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.

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!

In our weekly therapy session, Sara and Helen deal with listener queries about how to keep going in the workplace, making the right move after a change of professional circumstances, and what it takes to be a mentor. We also appoint a Japanese ambassador without approval (cheers, Levan), and get a rude - if not terrifying - interruption from the gals' dad, Frank.

The girls are back from a family holiday, and - in addition to sharing poolside antics - can't resist deconstructing their trip from a business perspective. What do you expect? It's in their bones! When it comes buying a package holiday or, indeed, a sausage, there are no shortage of options for the consumer. So how do you differentiate yourself from the competition, especially if you're not as cheap? Sara and Helen have loads of ideas as to how to make your product or service sizzle. We also ave a neat tip regarding credit cards, and their dad Frank makes a welcome return to the pod with words of wisdom about loyalty.

As has become the norm in our weekly Q&A, everyone's favourite entrepreneurial agony aunts, Sara and Helen, field queries from our wonderful community with the help of ... our wonderful community! So it is that Jo, Julie and Ali receive advice and ideas on how to build trust in a new product, broaden a client-base and avoid being a busy fool. If you want help with your business, email hello@mybpod.com.