's journey from starting his business with just £300 and no business plan to scaling it to 12 employees and multiple office spaces is truly inspiring. Tune in to hear how Rob tackled key challenges, the lessons he learned along the way, and his future plans for empowering his team and focusing on consulting, writing, and podcasting.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting Paragon Sales Solutions: Rob Spence began his entrepreneurial journey in 2018 with only £300, driven by sheer determination and a passion for sales.
• Challenges and Growth: He faced significant challenges, including understanding pricing, managing rapid team growth, and developing as a leader.
• Success Factors: Rob attributes his success to client retention, a personalized approach, and a willingness to innovate.
• Future Focus: He plans to empower his team to handle operations, allowing him to concentrate on consulting, writing, and podcasting.

Topics Covered:

Background and Starting Paragon Sales:

Rob's unexpected entry into sales and subsequent success through intense self-study.

His decision to start Paragon Sales Solutions after the success of his book "Relationship Selling".

Rapid Growth and Challenges:

The quick expansion of Paragon Sales Solutions, from one employee to twelve in just 6.5 years.

Overcoming the lack of a business plan, learning about pricing, and managing a growing team.

Team Management and Development:

Initial struggles with hiring and management, leading to a focus on purposeful recruiting and open communication.

Measuring success through client and employee retention and satisfaction.

Lessons Learned:

The importance of not rushing the hiring process and ensuring cultural fit.

Knowing the value of your services and pricing them accordingly.

Effective marketing through personal branding and direct communication.

 

Rob’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, continuous learning, and the importance of a strong, empowered team. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, Rob's insights offer valuable lessons on scaling and evolving a business.

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

[email protected]

 

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

 

Rob can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjohnspence/

https://open.spotify.com/show/0Z3C9igUoml6rR7ZrijJnR?si=e24b5d3683304f3e

https://open.spotify.com/show/2yhYKDPEfVeXnsCMupjl58?si=b62c2a58dadc4ab3

https://www.paragonsalessolutions.co.uk/

 

Resources:

Relationship Selling by Rob Spence - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Relationship-Selling-Achieve-Everything-Deserve/dp/1542465834

The Paragon Mindset by Rob Spence - https://amzn.eu/d/hfyqPKJ

A Month to Improve Your Sales by Rob Spence - https://amzn.eu/d/9PPq1JN

How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/how-to-win-friends-and-influence-people-dale-carnegie/15666?ean=9789357768351

The Little Red Book Of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer - https://www.shortform.com/summary/little-red-book-of-selling-summary-jeffrey-gitomer?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=531475979&msclkid=cd6538ef9459195252925e047a05d5fc

Selling The Wheel by Jeff Cox & Howard Stevens - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/selling-the-wheel-choosing-the-best-way-to-sell-for-you-your-company-and-your-customers-jeff-cox/3478594?ean=9780684856018