Mind Your Business With Sara & Helen
Mind Your Business is a podcast for small business owners who love what they do but want someone to talk it through with. Hosted by sisters and entrepreneurs Sara Davies and Helen Goddard, it brings honest, practical and relatable conversations about the everyday realities of business ownership. The mission is to make entrepreneurs feel less alone, more understood and better equipped to grow, creating a community where small business owners can connect, share and thrive together.
Episodes
Bitesize Business In Our Bonus Q&A
Handing over responsibility to your staff, charging for work beyond the scope of an original brief and a failing email list are the subjects our entrepreneurial agony aunts tackle in our latest Q&A. If you want free business advice from Sara & Helen, email hello@mybpod.com, or get in touch via the channels below.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it really does make
Artificial Intelligence | A Beginner's Guide To Making AI Work For You
They don't pretend to be experts, but Sara and Helen are very well aware of the potential AI has to improve efficiency in various aspects of your business. Here, they share examples of how you might implement it based on their own experience - as well as what to be careful of - in the knowledge it's a subject we'll surely be returning to. Alice from Posh Totty Designs also has words of
Consultancy Live! Sara & Helen Answer Your (And, Er, Helen's) Questions
Her pod, her rules! Helen goes off script and throws one of her own business dilemmas into the mix - and is probably regretting it given the dressing down she gets from Sara! We also have queries about balancing creativity with the 'boring' everyday stuff, and seeking investment for a new green business. If you want the gals' advice, get in touch via the channels below. We want to hear
Know Your Values! Why What Your Business Stands For Matters
Chances are you have a set of core values that underpin the running of your business. But have you ever properly identified what those values are - or articulated them to your staff? Until preparing for this episode, Helen hadn't - and discovered what a worthwhile exercise it is when it comes to providing direction for her, her company and her employees. They explore what happens when values a
Dear Sara & Helen ... You Ask, They Answer!
Sara & Helen flex their consultancy muscles for Abby, Beaut Blooms & Derek, with advice applicable to all small business owners. Abby is wondering whether or not to give up, Beaut Blooms are looking to revitalise flagging sales, and Derek needs help planning his exit strategy. What can we sort out for you? Get in touch via the channels below.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and su
Battling Price Rises? Start Negotiations With NO!
As economic pressure intensify, price rises are gushing down the supply chain, causing considerable stress to businesses big and small. As ever, Sara and Helen are here to help with strategies to work around and mitigate increasing costs. And yes, the starting point is saying no. They even engage in a role play exercise set by Uncle Matt to test their negotiating skills - which, while competitive,
Let The Troubleshooting Begin! Sara & Helen Answer Your Questions
Katherine, Jak & Kate are our entrepreneurial interrogators this week, seeking Sara & Helen's expert advice on 'me-time', creating a positive culture within the workplace and securing sales for a new business with zero marketing budget. As ever, the gals' advice is impeccable, but also more than likely applicable to you and your business. If you have a question, get in touc
Become A Business Burglar! - The Art Of Pinching Great Ideas & Making Them Your Own
Helen is initially sceptcal about this notion, but is soon convinced by Sales Pitch Sara. Hardly surprising, given Sara learned how to sell combs to bald men from the very best - namely shopping channel, QVC! And herein lies the essence of becoming a business burglar. We're obviously not advocating copyright theft, but rather taking inspiration from other (often better resourced) companies and
Asked & Answered! Sara & Helen Solve Your Small Business Problems
Daniel, Lisa and Wendy have questions for Sara and Helen, which undoubtedly have broad appeal for a small business owner. That would be YOU! And just as the girls learn something by putting their shrewd and astute minds to your concerns, so might you all in hearing their answers! If you have a question, email hello@myb.com, or get in touch via the channels below.Thanks for listening. Please rate,
Going Tough? Get Going! - Making The Best Of Bad News In Business
It's grim out there, but Sara & Helen are glass-half-full gals - and have plenty of ideas as to how you can turn these tricky economic times to your advantage. Where others see only doom and gloom, they see doom and boom, and are here to share their eye for opportunity with you! And in Over a Brew, our partnership with Not On The High Street, Ella from Let's Make & Do has some tremendous w
YOUR Business Problems Sorted In Our Bonus Q&A
As well as developing a revolutionary business self-help theory on the fly (needs to be heard to be believed), Sara and Helen answer questions from Catriona, Omid and Penny in our weekly consultancy session. Catriona has three great ideas but isn't sure which one to pursue; Omid is wondering about the merits of accepting money from venture capitalists; and Penny wants to know how to bring the two
Nothing's Perfect In Business | How To Embrace Imperfection & Turn It To Your Advantage
Inspired by Sara & Helen's entrepreneurial dad, Frank - who would invariably run with a great, if imperfect, idea - we explore the merits of taking the plunge when it comes to a business concept you believe in passionately, but aren't sure is as ready as you'd like it to be. As always, the gals draw from their well of personal experience, for better and worse. And we have pearls of wisdom from
Your Questions Answered By Our Entrepreneurial Agony Aunts
We have questions from Helen, Selina and Pippa about social media promotion, creating a buzz about a new business and how to avoid meltdowns when working with your partner. As ever, Sara and Helen's advice has universal relevance. If you have a question for the girls, email hello@mybpod.com, or get in touch via the channels below.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it really
Make Buying Easy & Watch Sales Soar - How A Smooth Customer Journey Will Revolutionise Your Business
The harder it is for your customers to buy, the less they will. So, how do you make their journey as smooth as possible in order to secure sales? Sara and Helen have too many ideas to list here. Suffice to say, adopt at least a couple, and you will reap the rewards. And the best news? All of their learnings can be implemented relatively easily and at very little cost. As the girls say, this could
Your Questions Answered In Our Weekly Workshop
Have you ever accepted business you didn't really want, been ignored by a would-be mentor or worried about the pros and cons of making a big hire? If so, you are not alone; Sara and Helen have too! And, rest assured, they've plenty of advice on all of the above - based on personal experiences good and bad. If you'd like to tap their brains in our weekly Q&A, email hello@mybpod.com or get in to
A Room 101 Special | Your Business Bugbears Revealed - But Will They Be Banished?
In a break from the norm, Sara and Helen ponder your ultimate business no-nos, and decide whether they are worthy of being sent for all eternity to Room 101. Think corporate jargon, absentee interviewees and AI emails! Helen exposes another scammer, Sara extols the virtues of partnering with a charity, and we also hear from Ivy from Wild About Flowers in our Not On The High Street feature, Over A
Backs Covered! Sara & Helen Solve Your Problems In Our Weekly Q&A
How do you get your product in front of the right people? Sara & Helen know. Should you offer a free trial on your revolutionary software? They have thoughts! Is it a good idea to find a narrow niche, even at the expense of existing custom? Tricky, but ideas abound! Our weekly Q&A is a compendium of useful information for your business. Email your questions to hello@mybpod.com, or get in t
Points Win Prizes! How Loyalty Schemes Make Your Business Serious Cash
Mic drop: since Helen and Matt introduced a loyalty scheme to their business, all the usual sales metrics are off the charts. She and Sara share their considerable expertise on making the most of your existing customers by incentivising them to shop with you. Get it right, and it's a proper win / win; both you and your regulars go home very happy.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subsc
Our Entrepreneurial Agony Aunts Return To Answer YOUR Questions
We start with a heart-breaking question from a tearful Jade, whose salon has been hit hard by cancellations now she's reached the VAT threshold and had to put her prices up. Sara and Helen not only provide a shoulder to cry on, but also plenty of advice on how she can get customers through the door. We also have suggestions on how to push sales when you're starting out with a new product, and how
What Gets Measured Gets Managed - Your Monday Morning Business Health-Check
How do you attack the week when you return to your desk on Monday morning? Sara & Helen reckon it's the perfect time for targeted reporting on things like sales, margin and cashflow - not only to get your affairs in order for the week ahead, but also the months and even year to come. Because, in measuring what needs to be managed over the course of the next seven days, you should be able to id
Consultancy Queens Sara & Helen Answer Your Burning Business Questions
Could this be our best Q&A yet? Sara certainly thinks so. The girls deal with questions about social media, networking and email marketing agencies that are relevant to all small business owners. Email you queries to hello@mybpod.com, or get in touch via the channels below.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it really does make a big difference.Useful LinksOur WebsiteFace
Your Staff Aren't Bairns! Why Parenting Your Team Is A Recipe For Disaster
It's tempting to think of your staff as family, especially if you're a small business owner. But while everyone craves a happy workplace, it's imperative to maintain professional, adult-to-adult relationships with your team if you want your business to grow. Do not treat them like kids! Will you do a job instead of an employee because it's quicker to do it yourself? Is everyone always in agreement
It's FREE Consultancy Time! Sara & Helen Deal With Your Business Dilemmas
Your personal hotshot consultancy team is back to solve your problems - and provide invaluable advice for ALL business owners in the process. In our latest salon, Sarah needs help with a competitor unfairly piggybacking on her hard work, designer Louise feels threatened by AI, and Vicky wants to know how to protect her brand. As ever, Sara and Helen have the answers! Email your question to hello@m
Sun, Sea & Emails - How To Holiday As A Small Business Owner
With the holiday season in full swing, expect emails by the pool, conference calls on the beach and crisis management over long, lazy lunches. Some people find it hard to switch off from work, others simply don't - or don't want to! However you navigate a well-earned break, Sara and Helen share advice on making the experience as enjoyable stress-free as possible - which in turn could have lasting
Your Weekly Fix Of Essential Business Advice - Sara & Helen Have The Answers To All Your Problems
Ian wants advice on how to hire when you can't compete with the big hitters on wages, Caroline is wondering whether to invest in physical premises for her online business, and Heather is worried about President Trump's tariffs. As ever, Sara and Helen have loads of practical advice. Email your questions to hello@mybpod.com, or get in touch via the channels belowThanks for listening. Please rate, r
Is Bigger Better? Why Growth Is Not The Be All And End All In Business
In a very candid tete-a-tete, Sara and Helen explore what the goals for your business should be, how you decide upon them, and what impact they have on your life beyond work. As is evident from the discussion - which is as personal as ever - your business and your life are inextricably linked, which means breaking your back to grow isn't necessarily the right course of action. Meanwhile, Helen rev
Seasonal Sales, Google Ads & The Merits Of Opening A Shop: YOUR Questions Answered
Michelle has a seasonal business and needs help getting through the winter, Belle is wondering how to negotiate the minefield that is paid advertising, and Emma has the opportunity to get permanent premises for her floristry business. As ever, our entrepreneurial agony aunts Sara and Helen have plenty of useful thoughts! Email your small business dilemmas to hello@mybpod.comThanks for listening. P
Big Business Energy, Small Business Heart - Punch Above Your Weight As A Small Business
It's intimidating, as a small business owner, battling sprawling, multinational corporations. But don't forget why people want to bring their custom to you, and the competitive advantage that gives you over the so-called big hitters. That's the 'Special Sauce', as Helen describes it. Celebrity service, attention to detail, trust, that personal touch - all very achievable goals, especially given th
P&P Strategy, Stalling Sales & Fear Of Social Media: Sara & Helen Have Your Back
Lovely questions from Karen, Tom and a mystery guest this week, as our entrepreneurial agony aunts assist with the best strategy when it comes to pricing deliveries, dealing with a sudden, unexpected decline in sales and the fear of entering into the world social media. Email info@mypod.com with your queries, or via the channels below.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it re
Your Business Grows With You - Don't Forget To Grow With It!
BHAGs (that's Big Hairy Audacious Goals), work-life balance and staff knocking off early to watch the footy are the amuses bouches for our big chat about why developing your own skills our business is fundamental to its growth. Sara has a great analogy to reinforce this thesis - as the girls discuss self-confidence, developing a positive mindset and how to identify areas of weakness you might need
When's The Right Time To Launch A New Business As A Mum & Other Questions: Sara And Helen Have Your Back
Helen is worried about spamming her customers, Jeff is nervous about diversifying his cricket business, and we have an anonymous mum who wants to start her own business but is fearful of taking the plunge. As every, Sara & Helen are here to help. Email your questions to hello@mybpod.com.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it really does make a big difference.Useful LinksO
Sell Yourself AND Your Business: The Importance Of Creating A Trusted Personal Brand
Both Sara and Helen are experts in creating a brand using the various tools at their disposal, and fully appreciate the value (considered) self-promotion can add to the growth of your business. Here, they share tips, unfortunate mistakes and hard-fought wins so that you can build a profile that'll punch hard with your customers. in keeping with the honesty the podcast is known for, Helen is curren
How To Promote Your Business With Style & Get Noticed: Sara & Helen Have The Answers
In our our latest Q&A, Isobel wants to know what to consider when redesigning the signage for her independent shoe shop, Kathryn is worrying about raising prices for the dog-walking company she's taking over, and Heather wonders how to market her bridal service when she doesn't get (many!) repeat customers. Sara & Helen's advice is excellent not just for these three lovely ladies, but for
Be More Boring! Why The Unsexy Side Of Business Really Matters
Cashflow, software plugins, warehouse management systems and stock & sales reports may not sound sexy to the average entrepreneur, but Sara and Helen are here to assure you that the boring stuff is the foundation of any successful business. Giving the nitty-gritty due care and attention is non-negotiable, and provides your operation with the best opportunity to flourish, grow and realise its f
Head Versus Heart & Other Dilemmas: Sara & Helen Answer YOUR Questions
Entrepreneurial agony aunts Sara & Helen answer questions from Jenn, Ali, Rosemary. Jennie is weighing up a head versus heart dilemma when it comes to finding a venue for her new performing arts business, Abi is wondering if it's a mentor she needs or something else, and Rosemary is suffering a crisis of confidence as she struggles to reach customers post-pandemic. If you need the gals' help e
A Family Affair: The Highs & Lows Of Running A Business With Your Nearest & Dearest
Simon, Matt, Mam and Dad are all people you're familiar with if you're a regular listener to the podcast. You'll also know how central the husbands and parents are to Sara and Helen's business lives. In this episode, the gals provide a warts and all exploration of what it entails to work with a partner or relative. (Both do, and pretty much always have, in case you aren't aware!) From bringing dom
How To Create A Buzz About Your Business & Share It With The World: Sara & Helen Answer YOUR Questions
It's a momentous day for our entrepreneurial agony aunts, as Sara and Helen receive their first ever voice note. It's from Becky, and it's about the merits of setting up a company versus remaining a sole trader. We also receive a question from Lance about promoting his new invention, and advise Gemma on setting up a newsletter - which, take Sara's word for it, is something every business needs to
Good Morning, Mr Magpie! How To Tell A Shiny Opportunity From A Costly Distraction
Every entrepreneur has a running list of brilliant ideas, half-started ventures, and products that will change the world. But how do you identify which ones actually deserve your time? The girls offer practical advice about how to separate a genuine opportunity from potential disaster, build a business strategy that acts as a filter, and create a culture where the best ideas get a proper chance to
Motivation, Moving Roles & Mentoring - Sara & Helen Answer YOUR Questions
In our weekly therapy session, Sara and Helen deal with listener queries about how to keep going in the workplace, making the right move after a change of professional circumstances, and what it takes to be a mentor. We also appoint a Japanese ambassador without approval (cheers, Levan), and get a rude - if not terrifying - interruption from the gals' dad, Frank.Thanks for listening. Please rate,
Sell The Sizzle, Not The Sausage! How To Market Dreams, Not Just Reality
The girls are back from a family holiday, and - in addition to sharing poolside antics - can't resist deconstructing their trip from a business perspective. What do you expect? It's in their bones! When it comes buying a package holiday or, indeed, a sausage, there are no shortage of options for the consumer. So how do you differentiate yourself from the competition, especially if you're not as ch
From Building Trust To Being A Busy Fool: Sara & Helen Answer Your Questions
As has become the norm in our weekly Q&A, everyone's favourite entrepreneurial agony aunts, Sara and Helen, field queries from our wonderful community with the help of ... our wonderful community! So it is that Jo, Julie and Ali receive advice and ideas on how to build trust in a new product, broaden a client-base and avoid being a busy fool. If you want help with your business, email hello@my
Stick Or Twist - When Is The Right Time To Grow?
Risk it all, be hyper-conservative, or position yourself somewhere in between? Growth is sexy, as Sara feely admits, but not necessarily the right way to develop your business. The girls reflect upon the merits of pushing on or holding back when it comes to expansion. And there are merits to both, depending on your circumstances. Plenty to consider, including whether it's an ambition you even want
Pricing, Franchising & Manufacturing - Sara & Helen Answer Questions With YOUR Help!
Michelle, Jojo & Savannah have queries - with Michelle getting bespoke advice from our Facebook community. Superb advice from the gals, as ever. We'd love your questions, so email us at hello@mybpod.com. Sara also promises you information on franchising, so if you're keen to get involved, here are one or two places to start ...RightbizFranchise Direct UK Which FranchiseDaltons Business Thanks
The Till Doesn't Ring By Magic! Achievable Strategies To Rocket Sales
Helen describes this as one of the biggest lessons she's learnt in business: if you want to make even a single sale, you have to bend your back. She and Sara have tales to tell as to where they've got it wrong on this front, and plenty practical advice so you can avoid making the same mistakes. Uncle Matt offers words of wisdom on AI, Helen reveals a weekly win regarding her bank account, and Sara
Celebrity Service Special With Geoff Ramm: Inspirational Advice On How To Supercharge Your Business
This man is a GENIUS, and you need to hear what he has to say about the power of celebrity service for your small business. In fact, you need to hear what he has to say if you want to be a better human. Geoff is flown around the world and paid big bucks to share his razor-sharp insights into how to make your customers love your offering and themselves. (Spoiler: these two things are not mutually e
Sales On A Shoestring: Maximise A Measly Marketing Budget To Boost Your Bottom Line
From state-of-the-art software, special offers and social-media-savvy to canny collaborations, email marketing and good-old-fashioned ear-bending, Sara and Helen share tips on how to sell your company and secure a competitive edge with limited financial resources. Uncle Matt makes a surprise appearance to explain the pros and cons of AI, while it's the turn of Mam Sue to provide our weekly words o
Mam Guilt, Leaving A Career To Start A Business & Not Being Paid: Sara & Helen Answer Your Questions
We take questions from listeners Ruth, Linda and Ben about judged entrepreneurial mothers, the pros and cons of leaving secure employment to start a new business, and what to do if you're not being paid for services rendered. Sara and Helen are here to help every Thursday, so email your questions to hello@mybpod.com.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it really does make a bi
Shy Bairns Get Nowt! If You Don't Ask In Business, You Don't Get
In these most testing of economic times, it's imperative you take the initiative when it comes to boosting your margins. Sara and Helen offer practical advice about how to get something for nothing from suppliers, clients and customers - in turn improving your bottom line. Uncle Matt also makes his debut on the pod with words of wisdom about growth.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and sub
Handling The Haters, Hiring Managers & Housing A Business: Sara & Helen Answer Your Questions
We have questions from CroCreate, Carrie and Tracy about online trolls, when it's right to promote staff to a management role, and the pros and cons of finding a permanent home for a mobile business. Email your questions to hello@mybpod.comThanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it really does make a big difference.Useful LinksOur WebsiteFacebook CommunityInstagramEmail: hello@my
Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy: Focus On Yourself, Not The Competition
It's easy to be distracted by your competitors, but never forget you are where you are because you had a great idea and the drive and dedication to realise it. Sara and Helen evaluate the merits of assessing what your rivals are up to - and potentially doing better - against the fundamental need to concentrate on your business's core strengths. We also hear from their mam, who has some extremely w
Existential Crisis, Expansion & Exports: Sara & Helen Answer Your Questions
We answer queries from Fiona, Abby & Wooden You Love about falling out of love with your business, how to go about hiring staff when it feels time to grow the business, and the merits of shipping to America in the current climate. Our entrepreneurial agony aunts are here to help you, so email hello@mybpod.com ...Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it really does make a bi
Get Cultured! Why Your Business Environment Is Key To Lasting Success
From timekeeping to tea rounds and toilet breaks, the standards you set in the workplace can make or break your business. Sara and Helen lay down the laws to help you create a positive culture in the office, which will ensure both you and your staff are happier and more productive. Meanwhile, Sara's incessant bragging about her VIP treatment on flights (eventually) proves to be a valuable lesson f
Staffing Strife, Stunted Growth & Seeking Investment: Sara & Helen Answer Your Questions
Entrepreneurial agony aunts Sara and Helen answer your questions about dealing with underperforming staff (who are friendly and loyal), invigorating a stagnating business and attracting investors (if that's even a good idea).Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it really does make a big difference.Useful LinksOur WebsiteFacebook CommunityInstagramEmail: hello@mybpod.com Hosted
Get Knocked Down, Get Up Again! Turn Your Failures Into Success
From costly mistakes and missed opportunities to lessons learnt, fresh motivation and building resilience, Sara and Helen explore why failure is so often part of the road to success. We discuss some of our biggest business setbacks, what they taught us, and why a failure in your business should never be mistaken as a failure in yourself.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it
All By Myself (Don't Wanna Be)! The Loneliness Of A Small Business Owner
From making big decisions alone to keeping a brave face on when the pressure is mounting, this episode tackles one of the most overlooked parts of business: loneliness. We discuss why entrepreneurship can feel so isolating, why Helen’s experience of it helped inspire this podcast, and how connection and community can make all the difference.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe -
Protecting Your Brand, Marketing On A Shoestring & Managing Cashflow: Sara & Helen Answer Your Questions
In the first of our weekly Q&A sessions, Sara & Helen answer your questions about protecting your brand, marketing a business with next-to-no budget, and managing cashflow. If you want advice from entrepreneurial agony aunts, email hello@mybpod.com.Useful LinksOur WebsiteFacebook CommunityInstagramThanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it really does make a big differenc
Jack Of All Trades, Master Of Burnout: Wearing Multiple Hats In Business
Sara and Helen tackle the reality of wearing too many hats in business. From costly mistakes and energy-draining jobs to outsourcing, hiring and learning to trust other people, they explore why doing everything yourself can hold your business back. It’s an honest chat about letting go, playing to your strengths and recognising when being a jack of all trades is doing more harm than good. &nbs
Back Yourself, Pet! How To Wing It With Confidence
We’re kicking off Mind Your Business by tackling one of the biggest challenges in business: confidence. From imposter syndrome and self-doubt to handling criticism, backing your ideas and learning to trust yourself, Sara and Helen share honest experiences and practical advice for anyone who’s ever questioned whether they’re good enough. It’s a relatable first conversation for small business owners
Mind Your Business is Coming!
Welcome to Mind Your Business, a brand new podcast hosted by sisters Sara Davies and Helen Goddard - with honest, practical and down-to-earth conversations for small business owners and entrepreneurs.Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and subscribe - it really does make a big difference.Useful LinksOur WebsiteFacebook CommunityInstagramEmail: hello@mybpod.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/
