Make it Your Business

In this episode of Make It Your Business, Duncan Casey and James Murray explore the age-old business debate: is it better to be a niche specialist or a versatile generalist?

They discuss examples from film and acting, content marketing, tech, and even Swiss Army knives, all while asking how business owners can carve out a USP in a world being reshaped by AI and vertical video.

Whether you're building a personal brand, scaling a business, or figuring out what not to do, this episode offers practical insight with humour and real-world relevance for UK entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Niche vs Generalist

03:06 – Do actors niche? Typecasting in film

06:45 – The Devil’s Ratio & vertical format filmmaking

08:01 – What is a niche? Demographics, products, services & more

11:15 – Future roles, AI, and defining your USP

14:35 – How content marketing agencies can niche

17:50 – Where and how to create a business niche

24:00 – Is the Swiss Army Knife the ultimate generalist?

26:18 – Falling into a niche vs designing one intentionally

32:00 – Why a clear message helps others recommend you

🔗 More about your Hosts & Links
James Murray Finance: https://www.jamesmurrayfinance.co.uk
Copper Sprocket Content Marketing: https://www.coppersprocketcontent.com

Got a question or want to be a guest?
Email: [email protected]

🎧 Follow Make It Your Business on all podcast platforms.

In Episode 7 of the Make It Your Business Podcast, James Murray quizzes co-host Duncan Casey about his upcoming video project in Scotland, and things get practical fast. This episode dives deep into the behind-the-scenes logistics of producing a business promo video, covering everything from budgeting and project planning to B-roll strategy and using your video content wisely. James throws in a brilliant anecdote about the FYRE Festival and how it became the ultimate example of what not to do in project management. If you're a UK business owner thinking about video marketing, or planning a shoot yourself, this episode is packed with gold dust. 🎯 Whether you're running a startup or scaling up, you'll learn: How to price a video production What to prioritise when filming Why planning is king How to stretch your content across multiple platforms Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Why video matters for UK businesses01:50 – Behind the Shoot: Planning logistics for a promo video03:45 – Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail: Common project pitfalls08:10 – FYRE Festival Fiasco: A cautionary tale of bad planning11:00 – Budgeting vs Creative: Where expectations clash with reality12:30 – Vision vs Execution: Balancing creativity with logistics16:30 – How to Price a Promo Video (and explain it to clients)22:10 – B-Roll Strategy: Filming the filming for extra content24:40 – Repurposing Gold: Making your video content go further30:05 – Final Thoughts: Project takeaways and hot tips

In this episode, Duncan and James break down the top three business mistakes they see regularly among startups and SMEs — from over-trading and overreaching to cash flow pitfalls and aging debt. Packed with insight from both the finance and marketing world, this is a must-listen for business owners who want to grow without burning out or going bust. Practical, no-fluff advice — all delivered with humour and real-world examples.🕒 Timestamps & TopicsTimestamp Topic00:00 – 01:17 Intro & what this episode covers: business mistakes, financial insights, and marketing slip-ups.01:17 – 04:46 Mistake #1: Over-trading — what it is, how it happens, and why saying “yes” to the big client can sink your business.04:46 – 06:33 Organic growth vs reckless expansion – how to scale with sustainability.06:33 – 08:46 Real-life parallels from the film & TV industry – production financing and long-term debt.08:46 – 11:00 Mistake #2: Spreading yourself too thin — shiny-object syndrome and chasing too many ideas.11:00 – 12:23 Elon isn’t your business model – the myth of the multi-project entrepreneur.12:23 – 13:39 The “one rocket ship” principle and how to pick your project.13:39 – 14:52 Why outsourcing beats trying to be everything to everyone.14:52 – 16:42 Timing your diversification and knowing when you're ready to scale or mentor others.16:42 – 18:00 Profitability, alignment, and the temptation of short-term wins.18:00 – 20:52 Free work and charity jobs – when to say yes, and what to ask for in return.20:52 – 26:38 Mistake #3: Delayed invoices and aging debt — why cash flow is king and how late payments kill growth.26:38 – 29:02 Payment terms, chasing invoices, and the perils of getting pushed to the back of the queue.29:02 – 30:33 Real-world stories from the acting world and invoice misuse.30:33 – 35:20 Solutions: Invoice financing — what it is, how it works, and what to watch out for.35:20 – 36:05 The danger of becoming dependent on invoice finance — “the umbilical cord” problem.36:05 – 37:36 Legal frameworks and industry specifics to watch out for.37:36 – 39:00 Recap of the three biggest pitfalls and final thoughts.39:00 – 39:56 Outro, audience request & how to be a guest on the show.🧠 Key TakeawaysOver-trading sounds like growth but can break your back if you're not prepared.Stay focused: build one strong business before spinning off side projects.Cash flow trumps profit: if you’re not getting paid on time, you’re losing.Invoice financing can help — but know the terms and risks.Charity and “exposure” work have a place — but you need to define your ask.🔗 Resources MentionedThe Lean Startup by Eric RiesUK Government: Invoice Financing InfoQuickBooks (automated invoicing reminders)📬 Contact / Get InvolvedWant to be a guest on the show?Got a story or question you’d like Duncan & James to tackle?📧 [email protected]🎧 Follow Make It Your Business wherever you get your podcasts!

Welcome back to Make It Your Business! In this episode, James Murray and Duncan Casey unpack the real truth about business networking… the good, the bad, and the occasionally awkward.

From overcoming the fear of walking into a room full of strangers to crafting a memorable 30-second pitch, we dive into what actually works when it comes to networking in the UK. Whether you're attending BNI, joining a business club, or just getting started on LinkedIn, this episode is full of first-hand advice and proven tips that can help you build genuine relationships and win more business.

We also share personal stories (including a few cringeworthy ones), how to measure your return on networking time and spend, and why a branded hoodie might be your secret weapon. Plus, how to find the right group for your industry, how to avoid the “hard sell,” and ways to become the person others want to talk to at any event.

👥 If you're a UK business owner, freelancer, or founder looking to grow your network without feeling like a salesperson, this one’s for you.

Timecodes

00:00 - Intro: Why Business Networking Matters

01:13 - The Downsides of Networking: Time Wasters & Pitfalls

06:22 - Business Clubs vs Traditional Networking

08:40 - Is Networking Worth It? Measuring ROI

10:18 - What Makes You Memorable in a Room

12:25 - Traits of a Good Networker: Listening Over Talking

14:35 - Why You Can’t Speak to Everyone

16:10 - The Dread of Walking In: Breaking the Ice

18:05 - Wear Your Brand: Clothing Hacks for Networking

19:55 - Mastering the 30-Second Elevator Pitch

23:50 - Lunch & Learn Events: Are They Worth It?

26:40 - Real-Life Story: What Not to Do at a Networking Event

30:49 - Barriers to Entry: Make It Easy to Follow Up

32:20 - Leveraging LinkedIn for Networking

35:40 - Speak Up: Becoming a Presenter at Events

40:45 - Final Thoughts: Just Start — Networking Pays Off

🔗 Learn more about your hosts:

James Murray Finance: https://www.jamesmurrayfinance.co.uk

Copper Sprocket Content Marketing: https://www.coppersprocketcontent.com

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone else navigating the wild ride of business ownership. We’d love to hear from you—drop a comment or message us with your thoughts!

Welcome back to Make It Your Business! In this episode, James Murray and Duncan Casey dive into the real-world experiences of using social media as a UK business owner. From winning enquiries through TikTok to navigating the evolving landscape of digital marketing, they share practical tips, challenges, and strategies for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs.

We cover which social media platforms work best for small businesses, how to stay authentic on camera, when to hire a marketing expert, and why writing a blog can massively boost your SEO. Plus, we discuss using AI tools, the importance of knowing your audience, and clever ways to approach B2B outreach.

If you’re a business owner in the UK looking to grow your brand online without wasting time or money, this episode is packed with actionable advice based on real experience — not theory!

👔 Whether you're a start-up founder, a growing SME, or just starting to explore digital marketing, Make It Your Business gives you honest conversations designed to help you succeed.

Timecodes

00:00 - Introduction & Podcast Purpose: Social Media

01:45 - I Got an Enquiry from TikTok

03:07 - Duncan Explores New Tactics: B2B Outreach Strategies

06:35 - Today's Topic: Social Media Tactics for Small Businesses

09:48 - Different Platforms: Client Avatars and Content Placement

18:42 - Startups & SMEs: Key Marketing Moves for New Businesses

26:39 - Employing a Marketing Expert: Should You Hire or DIY?

27:10 - Video for Marketing: Why Authenticity Matters

31:26 - Knowing Your Audience: Does Accent Affect Trust?

33:21 - Advertising vs Marketing: What’s the Difference?

35:41 - Best Social Media Platforms for Business

38:54 - Writing Blogs: Boost Your Business SEO

41:07 - Using CapCut: Easy Video Editing for Businesses

42:50 - Should You Use AI to Create Your Content?

🔗 Learn more about your hosts:

James Murray Finance: https://www.jamesmurrayfinance.co.uk

Copper Sprocket Content Marketing: https://www.coppersprocketcontent.com

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone else navigating the wild ride of business ownership. We’d love to hear from you—drop a comment or message us with your thoughts!

Parenting and entrepreneurship: can you really do both? In Episode 3 of Make It Your Business, UK-based small business owners James Murray (finance broker) and Duncan Casey (content marketing producer) share the real-life struggles and strategies of raising children while building their businesses.

Expect honest chat on cash flow, mental health, seeking investment, content marketing, and how to grow sustainably—without losing your mind. Perfect for UK entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and anyone balancing ambition with everyday life.

Episode Overview

In this episode of Make It Your Business, James Murray and Duncan Casey dive deep into the chaos and clarity of running a small (or micro!) business while raising young children. From sleepless nights to strategic investments, this brutally honest conversation strips away the glossy entrepreneur façade and gets real about what it’s like to juggle family life with startup ambitions.

If you’re a UK business owner, parent, or aspiring entrepreneur wondering how to build something sustainable without burning out, this one’s for you.

You’ll hear candid stories, practical tips, and refreshingly honest perspectives from two founders navigating it in real time—not from the top, but from the trenches.

Timecodes

00:00 - Intro & podcast purpose: The problem with advice from people who’ve "made it"

01:40 - Meet your hosts: James introduces himself and explains what James Murray Finance does

02:20 - Parenting & public sector partners: Balancing home life with startup pressures

04:51 - Seek counsel, not opinions: Why you shouldn’t take advice from Dave down the pub

06:57 - Business & burnout: Maybe the kids are sleeping, but you’re not

11:32 - Risk, reward & growth: There's always going to be an element of risk, but it depends on your business model

15:30 - Cash flow & investment mindset: Playing the £100k fantasy business game

17:15 - LinkedIn & cold outreach: James reflects on his experience with Sales Navigator

20:24 - Bootstrapping & CRM alternatives: Finding smarter ways to grow

21:09 - What makes great content?: A videographer might make it look pretty, but can they tell a story?

24:34 - Branding, ROI & storytelling: Why message clarity matters before pressing record

27:15 - Content strategy dilemma: Is there a strategy to just pick a platform and master it?

30:55 - Local reach or national play?: Who are you going to sell to, and what does that mean for your content?

34:55 - Vanity metrics vs business metrics: Why quality of views beats quantity

37:05 - Wrap-up & quote of the week: "Give away the secret. Sell the implementation."

🔗 Learn more about your hosts:

James Murray Finance: https://www.jamesmurrayfinance.co.uk

Copper Sprocket Content Marketing: https://www.coppersprocketcontent.com

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone else navigating the wild ride of business ownership. We’d love to hear from you—drop a comment or message us with your thoughts!

Make It Your Business – Episode 2: The Filmmaking and Cultural Impact of AdolescenceEpisode Summary

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Adolescence, the new Netflix drama that has everyone talking. As filmmakers, we examine the show’s storytelling techniques, cinematography, and direction—what works, what doesn’t, and what makes it stand out. We also discuss its broader cultural impact and explore what marketers can learn from its success.

• Filmmaking Insights: How Adolescence uses visual storytelling, pacing, and character development to create an immersive experience.

• Cultural Relevance: Why the show resonates with audiences and the themes that make it so compelling.

• Marketing Lessons: What brands and content creators can take from the show’s success, including audience engagement strategies and the power of strong narrative branding.

• Watch Adolescence on Netflix

• Behind-the-scenes featurette (if available)

• Previous episode: [Episode 1 – The Reality of Starting a Business]

Join the conversation! Let us know your thoughts on Adolescence and what you took away from it.

Follow us on social media and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into filmmaking, culture, and marketing.

Key TakeawaysLinks & Mentions

In the debut episode of Make It Your Business, Duncan and James dive into the real, unfiltered struggles of growing a startup. From navigating cash flow issues to handling imposter syndrome, this episode is packed with honest insights and hard-learned lessons.

Join us as we share our experiences, mistakes, and strategies to help fellow business owners and entrepreneurs push through the toughest stages of building a business.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The hardest challenges we faced in our first year of business
• The mental game of entrepreneurship: dealing with stress, doubt, and burnout
• Balancing ambition with realistic growth
• How to know when to pivot or push through
• The biggest lessons we’ve learned so far

👉 Follow us for more real-talk on entrepreneurship!