In this lively episode of The Business Babble, Alex Fleming from the Discovery Group shares his journey managing the world-famous Elizabethan. From the humorous "Beer War" with Green King over pint prices to the challenges of running an independent pub in a world of big players like Wetherspoons, Alex dives deep into the evolution of pub culture. We explore everything from staff development and customer service to the bigger issues facing hospitality today. Whether you're curious about the economics of a pint, how pubs adapt to changing customer habits, or the future of hospitality, this episode is packed with insight and wit.

In this episode of The Business Babble, Johnny, Wicus, and Mike dive into the realities of running a business through the ups and downs of everyday life. From navigating school holidays and the reflective moments of funerals to the essential yet daunting task of financial planning, the hosts explore how habits—both good and bad—can shape the success of your business.

They tackle the importance of understanding your numbers, the often-overlooked value of financial forecasting, and why ignoring your financials can be as risky as skipping that crucial tyre change or light bulb replacement. Wicus highlights how many new business owners neglect to pay themselves when calculating costs, while Johnny emphasises the necessity of creating a clear plan to avoid the all-too-common cycle of just 'getting by'. Mike brings his practical insights into setting the right expectations with clients and managing cash flow effectively.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as they discuss the challenges of managing people, the fear of asking for payment, and the difficult decisions of letting go of employees who aren't contributing to the business's success. The hosts stress the importance of making tough, unemotional decisions in business and the impact of those decisions on company culture and performance.

Whether you're an established entrepreneur or just starting, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to balance the emotional and practical aspects of running a successful business. Tune in to learn how to shape your world before someone else does!

In this candid episode of The Business Babble, hosts Johnny, Mike, and Wicus cut through the corporate jargon to discuss the raw realities of business leadership, culture, and values. The trio dives into the true purpose of business plans, the pitfalls of promoting the wrong people, and the often overlooked gap between what's written on the wall and what’s lived in the workplace. From the origins of business plans in the Great Depression to modern-day leadership challenges, they explore how integrity, accountability, and genuine respect play pivotal roles in business success.

Johnny voices his disdain for corporate buzzwords and empty vision statements, while Wicus emphasises the importance of defining and embodying company values from the ground up. Mike contributes insights on creating the right team culture and the tough decisions that come with managing people. This episode is a no-nonsense conversation for entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and anyone interested in the nitty-gritty of running a successful enterprise. Tune in for an unfiltered discussion on making hard choices, building authentic company culture, and the real meaning of leadership beyond the textbook definitions.

In this episode of The Business Babble, hosts Mike, Johnny, and Wicus are joined by Ali Booth, founder of The HR Booth. Ali dives into the evolving world of HR, sharing insights from his journey of growing a business from a one-man band to a team of 16+.

Together, they discuss the challenges of managing people in family businesses, generational differences in the workplace, and navigating the upcoming changes in employment legislation. Ali offers valuable advice on hiring, firing, and the importance of company culture, all while highlighting the crucial role of HR beyond just hiring and firing.

Tune in for a candid conversation filled with practical tips and real-world examples that every business owner can relate to. Whether you're just starting out or managing a growing team, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the most of your people and your business. Don’t miss out!

In this thought-provoking episode of The Business Babble, Johnny is joined by guests Cammy, Andy, and Kev for a deep dive into the essence of purpose, authenticity, and mindset in both life and business. The discussion starts light-heartedly with the usual banter, but quickly shifts to more profound topics. Kev shares his journey of overcoming expectations and living with purpose after a life-altering experience. Cammy reflects on finding peace and redefining success after the challenges of the pandemic. Andy emphasises the importance of listening to qualified advice and working smart, while Johnny discusses the importance of teaching his children the value of hard work and authenticity. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes, wisdom on overcoming fears, and insights into maintaining a positive mindset. The hosts also explore how to stay true to oneself in various aspects of life and business, making this episode both inspiring and introspective.

In this episode of The Business Babble, hosts Mike, Johnny, and Wicus kick off with a lively discussion on Scotland's football fans and their impact on the German economy during the Euros. The conversation then shifts gears to a detailed exploration of sales strategies, focusing on the importance of a well-structured sales plan. They cover key elements such as prospecting, lead generation, client qualification, and the significance of building rapport with clients. The episode also emphasises the value of aftercare and how to measure sales success effectively. The hosts round off with a sneak peek into upcoming discussions on the financial aspects of running a business, promising an engaging chat with an accountant in the next episode.

In this insightful episode of The Business Babble, hosts Johnny and Mike are joined by Donald Munro, a seasoned business coach from Business Coach Scotland. The discussion covers a wide range of topics essential for both budding entrepreneurs and established business owners looking to take their ventures to the next level.

Donald shares his expertise on identifying ideal clients, setting inspiring goals, and the importance of accountability in business growth. He delves into practical strategies for new startups, emphasising the significance of having clear, written goals and the role of a business coach in holding clients accountable to their objectives.

The conversation also explores the power of networking and the strategic use of LinkedIn for business development. Donald offers valuable tips on optimising LinkedIn profiles and using the platform to connect with potential clients, highlighting the benefits of a well-rounded marketing approach.

Listeners will gain insights from Donald’s success stories and learn about the challenges and rewards of running a business. The episode concludes with Donald’s reflections on the future of his coaching career and the importance of balancing work with family life.

Tune in for an engaging and informative episode that provides practical advice and inspiration for entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey.

In this lively episode of The Business Babble, hosts Wicus, Johnny, and Mike engage in a fun and insightful quickfire round, where they respond to various business-related keywords with immediate, off-the-cuff answers. This spontaneous format brings out their unfiltered thoughts and expertise, providing listeners with rapid nuggets of wisdom and plenty of laughs.

The episode kicks off with Wicus explaining the rules of the game: Johnny will mention a word, and each host must instantly respond with their thoughts. Topics range from essential business concepts like profit, credit, and market share to more whimsical subjects like toilet paper and weather. The quickfire round showcases the hosts' deep understanding of business dynamics, mixed with their unique personalities and humour.

Key moments include Mike's practical take on staff and vehicles, Wicus's thoughtful insights on timekeeping and consistency, and Johnny's passionate views on obstacles and being different. The hosts also touch on the importance of having the right accountant, the role of competitors, and the necessity of taking risks in business.

The episode concludes with reflections on stress management, the value of holidays, and the importance of community in business. Johnny wraps up the session with a final thought-provoking word, "Business Babble," prompting each host to express their love for the podcast and its growing community.

Tune in for a fast-paced, entertaining, and enlightening episode that captures the essence of "The Business Babble" podcast: real-world business advice delivered with a touch of humour and a lot of heart. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on navigating the business world.