Fail Forward

In this episode I delve into the challenging but common experience of encountering trolls and negative feedback online. Something I experienced first hand, and still do, but I have learned to handle criticism, whether from strangers, or even friends and family in my case, and turn it to an advantage.

If I listened to the trolls I would not be in this position: position No 2 in the Entrepreneur Apple Podcast, top 10 in business and within the Top 50 podcast in USA for Business and Entrepreneurship.

If you are trolled, most people's immediate response is to retort and defend. I know I did to begin. It's a pure fight or flight response. But I shifted initial defensive reactions to responding rationally and with integrity. The fact is they are only trolling you because you are making them feel uncomfortable about what they are doing in their life.

You will face imposter syndrome head on and question yourself as you become more visible on platforms like social media and podcasting. But I encourage you all to step outside of your comfort zone.

Bizarrely, the unexpected advantage of trolls in increasing the visibility of your content due to the way social media algorithms work. So, in a way, each troll contributes to spreading your message further. Thanks trolls!

My message is clear: don't be deterred by trolls, when you are trolled it's a sign you've made it!

So - just keep on keeping on.

All the best, Henri.

In this latest episode of the Fail Forward Podcast, I ask are you unknowingly sitting upon a goldmine?

After losing my tree surgery business, I initially believed that my industry was one of the hardest. But as I rebuilt the business, I realised I had always been sitting on my own goldmine.

Key Insights from My Experience:

Diversification of Income: I learned the hard way the importance of having multiple income streams. Uncovering the Hidden 'Goldmine': Inspired by Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich," I share the story of a gold miner who finds gold by merely changing his direction in the mine. This taught me to look closer within my current industry, recognising its potential rather than constantly seeking new ventures.

Focus Over Expansion: Initially, I expanded to nine revenue streams but soon realised the importance of focus. I scaled back to concentrate on three core businesses, understanding that spreading myself too thin diluted my efforts.

Investing vs. Spending: I emphasise the significant difference between spending money and investing it wisely. I suggest considering various investment opportunities like stocks, crypto, property, watches, and artwork.

Concentrating Efforts for Success: The episode is a call to action for listeners to stop being distracted by every new opportunity and instead, focus on maximising the potential of their current business.

It's about finding and nurturing the one 'goldmine' you already have.

I hope this episode inspires you to look within your current ventures for hidden opportunities.

Let me know what you think?

All the best, Henri.

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#motivation #businessowner #entrepreneur #mindset

In this episode of the Fail Forward Podcast, I take a deep dive into the role of workplace culture, reflecting on my own journey with two invaluable team members, Sophie Rogers and Mike Netley. This episode is dedicated to them!

Twelve years ago, when Mike started, it was just me, Mike, a van and a chipper. Sophie joined us nine years later. From those early days, my goal was always to create a safe and welcoming place to work, a place that genuinely looked after its people.

This episode really homes in on the importance of thinking about how we, as business owners, look after our staff. Whether you already have a team or are planning to build one, this is a crucial aspect. The commitment from a well-cared-for team is tangible - they show up, they want the business to succeed, and they feel heard. It's about avoiding a revolving door of staff, where people leave due to confusion and lack of commitment. People don't leave bad jobs; they leave bad bosses!

Looking after your team isn't just the right thing to do from a human perspective; it also positively affects your business's top line. When I was in the trenches years ago Mike and Sophie hung around. When I had my stroke, they stepped up and gave me the opportunity to take the time off. Without these people my life would be chaos.

I hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your workplace culture and how you can nurture a team that is as committed to your success as you are.

And finally, a huge thank you to Sophie and Mike for always being there.

If you're enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.

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Episode 94 of the Fail Forward podcast delves into the crucial question: 'Why invest in a business mentor?'

The episode explores the two paths' business owners can take—paying in time or paying in money. Henri emphasises the pitfalls of relying solely on free resources and fumbling your way through endless mistakes to get to your goal in 10 years (if you're lucky that is). Or the impact of investing in mentors who have done it, learnt the lessons, and can now advise you against them so you can get you your goal in half the time.

Henri recognises it can be a minefield in finding the right mentor, it can be like the "Wild West". There are two spectrums, those coaching others who have just done a year's training themselves, and those who are so successful with heaps of experience that they have forgotten what it was like in the early days or running a business.

But one thing is for sure, all successful businesses that Henri sees in the property world and tree surgery world are all being mentored by someone. Even Elon Musk and Richard Branson have mentors, if they have why wouldn't you?

It is never too late. Find someone who has walked your path and work with them to accelerate growth in your business. Remember the best insights come from failures!

Hope you like this episode, drop me a DM with your comments. Henri.

If you're enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.

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This episode is all about ditching excuses and taking charge.

I share the common reasons for not getting things done, like blaming past circumstances, the lucky fortunes of others and not having time. I challenge you to check how much time you spend on distractions like social media (hint: you do have time).

Success is in your hands, so hold yourself accountable.

Skipping work today leads to a habit of not showing up. I encourage waking up with a positive mindset every day and building the life you want. Excuses just get in the way.

So, you want to grow your business?

Focus on the important tasks:

• Focus on the high-income generation tasks

• Stop getting involved in jobs you employ people to do

• Post on social media

• Check your finances

• Call customers who have contacted you in the past month – you'll have 5 customers right there

Stop making excuses and filling your day with small tasks. It's avoiding the big task that will make the most difference.

Have a listen and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Take care, everyone. Henri

If you're enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.

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This one is personal—it's my first recording since experiencing a light stroke on October 7th. During those three days in the hospital, I had some serious reflections. After my initial scan, they said I had something wrong with my head, I immediately thought I had a brain tumour. I seriously questioned my life and bargained for more years, for my kids' sake.

In this episode, I delve into filling your diary with purpose and learning to say no.

The doctors told me to take it easy for the next 8-12 weeks, no work. My team are amazing, they managed things while I took a step back.

I then realised how busy my life had become. Enjoyable, but busy with 'things', things that were not part of the plan. So, I cancelled everything.

It made me question how we say yes to so many things that are just not serving us.

What about you? What are you doing right now that isn't serving you? Look at your schedule for the next two weeks. Ask yourself: Is this necessary? How does it serve me, my business, my family?

It's actually quite simple, create a plan for the next 3, 5, 10 years and stop anything not moving you towards this.

Life is not as short as we sometimes think. How much time are we wasting? If time is your excuse, check your phone's social media usage. Here is your answer! You do have time.

My business partner, Jay Allen, says 54% of businesses fail due to a lack of a business plan. I didn't have one for years.

I've now changed that.

A huge thank you to everyone who reached out during this time. Your messages mean a lot to me, thank you.

Have a listen and - as always - I'd love to hear your thoughts.

If you're enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.

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Welcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast.

In this episode I talk to Chris Hawkins, the early morning DJ and "How to DJ" podcast host as he shares his journey into radio.

Stemming from his early days work experience at BBC Radio Shropshire where he kept his badge and just kept turning up and making tea, to his current role at BBC 6 Music. A true enthusiast of the medium, Chris emphasises the importance of dedication in the world of radio – noting it's the 10,000 hours that it takes to get you noticed. It's a full-time job as he gets sent 200 songs a week to listen to "you don't want to miss the next Coldplay" he says.

Beyond his day job, Chris delves into the podcasting world with "How to DJ," offering listeners an intimate look into the life stories, inspirations, and misadventures of DJs, blending anecdotes from famous and lesser-known names. With insights into curating radio shows and club sets. A must listen for all music enthusiasts and wannabe DJ's.

Chris is also an advocate for open conversations about mental health, something close to my heart, and the unifying power of music through his role as an ambassador for Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy. He cites young artist Hack Baker who very openly talked about his own mental health on the show, the outpouring was huge, and people still talk about that show says Chris. And of course, its no secret that the drink and drug underworld is prevalent in this industry and "some fall victim" including DJ Barry Ashworth, lead singer in the Dub Pistols, who talked of the highs and lows on Chris's podcast.

The episode concludes with a nod to his dream collaborations and the reformation of iconic bands, "I'd love to see Talking Heads reform –at Glastonbury!"

If you enjoyed listening to Chris and would like to listen to more of his "How to DJ" podcasts, click here, or join him for new music on BBC Radio 6 from 5am.

If you're enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.

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Welcome to this rerun episode of the Fail Forward podcast.

With me almost back to full fitness, I thought I would reshape this episode as it is become more important to me in the last few weeks than ever. If I had been working in rather than on my business without the relevant systems and processes in place, I would never have been able to take the time necessary for me to recover.

So listen closely because you don't always get to chose whether you have to step back from your business, sometime life decides that for you and you have to be prepared….

OK - this is going to hurt.

If you can't take two weeks off, work flexibly in terms or hours or location, or completely switch off from time to time - your business needs to change.

In fact if your business can't function without you - you don't have a business, you have a job! And it's probably a very underpaid job as well… In this episode I unpick what it really means to build a commercial enterprise that works without you, how to balance 'time in the trenches' with working on your business, and how my 4 pillars of a successful business can help you.

Join me as we explore the role of coaching and mentoring in helping you transition from successful sole trader to leader of a business that works even when you don't. After all - I'm willing to bet you didn't start your business to be overworked, underpaid, stressed and anxious!

If you're enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.

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Welcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast.

In this Fail Forward episode I collaborated with Jay Allen of My True North and Add a Zero. Just to recap, Jay Allen is a qualified psychologist, former social worker, medically retired Sergeant Major of the British Army, business mentor and creator of the "Add a Zero" business growth methodology.

This is Jay's second time on Fail Forward and if you haven't listened, I highly recommend you take a scroll back to his first appearance.

This time round we are chewing the fat on all things growth and personal development. Fast pace and lively we tackle topics including;

> the power of lurkers in your audience,

> why a business owner should make themselves redundant at the earliest opportunity, and

> whether you should even bother hiring a mentor.

Jay and I will be working together on the Tree Surgeons Mastermind, click this link to book your place today: https://keap.page/orx212/tree-surgeons-business-academy.html

If you're enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.

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LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

Welcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast.

In the longest episode of the Fail Forward Podcast to date, I talk to Jay Allen, qualified psychologist, former social worker, medically retired Sergeant Major of the British Army, business mentor and creator of the "Add a Zero" business growth methodology.

Jay shares his story of life before the British Army to life as a leading business mentor and lecturer leading fascinating research into the causes of business failure.

After joining the army for a 5 year stint to clear his student debt, Jay was medically retired due to life changing injuries almost 13 years later, following a successful military career.

Jay talks candidly about the impact of his injuries and the rehab that followed, how being sectioned under the Mental Health Act turned out to be a pivotal positive point in his life and his shocking experience of job hunting on Civvy Street.

After 147 interviews in ten months and on the brink of financial disaster, Jay took drastic action to secure a job cutting grass at a country pile in the north, eventually catapulting Jay into the world of business where he transformed one the country's best known supermarket chains.

In true Fail Forward style, what follows is a fascinating journey of ups, downs, twists and turns that is sure to leave you inspired.

If you enjoyed listening to Jay click here to find out more about working with him.

If you're enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.

Jay and I will be working together on the Tree Surgeons Mastermind, click this link to book your place today: https://keap.page/orx212/tree-surgeons-business-academy.html

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenriLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

#motivation #businessowner #entrepreneur #mindset