In this podcast, Stuart Brown of MAP, The Digital Agency Finance Function, is joined by a host of special guests to explore the world of business through the decisions owners face, and the choices they create.
Each episode Stuart and guests share their experiences and knowledge of owning, running and exiting a number of businesses, with some more successful than others, and having gone through that journey - sharing the successes and mistakes with those on that journey now.
For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this podcast, Stuart Brown of MAP, The Digital Agency Finance Function, is joined by a host of special guests to explore the world of business through the decisions owners face, and the choices they create.
Each episode Stuart and guests share their experiences and knowledge of owning, running and exiting a number of businesses, with some more successful than others, and having gone through that journey - sharing the successes and mistakes with those on that journey now.
For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Paul Barnes and Stuart Brown delve into the intricacies of building a business that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
They explore the concept of a "strategic orbit," a tool designed to help business owners map out their long-term vision and make more intentional decisions.
Whether you're aiming for a lifestyle business or preparing for a capital event, this discussion offers valuable insights into strategic planning, the importance of aligning your business with your values, and the sacrifices involved in different business models.
You can have a business that not only thrives, but also supports the life you want to lead.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode, Stuart Brown and Theo Louw discuss the critical balance between creativity and financial success in agency management. They explore the common pitfalls that lead to profit leaks, the importance of visibility and discipline in operations, and the necessity of real-time data for informed decision-making. Theo introduces the Profit First Agency framework, emphasising the need for structured processes to ensure sustainable growth. The discussion also covers managing scope creep, ensuring timely billing, and the importance of operationalising data to enhance agency performance.
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In this episode, Stuart Brown and Ben discuss the critical importance of agency positioning, exploring common pitfalls, the benefits of specialisation, and the impact of AI on agency strategies. They emphasise the need for clarity in positioning to attract the right clients and improve profitability. The discussion also covers the challenges of repositioning and the journey agencies must undertake to achieve successful outcomes.
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Summary
In this Episode, Stuart Brown and Robert Craven explore the complexities of growth in agencies, emphasising the importance of a process framework, and a clear positioning strategy.
We learn that highly performing agencies are obsessed with the numbers.
They discuss the entrepreneurial mindset versus agency ownership, the significance of accountability, and the role of workshops in facilitating tough decisions.
The dialogue highlights the need for clarity and simplicity in business strategies to navigate challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
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In this Episode, Stuart Brown and Caroline Canty explore the critical aspects of decision-making in business, emphasising the importance of intentionality, alignment of the mind, body, and soul, and the impact of external factors like COVID on business mindset. They discuss the challenges of reactive decision-making, the significance of a growth mindset, and the role of coaching in implementing effective strategies. The dialogue highlights the need for clarity, accountability, and a supportive culture to foster intentional growth and navigate change successfully.
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In this Episode we talk to Stephen Mann about the reality of Cyber Security and the smaller business.
How much of the headlines are industry hype and fearmongering aimed at selling costly solutions?
And what, as an Agency Owner, can you do today to de-risk your business?
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In this Episode we discuss how many Agency Owners have so much of their value tied up in the single asset of their business, but with less than 10% of Agency Owners achieving a successful exit, what can you do to de-risk yourself by creating and ringfencing some value through the ownership journey.
Our Subject Matter Expert is Adam Downes of Pura Vida Financial Planning - www.puravidafp.com
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In this episode Stuart is joined by Ben Davies from Praetura Ventures to discuss investment and in particular the role of venture capital.
We discuss the timing of raising funds, and how you may be best to treat it as a sales pipeline. What a VC looks for in an agency, and how to best make your pitch.
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Stuart is joined round the MAP table by Peter Maratos, former practicing barrister with 17 years post practice experience in tribunal advocacy.
We learn the errors that small business owners still make, why the changing scope of freelancers within agencies represents its own issues and what considerations must be made as we navigate the remote / hybrid working that is now the norm.
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As we return with Series 3 of The MAP Room, we hear from long standing MAP client, Dootrix.
We learn how applying Financial Confidence supports the ambition of the shareholders, why a Board is necessary for a small business and also when opportunity knocks, are you best placed to respond, without losing your way.
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Series 2 of The MAP Room closes with host Stuart Brown and legendary Welsh Rugby Union and League player turned BBC commentator, Jonathan Davies OBE. In an inspirational episode, we hear why believing in your own ability was crucial to Jonathan’s success, the resilience and resourcefulness gained from the hardest times in his life and Jonathan’s ambassadorial work for Velindre Cancer Centre.
For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials
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In the penultimate episode of Series 2 of The MAP Room, host Stuart Brown quizzes author and Managing Director of MAP, Paul Barnes, about his upcoming book, “Financial Confidence for Digital Agencies: A framework for building the business you’ve always wanted”. The conversation touches on why Paul chose now to write the book, the inspiration behind it and the key topics that listeners can look forward to reading when the book is released early next year.
For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials
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The latest episode of The MAP Room sees Stuart Brown joined by Matt Johnson, Founder and Managing Director of Form. In this fascinating discussion, Matt opens up about his mental health following the sale of his first business, the importance of recognising the need for an external advisor and the subsequent benefits and risks of using one, plus the conversation turns to the emergance and prevelance of using an executive coach.
For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials
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Episode 9 of The MAP Room sees Stuart Brown joined by Trenton Moss, Best Selling Author, Leadership Coach & Founder of Team Sterka. In this discussion, Trenton explains how he got everyone in his organisation to interact with clients, how he brought in new business without having to pitch and how he used a senior advisory board to support his growth ambition . Also, Trenton talks of his book ‘Human Powered’.
For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials
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In Episode 8 of Series 2, Managing Director of MAP, Paul Barnes turns the tables once more on host Stuart Brown, as they unpick the concept of company or corporate governance. Also in this episode, Stuart reflects on the seven duties of a company director, how you can actually benefit from the things that you have to do and why implementing a practice of rigour and cadence will give a company the best chances to succeed.
For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials
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Episode 7 of The MAP Room sees Stuart Brown joined by, Brian Cullen, Co-Founder of The MAPD Group. In another fascinating and varied discussion, Brian talks of MAPD’s accelerate program, how sub-cultures are useful within a group framework as long as it fits into the overarching purpose and why he wants MAPD (Making a Positive Difference) to become a verb in the dictionary.
For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials
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In episode 6 of The MAP Room, Stuart Brown is joined by James Ashford, Founder of GoProposal, for the latest conversation in our ‘Difficult Truths’ series, where we discuss the less glamorous areas of business ownership. After selling his business to a FTSE 100 company, James opens up about his experiences after an exit, the pitfalls of the ‘I’ll be happy when’ mindset and the importance of having alignment at home throughout this life changing process.
For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials
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Episode 5 of The MAP Room sees Stuart Brown joined by award-winning author and co-host of The High Performance Podcast, Professor Damian Hughes. In this fascinating discussion, Stuart asks Damian to talk through his “Five STEPS to a Winning Mindset” principles and describes why he believes ambiguity is the enemy of high performance. Also, Damian explains the one characteristic of leadership that inspired the formation of his charity, Coats4Kids.
For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials
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In another ‘Difficult Truths’ episode of The MAP Room, host Stuart Brown is joined by Insolvency Practitioner, Jimmy Fish. This informative discussion opens up the often misunderstood area of business insolvency. We learn the definition of insolvency, discuss the most common cause of insolvency, the errors often made by small business owners and what needs to be addressed in relation to creditors, assets and your conduct as a director.
For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.