Category: PodCast

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, Ed Nell and Doug D’Aubrey unpack what “networking” really is and why it’s far broader (and more useful) than awkward breakfasts and business-card bingo. They redefine networking as the everyday act of building relationships and creating opportunities, whether that’s at a formal event, on the golf course, at church, or even during a speed awareness course. The focus is mindset over mileage: help first, don’t sell, choose the right room for your market, and measure your return so you can double down on what works.

Key Takeaways

If you talk to people about what you do: clients, friends, club mates, you’re networking; word-of-mouth is networking by another name.

Build “know–like–trust.” People buy (and refer) when they know you, like you, and trust you; relationships, not pitches, unlock introductions.

Do not sell in the room. Networking meetings aren’t for closing deals; they’re for finding collaborators and introducers who’ll open doors to their wider networks.

Fish in the right pool. Match the room to your market (e.g., BNI, Chambers, IoD, sector bodies). If your buyers are at airports, go where airport people are.

Track ROI properly. Count fees plus your time (hourly rate × hours × weeks) against invoiced work generated; aim for at least a 3× return.

Best Moments

“If you’re talking about your business with another human, you’re networking.”

“Don’t go into a networking room to sell, go in to help.”

“Bring a bottle: contribute first, and there’s plenty for everyone.”

“Fish in the right pool; match the network to your market.”

“Never tell the room you’re too busy—referrals will dry up.”

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected and keep your business journey moving forward!

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, Ed Nell and Doug D’Aubrey cut through the jargon to show exactly how to judge whether your marketing is working. The golden rule: measure marketing on the enquiries it generates, not on closed sales, because conversion is the job of your sales process.

Doug walks through practical ways to track sources (“How did you hear about us?”), keep a simple but consistent log (from clipboard tallies to CRM fields), and review results continuously so you can stop what isn’t working and double down on what is. Expect clear guidance on KPIs, ROI, cost-per-lead, timelines for different channels, and how to manage external marketers like an in-house team.

Key Takeaways

Marketing creates leads; sales creates customers. Judge marketing by the number and quality of enquiries, then assess sales on conversions through your pipeline.

Track the source of every single enquiry. Capture it at the point of contact (web forms with a “where did you hear about us?” field, codes in ads, or simple tick sheets at the till) and report on it regularly via your CRM.

Give channels an appropriate runway: print/magazine ads often need around three months of consistent placement; SEO and social campaigns typically need 3–6 months; direct channels (events/trade shows) should show impact much sooner.

Know your numbers. Aim for a minimum 3× return on investment, and calculate cost per lead so you can compare channels (or third-party lead providers) like-for-like. If the numbers don’t stack up, change the approach.

Best Moments

“Marketing should be measured on leads; sales should be measured on new customers.”

“Monitor and measure so you can manage.”

“You don’t have to spend more; you have to know where to spend to get the right result.”

“Work on at least a three-times return on investment as a minimum.”

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected and keep your business journey moving forward!

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, Ed Nell and Doug D’Aubrey explore the importance of building customer loyalty, a vital but often overlooked part of long-term business success.

Doug outlines why keeping existing customers is just as crucial as attracting new ones. He introduces the concept of the Customer Loyalty Ladder, which moves from satisfied customers to repeat customers, advocates, and finally raving fans. The episode also looks at how excellent customer service, thoughtful after-sales care, and well-designed loyalty schemes help small businesses keep their clients coming back.

Key Takeaways

The Customer Loyalty Ladder helps businesses understand different levels of engagement, from satisfaction to advocacy, and how to move customers up each rung.

After-sales processes keep the conversation going. Follow-ups and relevant future offers show ongoing care and help increase customer lifetime value.

Loyalty schemes work, even the simple ones. Stamp cards, discounts, or referral rewards can encourage repeat visits and generate word-of-mouth referrals.

Complaints are an opportunity. Handling them well can turn an unhappy customer into a loyal one – and improve your systems for everyone.

Best Moments

“Customer service isn’t something you schedule, it’s part of your business culture.”

“You’ve spent time and money winning new customers, don’t waste it by losing them.”

“A free coffee might not cost much, but if it keeps them coming back, it’s priceless.”

“Customer complaints are your best feedback; they want you to fix it, not leave.”

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected and keep your business journey moving forward!

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, Ed Nell and Doug D’Aubrey discuss the value of creating and maintaining a marketing database for small businesses.

Doug explains why a database is far more than a contact list; it’s a powerful tool that helps you get your message in front of the right audience. They break down the steps to building a useful database, choosing the right CRM system, segmenting your contacts for targeted communication, and ensuring you’re compliant with GDPR. Real-life examples, from pubs and cafés to pest control firms, show how even small businesses can see big results from smart database marketing.

Key Takeaways

You can begin with a basic spreadsheet. Capture names, email addresses, phone numbers and postcodes. Add new contacts regularly and treat the database as a growing asset.

CRM systems can help you manage contacts, track communication, and automate marketing. Options range from simple platforms like Mailchimp and Capsule to industry-specific or fully customised tools.

Dividing your database by location, client type, or purchase history enables more targeted and relevant marketing. One message doesn’t fit all.

Always follow GDPR rules. Only market to people who have opted in. Responsible data management isn’t just about legal compliance; it protects your brand’s reputation too.

Best Moments

“If you’ve only got 20 people in the audience when you’ve paid for the whole theatre, you’re wasting your time, that’s what happens without a database.”

“Your database is your marketing foundation. Without it, who are you actually talking to?”

“CRM systems aren’t just for big companies. They’re tools to help you work smarter, not harder.”

“Build the habit: add new contacts every week. A database is never finished, it’s always growing.”

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected and keep your business journey moving forward!

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, host Doug D’Aubrey is joined by ETC’s Director of Consultancy, Phil Edwards to explore the power of scaling up your business.

Together, they talk about what scaling really means, how it differs from traditional business growth, and how small businesses can increase turnover without drastically increasing overheads. With real-world examples from tech startups to HR consultants and web developers, they demonstrate how automation, outsourcing, innovation, and clever use of resources can help you scale effectively and sustainably.

Key Takeaways

Scaling means increasing output or income without a significant rise in costs or infrastructure, unlike growth, which often involves hiring more people or opening new locations.

Start by assessing your current assets and identifying how you can maximise them—whether that’s tech, time, or existing customer relationships.

From subscription apps to outsourcing and AI tools, technology allows businesses to serve more customers without working longer hours or expanding physically.

It’s not just product-based companies, consultants, developers, and firms in the service sector that can scale by automating tasks, productising services, or leveraging remote support.

Best Moments

“Scaling means growing your business using what you already have, not just throwing more money, people or buildings at it.”

“Your fanbase is gold. They’re the ones who helped you grow, so keep them on side as you scale and evolve.”

“Scaling is great, but if you can’t deliver, the whole thing collapses. Manage it carefully.”

About Phil Edwards

Phil brings a wealth of experience in business development, strategic marketing, and product management, particularly within the consumer goods sector. He has successfully supported businesses in driving profitability through effective sales strategies, team mentoring, and customer-focused marketing plans. His expertise in identifying business weaknesses and turning them into strengths, combined with a strong emphasis on people and implementation, makes him a valuable asset for any organisation seeking growth and direction.

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected and keep your business journey moving forward!

In this episode of Business Made Simple, host Ed Nell is joined by Doug D’Aubrey to explore the essentials of creating a successful marketing plan for small businesses. With Doug’s no-nonsense approach, they break down the barriers and myths around marketing strategies, showing that you don’t need a large team or months of prep to start planning effectively. Together, they highlight the importance of simplicity, consistency, and aligning your marketing with seasonal trends and business goals.

Key Takeaways

Keep your marketing plan simple and actionable. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by listing what you’re already doing and build from there.

Use a calendar-based approach to map out seasonal opportunities, campaigns, and business trends. Think strategically about when your audience is most likely to engage.

Consistency is key. A steady, ongoing presence helps avoid the common feast-or-famine cycle many small businesses experience when they stop marketing once work picks up.

Assign responsibility and check in regularly. If you delegate marketing tasks (including to external providers), ensure they have clear direction and accountability.

Implementation matters more than perfection. A basic plan that gets actioned will always outperform a perfect plan left in a drawer.

Best Moments

“You don’t need a complex, three-week marketing plan. Just start with the basics, it’s about making sure something gets done.”

“Everything in life has a plan, whether it’s shopping or getting to Wembley on time. Why should marketing be any different?”

“If you’re struggling with time, just do half an hour of marketing each week. A little consistency goes a long way.”

“Subcontractors aren’t mind readers. You need to guide them just like a member of your team.”

“The best plan in the world is useless if you don’t implement it. Even a mediocre plan, well executed, can transform your business.”

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected and keep your business journey moving forward!

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, Ed Nell sits down with Doug D’Aubrey to discuss the importance of crafting a strong marketing message. Doug explains why a marketing message needs to resonate with your target audience, focusing on outcomes rather than the details of how your product or service works. He shares insights on avoiding common mistakes, the power of a clear Unique Selling Proposition (USP), and how storytelling can enhance your message. Doug also introduces the “So What?” test as a way to refine your message and ensure it delivers value.

This episode offers actionable advice for businesses looking to refine their marketing strategies. Doug shares advice on keeping your message clear, focused on outcomes, and supported by storytelling, which can help your business break through the noise and truly resonate with your target audience.

Key Takeaways

Focus on Outcomes: The message should emphasise what the customer will gain, not just how your product works. The key is communicating the result they will experience.

Avoid Overcomplicating the Message: Doug advises against using jargon and overly technical terms. The message should be simple and clear enough that even a 14-year-old can understand it.

The Power of USP: A well-defined Unique Selling Proposition (USP) helps businesses stand out. It should be included in all marketing communications, reinforcing why customers choose you.

Storytelling: Once you’ve captured attention with your clear message, storytelling can help connect emotionally, sharing real-world benefits and outcomes.

The “So What?” Test: Always ask, “So what?” after delivering your message. If the listener can answer this with a clear benefit, then your message is effective. Otherwise, refine it.

Best Moments

“Focus on the outcomes your customers will experience, not on what you do. That’s the key to getting their attention.”

“Avoid jargon and technical terms. If a 14-year-old can’t understand your message, you’re not there yet.”

“The USP is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a cornerstone of your messaging. Use it everywhere.”

“Storytelling turns your message into something people can relate to. It shows real-world results, not just promises.”

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected and keep your business journey moving forward!

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, Ed Nell sits down with Doug D’Aubrey to discuss the importance of identifying and developing a strong Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Doug explains that a USP is not just about being “different” but also about understanding why customers choose your business over the competition. He shares practical advice on how to uncover your USP by talking to customers, avoiding common mistakes, and using it effectively in your marketing strategy to stand out in a crowded market.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Your USP: A USP is what makes your business stand out and is rooted in why customers choose you. It’s not about what you think makes you different, but what your customers perceive.

The Right Questions: To uncover your true USP, ask your customers why they bought from you in the first place, not just why they continue to do business with you.

Customer Feedback is Key: Use surveys or direct conversations to learn about the decision-making process of your customers.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: Don’t fall into the trap of thinking common qualities (like being “the quickest” or “the cleanest”) are USPs. These are often expectations, not differentiators.

Marketing Your USP: Once you identify your USP, it should be the cornerstone of your marketing strategy. Use it prominently in your messaging to attract customers and show why your business is different.

Key Moments

“A USP is not about what you think. It’s about what your customers think.”

“The real value is in understanding why people buy from you, not why they keep buying.”

“Listen to your customers. They’ll tell you the real reason they chose you in the first place.”

“Once you know your USP, make it the centre of your marketing—tell everyone about it.”

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected and keep your business journey moving forward!

In this episode of the Business Made Smarter Podcast, Doug D’Aubrey and Michele Ibbs discuss the importance of a well-defined customer journey and how automation and AI can streamline business processes. Michele explains how her company, Truly Yours, helps businesses by creating bespoke customer journeys, utilising automation tools such as Go High Level and AI to save time and improve productivity. She highlights the advantages of integrating automation with systems like CRM to enhance customer service and marketing.

Key Takeaways 

The Customer Journey is Key: A successful customer journey requires detailed planning and multiple touchpoints, from the initial inquiry to offboarding.

Automation and AI Integration: Implementing automation tools and AI can significantly reduce the manual workload, increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Human Touch in Automation: Automation should feel personal, with tailored messaging that looks human, even when automated.

Optimising CRM Systems: CRM systems like Go High Level allow for better segmentation and automation, but choosing the right system for your business is crucial.

Small Business Advice: For small businesses, starting small and building gradually is the key. Focus on setting up basic processes first and expand as needed.

Key Moments

“The customer journey needs all those little touch points and what I call the fluffies to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

“Automation is great, but it must look human—timing and personalisation are critical to avoid it feeling robotic.”

“APIs are like front door keys, allowing different systems to communicate with each other effectively.”

“Don’t overwhelm yourself—start with small steps and gradually build up your CRM and automation processes.”

“The right CRM can save you hours. But be cautious of free systems that add on costs as you grow.”

About the guest

Michele Ibbs is the founder of Truly Yours and I’m Your PA, specialising in automating customer journeys with AI and CRM systems. With 17 years of experience in call handling, she helps businesses streamline processes, increase productivity, and enhance customer satisfaction. Michele’s expertise in automation, particularly with Go High Level, enables her to deliver tailored solutions that optimise operations and improve client experiences. Find out more: https://imyourpa.co.uk/ & https://www.trulyyours.agency/

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected and keep your business journey moving forward

In Episode 3 of the Business Made Smarter Podcast, host Ed Nell and Doug D’Aubrey, Founder of Executive Training & Consultancy, discuss the importance of organising customer data to enhance marketing efforts. Doug explains how segmenting your customer base allows for more targeted communication, improved service, and ultimately, greater profitability. Whether you’re a small business owner or a growing enterprise, this episode provides actionable steps to help you refine your marketing strategy.

Key Takeaways

🔹 Why Customer Segmentation Matters: Different types of customers require different communication styles and marketing approaches. Organising your database helps tailor messaging effectively.
🔹 Three Basic Segments: Businesses should start by categorising existing customers, past customers, and prospects. This allows for more relevant and personalised marketing.
🔹 Using Technology for Segmentation: CRM systems, Mailchimp, and Facebook Ads allow businesses to refine their audience, ensuring that marketing efforts reach the right people at the right time.
🔹 Practical Business Applications: Segmentation helps businesses offer more specific services, such as targeted promotions for returning customers or industry-specific solutions for different client groups.
🔹 Avoid Overcomplicating It: Too many segments can become overwhelming. Focus on categories that will genuinely improve marketing efficiency and customer experience.

Key Moments

• “The way you talk to different customers should be tailored—just like how you speak differently to family, colleagues, and strangers.”
• “A flower shop can use segmentation to send Valentine’s Day promotions to male customers, increasing sales strategically.”
• “If you can identify your most profitable customer segment, you can focus your marketing on attracting more of them.”
• “Tracking the success of your segmentation efforts is key—if a strategy isn’t working, adjust it or stop wasting resources on it.”

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected and keep your business journey moving forward!