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Ambitious Lifestyle Business

Are you a small business owner who likes to think BIG? Then this podcast is for YOU. It's a place where AMBITIOUS business owners learn and share SIMPLE, PRACTICAL tips and advice to help their businesses GROW with ONE purpose... TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE LIFESTYLE THEY WANT. Whatever that means for YOU... Maybe you want to earn £100k a year? Maybe you want to spend more time with friends and family, or travel more? You might want to give up the Day Job, or completely change direction in your business. Perhaps you want to retire in X years? Remove yourself from doing the jobs you HATE? Sack your problem clients? This monthly podcast is 100% FREE. There's no ads. No spammy upsells. No fluffy, woo-woo BS. Just simple, practical help to grow YOUR Ambitious Lifestyle Business.
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Now displaying: Page 1
Mar 7, 2024

Austin Newberry is the owner and CEO of Logspan - a timber building manufacturer based in Scotland. Austin is a family man who says that he still struggles with work/life balance.

In this episode, you will hear:

💬 Austin's POWERFUL story about a childhood family holiday - and how it impacts his parenting style to this day.

💬 What it's like to take over a family business - and why it still doesn't feel like his business.

💬 The building blocks that ANYONE can use to get better at public speaking.

💬 Whether "Boardroom" (our 2024 Mastermind group) is as SCARY as we marketed it to be.

💬 How to create (and protect) BOUNDARIES between work and life.

This episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast (and the 110 that preceded it) is available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Mar 1, 2024
crreeeaaaaaak!
 
What's that noise? 👂
 
Oh, it's just the sound of me, opening the doors for the March 2024 intake of my One Percent Club.
 
Why the creaking?
 
Well, the doors have been closed since the 1st of October last year - and they need a bit of WD/40. 🚪
 
What's the One Percent Club?
 
It's a community of like-minded, ambitious lifestyle business owners, all committed to the following cause:
 
📈 "To leave their business 1% better each week." 📈
 
The One Percent Club shows them how, through education, inspiration and perspiration - helping them discover WHAT to do to make those 1% gains, and the accountability to actually DO the work.
 
❓ Could the One Percent Club help you to leave YOUR business 1% better each and every week? ❓
 
Find out in 6 minutes (and eight seconds) with the explainer video 📺 on my website: https://www.bigidea.co.uk/one-percent-club 
 
Right, I'm off to oil those hinges... 🚪
Feb 1, 2024

Husband and wife duo, Jon and Miriam run Mod A Mini, a BMW Mini performance parts ecommerce store and Torque Monkey, a physical garage in Chelmsford specialising in performance vehicles.

 

In this episode, you will hear:

 

💬 Why HATING cars was an ADVANTAGE when starting a car business

💬 How DIFFICULT the first few years were - and how much HARD WORK was needed.

💬 The importance of "leaving work at work" when working with a loved one.

💬 Why Jon and Miriam LEFT the One Percent Club (and then returned!)

💬 How working on Jon's HEALTH improved the BUSINESS too.

 

This episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast (and the 109 that preceded it) is available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Jan 4, 2024

Ambitious, lifestyle business owners can learn valuable lessons from Charlie Munger, the renowned investor and Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. Here are some key lessons:

  1. Value of Continuous Learning: Munger is a strong advocate of lifelong learning. He believes in expanding one's knowledge across various disciplines, not just in your field of business. Business owners can benefit from this by constantly seeking new knowledge and perspectives that can help them make better decisions.

  2. Importance of Mental Models: Munger emphasizes the use of mental models from multiple disciplines to solve complex problems. Business owners can apply this by integrating ideas and concepts from different areas to gain a more comprehensive view of their challenges and opportunities.

  3. Inversion: Munger often uses inversion, a problem-solving technique, to think backward and identify potential pitfalls. Business owners can apply this by considering what not to do or what could go wrong in their business strategies.

  4. Long-Term Perspective: Munger's investment philosophy is built on the idea of holding quality assets for the long term. Business owners can adopt this mindset by focusing on sustainable growth and avoiding short-term thinking that might compromise the long-term health of their businesses.

  5. Rational Decision-Making: Munger promotes rationality in decision-making, emphasizing the importance of avoiding emotional reactions. Business owners can benefit from this by making well-thought-out decisions based on facts and analysis rather than emotions.

  6. Competitive Advantage: Munger encourages business owners to build and maintain a competitive advantage. Whether through unique products, excellent customer service, or innovative processes, having a sustainable advantage can lead to long-term success.

  7. Circle of Competence: Munger advises staying within one's circle of competence, focusing on what you understand well. Business owners should recognize their strengths and limitations and make decisions accordingly, seeking expert advice when needed.

  8. Ethical Behavior: Munger values ethical behavior and integrity in business. Business owners can learn the importance of conducting business honestly, which builds trust with customers and partners.

  9. Risk Management: Munger emphasizes the need to consider and manage risks. Business owners should conduct thorough risk assessments and implement strategies to mitigate potential threats to their businesses.

  10. Patience and Discipline: Munger's investment success is partly attributed to his patience and discipline. Business owners can apply this by staying committed to their long-term goals and not being swayed by short-term fluctuations or pressures.

  11. Adaptation: Munger recognizes the importance of adaptability. Business owners should be willing to adjust their strategies and embrace change when necessary to stay relevant and competitive.

  12. Simplicity: Munger often advocates for simplicity in decision-making and business processes. Business owners can benefit from simplifying complex issues and strategies to make them more manageable and effective.

Overall, Charlie Munger's principles can guide ambitious business owners toward making informed, rational, and ethical decisions that promote long-term success and personal growth.

Dec 7, 2023

It's Chriiiiistmaaaaasss! We start this Christmas special episode by wishing Noddy Holder's Evergreen Asset (Merry Xmas Everybody) a happy 50th birthday.

We also dissect the rise of AI in 2023 (No, it's not coming for your job - but it IS going to change your job completely!), celebrate the return of in-person events, and explain how to listen to John's audiobooks for free.

We also end the year by looking at the boys' Books of the Year - including a "personality profiling" book that identified John as someone who is:

  1. overly judgemental

  2. has a lot of self-discipline

  3. spends a lot of time thinking how to become a better person

  4. likes routine

  5. is really disappointed when other people don't do their part.

Yep, that sounds like John!

This episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast (and the 107 that preceded it) is available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Nov 2, 2023

Nicky Thomas is the founder of The Growth Community, a networking group that promises “Real Community Business Networking”, with relaxed, purposeful networking, and no membership sales pitches.

Nicky joined the One Percent Club 18 months ago, and as a result, grew her business by 75% in her first 12 months of membership. That huge level of growth doesn't come without a cost, however, and it's this cost that we talk about in today's episode - the price small business owners pay for growth.

This episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast (together with another 106 episodes from the back catalogue) is available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Oct 4, 2023

Graeme Tennick is Chief Impact Officer at Tennick Accountants, where he isn't afraid to roll up his sleeves, and is on a mission to empower trades and professional services business owners who know the grind of long hours, minimal returns, and the frustration of hefty taxes.

The word "impact" runs through today's episode - Graeme talks about the impact of his father's forklift business on him as a young man, the impact of making a few wrong decisions (and more than a few right ones!).

As I implore readers of The False EXIT to "truly live and breathe" their vision and values, Graeme is doing just that - demonstrating how small business owners can impact their own lives, as well as those of their immediate family, team of co-workers, clients - and ultimately leave the world a better place.

How will YOU have an impact today?

Sep 22, 2023

I've got two pieces of time-sensitive information to share with you today - one involving an 82% discount, and on that could (literally) change your life.

 

But BOTH require some action in the next 8 days...

Sep 6, 2023

Never give up in business.

If there's one piece of advice that today's guest Alastair Imray embodies, it is this.

Alastair's business career began with no qualifications and no money but a determination to start his own business. Alastair has proven that hard work, determination, constant learning and never giving up has been the key to running a successful business.

Wearing a Nike "Just Do It" T-short, Alastair tells us:

  • How he sold anything and everything - from ice cream on Bondi Beach, to items he found in dumpsters.

  • Why you should never give up in business.

  • How Michael Lieberman became a hero to Alastair.

  • A few dozen of the business books that helped shape his success.

  • How Alastair won a contract with his dream supplier - by refusing to take no for an answer!

  • Exactly how Alastair removed himself from the day-to-day "on the tools" running of his business.

Aug 3, 2023

What's the best Exit Strategy for a Small Business? It depends...

In this summer-special podcast, John and Jason discuss their (many!) failed attempts to exit their small business over the years, including:

  • Thinking they sold their company for £2m - only to get a Dear John email.

  • John giving away 49% of his small business for free

  • What happens when you abdicate rather than delegate.

  • How to choose the right exit strategy for small business owners.

  • Why "doing nothing" isn't really an option.

  • How John and Jase discovered the "False EXIT" - and why they're glad they did!

Jul 20, 2023

Do NOT sell your business...

At least not until you've read John's new book - The False EXIT.

The False EXIT isn't a book about selling your business. It's a book about NOT selling your business - it's about keeping, rather than killing the golden goose.

The book is available NOW on Amazon (in Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover formats), with the Audiobook version coming in January 2024.

For the next 48 hours, there's some VERY special launch pricing, making the book as cheap as it will ever be. In John's words, "fill your boots! Buy 1 copy, 10 copies or even 100. Get one for clients, colleagues and people you vaguely like - anyone who needs to read this book."

In this episode, John practices his narration for the audiobook (only stumbling over the phrase "lugging buckets") by reading the introduction for us - enjoy!

Jul 6, 2023

How many goals is too many? If you're today's guest Nathan Pascoe, there is no limit!

In this episode, Nathan explains:

  • Why he has a 90-day plan AND a 120-year plan.

  • The importance of reviewing your goals twice a day.

  • How everything he does is for his "future self"

  • The relentless focus on high value tasks (such as sending Weekly Emails)

  • Why Nathan focuses on the "long game"

  • How he achieves just about ANYTHING he sets his mind to.

  • Why John calls him "the most ambitious, ambitious lifestyle business owner we've ever had on the show!"

Jun 1, 2023

"To live longer, get stronger..." 

Today, on the Ambitious Lifestyle Business Podcast, we're joined by Matt Fox from Physiocore, a group-based class which helps people to live longer and get stronger, by future-proofing their bodies with a unique combination of mobility, core, balance and strengthening exercises.

As a Physiotherapist with a degree in sport science, he has worked in the NHS, private practice and spent over 10 years working full time in professional football at Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers FC.

Matt has helped many hundreds of people create a flexible and strong body with a view to keeping active and healthy for life.

In this episode, Matt tells us:

 

  1. How we can outperform our age.

  2. Why we should avoid "junk miles" - for our bodies AND our business.

  3. How he's used the Evergreen Assets ecosystem, and the Could Do List to improve his business.

  4. Why it took hearing the "constant, never-ending improvement" message more than 100 times before the penny dropped.

  5. The moment he designed his own ambitious, lifestyle business, camping in his back garden with his kids.

  6. That he's a bit of a routine machine...

May 4, 2023

In this episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business Podcast, we meet Stephen Gibbens from Accountech.

 

A culture of overwork led to Stephen collapsing in his car, fearing a heart attack - or worse. He'd spent decades growing his business and had no desire to become the richest man in the graveyard.

 

In the hard-hitting episode, Stephen tells us:

 

  1. Why overworking is bad - for your health and your wealth

  2. How to spot the symptoms of overwork.

  3. Why he never considered his to be a lifestyle business.

  4. How Jim Collin's Hedgehog Concept changed his thinking.

  5. Why "clients with very little money" are his perfect niche.

Apr 6, 2023

"Our 100th Episode..." 

In December 2016, I uttered the immortal words to Jason:

"Do you fancy starting a podcast?"

Just over six years, and 99 episodes later, the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast is about to hit the 100 episode milestone - something that seemed impossible when I felt like quitting after 6 months.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - consistency is a superpower. 

How did we get to 100 episodes?

One episode at a time, one month at a time.

We found a way to make it easy.

We mastered the art of showing up, every single month.

We made it FUN.

Including THIS special, 100th episode, recorded in front of a live audience of listeners and previous guests.

Here's to the next century!

Mar 2, 2023

"I made ONE decision - and it changed my life..." 

In this episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business Podcast, we meet Roger Haycock from Roger's Bakery.

One decision led to us talking to Roger today. That one decision, made on 30th December 2020, led to a succession of domino-effect decisions that have profoundly changed Rogers's life as he embarks on his "third challenge".

Roger tells us that:

 

  1. One decision started it all.

  2. He is naturally curious, wanting to find out how things work.

  3. How food poisoning led to him starting a conservatory business!

  4. His secret ingredient for artisan bread - FIRE!

  5. How Routine Machine motivated him to change "routines that weren't working"

  6. Roger's advice for anyone looking to make ONE decision to change their life.

  7. How you can learn ANYTHING from personal development books.

Feb 2, 2023

In this episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business Podcast, we chat with James Crow from Posture Stars.

James is an Ergonomist, Posture Pro, and Alexander Technique Teacher who *won't stop* until you can sit and work comfortably without pain. With over 15 years of experience helping people sit, stand and live with better posture, it's his mission to save the universe from the modern pandemic of slouching, slumping, and generally feeling run down!

James tells us:

 

  1. Why "sitting is the new smoking".

  2. 3 simple improvements we can ALL make to improve our posture.

  3. The daily routines that help him hit his goals.

  4. What three months of weekly 1% improvements looks like.

  5. How seeing other people failing helps James.

  6. The effect that Jim Collins' book Good to Great has had on James' business.

  7. Why James does want ANYONE else to join the One Percent Club.

Jan 5, 2023

In this episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business Podcast, we meet Tom Edwards from Tom Edwards Sound and Five29 - a company which specialises in final post-production services for factual content - helping make TV shows such as Cash in the Attic and The One Show sound amazing.

We discuss:

  1. Why losing his dream job forced Tom to become a "reluctant business owner"

  2. How to find your niche in business.

  3. What good sound actually sounds like.

  4. Why Tom said "yes" to every opportunity that came his way - and how he discovered the "hell yeah or no" mindset.

  5. How quickly the "hell yeah or no" goalposts move - and former dream clients/opportunities can become nightmares

  6. The upcoming 100th episode of the ALB podcast - and how you can take part!

  7. How Tom embraced the Dream Clients strategy - with amazing results in just two weeks!

  8. 90's WWF wrestlers - yes, really!

Dec 1, 2022

"Why this Money Mindset book is my book of the year…" 

So here it is - Merry Christmas! Everybody’s… designing their 2023 goals. In this Christmas special, John and Jason put the year to bed, and the world to rights. The boys discuss:

  1. Their books of the year - including the money mindset book that will be crucial to read in the current economic climate.

  2. Why John is learning how to care less about work - dialling down his ambition and slowing down.

  3. How “constant never-ending improvement” has actually been around for centuries.

  4. The upcoming 100th episode of the ALB podcast - and how you can take part!

  5. Why grown adults are competing to win an inflatable flamingo - and learning how to work less in the process.

  6. The False EXIT - John’s new book, coming out (sometime!) in 2023. It’s definitely NOT a DCI Lamerton crime thriller!

Nov 3, 2022

In this episode, John and Jason are joined by Vicky Jinks, who works with the boys, helping to look after One Percent Club members. Together, they discuss how to grow a small business into a large business - using the same “1% better each week” strategy that they preach.

You’ll hear::

  1. Why people's definitions of “small” and “large” businesses are highly individual.

  2. How even the largest, trillion-dollar businesses started as tiny upstarts.

  3. The importance of getting started.

  4. Accepting that version 1.0 will look nothing like version 10!

  5. When to stop growing.

Oct 6, 2022

Today, we're joined by Caroline Gurtler from Curious Rose. In this episode, you will hear:

  1. How Caroline showed tremendous bravery to be brutally honest about her problems - and how that led to an outpouring of help that turned things around

  2. How to balance "selling out of products" versus simply "selling out"

  3. Why Caroline took a 1-year-old baby to Cambodia.

  4. How, after hiding under a table during a military coup, Caroline doesn't really fear anything.

  5. Caroline describe her journey as a "road to entrepreneurship, paved with disasters"!

  6. What an ambitious, lifestyle business means to Caroline.

Sep 5, 2022

This is it - the BIG one! 

 

My all-time top 10 business books.

 

I’ve read more than 1,000 business books over 20+ years – and these are my top 10 business books of all time.

 

The TEN most read, most thumbed, most recommended, most highlighted, most implemented business books on my bookshelf. I’ve read every one of these books multiple times, and they’ve become an essential part of my small business toolkit. I couldn’t run my businesses anywhere near as well without them.

While I rarely prescribe “one-size-fits-all” book recommendations, I truly believe that every small business owner will have a significantly better business if they have these ten books on their shelves too.

https://bigidea.co.uk/best-business-books/#topten

I hope you’ve enjoyed my definitive top 100 best business books – I’d love to hear from you (email me - john@bigidea.co.uk), whether you’ve just read a book that you think I’d enjoy – or just want to tell me how wrong I am for not including your favourite book in the top 100! Additionally, I’d love to hear from you if my favourite books have inspired you to read more. 

Remember though, to read the books AND follow the instructions!

Sep 1, 2022

Today, we're joined by Michele Marsland from Marslands Accountants. In this episode, you will hear:

 

  1. Why breaking her leg was the best thing that ever happened to Michele's business.

  2. How Michele has become the Queen of the Let Property Campaign.

  3. Why Michele played "chapter roulette" with Routine Machine.

  4. How to change your money mindset - optimising your actual hourly rate.

  5. The subtle difference between earning £5 an hour and £95 an hour.

  6. Why Michele lives in "Pink Flamingo Land" - and how YOU can too!

Aug 30, 2022

Here are my Top 10 Customer Service Books, featuring titles by Pat Flynn, Roger Dooley, Nir Eyal, James Sinclair and Joey Coleman.

 

https://bigidea.co.uk/best-business-books/#customerservice

 

This is part of my Top 100 Best Business Books project - do you agree with my choices? - what book(s) should I have chosen? What's YOUR number one?

Aug 23, 2022

Here are my Top 10 Business Strategy Books, featuring titles by Dan Bradbury, Matthew Syed, Daniel Priestley, John Warrillow, and Mike Michalowicz.

 

https://bigidea.co.uk/best-business-books/#strat

 

This is part of my Top 100 Best Business Books project - do you agree with my choices? - what book(s) should I have chosen? What's YOUR number one?

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