A Funny Thing Called Business

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Aug 2026

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Can you keep a secret?! Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun

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August 18, 202637 min

Boundaries in Business: How to Stay Approachable Without Losing Yourself

In this episode of A Funny Thing Called Business, join Kate, Darren, Pete, and special guest Claire Alsop from The Holistic VA as they tackle the often tricky subject of boundaries in business. From clients to teams and even ourselves, the conversation dives deep into the importance of saying no and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The team shares their personal experiences, including: - How to handle client requests that cross the line, including a late-night call that could have waited until Monday. - The art of diplomatically saying no while still being approachable. - Strategies for setting clear boundaries to protect personal time and mental space. - The challenges of being a people pleaser in a professional setting and how to combat it. With plenty of laughter and relatable stories, this episode serves as a reminder that professionalism doesn't mean sacrificing your personal life. Listen in to learn how to establish boundaries that work for you and your business! Get your questions in at questions@funnythingpod.com Follow the podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Darren Langley can be found here: https://gravitaswebdesign.com/ Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/ Pete Morgan can be found here: https://www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk Claire Alsop can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-allsop-12072311/

August 4, 202620 min

Q&A Episode #5: First Steps, Holiday Guilt & Discounts

In this episode of A Funny Thing Called Business, join Pete, Kate, Darren, and special guest Martin Crook from Adamsmore Accounts and Business Advisors as they dive into your questions, aptly titled "Funny You Should Ask." The team tackles your burning questions, starting with Joanne from Birmingham, who is contemplating starting her own business. They share invaluable insights on setting up essential systems, the importance of sales, and the often-overlooked topic of pensions for business owners. They also discuss: - The struggle of self-employed individuals dealing with the guilt of taking time off. - The necessity of breaks and how to manage work-life balance effectively. - Strategies for handling discount requests from clients and the psychology behind pricing. With plenty of laughter and relatable anecdotes, this episode provides a refreshing perspective on the challenges of running a business while reminding you that you're not alone in this journey. So grab your favourite beverage and settle in for some insightful banter! Can you keep a secret? A group of seasoned business owners shares their experiences, ensuring you know you're not alone in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Get your questions in at questions@funnythingpod.com Follow the podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Martin Crook can be found here: https://www.adamsmoore.com/ Darren Langley can be found here: https://gravitaswebdesign.com/ Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/ Pete Morgan can be found here: https://www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

July 21, 202628 min

Cashflow: The Conversations No One Likes Having

In this episode of A Funny Thing Called Business, join Pete, Kate, Darren, and special guest Martin Crook from Adams Moore Accounts and Business Advisors as they delve into the often-avoided topic of cash flow. Together, they explore why conversations about money can be so uncomfortable for business owners and share their own experiences navigating the financial landscape of entrepreneurship. They discuss: - The importance of cash flow alongside profit and how it can make or break a business. - Personal anecdotes about the struggles of managing debtors and late payments. - Strategies for presenting financial information in a more engaging way. - The benefits of outsourcing credit control and bookkeeping tasks. - The significance of knowing your worth and valuing your time appropriately. - What constitutes 'doo doo' when it comes to money in your business. With plenty of humour and relatable stories, this episode serves as a reminder that while cash flow can be daunting, it's an essential part of running a successful business. So grab a cuppa and tune in for some insightful banter about the ups and downs of business finances! Can you keep a secret? A group of seasoned business owners shares their trials and tribulations, ensuring you know you're not alone in this journey. Get your questions in at - questions@funnythingpodcast.com Follow the podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Martin Crook can be found here: https://www.adamsmoore.com/ Darren Langley can be found here: https://gravitaswebdesign.com/ Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/ Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

July 7, 202614 min

Q&A Episode #4: First Hires, Big Clients & Avoiding The Admin

In this episode Darren, Kate & Pete (with special guest Nikki from Alt Marketing) answer some more of your questions. If you want to get a question in, email us on questions@funnythingpod.com Can you keep a secret? A group of business owners with decades of collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/ Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk Nikki Hubbins can be found here: https://altmarketing.agency/

June 23, 202641 min

Is LinkedIn a Business Owner's Best Friend Or Worst Enemy?

Join Darren, Kate & Pete (with very special guest Nikki Hubbins) to talk through all things Linkedin! - What has been their most embarrassing moment on LinkedIn? - Does it really work as a way of generating business? - What has Kate got against the NHS? (Not serious - Kate LOVES the NHS!) Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 30 years collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Darren Langley can be found here: https://gravitaswebdesign.com/ Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/ Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk Nikki Hubbins ca be found here: https://altmarketing.agency/

May 26, 202616 min

Q&A Episode #3 - Bad Fits, Changing Direction and Comparisons

In this episode of A Funny Thing Called Business, join Pete, Darren, Kate, and special guest Jenny Procter from Bondfield Marketing for a lively Q&A session where they tackle your burning business questions. This month, they dive into the realities of client relationships, business pivots, and the all-too-common habit of comparing yourself to others in the industry. They discuss: - How to discern if a client is a bad fit or if you're just having a tough week. - The importance of communication and red flags in client relationships. - Navigating the complexities of changing your business direction and how to communicate that to your audience. - Strategies for overcoming the urge to compare your business success with others and recognizing your unique path. With plenty of laughs, relatable stories, and a few cheeky moments, this episode reminds us that business is as much about personal growth as it is about profits. So grab a snack and tune in for some insightful and humorous business banter! Can you keep a secret? A collective of business owners with decades of experience share their ups and downs in the world of entrepreneurship, ensuring you know you're not alone in this journey. Get your questions in at - questions@funnythingpod.com Follow the podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Jenny Procter can be found here: https://www.bondfieldmarketing.com/ Darren Langley can be found here: https://gravitaswebdesign.com/ Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/ Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

May 12, 202634 min

How To Sell Without Being Salesy

In this episode of A Funny Thing Called Business, join Pete, Darren, Kate, and special guest Jenny Procter, a marketing consultant, as they dive into the art of selling without feeling salesy. The group shares their personal experiences and insights on how to approach sales with authenticity and relationship-building at the forefront. They discuss: - The discomfort of traditional sales tactics and the importance of genuine connections. - The concept of "business foreplay" and why it matters in sales conversations. - Strategies for understanding client pain points and offering solutions rather than pushing products. - The challenges of follow-ups and how to maintain momentum without being overly aggressive. - The fine line between sales and marketing, especially in different sectors like public service and charity work. With plenty of laughter and relatable anecdotes, this episode proves that navigating the sales landscape can be both enjoyable and effective when approached with the right mindset. Grab your favorite beverage and tune in for a dose of business wisdom mixed with humor! Can you keep a secret? A collective of business owners with over 750 years of experience share their trials and triumphs in the world of business, ensuring you know you're not alone in this journey. #chitchat #business #fun Get your questions in at - questions@funnythingpod.com Follow the podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Jenny Procter can be found here: https://www.bondfieldmarketing.com/ Darren Langley can be found here: https://gravitaswebdesign.com/ Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/ Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk

April 28, 202623 min

Q & A Episode #2 - Invoicing, Saying 'No' and Scoffing

Welcome to "Funny You Should Ask", the Q&A episode of the A Funny Thing Called Business podcast with Kate, Darren & Pete. Vanessa from Floral Jazz is back for this Q&A where the gang answer questions about invoices, saying 'No' - and scoffing! Remember, if you would like to ask a question, you can email questions@afunnythingpod.co.uk Can you keep a secret? A group of business owners with decades of collective experience under their belts share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Follow the podcast on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunnyTCalledB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Darren Langley can be found here: https://www.darrenlangley.com Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/ Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk Vanessa Harrison canb be found here: https://www.floraljazz.online/

April 14, 202644 min

Systems, Processes & Boring Stuff That Makes Business Work

In this episode of A Funny Thing Called Business, join Kate, Darren, Pete, and special guest Vanessa from Floral Jazz as they tackle the often overlooked yet essential topic of systems and processes in business. The group dives deep into the nitty-gritty of how organization can transform chaos into clarity, sharing their own experiences and the systems they've come to rely on. They discuss: - The importance of finding the right tools to streamline workflows, from Trello to HubSpot. - How to avoid the common pitfalls of over-complicating processes and the value of simplicity. - Real-life stories of messy situations that could have been avoided with better organization. - The balance between structure and creativity, especially in a field that thrives on innovation. - Strategies for tracking leads and ensuring no opportunities slip through the cracks. With plenty of laughs and relatable moments, this episode proves that even the "boring" aspects of business can lead to significant breakthroughs and success. So, grab a cup of coffee and tune in as they share their wisdom and wit! Can you keep a secret? Four business owners with over 50 years of collective experience share the capers and triumphs of running a small business and how they now avoid perilous customer chaos and pitfalls. #chitchat #business #fun Get your questions in at - questions@funnythingpod.com Follow the podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Vanessa can be found here: https://floraljazz.co.uk/ Darren Langley can be found here: https://gravitaswebdesign.com/ Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/ Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk Resources: https://www.xero.com/ https://zapier.com/ https://www.mailerlite.com/

March 31, 202617 min

Q & A Episode #1 - January Blues, Resentment and Technology

Welcome to the first of our NEW Q&A Episodes "Funny You Should Ask..."! Darren, Kate, Pete & guest business owner Anita go through your questions. Anything to do with being a business owner - the group will almost always have an answer! Get your questions in at - questions@funnythingpodcast.com Follow the podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnythingcalledbusiness/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnythingcalledbusiness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKF9jagHxm4Jsx-pPy0miQ?view_as=subscriber Darren Langley can be found here: https://gravitaswebdesign.com/ Kate Curry can be found here: https://cudoscreative.co.uk/ Pete Morgan can be found here: www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk Anita Ellis can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaellis/ Resources: https://www.bepresentapp.com/