Join us for this fun episode as we close out Season 3. Ben, Ben and I have only 5 seconds to answer the questions which Ben generated with AI and our cameraman Wes calls out!

0:06 - Welcome to *Living a Small Business Life*

0:28 - Question 1: What's your favourite midnight snack?

0:44 - Question 2: Who would you choose if you could be friends with a fictional character?

1:14 - Question 3: What's the best costume you've ever worn to a party?

1:55 - Question 4: What's the best surprise you've ever received?

3:00 - Question 5: What's the most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced?

3:57 - Question 6: If you could have any talent, what would you choose?

5:07 - Question 7: If you were stuck on a deserted island and had to choose a family member to be stuck with, who would you choose?

5:48 - Question 8: Who would you be if you had to be a character from a book?

6:42 - Question 9: What's the best joke you've ever heard?

7:56 - Question 10: If you could live in any movie, which one would it be?

8:33 - Question 11: Who is your favorite celebrity?

9:11 - Question 12: If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

9:59 - Question 13: What's your funniest relationship deal-breaker?

10:53 - Question 14: If you could be any animal, which animal would you be?

11:48 - Wrap up and thanks for watching

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In this episode we explore the rapidly evolving world of AI and its immediate and future implications for small businesses.

We chat about our own levels of AI adoption, ranging from complete skepticism to leveraging it for daily operational efficiency. We talked about key tools like Microsoft Copilot, concerns over data security, the impact of AI on creative content and jobs, and the necessity of maintaining human connection in an increasingly automated world.

00:07 - Introduction: AI in Small Business

00:21 - Are We Using AI in Our Businesses?

00:41 - Using Microsoft Copilot and Other AI Tools

01:30 - AI Skepticism and Industry Challenges

03:09 - The Creative and Tone Problem with AI

04:31 - Managing AI with the Team and Copilot Benefits

05:15 - AI for Meeting Efficiency and Proposal Drafting

07:28 - AI Email Management with Fixer

09:12 - Security and Data Concerns with Copilot and AI

11:36 - The Fundamental Bias and Environmental Cost of Large Language Models

12:41 - Using Gemini and Closed Data Sets

13:36 - AI and Cyber Security Threats

15:06 - Massive Increase in AI-Generated Email Threats

16:44 - Deep Fake Voices and Financial Fraud Examples

17:37 - The Rise of Deep Fake Video and Image Creative

19:43 - Younger Generations' Perspective on AI Content

20:57 - The Evolution of CGI and Creative AI

23:33 - The Impact of AI on Jobs and Industries

27:00 - Job Differentiation vs. Elimination

28:47 - The Future of Work: AI Employees and Flexible Hours

29:54 - Over-Employment Enabled by AI

30:30 - Is AI a Bad Thing? Reflections on Current Use

31:14 - Microsoft Power Platform and No-Code Solutions

33:10 - Refining AI Output and Focusing on Human Connection

35:17 - AI Tools Used by the Hosts

39:03 - The Competitive Disadvantage of Not Using AI

41:15 - AI Reducing Admin Burden

42:58 - Conclusion and Future Outlook

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Welcome back to Living the Small Business Life!

In this episode, we're joined by Laura Dolphin, the founding director of Dolphin Outsourcing. Laura shares her inspiring journey of building a social enterprise that champions flexible work and empowers individuals facing challenging circumstances.

She talks about the origins of her company, the unique services they offer, and how they navigate the evolving landscape of business, including the impact of the 2020 pandemic.

Laura also offers valuable advice for aspiring business owners and introduces her new product, Will Plus, designed to help entrepreneurs plan for unexpected life events.

0:00:00 Introduction to Laura Dolphin and Dolphin Outsourcing

0:01:13 Services Provided by Dolphin Outsourcing

0:02:20 Dolphin Outsourcing's Ideal Client

0:04:22 The Driving Force Behind Starting Dolphin Outsourcing

0:06:45 Laura's Career Before Starting Her Company

0:08:31 Impact of COVID-19 on Dolphin Outsourcing

0:14:12 Flexible Working Opportunities at Dolphin Outsourcing

0:27:22 Laura's Approach to Work-Life Balance

0:32:48 Advice for Aspiring Small Business Owners

0:35:56 Biggest Challenges Faced by Dolphin Outsourcing

0:44:39 Marketing Strategies and Growth Plans

0:40:51 Will Plus: A Product for Business Owners Facing Challenging Times

0:45:29 Conclusion

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Find us on socials here:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/

Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of "Living the Small Business Life," join us as we chat with Jamie Thacker, Managing Director of Hearn's Coaches.

Jamie shares his unique journey of entering the family business straight out of university, the challenges of navigating the coach hire industry through the pandemic, and his insights on managing a growing fleet.

He discusses the evolution of Hearn's Coaches from a school contract focus to a diverse business and the importance of adapting to change and investing in a supportive work environment.

0:00 Intro

0:20 About Hearn's Coaches

1:01 Jamie's Journey with the Business

2:34 Control of the Business

3:20 Business Then vs. Now

5:02 The Impact of COVID

6:42 Acquiring a Competitor

10:14 Starting in the Family Business

13:19 Challenges in the Transport Industry

16:14 Staffing Challenges in Small Business

20:29 Creating a Positive Work Environment

22:06 Starting a Small Business After University

26:31 Work-Life Balance

30:11 The Future of Electric Coaches

33:57 Chinese Coach Manufacturing

37:06 Advice for Small Business Owners

38:33 Outro

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Find us on socials here:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/

Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 3 of Living the Small Business Life! In our first episode we recap the end of 2024, discussing highs, lows, and market hesitancy.

Then we dive into our strategies for 2025, highlighting plans for growth and customer retention. With personal anecdotes and insights, this episode provides valuable perspectives for small business owners facing uncertain times.

Don't miss out on hearing from upcoming guests and learning effective business strategies - hit subscribe to get the next episodes straight away!

00:00 Welcome to Season Three

00:30 Reflecting on 2024

01:12 Business Hesitancy and Market Uncertainty

03:43 Changes and New Beginnings

05:01 Starting Fresh in 2025

08:54 Launching a New Business

12:38 Strategies for Growth and Retention

22:25 Customer Retention Challenges

24:01 Challenges in Customer Retention

24:57 The Impact of Relationships on Business

27:23 Customer Service and Retention Strategies

29:14 Dealing with Customer Loss

31:12 Balancing New and Existing Customers

33:05 Strategies for Long-Term Customer Relationships

44:18 The Cost of Losing a Customer

48:47 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

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Find us on socials here:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/

Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next up on Living the Small Business Life, we sit down with Chris from ACS Staffing Solutions to discuss the challenges and successes of scaling a recruitment business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hear about Chris's journey, from how he and his wife Helen started the business, to navigating the ups and downs of the recruitment industry. Learn about the impact of COVID-19 on their operations, the importance of strong company culture, and the lessons learned in managing cash flow and scaling effectively. Whether you're a business owner or interested in the recruitment sector, Chris's insights offer valuable takeaways.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:19 Meet Chris: The Journey Begins

02:19 Scaling the Business: Challenges and Strategies

04:42 Navigating COVID-19: A Turning Point

06:20 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Operations

13:17 Post-COVID Adjustments and Market Shifts

21:40 Company Vision and Culture

27:37 Strategic Partnerships and AI Integration

28:11 Scaling Challenges and HR Foundations

31:46 Leadership and Team Dynamics

36:44 Economic Impact on Recruitment

39:06 Navigating Financial Struggles

49:41 Customer Relationships and Retention

52:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

---

Find us on socials here:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/

Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of 'Living the Small Business Life' Season Two, Ben, Ben and I reflect on the highlights and lessons learned from our conversations with various guests.

We discuss the realities of running a small business, the unplanned nature of business growth, the importance of drive and determination, and the significance of work-life balance.

We also emphasise the value of backing oneself, the freedom that comes with entrepreneurship, and the evolving nature of networking.

Special mentions to our wonderful guests from Season Two - More Driver Solutions, Vision 29, Happydashery, and Red Rascal Creative.

00:00 Welcome to the Season Finale

01:09 Reflecting on Our Guests

01:49 Key Takeaways from Season Two

02:11 The Reality of Business Planning

04:04 Challenges with Admin and Regulations

09:09 Balancing Work and Life

12:21 The Importance of Physical Activity

18:27 Would You Go Back to Employment?

22:40 The Freedom of Running a Small Business

24:43 Networking and Knowledge Sharing

30:19 Looking Forward to Season Three

31:28 Thank You and Goodbye

More Driver Solutions - https://moredriversolutions.ltd.uk/

Happydashery - https://happydashery.co.uk/

Vision 29 - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocoxhill

Red Rascal Creative - https://www.redrascalcreative.com/

---

Check out the dedicated page for the Living the Small Business Life Podcast: https://movedigital.co.uk/podcast/living-the-small-business-life/

Or, connect with us in the comments below or find us on social media ⬇️

https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife

https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life/

https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small

https://www.twitter.com/living_smblife

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Living the Small Business Life, the host welcomes Wes Venn, a multi-business entrepreneur and the show's cameraman! Wes shares his journey from being a radio presenter to starting a greetings card company, Buddy Fernandez, known for its 'naughty' cards.

He discusses how COVID-19 led him to focus full-time on his ventures, including founding Red Rascal Creative, a company providing video ads and promotional content. Wes touches on the challenges and funny moments of running multiple businesses, his unique marketing strategies, and the value of saying 'yes' to opportunities. We also chatted about work-life balance, financial planning, and the importance of being adaptable in the small business world.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:18 Meet Wes Venn: The Media Mutt

00:41 Wes's Small Business Ventures

01:37 The Impact of COVID-19

02:01 Red Rascal Creative: A New Beginning

02:23 Voiceover Work and Calgon Adverts

02:57 Adapting to New Media Platforms

03:50 The Art of Juggling Multiple Roles

06:35 Challenges of Running Small Businesses

08:35 The Tesco Experience

14:00 Defining Success in Small Business

15:10 Struggling with Work-Life Balance

17:02 Weekend Work and Holiday Plans

17:12 Chillfest and Celebrity Encounters

17:52 Balancing Work and Personal Life

18:46 Financial Planning for Freelancers

19:44 Adapting to Change and Taking on Odd Jobs

20:53 Marketing Strategies and the Buddy Fernandez Tour

23:55 Unique Marketing and Event Filming

27:42 Funny Trade Show Stories

29:53 Business Mentors and Personal Philosophy

31:54 Quirky Customer Requests and Theme Songs

34:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

---

Check out the dedicated page for the Living the Small Business Life Podcast: https://movedigital.co.uk/podcast/living-the-small-business-life/

Or, connect with us in the comments below or find us on social media ⬇️

https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife

https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life/

https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small

https://www.twitter.com/living_smblife

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 4 of the Living the Small Business Life podcast, hosts Ben and Ben welcome Jo from Vision 29. Jo shares her 10-year journey from starting a marketing consultancy to transforming it into a company focused on internal communications, employee experience, and organisational culture.

She discusses the initial challenges she faced in balancing work and family life, the trigger that led her to start her own business, and how she overcame fears and doubts along the way.

Jo also talks about the importance of networking, work-life balance, and staying motivated.

The episode offers valuable insights into running a business, dealing with burnout, and the evolving landscape of business networking.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:30 Joe's Business Journey: From Marketing to Internal Comms

03:20 Trigger Points and Challenges of Starting a Business

06:47 Transitioning from Limited Company to Sole Trader

09:38 Daily Life and Networking Strategies

20:25 The Role of Internal Communications

22:48 Employee Engagement and Feedback

23:49 Challenges in Implementing Feedback

25:26 Winning and Attracting New Customers

27:55 Balancing Work and Personal Life

29:18 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Public Speaking

36:50 Experiencing Burnout and Recovery

41:41 Reflecting on Business Journey

43:09 Podcast Conclusion

Produced by Move Digital - https://movedigital.co.uk/podcasts/

Jo at Vision 29 - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocoxhill

---

Check out the dedicated page for the Living the Small Business Life Podcast: https://movedigital.co.uk/podcast/living-the-small-business-life/

Or, connect with us in the comments below or find us on social media ⬇️

https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife

https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life/

https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small

https://www.twitter.com/living_smblife

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Living the Small Business Life' we hit the road and are on tour in Leighton Buzzard!

Sarah and Carrie, owners of Happydashery and The Workshop, two shops next door to each other on the High Street, share their inspiring journey from pop-up shop to two premises. They discuss the transition from part-time jobs to full-time business owners, the importance of a supportive local business community, and the candid challenges of retail, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We talked about the value of adaptability, strategic planning, and embracing imperfection. It was so great to hear both Sarah and Carrie reflect on the difficulties of running a small business, such as managing cash flow, juggling roles, and maintaining work-life balance.

Sarah and Carrie were such great guests and shared some wonderful personal anecdotes, quirky customer experiences, and moments of unexpected joy from running their business. Big thanks to them for joining us.

00:00 Welcome to Living the Small Business Life

00:11 Meet Sarah and Carrie of Happydashery

00:42 The Journey of Happydashery

02:39 Taking the Leap: From Part-Time to Full-Time

05:58 Community and Collaboration in Leighton Buzzard

12:42 Challenges and Triumphs During the Pandemic

20:56 Balancing Multiple Revenue Streams

24:07 Implementing Processes for Business Growth

25:09 Balancing Strategic Planning and Daily Operations

26:08 The Importance of Team and Delegation

27:31 Admiration and Strengths in Business Partnership

29:33 Building a Community-Centric Business

31:00 Handling Disagreements and Business Philosophy

35:15 Staying Motivated and Reflecting on Achievements

40:19 Balancing Work and Personal Life

47:38 Unexpected and Hilarious Business Moments

49:08 Final Thoughts and Fun Questions

Find Happydashery here: https://happydashery.co.uk/

This episode was produced by Move Digital - find out more about our podcast work here: https://movedigital.co.uk/podcasts/

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