Mind Your Business With Sara & Helen

In these most testing of economic times, it's imperative you take the initiative when it comes to boosting your margins. Sara and Helen offer practical advice about how to get something for nothing from suppliers, clients and customers - in turn improving your bottom line. Uncle Matt also makes his debut on the pod with words of wisdom about growth.

We have questions from CroCreate, Carrie and Tracy about online trolls, when it's right to promote staff to a management role, and the pros and cons of finding a permanent home for a mobile business. Email your questions to hello@mybpod.com

It's easy to be distracted by your competitors, but never forget you are where you are because you had a great idea and the drive and dedication to realise it. Sara and Helen evaluate the merits of assessing what your rivals are up to - and potentially doing better - against the fundamental need to concentrate on your business's core strengths. We also hear from their mam, who has some extremely wise words of wisdom regarding marketing ...

We answer queries from Fiona, Abby & Wooden You Love about falling out of love with your business, how to go about hiring staff when it feels time to grow the business, and the merits of shipping to America in the current climate. Our entrepreneurial agony aunts are here to help you, so email hello@mybpod.com ...

From timekeeping to tea rounds and toilet breaks, the standards you set in the workplace can make or break your business. Sara and Helen lay down the laws to help you create a positive culture in the office, which will ensure both you and your staff are happier and more productive. Meanwhile, Sara's incessant bragging about her VIP treatment on flights (eventually) proves to be a valuable lesson for us all, and Helen reveals how the humble KitKat helped her build a loyal customer base. And their Dad, Frank, offers words of wisdom about the fundamental importance of cash.

Entrepreneurial agony aunts Sara and Helen answer your questions about dealing with underperforming staff (who are friendly and loyal), invigorating a stagnating business and attracting investors (if that's even a good idea).

From making big decisions alone to keeping a brave face on when the pressure is mounting, this episode tackles one of the most overlooked parts of business: loneliness. We discuss why entrepreneurship can feel so isolating, why Helen’s experience of it helped inspire this podcast, and how connection and community can make all the difference.

In the first of our weekly Q&A sessions, Sara & Helen answer your questions about protecting your brand, marketing a business with next-to-no budget, and managing cashflow. If you want advice from entrepreneurial agony aunts, email hello@mybpod.com.Useful LinksOur WebsiteFacebook CommunityInstagram