Every Day's A Business School Day

James Marriott and Nicky Thomas
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Neither James nor Nicky went to Business School. They've both learned as they have gone - mainly from the people they've met along the way, particularly on the networking circuit. Now they want to share some of that expertise to help you drive your business forward. We'll welcome a guest to each episode to bring their wisdom and knowledge on a key topic. You'll get some practical tips - and some optional homework should you want to continue the learning afterwards. Don't worry, you won't get detention if the dog eats it! James is the Founder and Podcast Strategist of his business, Sound Media, helping people to unlock the power of podcasting. Nicky is the Founder of the Growth Community, a networking community where you enjoy great conversations, support and genuine introductions.

  1. MAY 4

    Why a story beats a sales pitch in networking with Nicky Thomas from The Growth Community

    In this episode, Nicky draws on her extensive networking experience to explore what makes you memorable in a room full of introductions. She explains why traditional, sales-heavy pitches often fall flat—and what to do instead. Focusing on clarity, authenticity, and storytelling, Nicky and James break down how to approach a 30–60 second introduction in a way that sparks curiosity and leads to more proactive conversations. They also cover common mistakes, simple frameworks, and practical ways to stand out by showing how you genuinely help people. What We Talk about Why networking is not a sales activity (and what it actually is) The real purpose of a 30–60 second introduction Why traditional, service-heavy pitches get ignored How to stand out in a room full of similar introductions The power of storytelling—and why it works so well A simple structure you can use to shape your introduction Common mistakes (and how to avoid them) How to balance preparation without sounding scripted Why your goal is the next productive conversation—not a sale The role of personality, authenticity, and personal brand Whether you should repeat your pitch or change it each time Practical tips for making your introduction more engaging Alternative approaches if you don’t feel comfortable “pitching” Why staying within your time limit matters more than you think

    41 min

  2. MAY 4

    How to get a Mortgage when you run a small business with Vicky Probert

    Getting a mortgage feels complicated (and a bit scary). Getting one as a business owner? Even more so. In this episode, James and Nicky sit down with Mortgage and Protection Advisor Vicky Probert from Honey Financial, to break down exactly how mortgages work when you’re self-employed or running a small business. From how lenders assess your income to why your accountant matters more than you think, the conversation focuses on the practical steps you need to take to actually get approved—and avoid costly mistakes. What we talk about: How lenders assess income for sole traders vs limited companies That it’s ok if you don’t have payslipsWhy most business owners need 2+ years of accounts The biggest mistakes self-employed people make before applying How to prepare 1–2 years in advance for a mortgage Why your accountant is key to your mortgage success The truth about using a broker vs going direct Why you should get familiar with your credit fileFixed vs variable rates—and what matters for business owners Why income protection is critical if you’re self-employedThat you can get a mortgage but it is wise to plan ahead

    44 min

  3. MAY 4

    How to get Real Results from Events with Zoe Wadsworth

    Most businesses attend events because they feel like they should — but very few stop to ask the most important question: What’s the point? In this episode, James and Nicky chat to Marketing and Events expert, Zoe Wadsworth from Ask Zoe, about how to approach events strategically so they actually deliver results — whether you're networking, exhibiting, or hosting your own. The conversation covers practical tips you can apply immediately to improve results from your next event. What we talk about: Why attending events without a clear goal wastes time, money, and energyThe difference between tangible vs intangible return on investmentHow to plan your pre, during, and post-event strategyWhy “busy” doesn’t mean “productive”How to choose the right events for your businessSmart ways to follow up (that most people completely miss)What makes event merch memorable (and not a waste of money)When it’s worth hosting your own event — and when it isn’t

    58 min

  4. MAY 4

    How Small Businesses can use AI Without Losing the Human Touch with Diane Hall

    AI is everywhere right now—but should you be using it in your business? In this episode, Nicky and James are joined by Diane Hall from Evolved3 CIC to take a grounded and practical look at how AI actually fits into small business life and how we can start the process of identifying ways it can facilitate competitive advantage. The episode explores how AI should support humans – not replace them – and why applying common sense is really important. If you’ve been unsure where to start—or worried about getting it wrong—this episode gives you a simple, realistic way forward. What we talk about: Why AI isn’t going anywhere (and why that’s not a bad thing)The biggest mistake small businesses make when adopting AIHow to use AI as a “critical friend” to improve your businessThe risks of over-relying on AI (including hallucinations and bad data)Practical ways to save time, generate ideas, and make better decisionsWhy the human element is still your biggest competitive advantage

    56 min

  5. MAY 4

    It’s not just a logo! How branding delivers a business that people Trust with Clare Froggatt

    In this episode Nicky and James are joined by branding expert, Clare Froggatt from We Brew Your Brand, to discuss one of the most misunderstood areas of marketing: branding. They explore why branding goes far beyond logos and colours, and how it actually shapes every part of your business—from the way you communicate to the clients you attract. Clare shares practical insights on building a brand that feels authentic, evolves over time, and creates real trust with your audience. The conversation delves into the importance of values, consistency, and clarity, as well as practical steps business owners can take to audit and strengthen their brand—whether they’re just starting out or ready for a refresh. What we talk about: What branding actually is (and why it’s not just a logo) Why so many small businesses misunderstand branding The role of trust and consistency in building a strong brand How your personal identity influences your business brand Why values are the foundation of everything in your business How branding evolves as your business grows The difference between a brand refresh and a full rebrand Why most startups don’t need a rebrand (yet) How to audit your current brand and spot inconsistencies The importance of tone of voice and language in branding How to choose the right branding partner or agency

    48 min

  6. MAY 4

    Why pricing feels so uncomfortable (and what to do about it) with Heath Gunn

    Pricing is one of the biggest anxieties for business owners — but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, Nicky and James are joined by business and leadership strategist, Heath Gunn from Move That Mountain, to delve into the psychology, strategy, and practical steps behind pricing your services with confidence. We explore why so many business owners undercharge, how pricing impacts your freedom and profitability, and why raising your prices might actually improve your business. What we talk about: Why pricing feels so uncomfortable (and how to fix that)The real reason clients don’t leave when you raise pricesWhy being the cheapest is probably hurting your businessThe difference between vanity metrics and real profitabilityHow pricing affects your time, freedom, and growthWhat to do when clients push back on price increasesWhy customer value matters more than customer volumeThe importance of positioning in your marketHow to approach pricing when you're just starting outThe danger of racing to the bottom on priceWhy confidence is the most important pricing skill

    51 min

  7. 05/21/2025

    How Podcasting can elevate your marketing content with James Marriott

    In this episode, Nicky and James talk about the process of strategizing and delivering a successful podcast. We talk about how important it is to stand out with a good quality format and to research and pilot the podcast to ensure that it is hitting the mark. We chatted about the journey we went on together to develop the strategy for this podcast. And we also spoke about how podcasting is such an effective marketing tool that can answer the questions your customers are asking in a relaxed and entertaining way. What we discussed That podcasting is a brilliant way to support storytelling in your marketing activity and can help scale your business.It brings to life and humanises the way you do business and builds trustWhat free and low cost kit to use to elevate the quality of your podcastHow being clear on your target audience will ensure the content is consumedThat pilot episodes really help you to hone your plan and future contentA simple plan for starting a podcast Follow and Review Keep up to date with all our episodes by tapping the 'Follow' button so you get new ones as soon as they're released. We have some great lessons planned! Help us to help more small businesses! We’d love your reviews to help us be found more easily by businesses who need some help and support. Want to network with us? Why not visit The Growth Community at one of our online or in personal networking meetings. You’ll be guaranteed a very warm welcome and some great onward conversations. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/locations/ More about the hosts Nicky Thomas is Founder of The Growth Community. A place where growth minded business people hang out to connect and help each other be more successful in business. Through enjoyable, productive fortnightly networking meetings and great onward conversations, our members and guests share knowledge and introductions and make valuable business friendships. Find out more on our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickythomas-growthcommunity/ https://www.facebook.com/GrowthCommunityNetworking/ https://www.instagram.com/growthcommunitynetworking James Marriott is the owner of podcast consultancy, Sound Media. With an extensive background in broadcast media, he helps people to unlock the power of podcasting to give businesses and brands an unique and strategic opportunity to connect with their audience. Find out more on our website or connect on Linkedin. https://wearesoundmedia.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-marriott-podcast/

    28 min

  8. 05/07/2025

    Cyber Security and the Small Business with Phil Farey

    In this episode we spoke to IT Specialist, Phil Farey, about the slight scary topic of cyber attacks. He talked us through some of the simple ways we can make ourselves less vulnerable to being targeted without it costing the earth. He also talked to us about the potential damage that being hacked can cause – not just physically but reputationally too. Phil also made the point that just because we are small businesses does not mean we are flying under the cyber attack radar. Who is Phil Farey? Phil is the owner and Director of Flyford Connect who offer the full suite of IT services for business of all sizes. Whether that’s providing support, software or full consultancy for business growth activities. What we discussed with Phil That most small businesses are not adequately prepared for a cyber attackWhat two (or multi) factor authentication is and how to quickly and easily apply it.What is involved with Hacking and Phishing, and how to protect against itLow cost and free options that can help small businesses get tighter securityStrong password formats and password managersBeing safe when working remotelyCyber security and growth and how staff can become a vulnerability.That your business trades on trust. So, a data breach could have a big impact. Resources Connect with Phil on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philfarey/ Website: flyfordconnect.co.uk Follow and Review Keep up to date with all our episodes by tapping the 'Follow' button so you get new ones as soon as they're released. We have some great lessons planned! Help us to help more small businesses! We’d love your reviews to help us be found more easily by businesses who need some help and support. Want to network with us? Why not visit The Growth Community at one of our online or in personal networking meetings. You’ll be guaranteed a very warm welcome and some great onward conversations. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/locations/ More about the hosts Nicky Thomas is Founder of The Growth Community. A place where growth minded business people hang out to connect and help each other be more successful in business. Through enjoyable, productive fortnightly networking meetings and great onward conversations, our members and guests share knowledge and introductions and make valuable business friendships. Find out more on our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickythomas-growthcommunity/ https://www.facebook.com/GrowthCommunityNetworking/ https://www.instagram.com/growthcommunitynetworking James Marriott is the owner of podcast consultancy, Sound Media. With an extensive background in broadcast media, he helps people to unlock the power of podcasting to give businesses and brands an unique and strategic opportunity to connect with their audience. Find out more on our website or connect on Linkedin. https://wearesoundmedia.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-marriott-podcast/

    27 min
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About

Neither James nor Nicky went to Business School. They've both learned as they have gone - mainly from the people they've met along the way, particularly on the networking circuit. Now they want to share some of that expertise to help you drive your business forward. We'll welcome a guest to each episode to bring their wisdom and knowledge on a key topic. You'll get some practical tips - and some optional homework should you want to continue the learning afterwards. Don't worry, you won't get detention if the dog eats it! James is the Founder and Podcast Strategist of his business, Sound Media, helping people to unlock the power of podcasting. Nicky is the Founder of the Growth Community, a networking community where you enjoy great conversations, support and genuine introductions.

Information

  • Creator
    James Marriott and Nicky Thomas
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 James Marriott and Nicky Thomas
  • Show Website
    Every Day's A Business School Day