In this episode of A Funny Thing Called Business, join Pete, Darren, Kate, and special guest Jenny Procter, a marketing consultant, as they dive into the art of selling without feeling salesy. The group shares their personal experiences and insights on how to approach sales with authenticity and relationship-building at the forefront.

They discuss:
- The discomfort of traditional sales tactics and the importance of genuine connections.
- The concept of "business foreplay" and why it matters in sales conversations.
- Strategies for understanding client pain points and offering solutions rather than pushing products.
- The challenges of follow-ups and how to maintain momentum without being overly aggressive.
- The fine line between sales and marketing, especially in different sectors like public service and charity work.
With plenty of laughter and relatable anecdotes, this episode proves that navigating the sales landscape can be both enjoyable and effective when approached with the right mindset. Grab your favorite beverage and tune in for a dose of business wisdom mixed with humor!

Can you keep a secret? A collective of business owners with over 750 years of experience share their trials and triumphs in the world of business, ensuring you know you're not alone in this journey. #chitchat #business #fun
Get your questions in at - questions@funnythingpod.com

Follow the podcast on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber

Jenny Procter can be found here:
https://www.bondfieldmarketing.com/

Darren Langley can be found here:
https://gravitaswebdesign.com/

Kate Curry can be found here:
https://cudoscreative.co.uk/

Pete Morgan can be found here:
www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

Welcome to "Funny You Should Ask", the Q&A episode of the A Funny Thing Called Business podcast with Kate, Darren & Pete.

Vanessa from Floral Jazz is back for this Q&A where the gang answer questions about invoices, saying 'No' - and scoffing!

Remember, if you would like to ask a question, you can email questions@afunnythingpod.co.uk

Can you keep a secret? A group of business owners with decades of collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun

Follow the podcast on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber

Darren Langley can be found here:

https://www.darrenlangley.com

Kate Curry can be found here:

https://cudoscreative.co.uk/

Pete Morgan can be found here:

www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

Vanessa Harrison canb be found here:

https://www.floraljazz.online/

In this episode of A Funny Thing Called Business, join Kate, Darren, Pete, and special guest Vanessa from Floral Jazz as they tackle the often overlooked yet essential topic of systems and processes in business. The group dives deep into the nitty-gritty of how organization can transform chaos into clarity, sharing their own experiences and the systems they've come to rely on.

They discuss:
- The importance of finding the right tools to streamline workflows, from Trello to HubSpot.
- How to avoid the common pitfalls of over-complicating processes and the value of simplicity.
- Real-life stories of messy situations that could have been avoided with better organization.
- The balance between structure and creativity, especially in a field that thrives on innovation.
- Strategies for tracking leads and ensuring no opportunities slip through the cracks.
With plenty of laughs and relatable moments, this episode proves that even the "boring" aspects of business can lead to significant breakthroughs and success. So, grab a cup of coffee and tune in as they share their wisdom and wit!

Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 50 years of collective experience share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun

Get your questions in at - questions@funnythingpod.com

Follow the podcast on:

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber

Vanessa can be found here:
https://floraljazz.co.uk/

Darren Langley can be found here:
https://gravitaswebdesign.com/

Kate Curry can be found here:
https://cudoscreative.co.uk/

Pete Morgan can be found here:
www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

Resources:
https://www.xero.com/

https://zapier.com/

https://www.mailerlite.com/

Welcome to the first of our NEW Q&A Episodes "Funny You Should Ask..."!

Darren, Kate, Pete & guest business owner Anita go through your questions. Anything to do with being a business owner - the group will almost always have an answer!

Get your questions in at - questions@funnythingpodcast.com

Follow the podcast on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber

Darren Langley can be found here:
https://gravitaswebdesign.com/

Kate Curry can be found here:
https://cudoscreative.co.uk/

Pete Morgan can be found here:
www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

Anita Ellis can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaellis/

Resources:

https://www.bepresentapp.com/

In this lively episode, Darren, Kate, and Pete are joined by guest Anita Ellis, a talented copywriter from Lexicomm. Together, they dive into a thought-provoking discussion about what they would do differently if they could start their businesses from scratch. With over 30 years of collective experience, they share personal anecdotes and insights that highlight the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.

They explore:

- The importance of choosing the right company name and how it can impact your business growth.
- The lessons learned from early pricing strategies and the value of self-worth.
- The unexpected realities of running a business, including the overwhelming amount of admin work.
- The shift from competition to collaboration in the business world.
- The defining moments that made them feel like their businesses were truly "real."

As always, expect plenty of laughs and relatable moments as they navigate the ups and downs of business ownership!

Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years of collective experience share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun

Get your questions in at - questions@funnythingpod.com

Follow the podcast on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber

Darren Langley can be found here:
https://gravitaswebdesign.com/

Kate Curry can be found here:
https://cudoscreative.co.uk/

Pete Morgan can be found here:
www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

Anita Ellis can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaellis/

In this heartfelt episode, Clare, Darren, Kate, and Pete gather to discuss Clare's big decision to take a sabbatical, marking a significant moment in her journey as a business owner. With over 50 years of collective experience, they delve into the motivations behind her choice and explore the steps necessary for taking a break from the hustle of entrepreneurship.

They discuss:
- What prompted Clare to consider a sabbatical at this stage in her life.
- The emotional and practical aspects of stepping away from a business you've built.
- How to prepare for a sabbatical and the fears that come with it.
- The importance of having systems in place to facilitate a smooth transition.
- The challenges and silver linings of embracing change and uncertainty.

As always, expect plenty of laughs and genuine insights as they navigate this personal topic together!

Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 50 years of collective experience share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun

Follow the podcast on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber

Clare Whalley can be found here:
https://meta4coaching.co.uk/

Darren Langley can be found here:
https://www.darrenlangley.com/

Kate Curry can be found here:
https://cudoscreative.co.uk/

Pete Morgan can be found here:
www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete wish you a Happy New 2026 - and ask whether or not, as a business owner, it's truly a time for clean slates, renewal and change?

So, we discuss:

- Do we treat January 1st (or whenever you're back at your desk) as a fresh start?

- Should we be making any plans at all?

- When should you "ditch" something?

- Why is AI nothinbg more than a Ponzi scheme (according to Darren)?

As always, there are plenty of smiles and laughs along the way!

Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun

Follow the podcast on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber

Clare Whalley can be found here:

https://meta4coaching.co.uk

Darren Langley can be found here:

https://www.darrenlangley.com

Kate Curry can be found here:

https://cudoscreative.co.uk/

Pete Morgan can be found here:

www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete enter the world of the woo-woo and discuss the idea, as a business ownder, of asking The Universe for different things within your business journey.

In this episode, they discuss:

- Is Talking To The Universe for everybody?

- What does the process look like?

- What does Kate mean by 'twanging'?

As always, there's plenty of laughs and smiles along the way!

Resources:

The Secret (book)
https://www.thesecret.tv

Green Lights (book)
https://www.matthewmcconaughey.com/greenlights

The Slight Edge (book)
https://www.jeffolsen.com

Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun

Follow the podcast on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber

Clare Whalley can be found here:

https://meta4coaching.co.uk

Darren Langley can be found here:

https://www.darrenlangley.com

Kate Curry can be found here:

https://cudoscreative.co.uk/

Pete Morgan can be found here:

www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk