Mind Your Business With Sara & Helen

Michelle has a seasonal business and needs help getting through the winter, Belle is wondering how to negotiate the minefield that is paid advertising, and Emma has the opportunity to get permanent premises for her floristry business. As ever, our entrepreneurial agony aunts Sara and Helen have plenty of useful thoughts! Email your small business dilemmas to hello@mybpod.com

It's intimidating, as a small business owner, battling sprawling, multinational corporations. But don't forget why people want to bring their custom to you, and the competitive advantage that gives you over the so-called big hitters. That's the 'Special Sauce', as Helen describes it. Celebrity service, attention to detail, trust, that personal touch - all very achievable goals, especially given the (relatively cheap) technology at hand. Here, Sara and Helen share ways in which you can make your little company appear huge - ramping up profits without sacrificing your core values. We also have a welcome return from their dad, Frank, in our regular feature ... Let's Be Frank!

Lovely questions from Karen, Tom and a mystery guest this week, as our entrepreneurial agony aunts assist with the best strategy when it comes to pricing deliveries, dealing with a sudden, unexpected decline in sales and the fear of entering into the world social media. Email info@mypod.com with your queries, or via the channels below.

Helen is worried about spamming her customers, Jeff is nervous about diversifying his cricket business, and we have an anonymous mum who wants to start her own business but is fearful of taking the plunge. As every, Sara & Helen are here to help. Email your questions to hello@mybpod.com.

Both Sara and Helen are experts in creating a brand using the various tools at their disposal, and fully appreciate the value (considered) self-promotion can add to the growth of your business. Here, they share tips, unfortunate mistakes and hard-fought wins so that you can build a profile that'll punch hard with your customers. in keeping with the honesty the podcast is known for, Helen is currently experiencing a crisis of confidence in this department - it's hard putting yourself out there all the time - so Sara provides reassurance that it's worthwhile persevering. Not least because Helen might very well be the trailblazer when it comes to creating a brand! We also have a newsflash: Sara has been diagnosed with ADHD, and shares her thoughts on how it's affected and defined her life as an entrepreneur.

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