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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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)

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