The MAP Room

SummaryIn this Episode, Stuart Brown and Robert Craven explore the complexities of growth in agencies, emphasising the importance of a process framework, and a clear positioning strategy.We learn that highly performing agencies are obsessed with the numbers.They discuss the entrepreneurial mindset versus agency ownership, the significance of accountability, and the role of workshops in facilitating tough decisions.The dialogue highlights the need for clarity and simplicity in business strategies to navigate challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

In this Episode, Stuart Brown and Caroline Canty explore the critical aspects of decision-making in business, emphasising the importance of intentionality, alignment of the mind, body, and soul, and the impact of external factors like COVID on business mindset. They discuss the challenges of reactive decision-making, the significance of a growth mindset, and the role of coaching in implementing effective strategies. The dialogue highlights the need for clarity, accountability, and a supportive culture to foster intentional growth and navigate change successfully.

In this Episode we talk to Stephen Mann about the reality of Cyber Security and the smaller business.How much of the headlines are industry hype and fearmongering aimed at selling costly solutions?And what, as an Agency Owner, can you do today to de-risk your business?

In this Episode we discuss how many Agency Owners have so much of their value tied up in the single asset of their business, but with less than 10% of Agency Owners achieving a successful exit, what can you do to de-risk yourself by creating and ringfencing some value through the ownership journey.Our Subject Matter Expert is Adam Downes of Pura Vida Financial Planning - www.puravidafp.com

In this episode Stuart is joined by Ben Davies from Praetura Ventures to discuss investment and in particular the role of venture capital.We discuss the timing of raising funds, and how you may be best to treat it as a sales pipeline. What a VC looks for in an agency, and how to best make your pitch.

Stuart is joined round the MAP table by Peter Maratos, former practicing barrister with 17 years post practice experience in tribunal advocacy.We learn the errors that small business owners still make, why the changing scope of freelancers within agencies represents its own issues and what considerations must be made as we navigate the remote / hybrid working that is now the norm.

As we return with Series 3 of The MAP Room, we hear from long standing MAP client, Dootrix.We learn how applying Financial Confidence supports the ambition of the shareholders, why a Board is necessary for a small business and also when opportunity knocks, are you best placed to respond, without losing your way.

Series 2 of The MAP Room closes with host Stuart Brown and legendary Welsh Rugby Union and League player turned BBC commentator, Jonathan Davies OBE. In an inspirational episode, we hear why believing in your own ability was crucial to Jonathan’s success, the resilience and resourcefulness gained from the hardest times in his life and Jonathan’s ambassadorial work for Velindre Cancer Centre.For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

In the penultimate episode of Series 2 of The MAP Room, host Stuart Brown quizzes author and Managing Director of MAP, Paul Barnes, about his upcoming book, “Financial Confidence for Digital Agencies: A framework for building the business you’ve always wanted”. The conversation touches on why Paul chose now to write the book, the inspiration behind it and the key topics that listeners can look forward to reading when the book is released early next year.For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials