In this episode, Sam discusses the complexities of pricing for small businesses, particularly in service-oriented fields. She emphasises the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by business owners when setting prices, the importance of establishing a viability floor, and the shift towards value-based pricing strategies.

Sam also highlights the need for diagnostics to identify underlying issues affecting pricing and business viability, advocating for a balanced approach that considers both accessibility and sustainability.

Takeaways

Pricing is an emotional decision for many business owners.

Underpricing can lead to chronic stress and compassion fatigue.

Establishing a viability floor is crucial for sustainable pricing.

Value-based pricing focuses on perceived outcomes rather than costs.

Sliding scales can increase access but need careful design.

Discounting should be a strategy, not a reflex.

Customer feedback is essential for refining pricing strategies.

Diagnostics can help identify pricing challenges and business viability issues.

Healthy pricing allows for continued support and improvement of services.

Fair pricing is not greed; it's necessary for long-term impact.

Head here to access the pricing guide Sam mentioned - www.25eight.co/quick-guide-to-pricing-for-small-business

Head here for our mini diagnostic - https://www.25eight.co/blog/discover-your-stage-of-business-growth-and-the-strategies-to-reach-the-next-level

Do you want to benefit from Sam's coaching and mentorship whilst building your growth strategy and strategic leadership skills?

25eight's award winning eight-week Next-Level Growth Program helps you get clear and confident to take your business to the next level, on your own terms and without burning out.

Find out more here https://www.25eight.co/next-level-growth-program

Sound Bites

"Pricing has leverage."

"Access models need design, not feeling guilty."

"Money isn't evil. It's an exchange of value."

Chapters

00:00 The Emotional Tug of War in Pricing

03:09 Understanding the Strategic Importance of Pricing

06:24 Establishing Your Viability Floor

09:07 Value-Based Pricing: Moving Beyond Cost Plus

11:43 Testing and Adapting Your Pricing Strategy

14:22 The Bigger Picture: Diagnosing Pricing Issues

keywords

pricing, small business, value-based pricing, cash flow, ethical pricing, service-based professions, compassion fatigue, pricing strategies, business viability, customer feedback

In this episode of Make Time, host Sam delves into the critical process of identifying what truly matters to business owners. She emphasises that growth should be defined on personal terms, challenging the common misconception that leaders should inherently know their priorities. Instead,

Sam advocates for a reflective approach, where understanding friction and discomfort in business can reveal deeper insights about personal and professional alignment. She discusses how urgency often overshadows intentional thinking, leading to a disconnect between business success and personal satisfaction.

Sam introduces the concept of using diagnostics as a tool for clarity, helping leaders recognise patterns and misalignments in their business operations. By focusing on what truly matters, rather than getting caught up in the hustle, business owners can make more intentional decisions that align with their values and goals.

The episode concludes with a reminder that clarity and focus are essential for sustainable growth, encouraging leaders to regularly revisit their definitions of success and their relationship with work.

Do you want to benefit from Sam's coaching and mentorship whilst building your growth strategy and strategic leadership skills?

25eight's award winning eight-week Next-Level Growth Program helps you get clear and confident to take your business to the next level, on your own terms and without burning out.

Find out more here https://www.25eight.co/next-level-growth-program

• Takeaways
• Growth should be defined on your terms.
• Clarity comes from better awareness, not more effort.
• Friction reveals what matters most in your business.
• Diagnostics help identify misalignments in business operations.
• Regularly revisit your definition of success.

Chapters

00:00 Defining Growth on Your Terms

03:08 Understanding Friction as a Guide

05:40 The Power of Diagnostics in Business

07:59 Focus and Intentional Decision Making

Keywords

business growth, self-reflection, diagnostics, leadership, personal values, business alignment, intentional decision-making, sustainable growth, clarity in business, identifying priorities

In this episode, Sam discusses the importance of setting intentional and meaningful growth goals for businesses. She emphasises that growth should be defined personally and aligned with individual values rather than societal expectations. The conversation explores the relationship between money and business, advocating for a mindset that views money as an energy exchange. Sam also highlights the significance of building capability and embracing ordinary actions to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Finally, she encourages listeners to focus on meaningful goals that resonate with their true aspirations.

25eight's award winning eight-week Next-Level Growth Program helps you get clear and confident to take your business to the next level, on your own terms and without burning out. Find out more here https://www.25eight.co/next-level-growth-program

To join Sam in the next CEO Session, click here to see when the next session is running - https://www.25eight.academy/storeTakeawaysGrowth is only meaningful when it is intentional, sustainable, and aligned with personal values.Defining what success means to you is crucial for achieving meaningful growth.Sustainable growth comes from clarity, capability, and human-centred systems.Money should be viewed as an energy exchange rather than an enemy.Extraordinary businesses emerge from ordinary people who build extraordinary capabilities.Focusing on three key goals is more effective than pursuing multiple random goals.Accepting your current state is essential for setting realistic and meaningful goals.Growth is about becoming more fully and confidently yourself.Building skills and confidence through practice is vital for business leaders.The ordinary can be made extraordinary through intentional actions and systems.Sound Bites"You are the captain of your ship.""Sustainable growth is not born from burnout.""Growth is not about becoming someone else."Chapters00:00 Setting Intentional Growth Goals04:05 Defining Personal Success07:03 Understanding Money as Energy10:47 Building Extraordinary Capability12:38 Embracing Ordinary Actions14:28 Focusing on Meaningful Goalsgrowth goals, personal success, business strategy, money mindset, extraordinary capability, intentional living, goal setting, business growth, sustainable success, human-centred business

In this episode, Sam interviews Cam Bird, a rock and metal recording artist turned entrepreneur, who shares his journey from a young guitar enthusiast to a successful music teacher and business owner. Cam discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of navigating the music industry, and the innovative teaching methods he has developed to engage students. He emphasises the need for balance between creativity and business, the significance of understanding market needs, and the value of building a personal brand through social media. Cam's story is one of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of a fulfilling career in music.TakeawaysCam's journey began with a guitar gifted by his parents.Mentorship played a crucial role in Cam's development as a musician.The music industry is challenging, with dreams often clashing with reality.Transitioning from performing to teaching was a pivotal moment for Cam.Finding balance between work and personal life is essential for creativity.Innovative teaching methods can enhance student engagement and learning.Social media is a powerful tool for building a personal brand.Understanding market needs is key to business success.Creativity and business acumen must coexist for sustainable success.It's important to value your time and skills as a creative.Find Cam here:https://www.cambirdmusic.com/https://www.youtube.com/cambirdmusicDo you want to benefit from Cam's mentorship whilst building your growth strategy and strategic leadership skills?Our award winning eight-week Next-Level Growth Program helps you get clear and confident to take your business to the next level, on your own terms and without burning out. Find out more here https://www.25eight.co/next-level-growth-programSound Bites"You only need to be right once.""You can't be a poor artist.""You need to find your people."Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: From Passion to Profession02:27 The Impact of Mentorship in Music Education04:54 The Dream of Rock Stardom: Reality vs. Aspiration10:07 Navigating the Music Industry: Balancing Art and Business14:47 The Shift to Teaching: Finding Stability and Purpose15:28 Overcoming Challenges: The Importance of Adaptability21:47 Building an Online Presence: The Power of Social Media27:39 Embracing Change and Letting Go29:49 Reassessing Priorities and Finding Balance31:40 Health Challenges and Business Adaptation34:30 Innovative Teaching Models and Flexibility39:15 New Opportunities and Partnerships42:03 Raising the Floor: Sustainable Growth47:31 Valuing Creativity and Protecting Your Workmusic, entrepreneurship, teaching, mentorship, creativity, guitar, business, online learning, rock music, personal growthhow to grow your creative business how to make money as a musician

In this episode of Make Time, host and CEO of 25eight, Sam discusses the critical role of self-efficacy in achieving success in business and leadership. She explains how self-efficacy, defined as a person's belief in their ability to succeed, is a strong predictor of performance and resilience. Sam outlines the four drivers of self-efficacy and provides practical strategies for strengthening it, emphasising the importance of inner development alongside outer skills. She concludes by highlighting the future of leadership, where self-efficacy will be essential for navigating complexity and driving growth.

Takeaways

Self-efficacy is a key predictor of success in various fields.

Belief in one's abilities can significantly impact performance.

Mastery experiences build self-efficacy through overcoming challenges.

Vicarious experiences can inspire confidence in one's capabilities.

Verbal persuasion from coaches enhances self-efficacy.

Physiological states affect performance and decision-making.

Inner development is crucial for effective outer strategies.

Setting achievable goals fosters self-efficacy growth.

Reflecting on past successes reinforces self-belief.Emotional regulation is essential for maintaining self-efficacy.

Do you want to benefit from Sam's coaching and mentorship whilst building your growth strategy and strategic leadership skills?

25eight's award winning eight-week Next-Level Growth Program helps you get clear and confident to take your business to the next level, on your own terms and without burning out.

Find out more here https://www.25eight.co/next-level-growth-program

Sound Bites

"Skill without belief leads to hesitation."

"Reframe failure as data, not identity."

"Self-efficacy is the foundation of execution."

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Self-Efficacy

01:28 Understanding Self-Efficacy in Business

03:35 The Impact of Self-Efficacy on Performance

06:25 Building Self-Efficacy: The Four Pillars

12:01 Practical Strategies to Enhance Self-Efficacy

17:27 The Future of Leadership and Self-Efficacy

self-efficacy, business success, leadership, resilience, personal development, growth mindset, coaching, emotional regulation, strategic decision-making, entrepreneurship

In this episode, Sam discusses the concept of human-centred business, emphasising its strategic importance in creating value for all stakeholders and why it is necessary for future survival. She outlines five core principles: empathy and inclusion, psychological safety and trust, purpose and meaning, stakeholder value, and employee experience.

Sam highlights the financial benefits of adopting human-centred practices, the role of technology in enhancing human skills, and practical steps for building a human-centred organisation. Sam concludes by addressing common myths and the future landscape of business, advocating for a shift towards human-centred approaches as a foundation for competitive advantage.

Takeaways

• Being human-centred is a strategic choice for value creation.
• Human-centred businesses prioritise the needs of all stakeholders.
• Empathy and inclusion are essential for understanding experiences.
• Psychological safety fosters innovation and learning.
• Purpose-driven organisations outperform their peers financially.
• Stakeholder value enhances trust and brand reputation.
• Positive employee experiences lead to higher retention rates.
• Engaged employees drive better customer service and loyalty.
• Technology amplifies the need for human-centred skills.
• The future of business is rooted in human-centred practices.

• "Empathy is not about being nice."
• "Psychological safety drives learning."
• "Purpose guides behaviour."

Would you like to build a more human-centred business whilst building your own strategic leadership skills. Our award winning eight-week Next-Level Growth Program helps you get clear and confident to take your business to the next level, on your own terms and without burning out. Find out more here https://www.25eight.co/next-level-growth-program

Follow us on socials to keep up to date when new programs open:https://www.linkedin.com/company/25eight-cohttps://www.youtube.com/@25eighthttps://www.facebook.com/25eightCohttps://www.instagram.com/25eight_co

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Human-Centred Business

03:15 Core Principles of Human-Centred Business

05:43 The Importance of Purpose and Stakeholder Value

07:48 Designing for Employee and Customer Experience

10:11 Financial Benefits of Human-Centred Practices

12:58 Contrasting Human-Centred and Traditional Models

15:28 Future-Proofing Through Human-Centred Approaches

18:11 Building a Human-Centred Business

20:51 Common Myths and Misconceptions

23:02 Conclusion: The Future of Business is Human-Centered

keywords

human-centred business, employee engagement, customer experience, psychological safety, purpose-driven leadership, stakeholder value, innovation, technology, organisational culture, competitive advantages, future-proof, business growth, business sustainability

In this episode, Sam discusses the critical differences between coaching and mentoring, emphasising their unique roles in supporting successful business leaders. She highlights the importance of education as a foundational element that enhances the effectiveness of both coaching and mentoring.

By understanding these distinctions and the value of structured support, business owners can accelerate their growth and performance, ultimately leading to greater success.

Takeaways

• Running a business today is like a high performance sport.
• Coaching and mentoring deliver different outcomes and support leaders in unique ways.
• A coach helps you think better so that you can do better.
• Mentoring provides wisdom and perspective from experienced individuals.
• Coaching delivers clarity, performance uplift, accountability, and behaviour change.
• Education is a foundational component that enhances coaching and mentoring effectiveness.
• When business leaders understand core principles, they can make immediate changes.
• The synergy of education, coaching, and mentoring creates exponential impact.
• Businesses with external advisors grow faster and report higher confidence.
• With the right support team, business owners can thrive and succeed.

• "Mentoring helps you make better decisions."
• "Education helps organise the chaos."
• "Businesses with external advisors grow faster."

Do you want to benefit from the 25eight model whilst building your business growth strategy?

Our award winning eight-week Next-Level Growth Program helps you get clear and confident to take your business to the next level, on your own terms and without burning out. Find out more here https://www.25eight.co/next-level-growth-programFollow us on socials to keep up to date when new programs open:https://www.linkedin.com/company/25eight-cohttps://www.youtube.com/@25eighthttps://www.facebook.com/25eightCohttps://www.instagram.com/25eight_co

Chapters

00:00 The High Stakes of Running a Business

02:24 Understanding Coaching vs. Mentoring

04:57 The Power of Coaching

05:52 The Role of Mentoring

07:49 The Importance of Education in Business Growth

12:02 The Synergy of Education, Coaching, and Mentoring

14:18 Identifying the Right Support for Growth

Keywords

business coaching, mentoring, business growth, education, leadership, performance improvement, small business, strategic support, coaching outcomes, mentoring benefits

In this episode, Sam discusses the importance of developing your own critical thinking skills and strategies in business. She emphasises that relying on others for answers can lead to a loss of power and agility. By cultivating your own thinking, you can be confident to make informed decisions, adapt to changes, and ultimately thrive in a dynamic business environment.

Sam shares insights on how to build your own strategy, the significance of contextual intelligence, and the value of seeking guidance while maintaining ownership of your decisions.

Takeaways

• When you live someone else's answer, you're giving away your power.
• Critical thinking fosters better decision-making and self-reflection.
• Owning your thinking positions you to make informed decisions.
• Outsourcing thinking can lead to a loss of agility.
• Asking uncomfortable questions is a signal of learning.
• Investing in your thinking prepares your business to adapt.
• Contextual intelligence is key to long-term success.
• Following someone else's script can lead to stagnation.
• Building your own perspective enhances the effectiveness of support.
• Thinking for yourself leads to faster execution and real decisions.

Do you want to reclaim your power and develop your critical thinking skills whilst building your business growth strategy?

Our award winning eight-week Next-Level Growth Program helps you get clear and confident to take your business to the next level, on your own terms and without burning out.

Find out more here https://www.25eight.co/next-level-growth-program

Follow us on socials to keep up to date when new programs open:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/25eight-co

https://www.youtube.com/@25eight

https://www.facebook.com/25eightCo

https://www.instagram.com/25eight_co

Quotes

• "You give away your power."
• "You need to be the answer."
• "Thinking for yourself compounds."

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Independent Thinking

08:04 Building Your Own Growth Strategy

12:04The Importance of Contextual Intelligence

Keywords

critical thinking, business strategy, decision making, self-empowerment, entrepreneurship, growth mindset, agility, innovation, learning, ownership

In this episode, Sam discusses the concept of investment beyond just financial terms, emphasising that every choice we make is an investment of our time, energy, and attention. She explores the importance of self-investment, the compounding effect of small, consistent actions, and the need for conscious decision-making in our daily lives.

The conversation also touches on the collective impact of our investments on society and the environment, urging listeners to reflect on their personal and collective investment strategies.

Takeaways

• Every one of us is an investor every single day.
• Investment isn't just about money; it's about time and energy.
• The returns we get depend on where and how we invest.
• Self-investment is often the hardest but yields the best returns.
• Small acts of self-investment compound over time.
• Being a conscious investor starts with awareness.
• Most decisions are emotional, not rational.
• Investing in local businesses strengthens communities.
• Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want.
• Invest wisely for a thriving future.

Are you ready to invest in yourself and the growth of your business? 25eight's Next-Level Growth Program guides you to develop as the leader your business needs to reach the next stage.

Grow your confidence and capabilities as a small-medium business leader and join the next cohort of the award winning Next-Level Growth Program - https://www.25eight.co/next-level-growth-program

Chapters

00:00 Investing Beyond Money

02:50 The Power of Self-Investment

05:10 Conscious Investment and Long-Term Growth

08:28 Collective Investment and Societal Impact

Keywords:

investment, self-improvement, personal growth, conscious investing, time management, energy allocation, societal impact, behavioural psychology, neuroplasticity, long-term growth

In this episode of Make Time, host Sam discusses the common challenges small businesses face in marketing, emphasising the importance of having a solid strategy rather than just relying on tactics. She highlights how understanding customer needs, building a strong brand, and creating a seamless customer experience are crucial for effective marketing. Sam also addresses the role of agencies in marketing and how they can only be effective if they understand the unique aspects of a business. The episode concludes with a focus on intentional marketing strategies that lead to sustainable growth.TakeawaysMany businesses focus too much on tactics rather than strategy.Understanding the 'why' behind marketing efforts is crucial.A strong brand shapes customer perception and builds trust.Customer experience is every interaction along the journey.Marketing campaigns must consider customer experience to be effective.Agencies can't build a strategy they don't understand.A solid strategy provides a decision-making filter for businesses.Knowing your audience and their values is essential for success.Creative marketing can help businesses stand out in crowded markets.Intentional marketing leads to better results and sustainable growth.Chapters00:00 Understanding the Core Challenges in Business Marketing03:14 The Importance of Strategy Over Tactics06:01 Building a Strong Brand and Customer Experience09:07 The Role of Agencies in Marketing Strategy11:53 Creating Intentional Marketing for GrowthKeywords:business marketing, strategy, customer experience, branding, small business, marketing tactics, agency collaboration, growth strategies, effective marketing, customer feedbackVisit www.25eight.co to find out more about our transformational business programs