In this episode of Success Means Business, @Nicola-Sands sits down with James Ashford, founder of GoProposal, about his journey from running a marketing agency to creating a software business he sold for a major exit.

James shares practical strategies and personal insights such as overcoming pricing challenges, how to productise services and how to feel confident with pricing conversations.

He also talks about scaling for growth and how to turn bespoke offerings into scalable systems that help to prepare your business for acquisition.

In this candid conversation, James also opens up about the realities of being an entrepreneur. He talks about managing self-doubt, imposter syndrome and the emotional transition after selling a business.

The insights he provides are valuable lessons in balancing ambition with family, leveraging technology/AI and cultivating 'unlimited thinking' for success.

James is also writing his third book about how to scale fast and exit to guide entrepreneurs through building strong foundations, scaling efficiently and planning exits with confidence.

Whether you're building your first business or preparing for your next big exit, this episode is full of actionable advice, inspiration and behind-the-scenes insights from someone who's been there.

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Website: www.jamesashford.com

email : james@jamesashford.com

Produced by Applehead Media Creative Studios - develop your own video podcast with us:

https://www.appleheadmedia.co.uk

email - studio@appleheadmedia.co.uk

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In this episode of Success Means Business @Nicola-Sands sits down with Joanna Scott-Aspray, CEO of The Cheshire Club, one of the region's most renowned and rapidly expanding business network groups.

If you've ever wondered how to walk into a room full of strangers and walk out with opportunities, friendships or even a little magic, this episode is for you.

Joanna shares the honest truth about what makes networking actually work: the relaxed atmosphere, the genuine conversations and the courage to simply listen.

From hilarious don't like shoving business cards at people, to the transformative power of authentic relationships, Joanna reveals the art of connecting without the awkwardness.

She also opens up about the challenges of growing a fast-expanding networking brand, navigating personal hardship whilst running a business and why visibility, confidence and community matter more now than ever.

Whether you're an introvert, an extrovert, a business owner or someone who's just curious about how connections shape success, Joanna's wisdom will leave you inspired, empowered and ready to enter the right rooms with the right mindset.

It's a conversation that's honest, uplifting and full of actionable networking gold!

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In this episode of Success Means Business, @Nicola-Sands sits down with agency founder, bestselling author, and leading business coach Jonathan Leafe to uncover the real truth about running a creative agency.

From the accidental beginnings of many agencies to the systems, strategies, and mindset shifts that drive real growth, Jonathan shares candid insights every agency owner needs to hear.

We explore:

Why most agencies fail - and how to avoid it

The hidden power of operational systems and processes

How to adapt in an AI-driven world without losing the human touch

Whether you’re building your first agency or planning your exit, this episode is packed with practical strategies and hard-earned wisdom to future-proof your business.

If you want to thrive in the creative industry, this is one conversation you can’t afford to miss.

You can purchase Jonathan's latest book "I'm an Agency Owner, Get Me Out Of Here!" with this link https://amzn.eu/d/enfJNfG

Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/g_wfwk0zGJc

Follow Nicola on Socials

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https://www.instagram.com/successmeansbusiness

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https://x.com/nicolasands1

Produced by Applehead Media Creative Studios - develop your own video podcast with us:

https://www.appleheadmedia.co.uk

email - studio@appleheadmedia.co.uk

Follow Jonathan on Socials

https://www.instagram.com/jonathanleafe

http://linkedin.com/in/jonathanleafe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.