Do customers actually value inefficiency over quick service & products?

In this episode, host of the UK's number 1 marketing podcast Nudge and behavioural science expert, Phill Agnew talks about how detrimental our obsession with efficiency can be.  

Phill is a walking encyclopedia of marketing & behavioural psychology and draws on some of the most mind blowing research to make his points. He does it his own expertly engaging way that's impossible not to get engrossed in.

In this episode we talk about:

• Why Starbucks customers complained about efficient service.
• How telling customers what to do might push them the opposite way.
• Why Phill walked 60k to speak at an event.
• Why it's so hard to be yourself online.
• How you can blackout social media and still flourish.
• Why a small audience is more valuable than a huge following.
• How things that are difficult usually give the best rewards.
• Why you think you like "Hey Ya" even though it *might* be rubbish!
• Why perceived value sinks when an audience thinks a product is AI generated.

More about Phill

Phill's podcast, Nudge, has amassed over £350k listeners and features some of the biggest names in marketing and psychology including Rory Sutherland, Chris Voss, Robert Cialdini, Katie Milkman, Nir Eyal and Professor Richard Wiseman.

As he shows in this episode, Phill is a master of turning behavioural science techniques and studies into actionable advice you can implement in your business immediately.

His newsletter also gives you access to a literal vault of information that every business owner should be accessing and implementing.

Phill speaks at multiple events and conferences throughout the year and if you get a chance to jump on one, I highly recommend it.

He was an incredibly interesting guest that gave mountains of information and insights for you to take away (hence the long episode!).

Here's how you can find out more and connect with Phill:

- Nudge podcast - https://www.nudgepodcast.com/

- Nudge newsletter - https://www.nudgepodcast.com/mailing-list

- Courses - https://maven.com/nudge-unit/course-cohort

- Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phill-agnew/

Connect with Chris!

Website: www.chrisjameswriting.com

Learn more about the episodes: https://chrisjameswriting.substack.com/

Youtube: @nopainpod

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrislubas/

What's it like being a mum and a successful business owner?

In this week's episode, CEO of Otium Concierge, Katie Moss, opens up about some the shocking crap women have to go through to get to the top in business.

This is a frank and honest discussion that really highlights how far we've still got to go for equality in the workplace and is an incredibly important episode in the series.

In this episode we talk about:

• The toxicity that still exists in some workplaces
• How Katie managed shocking harassment at work
• How men and women can be more aware of each other's differences
• The importance of your own health & well-being as a business owner
• How to be consistent over 90 days
• What you can learn from the world of banking
• Why you need a strong team around you
• How to balance running a business with being a parent

More about Katie

Katie is hugely experienced in providing incredible service. Having started her career in private banking, she has spent the last decade building the truly brilliant business & lifestyle concierge service, Otium Concierge. 

Otium offer concierge services to individuals, families, and business professionals across the UK and beyond who want to simplify their lives and elevate their lifestyle.

She is a networking queen and has colleagues and connections in every corner of the business world you can imagine. 

Having known Katie for almost the entirety of Otium's existence, I can categorically say she is one of the most highly experienced people I know in the world of service, customer care & organisation.

Katie opens up about some very personal and very important subjects in this episode that cover hot topics of conversation that very much need talking about.

Here's how you can find out more about Otium and connect with Katie:

Website: https://www.otium-concierge.com/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-moss-11ba8b69/

Instagram: @your_otium

Connect with Chris!

Website: www.chrisjameswriting.com

Learn more about the episodes: https://chrisjameswriting.substack.com/

Youtube: @nopainpod

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrislubas/

How do you go about making yourself and your business more visible?

In this episode, I speak to freelance visibility coach, the "lovely" Zara-Dee Hannay. 

Zara helps freelancers get paid to do what they love. She's an expert in getting you seen and giving you the confidence to get the work you can truly be proud of. She also happens to be a trained actor!

In this episode we talk about:

• How to utilise your network (even if you're just starting out)
• Making sure you tell everyone what you do
• How to pull previous experience into your business
• Why you shouldn't be shy about telling people you're just starting
• The difficulties of balancing your personal and business life
• How confidence grows from just doing
• The importance of always being open to conversations

More about Zara-Dee

Zara is an excellent coach who has carved out a freelance career in the areas she loves most - which is what it's all about!

She's put her own spin on being a visibility coach by pulling across all her experience as a trained actor to give freelancers the confidence to achieve what she has too.

Zara is also a host at Co-Work Crew Leeds where freelancers come together to work with like-minded people (definitely check it out if you're in the area!). 

Her excellent podcast, 'Success Behind the Scenes' is in it's 3rd season and is a must listen to fans of this show - I highly recommend it.

It was a real pleasure to catch up with Zara and I'm sure you'll all love this episode.

And here's how you can find out more and connect with Zara:

Website: https://www.zaradeecoach.com/

Podcast: Success Behind the Scenes

Instagram: Zaradeecoach

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaradeecoach/

Co-work Crew Leeds: https://coworkcrew.com/locations/leeds/

Connect with Chris!

Website: www.chrisjameswriting.com

Learn more about the episodes: https://chrisjameswriting.substack.com/

Youtube: @nopainpod

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrislubas/

How far would you go to get people to pay attention to your business?

In this week's episode, podcaster, marketer & founder of Rokman, Terry Rosoman talks about the incredible challenge he completed that not only raised £10k for Movember, but gave him one of the most insane world records around (*spoiler alert* it's a touch cheeky!).

A combination of mental and physical strength and an eye for capturing attention helped him raise awareness of his brand (helping men's mental health) while raising a huge individual amount for 'Movember'.

In this episode we talk about:  

• How to get the attention of your target audience
• How he came up with the idea that got him his world record
• The parallels between running a business & physical challenges
• The importance of proving a concept before throwing money at it
• The daily grind of running a business
• How to manage being judged
• How to accept not being great at the start of your journey
• Endurance being the ultimate goal

More about Terry

Terry is a marketer by day who's grown Rokman into a leading platform for thousands of running & health enthusiasts. His platform, community & podcast provide members with challenges that give your training purpose.

During the episode, Terry explains how his own journey through mental & physical health inspired his business and how he's worked through the setbacks of trying to build something that truly matters.

His ability to grab attention got him recognised in nation newspapers, the New York Post and even 'Have I Got News For You' for his incredible world record.

When you listen you'll understand why...  

I've known Terry for probably 20 years & the journey he's been on both in his physical & mental health and the company he has built is fascinating. 

Parental advisory - he's got a mouth like a sewer!

Here's how you can find out more about Rokman & connect with Terry:

Podcast: Rokman Podcast

Website: https://rokman.co.uk/

Instagram: @teamrokman

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@terryrosoman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryrosoman/

Connect with Chris!

Website: www.chrisjameswriting.com

Learn more about the episodes: https://chrisjameswriting.substack.com/

Youtube: @nopainpod

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrislubas/

How do you build your (*buzzword alert*) personal brand?

In this episode I speak to the person I've titled "Queen of popupability", the brilliant Mel Barfield.

Mel is an award-winning copywriter, speaker & facilitator, Linkedin aficionado & founder of the excellent Indie Business Club podcast. She also recently became a managing partner in the copywriting agency 'Copy or Die'.

But her #1 superpower is knowing how to be seen in all the right places.

In this episode we talk about:

• What it's like to be freelance
• The importance of building your personal brand
• How to be more visible to your audience
• Why you need to be your own best cheerleader
• Why you need to stop telling people you're "new"
• The importance of being yourself
• The joy of meeting like-minded people in the freelance community
• Mel's favourite cheese

More about Mel

Mel is a highly respected copywriter who has proved you don't need decades of experience to be skilled at what you do. Her recent move to Managing Partner at Copy or Die is testament to that.

Mel has made a freelance career by "simply" being herself. She's a regular speaker and facilitator at multiple events and regular columnist for Freelancer Magazine. She also won the 2024 Women in Marketing award for Brand Copywriting and if you're not following her on Linkedin...are you truly on Linkedin?

Mel often talks and writes about themes such as finding your own luck, being yourself online and standing out. She shares so many insights around these areas that it's like attending one of her talks.

This episode is packed with hints, tips and advice that you can act on right now.

She also recommends a decent cheese!

If you love the episode and want to find more out about Mel, here's how:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniebarfield/

Podcast: Indie Business Club

Website: https://allcopymel.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allcopymel/

Connect with Chris!

Website: www.chrisjameswriting.com

Learn more about the episodes: https://chrisjameswriting.substack.com/

Youtube: @nopainpod

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrislubas/

Sometimes the best thing you can learn in business is knowing when to stop.

In this episode, I speak to my good friend of a couple of decades - Jimmi Nicholls. Jimmi is now MD of media production company CADE Media but before that, he sold his company Attacus Cycling which nearly pushed him to the edge.

His company's podcast, 'The Wild Ones', has almost 400k subscribers & featured on the Netflix series 'Tour de France: Unchained'. He's run 2 successful companies & spent his formative years tearing up the Cardiff rock scene with yours truly!

In this episode we talk about:

• How to chip away at building a business
• Understanding it's ok to change your path
• The parallels between running a business & physical health
• What it's like to sell your company
• How to prevent your business trapping you
• How to stop before your business burns you out
• What being in a band can teach you

More about Jimmi

Jimmi is a highly experienced business owner who has been through pretty much all the highs & lows of building, running & selling a business.

During this episode, Jimmi shares his personal struggles, his history of career hopping before finding his place & what it's like to sell your business.

Aside from the fun of catching up with a mate, it was a real pleasure talking to him. He doesn't hold back & was kind enough to give real perspective on the gritty realities of building a business.

If you love cycling (or very well-produced podcasts) you can find more about Jimmi & CADE media here:

Podcast: The Wild Ones

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cade_Media

Website: https://www.cademedia.co.uk/

Instagram: @cademediaofficial

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmi-d-nicholls-06b43631/

Connect with Chris!

Website: www.chrisjameswriting.com

Learn more about the episodes: https://chrisjameswriting.substack.com/

Youtube: @nopainpod

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrislubas/

You've got to be comfortable with taking risks to run a successful business.

In this episode, I speak with the founder of my favourite magazine (Freelancer Magazine) Sophie Cross about all the fun and games of creating a magazine.

Sophie is a marketer, event organiser, course creator and speaker as well as creating and running the magazine. She's built an awesome freelance community and even finds time to DJ on the side...sort of!

In this episode we talk about:

• Spinning the plates of business & personal life
• Why you need to give yourself a break
• How hard times often force the clearest decisions
• Why you should regularly ask yourself, "Is this what I want?".
• Why you shouldn't be scared to change your mind in business
• How to stop your hobbies becoming work

More about Sophie

Sophie is Freelancer Magazine's founder and Chief Connector. With a background in marketing, her real passion is helping freelancers build their business with support from the network she's built.

She's also a speaker & network event facilitator & this year ran the first Freelancer Masterclass Live (FML) online conference (which you can now book onto for 2027!)

Sophie gave tonnes of insight on all aspects of being freelance and running a business. 

If you like what you hear, this is where you can find out more & connect with Sophie:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophcross/

Instagram: @freelancermag

Freelancer Magazine: https://freelancermagazine.co.uk/

Freelancer Masterclass Live 2027: https://freelancermagazine.co.uk/freelancer-masterclass-waitlist/

Connect with Chris!

Website: www.chrisjameswriting.com

Learn more about the episodes: https://chrisjameswriting.substack.com/

Youtube: @nopainpod

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrislubas/

Why on earth are you running a business...?

With all the stress & pain it can bring, we've all asked ourselves exactly that question.

In this episode, I speak to Linkedin expert & marketing guru, Gus Bhandal about how you make sure you know your why to get the best out of your business.

Gus is a very witty speaker who oozes experience & chocolate orange in equal measure!

In this episode we talk about:

• Gus's journey from Marketer to Pub landlord to Linkedin Guru.
• Why it's so important to celebrate small milestones.
• How to run your business your way.
• How to keep focusing on your "why".
• The importance of your personal brand.
• How many social media platforms you should be posting on.
• Why music is the great leveller.
• Multiple references to all things orange!

More about Gus

Gus Bhandal is a LinkedIn trainer, speaker, social media strategist, and founder of M-Guru Marketing Agency. He also runs the Squeeze LinkedIn membership community, hosts LinkedIn Local in Birmingham, and is one of the creators of Uplift Live. 

Known for his bold orange branding & practical marketing advice, Gus helps business owners use LinkedIn more effectively to grow their profile, build relationships, & win work. 

He's a regular columnist (and former pin-up, sorry, cover star) for Freelancer Magazine & loves chocolate oranges.

If that wasn't enough Gus for you, you can connect with him & find out more here:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mguruuk/

Website: https://www.themguru.co.uk

Instagram: mguruuk

Connect with Chris!

Website: www.chrisjameswriting.com

Learn more about the episodes: https://chrisjameswriting.substack.com/

Youtube: @nopainpod

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrislubas/

In episode 2, I speak to the truly fascinating mindset & visibility coach, Laura Hayter.

After working as a coach in physical health, Laura pivoted to help entrepreneurs & business owners learn how to get out of their own way to operate at their full potential.

Laura articulates what she does & why it's relevant to business owners so well in this episode. There's tonnes of valuable takeaways in this one!

In this episode we talk about:

• That inner critic in your head
• Why good enough is often good enough
• Why you keep moving your goals
• Why it's important to take time for yourself
• The need to appreciate how well you're doing
• Why you need to find the right network for you

More about Laura

Laura is a highly successful mindset & visibility coach. From 2012, Laura generated a huge Instagram following & subsequent business as a physical fitness coach. 

She soon realised that her true calling was helping business owners & entrepreneurs who were all suffering from the same problem - the inability to reach their full potential.

In her own words Laura "...helps business owners dismantle the subconscious patterns that keep them holding back, so they can expand, lead, and scale with clarity, self-trust, and capacity - without burning out or losing themselves".

Laura also runs her own excellent podcast - The Inner Authority where she discusses the subconscious work behind scaling, revenue, visibility & impact for female business owners.

If you loved the episode and want to find out more about Laura, you can find her here:

Instagram: laurahaytercoaching

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/laura-hayter

Website: www.laurahaytercoaching.co.uk

Podcast: The inner authority

Connect with Chris!

Website: www.chrisjameswriting.com

Learn more about the episodes: https://chrisjameswriting.substack.com/

Youtube: @nopainpod

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrislubas/

In this episode I'm joined by principal of Ingram Wealth, Rob Ingram. We talk about getting through personal pain while you're running your business & how many times you might've thought about quitting (probably to stack shelves in [insert local supermarket here]!).

We discuss:

- what wealth really means (spoiler alert - it's NOT about money!)

- why young people should care about wealth management

- who holds you accountable when you're your own boss

- how to deal with personal pain while trying to run your business

- how to keep going when you just want to quit

- why believing in yourself is the ultimate cheat code

About Rob Ingram

Rob is the owner of Ingram Wealth where he & his team build mutual trust to foster long-term partnerships where your success is their priority. He provides face to face financial planning strategies to help business owners achieve their personal & business goals. 

Rob uses a truly personal approach & takes a genuine interest in all his clients' lives when helping them with decisions to reach their goals. And I can vouch for this as one of Rob's clients for almost 10 years!

It was a real pleasure speaking to him about his business journey & I hope you all enjoy the episode as much as I did recording.

Check out my podcast Substack post for this episode for more on how to use Rob's advice.

To find out more about Ingram Wealth or contact Rob:

Website: https://www.ingramwealth.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robingramsjp/

Connect with Chris!

Website: www.chrisjameswriting.com

Learn more about the episodes: https://chrisjameswriting.substack.com/

Youtube: @nopainpod

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrislubas/