ON AIR With Owen: Episode 94 | Naughty or Nice? The True Path to Leadership Success

Introducing our 94th episode of ON AIR: With Owen – our podcast series for honest conversations about starting and scaling your own business, hosted by our Founder & CEO, Owen Richards, and his new co-host, Neil Finnie.

Meet Your Hosts: Owen Richards and Neil Finnie

Owen Richards hails from Kent and began his sales career at Forrest Marketing Group in Sydney. After an 8-year stint, Owen returned to the UK and co-founded Air Marketing Group, growing it into a powerhouse offering specialist B2B sales and marketing solutions to businesses across the globe. Known for his relentless positivity and strategic foresight, Owen brings a wealth of experience and a knack for big ideas to the podcast.

Neil Finnie is your quintessential ‘wabi-sabi entrepreneur’ – flawed but beautiful in approach. With over 25 years of experience in nurturing businesses around his passions, from co-working spaces to professional development agencies, Neil’s unique perspective enriches our discussions, making each episode a treasure trove of insights.

What to Expect in this Week’s Episode

  • Can leaders be both successful and nice, or does niceness hinder progress?
  • Is the drive to be liked compromising your leadership effectiveness?
  • We discuss famous leaders who master the art of kindness without sacrificing authority.
  • Why saying “no” might actually make you a more effective leader.
  • Consistency and clear communication: The keys to being respected, even when delivering tough feedback.

Where and When to tune in

Catch new episodes every Wednesday:

Watch: On YouTube or via Air Marketing’s Knowledge Hub.

Listen: On Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Deezer, and more.

Join us as we dive deep into the dynamics of running a business in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice, our podcast is your gateway to becoming more adept in the business arena.

Warning: Contains swearing

ON AIR With Owen: Episode 93 | Taking Time Off as a Founder

Introducing our 93rd episode of ON AIR: With Owen – our podcast series for honest conversations about starting and scaling your own business, hosted by our Founder & CEO, Owen Richards, and his new co-host, Neil Finnie.

Meet Your Hosts: Owen Richards and Neil Finnie

Owen Richards hails from Kent and began his sales career at Forrest Marketing Group in Sydney. After an 8-year stint, Owen returned to the UK and co-founded Air Marketing Group, growing it into a powerhouse offering specialist B2B sales and marketing solutions to businesses across the globe. Known for his relentless positivity and strategic foresight, Owen brings a wealth of experience and a knack for big ideas to the podcast.

Neil Finnie is your quintessential ‘wabi-sabi entrepreneur’ – flawed but beautiful in approach. With over 25 years of experience in nurturing businesses around his passions, from co-working spaces to professional development agencies, Neil’s unique perspective enriches our discussions, making each episode a treasure trove of insights.

What to Expect in this Week’s Episode

  • Taking Breaks as Business Owners: The challenges and complexities of truly disconnecting from work as a founder.
  • Capacity and Leadership Challenges: How reduced capacity from key employee departures and holiday seasons can impact a founder’s ability to take time off.
  • Founders’ Involvement: Examining whether founders feel the need to stay deeply involved in their business to maintain a sense of importance and team connection.
  • The HiPPO Effect: How the highest-paid person’s opinion can dominate decision-making, regardless of its validity.
  • Empowering Your Team: The dual benefits of taking time off—both for personal rejuvenation and to set an example, and also giving your team the opportunity to solve problems independently.

Where and When to tune in

Catch new episodes every Wednesday:

Watch: On YouTube or via Air Marketing’s Knowledge Hub.

Listen: On Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Deezer, and more.

Join us as we dive deep into the dynamics of running a business in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice, our podcast is your gateway to becoming more adept in the business arena.

Warning: Contains swearing

From Rivalry to Revenue: How Competitor Research Fuels Business Growth

In the fast-paced world of B2B marketing, understanding your competition can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Competitor research is not about espionage; it’s about leveraging public and strategic information to make informed decisions that drive business growth. Here, we’ll explore how turning rivalry into a resource can fuel your company’s success.

The Importance of Competitor Research

Competitor research involves analysing your competitors’ strengths, weaknesses, strategies, and market positioning. This knowledge is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Identifying Market Gaps: Understanding what your competitors offer allows you to identify unmet needs in the market. By addressing these gaps, you can attract customers who feel underserved by existing options.
  2. Benchmarking Performance: Comparing your company’s performance against that of your competitors helps set realistic targets and KPIs. This benchmarking provides a clear picture of where you stand and where improvements are necessary.
  3. Strategic Planning: Knowing your competitors’ strategies enables you to anticipate their moves and plan accordingly. This foresight can be invaluable in staying one step ahead.
  4. Innovation and Differentiation: Observing your competitors can spark innovative ideas and highlight areas where you can differentiate your offerings. Unique value propositions are key to standing out in a crowded market.

Turning Insights into Action

Merely gathering information is not enough; the real value lies in applying these insights to your business strategy. Here’s how to turn competitor research into actionable steps:

  1. Product Development: Analyse competitors’ product features, pricing, and customer feedback. Use this data to refine your own products, ensuring they meet and exceed market expectations.
  2. Marketing Strategies: Study the marketing tactics that work for your competitors. Are they excelling in content marketing, social media, or SEO? Adopt and adapt these successful strategies to enhance your own marketing efforts.
  3. Customer Experience: Examine how competitors interact with their customers. From sales processes to customer service, there’s much to learn and implement to improve your own customer experience.
  4. Sales Tactics: Understand the sales techniques and channels your competitors use. This insight can help you optimise your sales strategies, improve lead generation, and close more deals.

Tools for Effective Competitor Research

Several tools can streamline the process of competitor research:

  • SEMrush: For analysing competitors’ SEO and PPC strategies.
  • BuzzSumo: To identify popular content and influencers in your industry.
  • Owler: For comprehensive competitor data, including funding, news, and employee information.
  • Social Media Platforms: To monitor competitors’ engagement and marketing campaigns.

Case Study: Competitor Research in Action

Consider the case of a mid-sized SaaS company struggling to differentiate itself in a saturated market. By conducting thorough competitor research, the company discovered a gap in customer support services. Competitors were not offering 24/7 support, which was a significant pain point for customers.

The company responded by launching a robust 24/7 customer support system. They also highlighted this new service in their marketing campaigns. The result? A 30% increase in customer acquisition and a 20% boost in customer retention within six months. This success story underscores the power of competitor research when effectively utilised.

Conclusion

Competitor research is a vital component of business growth. By systematically analysing and understanding your competitors, you can transform rivalry into a strategic advantage. This proactive approach not only helps in identifying market opportunities but also equips you to innovate and outperform your competition.

In the dynamic landscape of B2B marketing, staying informed about your competitors is not just beneficial; it’s essential. Embrace competitor research as a continuous practice, and watch as it transforms your business from merely keeping up to leading the charge.

Opinion piece by Marketing Executive, Chloe Diggle

Competitor Research

ON AIR With Owen: Episode 92 | Featuring Will Koning – CEO of Meritt

Introducing our 92nd episode of ON AIR: With Owen – our podcast series for honest conversations about starting and scaling your own business, hosted by our Founder & CEO, Owen Richards, and his new co-host, Neil Finnie.

Meet Your Hosts: Owen Richards and Neil Finnie

Owen Richards hails from Kent and began his sales career at Forrest Marketing Group in Sydney. After an 8-year stint, Owen returned to the UK and co-founded Air Marketing Group, growing it into a powerhouse offering specialist B2B sales and marketing solutions to businesses across the globe. Known for his relentless positivity and strategic foresight, Owen brings a wealth of experience and a knack for big ideas to the podcast.

Neil Finnie is your quintessential ‘wabi-sabi entrepreneur’ – flawed but beautiful in approach. With over 25 years of experience in nurturing businesses around his passions, from co-working spaces to professional development agencies, Neil’s unique perspective enriches our discussions, making each episode a treasure trove of insights.

What to Expect in this Week’s Episode

This week we’re joined by friend of the podcast Will Koning, co-founder and CEO of Meritt – an early-stage sales careers platform, linking talent with employers through AI assessments and free education. 

Owen, Neil and Will discuss:

  • Honest Reflections with Will: A heartfelt thank you to Will for his candid reflections on the highs and lows of running a business. His resilience, ambition, and drive shine through despite the challenges he’s faced.
  • Mastering Co-Founder Dynamics: An insightful discussion on the trials and triumphs of co-founding a company, and how to effectively manage this crucial partnership. Will’s top tip: a consented ‘fake fight’ on a known disagreement can be a powerful test of your partnership before you fully commit!
  • A Second Chance at Founding: Discover the inspiring story of a founder who, after losing his first business, returns stronger as a second-time founder with renewed insights and determination.
  • Introducing Meritt: Meet Meritt, an innovative platform revolutionising early-stage sales careers. It offers training and career opportunities for job seekers, and role advertising and candidate assessments for employers. Meritt leverages AI to help employers identify a larger talent pool and reduce the time to hire by 15 days!

Where and When to tune in

Catch new episodes every Wednesday:

Watch: On YouTube or via Air Marketing’s Knowledge Hub.

Listen: On Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Deezer, and more.

Join us as we dive deep into the dynamics of running a business in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice, our podcast is your gateway to becoming more adept in the business arena.

Warning: Contains swearing

ON AIR With Owen: Episode 91 | Featuring Chris Bentley – Founder of The Notworking Networking Club

Introducing our 91st episode of ON AIR: With Owen – our podcast series for honest conversations about starting and scaling your own business, hosted by our Founder & CEO, Owen Richards, and his new co-host, Neil Finnie.

Meet Your Hosts: Owen Richards and Neil Finnie

Owen Richards hails from Kent and began his sales career at Forrest Marketing Group in Sydney. After an 8-year stint, Owen returned to the UK and co-founded Air Marketing Group, growing it into a powerhouse offering specialist B2B sales and marketing solutions to businesses across the globe. Known for his relentless positivity and strategic foresight, Owen brings a wealth of experience and a knack for big ideas to the podcast.

Neil Finnie is your quintessential ‘wabi-sabi entrepreneur’ – flawed but beautiful in approach. With over 25 years of experience in nurturing businesses around his passions, from co-working spaces to professional development agencies, Neil’s unique perspective enriches our discussions, making each episode a treasure trove of insights.

What to Expect in this Week’s Episode

This week we’re joined by Chris Bentley, founder of The Notworking Networking Club – a disruptive events company that’s revolutionising networking with a strict no pitching rule.

Owen, Neil and Chris discuss:

  • The Birth of The Notworking Networking Club: Discover the inspiration and vision behind the creation of this innovative networking community.
  • Overcoming Event Management Hurdles: Chris delves into the challenges and triumphs in running an events company.
  • Mastering the Art of Networking: Learn how Chris perfected his relationship-building skills to become a networking powerhouse.
  • Defining Success: Chris explores what it means to him to be truly successful.
  • Preview of The NOTTY’S Business Awards: Discover what’s in store for this year’s South West money can’t buy business awards.

Where and When to tune in

Catch new episodes every Wednesday:

Watch: On YouTube or via Air Marketing’s Knowledge Hub.

Listen: On Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Deezer, and more.

Join us as we dive deep into the dynamics of running a business in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice, our podcast is your gateway to becoming more adept in the business arena.

Warning: Contains swearing

ON AIR With Owen: Episode 90 | How To Thrive When Key Employees Leave Your Business

Introducing our 90th episode of ON AIR: With Owen – our podcast series for honest conversations about starting and scaling your own business, hosted by our Founder & CEO, Owen Richards, and his new co-host, Neil Finnie.

Meet Your Hosts: Owen Richards and Neil Finnie

Owen Richards hails from Kent and began his sales career at Forrest Marketing Group in Sydney. After an 8-year stint, Owen returned to the UK and co-founded Air Marketing Group, growing it into a powerhouse offering specialist B2B sales and marketing solutions to businesses across the globe. Known for his relentless positivity and strategic foresight, Owen brings a wealth of experience and a knack for big ideas to the podcast.

Neil Finnie is your quintessential ‘wabi-sabi entrepreneur’ – flawed but beautiful in approach. With over 25 years of experience in nurturing businesses around his passions, from co-working spaces to professional development agencies, Neil’s unique perspective enriches our discussions, making each episode a treasure trove of insights.

What to Expect in this Week’s Episode

  • Euros Review: Reflecting on the results and Southgate’s departure.
  • Managing Leadership Changes: Strategies for handling the departure of key employees and maintaining stability.
  • Timing the Announcement: Best practices for informing team members and clients about an employee’s departure.
  • Removing the Stigma of Leaving: Transforming notice periods into positive experiences for everyone involved.
  • Inside Career Habit Pro: Neil shares insights from his work helping organisations with their employees’ professional journeys.
  • Career Planning and Transparency: The importance of clear progression goals for both companies and employees to prepare for change.
  • Retain Your Talent: Training employees to foster experience and minimise turnover.

Where and When to tune in

Catch new episodes every Wednesday:

Watch: On YouTube or via Air Marketing’s Knowledge Hub.

Listen: On Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Deezer, and more.

Join us as we dive deep into the dynamics of running a business in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice, our podcast is your gateway to becoming more adept in the business arena.

Warning: Contains swearing

ON AIR With Owen: Episode 89 | Leveraging Coaching for Business Owners

Introducing our 89th episode of ON AIR: With Owen – our podcast series for honest conversations about starting and scaling your own business, hosted by our Founder & CEO, Owen Richards, and his new co-host, Neil Finnie.

Meet Your Hosts: Owen Richards and Neil Finnie

Owen Richards hails from Kent and began his sales career at Forrest Marketing Group in Sydney. After an 8-year stint, Owen returned to the UK and co-founded Air Marketing Group, growing it into a powerhouse offering specialist B2B sales and marketing solutions to businesses across the globe. Known for his relentless positivity and strategic foresight, Owen brings a wealth of experience and a knack for big ideas to the podcast.

Neil Finnie is your quintessential ‘wabi-sabi entrepreneur’ – flawed but beautiful in approach. With over 25 years of experience in nurturing businesses around his passions, from co-working spaces to professional development agencies, Neil’s unique perspective enriches our discussions, making each episode a treasure trove of insights.

What to Expect in this Week’s Episode

  • Personal Triumph to Professional Growth: Inspired by Owen’s recent personal achievement, we dive into how coaching can drive success for business owners.
  • Boosting Accountability and Focus: Discover the powerful role coaching can play in keeping you accountable and laser-focused on your goals.
  • The Power of an External Mentor: Explore why you might find it easier to open up and grow with guidance from someone outside your immediate network.
  • Defining Clear Goals: Learn how to maximise your coaching experience by setting and understanding your business objectives.
  • Choosing the Right Coach: Find out how to select a coach who not only aligns with your mindset but also challenges you to reach new heights.

Where and When to tune in

Catch new episodes every Wednesday:

Watch: On YouTube or via Air Marketing’s Knowledge Hub.

Listen: On Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Deezer, and more.

Join us as we dive deep into the dynamics of running a business in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice, our podcast is your gateway to becoming more adept in the business arena.

Warning: Contains swearing

ON AIR With Owen: Episode 88 | Employee Engagement in a Post-COVID World

Introducing our 88th episode of ON AIR: With Owen – our podcast series for honest conversations about starting and scaling your own business, hosted by our Founder & CEO, Owen Richards, and his new co-host, Neil Finnie.

Meet Your Hosts: Owen Richards and Neil Finnie

Owen Richards hails from Kent and began his sales career at Forrest Marketing Group in Sydney. After an 8-year stint, Owen returned to the UK and co-founded Air Marketing Group, growing it into a powerhouse offering specialist B2B sales and marketing solutions to businesses across the globe. Known for his relentless positivity and strategic foresight, Owen brings a wealth of experience and a knack for big ideas to the podcast.

Neil Finnie is your quintessential ‘wabi-sabi entrepreneur’ – flawed but beautiful in approach. With over 25 years of experience in nurturing businesses around his passions, from co-working spaces to professional development agencies, Neil’s unique perspective enriches our discussions, making each episode a treasure trove of insights.

What to Expect in this Week’s Episode

  • Making the Best Impression: The importance of being in office for client visits and its positive impact on company client relationships and personal career progression.
  • The Power of Acknowledgement: The significance of thanking those who show up and engage at work, and educating those who don’t.
  • Diverse Objectives: Recognising that employees have different objectives and the challenge of aligning these with business goals.

  • Building Cultural Connections: Remote working’s impact on relationship-building in the business.

Where and When to tune in

Catch new episodes every Wednesday:

Watch: On YouTube or via Air Marketing’s Knowledge Hub.

Listen: On Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Deezer, and more.

Join us as we dive deep into the dynamics of running a business in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice, our podcast is your gateway to becoming more adept in the business arena.

Warning: Contains swearing

ON AIR With Owen: Episode 87 | How To Manage Busy Schedules

Introducing our 87th episode of ON AIR: With Owen – our podcast series for honest conversations about starting and scaling your own business, hosted by our Founder & CEO, Owen Richards, and his new co-host, Neil Finnie.

Meet Your Hosts: Owen Richards and Neil Finnie

Owen Richards hails from Kent and began his sales career at Forrest Marketing Group in Sydney. After an 8-year stint, Owen returned to the UK and co-founded Air Marketing Group, growing it into a powerhouse offering specialist B2B sales and marketing solutions to businesses across the globe. Known for his relentless positivity and strategic foresight, Owen brings a wealth of experience and a knack for big ideas to the podcast.

Neil Finnie is your quintessential ‘wabi-sabi entrepreneur’ – flawed but beautiful in approach. With over 25 years of experience in nurturing businesses around his passions, from co-working spaces to professional development agencies, Neil’s unique perspective enriches our discussions, making each episode a treasure trove of insights.

What to Expect in this Week’s Episode

  • Flexibility for Business Owners: The challenge of maintaining routine while managing a business and tips for staying organised amidst fluid schedules.
  • Integrating Personal and Professional Calendars: Benefits of using tools like Outlook for managing both work and personal commitments in order to avoid conflicts and omissions.
  • The Inevitability of Human Error: Accepting that mistakes happen, even with robust organisational systems in place, and the importance of handling them gracefully rather than covering them up.
  • Navigating Workday Challenges: Strategies for balancing time between meetings and personal task completion.
  • Managing Notifications and Alerts: Utilising out-of-office notifications effectively to manage expectations and communicate availability.

Where and When to tune in

Catch new episodes every Wednesday:

Watch: On YouTube or via Air Marketing’s Knowledge Hub.

Listen: On Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Deezer, and more.

Join us as we dive deep into the dynamics of running a business in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice, our podcast is your gateway to becoming more adept in the business arena.

Warning: Contains swearing

ON AIR With Owen: Episode 86 | The Power of Face-to-Face Interactions

Introducing our 86th episode of ON AIR: With Owen – our podcast series for honest conversations about starting and scaling your own business, hosted by our Founder & CEO, Owen Richards, and his new co-host, Neil Finnie.

Meet Your Hosts: Owen Richards and Neil Finnie

Owen Richards hails from Kent and began his sales career at Forrest Marketing Group in Sydney. After an 8-year stint, Owen returned to the UK and co-founded Air Marketing Group, growing it into a powerhouse offering specialist B2B sales and marketing solutions to businesses across the globe. Known for his relentless positivity and strategic foresight, Owen brings a wealth of experience and a knack for big ideas to the podcast.

Neil Finnie is your quintessential ‘wabi-sabi entrepreneur’ – flawed but beautiful in approach. With over 25 years of experience in nurturing businesses around his passions, from co-working spaces to professional development agencies, Neil’s unique perspective enriches our discussions, making each episode a treasure trove of insights.

What to Expect in this Week’s Episode

  • The Power of Face-to-Face Interactions: Why being in person enhances communication, builds stronger relationships and leads to success.
  • Co-Working Benefits: How spontaneous interactions in shared spaces spark creativity and collaboration.
  • In-Person Client Visits: Weighing the benefits of visiting clients against virtual meetings for winning business.
  • Post-COVID Career Tips: The crucial role of in-person experience for young professionals in building confidence and growing careers.
  • Euro 2024 Fever: Owen and Neil’s excitement for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 tournament!

Where and When to tune in

Catch new episodes every Wednesday:

Watch: On YouTube or via Air Marketing’s Knowledge Hub.

Listen: On Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Deezer, and more.

Join us as we dive deep into the dynamics of running a business in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice, our podcast is your gateway to becoming more adept in the business arena.

Warning: Contains swearing