Next Steps for Business

So we've heard about the apprenticeship from the Apprentice's POV (see episode 72) but what is the scope of Apprenticeships?
Who can undertake an apprenticeship?
What is the cost of them?
What does it take to undertake them?
What are the alternatives to doing an apprenticeship?

These questions and more we try to answer in this episode with the help of Mark Tonks from Orange and Blue UK. Mark has appeared on podcasts in the past covering leadership. To see how he brings his leadership training to the benefit of the apprentice

In a mini series thinking through apprenticeship and the benefits it brings to your company, the individual as well as the economy we ask the questions to guests who are affected by it. This not only includes business owner, HR professionals but also the apprentices themselves.

So from the apprentices Point Of View (POV) what is it like? A skivvy's job or do they learn much? What benefits do they see in performing the role? Why do the apprenticeship role? How does it affect their long term career? What will it lead to?
We aim to answer all of these questions and more.

What's special about this episode?
Well Dave interviews his own son, Jacob Wilkes, who is an apprentice at WorkPR
Jake, at 21, is possibly older than most apprentices however, he's had an interesting route to where he is and why he took the role on. He candidly explains the steps that lead him to working with WorkPR and how they are helping him form his career

Filming is easy right?

You've got a script. You've storyboarded what you're going to do. You've got your cast.
Is that all you need to press record?

Not quite... to take the mystery out of the other steps required Dave speaks to James from Johnson & Connolly 
James handles all of the video production within J&C and happily tells Dave his top tips of what you need to consider before pressing record. He covers his 3 Cs and 3 Ss.

What tips can you suggest you need to do to prepare for fiiming?

Organic growth for your business is a sure and steady way to grow your business, however how do you attract the right people for your business?
How do you ensure you keep the right people at your business?
What steps can you perform to ensure your offer to a candidate is taken up?

Dave talks to Caroline Hunt from Emerald Starfish about recruitment. Caroline has years of experience in recruitment and not only wants to help candidates but works with businesses to ensure they get the right candidates to join organisations but also for them to stay there.

What tips do you have for your recruitment policy?

So how can diversity help a leader?
What do we mean by diversity?

One this podcast Dave is joined by Annette Cairns, Director of Green Shed Talent Development 
Annette works with multiple disciplined industries in developing leaders and management training. She brings her insights in to how diversity helps a business and their leaders.
A truly interesting discussion between Dave and Annette to help new leaders to consider more ways in which to grow and get their team delivering to their best by enjoying and utilising the differences rather than simply being clones

As the business owner you are often the figure head of the business, representing the services of your business, but how do you develop you?
With Marie not well Dave invites an old pal on to this week's podcast, Simon Hill. Simon started his career as a trainee producer on Kerrang! Radio under the tuition of Tim Shaw (Car SOS fame).
He's grown his career in to other radio stations, presented on TV as well as regular DJing in clubs. He's grown his own brand, adapting to opportunities and areas of his own personal interest.

How are you developing your personal brand?
What tips can you give in developing your brand to others?

We've discussed leadership traits with some brilliant experts over a number of podcasts but how does it work in the real world?
To get an unbiased opinion we decided to talk to Richard Stone, entrepreneur, owner of multiple business including Stone Contracts to see his view points on leadership and leadership style.

Richard has many years of leadership experience which he brings candidly to the talk. He talks on how his attitude was when he was much younger, how he has developed as a person and how mental health is important to him.
Additionally, who he uses to improve himself.

We all know how useful video can be as part of your marketing strategy.
However, what should we be filming?
Do you have a strategy on how you deploy videos?

Wel wonder no more
Dave and Marie are joined by their editor James Connolly from Johnson & Connolly who by day films and edits videos as part of the visual marketing.
James talks through their recommended "top 7 films" a business should have.
He explains in detail the reason each one is needed and how it will help your business.
He also suggests a priority order you should make a start and how you can then take it on developing as you go

Ever wondered why some businesses under perform?

Wonder if you are doing all you can to make the most of your business?

What steps should you be doing to get the most out of your business?

if you're thinking about setting up a business, have recently set a business up or you've been running your business for a while but don't think its performing like it should this podcast is for you.

Dave and Marie chat through a list of reasons why business under perform and what you could do about it.

What additional steps do you know that businesses frequently miss?

What makes a great leader?
How do you become a great leader?
Are great leaders born or made?

These questions and more are asked and answered by Dave and Marie's guest Annette Cairns of Green Shed Talent Development. 
Annette delivers Leadership training so is ideally based in outlining steps that leaders can look to adopt in order to become Great.

How many of these tips do you already do?
What steps can you recommend for others?