In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Steve Chadwick, a business coach and mindset consultant with extensive operational management experience spanning decades.

They discuss how clarity of vision and a positive mindset are essential for business success, especially for small business owners.

Steve shares practical strategies for setting and visualizing goals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

The conversation highlights the importance of aligning daily actions with long-term vision, fostering a supportive team culture, and prioritizing personal development to drive business growth and resilience.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Steve’s Background and Introduction (00:01:00)

Steve shares his operational management experience and transition to business coaching with a mindset focus.

Working with Big Brands (00:02:05)

Steve discusses his roles at Sainsbury’s and CenterParcs, emphasising team leadership and operational insights.

The Importance of Mindset in Business (00:02:49)

Rob introduces the episode’s focus on mindset and its impact on business success.

Clarity in Strategic Priorities (00:03:02)

Steve explains the need for personal and strategic clarity for business owners to avoid distractions.

Defining Strategic Clarity (00:04:42)

Discussion on what strategic clarity means, including purpose, vision, and aligning decisions with priorities.

Vision and Goal Setting (00:05:39)

Steve advocates for written visions and goals, and the importance of regular review and visualisation.

Imposter Syndrome and Negative Thought Patterns (00:06:38)

Rob raises imposter syndrome; Steve explains the thinking cycle and how thoughts drive outcomes.

Reframing and Breaking Negative Cycles (00:09:15)

Steve describes reframing, interrupting negative spirals, and shifting from a low to a high state of mind.

Burnout and Locus of Control (00:14:32)

Steve discusses burnout, external vs. internal locus of control, and the importance of taking responsibility.

Creating a Compelling Vision and Aligning Daily Tasks (00:17:16)

Practical strategies for developing a vision, writing it down, and aligning daily actions to long-term goals.

Emotional Goal Setting and Visualisation (00:19:31)

Steve introduces emotional goal setting—feeling and visualising goals to engage the mind and drive achievement.

Programming the Subconscious Mind (00:20:53)

Explanation of conscious vs. subconscious mind, using analogies like driving, and the importance of positive programming.

Filtering Inputs and Avoiding Doom-scrolling (00:24:17)

Steve warns about negative inputs, advocates for intentional information consumption, and monitoring mental “inputs.”

Daily Practices and the Reticular Activating System (00:27:29)

Steve explains the brain’s filtering system, focusing on opportunities, gratitude, and solution-oriented thinking.

Self-Talk and the Power of Belief (00:31:00)

Discussion on how self-talk and belief shape outcomes, referencing Henry Ford’s quote on mindset.

Reframing Setbacks and Building Resilience (00:32:13)

Steve emphasises reframing failures as learning opportunities and fostering a positive, open team culture.

Work-Life Mindset Interconnection (00:36:28)

Steve highlights the link between work and personal mindset, advocating for self-reflection and time...

Today we discuss essential skills for small business owners including strategic networking, prioritising your time, and the importance of trust.

In this final episode for this Start, Build, and Grow podcast series, host Rob Lawrence interviews Dave Schofield, a seasoned professional with over 46 years of experience in various roles in the banking sector.

Dave emphasises the importance of listening, building a network, as well as your resilience. Sharing insights on leveraging personal connections, and the significance of feedback and reflection, Dave also highlights the value of building your confidence and how coaching and mentoring can support you.

We also focus on reliability, credibility, and intimacy as key elements of building trust in business relationships.

In this episode you'll learn:

Introduction (00:00:00) Getting to know Dave and his professional background.

Career Evolution (00:01:23) Dave's various career transitions within a single organisation over 46 years.

Transition to Development and Training (00:03:01) Dave's shift toward development and training, and the significance of relationships in his work.

Skills for Small Business Owners (00:05:13) The essential skills for small business owners and the importance of networking.

Resilience in Business (00:10:35) Building resilience as a new business owner and managing challenges effectively.

Building a Network (00:16:30) Strategies for creating and maintaining a valuable professional network, even without a formal one.

Using Your Network (00:17:35) The power of personal networks and leveraging them for various purposes, such as fundraising and business support.

Networking Strategies (00:19:36) Exploration of networking strategies, including leveraging LinkedIn, joining specific business networks, and building a social media presence.

Nurturing Your Network (00:22:15) The importance of nurturing and maintaining personal and professional networks, including reciprocity and mutual support.

Prioritising Time (00:25:16) Prioritising time and focusing on activities that add value to personal and professional networks; with a focus on strategic use of time.

Strategic Networking (00:30:47) Insights into strategic networking, including thoughtful reflection, and targeting specific opportunities for network expansion and business success.

Social Media Management (00:34:12) Balancing social media engagement, and time management for effective business presence.

Confidence and Capability (00:39:06) The relationship between confidence, capability, and success in marketing and business, and the importance of experience and giving and seeking feedback.

Coaching and Mentoring (00:45:38) The role of a coach or mentor for moving forward in business.

Intimacy in Business (00:49:40) Dave explains the importance of understanding clients and building relationships for trust in business.

Trust Equation (00:50:47) The elements of reliability, credibility, and intimacy in building trust with customers.

Importance of Trust (00:51:45) Dave emphasises the significance of trust in business relationships and as a foundation for recommendations.

Connecting with Dave (00:52:02) Dave offers his contact information.

About Dave:

"I started work in 1976 at a small branch of TSB (Bank) on the outskirts of Manchester. I come from a family of 4 children; 3

Peter Basford, an experienced banking professional turned director and business coach joins host Rob Lawrence in today's podcast interview.

Peter shares his experience working with others to help them grow their businesses; from his extensive background and his role in the Start Build Grow program, which supports new startups.

In this chat, Peter emphasises the importance of customer relationships and seeking customer feedback. We also explore the importance of balancing product development, marketing, and operations toward creating a sustainable business.

This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners alike, including strategies for obtaining customer feedback and maintaining strong customer relationships.

In this episode you'll learn:

Peter's Background in Banking (00:00:28)

Peter shares his extensive 33-year career in banking, detailing various roles and experiences.

Transition to Coaching (00:02:26)

Peter discusses his transition from banking to coaching businesses and forming the Business Growth Coaches Network.

Start Build Grow Program (00:03:38)

Peter explains how the Start Build Grow programme is aimed at supporting new and startup businesses.

Reasons for Starting a Business (00:04:00)

Peter highlights common motivations for starting a business, including independence and innovative ideas and how the programme is for individuals with product ideas or those seeking lifestyle changes through entrepreneurship.

Social Entrepreneurs and Bootcamps (00:05:22)

Peter mentions the rise of social entrepreneurs and bootcamps designed to support their business ideas.

Understanding Social Enterprises (00:06:12)

Peter defines social enterprises and their focus on community benefits rather than profit for owners.

B-Corp (00:07:16)

Peter connects the concept of B-Corp to social enterprises and their shared mission of doing good.

Common Mistakes in Startups (00:07:57)

Peter discusses key mistakes startups make, emphasising the importance of balancing product, marketing, and operations.

Three Legs of a Stool (00:08:22)

Successful businesses require a balance of product, marketing, and operational systems to thrive.

Challenges in the Current Environment (00:09:31)

Peter reflects on the tough commercial landscape post-COVID and the need for comprehensive business strategies.

Importance of Customer Relationships (00:10:41)

Peter emphasises the significance of nurturing customer relationships for business success.

Building Trust with Customers (00:10:54)

Peter shares strategies for developing trust and loyalty among customers to enhance brand relationships.

Cost of Acquiring New Customers (00:11:54)

Peter highlights it's ten times more expensive to acquire new customers than to retain existing ones.

Staying in Touch with Customers (00:12:02)

Regular communication with existing customers is crucial to maintaining relationships and identifying new opportunities.

Customer Relationship Management Systems (00:12:28)

Peter recommends using some kind of CRM system to ensure consistent communication with customers.

Feedback Importance (00:13:50)

Peter discusses the necessity of gathering customer feedback to improve products and services.

Asking for Feedback (00:15:10)

Peter advises asking for...