A new podcast looking at the reality, the highs and the lows, of running a small business.
Do you run a small business? Where do you go to find advice, or just somewhere you can hear others relate to the rewarding yet often overwhelming journey that is owning and running a small business?
We’re Ben, Ben and Laura and we’re all small business owners at different stages in our own small business journey. Since we started hanging out we discovered that we’ve got so much in common when it comes to running our businesses, and yet we’re having conversations together that we weren’t hearing anywhere else.
So we thought, why not have those conversations ourselves and share them?
We want to talk frankly and openly about our experiences of running a small business: the good, the bad, the strange, the stuff no one tells you when you’re starting out and the things we all go through and want to talk about more.
It’s not all ‘hustle’ and hanging out with the entrepreneur crowd, it’s often working out how to get business through the door and make sure you’re not alienating your entire family in the process!
So if you’re running a small business then join us. Listen and let us know what you think!
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Getting to Know You - Quick Fire Questions! Living the Small Business Life S3 Ep6
Join us for this fun episode as we close out Season 3. Ben, Ben and I have only 5 seconds to answer the questions which Ben generated with AI and our cameraman Wes calls out!
0:06 - Welcome to *Living a Small Business Life*
0:28 - Question 1: What's your favourite midnight snack?
0:44 - Question 2: Who would you choose if you could be friends with a fictional character?
1:14 - Question 3: What's the best costume you've ever worn to a party?
1:55 - Question 4: What's the best surprise you've ever received?
3:00 - Question 5: What's the most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced?
3:57 - Question 6: If you could have any talent, what would you choose?
5:07 - Question 7: If you were stuck on a deserted island and had to choose a family member to be stuck with, who would you choose?
5:48 - Question 8: Who would you be if you had to be a character from a book?
6:42 - Question 9: What's the best joke you've ever heard?
7:56 - Question 10: If you could live in any movie, which one would it be?
8:33 - Question 11: Who is your favorite celebrity?
9:11 - Question 12: If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
9:59 - Question 13: What's your funniest relationship deal-breaker?
10:53 - Question 14: If you could be any animal, which animal would you be?
11:48 - Wrap up and thanks for watching
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5 Nov 2025
AI: Threat or Opportunity for Small Business? | Living the Small Business Life S3 Ep5
In this episode we explore the rapidly evolving world of AI and its immediate and future implications for small businesses.
We chat about our own levels of AI adoption, ranging from complete skepticism to leveraging it for daily operational efficiency. We talked about key tools like Microsoft Copilot, concerns over data security, the impact of AI on creative content and jobs, and the necessity of maintaining human connection in an increasingly automated world.
00:07 - Introduction: AI in Small Business
00:21 - Are We Using AI in Our Businesses?
00:41 - Using Microsoft Copilot and Other AI Tools
01:30 - AI Skepticism and Industry Challenges
03:09 - The Creative and Tone Problem with AI
04:31 - Managing AI with the Team and Copilot Benefits
05:15 - AI for Meeting Efficiency and Proposal Drafting
07:28 - AI Email Management with Fixer
09:12 - Security and Data Concerns with Copilot and AI
11:36 - The Fundamental Bias and Environmental Cost of Large Language Models
12:41 - Using Gemini and Closed Data Sets
13:36 - AI and Cyber Security Threats
15:06 - Massive Increase in AI-Generated Email Threats
16:44 - Deep Fake Voices and Financial Fraud Examples
17:37 - The Rise of Deep Fake Video and Image Creative
19:43 - Younger Generations' Perspective on AI Content
20:57 - The Evolution of CGI and Creative AI
23:33 - The Impact of AI on Jobs and Industries
27:00 - Job Differentiation vs. Elimination
28:47 - The Future of Work: AI Employees and Flexible Hours
29:54 - Over-Employment Enabled by AI
30:30 - Is AI a Bad Thing? Reflections on Current Use
31:14 - Microsoft Power Platform and No-Code Solutions
33:10 - Refining AI Output and Focusing on Human Connection
35:17 - AI Tools Used by the Hosts
39:03 - The Competitive Disadvantage of Not Using AI
41:15 - AI Reducing Admin Burden
42:58 - Conclusion and Future Outlook
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29 Oct 2025
Flexible Foundations: Building a Social Enterprise - Living the Small Business Life S3 Ep4
Welcome back to Living the Small Business Life!
In this episode, we're joined by Laura Dolphin, the founding director of Dolphin Outsourcing. Laura shares her inspiring journey of building a social enterprise that champions flexible work and empowers individuals facing challenging circumstances.
She talks about the origins of her company, the unique services they offer, and how they navigate the evolving landscape of business, including the impact of the 2020 pandemic.
Laura also offers valuable advice for aspiring business owners and introduces her new product, Will Plus, designed to help entrepreneurs plan for unexpected life events.
0:00:00 Introduction to Laura Dolphin and Dolphin Outsourcing
0:01:13 Services Provided by Dolphin Outsourcing
0:02:20 Dolphin Outsourcing's Ideal Client
0:04:22 The Driving Force Behind Starting Dolphin Outsourcing
0:06:45 Laura's Career Before Starting Her Company
0:08:31 Impact of COVID-19 on Dolphin Outsourcing
0:14:12 Flexible Working Opportunities at Dolphin Outsourcing
0:27:22 Laura's Approach to Work-Life Balance
0:32:48 Advice for Aspiring Small Business Owners
0:35:56 Biggest Challenges Faced by Dolphin Outsourcing
0:44:39 Marketing Strategies and Growth Plans
0:40:51 Will Plus: A Product for Business Owners Facing Challenging Times
0:45:29 Conclusion
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Find us on socials here:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/
Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife
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22 Oct 2025
Hearn's Coaches - From Family Business to Industry Leader: Living the Small Business Life S3 Ep3
In this episode of "Living the Small Business Life," join us as we chat with Jamie Thacker, Managing Director of Hearn's Coaches.
Jamie shares his unique journey of entering the family business straight out of university, the challenges of navigating the coach hire industry through the pandemic, and his insights on managing a growing fleet.
He discusses the evolution of Hearn's Coaches from a school contract focus to a diverse business and the importance of adapting to change and investing in a supportive work environment.
0:00 Intro
0:20 About Hearn's Coaches
1:01 Jamie's Journey with the Business
2:34 Control of the Business
3:20 Business Then vs. Now
5:02 The Impact of COVID
6:42 Acquiring a Competitor
10:14 Starting in the Family Business
13:19 Challenges in the Transport Industry
16:14 Staffing Challenges in Small Business
20:29 Creating a Positive Work Environment
22:06 Starting a Small Business After University
26:31 Work-Life Balance
30:11 The Future of Electric Coaches
33:57 Chinese Coach Manufacturing
37:06 Advice for Small Business Owners
38:33 Outro
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Find us on socials here:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/
Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife
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15 Oct 2025
Living the Small Business Life: Navigating 2024 and Plans for 2025 - S3 Ep1
Welcome to Season 3 of Living the Small Business Life! In our first episode we recap the end of 2024, discussing highs, lows, and market hesitancy.
Then we dive into our strategies for 2025, highlighting plans for growth and customer retention. With personal anecdotes and insights, this episode provides valuable perspectives for small business owners facing uncertain times.
Don't miss out on hearing from upcoming guests and learning effective business strategies - hit subscribe to get the next episodes straight away!
00:00 Welcome to Season Three
00:30 Reflecting on 2024
01:12 Business Hesitancy and Market Uncertainty
03:43 Changes and New Beginnings
05:01 Starting Fresh in 2025
08:54 Launching a New Business
12:38 Strategies for Growth and Retention
22:25 Customer Retention Challenges
24:01 Challenges in Customer Retention
24:57 The Impact of Relationships on Business
27:23 Customer Service and Retention Strategies
29:14 Dealing with Customer Loss
31:12 Balancing New and Existing Customers
33:05 Strategies for Long-Term Customer Relationships
44:18 The Cost of Losing a Customer
48:47 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
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Find us on socials here:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/
Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife
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15 Oct 2025
Scaling a Recruitment Business During COVID with Chris from ACS Staffing Solutions - LSBL S3 Ep2
Next up on Living the Small Business Life, we sit down with Chris from ACS Staffing Solutions to discuss the challenges and successes of scaling a recruitment business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hear about Chris's journey, from how he and his wife Helen started the business, to navigating the ups and downs of the recruitment industry. Learn about the impact of COVID-19 on their operations, the importance of strong company culture, and the lessons learned in managing cash flow and scaling effectively. Whether you're a business owner or interested in the recruitment sector, Chris's insights offer valuable takeaways.
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
00:19 Meet Chris: The Journey Begins
02:19 Scaling the Business: Challenges and Strategies
04:42 Navigating COVID-19: A Turning Point
06:20 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Operations
13:17 Post-COVID Adjustments and Market Shifts
21:40 Company Vision and Culture
27:37 Strategic Partnerships and AI Integration
28:11 Scaling Challenges and HR Foundations
31:46 Leadership and Team Dynamics
36:44 Economic Impact on Recruitment
39:06 Navigating Financial Struggles
49:41 Customer Relationships and Retention
52:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
---
Find us on socials here:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Living-the-Small-Business-Life/61556920702846/
Twitter / X - https://x.com/living_smblife
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4 Dec 2024
What We've Learnt from Interviewing Small Business Owners in Season 2
Ben and Ben reflect on the realities of running a small business, emphasizing the value of drive, determination, and work-life balance, gained from interviewing Season Two guests.
20 Nov 2024
Running Multiple Small Businesses with Wes Venn of Buddy Cards and Red Rascal Creative
Wes Venn of Buddy Cards and Red Rascal Creative shares his entrepreneurial journey, navigating challenges and opportunities in running multiple small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
6 Nov 2024
When Your Small Business Journey Is Anything But Linear! with Jo from Vision 29 - LSBL S2 EP4
In episode 4 of the Living the Small Business Life podcast, hosts Ben and Ben welcome Jo from Vision 29. Jo shares her 10-year journey from starting a marketing consultancy to transforming it into a company focused on internal communications, employee experience, and organisational culture.
She discusses the initial challenges she faced in balancing work and family life, the trigger that led her to start her own business, and how she overcame fears and doubts along the way.
Jo also talks about the importance of networking, work-life balance, and staying motivated.
The episode offers valuable insights into running a business, dealing with burnout, and the evolving landscape of business networking.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:30 Joe's Business Journey: From Marketing to Internal Comms
03:20 Trigger Points and Challenges of Starting a Business
06:47 Transitioning from Limited Company to Sole Trader
09:38 Daily Life and Networking Strategies
20:25 The Role of Internal Communications
22:48 Employee Engagement and Feedback
23:49 Challenges in Implementing Feedback
25:26 Winning and Attracting New Customers
27:55 Balancing Work and Personal Life
29:18 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Public Speaking
36:50 Experiencing Burnout and Recovery
41:41 Reflecting on Business Journey
43:09 Podcast Conclusion
Produced by Move Digital - https://movedigital.co.uk/podcasts/
Jo at Vision 29 - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocoxhill
---
Check out the dedicated page for the Living the Small Business Life Podcast: https://movedigital.co.uk/podcast/living-the-small-business-life/
Or, connect with us in the comments below or find us on social media ⬇️
https://www.instagram.com/livingthesmallbusinesslife
https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-the-small-business-life/
https://www.tiktok.com/@living.the.small
https://www.twitter.com/living_smblife
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23 Oct 2024
Thriving in Small Business: Perseverance, Passion, and the Reality of Retail
In this episode of 'Living the Small Business Life' we hit the road and are on tour in Leighton Buzzard!
Sarah and Carrie, owners of Happydashery and The Workshop, two shops next door to each other on the High Street, share their inspiring journey from pop-up shop to two premises. They discuss the transition from part-time jobs to full-time business owners, the importance of a supportive local business community, and the candid challenges of retail, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We talked about the value of adaptability, strategic planning, and embracing imperfection. It was so great to hear both Sarah and Carrie reflect on the difficulties of running a small business, such as managing cash flow, juggling roles, and maintaining work-life balance.
Sarah and Carrie were such great guests and shared some wonderful personal anecdotes, quirky customer experiences, and moments of unexpected joy from running their business. Big thanks to them for joining us.
00:00 Welcome to Living the Small Business Life
00:11 Meet Sarah and Carrie of Happydashery
00:42 The Journey of Happydashery
02:39 Taking the Leap: From Part-Time to Full-Time
05:58 Community and Collaboration in Leighton Buzzard
12:42 Challenges and Triumphs During the Pandemic
20:56 Balancing Multiple Revenue Streams
24:07 Implementing Processes for Business Growth
25:09 Balancing Strategic Planning and Daily Operations
26:08 The Importance of Team and Delegation
27:31 Admiration and Strengths in Business Partnership
29:33 Building a Community-Centric Business
31:00 Handling Disagreements and Business Philosophy
35:15 Staying Motivated and Reflecting on Achievements
40:19 Balancing Work and Personal Life
47:38 Unexpected and Hilarious Business Moments
49:08 Final Thoughts and Fun Questions
Find Happydashery here: https://happydashery.co.uk/
This episode was produced by Move Digital - find out more about our podcast work here: https://movedigital.co.uk/podcasts/
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9 Oct 2024
Branding and Reputation
In this episode of 'Living the Small Business Life' podcast, Laura, Ben and Ben discuss the interconnectedness of branding and reputation for small businesses.
We explore personal experiences with branding, including how a recognisable brand can spark memories and influence customers' buying decisions. Drawing on our own (mis)adventures in coming up with branding for our businesses, we also look at the challenges faced in maintaining consistency across various platforms.
We also chat about how Google reviews can affect business reputation and the necessity for businesses to manage online perceptions. How does your branding help (or hinder?) in recruitment, how does customer feedback shapes business strategy, and how can you leverage referrals and case studies?
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:10 Understanding Branding and Reputation
01:28 The Role of Consistency in Branding
02:03 The Evolution of Business Logos
05:02 Branding in the Real World
07:56 The Importance of Professionalism
15:05 Consistency Across Platforms
18:33 Customer Feedback and Reputation
28:52 Handling Negative Reviews
30:27 Responding Professionally to Criticism
33:14 Dealing with Fake Reviews
35:33 Importance of Customer Referrals
36:30 Effective Use of Case Studies
39:47 Website Optimisation for Better Leads
42:58 Fun Branding Questions
49:23 Dream Collaborations
53:38 Conclusion and Call for Guests
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25 Sept 2024
Navigating Challenges with Emily and Nikki from More Driver Solutions - LSBL S2 Ep1
We're back for Season 2!
In this episode of Living the Small Business Life, we welcome Emily and Nikki of More Driver Solutions. They dive into their journey of building a business from its humble beginnings in 2008 to becoming a key player in driver recruitment in the logistics industry.
They discuss their initial lack of a formal plan, how they funded and eventually bought out their initial business partners, and the importance of flexibility and resilience. They share the challenges they faced, including navigating a recession, managing cash flow, and dealing with regulatory changes. The conversation also explores their partnership dynamics, the support they provide each other, and their emphasis on work-life balance and exercise.
It was so lovely to have them and hear about how they have turned challenges into growth opportunities and gave us some genuine insights into the highs and lows of running a small business.
https://moredriversolutions.ltd.uk/
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15 May 2024
Answering Questions about Small Business from AI!
In our final episode of Season 1 we've gone off-script and are answering questions about running a small business that Ben has found from Chat GPT!
Find out what AI thinks we should have been talking about in the last 5 episodes and what answers we have.
Subscribe to the podcast now so you're the first to know about Season 2 - coming soon!
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1 May 2024
Work life balance as a business owner
How do you achieve work life balance as a small business owner? What is important to you? In this episode Ben, Ben and Laura discuss how they achieve and work on a work life balance that works for them.
How does it work for you? Let us know in the comments!
Produced by Move Digital: https://movedigital.co.uk/
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17 Apr 2024
Growth and Expansion - Growing pains for small businesses
This time around we're talking about growth and expansion for small businesses.
What does it look like? What are the growing pains that small businesses face? And what does it look like when your business is growing and expanding but you're constantly trying to keep up.
Join Ben, Ben and Laura to chat about all things small business, the highs, the lows and everything in between.
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3 Apr 2024
Recruitment and Outsourcing
This time round Ben, Ben and Laura talk about the small business reality of recruitment and outsourcing.
We talk about everything to do with building a team, growing a team, what your team my look like in terms of employment versus using freelancers and outsourcing including outsourcing overseas.
Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcast to hear the next episode first and find us on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWshi7mIvNoVMDJB7TrPLg
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20 Mar 2024
Strategy and Planning
When you’re starting out, how do you plan for your small business? What is recommended, and what is the reality?
We’re Laura, Ben and Ben and we all run small businesses. In this episode of Living the Small Business Life, we tackle strategy and planning. What did we do when we were starting out? Was it helpful? How has it changed along with our businesses?
Join us for a frank conversation about the highs and lows of running a small business, and subscribe to the podcast to catch all our upcoming episodes!
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28 Feb 2024
Introductions - Who are we and why are we making a podcast?
Join Ben, Ben and Laura to find out all about us, the small businesses that we run and why we've decided to start this podcast.
We'll also be talking about what we're going to cover in our first series.
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