Mind Your Business With Sara & Helen

In our our latest Q&A, Isobel wants to know what to consider when redesigning the signage for her independent shoe shop, Kathryn is worrying about raising prices for the dog-walking company she's taking over, and Heather wonders how to market her bridal service when she doesn't get (many!) repeat customers. Sara & Helen's advice is excellent not just for these three lovely ladies, but for anyone who runs a small business. Send your questions to info@mybpod.com or get in touch via the channels below.

Cashflow, software plugins, warehouse management systems and stock & sales reports may not sound sexy to the average entrepreneur, but Sara and Helen are here to assure you that the boring stuff is the foundation of any successful business. Giving the nitty-gritty due care and attention is non-negotiable, and provides your operation with the best opportunity to flourish, grow and realise its full potential. We also find out how Helen almost got scammed (again), and why Sara hates the sunshine. And it's the turn of Uncle Matt to offer his words of wisdom.

Entrepreneurial agony aunts Sara & Helen answer questions from Jenn, Ali, Rosemary. Jennie is weighing up a head versus heart dilemma when it comes to finding a venue for her new performing arts business, Abi is wondering if it's a mentor she needs or something else, and Rosemary is suffering a crisis of confidence as she struggles to reach customers post-pandemic. If you need the gals' help email hello@mybpod.com or get in touch via the channels below

Simon, Matt, Mam and Dad are all people you're familiar with if you're a regular listener to the podcast. You'll also know how central the husbands and parents are to Sara and Helen's business lives. In this episode, the gals provide a warts and all exploration of what it entails to work with a partner or relative. (Both do, and pretty much always have, in case you aren't aware!) From bringing domestic strife into the workplace to laying down the law to your other half, no stone is left unturned as they reveal the pros and cons of keeping business in the family. Speaking of which, Sara's hubby Simon makes his debut on Let's Be Frank with some choice accountancy advice.USEFUL RESOURCESGorgias - Helen's customer management software recommendation5 Dysfunctions Of A Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni - Sara's 'on-topic' book recommendation

It's a momentous day for our entrepreneurial agony aunts, as Sara and Helen receive their first ever voice note. It's from Becky, and it's about the merits of setting up a company versus remaining a sole trader. We also receive a question from Lance about promoting his new invention, and advise Gemma on setting up a newsletter - which, take Sara's word for it, is something every business needs to have. If you have burning question for the girls to answer, send it in either written or spoken form to hello@mybpod.com, or via Instagram or our Facebook community. We really would love to hear your dulcet tones, so don't be a shy bairn!

Every entrepreneur has a running list of brilliant ideas, half-started ventures, and products that will change the world. But how do you identify which ones actually deserve your time? The girls offer practical advice about how to separate a genuine opportunity from potential disaster, build a business strategy that acts as a filter, and create a culture where the best ideas get a proper chance to work. Sara shares the brilliant eight-question framework she uses to assess every new thought before commiting to it. And, in identifying a deep-and-meaningful business insight relating to the pigs on Clarkson's Farm, Helen sheds a tear or two - much to Sara's derision!