This week SmallBizPod #98, the small business podcast brought to you in association with the British Library’s Business & Intellectual Property Centre, continues the Going For Growth series with interviews with Bill Morrow, founder of online angel network Angels Den and Daniel Waterhouse of European Venture Capital firm Wellington Partners.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● Alex on what’s coming up in the podcast and an introduction to the British Library’s Business & IP Centre and how it supports growing businesses exploring funding and finance options.

Features:

● Interviews with Daniel Waterhouse, partner at Wellington Partners one of Europe’s largest venture capital firms and Bill Morrow, founder of online angel network Angels Den. Alex and Daniel talk about which businesses are right for VC funding, how entrepreneurs should prepare themselves for the challenges of running a VC-backed business, which sectors are currently attracting the attention of venture capitalists and examine the state of the VC market. Bill and Alex discuss how to refine your pitch to angel investors, the secrets of appealing to early stage investors, valuations, and how the recession failed to dent angels’ appetites for investments in early stage growth businesses.

This week SmallBizPod #97, the small business podcast brought to you in association with the British Library’s Business & Intellectual Property Centre, begins a new series called Going For Growth and begins with an interview with John Griffin, the founder and chairman of Addison Lee, Europe’s largest mini-cab company.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe using an RSS feed click on the orange feed button at the very top right of this page or better still subscribe to the podcast on iTunes it’s free and you’ll never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● Alex on what’s coming up in the podcast and an introduction to the British Library’s Business & IP Centre which offers free access to business and intellectual property information, workshops, networking events and one-to-one advice sessions for businesses of all sizes from startups to growing enterprises.

Features:

● Interview with John Griffin, the founder and chairman of Addison Lee, Europe’s biggest mini-cab company. Alex and John discuss his extraordinary business story where a chance meeting with a man in a pub lead to John seizing an opportunity to build a business which began with one man in a leaky Battersea office with a bucket to catch the rain coming through the roof. John talks about how he grew Addison Lee to become one of the best known London private hire transport companies, his management style, how to motivate staff and dealing with the pressures of life leading a growth company. Lots of great advice on leading a team, managing growth, staying positive, keeping business simple and staying grounded as your company becomes successful.

This week SmallBizPod #96, the small business podcast includes an interview with Bill Liao, entrepreneur and co-founder of the business social networking site Xing, on leadership, funding, social enterprise and his business philosophy set out in a new book – Stone Soup.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe using an RSS feed click on the orange feed button at the very top right of this page or better still subscribe to the podcast on iTunes it’s free and you’ll never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● Alex on what’s coming up in the podcast with thanks to sponsors Bibby Financial Services, XLN Telecom and Audible.co.uk.

Features:

● Interview with Bill Liao, co-founder of business social networking site Xing, on his new book Stone Soup, his business philosophy and how language and positive thinking can bring about change. Alex and Bill discuss the importance of bootstrapping and micro-angel funding, why VC funding is a broken model, leadership and the importance of story-telling in creating something from nothing in business and in life. The conversation also examines social entrepreneurship and Bill’s philanthropic startup, Neo.org.

●MusicDenis Rusnak
“Nature Is Chill”
from “My Chillroom”
(Kotangens)

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This week SmallBizPod #95, the young entrepreneurs podcast includes an interview Jamie Murray Wells of Glasses Direct and Priya Lakhani of Masala Masala. Both are previous winners of Enterprising Young Brits and have a wealth of insight for new business owners young and old.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe using an RSS feed click on the orange feed button at the very top right of this page or better still subscribe to the podcast on iTunes it’s free and you’ll never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● Alex on what’s coming up in the podcast.

Features:

●SmallBizPod #100 will be recorded at Thrive! London on Thursday 25th February. Over a hundred people are registered to attend, but there are still a few tickets left. Use code ‘smallbizpod’ to grab a free ticket.

● Interview with two enterprising young Brits, Priya Lakhani of Masala Masala and Jamie Murray Wells of Glasses Direct. Alex, Jamie and Priya discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being a young entrepreneur, the importance of education, research and how to take calculated, rather than unnecessary risks when starting a business. Jamie also talks about why Glasses Direct is advertising on TV, mentoring and seeking advice to supplement your own skills. Priya reveals how she rapidly built Masala Masala into a successful business as the recession kicked in and how speed of execution is vital.

●MusicBurkina Electric
“Sankar Yaaré”
from “Paspanga”
(Cantaloupe Music)

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This week SmallBizPod #94, the small business podcast includes an interview with Wendy Tan White, co-founder in 1999 of Moonfruit. A fascinating story of a decade of business and web startup survival and growth from one of the UK’s best known female web/tech entrepreneurs.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe using an RSS feed click on the orange feed button at the very top right of this page or better still subscribe to the podcast on iTunes it’s free and you’ll never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● Alex on what’s coming up in the podcast.

Features:

●SmallBizPod #100 will be recorded at four events around the UK in February 2010. Do check out Thrive and we hope to see you there in Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham or London for an evening of top entrepreneurs and your chance to be both on the panel and on SmallBizPod.

● Interview with Wendy Tan White of Moonfruit, the diy website builder on 10 years in business on the internet and the amazing story of the ups and downs of her own entrepreneurial journey. From early days moving from Egg to becoming a startup co-founder through the dot.com boom, huge investment & TV advertising through to the crash and a rebuilding of the business almost from scratch. Alex and Wendy talk about what it takes to stick in there as an entrepreneur when things get tough, growing viable businesses on the web and the controversy sparked by the Twitter campaign that went viral. Plenty of excellent advice and inspiration for businesses on and off the web about determination, persistence, finance and building a community.

●Music Mantis
“What? (feat. Justis)”
from “Still Life”
(Brick Records)

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This week SmallBizPod #93, the small business podcast, features an interview with the energetic and extraordinary Brad Burton, founder of 4Networking on networking, sales, the loneliness of the small business owner and getting off your arse.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe using an RSS feed click on the orange feed button at the very top right of this page or better still subscribe to the podcast on iTunes it’s free and you’ll never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● Alex on what’s coming up in this week’s podcast and a big welcome to Uncle Spats.

Features:

●Thanks to XLN Telecom for sponsoring. As specialists in the small business telecoms and broadband market, they have some great deals for your business and focus on superb customer service too.

●Thanks too to Audible.co.uk for their sponsorship of SmallBizPod and don’t forget to download your free copy of All Marketers Are Liars by the legend that is Seth Godin using the offer for SmallBizPod readers and listeners to claim a free audio book.

Features:

● Interview with the tidal wave of energy and insight that is Brad Burton, founder and MD of 4Networking. Definitely one of the biggest entrepreneurial characters around in the UK at the moment. This interview first appeared on the SmallBizPod Sales edition hosted by the inimitable Uncle Spats, so please head over there and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes if you enjoy this one. Spats and Brad talk about the benefits of networking, sales and lead generation, overcoming the challenges of low and no sales and the loneliness of the first time small business owner and much more in an outrageously entertaining interview.

● Don’t forget to let us have your feedback on what topics you’d like to see covered in the SmallBizPod Sales podcast. If you have five minutes, please let us know in this quick survey on sales.

●Music Ana Popovic
“Get Back Home to You”
from “Blind for Love”
(Eclecto Groove Records)

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This week SmallBizPod #92, the podcast for startups and entrepreneurs, focuses on the world of UK web startups, funding in the current climate, and the dilemma of shooting for the moon or building revenue early. Includes interviews with Mike Butcher, editor of TechCrunch Europe, Wil Harris of Channel Flip and Silicon Valley veteran Scott Rafer.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe using an RSS feed click on the orange feed button at the very top right of this page or better still subscribe to the podcast on iTunes it’s free and you’ll never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● Alex on what to expect in this week’s podcast.

Features:

●Thanks to XLN Telecom for sponsoring. As specialists in the small business telecoms and broadband market, they have some great deals for your business and focus on superb customer service too.

●Thanks too to Audible.co.uk for their sponsorship of SmallBizPod and don’t forget to download your free copy of Felix Dennis’s superb How To Get Rich using the offer for SmallBizPod readers and listeners to claim a free audio book.

● Interviews recorded at a recent TechCrunch London event exploring the challenges and opportunities of starting a web business in a difficult economic climate, the availability or otherwise of funding from angels and VCs, and some perspective on the web hot house that is Silicon Valley from a US serial entrepreneur. Alex interviews Mike Butcher, editor of TechCrunch Europe, Wil Harris, founder of ChannelFlip.com, Julian Ranger of Social Safe, Steven Renwick of Affect Labs and Silicon Valley veteran Scott Rafer and discusses web businesses shooting for the moon vs those that are building revenue early.

●Music Drake
“Newest Leaf”
from “The Drake LP”
(Dope Lotus Records)

Buy at eMusic
Stream from Rhapsody
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This week SmallBizPod #91, the small business podcast, includes an interview with renowned economist Roger Bootle on his book The Trouble with Markets, the causes and way out of recession and what it means for small businesses.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● Alex on what to expect in this week’s podcast.

Features:

● Thanks to Audible.co.uk for their sponsorship SmallBizPod and an offer for SmallBizPod readers and listeners to claim a free audio book of their choice by signing up to a 14 day trial with Audible. Thanks too to XLN Telecom for sponsoring. As specialists in the small business telecoms and broadband market, they have some great deals for your business and focus on superb customer service too.

● Interview with Roger Bootle, one of the City of London’s best known economists on his new book The Trouble with Markets: Saving Capitalism From Itself, the origins of the recession and financial collapse, who’s to blame, the problem with super-savers and the implications for small businesses. Alex and Roger discuss how China and economists got us into this mess, the problem with free markets, what governments need to do next, the economic outlook for small businesses and possible ways out from what he calls The Great Implosion.

●Music with thanks to SmallBizPod listener Fitzpatrick Mauldin for his latest progressive house track, Will I Ever Love Again?

This week SmallBizPod #90, the small business podcast, includes an interview with O2 X best male entrepreneur of the year, Sunil Kadri of Optoswim on bringing an extraordinary innovation from university research lab to market – the story of the fish gym.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● Alex on what’s coming up in the podcast this week.

Features:

● Thanks to Audible.co.uk for their sponsorship SmallBizPod and an offer for SmallBizPod readers and listeners to claim a free audio book of their choice by signing up to a 14 day trial with Audible. Thanks too to XLN Telecom for sponsoring. As specialists in the small business telecoms and broadband market, they have some great deals for your business and focus on superb customer service too.

● Interview with Sunil Kadri of Optoswim on winning the O2 X awards 2009 for best male entrepreneur. Alex and Sunil talk about developing and commercialising an innovation from university laboratory through to market, the importance of IP and patents, funding, grants and Sunil’s own personal journey as entrepreneur and academic. Packed with advice for anyone who has invented a product they’d like to turn into a business and a fascinating insight into the ‘fish gym’, its implications and the size of the market it can reach. Inspiring, if unusual.

●Music with thanks to IODA Promonet The Phenomenal Handclap Band
“15 to 20 (feat. Lady Tigra)”
from “The Phenomenal Handclap Band”
(Friendly Fire Recordings)

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This week SmallBizPod #89, the podcast for startups and small businesses, features an interview Jill Sutherland, co-founder of award-winning sandwich shop, Taste, on being successful as an independent retailer in recession.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● Alex on what’s coming up in the podcast this week.

Features:

● Thanks to Audible.co.uk for sponsoring SmallBizPod and an offer for SmallBizPod readers and listeners to claim a free audio book of their choice by signing up to a 14 day trial with Audible. Thanks too to XLN Telecom for returning as a sponsor – the small business telecoms and broadband specialists.

● Interview with Jill Sutherland of Taste, the Best UK Independent Sandwich Bar 2009. Jill is also the author of Start & Run a Sandwich & Coffee Shop.

Jill talks about how her and her husband quit their office jobs to set up their own high street sandwich shop and cafe. In a great discussion about the practicalities of starting a sandwich shop, she and Alex also discuss a wide range of topics beneficial to all startups including: franchising, managing staff, keeping costs under control, keeping branding simple and the work-life balance of running your own business. There’s also a discussion about how to survive the recession as a high street retailer and the advantages you have when competing against big chains.

● Listener book review of Nigel Temple’s How To Get Clients To Come To You, from Chris Lee.

●Music with thanks to IODA Promonet B6
from “Blind Leading the Blissed”
(Clubstream Green)

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This week SmallBizPod #88, the small business advice podcast, includes an interview with Alex Will and Henry Erskine Crum, the two young web entrepreneurs behind Spoonfed, an events, listings and review site that looks set to challenge Time Out and create a new model for online publishing and event marketing.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● Alex on what’s coming up in the podcast this week.

Features:

● Thanks to Audible.co.uk for sponsoring SmallBizPod and an offer for SmallBizPod readers and listeners to claim a free audio book of their choice by signing up to a 14 day trial with Audible.

● Interview with Alex Will and Henry Erskine Crum, the founders of Spoonfed, about their motivation behind starting a web business straight from studying at the London School of Economics, building a site, choosing a board, finding angel funding and managing the pressures of a fast growing web business. Alex, Henry and Alex also discuss the benefits of a business partner, working together as friends and learning from disagreements. There’s also an interesting discussion about business models, iPhone apps, plans for growth and a software as a service marketing toolkit called Bullseye developed in conjunction with Spoonfed.

●Music with thanks to IODA Promonet Todd Terry
“Samba #2″
from “SP1200 Shittt Part 2″
(InHouse Records)

More On This Album

This week SmallBizPod #87, the startups podcast, looks at the tips and tricks of launching an eBay business and how existing businesses can make the most of the auction site as an online sales channel. Includes interviews with two leading experts, Dan Wilson and Sue Bailey of tamebay.com.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● 00:00 Alex on what’s coming up in the podcast this week.

Features:

● 02:06 Thanks to Dell for sponsoring SmallBizPod this month. Do check out what they have to offer your small business.

● 03:23 Interview with Dan Wilson, one of eBay’s first employees in the UK and author of several books on how to make money on the auction site and Sue Bailey an early eBay trader and founder of tamebay.com. Sue, Dan and Alex talk about how eBay has changed over the last decade and how to plan and prepare for success on eBay whether it’s your first foray into selling online or a great way for your existing business to dispose of stock or reach new customers. Lots of practical help and advice from two of the UK’s best known experts.

● 33:03 Book Review from Nathan Brown of The Complete Guide To Selling A Business by Fred S Steingold.

● 38.03 Music with thanks to IODA Promonet Abigail Washburn & The Shanghai Restoration Project
“Sala”
from “Afterquake”
(Undercover Culture Music)

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This week SmallBizPod #86, the small business podcast, focuses on creative thinking in business and includes an interview with Dr Edward de Bono, author, thinker and speaker on creativity.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● 00:00 Alex outlines what’s coming up including another top quality business book review, this time from a listener dubbed ‘Uncle Spats’.

Features:

● 02:17 Thanks to Dell for sponsoring SmallBizPod this month. Do check out what they have to offer your small business.

● 03:29 Interview with world-renowned thinker on creativity Dr Edward de Bono, on creative thinking for startups, small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as discussion of key themes from his work and new book Think! Alex and Edward discuss key practical examples of tools devised by the thinker to help creativity and perceptive thinking in relation to business and life in general including ‘lateral thinking’ and the use of the ‘six hats’ method of non-confrontational discussion. There’s also plenty to inspire small businesses and startups to make the most of their ideas, design positive outcomes and create real value for society and their own ventures.

● 37:51 Book Review the mysterious Uncle Spats pops in to record an excellent book review of Ian Sanders’ second bestseller, Juggle!.

● 46.48 Music with thanks to IODA Promonet West Indian Girl
“Beach”
from “We Believe”
(Origami Music)

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This week SmallBizPod #85, the podcast for entrepreneurs, includes an interview with Tristram Mayhew the entrepreneur behind the outdoor, tree-tops adventure business GoApe.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● 00:00 Alex outlines what’s coming up in the podcast and the latest business books available for listeners to review.

Features:

● 01:34 Thanks to Hewlett Packard for their support of SmallBizPod.

● 02:52 Interview with Tristram Mayhew, founder of GoApe. Alex and Tristram talk about quitting corporate life, starting your own business, work-life balance, finding an idea you’re passionate about, risk, and the ethos behind GoApe. There’s also an interesting discussion about brand development and how best to motivate staff and encourage them to move on with and develop their own entrepreneurial ambition.

● 37:51 Comments thanks for feedback and suggestions from Pete Tinning about capturing some entrepreneurial zest and Darryl Caldwell on location independent entrepreneurs.

● 46.48 Music with thanks to IODA Promonet Schizoid Club
“Theme from End Games
from “Schizoid Club”
(Per Capita Records)

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This week SmallBizPod #84, the small business podcast, includes an interview with author and Mock entrepreneur Lara Solomon on her inspiring startup story.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● 00:00 Alex on what’s coming up in the show.

Features:

● 02:10 Thanks to XLN Telecom for sponsoring the podcast – you could save 40% on your business phone bills and line rental.

● 03:49 Interview with Lara Solomon, the entrepreneur behind mobile phone sensation Mocks and author of startup book Brand New Day. Lara and Alex talk about how she came up with the idea for the product, finding Chinese suppliers and developing strong relationships with them, creating a brand from scratch, marketing with virtually no money and how to secure deals with big retailers. Lara’s is an inspiring story for any startup and well worth a listen.

● 46.48 Music with thanks to IODA Promonet Ananda Project, Heather Johnson, Terrance Downs
“I Hear You Dreaming (Larry Heard Nocturnal Mix)”
from “Mix The Vibe: Osunlade (Digital Edition)”
(King Street Sounds)

Buy at King Street Sounds Webstore
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This week SmallBizPod #83, the small business podcast, includes an interview with young entrepreneur, Duane Jackson, the controversial founder of Kashflow the accountancy software as a service business. There’s also an open air review of the book Leap! by Ian Sanders and a musical surprise.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

● 00:00 Alex on what’s coming up in this episode.

Features:

● 01:53 Thanks to XLN Telecom for sponsoring the podcast. Please support SmallBizPod by supporting our sponsors.

● 02:17 Book Review SmallBizPod listener Mohammed Seedat meets Alex for a live review of Ian Sanders’ book Leap!

● 02:17 Interview with Duane Jackson, founder of Kashflow on how a ZX Spectrum and later support from The Prince’s Trust helped him overcome early setbacks to create a successful and innovative software business. Alex and Duane also talk about PR, controversy, the challenge of larger competitors and what Duane has learned about business on an extraorindary entrepreneurial journey.

● 46.48 Music with thanks to IODA Promonet The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
“Young Adult Friction”
from “Young Adult Friction”
(Slumberland)

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This week SmallBizPod #82, the small business podcast, covers the 2009 Budget, analysing its impact on startups, small businesses and entrepreneurs. It includes interviews with startups, SMEs, experts and shadow ministers for business and enterprise for the Conservatives and the Lib Dems. There’s also an excellent review of a book on coaching from an Australian listener and some classic electronica.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Alex on what’s coming up in the show.

Features:

• 01:53 SmallBizPod coverage of business reaction to The Budget 2009.

• 02:17 Interview with Dave Mouncey, Tax Partner at accountants Smith & Williamson with a nitty gritty look at the impact of The Budget on small businesses.

• 09:56 Interview with Andrew Cave, head of policy at the Federation of Small Businesses, on what its members really wanted from The Budget, including automatic business rates relief and tackling the issue of late payment.

• 14:10 Interview with Joe White, chief operating officer at Gandi.net, on some of the minor benefits to SMEs, the outlook for the economy and some very useful, practical tips on what businesses need to do to survive.

• 19:24 Interview with Mark Prisk, Conservative shadow small business minister, who reacts to the Budget and outlines what his party would like to see happen to support UK SMEs.

• 24:53 Interview with Lorely Burt, Liberal Democract shadow minister for business and enterprise with her reactions and thoughts on what her party would do to support small businesses.

• 33:26 Interview with Rhodri Ferrier co-founder of Bulldog Natural Grooming on a startup’s view of The Budget and how they are coping with a nightmarish economy.

• 38:44 Book Review from SmallBizPod listener Ian Crawford of Starting and Running a Coaching Business by Aryanne Oade.

• 46.48 Music Zombie Girl
“Blood, Brains & Rock’n Roll”
from “Blood, Brains & Rock ‘N’ Roll”
(Alfa Matrix)

Stream from Rhapsody
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This week SmallBizPod #81, the small business podcast, includes a great interview with Laura Tenison, the female entrepreneur behind maternity and toddler retail fashion business JoJo Maman Bébé. There’s also a round-up of listener comments, an interview with a Scottish entrepreneur who is big in Japan and some great music thanks to Monotonik.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Alex introduces what’s coming up in this episode and thanks this month’s sponsors of SmallBizPod, Rackspace – superb small business web hosting.

Features:

• 3.50 Interview with Laura Tenison, founder of JoJo Maman Bébé, the maternity and toddler fashion brand. Alex and Laura talk about business in the playground, her terrible car crash, building a business with no debt, organic growth vs giving away equity, the cash flow challenges facing all high street retailers, and how her business plans to continue to expand and grow over the next few years.

• 25:17 Many thanks for comments, advice and free books from SmallBizPod listeners Ryan Wood, Roy Husselby and Ed Surgeon.

• 28:33 Interview with Denice Purdie of Purdies Scottish Soap Company as part of the Alibaba.com sponsorship. Full interview available here.

• 31.17 Music – Winds of Change by Jap Jap with many thanks to netlabel Monotonik.

This week SmallBizPod #80, the podcast for startups and entrepreneurs, focuses on franchising with an interview with the godfather of British hairdressing and business brand legend, Toni Mascolo, founder of Toni & Guy, and an interview with Atul Pathak, one of McDonald’s most successful franchisees. With thanks to the British Library’s Business and IP Centre.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Alex introduces what’s coming up in this episode, thanks the 1500+ people who’ve joined the SmallBizPod Facebook group and a welcome to this month’s sponsors of SmallBizPod, Rackspace.

Features:

• 5.50 Interview with Toni Mascolo, founder and chief executive of global hairdressing franchise Toni & Guy. Alex and Toni talk about differentiation, the family feel, rolling out a franchise, doing business in a recession, home grown franchisees and development of a brand and products.

• 26:32 SmallBizPod listener book review by David Schoeman who reviews Finance on a Beermat by Chris West, Stephen King and Jeff Macklin.

• 33.56 Interview with Atul Pathak, one of McDonald’s most successful franchisees, who runs 15 restaurants in and around North London. Alex and Atul talk about bringing personality and entrepreneurial skill to the franchise format, the importance of community, branding within a brand, and how to achieve success as a franchisee.

• 46.00 Music – The Pinker Tones
“Viva La Juventud”
from “Viva La Juventud!”
(Outstanding Records)

Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon MP3
Buy at eMusic

This week SmallBizPod #79, the small business podcast, interviews former Dragon and serial entrepreneur Doug Richard about his own approach to starting and building businesses, success, failure, what business angels are investing in during a downturn and the issue of business support. All this just a few hours before one of his own businesses plunged into administration. There’s also a great review by a listener of Richard Branson’s latest book.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Alex introduces what’s coming up in this episode and talks about the new look version of SmallBizPod and the launch of ‘Sevens‘

Features:

• 2.28 Interview with Doug Richard, former chairman of Library House and Dragon’s Den entrepreneur about what makes him tick, why he’s unemployable and how he approaches starting, growing and selling businesses.  Alex and Doug also talk about his School for Startups and how it’s possible to teach someone to become an entrepreneur.  There’s also a fascinating conversation about celebrity, handling high risk businesses, Web 2.0 and how different types of businesses suit different economic cycles. You’ll also learn what Doug will be hoping to invest in during a downturn and what he believes needs to be done to improve business support in the UK.

• 33:44 SmallBizPod listener Steve Winduss of smallbusinessvoodoo.com reviews Richard Branson’s new book Business Stripped Bare.

• 44.20 Music – Goldfish
“The Four Forty Five Blues”
from “Caught In The Loop”
(Black Mango Music – Afrolution)

Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks

This week SmallBizPod #78, the podcast for startups and entrepreneurs, kicks off the new year with a positive interview with Irish entrepreneurship expert and motivational speaker, Kevin Kelly. The focus of the podcast is on creating a positive outlook, customers and sales in the tough environment of 2009. There’s also another listener book review and details of SmallBizPod Sevens.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Alex introduces what to expect in this week’s episode.

• 02:12 Kelly Magowan of Six Figures reviews Secrets To Building A Winning Business by Andrew Griffiths.

• 10.02 Highlights interview with Richard Grosse of Andrew James Forwarding members of Alibaba.com.  The full interview can be found here.

Features:

• 12:17 Interview with Kevin Kelly, motivational speaker and one of Ireland’s foremost coaches and authors on entrepreneurship.  Alex and Kevin discuss how entrepreneurs can unlearn fear and how self-awareness is vital for leaders facing the challenges of 2009, as well as focusing on a dream and keeping ego at bay to make sure you are open to learning from anybody, anywhere.  They also explore how to exceed customers’ expectations, the exceptional execution of every day ideas, making friends of customers, constructive paranoia, and building experience, energy, enthusiasm and focus into sales.

• 43:20 Do check out the newly launched SmallBizPod Sevens where you can contribute 7 business tips on a topic you know well to raise your profile and help other startups and small business owners.

• 44.20 Music – Jeff Alford
Magical Source
from “Heart Of Trance”
(Aardvark Records)

Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon MP3
Buy at mTraks

This week SmallBizPod #77, the small business advice podcast, heads to the Economist Innovation Summit supported by UK Trade and Investment and focuses on innovation in business including interviews with Ori Gal, ceo of Israeli startup NuLens, Joe Batista, director and chief creatologist at Hewlett-Packard and Kanwal Singh, managing director of Helion Ventures.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Alex introduces what to expect in this week’s episode.
• 02:10 Sponsors section featuring Eva Rene of LEBO SL, a member of Alibaba.com, on successful exporting. The full interview can be found here.

Features:

• 05:25 Interview with Ori Gal, ceo of NuLens, on running a startup based around one innovative idea or invention, using R&D to discover other business opportunities, disrupting markets, creating a business infrastructure around innovators and the challenge of IP and patents.

• 13:47 Interview with Joe Batista, director and chief creatologist at Hewlett-Packard on, curiosity, passion and how to dismantle your business to take another look at research, IP and your brand to make new connections and build new business opportunities.

• 21:50 Interview with Kanwal Singh, managing director of Indian venture capital firm Helion Ventures, on innovative business models in India, the importance of cultural relevance and the outlook for venture capital in an economic downturn.

• 31:04 Book Review from John Peden of LetsMove.In who reviews Marketing on a Beermat by Chris West.

• 33:20 Comments from Ed Stivala and a response on the postponement of income-shifting in the Pre-Budget Report.

• 38.38 Music – Anomie
“I Saw You First (Anomie Remix)”
from “An Afternoon With Camilla – Anomie Remixes”
(The Frequency Lab)

Buy at Rhapsody
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album

[Picture credit: kaibara87 licenced from Flickr]

This week SmallBizPod #76, the entrepreneurs’ podcast, interviews Alan Halsall, chairman of one of Britain’s classic brands, the pram manufacturer Silver Cross. The podcast explores the power of branding, importing, exporting and the secrets of turning around a failed business.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Introduction to what’s coming up in the show.
• 01:09 Join us on the SmallBizPod Facebook group, now nearly 1,000 strong.
• 01:48 Sponsors section featuring Graham Grinnel of GW Associates a member of Alibaba.com – the full interview can be found here.

Features:

• 04:44 Interview with Alan Halsall, chairman of Silver Cross, a British pram manufacturer with a brand enjoyed by customers as diverse as the Queen and JLo. Alex and Alan discuss how Alan bought and then turned around the fortunes of Silver Cross, the power of brands in a low cost manufacturing world, how to trade effectively internationally and with China, as well as building teams and facing the challenges of the major multiples and the web.

• 33:20 Comments from Edward Beresford-Bolton suggesting SmallBizPod covers guerrilla marketing, Admir Rusidovic and Ian Forbes.

• 34.23 Music – iNSiDEaMiND, Ghislain Poirier
“Twilight Harvest (feat. Ghislain Poirier)” (mp3)
from “Scatterpopia”
(Public Transit Recordings)

Buy at Napster
Buy at Puretracks
More On This Album

This week SmallBizPod #75, the podcast for anyone starting a business, includes an interview with David Lester the founder of UK publishing company Crimson, about starting a business, practical advice on how to do it, and why a recession could be a good time to set up. There’s also another superb book review from a SmallBizPod listener and some seriously good hip hop.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Introduction to what’s coming up in the show.
• 01:24 A big thank you to new sponsors Alibaba.com.
• 01:50 Sponsors section featuring Rory McLoughney of Powerballs.com – the full interview can be found here.

Features:

• 05:14 Interview with David Lester, founder of online and print publishing company Crimson about practical advice on how to start a new business and his book ‘Starting Your Own Business – the good, the bad and the unexpected‘.  David and Alex talk about how you find out if you can cut it as a business owner, what practical steps you need to take to get your business off the ground, whether or not a recession is a good time to set up a new business, the turmoil facing the magazine and book publishing sector and tips on how to build a business on the web.

• 27.41 Thanks to the 900+ people who have added themselves to the SmallBizPod Facebook group. Please do join, if you get a chance and feel free to invite your friends.

• 28:21 Simon Taylor reviews the ‘101 Ways to Market Your Business‘ by Andrew Griffiths.

• 34.23 Music – Del The Funky Homosapien, Dan the Automator, Kid Koala
“Mastermind”
from “Deltron 3030″
(Deltron Projects)

Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks
More On This Album

This week SmallBizPod #74, the podcast for entrepreneurs, includes interviews with a selection of the UK’s most exciting start-ups in the web and digital space just before they headed off to New York on the the first Digital Mission of 2008. The podcast also has details of two conferences offering special deals for listeners, another listener book review and a classic drum and bass track.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Introduction to what’s coming up in the show.

Features:

• 03:30 Listener book review from Sarah Dillon – Inspiring Women by Michelle Rosenberg.

• 09:06 Interviews with a selection of startups and entrepreneurs selected for the UK Trade & Investment supported Digital Mission, organised by Chinwag and sponsored by Sun Microsystems and Winston & Strawn.
• 09:38 Sam Michel – Chinwag
• 14:36 Andrew Davies – Idiomag
• 17:43 Christoph Schmaltz – Headshift
• 19:42 Jason Trost – smarkets
• 21:23 Jay Nguyen – sweemo
• 24:33 Sam Matthews – Ugame
• 27:53 Jake Stride – Tactile CRM
• 29:22 Alberto Nardelli – UnLtd World
• 33.56 Stewart Townsend – Sun Microsystems
• 36:22 Fabio De Bernardi & Matteo Canzi Blanc – Veedow
• 40:45 Nick Bell – quick.tv
• 44:18 Benjamin Ellis – Redcatco & event blog

Digital Missioners head for a taxi in NY, NY with thanks to Benjamin Ellis

Other startups not featured on the podcast, but who were also selected for the Mission are: bview, Harvest Digital, head, huddle, KMP, Little Loud, market sentinel, mippin, slicethepie, tempero, Unruly Media and World TV.

• 49.16 If you’re interested in all things Web 2.0 it would be great to see you at the Web 2.0 Expo in Berlin on 21-23 October 2008. All SmallBizPod listeners can register for the conference using the code webeu08gr10 which will give you a 35% discount. (You will need to sign up for a user on the website. During the registration you can enter the code and see the discount applied).

• 50.31 SmallBizPod listeners can also win free tickets to the Small Business 2.0 conference on 11 October. Just email alex@smallbizpod.co.uk – free tickets to the first ten to respond.

• 51.50 Please join the SmallBizPod Facebook group which is now home to nearly 700 entrepreneurs.

• 52.30 Music – Beautiful Music by Paradigm X with many thanks to Exegene.

This week SmallBizPod #73, the entrepreneurs’ podcast, includes a series of inspiring interviews on social entrepreneurship at an extraordinary three day event called Shine which took place in May 2008. There’s also the first audio review of a business book by listener Peter Henderson and comments from other listeners too.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Introduction to what’s coming up in the show.
• 01:40 The SmallBizPod Facebook group continues to grow with well over 500 members now, so please head over and join us.

Features:

• 02:10 Listener book review from Peter Henderson of PiSys – The New Philanthropists by Charles and Elizabeth Handy.

• 06:00 Interviews on social enterprise with participants and organisers of the three day un-conference, Shine. Includes discussion about supporting social entrepreneurs with Jason Mollring of Social Enterprise South East and the genesis of Shine and social media reporting of the event with Nick Temple from the School For Social Entrepreneurs who also gives his views about the growth of the sector. Also interviews with Ulricka from UnLtd on funding social entrepreneurs, Olivia McGilchrist on art and photography projects, Ned Lewis from The Hub, Luke Rafters on sustainable development, Eddy Finch of Buzzacott on tax and structures for social enterprises, and Natalia Fernandez of the New Economics Foundation.

• 27.16 Comments from: Emily Tarrant who’s just launched the Brilliant Business Books blog; Robert Gowans with his thoughts on the Michael Gerber perspective; thanks to Gill Millington for contributing to the SmallBizPod blog on small business finance; Henry Stuart on networking; and Davide Bonomi.

• 34.23 Music – Blue Tribe
“The Buddha Bar”
from “Deep Buddha”
(Ultraviolet Productions)

Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album

This week SmallBizPod #72, the small business advice podcast, interviews one of the world’s best known authors on entrepreneurship, Michael E Gerber on awakening the entrepreneurial imagination and transforming small businesses into extraordinary enterprises. There’s also details of a special deal for listeners who’d like to go to the next Going Solo conference and a summer chillout track.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.
Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Introduction to what’s coming up in the show.
• 00:56 SmallBizPod is once again a media partner for Going Solo, the practical and inspiring conference for freelancers which is taking place in Leeds on 12 September. Two listeners can win 30% off tickets to the conference by sending the correct answer to the question in the podcast to alex@smallbizpod.co.uk. Anyone else who’d like to attend, please register at Going Solo quoting the referral code: sbpref.
• 03:40 Over 400 listeners now on the SmallBizPod Facebook group. Please join us.

Features:

• 04:36 Interview with Michael Gerber about how he came to write his new book Awakening The Entrepreneur Within, the inspiration of Disney, how and why he wanted to do E-Myth again, but better, entrepreneurial legacy and why dreaming big is so vital from the outset. Michael also discusses why small businesses are the answer to nobody’s question, the importance of invention over knowledge, a passionate vision and how to find the courage to do something that’s not been done before.

Download your free copy of Awakening The Entrepreneur Within by signing up to the SmallBizPod special offer with Audible.co.uk.

• 27.16 Comment from Daksh Sharma and how to contact SmallBizPod. Feedback is always welcome.
• 32:36 Check out BizPod TV and subscribe on iTunes to race it up the new video charts!

• 34.23 Music – Vanessa Daou
“Mess Around”
from “Make You Love”
(Daou Records)

More On This Album

This week SmallBizPod #71, interviews Alastair Mitchell, ceo and co-founder of successful UK Web 2.0 startup Huddle, on building a business on the web, angel funding and dealing with competition. There’s also the usual round up of comments, an update on the book review challenge and another gorgeous electronica track.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Introduction to what’s coming up in the show.
• 01:08 Thanks to all listeners who have offered to review business books for SmallBizPod. Do get in touch, if you’d like to join them.
• 02:08 Join other listeners on the SmallBizPod Facebook group which continues to grow by the day.

Features:

• 02:49 Interview with Alastair Mitchell, ceo and co-founder of Huddle, the virtual workspace for SMEs and corporates, on building a web startup, cloud computing, the inspiration behind Huddle, getting noticed, embracing competition and dealing with large customers. He also talks with Alex about the connections which helped Huddle find angel funding and how they stumbled on a Silicon Valley-style model of securing investment.

• 27.16 Comments from Roger Magill who is planning on starting his own business and who loves listening to voices of real entrepreneurs rather than reading words in books.
• 28.24 Contact Alex if you would like take part in the podcast or review a business book.

• 28.59 Music – Observing Fractals In Clouds by Risch with many thanks to Monotonik.

Tags: Web 2.0, startup, Huddle, SaaS

This week SmallBizPod #70, includes interviews with Gitanjali Banerjee Bhattacharya and Kaustav Bhattacharya about their plans for Jagriti Yatra, an inspiring entrepreneurial train journey across India, and what it hopes to achieve. There’s also the usual round up of comments, books for review and a beautiful track from the Bombay Dub Orchestra.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Introduction to what’s coming up in the show.
• 01:17 Check out the latest episode of BizPod TV.
• 02:11 Thanks to everyone who has signed up to the SmallBizPod Facebook group .

Features:

• 04:08 Interview with Kaustav Bhattacharya and Gitanjali Banerjee Bhattacharya about their plans for an entrepreneurial train journey through India called the Jagriti Yatra aimed at inspiring and supporting young social change makers in the country. Alex, Kaustav and Gitanjali also talk about the motivation behind the project, social entrepreneurship in Asia, the impact of grass roots entrepreneurial activity in the more remote areas of India, and how to get involved.

• 26.46 Comments from Gaj about how much he enjoyed the interview with Rachel Elnaugh. Also from Jonathan Yates about his new book and recent experiences selling his most recent business.

• 28.38 Contact Alex if you would like to receive a business book to review for SmallBizPod.

• 29.39 Music – Bombay Dub Orchestra
“Rare Earth”
from “Bombay Dub Orchestra”
(Six Degrees Travel Series)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic
More On This Album

Tags: indian entrepreneurship, jagriti yatra, small business, social enterprise

This week SmallBizPod #69, the small business podcast, includes an interview with Clive Birnie, managing director of Severn Delta, on his experiences of a successful management buy-out, funding, leadership, blogging and much more. There’s also the announcement of the winners of the Rachel Elnaugh book competition and the chance to win tickets to Fuel.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Introduction to what’s coming up in the show.
• 01:00 Announcement of three winners of the Rachel Elnaugh book competition: Nai Chng Sulemann Rasheed and Mark Lawrence.
• 02:22 Chance to win one of two tickets worth £195 to Fuel, a conference in London for small businesses, startups and marketers who want to make the most of social media. The conference takes place on Friday 13th June. First two people to send an email with Fuel-SmallBizPod in the subject line to keir@carsonified.com will win.

Features:

• 04:59 Interview with Clive Birnie, managing director of south west textile manufacturing business Severn Delta, on how to pull off a successful management buy-out and the leadership, finance and business marketing tips that he’s learned along the way. Clive and Alex also discuss brand development, dealing with supermarkets, the importance of managing your own strategy and how Clive got into business blogging at Positive Churn.

• 34.33 Comments from Michael Shakesheff who runs a family shipping business in Middlesborough, Paul Grech suggesting an episode of SmallBizPod on time management, and Daniel Barker who loves the music at the end of the podcast. Do keep your audio and email comments and suggestions coming.

• Also do check out the SmallBizPod Facebook group and also check out Twitter and follow Alex to stay connected.

• 51.38 Music – Johan Brunkvist
from “Mixed Grooves – Chillout Lounge Volume 3″
(Johan Brunkvist)

Buy at Amazon
More On This Album

.

Tags: MBO, entrepreneurship, small business, leadership

This week SmallBizPod #68, the podcast for startups and business owners, interviews Rachel Elnaugh, former ‘Dragon’ and one of Britain’s best known entrepreneurs. There’s also a round up of comments from listeners and a chance to win Rachel’s new book Business Nightmares.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Introduction to what’s coming up in the show.
• 02:30 Last chance to sign up for Going Solo conference for freelancers on 16 May.

Features:

• 03:25 Interview with Rachel Elnaugh of Dragon’s Den fame, on how she faced and overcame business failure, celebrity, business growth, femininity in business, the link between sex drive and entrepreneurship, and the well-being sector.

• 20.55 How to win a copy of Rachel’s new book, Business Nightmares.

• 20.55 Comments including an audio comment from Glen Biclar, and email comments from BBC3, Bryan Kress and Mark Richardson.

• 29.09 Finally, do sign up to the SmallBizPod Facebook group and also check out Twitter and follow Alex to stay connected.

• 51.38 Music – Breaking The Square Waves by Delayscape with many thanks to Monotonik.

Tags: rachel elnaugh, entrepreneurship, small business

This week SmallBizPod #67, the small business podcast, takes a look at the life of a freelancer ahead of a conference on the subject called Going Solo. The podcast includes interviews with speakers at the conference including some of the social web’s best known freelancers and consultants on how to survive as a soloist.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Introduction to what’s coming up in the show.

Features:

• 01:56 Interview with Stephanie Booth, blogger, consultant and organiser of Going Solo, a very practical conference on freelancing aimed at freelancers all over Europe to be held in Lausanne, Switzerland on 16 May.

• 09:12 Interview with Laura Fitton, aka @Pistachio, on her life as a freelancer, how she started out, her vertiginous rise in the social media space, Twitter and advice on real world and virtual face time.

• 17:50 Interview with Martin Röll about becoming a freelancer accidentally, why it’s so hard and so easy to consult and how to manage technology and time.

• 22:21 Interview with Stowe Boyd, one of the most well known voices in the blogosphere and successful social web consultant, on negotiation, fame and social capital.

• 31:35 Interview with Suw Charman-Anderson, one of Britain’s best known bloggers, on her early life as a freelance consultant, catastrophic financial failure, peer groups and work-life balance.

• 42:17 Interview with Dennis Howlett, freelance writer and blogger and former international tax partner on the nitty gritty of managing your freelance finances.

• 51.38 Music – Raygun
from “The Best of Vol. 1 LP Part 2″
(Night Drive Music)

More On This Album

Tags: freelance podcast, goingsolo, consulting, social web

This week SmallBizPod #66, the podcast for startups and entrepreneurs, includes an in depth interview with Dan Harple, founder and ceo of mobile lifestyle application, GyPSii. A fascinating insight into tech entrepreneurship and the mobile web.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Introduction to what’s coming up in the show.

Features:

• 02:30 Interview with Dan Harple, founder and ceo of GyPSii, the mobile social networking platform. Dan discusses the fundamental reasons why he believes GyPSii’s location-based, real time networking will take off and looks at the real time social networking and media trend. He also discusses the altruistic vision for the mobile web and a more person-centred search drawn from his time at Netscape. There’s also discussion about the GyPSii business model, building a sustainable technology company, entrepreneurial passion and why he thinks Europe is a better place for a tech startup than the US.

• 28.30 Music – Blue Supergiant by Chromatic Flights with big thanks to the netlabel Monotonik.

Tags: startups, gypsii, mobile web, venture capital

This week SmallBizPod #65, the small business podcast, includes an interview with David Wei, chief executive officer of Alibaba.com, the international e-commerce marketplace specialising in global and domestic trade with China. The podcast also highlights the launch of BizPod TV and rounds up comments and opinions from listeners.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Alex on what’s coming up in the show.
• 01:08 Do check out a new small business TV podcast aimed at startups and entrepreneurs – BizPod TV. Subscribe to this business video podcast on iTunes.
• 01:59 Sage sponsors SmallBizPod and we’re delighted they do.

Features:

• 03:00 Interview with David Wei, chief executive officer of Alibaba.com the international online market place for small and medium-sized enterprises. David and Alex discuss, alibaba.com’s successful conversion from start-up to successful IPO, the company’s brand, ethos and how it maintains its small business grass roots and original entrepreneurial essence. They also talk about how the internet has flattened the world to the benefit of SMEs, the issue of pollution in China and tips for success in trading with Chinese companies.

• 28.30 Music Levan Vs Ekala
from “Happiness”
(System Recordings)

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Tags: small business, China trade, e-commerce, IPO

This episode of SmallBizPod #64, the podcast for start-ups and entrepreneurs, puts the voices behind the faces on the British Library’s Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Facebook group. Interviews with Neil Infield of the BIPC on its social media strategy and a variety of fascinating start-ups who meet in the real world for the first time.

Right click here to download the podcast for startups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Alex on what’s coming up in the show.
• 02:16 Sage sponsors SmallBizPod and we’re delighted that they do.

Features:

• 03:42 Interview with Neil Infield of the British Library’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre on how they engage with startups and entrepreneurs, why they chose to set up a Facebook group and the benefits of business blogging.

• 14:07 Interview with a selection of startups and entrepreneurs at the BIPC Facebook small business networking session including: David Fuentes of entertainment training and product company The Performer, Christiane Link, German newspaper publisher for the german-speaking community in London and the UK, Natalie Clark on homeworking, outsourcing and her new photo-retouching business, and Robin Block on the power of video to launch and sell products and services and his new business getlaunched.co.uk.

• 25:43 Do check out a new small business TV podcast aimed at startups and entrepreneurs – BizPod TV. Subscribe to BizPod TV on iTunes.

• 32.30 Music <Fabrice Lig
from A Story In Sound
(Submerge Recordings)

Buy at iTunes Music Store

This week SmallBizPod #63, the small business podcast, covers the 2008 Budget, analysing its impact on startups, small businesses and entrepreneurs. The podcast includes interviews, analysis and commentary to help you figure out what matters and what doesn’t in Alistair Darling’s first Budget and how it is going to affect your business in the next 12 months.

Right click here to download the podcast for start-ups, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Alex on what’s coming up in the show.
• 01:10 Sage sponsors SmallBizPod and we’re proud that they do.
• 02.22 A quick outline of the key elements of the Budget for SMEs.

Features:

• 05:46 Interview with Andrew Jupp, head of tax at Tenon on CGT, entrepreneur’s relief, Small Firms Loan Guarantee scheme, the Enterprise Investment Scheme and income shifting.

• 14:07 Interview with Andrew Cave of the Federation of Small Businesses discusses concerns about non-domestic buildings zero carbon target and the deferral of income shifting rules, and talks about fuel duty, red reduction and access to public procurement.

• 18:06 Interview with Anne Glover, chief executive of Amadeus Capital Partners and chair of a new government advisory committee on SMEs and public procurement announced in today’s Budget. Anne discusses the possibility of setting a goal for SMEs to win 30% of public sector business and also gives her views on the impact of CGT on entrepreneurial investment.

• 24:10 Interview with Phil McCabe of the Forum of Private Business who has concerns about the increasing tax burden on SMEs not mentioned in today’s budget. He also talks about moves to tackle red tape, the Small Business Working group on the Business Council of Britain.

• 29:11 Interview with Emma Hill of writemysite.co.uk, the owner of a copywriting agency in Acton with her views on the budget and the economy.

• 32.30 Music Burial
from “Untrue”
(Hyperdub)

Buy at Rough Trade
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Buy at eMusic
Stream from Rhapsody
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Tags: small business, Budget 2008, SME

This week SmallBizPod #62, the small business podcast, takes a look at social enterprise and social firms in particular. Inspiring interviews with social entrepreneurs include: Nigel Kershaw, chairman of The Big Issue, Sally Reynold, ceo of Social Firms UK and Jenny Sims, ceo of Pembrokeshire FRAME.

Right click here to download the podcast for startup, small business and entrepreneurs.

Click on the play button below to listen now

If you’d like to subscribe free using an RSS feed or better still iTunes, just follow the podcast screencasts to find out how easy it is to make sure you never miss an episode of SmallBizPod.

For those who’d like to download SmallBizPod or listen to it now, right click on the download link or left click on the grey arrow button above to play now.

Show Notes

Summary

Intro:

• 00:00 Alex on what’s coming up in the show.
• 01:58 Thanks to Sage for their continued sponsorship of the podcast.

Features:

• 03:00 Interview with Nigel Kershaw, chairman of the Big Issue and ceo of Big Issue Invest which has established innovative ways to invest in social enterprises. Alex and Nigel talk about the challenges and priorities of social enterprise, prevention rather than philanthropy, desire for change and the social enterprise venture fund.

• 14:15 Interview with Sally Reynolds, ceo of Social Firms UK talks about the Social Firms model, her work, inspiration, the launch of the Star Social Firms quality mark, the importance of social and economic inclusion, the challenge of running a social firm and funding.

• 24:55 Interview with Jenny Sims, ceo of Pembrokeshire FRAME with some very practical advice on running a social firm including social accounting, establishing a diverse board and managing all staff equally to get the best from people and identifying their talents and skills whatever their ability.

Comments:

• 33.08 Thanks to all those who commented on the SmallBizPod blog including: Oladele Ayuba, Peter Boydell and Ed Stivala. Thanks also to everyone who has joined and contributed to the SmallBizPod Facebook Group.

• 39.04 Music Red by Jet Jaguar with thanks to the Monotonik label.

Tags: small business, social enterprise, social firms

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