Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Friends in Business
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Friends in Business
Friends in Business episodes
- Episode 49: Our Biggest Lessons Learned from Failure... To Help You Avoid Them!
In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh candidly reflect on their own successes and setbacks, offering listeners practical strategies to avoid similar pitfalls in the future. As the conversation unfolds, both hosts share the challenges they have faced in managing professional relationships and expectations. Ben cautions against overreliance on personal connections in business, highlighting how misplaced trust can lead to difficult consequences. Likewise, Jemimah recounts her experience of a partnership breakdown when expectations were not aligned, ultimately leading to the project’s demise. Together, their reflections underscore the vital importance of establishing clear boundaries and well-defined expectations within professional relationships—lessons that resonate with entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.
Key Takeaways:
- From the outset of any business collaboration, clearly establish expectations and protocols for all potential outcomes, including eventual exits or dissolutions.
- Engaging in open discussions about benchmarks and objectives in collaborations can prevent future conflicts.
- Maintain professionalism in business to avoid dependency on personal relationships, ensuring business integrity and control remain grounded.
- Both Ben and Jemimah highlight the invaluable lessons obtained from past mistakes, underscoring the importance of growth through reflection.
- Deploy robust systems and processes to navigate business ventures confidently and with preparedness.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:20 Jemimah’s Virtual Life
3:01 Mistakes
5:43 Ben’s Mistakes in Relationships
11:50 Jemimah’s Mistakes In Not Setting Expectations
15:41 Jemimah’s Advice In Making Mistakes
18:05 Outro
Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.
19 min - Episode 48: The 5 Social Media Posts You Need to Master
In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh unpack proven strategies for harnessing social media to elevate business visibility and drive meaningful engagement. Opening with a light-hearted reflection on the pleasures and challenges of winter, they set a warm, inviting tone before delving into the art of building an impactful online presence. Jemimah stresses the value of posting with purpose, outlining a clear framework of five key content types—expert insights, CRM or sales-focused posts, personal updates, testimonials, and aspirational messages—designed to strengthen audience trust and connection. Ben shares practical examples of how weaving in personal stories and customer testimonials can deepen engagement. Together, they highlight the importance of consistency and authenticity in social media marketing, urging businesses to adopt a structured, intentional approach for sustainable long-term success.
Key Takeaways:
- It’s crucial to use social media platforms strategically, focusing on consistency and relevance to effectively engage with audiences.
- Businesses should incorporate expert posts, CRM/sales posts, personal posts, testimonials, and inspirational content to create a balanced and comprehensive social media strategy.
- Regularly share personal stories and testimonials to build a deeper connection and trust with the audience.
- Construct posts that remain relevant over time, such as educational and inspirational content, to maintain consistent engagement.
- The importance of a regular posting schedule using in-platform scheduling tools like Meta to avoid penalties associated with third-party platforms
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:44 5 Different Post for Social Media
2:03 Use Social Media Intentionally
2:56 Expert Posts
4:15 CRM or Sales Posts
5:30 Sales Posts
6:21 Personal Posts
8:11 Social Proof
11:30 Aspirational and Inspirational Posts
13:22 Evergreen Posts
15:04 When To Start Building These Habits
17:24 Recap
17:39 Weekly Takeaway
18:57 Outro
Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.
20 min - Episode 47: 3 Ways to Grow Revenue FAST
In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh unpack powerful strategies to drive revenue growth in 2025. With their signature blend of wit and candour, they dive into the critical components of customer acquisition, client retention, and remarketing—all tailored to suit today’s fast-evolving business landscape. Ben offers a measured perspective on the financial fundamentals every business must grasp before chasing rapid growth, stressing the importance of gross profit margins and fixed cost awareness. Jemimah, meanwhile, highlights the value of strategic retargeting to re-engage dormant leads, reinforcing the long-term impact of relationship-building.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover three key methods to boost revenue: acquiring new customers, amplifying existing customer value, and re-engaging previous customers.
- Prior to targeting revenue increases, gain insight into your business’s financial levers to avoid unprofitable growth.
- Enhance client value by expanding product/service offerings and understanding their evolving needs for effective upselling.
- Utilize nurturing campaigns for past clients and leads to maintain brand relevance and drive sales.
- Focus on scalable sales frameworks and train teams to recognize upselling opportunities to elevate business from within.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
0:44 “Banging the Table”
2:20 Jemimah’s Week
2:59 Ben’s Week
5:49 Revenue
8:50 Three Ways To Grow Revenue
5:58 Acquiring New Customers
12:10 Getting More From Existing Customers
17:41 Customers That Are Returning Back
23:39 Weekly Takeaway
25:08 Outro
Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.
26 min - Episode 46: The Numbers You MUST Know To Grow Your Business Profitably
In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh dive into the core financial metrics every business owner should understand — from interpreting profit and loss statements to identifying your safety bank balance and staying on top of sales performance. Ben offers clear, actionable insights and proven strategies to help you get a firm grip on your numbers, demonstrating how a data-driven approach can lead to more confident decisions and long-term growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding and regularly reviewing your Profit and Loss (P&L) statement is crucial for tracking the health of your business.
- Knowing your business’s revenue targets, gross profit margins, and monthly expenses allows you to make informed decisions and anticipate future financial requirements.
- Establishing a safety net of three months’ worth of business expenses or wages ensures financial stability in uncertain times.
- Effective management of debtors and payables can aid healthy cash flow, preventing potential solvency issues.
- Ben introduces the three-box model for sales, illustrating a systematic approach to measuring and managing sales performance that is integral for business leaders to master.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:04 Noosa Animals
3:10 The Importance of Numbers
4:48 Profit and Loss
7:04 The Metric You Need To Know By Heart
7:56 Overheads To Run Your Business
10:16 Safety Bank Balance
11:39 Accessing Debtors and Payables
12:37 Sales Numbers
15:14 Possibility If You Don’t Know These Numbers
16:33 Recap
Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.
20 min - Episode 45: Challenges We've Had To Overcome To Succeed in Business... They Will Surprise You
In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore the powerful intersection of personal adversity and professional ambition. Jemimah opens up about living with a rare medical condition — an extra kidney — and how it affects her health, productivity, and client relationships. She shares the strategies she’s adopted to manage her workload and maintain balance. Ben reflects on his own experience with anxiety, offering honest insights into recognising emotional triggers and the importance of having a solid support network. Together, they highlight the value of resilience, self-awareness and adaptability in navigating both personal and professional challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Chronic health issues can significantly impact business productivity, necessitating strategic adaptations and support.
- Recognizing personal cues for anxiety helps in managing and mitigating its effects on professional life.
- Honesty with clients and a supportive team can help navigate personal challenges while maintaining business commitments.
- Resilience and adaptability are crucial in balancing personal health with professional success.
- Create a playbook of strategies and resources to manage health challenges and maintain business operations effectively.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:12 Poke Bowls
1:42 Personal Challenges
2:28 Jemimah’s Extremely Big Chronic Issue
6:00 How The Chronic Issue Impacted The Business
7:13 Being Productive Despite The Chronic Issue
9:29 Jemimah’s Advice For You
12:07 What Ben Has Grappled With Over His Career
15:45 Ben’s Advice For You
Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.
20 min - Episode 44: Building a Business Blueprint with Dale Beaumont
In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh are joined by entrepreneurial visionary Dale Beaumont for a compelling conversation on strategic business systemisation—punctuated with a few entertaining tales along the way. Together, they unpack how structured systems can pave the path to true freedom for business owners, as Dale recounts his own transformation from an overwhelmed operator to a respected mentor guiding others toward sustainable success. The discussion highlights the critical role of technology and education in enhancing efficiency and scalability within modern enterprises. Dale offers valuable insights into Business Blueprint, his long-standing educational initiative that has empowered countless entrepreneurs over the past 16 years to reshape their business models and regain control over their time.
About the Guest:
Dale Beaumont is a highly respected business leader and entrepreneur, bringing over 25 years of experience to the industry. As the founder of Business Blueprint—a leading business education and training enterprise—he has played a pivotal role in transforming the operations of more than 4,000 businesses. A prolific author, Dale has penned 19 best-selling books and is widely recognised for his innovative approach to business systemisation, empowering entrepreneurs to streamline their operations and scale with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
- Dale highlights the necessity of rigorously systemizing business processes to achieve time freedom and financial success.
- The significance of learning from experienced mentors and using proven blueprints for business growth.
- Steps to merge successful business practices with personal life goals, emphasizing balance and autonomy.
- The advantages of employing technology and building knowledgeable teams from diverse geographic locations for scaling efficiently.
- Dale shares insights about smart investments, including property and shares, to enhance financial security beyond business profits.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
0:44 Jemimah’s Beautiful Harmonics
2:03 Guest Introduction
2:20 About Dale Beaumont
4:10 Business Blueprint
6:49 Working Smart
9:45 Getting Some Work Life Balance
12:39 Dale’s Light Bulb Moment
19:05 Being Smart With Money
22:09 Bringing In Other Experts
25:14 Weekly Takeaways
26:55 Outro
Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.
29 min - Episode 43: Celebrating to Progress to Drive Your Teams and Business to Greater Heights
In this episode of the Friends in Business podcast, hosts Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore the often-underappreciated power of celebrating achievements within teams and organisations. The discussion underscores the value of marking milestones—such as birthdays and work anniversaries—as a means of building morale and reinforcing a sense of community. From a leadership standpoint, the act of celebrating—whether through small gestures or ritualised events—is essential to maintaining motivation and long-term engagement. With a balance of wit and wisdom, Ben and Jemimah present a compelling guide to cultivating a vibrant and unified workplace culture through intentional celebration.
Key Takeaways:
- Celebrating team achievements, both big and small, is crucial for maintaining morale and motivation.
- Simple gestures, such as recognizing birthdays and milestones, can significantly enhance team cohesion.
- Integrating celebration into routine meetings and settings can align teams around specific goals and create a sense of collective purpose.
- Avoid controversial celebration methods, such as alcohol, and opt for inclusive and thoughtful acknowledgments.
- Creating a theme or using simple items, like chocolates, can make celebrations engaging and memorable.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
0:56 Jemimah’s Dinosaur Party
2:31 Signs of Being 40
3:28 Celebrations
5:40 Hacks On How To Celebrate With the Team
6:15 Document Anniversaries and Birthdays
7:09 Two Types of Celebrations
11:35 3 Ways Of How To Celebrate
15:50 Challenge To Leaders
20:24 Weekly Takeaway
21:10 Outro
Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.
22 min - Episode 42: Words Are Spells with Steve Plummer
In this episode of Friends In Business, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh welcome the eloquent and perceptive Steve Plummer. The discussion delves into the evolving art of copywriting in an AI-driven era, highlighting the enduring value of human creativity and emotional resonance. Steve offers strategic insights into crafting distinctive, authentic messaging that connects deeply with audiences—emphasising that while AI may elevate basic writing standards, it cannot replicate the heart and nuance behind truly impactful communication.
About the Guest:
Steve Plummer is a highly experienced copywriter, author, and speaker, with a rich history in the education sector. Beginning his career as an English teacher, he quickly advanced to leadership roles such as Head of Department and Deputy Principal. Today, Steve specialises in copywriting, supporting soul-driven businesses across Australia. He is a strong advocate for purposeful writing and has shared his insights on prominent platforms alongside industry figures like Russell Brunson. In addition to his copywriting work, Steve has explored diverse writing avenues, including freelance journalism with a focus on boxing, reflecting his deep passion for the craft of writing.
Key Takeaways:
- Copywriting remains crucial for business success by effectively communicating value and converting prospects into customers.
- AI tools can assist in generating baseline content but lack the personalized touch and emotional resonance essential for impactful copy.
- Learning fundamental copywriting frameworks and strategies is vital to utilize AI-generated content effectively.
- The rapid evolution of AI requires constant adaptation and innovation to maintain authenticity and engagement in writing.
- Embracing the blend of human intelligence with AI can enhance the creative process and produce superior quality content.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
0:53 Ben: The Spotify Star
1:53 Guest Introduction
2:49 Soul Led Business
3:35 Steve’s Writing Journey
8:45 Value of Words Being Spot On
11:25 Change Brought By A.I. In Copywriting
14:46 The EMOJIS!
16:41 AI Generated Books
17:58 Tips On The Use of A.I. In Copywriting
22:30 Weekly Takeaway
23:42 Guest Socials
24:10 Outro
Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.
26 min - Episode 41: The Butterfly Effect: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
In this episode of Friends In Business, Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh explore how seemingly small decisions can lay the foundation for significant business growth. The conversation delves into the power of incremental change, with Ben emphasising the value of a continuous improvement mindset in sales and the role structured training programs play in driving long-term success. Meanwhile, Jemimah highlights the importance of maintaining a strong presence on social media and how this commitment can significantly boost brand visibility and engagement. Together, they share practical insights and real-world examples of how minor shifts can yield transformative results in business.
Key Takeaways:
- Small changes in business strategy can lead to major impacts over time.
- Continuous improvement and regular training can significantly enhance a sales team’s performance.
- Building a consistent social media presence is crucial for increasing brand visibility and audience engagement.
- Trust your intuition when making business decisions, as it can lead to unforeseen success.
- The right partnership and collaboration can create opportunities for significant business growth.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:40 Little Things Becoming Big Things
1:45 Starting Out 12 Months Ago
6:50 Decisions That Made Significant Growth In The Business Overtime
7:14: Continuous Improvement on the Sales Process
9:04 Dedicated Training Program
12:24 Going All In
13:15 Using Social Media Everyday
14:57 Weekly Takeaway
16:0 Outro
Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.
17 min - Episode 40: The Future of AI with Erik van Eekelen
In this episode of Friends in Business, hosts Ben Wright and Jemimah Ashleigh catch up with Erik van Eekelen for a lively chat about how AI is shaking up the world of customer service and sales. Kicking things off with a relatable story about smart tech in everyday life — like robotic vacuums — the trio dives into how artificial intelligence is already transforming how businesses connect with customers and streamline their operations. They explore the real-world edge that AI can offer, from optimising call centres to unlocking new markets. More than just a buzzword, this episode makes it clear: AI isn’t something down the track — it’s here now, and it’s a game-changer for smart business strategy.
About the Guest:
Erik van Eekelen is the Managing Director of Icana AI, a company at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to supercharge customer service and sales performance. With more than two decades of experience under his belt and a master’s degree in AI, Erik has built an impressive career working across a range of industries throughout Europe and Australia. His deep, hands-on knowledge of AI’s practical applications — particularly in customer-facing roles — positions him as a true leader in the field.
Key Takeaways:
- AI tools are transforming customer service by analyzing and improving employee communication skills, focusing on both content and tone.
- Erik’s company, Ikana AI, utilizes AI to shorten employee onboarding times and enhance performance in customer-facing roles.
- By lowering operational costs and improving efficiency through AI, startups can now compete with larger firms in new and existing markets.
- Utilizing AI enables businesses to focus human efforts on creativity and strategy, enhancing the quality of customer interactions.
- AI offers strategic advantages and operational efficiencies that can help businesses pursue larger clients and expand their reach.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
3:00 Guest Introduction
4:02 Vacuum Cleaners Being A.I.
4:51 Changes That A.I. Is Bringing To Teams Functions
8:27 A.I.’s Impact on Developing Customer Base
10:02 Icana.ai
13:08 Impact of A.I. on the Business Prospect
15:45 Impact of A.I. on Customer Prospects
19:20 Weekly Takeaway
21:20 Guest Socials
22:23 Outro
Be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Friends in Business podcast. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and leave a review to support us and help others discover these valuable discussions.
24 min
About Friends in Business
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to the *Friends in Business Podcast,* where hosts Jemimah Ashleigh and Ben Wright join forces to become your trusted allies in the world of entrepreneurship. This dynamic duo is dedicated to sharing their extensive knowledge and experience to help you navigate the complexities of business with confidence and clarity.
Jemimah Ashleigh is a renowned PR specialist, business coach, and influential speaker. As the founder of The Visibility Lab, Jemimah has empowered countless women entrepreneurs to master PR, achieve significant media exposure, and build powerful personal brands. With a background in law enforcement and human trafficking, she brings a unique perspective to her coaching, combining strategic insights with a deep understanding of the challenges women face in business. Jemimah is also an accomplished author and media personality, known for her impactful speaking engagements and International best-selling author.
Ben Wright is a leading sales strategist based in Noosa, Australia. With over a decade of experience in transforming sales strategies, Ben is known for his ability to craft tailored plans that drive business growth. His expertise lies in conducting in-depth analyses of sales processes and implementing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Ben’s collaborative approach and strong communication skills make him a sought-after consultant for businesses looking to improve their sales operations and achieve sustainable success.
On the *Friends in Business Podcast,* Jemimah and Ben bring their wealth of knowledge and practical insights to the forefront. Their goal is simple: to be your friends in business, offering valuable lessons and actionable advice to help you thrive. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner, their conversations will provide you with the tools and strategies you need to succeed.
Join Jemimah and Ben as they dive into a range of topics, from PR and sales strategies to personal development and business growth. Their engaging and informative discussions are designed to make complex business concepts accessible and relatable. With each episode, you’ll gain new perspectives, practical tips, and the support of two experienced professionals committed to your success.
Tune in to the *Friends in Business Podcast* and start your journey towards achieving your business goals with the guidance of your new business friends.