In this special Christmas episode of Bear Business, host Chris Barnard from Feedback Fans discusses the business trends that shaped 2025 and what to expect in 2026. Guests Gemma Johnson from Emotion Brands, Vicki Balance from Step Up Socials, and Phil Hughes from PHH Digital delve into the significance of building authentic brands, community-led social media strategies, and the integration of AI and automation in business workflows.

They highlight how businesses can humanize AI, productize services, and leverage social media to create trust and engage with customers. This episode also discusses the emotional and personal benefits of automation and AI adoption, encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace technological advancements to free up time and enhance business processes.

Find Chris on Social Media

Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjbarnard/

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@feedbackfans

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@getfeedbackfans

Find Gemma on Social Media

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-johnson-emotion-brands/

Website – https://www.emotionbrands.co.uk

Find Vicky on Social Media

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickyballance/

Website – https://stepup-bcp.uk/

Find Phil on Social Media

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-techuk/

Website – https://phhdigital.co.uk/

In this episode of Bear Business, Matt Jones, an independent technical SEO consultant, shares his extensive experience in the marketing field, discussing his transition from in-house roles to freelancing. He emphasises the importance of technical SEO as the foundation for effective online presence, detailing the challenges of integrating SEO early in the website development process. Matt explains the significance of conducting thorough technical audits and measuring success through tangible business outcomes, such as increased revenue and lead generation.

He addresses the current challenges in tracking and reporting due to privacy regulations and the rise of AI, advocating for small businesses to focus on quick wins like improving page speed and URL structure. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of SEO, the necessity of adapting to new technologies, and the enduring value of the human touch in marketing. Matt concludes with a personal note about his favourite game, Geo Guesser, showcasing his competitive spirit and love for geography.

Bear Business is a content series aimed at business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs where we talk to a variety of subject matter experts about their products and services, the state of marketing and look at marketing technology solutions that are available to solve your everyday marketing problems.

Highlights include:

Introduction to Technical SEO Consulting

Chris Barnard introduces Matt Jones, an independent technical SEO consultant, discussing the evolving landscape of SEO and the importance of technical foundations for online success.

Matt's Background and Freelance Journey

Matt shares his journey from in-house marketing roles to agency work and ultimately becoming a freelancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges and rewards of his freelance career.

Preferred Client Types

The conversation explores the types of businesses Matt enjoys working with, particularly e-commerce, and the unique challenges they present, emphasizing the problem-solving aspect of technical SEO.

Defining Technical SEO

Matt explains what technical SEO entails, focusing on website crawlability, indexing, and site architecture, and stresses the importance of a solid technical foundation for effective SEO.

The Need for Early SEO Integration

The discussion highlights the necessity of involving SEO early in the website development process to avoid foundational issues, with Matt sharing insights on how to advocate for this integration.

Conducting Effective Technical SEO Audits

Matt outlines the process of conducting technical SEO audits, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and actionable insights to ensure clients understand and can implement necessary changes.

Measuring SEO Success

The conversation covers how to measure the success of technical SEO efforts, focusing on aligning SEO goals with business outcomes such as increased revenue and lead generation.

Challenges in Tracking and Reporting

Matt addresses the difficulties in tracking and reporting due to privacy changes and consent modes, discussing strategies for improving cookie acceptance rates and the impact on data collection.

Quick Wins for Small Businesses

Matt provides actionable advice for small businesses looking to improve their technical SEO, focusing on optimizing page speed, fixing broken links, and enhancing URL structure.

The Future of SEO and AI

The discussion concludes with Matt's insights on the impact of AI on SEO, including the rise of zero-click searches and the importance of maintaining a human touch in marketing amidst technological advancements.

#SEO #sales #business #entrepreneur #strategy

Find Matt on Social Media

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-jones-seo/

Website: https://www.sevenhillssearch.com/

Find Chris on Social Media

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjbarnard/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@feedbackfans

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@getfeedbackfans

In this episode of Bear Business, Chris Barnard interviews Paul Lanham, founder of the digital consultancy Random Surfer. Paul shares his extensive experience in the marketing industry, focusing on the unique challenges small to medium-sized businesses face in the digital landscape. He discusses the critical moments that led him to establish his own consultancy, emphasizing the importance of tailored digital strategies that cater to the specific needs of each client.

Key themes include the differences between pay-per-click (PPC) advertising and search engine optimization (SEO), the significance of understanding when to engage a digital consultant, and the evolving nature of digital marketing in today’s competitive environment. Paul provides actionable insights for businesses looking to enhance their online presence, advocating for a balanced approach that combines both immediate and long-term strategies. The episode wraps up with a fun discussion about gaming, highlighting the importance of creativity and innovation in both business and play.

Highlights

Introduction to Digital Consultancy

Chris Barnard introduces Paul Lanham, founder of Random Surfer, discussing the challenges small businesses face in the digital marketing landscape and the need for specialized consultancy.

Paul's Background and Journey

Paul shares his journey from working in marketing agencies to founding his own consultancy, highlighting the motivation behind starting Random Surfer and his passion for helping underserved businesses.

Recognising the Right Time for Consultancy

The conversation explores when businesses should consider engaging a digital consultant, with Paul outlining key signs that indicate a need for professional guidance.

Understanding PPC vs. SEO

Paul explains the differences between pay-per-click advertising and search engine optimization, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to digital marketing.

The Importance of Active Management

The discussion covers the necessity of actively managing digital marketing accounts, particularly in the context of PPC campaigns, to ensure optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.

Building an Effective Marketing Mix

Paul discusses how to create a balanced marketing mix, including budget allocation for SEO and PPC, to maximize results and drive business growth.

The Role of Negative Keywords

Paul highlights the significance of maintaining an active negative keyword list in PPC campaigns to prevent wasted ad spend and improve targeting accuracy.

Red Flags in Digital Consultancy

The conversation shifts to identifying red flags when engaging with digital consultants, including signs of spammy outreach and the importance of verifying credentials.

The Future of Digital Marketing

Paul shares his insights on the future of digital marketing, particularly the impact of AI and machine learning on the industry, and how businesses can leverage these tools for success.

In this episode of Bear Business, Chris Barnard sits down with Shafia Cullum, founder of Kia Marketing, to explore the evolving landscape of telemarketing in 2025. Shafia shares her inspiring journey from door-to-door sales to establishing a successful telemarketing business, emphasizing the critical importance of resilience, preparation, and understanding your audience. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of cold calling, the significance of authentic engagement, and the strategies that can lead to success in the telemarketing industry.

Key themes include the necessity of thorough preparation and research before making calls, the art of building trust through genuine interactions, and the role of scripting in effective communication. Shafia provides actionable insights for businesses looking to enhance their telemarketing efforts, advocating for a human-centered approach that prioritizes relationship building. The episode wraps up with a fun discussion about memorable experiences in sales, reinforcing the importance of connection and authenticity in both personal and professional realms.

Highlights

Introduction to Telemarketing in 2025

Chris Barnard introduces Shafia Cullum, founder of Kia Marketing, discussing the current state of telemarketing and the skills needed to thrive in this evolving field.

Shafia's Journey from Sales to Entrepreneurship

Shafia shares her background in sales, detailing her transition from door-to-door marketing to launching her own telemarketing business, highlighting the resilience required along the way.

The Importance of Resilience

Shafia reflects on her experiences with rejection in sales, emphasizing how overcoming challenges builds resilience and prepares individuals for success in business.

Preparation and Research

The conversation shifts to the critical role of preparation in telemarketing. Shafia explains how understanding the target audience and conducting thorough research can significantly impact call outcomes.

Building Trust Through Authentic Engagement

Shafia discusses the importance of authenticity in telemarketing, sharing strategies for building trust with potential clients through genuine interactions.

The Art of Scripting

The discussion covers the use of scripts in cold calling, with Shafia advocating for a balance between structure and natural conversation to enhance engagement.

Overcoming Objections

Shafia shares effective techniques for handling objections during sales calls, encouraging listeners to view objections as opportunities for deeper engagement.

The Role of Telemarketing in Business Growth

Shafia emphasizes how telemarketing can be a powerful tool for business growth when executed with the right strategies and mindset.

The Future of Kia Marketing

Shafia shares her vision for Kia Marketing, focusing on expanding her services and empowering businesses to embrace telemarketing as a viable growth strategy.

Fun and Memorable Sales Stories

The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about memorable experiences in sales, showcasing the importance of connection and enjoyment in the business world.

#marketing #sales #business #entrepreneur #strategy

Find Shafia on Social Media

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shafia-cullum-619879181/

Website: https://www.kia.marketing/

Find Chris on Social Media

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjbarnard/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@feedbackfans

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@getfeedbackfans

In this episode of Bear Business, Chris Barnard interviews Vicky Ballance about the transformative power of community and authenticity in business. Vicky shares her journey from digital project management to founding Step Up Socials, emphasizing the need for businesses to engage authentically with their audiences. She discusses her pilot project in Bearwood, aimed at fostering collaboration among local businesses and encouraging them to show up authentically online.

Key themes include the shift from traditional marketing to a more human-centered approach, the importance of building trust through consistent engagement, and the role of social media in enhancing community connections. Vicky provides practical strategies for businesses to foster genuine relationships with their audiences, advocating for planning and consistency in social media efforts. The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about games, reinforcing the importance of connection and fun in both personal and professional realms.

#marketing #social #business #community #strategy

Find Vicky on Social Media

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

Website: https://stepupsocials.co.uk/

Find Chris on Social Media

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjbarnard/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@feedbackfans

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@getfeedbackfans

In this episode of the Bear Business Vodcast, Chris Barnard interviews Phil Storey, founder of Glow, about the critical role of website support and maintenance in business success.

Phil shares his journey from running a web design agency to creating Glow, a platform that integrates support and maintenance services. They discuss the challenges agencies face in selling maintenance packages and the importance of proactive website management to mitigate security risks and drive business growth. Phil emphasizes the value of effective communication between agencies and clients, and he highlights Glow’s unique features, including white labeling and reporting capabilities.

Looking ahead, both Chris and Phil acknowledge the evolving landscape of web development, particularly with the rise of AI, while affirming the continued importance of websites for businesses.

Highlights

Introduction to the Episode

Chris Barnard introduces the episode of the Bear Business Vodcast, featuring Phil Story, founder of Glow. They discuss the significance of website support and maintenance as a competitive advantage for businesses.

Phil's Journey to Founding Glow

Phil shares his background, detailing his experience running a web design agency in Leeds for ten years. He explains how the need for better support and maintenance systems led him to create Glow, a product that integrates these services into one platform.

The Importance of Support and Maintenance

Chris and Phil discuss how effective support and maintenance can enhance client retention. Phil emphasizes that many agencies overlook selling maintenance packages, which can lead to significant revenue loss.

Client and Agency Perspectives

Phil explores the challenges agencies face in selling maintenance services, noting that clients often lack technical knowledge. He uses a car maintenance metaphor to illustrate the necessity of ongoing website care.

Security Risks and the Need for Proactive Maintenance

The conversation shifts to the security risks associated with poorly maintained websites. Phil highlights the frequency of hacking attempts and the importance of having a reliable agency partner to mitigate these risks.

The Business Value of Active Website Management

Chris and Phil discuss how actively managed websites can drive business growth. They stress the importance of ongoing improvements and the role of agencies in helping clients maximize their website's potential.

The Role of Agencies in Client Relationships

Phil encourages business owners to engage with their agencies about website improvements. He emphasizes that proactive communication can lead to better website performance and client satisfaction.

Glow's Unique Selling Proposition

Phil explains Glow's features, including its ability to streamline support and maintenance processes for agencies. He highlights the platform's reporting capabilities, which help agencies demonstrate value to clients.

White Labeling and Customisation

Phil discusses Glow's white label options, allowing agencies to brand the platform as their own. This feature enhances client continuity and strengthens agency branding.

Future of Websites and AI Integration

The conversation turns to the future of websites, with Phil acknowledging the impact of AI on web development. He believes that while changes are coming, websites will remain essential for businesses in the near future.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Chris wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to explore Glow and its offerings. Phil invites listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn and visit the Glow website for more information.

#marketing #wordpress #business #insights #strategy

Find Phil on Social Media

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-storey/

Website: https://getglow.io/

Find Chris on Social Media

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjbarnard/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@feedbackfans

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@getfeedbackfans

In this episode of the Bear Business vodcast, Chris Barnard of FeedbackFans.com is joined by Michael Jackson, founder of Elite Sports Marketing, to discuss the intersection of sports and marketing, focusing on the benefits and opportunities sports sponsorship offers to businesses. Michael shares his journey of entering the sports marketing industry without prior experience, breaking down how brands can leverage partnerships with sports teams to enhance their visibility and build trust with large audiences. They also explore the evolution of sports sponsorship, moving beyond traditional methods to more creative, community-driven, and data-backed approaches. The episode highlights valuable insights on building successful partnerships, the importance of aligning business objectives with the right teams, and the growing role of storytelling in modern sports sponsorship.We discuss a wide range of topics:1. Introduction to Sports MarketingChris Barnard welcomes Michael Jackson, who introduces himself and his journey to founding Elite Sports Marketing. Michael shares how he built his company from scratch, relying on sales experience and a passion for sports.2. The Importance of Sports Sponsorship for BusinessesMichael explains the immense audience reach of sports, especially football, and how brands can benefit from this exposure. He discusses the reasons brands choose sports sponsorship and how it creates trust among consumers.3. The Role of Community in Sports SponsorshipThey dive into the role of community in sports sponsorship, particularly how clubs’ involvement in local initiatives creates meaningful engagement for brands. Michael highlights that post-COVID, this aspect has become even more significant.4. Evolution of Commercial Departments in Sports ClubsChris and Michael discuss how football clubs, even in lower tiers, have professionalized their commercial offerings, moving from basic sponsorship to emotionally resonant, value-driven packages that connect with fans on a deeper level.5. Success Stories and Memorable CampaignsMichael shares success stories like Norwich City’s mental health campaign and creative partnerships like Crystal Palace’s collaboration with Cure water. These examples illustrate the power of innovative thinking in sponsorship.6. Pitfalls in Sports SponsorshipThey discuss failed sponsorship deals, such as Chevrolet’s partnership with Manchester United, which illustrates how a mismatch between brand goals and audience can lead to ineffective sponsorship.7. The Power of Data in Choosing SponsorshipsMichael emphasizes the importance of data in selecting the right partnerships, explaining how Elite Sports Marketing matches brands with the most suitable teams based on their audience, market presence, and objectives.8. The Impact of Sports DocumentariesChris and Michael talk about the popularity of sports documentaries like Sunderland 'Til I Die and Mission to Burnley, and how they have brought a fresh perspective to sports sponsorship, attracting new brands and marketers.9. Creative and Engaging Sports PartnershipsMichael outlines what’s working in sports sponsorship today, including the shift toward storytelling, real-life community impact, and data-driven campaigns, highlighting the ways brands can stand out by embracing creativity and authenticity.10. How to Get the Most Value from SponsorshipsThe conversation wraps up with a discussion on the costs of sponsorship packages across different sports and tiers, with Michael providing examples of pricing and how to maximize value from a partnership.#marketing #sponsorship #business #insights #strategyFind Michael on Social MediaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljacksonlinkedin/Website: https://www.elitesports-marketing.co.uk/Find Chris on Social MediaLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjbarnard/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@feedbackfansYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@getfeedbackfans

In this episode of the Bear Business Vodcast, host Chris Barnard interviews Jenna Farrell, founder of Scopey, a software solution designed to manage and prevent scope creep in professional services. Scope creep, a common issue in creative and tech industries, often leads to revenue loss and project mismanagement. Jenna shares her background as a former digital agency owner and discusses the problems scope creep caused in her business, which led to the creation of Scopey.

The conversation explores the origins and evolution of scope creep, the importance of fluid and live documentation in modern work environments, and how Scopey addresses scope creep by capturing and organizing unapproved changes from client communications. They delve into how Scopey fits into agile project management and offers unique value by helping agencies upsell services and recover lost revenue. Jenna also shares insights into the cultural challenges of upselling and cross-selling, especially in the UK and Ireland, and the importance of educating clients to manage expectations and scope.

The episode ends with a discussion on Scopey’s growth, future plans, and Jenna’s experience securing funding from Enterprise Ireland to scale the business.

Introduction to Bear Business and Scopey
Chris introduces the topic of scope creep and the guest, Jenna Farrell, founder of Scopey. Jenna shares her journey from running a digital agency to developing Scopey as a solution to scope creep.

The Problem of Scope Creep
Jenna describes how scope creep affected her business, leading to revenue loss, and explains the static and outdated nature of traditional project scopes, which do not adapt to fluid project requirements.

How Scopey Works
Jenna introduces Scopey and explains how it focuses on tracking client communications to manage scope changes. She uses the analogy of project management as a chaotic kitchen, with Scopey serving as the client-facing menu that helps manage requests.

Modern Approaches to Scope Management
The conversation shifts to agile methodologies and how Scopey fits into modern work practices. Jenna explains how Scopey helps teams adapt to continuous changes without derailing projects.

Upselling Through Scopey
Jenna discusses the importance of upselling and how Scopey makes it easier for agencies to identify out-of-scope work and turn it into additional revenue opportunities.

Cultural Barriers to Upselling in Agencies
Chris and Jenna talk about the cultural challenges of upselling in the UK and Ireland, and the need to shift the mindset from selling to consulting in client relationships.

Scopey’s Early Adopters and Use Cases
Jenna shares how agencies and even industries like law and insurance are using Scopey to manage scope creep and improve their project outcomes.

Scope Creep as an Opportunity
Scope creep is reframed as an opportunity for agencies to better serve their clients and grow their revenue through strategic upselling, made easier by Scopey’s documentation and pricing features.

Future of Scopey and Integration with Other Tools
Jenna discusses the future of Scopey, its recent public beta launch, and upcoming integrations with tools like HubSpot and Salesforce, which will expand its use in larger organizations.

Enterprise Ireland Funding and Growth
Jenna shares her experience working with Enterprise Ireland to secure funding, which will help Scopey create jobs in Ireland and grow into a larger business.

Scopey’s Pricing Model
Jenna explains Scopey’s current freemium pricing model and how they are testing price points as they add new features during their beta phase.

Closing Thoughts and Favourite Game
The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted question about Jenna’s favorite game, Gaelic football, and how she has adapted to the sport since moving to Ireland.