The Startup Blueprint

The Startup Blueprint

By JaredBusiness
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The Startup Blueprint episodes

  • #7 Ben West: Dealing with the Competition and Just Going For It!
    In this episode, I am joined by Ben West, the Co-founder of 360 Athletic, one of the most exciting new entrants to the London gym scene in recent years. We talk a lot about building a personal brand as well as a corporate brand and all the challenges that go along with this - juggling unfamiliar priorities, making time-sensitive critical decisions, building a client base from scratch, being a boss for the first time and competing with larger, more established brands. Ben is a zero BS dude - he is also down to earth, open and honest. This honesty extends to his willingness to discuss his mistakes and shortcomings. But what I really love about this episode is the fact you can see how hard Ben has worked to correct these mistakes and it is in this process of self-improvement and correction that we can learn the most from Ben. We are reminded that as an entrepreneur you need to be client centric - you need to shape your brand, your product and your sales process around your target demographic. The episode is also reminder of the value that a co-founder can bring to your startup, as well as how important both patience and positivity are in any entrepreneurial journey. But the biggest takeaway for me is that as an entrepreneur, you need to focus on your own business. Of course you need to understand the market and your competitors but you need the confidence do your own thing. Or as Ben says, “stop worrying about what everyone else is doing”.
    53 min
  • #6 Ed Hauck: Building a Food Brand Based on Bangin’ Flavour!
    In this episode, I am joined by Ed Hauck, the Co-founder of The Curators. Ed is looking to disrupt the healthy snack space by building an inspiring, engaging brand rooted in great flavour and taste. His company is barely 2 years old but it has already landed a number of key listings, including Selfridges and Sainsburys. Ed is a self-professed “career schizophrenic”, having worked with major brands such as L’Oreal, Levis, Oakley and Puma, as well as startups such as Fuel, Orchard Pig and Sipsmith. Along the way, he has also set up a recruitment company, a soft drinks company and a sock company. But right now, life is all about The Curators. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to launch a food or beverage brand. Essential … full stop! It is also jam-packed with learning for entrepreneurs in other industries - Ed offers invaluable advice on finding your why, identifying the right gap in the market, remembering that sales is all about being human and ensuring you have weighed up finding a co-founder before your go it alone.  Ed is also focused on building a great team and the right company culture by targeting those who are passionate and possess the right work ethic - hardworking people who understand that startup life can be disruptive and, in Ed’s words, are willing to lean in unquestioningly. But the most important takeaway for me is that you have to love what you do. You have to love your product, the space and your vision. And there is no question that Ed does - just listen when he talks about the theatre of food, the sociability of food and the fact that The Curators is all about bangin' flavour! Enjoy!
    57 min
  • #5 Alex Crockford: From PT to Fitness Model and Fit Tech Entrepreneur

    In this episode, I am joined by Alex Crockford, a personal trainer turned fitness model, influencer and Founder of Crockfit, an online platform designed to support, inspire and motivate millions of people to live happier, healthier lives. Alex is such a cool, positive guy but he is also focused, ambitious and highly driven, traits that have helped him rise to the top of the fitness industry. But as is often the case, it all started with an embarrassing, unpolished product. This episode is packed full of important messages for entrepreneurs in every space. Like the fact that success will always depend on hard work and perseverance or that you need to balance short and long-term goals and take action today (as in, right now!). Or advice on how to juggle competing roles and responsibilities, and ensure you are focusing enough energy on what you are truly passionate about. Alex’s journey also demonstrates that there are moments in life when you have to step away from safety and security, take a leap of faith and just go for it. Enjoy!

    1 hr 2 min
  • #4 Fraser Smeaton: From Drunken Idea to Iconic Brand (A Spandex Story)
    In this episode, I am joined by Fraser Smeaton, Co-founder and CEO of Morphsuits, which was founded in 2009 and achieved an impressive turnover of £1.2m in the first year. They have fuelled growth through strategic partnerships, major distribution deals and licence agreements with an awesome array of household names such as Star Wars, Marvel and Power Rangers. Despite the impressive growth, the company was started by accident after the three founders received free drinks and a load of attention from females on a night out (all because they were wearing all-in-one spandex costumes). But there has also been some serious low points, including a reported loss of nearly £1 million in 2016. This episode is an absolute must for all entrepreneurs and startups … target market analysis, using your audience to fuel product development, investing in the right people, identifying the right company values, the (all-important) difference between profit and cash flow and the importance of working hard and persevering. Trust me when I say this is an absolute gold mine. Enjoy!
    47 min
  • #3 Tom Brazier: From Disillusioned PT to World Class Coach

    In this episode, I am joined by Tom Brazier, the Founder of Total Body Conditioning. Tom has built one of the most respected and successful fitness and physique coaching businesses in the world. He has helped hundreds of clients step on stage and has coached 4 world champions. What impresses me more though is the well-oiled business Tom has built. It is a business that is grounded in quality training, respect, community and an uncompromising focus on results. Tom also serves as a powerful reminder that entrepreneurs need to focus their time on building a business rather than just delivering a service - in Tom’s own words, you need to invest in professional systems and structure today that can drive your business forward for years to come. Enjoy!

    56 min
  • #2 George Hughes-Davies: From Mum's Kitchen to Harrods Food Hall ... Building a Juice Empire
    In this episode, I am joined by George Hughes-Davies, the Founder of Daily Dose. Daily Dose is a London-based cold-pressed juice company that started in George's mum's kitchen but now produces over 40,000 juices per week. The business has gone through two rounds of investment and where there was once just George there is now a team of 20. This episode is full of great advice on the importance of resilience, building a strong team and bringing a quality product to market. George also recalls the moment he made his first sale ... a beautiful moment for any startup. Enjoy!
    44 min
  • #1 Tim Slee: Being Honest, Being Human & Building an Awesome Media Brand
    The Startup Blueprint kicks off by interviewing Tim Slee, the Founder of Square Up Media - a media brand that owns a host of iconic publications, such as Foodism, Escapism, Hedge and Square Mile. These days the business turns over £10m and has offices in three continents, but it all started in a cupboard in a wooden shed in Shepherd’s Bush Market - before it moved to an office overlooking a porn set! This episode is packed with great advice on building the right team, the right company culture and an awesome brand. It is also a powerful reminder that you don’t need to be driven primarily by money. You can prioritise human connections, being present with your team and (above all else) being honest. Enjoy!
    49 min

About The Startup Blueprint

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The podcast designed for entrepreneurs, startups and anyone who has ever wanted to turn a good idea into a great business.