The Future-Proof Your Business Podcast

Hosted by Lucy Rennie

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May 2024

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About the show

Hello and welcome to the Future-Proof Your Business podcast with me Lucy Rennie. I’m a massive champion for small business and I’m on a mission to help you love what you do and build and grow your business in a way that works for you and feels good. I’m convinced that the best way to create a successful and sustainable business is to do it from the inside out, which means that it has to start with you, the business owner. In fact, I believe that business really is all about people, and if you want to future-proof your business and make an impact then you need to get really clear on why you do what you do, create the best experience and then build relationships and trust. In this podcast, I want to share with you as much of my knowledge, expertise and experience with you, as I can, as well as some behind the scenes stories and strategies from my business, and I’ll be having conversations with and learning from some amazing business owners and experts so I can give you everything you need to stay focused, on track and feel more in control on this rollercoaster ride that is building a sustainable business.

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May 6, 2024Episode 6051 min

060 Embracing a Sustainable Approach with Claire McEvoy

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome my guest, a good friend and LR Comms client to the show, and that is the gorgeous Claire McEvoy. Claire is the founder and owner of Alta Hair Studio and Light Lounge, an eco hair and beauty salon nestled in the picturesque Chapel en Ie Frith, in the Peak District. Claire shares insights into her journey as a business owner, her commitment to embracing a sustainable ECO approach and sharing her skills and love for what she does with her growing team. Claire's passion for sustainability extends beyond her salon walls, reflecting her personal values and love for nature. She highlights the importance of community engagement and shares anecdotes of how she was able to think outside of the box to make sure she could continue to connect with and nurture her clients during the COVID lockdown.Through her dedication to eco-conscious practices, Claire has not only been able to attract more of the right clients for her salon, she is also inspiring positive change within the hairdressing industry. Her story serves as a brilliant example for other business owners looking to embrace their values and passion, and still be able to grow a successful and profitable business.Claire McEvoy Resource Links: Website: https://altahair.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altahairstudio/https://www.greensaloncollective.com/https://www.hurhair.co.uk ResourcesFuture-Proof your Business Webinar 18th April - sign up for my free interactive workshophttps://www.iamlucyrennie.com - free downloadable resources, other episodes and more information about how to work with Lucy.Buy my book hereJoin me in my membership The Future-Proof Club here -The Future-Proof ClubEpisode 26- Are you really listening? https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/podcast/are-you-really-listeningEpisode 43 - Joining the Dots https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/insights/joining-the-dots-the-programmeCome and join me and lots of other small business owners like you in my FREE Facebook group:CWP (Communicate with Purpose) Group | Facebook

April 22, 2024Episode 5924 min

059 What's the point of marketing my business?

In today's episode, I'm discussing the changing landscape of marketing and challenging some of the traditional approaches. Sharing insights from my conversations with various business leaders and highlighting some common misconceptions about marketing. Whether it's the MD of a successful engineering firm questioning the value of marketing or a frustrated business owner trying to manage multiple platforms, we’ll explore a fresh perspective, emphasising the importance of building and strengthening your brand to attract the right audience. I’m urging businesses to look beyond traditional marketing methods and consider a more holistic approach that focuses on long-term sustainability and engagement with various stakeholders.Key Takeaways:Broaden Your Perspective: Move away from traditional marketing concepts and think holistically about your brand and its values.Know Your Audience: Understand who you're trying to attract and why they should choose your business.Internal Marketing: Engage your team as brand ambassadors, starting from the inside out.Focus on Retention: Think of your business as a bucket; focus on retaining customers rather than constantly filling the funnel.Test, Track, Tweak: Implement the four T's in your marketing strategy - test, track, tweak, and try again.Word of Mouth Marketing: Embrace and encourage word of mouth as a powerful and sustainable marketing tool.To wrap up, I encourage businesses to align their marketing efforts with their business goals and to be open to testing and tweaking their strategies for better results. ResourcesFuture-Proof your Business Webinar 18th April - sign up for my free interactive workshophttps://www.iamlucyrennie.com - free downloadable resources, other episodes and more information about how to work with Lucy.Buy my book hereJoin me in my membership The Future-Proof Club here -The Future-Proof ClubEpisode 26- Are you really listening? https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/podcast/are-you-really-listeningEpisode 43 - Joining the Dots https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/insights/joining-the-dots-the-programmeCome and join me and lots of other small business owners like you in my FREE Facebook group:CWP (Communicate with Purpose) Group | Facebook

April 15, 2024Episode 5821 min

058 Building trust: The key to future-proofing your business Pt2

“The principle of social proof says so: The greater the number of people who find any idea correct, the more the idea will be correct.” — Robert B. Cialdini.This is Part 2 of my Building trust: The key to Future-Proofing your business episode where I’m taking you through my 14 step checklist to build the trust factor in your business. If you haven’t already listened to Part 1 from last week, episode 57 I highly recommend you start there and then come back to listen to the 2nd half. ResourcesFuture-Proof your Business Webinar 18th April - sign up for my free interactive workshophttps://www.iamlucyrennie.com - free downloadable resources, other episodes and more information about how to work with Lucy.Buy my book hereJoin me in my membership The Future-Proof Club here -The Future-Proof ClubEpisode 26- Are you really listening? https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/podcast/are-you-really-listeningEpisode 43 - Joining the Dots https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/insights/joining-the-dots-the-programmeCome and join me and lots of other small business owners like you in my FREE Facebook group:CWP (Communicate with Purpose) Group | Facebook

April 8, 2024Episode 5736 min

057 Building trust: The key to future-proofing your business Pt 1

If you’ve worked with me or you’ve read my book you’ll know that I believe that TRUST and GOODWILL is the essence of everything and the most effective and sustainable way to build and grow your business. In this 2 part episode I take you through my 14 step checklist to build the trust factor in your business:Be real. People have different expectations and are looking for purpose, substance, provenance, and positive realism. Demonstrate your competence and ability through storytelling. What makes you credible? Making key information available to your stakeholders about why you are the right person / team / brand for the job.People do business with people. Who is / are the faces behind the brand? Share more of you, your story, the people working in your team and your customers. Be a force for good. Why not “Go the extra mile” - become that Great Place to Work - or the best apprenticeship provider or award winning brand. Review results and demonstrate and communicate the IMPACT you make. Lean manufacturing - Never sit still, always look to see how you can do things better.Social proof. According to Robert Cialdini, who studied the principle of social proof in-depth in his book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, “we view a behavior as more correct in a given situation to the degree that we see others performing it”. Share your key milestones and statistics.Show you care - take time to engage with your teams, your customers, your partners or other key stakeholders.Silence is never golden. This means sharing the good and the bad.Keep your promises - do what you say you’ll do. Embrace being perfectly imperfect. It’s how you deal with it and fix things that make the differenceJOY - love what you do - be yourself, share your passion and create a shitload of tummy flips. ResourcesFuture-Proof your Business Webinar 18th April - sign up for my free interactive workshophttps://www.iamlucyrennie.com - free downloadable resources, other episodes and more information about how to work with Lucy.Buy my book hereJoin me in my membership The Future-Proof Club here -The Future-Proof ClubEpisode 26- Are you really listening? https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/podcast/are-you-really-listeningEpisode 43 - Joining the Dots https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/insights/joining-the-dots-the-programmeCome and join me and lots of other small business owners like you in my FREE Facebook group:CWP (Communicate with Purpose) Group | Facebook

March 25, 2024Episode 5639 min

056 Building Trust and Safety in the Workplace

Today I want to talk to you about a topic that has been pivotal in my career and in my passion for all things communication, manufacturing and championing people in business. And that is Visible Felt Leadership.An incredibly important and valuable concept that you can embrace and use in your business to help you to show you care, change and strengthen your culture and ultimately future-proof your business.The key benefits of felt leadership When you lead with safety you change the whole way of doing business and approach.It helps break down barriers and opens up two-way communications and constructive conversations.It creates trust within your business and with your key stakeholdersIt helps you to build a strong and engaged team. Develops a “great” brand and builds credibility- to attract the right kind of people and long term customers who expect safety to be at a high standard.It demonstrates respect and support for your employeesIt is a great way of learning more the behind the senes from all parts of the business and ultimately improves your bottom line. ResourcesFuture-Proof your Business Webinar 18th April - sign up for my free interactive workshophttps://www.iamlucyrennie.com - free downloadable resources, other episodes and more information about how to work with Lucy.Buy my book hereJoin me in my membership The Future-Proof Club here -The Future-Proof ClubEpisode 26- Are you really listening? https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/podcast/are-you-really-listeningEpisode 43 - Joining the Dots https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/insights/joining-the-dots-the-programmeCome and join me and lots of other small business owners like you in my FREE Facebook group:CWP (Communicate with Purpose) Group | Facebook

March 11, 2024Episode 5537 min

055 The Magic of Effective Communication

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Future-Proof your Business podcast where I’m exploring a topic that is fundamental to my work and teachings: the magic of Effective Communication. I delve into my belief that everything comes down to the way you communicate and having the ability to put yourself in other people’s shoes and imagine what another person is thinking or feeling is the key to success. It can literally transform every single situation, improve relations, build trust and achieve an overall more positive outcome.Key Takeaways: Communication in LeadershipClarity and direction, roles and responsibilities.Engaging and getting the buy-in from your team by sharing the vision and purpose behind it.Building stronger relationships and trust.Resolving conflicts and creating win-win scenarios.Self-awareness and understanding othersGetting curious about your own behaviour and reactions.Putting yourself in others' shoes and see things from other perspectives.The importance of empathy and compassion.Identifying Key Stakeholders and their needsMapping out and prioritising the key stakeholders for your businessGetting under the skin of each stakeholder categoryUnderstanding what is important to them and what they need from you.Mapping out your Communication PlanTailoring communication to each stakeholders' needs.The importance of two-way communication Implementing a feedback loop Embracing the ability to adapt and change strategies.Scenario and contingency planning. ResourcesFuture-Proof your Business Webinar 18th April - sign up for my free interactive workshophttps://www.iamlucyrennie.com - free downloadable resources, other episodes and more information about how to work with Lucy.Buy my book hereJoin me in my membership The Future-Proof Club here -The Future-Proof ClubEpisode 26- Are you really listening? https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/podcast/are-you-really-listeningEpisode 43 - Joining the Dots https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/insights/joining-the-dots-the-programmeCome and join me and lots of other small business owners like you in my FREE Facebook group:CWP (Communicate with Purpose) Group | Facebook

March 4, 2024Episode 5443 min

054 How to overcome imposter syndrome with Jo Walley

Welcome to this week's episode of the Future-Proof Your Business podcast. I'm Lucy Rennie, and I'm thrilled to share with you today's episode, part of my 'For the Love of Small Business' series. I'm joined by the incredible Jo Walley, a passionate advocate for helping people develop themselves and unlock their true potential. Together, we delve into the intricacies of self-discovery, business navigation, and the power of embracing authenticity.We explore the societal conditioning that often leads us to downplay our achievements and hide our true selves and Jo shares invaluable insights into overcoming self-doubt, navigating imposter syndrome, and embracing vulnerability as a catalyst for growth.The key takeaways from this episode:Embracing your true self unlocks a world of opportunities and empowers you to lead fulfilling lives.By sharing our struggles and insecurities, we help to normalise being vulnerable and create spaces for genuine connection and growth.Modelling our behaviour and shifting the focus from us gives others permission to do the same.Recognising our achievements and owning our successes is key to overcoming self-doubt and overcoming Imposter Syndrome.Putting our well-being first isn't selfish; it's essential for building resilience and being there for others.And for this week’s challenge, Jo invites you to take some time out for you to reflect and plan and be intentional about what you’re doing in your business and life.Jo Walley Resource Links:Jo has invited you to join her for a workshop in the TLC as a guest, simply email jo@jowalley.co.uk and book your place.https://jowalley.co.uk/tlcgift/ ResourcesFuture-Proof your Business Webinar 18th April - sign up for my free interactive workshophttps://www.iamlucyrennie.com - free downloadable resources, other episodes and more information about how to work with Lucy.Buy my book hereJoin me in my membership The Future-Proof Club here -The Future-Proof ClubEpisode 26- Are you really listening? https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/podcast/are-you-really-listeningEpisode 43 - Joining the Dots https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/insights/joining-the-dots-the-programmeCome and join me and lots of other small business owners like you in my FREE Facebook group:CWP (Communicate with Purpose) Group | Facebook

February 26, 2024Episode 5322 min

053 Five Lessons Learned From My 9 Year Old Daughter

In this week's episode of The Future-Proof your Business podcast I'm sharing the 5 lessons I've learned from my 9-year old daughter and how I believe that if we apply these 5 lessons to our business and life we can make great things happen.1) Tap into what you love, into what you enjoy and remind yourself of where the joy factor is.2) Determination and grit. Being accountable to yourself and keeping your promises. Only you can decide if you're going to keep going or give up and this can make the difference between success and failure.3) Doing your own thing. Why it's important to own your voice and space and do things on your terms and in your own way.4) Be scared and do it anyway. Facing your fear and doing the thing is the only way you're going to move forward and grow.and5) Be the best cheerleader for others. It's a lonely world running a business and the best way to have fun and create success is to embrace collaborations, surround yourself with the best people and support them and their wins along the way.Come and join me for a complimentary month in my online membership The Future-Proof Club®️, get access to training, resources and live workshops and meet up with other amazing business owners who want to build brilliant businesses just like you. ResourcesFuture-Proof your Business Webinar 18th April - sign up for my free interactive workshophttps://www.iamlucyrennie.com - free downloadable resources, other episodes and more information about how to work with Lucy.Buy my book hereJoin me in my membership The Future-Proof Club here -The Future-Proof ClubEpisode 26- Are you really listening? https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/podcast/are-you-really-listeningEpisode 43 - Joining the Dots https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/insights/joining-the-dots-the-programmeCome and join me and lots of other small business owners like you in my FREE Facebook group:CWP (Communicate with Purpose) Group | Facebook

February 19, 202435 min

052 What does your business stand for?

“64% of those surveyed, of the generation Z, are prepared to pay more for a product or service that is sustainably aligned.”Source: True Gen: Generation Z and its implications for companies.In this week’s episode of the Future-Proof Your Business podcast, I’m discussing the change in consumer and employee behaviour towards businesses and brands.I talk about how people’s expectations are changing, and what they are looking for from your brand, including;purpose,substance,provenance, andpositive realism.We explore tangible ways to connect with more people who are the right “fit” for your business and unpick what that actually means. And look at more ways to become a powerful magnet and stop being the world’s “best kept secret”. ResourcesFuture-Proof your Business Webinar 18th April - sign up for my free interactive workshophttps://www.iamlucyrennie.com - free downloadable resources, other episodes and more information about how to work with Lucy.Buy my book hereJoin me in my membership The Future-Proof Club here -The Future-Proof ClubEpisode 26- Are you really listening? https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/podcast/are-you-really-listeningEpisode 43 - Joining the Dots https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/insights/joining-the-dots-the-programmeCome and join me and lots of other small business owners like you in my FREE Facebook group:CWP (Communicate with Purpose) Group | Facebook

February 12, 2024Episode 5120 min

051 When was the last time you put yourself in someone else's shoes?

Hello and welcome to this week's episode of the Future Proof Your Business podcast. I'm Lucy Rennie, and in today’s episode I’m exploring the value you can bring to your business by being able to put yourself in your clients' shoes and see things from different perspectives.Summary:In this episode, I take a moment to reflect on the unique perspective I bring to my work, shaped by my journey through various experiences. I share insights gained from my level 45 status in the game of life, highlighting the value of diverse experiences in understanding organisations. The key theme revolves around being the middle person, bridging gaps between different perspectives in business. I draw examples from strategic planning, design implementation, and even health and safety considerations.Key Takeaways:Holistic Decision-Making: The importance of considering diverse perspectives in strategic planning to ensure realistic and effective implementation.Communication is Key: Highlighting the impact of missed communication, even with well-intentioned plans, using examples from different business scenarios.Value in Being the Middle Person: The role of mediating and translating between different aspects of a business to foster understanding and collaboration. ResourcesFuture-Proof your Business Webinar 18th April - sign up for my free interactive workshophttps://www.iamlucyrennie.com - free downloadable resources, other episodes and more information about how to work with Lucy.Buy my book hereJoin me in my membership The Future-Proof Club here -The Future-Proof ClubEpisode 26- Are you really listening? https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/podcast/are-you-really-listeningEpisode 43 - Joining the Dots https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/insights/joining-the-dots-the-programmeCome and join me and lots of other small business owners like you in my FREE Facebook group:CWP (Communicate with Purpose) Group | Facebook