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Do you have dreams and ambitions that feel so out of reach you wonder if you are ever going to achieve them? Several years ago, I was in that very position. Then I heard a story that changed my life. If you have been listening to this podcast for a while, you will know that I am a huge believe in goal setting. But, did you know there is a scientific formula, which, when followed, significantly increases the chances of you hitting your goals and realising your dreams? Success or failure isn’t a matter of luck, of circumstances, or fate. Of course, that may play a small part but there are some simple guidelines that put you in the driver’s seat. These guidelines allow you to control your destiny, achieving your desired results in business, at home and in your relationships. In this episode I’m sharing the story that changed my world forever, and how I use the formula to achieve success in every area of my life. As motivational speaker Earl Nightingale once said: "People with goals succeed because they know where they are going." Key takeaways: Aim high, reach for something you are passionate about achieving. Money is secondary. Dreams don’t have deadlines. Don’t put undue pressure on yourself to achieve something within a certain time frame. Keep taking small steps towards the end goal. Are you wasting time? Can you do something differently to help you hit your goals? Think about why you want success? When you start making a difference to other people’s lives, success will follow in your own life. Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Listening time: 50 mins Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [2] Note, this episode contains strong language. [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

Formula 1 is a sport of fine margins. Split seconds are all that separate the winners from the losers. Teams spend millions of pounds fine tuning cars to give them the edge and championships often go down to the wire. During his 12-year career in F1 Mark Webber drove in more than 200 races and won nine Grand Prix titles, landing on the podium more than 40 times. But what does it take to stand on top of that podium? Behind every race-winning driver is a team of thousands of people all doing their part to achieve outstanding performance; engineers, data analysts, mechanics, operations managers, strategists, lawyers and so on. Teamwork is vital, as is ensuring the right behaviour and culture. In this episode Mark shares the journey of his racing career from kart racing in his native Australia to his first F1 victory in Germany and the fierce rivalry in the Red Bull team between him and fellow driver, Sebastian Vettel. He gives his view of life in the fast lane; the dedication, focus and grit it takes to get to the top. Key takeaways: Your team are everything. Without their dedication and skills you cannot succeed. Focus is essential. A split-second lapse of concentration at 200mph can be disastrous. Pushing beyond your limits. Understand when it’s time to stop or change direction. No one can be at the top of their game forever. Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Guest: Mark Webber  [2] Listening time: 50 mins Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [3] Note, this episode contains strong language.   [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] http://www.markwebber.com/ [3] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

Businesses can solve the world’s problems. But, whilst thousands of businesses are working hard to change the world and add value to peoples’ lives, there are still too many companies that are fixated on solely making money. Of course businesses need to make a profit, just as we need to breathe to live, but it’s the motivation behind that which matters most. I strongly believe businesses need to start with passion; a desire to make positive change. When you create something that helps people and makes an impact in their lives, that impact will help keep the sales flowing. When my wife Gail and I started UKFast 20 years ago, we set out on a journey to make a difference, to create a hosting provider that genuinely cares about its customers. The reason? I didn’t want anyone else to experience the terrible customer service that I had been subjected to when I tried to host a new business. My passion for that is what drove me to start UKFast and is what continues to drive me today. Making money was, and still is, secondary to building a business that provides exemplary levels of care and support. If an entrepreneur makes an impact, their influence continues beyond their lifetime. Steve Jobs, Henry Ford and The Body Shop founder Anita Roddick are just a few amazing examples. Forget about the money, behind every great business there is usually a passionate entrepreneur chasing a dream to change the world. In this episode I share my thoughts on the ethics of business, as well as some more personal insights, as I answer more of your questions. They include: You’ve made millions, why do you continue to go to the office every day? Have you seriously messed up? If so, what did you learn from it? Have you ever wanted to quit? What one person or organisation do you admire? What would be your specialist subject on mastermind? Name your favourite movie character. Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Listening time: 50 mins Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [2] [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

The most successful entrepreneurs share certain traits, among them are the abilities to explore new horizons and accept risks. I am often asked about whether it’s possible to start a business in an area you know little about. Whilst it’s not exactly textbook – most business experts will tell you to start with what you know – it is absolutely possible. It takes passion, commitment and hard graft to launch any new venture. But in an unfamiliar arena, it’s vital to surround yourself with knowledgeable people who can help steer you in the right direction. This episode is recorded at the Monaco Yacht Show, on board a Sunseeker 131. Why? It has always been a dream of mine to own a yacht, but for a boy from Wales, living in landlocked Manchester, it had always seemed out of reach. This year my dream became reality. But, rather than spend an exorbitant amount of money on a boat just for pleasure, I am preparing to lift the anchor on a new business venture to explore new horizons. It’s been made possible thanks to the amazing team at Sunseeker. In this episode I chat to Christopher Head, group sales director for Sunseeker London Group. A boy from the East End of London with a passion for the sea, Chris began an apprenticeship in marine engineering at the age of 16. He now runs 40 Sunseeker offices around the world. He shares his journey, the importance of developing and nurturing relationships, why the little details matter and the need to go above and beyond for your customers. Key Takeaways: What do you need to build a business in an unknown area? The power of a great brand Managing a business through recessions The importance of developing and nurturing relationships Never be afraid to have big goals. Dream big, they may well happen! Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Guest: Christopher Head, Sunseeker [2] Listening time: 50 mins Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [3]   [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://www.sunseeker.com/en-GB/ [3] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

There is no such thing as an overnight success. Although some businesses may appear to come from nowhere and grow to dominate a marketplace, the reality is often very different. Behind the scenes there is often failure, sacrifice and hundreds of hours of hard work. It took Steve Jobs two decades to become an ‘overnight’ dot com billionaire with Apple. It was a similar story for Microsoft founder Bill Gates. He founded the company in 1975, but it was 11 years before Microsoft went public, making him an overnight success worth $350 million. Thirty years ago I was a musician. I built up a business renting grand pianos to hotels across Manchester. It was only after selling that business I saw a gap in the market for internet hosting. Could a musician make it as a tech entrepreneur? UKFast is now 20 years old and it’s easy to walk through the doors into a unique space with a gym, slides, sleeping pods and a big team and assume it’s always been this way. But remember, every startup has to start somewhere! In this episode, I share the reasons why each and every step in your journey is important to help you hit your goals, even the seemingly backward steps. I was, and still am, a failed musician. When we started UKFast two decades ago, in the bedroom of the flat we were living in, I could never have imagined where we are today. It’s been one hell of a ride! Key takeaways: Learning to deal with failure Don’t try and go it alone, understand the importance of collaboration Every business has to start somewhere Understanding the power of a brand Concentrate on the effort and the output will come Remember building a successful business is a journey

This podcast is dedicated to answering your questions. From business related queries like ‘How do you handle a bad boss?’, ‘When is breaking the rules okay?’ and ‘How do you re-energise the team?’ to more personal questions about my hobbies, and the questions I usually avoid answering! Knowing how to deal with a bad boss is one of the biggest challenges faced by both employees and business leaders. Ultimately, people do not leave bad businesses, they leave bad managers. In fact, a recent poll of more than a million workers in America revealed that 75% of workers who voluntarily left their roles did so because of their boss, not the role that they were in. When you invest in your leadership layer, it filters through the entire team, which ultimately could make or break your business. I have seen examples and the consequences of both. In this episode, I share those experiences and my advice on how you can handle a bad boss as an employee, and how to avoid being a bad boss as a leader. During this episode I also share the hardest lesson I’ve learned in business, a topic I usually avoid. And, I tell you why I want to make a billion pounds, I bet it isn’t for the reasons you may think! This podcast answers your questions head on. Key takeaways: How to handle a bad boss How to ensure the rules you set aren’t broken Why it’s vital you find the ying and yang of business Discover the greatest motivator to re-energise your team Why I’d have a long conversation with my younger self! If you have any questions that you'd like me to answer, please drop me a line on any of my social channels. Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Listening time: 30 mins Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [2] [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

How often do you feel stressed? According to research 74% of us have felt so stressed that we’ve felt unable to cope or overwhelmed. Almost three quarters of the people asked! Last week I spoke about why you need to switch off. It’s fairly obvious really, isn’t it? However, the challenge comes with how to switch off when you feel the need to work 24/7/365. In the episode I shared my secret – how I find the balance between staying passionate and not burning out. Listening back to the episode, I realised that there is so much more to say on the topic, and it all comes down to one thing: stress. I have a very specific set of rules that are my secret formula for not only managing but avoiding stress. In this episode I share those with you in the hope that rather than having to dedicate your time to managing the impact of stress, you can create a life where you avoid stress altogether. We all feel pressures and stresses; whether you’re on holiday on a boat, in the office striving for your goals, or taking care of your family – there are challenges that we all face. My formula applies to them all, every aspect of your life, not just business. Once you find your formula, you remove so many stressors from your life. The key then becomes sticking to it. Key takeaways: Why manage stress when you can avoid it altogether. A step-by-step guide to find your formula. Creating a structure with which you can achieve success after success. Why running a business is like baking a cake. Routine doesn’t kill creativity. Don’t forget to have fun. Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Listening time: 30 mins Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [2]     [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

When was the last time you truly switched off? Do you even remember? We all know the importance of rest and recuperation but it’s not always easy to turn off work mode, especially in today's digital world with so many things clamoring for our attention.The pressure of modern life can be immense. Indeed, recent figures show six out of 10 employees use their mobile phones to send emails out-of-office hours. When I first started in business I went nine years without a holiday. Nine years! To make matters worse I was proud of going so long without a proper break. It’s so easy to become so focused in your work that it becomes all-consuming but little did I know at that time I was actually hurtling towards a major crash. Nowadays, I understand the importance of switching off, of disconnecting and being able to let my mind wander. One of the most frequently asked questions is how, as an entrepreneur, I unwind. In this podcast, I share my experiences of what helps me to switch off. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing your GCSEs, starting a business or whether you’re a millionaire adjusting to the economic downturn, we all need to be distracted. More importantly, we are at our most creative when we’re unwinding. So, grab a brew and enjoy this episode. Key Takeaways: Allocate time to yourself Have daily, temporary switch offs to take stock and focus your mind Find a passion you can get lost in; sport, music, writing, chess - discover yours. Take your holidays! Try a digital detox, even just turning your phone off for a short period is beneficial. Stay focused on your goals but learn to be distracted. Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Listening time: 30 mins Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [2] [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

Do you wonder why some people are more productive than others? How they manage to cram so much into each day? I’ve always been fascinated by the routines and habits of super successful people. Steve Jobs, for example, would wear the same outfit every day to save him wasting time and brain power thinking about what to wear. When I started UKFast I sought out the most successful people I could – the likes of Sir Richard Branson and Tony Robbins – to learn more about how they structured their day. How they achieve so much more with their time than other people. I began putting what I learned into practice and the results were extraordinary! Over the past two decades, I’ve honed these habits whilst adding new ones. These are small changes that everyone can make that will transform the way you live and work. In this episode I share the tips and tricks you need to supercharge your productivity. After all, we all have the same number of hours in the day, it’s what you do with them that makes all the difference. Key takeaways Carpe Diem – why you need to wake up early! How to get more done by scheduling your time Become a ‘business athlete’ Don’t succumb to the hustle: to be highly effective you need rest Why it’s important to give back Don’t stop improving, no one is the finished product Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Listening time: 30 mins Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [2] [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

Do you want to be successful? Of course you do! So when will you get started?! Whilst it would be natural to assume that success ultimately boils down to execution and innovation, but a great product launched at the wrong time just won’t work! Building an incredible business comes down to timing. It is that simple. AirBnB is a prime example, launching during the recession when people needed a side income eradicated the stigma attached to the idea. Uber also had a boost by starting during the economic downturn, when drivers used it as a way to earn some extra cash. But that’s not to say that you need to wait for the next big boom or bust to get started. UKFast launched 20 years ago right at the end of the dot-com bubble. At that time you may well have questioned whether the time was right to start a hosting company. Yet, two decades on, we are turning over £54 million and still growing year on year. So, how do you know if the market is right to launch your business? It'd be easy if we had a crystal ball. However, there are ways to weigh up the risks. In this episode I share how you can learn the secrets about timing and the impact that has on the ultimate success of your business. Time is on your side! Key takeaways: Timing in business is now more important than location Stop making excuses and get started When is the right time to take on investment? The importance of a branding Don’t be put off if there are other companies doing the same thing as you. Find the best and be inspired by them. Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Listening time: 30 mins Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [2] [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

We are all defined by the mistakes we make in life. Arguably some of the greatest lessons we learn are as a result of the failures we make. Although I have made some colossal mistakes in my entrepreneurial journey, I have never quit. Losing a battle does not mean losing the war. I believe the hard times we go through shape us and without them the good times wouldn’t feel nearly as special, both in business and in our personal lives. As Napoleon Hill once said: “Effort only realises its reward after a person refuses to quit.” I attribute my resilience and my determination to succeed to some incredibly special people who helped to shape me when I was growing up. One was my mum and another was Geography teacher and rugby coach, Jelly Johnson, who believed in me and inspired me. The lessons he taught me, especially on the rugby field, have stayed with me to this day. This episode is dedicated to all those who refuse to quit, who only decide to call it a day when all possible avenues are exhausted. If you started something and failed, don't get disheartened, look at the bigger picture. Pick yourself up and go again. Try not to become distracted from your journey because you’ve taken a knock. There is always another way to realise your dream. Key Takeaways: When should you give up on a project? The lessons we learn and rewards we earn from hard work Why it's okay to fail. In fact, why failure may well lead to success The importance of kindness in business Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Listening time: 30 mins Listen now on iTunes – click here [2] to subscribe Android users – Mind Your Own Business is currently on Stitcher [3] and Soundcloud [4] Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [5]   [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mind-your-own-business/id1259294180?mt=2 [3] https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lawrence-jones/lozcast [4] https://soundcloud.com/lawrencejonesmbe [5] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

Do you want to take your business to the next level? Taking a small company and scaling it into a big organisation is far from easy, but it is possible to unlock the potential within your company to put it on the path to success. As the founder of a startup you are constantly wearing several hats; a CEO hat; a marketer hat, a salesperson hat, a web dev hat; an HR hat - the list is endless. But one person can only wear so many hats before one, if not more of them, start to slip. Are you in danger of wearing too many hats [1]? Knowing when to step back and give someone else a hat to wear is a vital lesson if you are going to skyrocket your business. Over the past 20 years UKFast has grown from a two person startup in a back bedroom to a £53 million turnover business. In this episode I share the secrets I have learned about delegation, finding the right person for the job and developing the next generation of superstars from within your business. Key takeaways: Why small business owners struggle to run big businesses When you need to pass someone else a hat and share the load Should you develop talent from within or employ big-hitters? Why incredible people leave a business Why you should hire people who are better than you Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [2] Listening time: 30 mins Listen now on iTunes – click here [3] to subscribe Android users – Mind Your Own Business is currently on Stitcher [4] and Soundcloud [5] Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [6] [1] https://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/thought-for-today/2016/12/15/too-many-hats/ [2] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [3] https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mind-your-own-business/id1259294180?mt=2 [4] https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lawrence-jones/lozcast [5] https://soundcloud.com/lawrencejonesmbe [6] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

It’s now been two years since I started my podcast, and what an extraordinary journey it’s been so far. I’ve been fortunate to meet some truly incredible people. When the team and I set out on this project, I can honestly say that we never could have imagined it would have brought us to where we are now. The podcast started with a business focus but has evolved to share the stories of some of the most inspirational people I have ever come across. My guests span all walks of life from entrepreneurs to sports stars to people who have come through some of the most challenging situations imaginable, yet they all share certain commonalities: positive mindset, belief, passion and unshakable resilience. They have chosen to change the world and have certainly changed my perception on many aspects of life. I share some of these in my blog  [1] To mark two years of the podcast I wanted to share a few of the highlights of the series so far. I hope they inspire you as much as they have me. Key Takeaways: The power of belief, not just in yourself but in others How mindset can change your perception Business as a force for good How success can be reached by taking chances and seizing opportunities If you have a dream, just go for it! Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [2] Listening time: 30 mins Listen now on iTunes – click here [3] to subscribe Android users – Mind Your Own Business is currently on Stitcher [4] and Soundcloud [5] Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [6] [1] https://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/blog/2019/07/14/time-to-listen-podcast/ [2] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [3] https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mind-your-own-business/id1259294180?mt=2 [4] https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lawrence-jones/lozcast [5] https://soundcloud.com/lawrencejonesmbe [6] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

Have you ever pre-judged a person before even meeting them? Was your perception inaccurate? My guest on this podcast often finds herself on the wrong end of misconceptions. An aristocrat, born into tremendous wealth and privilege, Lady Edwina Grosvenor could have chosen to spend her life in exotic locations living the high-life. Instead, she spends the majority of her time inside prisons, on purpose. Since the age of twelve Edwina has been passionate about helping society’s unseen people. Describing herself as a ‘prison philanthropist’ she devotes her time to changing the fortunes of some of the most deprived people in society. Her charity One Small Thing strives for cultural change within the criminal justice system. It works to shift the question away from ‘what’s wrong with them?’ towards ‘what happened to them?’ She’s also a founder of The Clink, a chain of quality restaurants in prisons that give inmates the chance to learn valuable work and life skills. In this episode Edwina shares her life story from being introduced to heroin addicts as a child and the profound impact that moment had on her to her strong sense of injustice and her passion for prison reform. Edwina speaks of those who many of us assume are beyond help, and certainly opened my eyes to how we can make positive change for those who need it most. Key Takeaways: Finding your passion The importance of challenging your own belief systems Why progress means changing the way it's always been done Building a legacy The dangers of labeling people and making assumptions Host: Lawrence Jones MBE Guest: Lady Edwina Grosvenor Listening time: 64 mins Listen now on iTunes – click here [1] to subscribe Android users – Mind Your Own Business is currently on Stitcher [2] and Soundcloud [3] Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [4] [1] https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mind-your-own-business/id1259294180?mt=2 [2] https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lawrence-jones/lozcast [3] https://soundcloud.com/lawrencejonesmbe [4] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

How often do you stop to look at the resources you have available to you? Before you spend money on a bigger office, new hires or expensive team building activities stop and take a step back. More often than not you already have all that you need right under your nose, it just takes is a change of perspective to see it. More often than not you already have all that you need right under your nose, it just takes is a change of perspective to see it. Twenty years ago Gail and I founded UKFast on a shoestring budget. Whilst the business is now valued at £405 million, we still very much have the startup mentality that saw us through those early years. All it takes is a small shift in mindset to really make your business stand out from the crowd. During this podcast I share my tips on how you can create something from nothing by utilising the resources you already have. Learn how to spot opportunities, build something from nothing and develop them into something incredible. Do you dare to be different? After all creativity seldom costs you anything. Key takeaways: How to build something from nothing You’ll be amazed at the opportunities that arise when you start to look at problems from a different perspective Why it’s vital to embrace creativity Making a few small changes can skyrocket your business Learn to use your resources to their full potential: space; people; time. Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Listening time: 33 mins Listen now on iTunes – click here [2] to subscribe Android users – Mind Your Own Business is currently on Stitcher [3] and Soundcloud [4] Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [5] [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mind-your-own-business/id1259294180?mt=2 [3] https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lawrence-jones/lozcast [4] https://soundcloud.com/lawrencejonesmbe [5] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

Life is fragile and can change in an instant. How a person faces that challenge and responds to their darkest moments gives a true measure of their character. In 2007, Claire Lomas was involved in a horse-riding accident. That split second changed her life forever. Lying in a hospital bed, Claire was told she would never walk again. In that moment she believed her life was over. But, despite the difficult and embarrassing moments her injury caused, Claire began to take back control of her body and her life. Just five years after her accident, Claire completed the London Marathon in a robotic suit. She managed to walk 26.2 miles despite not being able to feel the ground beneath her. She has also learned to ski and is going full throttle into her next challenge, riding motorbikes! Claire talks to me about how she turned her situation around and, surprisingly, how she wouldn’t go back to the time before her devastating injury. This is the ultimate story of courage, belief and perseverance. As the Dalai Lama said, ‘Whenever there is a challenge, there is also an opportunity to face it, to demonstrate and develop our will and determination’. Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Guest: Claire Lomas MBE Listening time: 52 mins Listen now on iTunes – click here [2] to subscribe Android users – Mind Your Own Business is currently on Stitcher [3] and Soundcloud [4] Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [5] [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mind-your-own-business/id1259294180?mt=2 [3] https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lawrence-jones/lozcast [4] https://soundcloud.com/lawrencejonesmbe [5] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

  In 1967 it was commonly believed that women were far too fragile to run a marathon. It was thought the distance could cause long-lasting damage and even lead to a woman’s uterus falling out. But, one woman changed that perception and in doing so empowered millions of women around the world to run. When Kathrine Switzer stood on the start line of the Boston Marathon little did she know that the race would change the course of her life. At mile two an official tried to drag her off the course, but undeterred she went on to complete the 26.2 mile marathon distance and made history. Kathrine talks to me about her memories of that day and how through her foundation, 261 Fearless, she works to empower women all around the globe. Key takeaways: The power of self-belief and challenging the status quo On changing the world: ‘You cannot water the entire planet if you only have a watering can, but you can water your own garden. Let’s each do what we can do.’ The power of exercise for a healthy body and mind. ‘You’re never too old to start an exercise programme, but you’re always too young to quit.’ Why education is at the route of all change Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Guest: Kathrine Switzer Listening time: 48 mins Listen now on iTunes – click here [2] to subscribe Android users – Mind Your Own Business is currently on Stitcher [3] and Soundcloud [4] Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [5] [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mind-your-own-business/id1259294180?mt=2 [3] https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lawrence-jones/lozcast [4] https://soundcloud.com/lawrencejonesmbe [5] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

How do small firms compete with global corporations on a playing field that’s simply not level? Impossible, right? Wrong! In this episode of Mind Your Own Business, I share what I have learned about competing with some of the biggest businesses on the planet, who have significantly deeper pockets and wider reach than I do. You might link it back to the story of David and Goliath, either way, just because a business is so much bigger than yours it doesn’t mean that the battle for customers is lost, you just have to find what your way in is. I enjoyed looking back on how we’ve done this over the years, the mistakes that we’ve made and how we managed to find our way as a smaller British hosting provider in a market saturated by huge American tech firms. Key takeaways: Are British entrepreneurs ambitious enough? How to compete with multinational corporations How to find your niche. Innovation not just to make, but to save money. Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Listening time: 32 mins Listen now on iTunes – click here [2] to subscribe Android users – Mind Your Own Business is currently on Stitcher [3] and Soundcloud [4] Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [5] [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mind-your-own-business/id1259294180?mt=2 [3] https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lawrence-jones/lozcast [4] https://soundcloud.com/lawrencejonesmbe [5] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

How important is it to really listen to the people who you work with, to get a sense of how they feel? It isn’t important; it is essential. If you are not open to listening to feedback from the both the people within and outside the organisation, you may as well give up now. Gone are the days when you ruled the roost with an iron rod, when people were afraid of their managers and CEOs. Thankfully it is the forward-thinking, more relaxed business leaders who empower their teams that are thriving in the modern economy. I remember being berated by directors in role I had before UKFast, I will never forget how that felt. I knew right at that moment that I needed change. Since that I day, I have continued to learn and evolve, discovering better ways to lead a business and encourage people to grow. I am learning every day and the only thing that I know for certain, is that I don’t know it all. That’s where feedback comes in. In this episode of the Mind Your Own Business podcast, I chat about why feedback can make or break your business, and the mistakes that I have made along the way. Along that vein, be sure to leave your feedback and let me know what you’d like to hear about in future episodes. Key takeaways: How is running a business like flying a plane? How to handle negative feedback The single biggest issue on social media Listening, it is all about listening Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Listening time: 36 mins *This episode features explicit language Listen now on iTunes – click here [2] to subscribe Android users – Mind Your Own Business is currently on Stitcher [3] and Soundcloud [4] Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [5]     [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mind-your-own-business/id1259294180?mt=2 [3] https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lawrence-jones/lozcast [4] https://soundcloud.com/lawrencejonesmbe [5] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones

Having found his start in the Hacienda in a gritty, grey city that was Manchester back then, Sacha Lord went on to become a figurehead of Manchester entertainment scene. The founder of Parklife is now the new ‘Night-Time Tsar’ at the centre of a revolution turning the city into a vibrant, safe place to enjoy a night out. He has spent years solving challenges associated with the night-time economy, including tackling challenges like widespread drug use and catching a phone thief with 68 stolen iPhones down their trousers! From Sankeys to the Warehouse Project, to the Parklife festival, Sacha has played a pivotal role in Manchester as we see it today. His drive to create a safe space through awareness about the risks of drug use, spreading positive messaging to save young peoples’ lives, has undeniably been transformation. Rather than staying quiet and avoiding the topic, he and his team push safety messaging as far and wide as they can reach, to teach people about the risks. In this episode, I chat with Sacha about the ‘good old days’ of this Northern city and about what’s to come in the future as the city continues to thrive. As young people make different choices with their leisure time, often linked to how good the photographs will be for Instagram, a unique set of challenges presents itself for maintaining a healthy economy once the shops close. Beyond clubs and bars, Sacha brought Parklife to the city – a festival with more than 80,000 attendees, pulling in some of the biggest acts in global music. It’s a fascinating chat and I thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing as we talked through the city that we call home. Key takeaways: The impact of social media on nightlife in cities. Learning how to manage colossal events with more than 80,000 attendees. The incredible highs and heart-breaking lows of being a leader in the night-time economy. Pioneering techniques to tackle drug use and crime associated with the night-time economy. Host: Lawrence Jones MBE [1] Guest: Sacha Lord Listening time: 70 mins *This episode features explicit language Listen now on iTunes – click here [2] to subscribe Android users – Mind Your Own Business is currently on Stitcher [3] and Soundcloud [4] Follow my blog and daily inspiration on Twitter  [5] [1] http://www.lawrencejones.co.uk/ [2] https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mind-your-own-business/id1259294180?mt=2 [3] https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lawrence-jones/lozcast [4] https://soundcloud.com/lawrencejonesmbe [5] https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Jones