In this episode Clate - along with Darren, Kate & Pete - talk about falling in and out of love with your business. This episode was recorded in the middle of November 2024, so we find out just how the four business owners are feeling about their own businesses in this quite turbulent time. They cover: - How do you cope when you're not feeling posit…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about Exiting Your Business - not that any of tjem are on the verge of quitting! They discuss whether or not you should have an exit plan in place when you start your business; what is the biggest challenge in creating an exit plan - and which one of the group is read to take up Shark Wrestling! Can y…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about being the face of your business. The discuss: - The challenges of 'putting yourself out there' when it comes to your business - How much do you share, and what do you keep back? - What does Weekend Clare look like? Of course, there are plenty of smiles and laughs along the way too! Can you keep …

On this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about making sure that you keep developing your skills within your business. They'll discuss: - Why 'Every day is a school day' applies more in your own business - How you can keep on top of all of the changes in your industry - Why does Clare have the OPPOSITE of Imposter Syndrome? - What is it with …

On this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about the issue of burnout - something which many business owners have to contend with! They discuss: - What are the signs of burnout - How do we deal with it, or prevent it? - Some of the challenges with having to cope with it whilst running our business - Did Kate really have to go to Ibiza because …

in this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about age. Is there a right age to start a business? Can you be too old? In this episode they discuss: - Does age influence how you get started? - Can you life experience actually work against you? - What is 'other dimension' Kate up to now? As always, there's plenty of vlue in this episode - as well …

In this episode, Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about AI; how we currently interract with it, and whether it's due to put us all out of business any time soon. The group discuss: - Whether not we use AI in our business currently - Are we in Camp Accept or Camp Fear - Why AI is like 'Unexpected Item In Bagging Area'! :0) As always, plenty of smiles…

In this episode Clare, Kate, Darren & Pete all look at what it means to be a leader within your business. They discuss: - The main challenges in being a leader, as well as a business owner - When to realise that you are a leader - How does 'leadership' differ between staff and freelancers? - What's going on with Darren's pants? As always, there are…

On this episode the group talk about The Customer Journey. Should every business have one? How valuable is it? And how does it tie in with Kate's "mantra" being written on a wall somewhere in New Street station? As well as plenty of opportunity to smile and laugh along, there are some great pieces of value in this episode too! Can you keep a secret…

In this episode of the podcast Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk all about video marketing. The group discuss: - How using yourself in marketing builds personal connection. - Why video marketing brings personality and interaction. - What is it with Darren and Spiderman? As always, there are plenty of laughs along the way too! Can you keep a secret? F…

On this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete look to start the year off right (not that you should set goals JUST at the beginning of the year) by talking about Setting Business Goals. In this episode, the group cover: 00:00 Business growth course led to ambitious goals. 06:21 Initial mindset against setting goals for business. 10:04 Be realistic, fa…

On this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about Recurring Income; what is it? How do you start it? How do you maintain it? All of these questions and more will be answered in this episode - as well as some laughs along the way too! KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Web designer discusses introducing retainer model for regular income and client updates. 06:28…

On this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete go through just some of the questions that we gathered at the Greater Birmingham Chamber Business Expo from a few weeks ago. They discuss: - the biggest PR disasters that they faced - or nearly faced! - myths in marketing - the do's and don'ts of rebranding your business - does Birmingham do enough to shou…

In this episode the group are live from the Birmingham Expo at Edgbaston Cricket Ground. They spoke about the Do's & Don't of Public Speaking - and also asked for advice from a couple of the speakers on the day - Steve Sandycock, Chris Brewerton, and Henrietta Brealey. We'll hear about: - the need for prep when it comes to public speaking - the big…

In this episode Kate, Darren, Pete and (special guest!) Anita talk through Traditional Marketing. They discuss: - What do we mean by traditional marketing? And does it differ industry to industry? - What is the power of traditional marketing on potential clients? - Top tips for getting your traditional marketing right - When did traditional marketi…

In this episode, it's the turn of Podcast Pete (the man who produces this podcast) to sit in the hot seat and be Asked Anything! Hear him talk about why businesses and brands should think about podcasts, and the benefit they bring to a company's digital marketing strategy. Also, we'll hear - why a trip to the seaside didn't end well for one podcast…

On this episode, it's the turn of Darren Langley to face a grilling from Clare, Kate & Pete Darren talks through the formation of the business, whilst also covering: - His thoughts on the website creation platforms, such as Wix and Squarespace - The big Webby No-No's from other business websites - What his OWN website is like... - And why a plumber…

On this episode of MonkeyPants Productions, we sit down with Kate, the graphic designer and branding expert business owner of the group. Kate shares how to be successful in creative branding while emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions, understanding business growth, and processes. She stresses the need to visualize what the compa…

In this episode Darren, Kate and Pete turn the tables and ask the questions to Clare. It's Ask Me Anything! Find out just what made Clare become a coach, what is the one piece of business advice she gives EVERY client - and how she manages to turn her phone off for 3 weeks at a time! As always, lots of laughs - as well as some great business advice…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete discuss their experiences of scaling up their businesses. They talk about the challenges of pushing boundaries and taking risks, but also the rewards that come with it. They share their different approaches to scaling up, from taking a slow and steady approach to growing organically. The group emphasizes t…

On this episode Clare, Kate, Darren & Pete discuss Values. Well - most of the group do; SOMEONE confesses that they don't really have them! There are also discussion around: - How to avoid the cliches of values - Why you need to live your values, rather than just list them - Who the values are for - your team, your clients or just you? As always, t…

On this episode Clare, Darren, Kate and Pete talk about packages. As far as Clare is concerned, they are vital for so many businesses! In this episode, you'll hear about: - the importance of packages for your business - whether you create the packages for you or the client first - how you can get your hands on a very interesting reverse camera! Can…

In this episode Clare, Kate, Darren & Pete look back at how their businesses were affected by the global pandemic - and what is different now about being a business owner. You'll hear: - Why it wasn't all negative for certain businesses - What lessons you can take from the pandemic, as a business owner, and what to do differently if it ever happens…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate and Pete talk about the latest apps that they're using in their respective businesses. They talk about some of the challenges in choosing the *right* app - and how much is TOO MUCH to pay?!? Of course, there are plenty of giggles along the way too, including a song that will get lodged in your head for the rest o…

On this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about negotiating. Do you do it? Do you clients do it a lot to you? If so, what do you say? In this episode, you'll find out: - Is there ever a time when you *should* negotiate with clients? - What the correct response is when you don't want to negotiate - What do kidneys have to do with it all? Plent…

On this episode Clare, Kate, Darren, Pete and *special guest and show sponsor* Kate Hollingsworth talk about stress. Obviously, stress and it's effects are no laughing matter - and the group talk about the stressful moments they've had as business owners - whilst still looking for the lighter side of coping with stress. They talk about: - is being …

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about the thin line that all business owners have to walk along - the work / life balance. What are some of the challenges in trying to achieve it? Can you ever really switch off from your business? What's the best place to have a home office? What's the ONE thing that all business owners should be do…

In this episode we look back at just how far we've come in 2022, with excerpts from the episodes on Tax, Visibility, Exhibiting, Presentations, Campaigns, Pet Hates and Launching. If you've ever wondered if anyone is going through what you're going through as a business owners, listen in and know that you're not on your own! This episode is sponsor…

In this episode Clare, along with Darren, Kate, Pete and special guest Kate Hollingsworth, talk about visibility. - What does visibility mean when it comes to your business? - Is there a RIGHT and WRONG way to be visible? - What do the group see as the biggest challenge? - And which one of them wants to just 'Let It All Hang Out' As always, there i…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about the things that bother them about running a business; their Pet Hates. Find out which social media platform is bothering Clare, who is calling Kate, how Pete deals with late night messages, which of the group has an email folder labelled 'Bin' and what has any of this got to do with jazz? This i…

On this episode Clare, Darren (he's back!), Kate & Pete talk about exhibtions. What is the benefit of attending, or showing, at a business exhibtion? What should your aim be as a delegate? When is the best time to go to a business exhibition? Also, what does Fart Spray have to do with it all? As always, there's plenty of stories, examples and memor…

In this episode Clare, Kate and Pete (Darren was away, but with them in spirit) talk about presenting and presentations. Things covered in this episode: - How do you prepare for a presentation?; - - What can you do, if anything, to deal with the nerves? - How do you create a great 60-second pitch for a networking meeting? - Does 'winging it' ever w…

On this episode Clare, Darren, Kate and Pete look at Launching - whether it's a product, service or your business as a whole. There's some great advice about the best way to go about a launch - and the big no-no that so many people make with their launch! Plus - what has ET, injections and breaking wind got to do with Launching? Can you keep a secr…

In this episode Clare, along with Darren, Kate & Pete, talk about campaigns; what's worked, what hasn't - and what you'd rather forget! So - what have vacuum cleaners got to do with it all, which one of the group starts to buffer mid-answer, and who delivered 1,000 leaflets with their name spelled incorrectly! Also - Darren mentions a previous epis…

In this episode, listen to Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about tax - and the challenges, silver linings and funny stories around Tax. Find out why Pete's Star Wars DVD's matter so much, who tried to claim a speedboat on their tax returns - and what do dogs think about taxation? As always, there are some great tips and advice for you and your busi…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about making goals; do we still do it, is it important for the success of your business - and which one of the group blurs the boundaries between goals for their business and goals in their personal life? Listen, laugh and learn that you're not alone - and how to be a better business owner! This episo…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about The Joy Of Texts! Those times when texts and WhatsApp messages have impacted on you running your business. As well as talking about the times that we've said 'I love you' to the wrong person, or starting using emojis during a pitching conversation, the guys will also help you set up boundaries w…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete go through those conversations you've had with clients, customers and suppliers that maybe were a little difficult, or awkward. Maybe you'd even like to forget a couple of them? As well as declarations of love, relationship breakup mixups and issues with accents there's also some great practical advice abo…

In this episode Clare, Daren, Kate & Pete talk about the perils, problems and palavers with planning within your business. What kind of plan should you have? How often do you need to plan? What kind of things should you plan for? Will Trello ever listen to Darren and sponsor this podcast? Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 yea…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about the ups and down of selling! How is it for you within your business? Do you have a system and a process for selling your business - and would you want to buy a kitchen from Kate? As well as some great excuses to laugh, there's some genuine business advice that you can put to use straight away! C…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about ratings and reviews for your business. When should you ask for them? What they *should* and *shouldn't* include! How much you can guide your client in writing their reviews. Plus, what does a horses head and the name Phil have to do with it all? Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with o…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about using apps - whether on a mobile device or your desktop - and how useful they are to the success of your business. The big question is, though - which is Darren's favourite app? Listen to the episode and see if you can hear it. (HINT - He mentions it about 50,000 times!) Here's a full list of th…

IN this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about getting stuff OFF your desk and ONTO someone's else's - Delegating and Outsourcing! Why should you do it? How much of it should you delegate? When is the right time to do it? All the answers are here. Also, hear which one of the group finds solace in Homes Under The Hammer, and who is called 'la…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about the business social media platform, LinkedIn. They discuss the different approaches to it, whether or not accepting all connections is the right way, new rules that should be brought in to LinkedIn - and which of the group dons a DISGUISE when they go on LinkedIn? Can you keep a secret? Four bus…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about meetings. Whether they're virtual or face-to-face, they're a big part of being a business owner. So - what challenges have the group had with meetings? What do they see as the silver linings of the virtual meetings that so many of us have had to do over the past few months. Also, why is Kate gro…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about homeschooling AND running a business. Something that so many business owners are experiencing right now. They talk about their favourite memories, things they wished they had known, silver linings - as well as practical advice for you and your business. Can you keep a secret? Four business owner…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk through their plans for 2021 - and how other business owners can use their methods too. As always, there's plenty to smile about in here; why is Clare a witch, what has Darren done with his children, and how does Pete react when he's finished a phone call with a client? Plus, there's plenty of busines…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about the issue of taking time away from your business. Do you do it? How easy do you find it? And what is Clare's problem with Candy Crush? Find out more in this great episode, with plenty of smiles and laughs - and lovely business advice! Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 year…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete look at the first 12 months of a business. What lessons did we learn? What mistakes did we make? What would we do differently? Of course, plenty to takeaway from this episode - and plenty of reasons to smile too. Plus, find out what a 'podcast mugging' is! Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with o…

In this episode Clare, Darren, Kate & Pete talk about Virtual Business Networking, which has become much more of a norm in 2020. What are some of the embarrassing things that they've seen - or had happen to them - during the course of an online networking meeting? And how does Star Trek fit into it all? Can you keep a secret? Four business owners w…