Your Business on Google: Found or Forgotten? Is your business showing up on Google — or just hoping it is? In this episode of Vision to Venture, Neil Betts sits down with Ben Bradley, founder and director of Cosmik Carrot, a digital marketing agency he's been building for over 18 years. Ben shares practical advice on how to improve your Google visibility and avoid common local seo mistakes. 🌐 Cosmik Carrot: https://bit.ly/4tugodI 🚀 Vision to Venture programme: https://visiontoventure.uk 💡 Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review — it genuinely helps more founders find the show. And if you know someone who's been wondering why Google isn't sending them customers, send this their way. Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/GoTrueNorth

The Social Media Marketing Secret Nobody's Talking About Are you struggling to grow on social media even after posting consistently? Not getting the reach, engagement, or followers you truly deserve? You’re not alone—and the truth is, most creators are missing one key element that makes all the difference. In this video, I’m revealing a powerful yet often overlooked strategy that successful marketers use to grow faster and smarter. This is the kind of insight that can completely transform your social media performance. 👉 In this video, you’ll discover: ✔ How social media algorithms actually work behind the scenes ✔ The real reasons why your content isn’t going viral ✔ A powerful (but simple) trick to boost engagement instantly ✔ Proven strategies used by top creators to grow consistently 💡 If you’re serious about building your brand, growing your audience, and increasing your impact—this is something you don’t want to miss. 📈 Start your growth journey today and unlock the true potential of your social media presence! https://videoformula.co.uk/video-marketing-toolkit-podcast/ https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/support/small-business-academy.html https://www.visiontoventure.uk Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/GoTrueNorth

Join us as we hear from three founding members from our Vision to Venture course, sharing their experiences and insights. Discover how this course empowered them in their journey of building a business. Their stories provide a glimpse into the practical steps of how to start a business, explore various business ideas and get your first customer in 12 weeks. https://www.visiontoventure.uk/join-us Our Vision to Venture roadmap shows you exactly how to validate your idea, avoid wasted time and money, and launch lean with real paying customers. Everything you need to launch with clarity and confidence. The Problem Starting a business sounds exciting… but for many aspiring founders, the reality feels overwhelming. You might be: x Stuck at the idea stage with no clear next step x Overwhelmed by information, unsure who or what to trust x Worried about money and afraid of wasting resources x Battling self-doubt, questioning if you’re cut out for this x Scattered efforts, no real momentum These struggles can leave you frustrated and ready to give up before you’ve even begun. The Vision Now imagine approaching your start up journey with clarity, structure, and support. With Vision to Venture, you’ll have: ✅A clear roadmap showing exactly what to do each week ✅Proven tools and templates that save time and stress ✅Cost-effective strategies to test ideas without overspending ✅A supportive community to guide and encourage you ✅Confidence to launch knowing you’re building on solid ground This is what it looks like to go from idea to launch in just 12 weeks. https://www.visiontoventure.uk/join-us Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/GoTrueNorth

In this video, we explore the inspiring journey of Mike, who built Ethical Retreats, a venture dedicated to wildlife preservation. Discover how he overcame significant challenges and leveraged social media marketing to grow his platform. This story offers motivation for anyone looking to make a difference and achieve personal growth through their entrepreneurial endeavours.

Join us as we sit down with Mark Goode to discuss his journey to success, the mistakes he's made along the way, and how he's found his true direction as a successful entrepreneur. With years of experience in start-up entrepreneurship, Mark shares his business advice and motivational speech, offering valuable insights for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're looking for inspiration to launch your own small business or seeking guidance on how to grow your existing company into a big business, Mark's story is sure to motivate and educate. Through his experiences, Mark emphasizes the importance of consistency, the right mindset, and a deep understanding of finance in achieving success. If you're looking for the best motivational video to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey, look no further. Mark's business coaching and small business advice are invaluable, and his passion for entrepreneurship is inspiring. So, watch now and discover the secrets to success from a seasoned entrepreneur who has been through it all. Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/GoTrueNorth

Success in business is rarely about getting everything right the first time. In this engaging discussion, we explore the realities of entrepreneurship and the practical strategies that help business owners achieve sustainable, long-term success. From overcoming self-doubt to learning valuable lessons through experience, this conversation offers honest insights into what it really takes to build and grow a successful business. We discuss why making mistakes is not something to fear but an essential part of the entrepreneurial journey. Every setback provides an opportunity to learn, improve, and make better decisions moving forward. Rather than waiting for the perfect plan, successful entrepreneurs understand the importance of taking action, adapting quickly, and continuously refining their approach. Throughout the episode, we share practical business strategies that can help entrepreneurs, startup founders, and small business owners overcome common challenges. We explore how a powerful mindset shift can transform the way you approach problems, identify opportunities, and make confident decisions, even during periods of uncertainty. The conversation also highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and consistent learning in today's fast-changing business environment. Whether you're launching your first business, growing an established company, or looking for fresh ideas to improve your results, you'll find valuable advice and relatable experiences that can help you move forward with greater confidence. If you've ever felt stuck, questioned your decisions, or wondered whether you're on the right path, this episode serves as a reminder that every successful entrepreneur faces similar challenges. Progress comes from taking imperfect action, learning from failures, and staying committed to continuous improvement. Watch until the end for practical insights, proven growth strategies, and real-world lessons that can help you build a stronger business and develop the mindset needed for long-term success. If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe for more content on entrepreneurship, business growth, startup strategies, leadership, and practical success tips. 🚀 Get vidIQ to grow your YouTube channel faster! https://vidiq.com/GoTrueNorth

Small Business Growth Without the Big Spend Learn 3 proven small business hacks to attract more customers and increase sales without breaking the bank. Perfect for UK startups! Discover actionable strategies to grow your small business with minimal budget. Learn from real-world examples and expert advice tailored for UK entrepreneurs. Links: - Go True North Website: https://gotruenorth.uk - Vision To Venture Website: https://visiontoventure.uk - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoTrueNorthUK - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gotruenorth - Instagram: @gotruenorthuk 00:00 Intro 01:30 Hack 1: Referrals 03:45 Hack 2: Local SEO 06:10 Hack 3: Email Wins 08:20 Key Takeaways

The Shocking Truth About Estate Agents Nobody Tells You About In this relaxed interview, Michael and Lucy share the moments that shaped them, the mistakes that taught them the most and the simple approaches that helped them move from uncertainty to action. We talk resilience, mindset and how to keep going when the pressure builds. A helpful watch for anyone trying to turn an idea into a real business.Buying or selling a property? Before you trust an estate agent, you need to know what really happens behind the scenes. In this eye-opening video, we uncover the shocking truth about estate agents that many buyers and sellers never hear. From hidden fees and sales tactics to common mistakes that can cost you thousands, you'll learn how the property industry really works and what you can do to protect yourself. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a homeowner looking to sell, or simply curious about the real estate market, this video will give you valuable insights to help you make smarter decisions. 🔹 Common estate agent tactics explained 🔹 Hidden costs and fees to watch out for 🔹 Mistakes buyers and sellers often make 🔹 Tips to negotiate better deals 🔹 How to choose the right estate agent Watch until the end to discover practical advice that could save you time, stress, and money. 👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more property tips, real estate insights, and expert advice. Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/GoTrueNorth

Charity CEO Reveals: The Hardest Part of Starting Over Explore the powerful journey of transitioning from a charity CEO to building a small business from the ground up. In this insightful conversation with Tina, we dive deep into the emotional and practical challenges of starting over and how those challenges can turn into opportunities for growth and success. This episode highlights real-life experiences, lessons learned, and the mindset required to shift from leading a charity to launching a service-oriented business. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or already on your business journey, you will find valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiration to help you move forward. We also discuss the first crucial steps of starting a business, important strategies for building a strong foundation, and how to overcome uncertainty when beginning something new. This is more than just a story—it's a guide for anyone looking to build a meaningful and successful venture from scratch. 🚀 Links: Website: https://gotruenorth.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoTrueNorthUK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gotruenorth Instagram: @gotruenorthuk

Local Business Collaboration: The Game Changer In this episode, I sit down with Alex Murray from The Best of Walsall to chat about how local businesses can stand out, grow their presence, and get the support they need in today’s fast-moving world. We dive into what The Best of Walsall does, why community matters, and how collaboration can fuel success for small businesses. They share practical business tips and business strategies for owners looking to expand in their communities. This conversation focuses on local business success through strategic lead generation and community engagement. Whether you're a local business owner or just love supporting your local businesses, this one's for you! 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more chats with inspiring people making a difference in business and beyond.

Wealth Wisdom for Founders: Essential Financial Strategies for Every Startup – With Philly Ponniah Join us in this insightful conversation with Philly Ponniah as we explore Wealth Wisdom for Founders and uncover the essential financial strategies every startup needs to succeed. In this discussion, we break down how founders can manage money more effectively, build strong financial foundations, and make smarter decisions that support long-term business growth. From budgeting and cash flow management to strategic financial planning, this session offers practical advice that every entrepreneur should know. Whether you're a startup founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or business owner, this video will help you understand how financial clarity and discipline can directly impact your business success. Key topics include: Smart financial strategies for startups Managing cash flow effectively Building sustainable business finances Common financial mistakes founders make Long-term wealth-building mindset for entrepreneurs Learn how to make better financial decisions and set your startup on the path to success with proven insights from an experienced expert. Links: - Website: https://gotruenorth.uk - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoTrueNorthUK - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gotruenorth - Instagram: @gotruenorthuk 00:00 Intro,00:30 Wealth Management,01:00 Business Growth,01:30 Personal Finance,02:00 Investment Tips

How I Started a Small Business and You Can Do It Too With Confidence—Go True north Join Claire Allsop, founder of The Holistic VA, in this insightful and candid conversation as she shares her inspiring journey of starting a small business from the ground up. Claire opens up about her real-life experiences, challenges, and lessons learned along the way while building her business. In this discussion, she talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, building confidence, and navigating the emotional challenges that come with becoming an entrepreneur. She highlights how mindset plays a crucial role in business success and why believing in yourself is often the first real step toward growth. Claire also shares valuable insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a business owner, she emphasizes the importance of self-care, managing stress, and avoiding burnout while still staying productive and focused on long-term goals. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, freelancer, or someone planning to start a small business, this conversation is full of practical advice and real inspiration. Claire’s journey offers motivation, clarity, and actionable tips that can help you move forward with more confidence in your own path. Links: Website: https://gotruenorth.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoTrueNorthUK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gotruenorth Instagram: @gotruenorthuk Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:47 Business Journey 02:12 Overcoming Challenges 04:30 Importance of Self-Care 06:32 Business Vision 08:20 Advice for Entrepreneurs

Building a Powerful Online Presence - Ben Bradley In this Vision to Venture episode, Ben Bradley, director of Cosmik Carrot, shares essential strategies for start-ups to establish and grow their online presence effectively. We explore: ✅ Why a well-designed website is crucial for success ✅ Common online mistakes small businesses should avoid ✅ SEO tips to boost visibility on a budget ✅ Affordable ways to improve online user experience ✅ How to ensure your website drives engagement and conversions Packed with actionable insights, this conversation is perfect for start-ups and small businesses looking to maximise their online potential. 📢 Subscribe to the Vision to Venture series for more expert advice and resources designed to help your business thrive. https://www.cosmikcarrot.com/ #VisionToVenture #StartupTips #OnlinePresence #SmallBusinessSuccess #SEO #UserExperience

From homelessness to entrepreneurship: gabe’s success story Discover how Gabe transformed his life from homelessness to entrepreneurship, setting a goal of £100M and inspiring others along the way. Join us as we dive into the inspiring story of Gabe, who went from being homeless to becoming a successful entrepreneur and sales director at Z Digital UK. In this heartfelt interview, Gabe shares his journey of overcoming adversity, setting ambitious goals, and leveraging opportunities to build a thriving career. Learn how he turned challenges into stepping stones, the importance of mentorship, and his vision for the future. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for motivation, Gabe's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of a positive mindset. Links: - Go True North Website: https://gotruenorth.uk - Vision To Venture Website: https://visiontoventure.uk - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoTrueNorthUK - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gotruenorth - Instagram: @gotruenorthuk 00:00 Setting the Goal 02:15 Overcoming Homelessness 05:00 Finding Mentorship 10:00 Building a Business 15:00 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 20:00 Future Goals & Vision 25:00 Someone’s Got to Win

Minimum Viable Security: What Every SME Gets Wrong Building a business is not just about growth. It is about protecting what matters while you scale. In this Vision to Venture interview, Neil sits down with Tim Allsop from Blue Footprint to explore how startups and SMEs can take a lean, practical approach to IT and cyber security. This is a straight talking conversation about real risks, limited budgets and smart decisions. We cover • Tim’s journey into IT and cyber security • The biggest cyber risks facing SMEs today • What minimum viable protection really looks like • How founders can avoid over spending while staying secure • Early mistakes, pivots and lessons learned building cyber services • How to scale protection without becoming the bottleneck • Three practical steps every founder should take this quarter If you are a startup founder, small business owner or growing SME, this episode will help you think differently about security. Not fear driven. Value led. Subscribe for more Vision to Venture interviews focused on building lean, resilient businesses with clarity and confidence.. Links: - Go True North Website: https://gotruenorth.uk - Vision To Venture Website: https://visiontoventure.uk - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoTrueNorthUK - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gotruenorth - Instagram: @gotruenorthuk

Small Business AI Guide: Boost Productivity & Cut Costs with AI Tools Unlock the power of AI for your small business! Experts reveal how to automate tasks, save time, and grow smarter—without losing the human touch. Join Mark and Gabe as they break down AI for small businesses in this insightful discussion. Learn how to leverage AI to streamline workflows, cut costs, and boost productivity without losing the human touch. From understanding AI agents to avoiding common myths and pitfalls, this video is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Discover how AI can give you life back by automating repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on what truly adds value to your business. Whether you're overwhelmed by AI or just starting, this conversation will help you navigate the world of AI with confidence and clarity. Links: - Website: https://gotruenorth.uk - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoTrueNorthUK - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gotruenorth - Instagram: @gotruenorthuk 00:00 AI Introduction 03:21 AI Myths Debunked 08:42 AI Workflow Example 14:23 AI Hallucinations Explained 20:20 Human Touch in AI 23:37 Starting with AI 27:40 Expert Contact Info In this video, we dive into the intriguing behavior of AI, particularly `chatgpt`, and its tendency to provide overwhelmingly positive feedback. We explore whether this constant affirmation is truly beneficial and discuss the rapid advancements in `artificial intelligence`. While AI offers immense potential for `ai for business` and `ai agents`, the discussion emphasizes the crucial importance of human specialists and considering the `ethics of ai` as we navigate the `future of ai`. #AI #Chatbot #FutureTech

How I Balanced Family Business and Community How do you juggle school runs, family life, and running a thriving business network? 💡 In real life, this balance is not easy—and that’s exactly what this inspiring conversation explores. In this interview, Sarah Rhodes, the driving force behind The Best of Walsall, shares her powerful journey from being a busy mother of three to becoming an influential business leader in her community. Her story is filled with real challenges, lessons, and moments of growth that many entrepreneurs—especially parents—will relate to. We dive deep into topics such as: 👉 The real challenges of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship 👉 How women navigate barriers in business and practical ways to overcome them 👉 Why community building and networking are essential for business growth in towns like Walsall 👉 Building confidence, taking opportunities, and stepping into leadership roles 👉 Practical advice for other mums who want to start or grow their own business This is more than just a business story—it’s a journey of resilience, determination, and community spirit. It shows how with the right mindset, support system, and passion, it is possible to successfully manage both family responsibilities and a growing business. Sarah’s journey is a reminder that success is not about choosing between family and career—it’s about finding a way to make both work together ✨ If you are a parent, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone interested in real stories behind local business success, this conversation is for you. #BestOfWalsall #WomenInBusiness #VisionToVenture #Startups

Startup IT Security: What You're Getting Wrong In this episode, we sit down with Tim Allsop, Associate Director at Blue Footprint Ltd, to get expert insights on setting up a strong IT foundation for start-ups. Tim shares essential tips and strategies that every new business needs to know to stay secure, scalable, and cost-efficient in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape. We explore the benefits of outsourcing IT services and the comprehensive managed services they offer. This conversation provides valuable insights into modern it solutions and the role of an effective managed service provider in today's business landscape. For anyone considering it support or it consulting, this episode offers a clear perspective on how these services can benefit your organization. Key Highlights: 💻 Tech Essentials: Discover the key IT infrastructure components every startup should prioritize from day one. 🚀 Scalability Simplified: Learn how to build a tech setup that scales effortlessly as your business grows. 🔐 Data Security: Find out practical ways to keep your sensitive business information safe and secure. 💸 Cost-Saving Strategies: Get advice on maximizing your IT budget with cost-effective yet reliable tools. 🔥 Future Tech Trends: Stay ahead with insights on emerging technologies that could give your startup a competitive edge. Whether you’re launching a new business or looking to optimize your existing setup, this interview is packed with actionable advice and tech-savvy tips to set you up for success! 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews and startup tips! In this video, we sit down with Tim from Blue Footprints, an outsourced IT provider, to discuss the scope of their work. We explore the benefits of outsourcing IT services and the comprehensive managed services they offer. This conversation provides valuable insights into modern it solutions and the role of an effective managed service provider in today's business landscape. For anyone considering it support or it consulting, this episode offers a clear perspective on how these services can benefit your organization.

The Brand Positioning Framework Every Startup Needs Essential Strategies for Start-ups with David Mitchell. How can your start-up define its unique value proposition and stand out in today’s competitive market? In this insightful episode of Vision to Venture, we chat with David Mitchell to uncover the strategies every entrepreneur needs to master brand positioning from the ground up. 🎯 Key Topics Covered: ✅ Defining your unique value proposition to differentiate your brand. ✅ Essential steps to position your start-up effectively from day one. ✅ Strategies to identify and communicate your brand positioning to attract ideal customers. ✅ The importance of consistency in reinforcing your brand position—and how to maintain it. ✅ How to pivot your brand positioning without losing or confusing your customer base. Packed with actionable advice, this episode is a must-watch for start-ups and small business owners looking to craft a powerful brand that resonates with their target audience. 📌 Ready to take your brand to the next level? Watch now to learn how to master the art of brand positioning and set your business apart! 🎥 Don’t forget to subscribe to the Vision to Venture series for more expert advice and resources to help your business thrive.

Marketing Mastery with Sophie Allen - Serrano Media Proven Strategies from a Business Owner to Jumpstart Your Start-up. We’re starting to share our Efficiency Studio "Vision to Venture" business insights. This week Kickstart your start-up's marketing strategy with expert tips from Sophie Allen, Brand Design Specialist at Serrano Media. In this video, we cover essential strategies to promote your business on a budget, effectively use social media, connect with your target audience, and avoid common marketing mistakes. Learn how to make a big impact with little money and grow your brand with proven tactics. Watch now and transform your start-up's marketing game! https://www.serrano.media/ @GTN-Efficiency-studio

Small Business Owners Are Missing This AI Opportunity In this video, Neil Betts interviews Mehrdad Sadraei at Press Coffee and Books about how small businesses can use CRM system data analysis combined with artificial intelligence. They discuss practical tech tips and share insights on making software engineering work for local shops. Learn about future tools and machine learning applications that can help your business thrive. Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the way businesses operate, but many small business owners are still not taking full advantage of it. This video reveals a powerful AI opportunity that can help you save time, reduce costs, and grow your business faster than ever before. If you are a small business owner, entrepreneur, or startup founder, this is something you should not ignore. Learn how AI can simplify your daily operations, improve decision-making, and give you a competitive edge in today’s market. In this video, you’ll discover: ✔️ The AI opportunity most small businesses are missing ✔️ How AI can improve efficiency and productivity ✔️ Ways to reduce business costs using AI tools ✔️ How to stay ahead of competitors with smart automation ✔️ Practical AI use cases for small businesses Don’t miss out on the future of business growth—start using AI the smart way today! 🚀

Customer Personas—The Key to Better Marketing Want to learn more about how to create effective customer personas? Customer Personas are one of the most powerful tools in business and marketing. In this video, you’ll learn how to clearly understand your target customers and create well-defined Customer Personas based on their needs, behaviors, and interests. Successful entrepreneurs don’t try to target everyone—they focus on understanding specific groups of customers and building solutions for them. This video will help you learn: ✔️ What Customer Personas are ✔️ Why they are important for business success ✔️ How to create simple and effective personas ✔️ How they improve marketing and sales ✔️ Real-life examples for better understanding Understanding Customer Personas is a key step to making smarter business decisions and growing your startup effectively. Stay with Go True North and learn practical business strategies and entrepreneurship skills! 🚀 Our e-book can be downloaded free at https://studio2.gotruenorth.uk/efficiency-studio-vision-to-venture

Why Most Startup Advice Is Misleading Aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s time for some tough love. We’ve all come across it—the endless stream of start-up advice that promises overnight success if you simply follow a step-by-step formula or copy what others have done. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most start-up advice is either outdated, overly simplified, or completely disconnected from real-world conditions. What worked in one situation often fails in another, because every startup operates in a unique environment with different timing, resources, competition, and challenges. Instead of blindly following generic rules, successful entrepreneurs focus on understanding their own market, testing ideas quickly, learning from real feedback, and adapting constantly. Growth doesn’t come from perfect advice—it comes from execution, experimentation, and resilience. If you truly want to build something meaningful, stop searching for a magic formula and start focusing on what actually works in your specific situation. This free digital download can help: https://studio.gotruenorth.uk/products/digital_downloads/from-vision-to-venture