Business Growth Talks

Mark Hayward

Business Growth Talks podcast is created and hosted by Mark Hayward. In this show we talk about how to grow a business in the Growth Stage. The growth stage is often marked by rapid developments, increased revenue, and an escalating customer base. ​  In each episode we talk to entrepreneurs and business owners who have grown businesses and we cover topics like scaling processes, market expansion, financial management, human resource and talent development, and customer retention. If you are looking for actionable advice, tips, and techniques on how to grow, run and build your business, this is the podcast for you!Find more details about the podcast www.businessgrowthtalks.comJoin my community - https://www.patreon.com/BusinessgrowthtalksFind me onLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayward-163721a0/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/markjhayward​Twitter - https://twitter.com/markhayward169TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183

  1. Sean Weisbrot lost $650k in one business and moved to China

    4 days ago

    Sean Weisbrot lost $650k in one business and moved to China

    In this insightful episode of "Business Growth Talks," host Mark Hayward delves into the remarkable journey of Sean Weisbrot, an entrepreneur who took the road less traveled by leaving the comforts of the U.S. to establish a business presence in China. Sean's ventures in the blockchain industry led to remarkable financial success before the 2018 crypto winter nearly wiped it out. His story is one of resilience and constant adaptation, as he pivoted towards building innovative technology solutions post-crisis. Tune in to explore how Sean navigated challenges, risked personal capital, and learned invaluable lessons in the tech space. Throughout the conversation, Sean and Mark discuss the transformative influence of AI on business operations today, with a specific focus on LinkedIn through Sean’s new venture, SparkFox. They examine how AI is reshaping content creation by helping business owners maintain their unique voice while scaling their online presence. Sean also shares his take on the future of AI, discussing its potential impacts on the job market, capitalistic dynamics, and the ever-present global tech race. Despite facing personal hardships, Sean's passion for innovation and learning remains undeterred, offering insights into how AI tools can democratize business growth and personal branding. Key Takeaways: Persistence and Adaptation: Sean's journey from a consulting business in the blockchain space to creating AI-driven solutions showcases the importance of pivoting and adapting in the face of industry downturns.AI in Content Creation: How SparkFox helps business owners amplify their presence on LinkedIn by maintaining their authentic voice while leveraging AI for consistency and efficacy in content strategy.AI's Role in Modern Business: Discussion on AI’s potential to significantly streamline business operations, reduce costs, and accelerate growth, albeit with concerns about job redundancies and ethical considerations.The Global Race in AI Development: The competitive nuances between Eastern and Western advancements in AI technologies and their implications on global economics and security measures.Personal and Professional Resilience: Sean reflects on profound personal challenges and how they inform his urgency to innovate and create value without regrets.Resources: LinkedIn: Sean Weisbrot's LinkedInSparkFox Website: SparkFox.ioYouTube Channel: We Live to BuildEngage thoroughly with this thought-provoking episode to uncover how embracing technological advancements such as AI can redefine personal and professional boundaries. Don't miss upcoming episodes of  Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    1hr 4min
  2. What Nobody Tells You When You Leave Corporate to Go It Alone with Host

    29 Jun

    What Nobody Tells You When You Leave Corporate to Go It Alone with Host

    Join Mark Hayward in this insightful episode as he explores the often overlooked nuances of transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship. Mark draws on his extensive experience to highlight the challenges faced by new entrepreneurs. This episode delves into crucial aspects of operating a small business, including sales strategies, cash flow management, and leveraging AI tools, while also addressing the emotional and psychological hurdles that come from embarking on this new journey. The conversation navigates through essential topics such as the "day rate delusion," pipeline discipline, and the dynamic of business development once you leave the corporate safety net. With SEO keywords like "entrepreneurship challenges," "business growth strategies," and "small business operations," these show notes encapsulate key guidance for anyone contemplating a similar professional shift. Additional focus on hiring practices, financial literacy, and the impact of AI technology highlights the necessity of foresight and strategic planning in building a sustainable business foundation. Key Takeaways: Understanding the "day rate delusion" is crucial; without considering overheads and non-billable time, your profitability won't match expectations.Developing a robust pipeline discipline is vital to avoid the feast and famine cycle commonly experienced by new entrepreneurs.Building effective hiring practices focused on cultural fit and clear onboarding processes ensures better team cohesion and retention.Monthly financial checks and a genuine understanding of key financial metrics like gross margin and cash flow forecasts are imperative for business stability.Implementing AI strategically in everyday tasks can save significant time and improve efficiency, easing the workload of small business owners.SPONSOR If you want to be a guest on podcasts to raise your profile then go to www.podcastintroduction.com and set up a call with our team Resources: Patreon Community: Join the community for exclusive content at patreon.com/businessgrowthtalks.Embrace the full entrepreneurial conversation with Mark Hayward as he demystifies the transition from corporate security to entrepreneurial freedom. Tune into this episode to uncover actionable strategies for a successful business journey. Stay connected for more profound insights and practical advice from the series.  Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    24 min
  3. How AI Is Deciding Your Brand's Reputation Without You With Jason Barnard

    22 Jun

    How AI Is Deciding Your Brand's Reputation Without You With Jason Barnard

    AI is already telling your prospects what to think about your brand — and most business owners have no idea what it's saying. Jason Barnard has spent over a decade building the frameworks that make brands visible, credible, and recommended by AI systems. What worked in Google's early days is still the foundation, but the stakes are now radically higher. This episode is a masterclass in owning your digital footprint before someone else defines it for you. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Your entity home website is the hub — use it to link out and prove to AI that your off-site content is genuinely you. 2. AI visibility comes down to the same principle as great marketing: stand where your audience is looking and prove you're the most credible solution. 3. Protecting your link juice by refusing to link out is a outdated SEO strategy that actively harms how AI understands your brand. 4. Only around 5% of ChatGPT usage involves purchase intent, so don't abandon traditional search — the two must work together. 5. Search, assistive AI, and agentic AI are three distinct modes living side by side, each requiring a different strategic response from your business. 6. AI agents will reshape some business models far more than others — SaaS and digital services are at the sharp end, and smart founders are re-engineering now. GUEST BIO Jason Barnard is the founder of Kalicube, a pioneering digital marketing agency specialising in brand SERP optimisation and entity-based AI visibility. With roots in brand knowledge panels dating back to 2012, Jason is widely regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on how AI systems understand and represent brands online. He works with businesses globally to ensure they are seen, understood, and recommended by Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and the next generation of AI agents. If this episode made you think differently about how AI sees your brand, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of Business Growth Talks — and if you got value from it, a five-star review takes 30 seconds and genuinely helps us reach more founders like you. Share it with a fellow business owner who needs to hear this — it could be the most important conversation they have this year. Mark / Business Growth Talks. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    52 min
  4. Firefighting to the Olympics: A Masterclass in Leadership With Graham Ravenscroft

    15 Jun

    Firefighting to the Olympics: A Masterclass in Leadership With Graham Ravenscroft

    In this captivating episode, host Mark Hayward is joined by Graham Ravenscroft, a notable figure in the realms of emergency services and elite sports coaching. Graham's unique insights into human performance and leadership have been shaped by his dual career as a firefighter and an Olympic coach. Throughout the conversation, the duo explores the intersection of strategy, leadership, and motivation, specifically in high-stakes environments like firefighting, competitive sports, and business. The episode delves deep into Graham's fireproof leadership framework, aimed at nurturing leadership qualities and strategic readiness in business executives. Drawing parallels between the demands of firefighting and Olympic coaching, Graham elaborates on the essentials of talent, strategy, motivation, and resilience. These foundational tenets are crucial for achieving excellence in both personal and professional arenas. Graham discusses his methodology for preparing teams and individuals to handle critical situations by emphasizing the importance of a strategic approach, coupled with self-belief and imagination. As Graham shares anecdotes from his extensive career, listeners gain valuable insights into the art of leadership and the perpetual drive for self-improvement and high performance. Key Takeaways: Framework for Success: Graham emphasizes the necessity of talent, strategy, motivation, and resilience as core components for achieving high performance.Preparedness in Leadership: Strategic readiness and situational analysis are pivotal in ensuring effective leadership in critical environments.Role of Motivation: The intrinsic desire to succeed, fueled by self-belief, is a significant determinant in differentiating high achievers from others.Resilience Beyond Recovery: True resilience involves preventing difficulties rather than just overcoming them, ensuring sustained performance.Continuous Improvement: High-performing individuals and organizations remain committed to potential, constantly pushing beyond existing boundaries.Resources: Connect with Graham Ravenscroft on LinkedInLearn more about the "Fireproof Leadership Framework" [No URL provided]Encouraging you to listen to the entire episode, Graham's journey and insights offer a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in leadership, resilience, and high performance. Stay tuned for more engaging and enlightening conversations in our podcast series. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    1hr 9min
  5. Unlocking the Power of Networks: The Path to Business Growth With Kevin Chern

    8 Jun

    Unlocking the Power of Networks: The Path to Business Growth With Kevin Chern

    Join host Mark Hayward as he dives deep into the mind of Kevin Chern in this compelling episode of Business Growth Talks. Kevin, with decades of real-world experience, breaks down prevalent myths surrounding business growth, most notably the idea that leads are the singular hurdle to expansion. Instead, Kevin emphasizes the power of utilizing networks and endorsed referrals as keys to unlocking scalable, sustainable business growth. He shares insights from his journey in bootstrapping businesses to incredible success and provides actionable advice for entrepreneurs struggling with growth pitfalls. Kevin explains why paid leads often don't yield long-term growth compared to nurturing a robust network for endorsed referrals. Discussing his personal journey with Sanguine Strategic Advisors, Kevin revisits the lessons learned from building law firms to becoming a trusted advisor to business leaders. This episode is essential listening for anyone wanting to understand how to pivot growth strategy away from expensive paid leads towards leveraging a network for business success. Dive into practical tips on vetting solution providers, the art of networking, and Kevin’s perspective on leadership evolution and risk management in business – all oriented around achieving business growth with lesser chaos. Key Takeaways: Leverage Networks and Referrals: Kevin stresses that sustainable business growth is achieved through nurtured networks that provide endorsed referrals, not exclusively through paid leads.Scalability of Referrals: Contrary to common belief, Kevin demonstrates how building a network of referral agents can match or even exceed the traffic driven by paid marketing.Importance of Trust and Vetting: Proper vetting of solution providers is crucial – learning from past mistakes ensures that introduced partners maintain high standards, preserving trust and credibility.Leadership Evolution: Empowering and trusting employees, alongside removing obstacles, makes for a more effective and less chaotic leadership style.Handling Adversity: Taking ownership and managing challenges head-on speaks volumes about one’s character and sets a strong basis for both professional and personal growth.Resources: Kevin Chern's Company: Sanguine Strategic AdvisorsLinkedIn Profile: For connecting and networking with Kevin ChernIntrozi Website: IntroziFor a deep dive into leveraging networks for business growth, avoiding pitfalls, and embracing effective leadership qualities, make sure to listen to the entire episode. Stay tuned for more episodes aimed at providing invaluable insights into achieving business success.  Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    59 min
  6. What you are doing wrong in Sales with Mark Hunter

    1 Jun

    What you are doing wrong in Sales with Mark Hunter

    In this enlightening episode, host Mark Hayward delves into the art and soul of sales with celebrated expert Mark Hunter, who shares his wealth of knowledge and insights garnered from a storied career in the industry. As they unpack the nuances of sales beyond mere transactions, Hunter emphasizes the critical role of building relationships and understanding clients' needs to drive long-term success. Throughout the conversation, Hunter challenges common perceptions, arguing that sales should not be associated with manipulation or merely competitive pricing. Instead, he passionately defines sales as a practice of serving people and helping them achieve outcomes they couldn't envision on their own. Hunter shares actionable strategies for building trust, understanding the importance of value, and examining the relationships between sales and marketing. This episode serves as a masterclass for business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals looking to enhance their approach and results in today's dynamic market. Key Takeaways: Sales as Service: Sales should be viewed as a process of helping clients achieve unimagined outcomes, emphasizing service over manipulation.Value Over Price: Customers prioritize value over cost. A salesperson's role is to illuminate this value to their clients.Building Trust: Developing trust quickly in sales is crucial; it involves understanding clients' pain points and aligning products with their needs.Interdepartmental Harmony: Collaboration between sales and marketing teams is vital for business success, ensuring aligned objectives and strategies.Continuous Learning: Sales is ever-evolving; successful professionals must prioritize ongoing learning and adapting to new methodologies and technologies.Resources: Mark Hunter’s Website: The Sales HunterBooks by Mark Hunter:"High-Profit Prospecting""High-Profit Selling""A Mind for Sales"Mark Hunter’s insights offer valuable perspectives for both new and seasoned sales professionals. Engage with this episode in full to explore these strategies further and learn how to harness the true potential of sales to drive lasting results. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on Business Growth Talks. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    57 min
  7. From Invisible to Influential: Crafting Content that Grows Your Business With Host

    25 May

    From Invisible to Influential: Crafting Content that Grows Your Business With Host

    In this episode of "Business Growth Talks," host Mark Hayward delves into the power of content as a strategic asset for business growth. Mark argues for the transformative potential of content in building trust and authority while offering practical insights into integrating content into a company's growth strategy. Steering away from superficial content creation for likes and shares, Mark positions content as a key player in long-term business success. Content has the unique ability to attract potential clients before they enter buying mode, differentiating it from traditional marketing tactics. Mark emphasizes the importance of being present when clients are gathering information, ensuring businesses become familiar faces when decision time arrives. Furthermore, content is lauded for building authority and making sales conversations more efficient by establishing credibility beforehand. Mark's approach encourages listening to the market and converting one powerful idea into multiple content forms, thereby maximizing reach and impact. Key Takeaways: Content as a Strategic Asset: Content should be viewed as a strategic asset that builds business trust at scale and continues to work long after its creation.Pre-Sales Authority Building: High-value content establishes credibility before sales conversations start, easing the sales process significantly.Efficient Content Systems: Investing in content systems allows ideas to be multiplied across various platforms, reducing the burden of constant content creation.Consistent Presence Equals Visibility: Staying front-of-mind with potential clients through consistent content ensures visibility when it’s time to buy.Compound Impact Over Time: Unlike paid ads, the value of content compounds over time, providing sustained business benefits.SPONSOR CEOfriend.ai/offer Use code BGT10 for a month of free access. This awesome tool is an AI-powered advisory platform mentioned for strategic business planning.Gain insights on using content as a driving force in your business growth strategy by tuning into the full episode. Stay connected for more actionable and enlightening episodes from "Business Growth Talks."  Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    11 min

About

Business Growth Talks podcast is created and hosted by Mark Hayward. In this show we talk about how to grow a business in the Growth Stage. The growth stage is often marked by rapid developments, increased revenue, and an escalating customer base. ​  In each episode we talk to entrepreneurs and business owners who have grown businesses and we cover topics like scaling processes, market expansion, financial management, human resource and talent development, and customer retention. If you are looking for actionable advice, tips, and techniques on how to grow, run and build your business, this is the podcast for you!Find more details about the podcast www.businessgrowthtalks.comJoin my community - https://www.patreon.com/BusinessgrowthtalksFind me onLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayward-163721a0/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/markjhayward​Twitter - https://twitter.com/markhayward169TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183