The Marketing Legend: Drayton Bird's Secrets (and Wild Stories)

The Untold Stories and Strategies of Drayton Bird: A Must-Watch for MarketersWhat happens when one of the greatest marketing minds in history takes the stage? You get this.In this unmissable episode of the ActionCOACH Business Growth Podcast, recorded live at Sky Studios, the legendary Drayton Bird delivers 77 minutes of pure gold. With over six decades in the marketing world and experience writing for American Express, working with David Ogilvy, and training the likes of Rory Sutherland, Drayton doesn’t hold back.He shares untold stories, timeless strategies, and raw lessons that every marketer, business owner, and copywriter should hear. This isn’t theory. This is real-world insight from someone who’s been in the trenches.From headlines that double response rates to the brutal truth about why most copy fails, Drayton reveals what actually works and why human nature is the one thing marketers must understand if they want results.Expect laughs. Expect brutal honesty. Expect notes.🔥 What You’ll Learn:Why “Now, New, and Free” are still the three most powerful words in copywritingHow to start your message in a way that actually grabs attentionThe fatal mistake most marketers make (and how to avoid it)How Drayton helped Rory Sutherland become a copywriter despite company resistanceWhy empathy matters more than cleverness in marketingThe truth about emotion, AI, and what machines will never replicateWhat Drayton learned from writing about things he knew nothing about and why it made him betterHow storytelling, curiosity, and generosity fuel the best marketing campaigns🎯 Who’s It For?Business owners who want to grow faster without fluffMarketers looking to sharpen their edgeCopywriters who care about conversion, not just clevernessAnyone tired of jargon and looking for straight talk that works🧠 About Drayton Bird:Drayton is a pioneer of direct response marketing, author of Commonsense Direct and Digital Marketing, and former Worldwide Creative Director at Ogilvy. He’s written for over 1,000 clients in more than 50 countries — including American Express, Microsoft, and Mercedes-Benz.He also:Built the UK’s largest direct marketing agencyWas personally hired by David Ogilvy after writing a bold letter to Campaign magazineHelped train many of today’s top marketers and copywritersThis episode isn’t just a podcast it’s a masterclass and a history lesson all rolled into one.🎧 Listen now and take notes or miss out on insights you won’t hear anywhere else.👀 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes packed with straight-talking business growth strategies.🎙 Powered by ActionCOACH Business CoachingThe help you need to grow your business:👉 https://business.actioncoach.co.uk📺 Sponsored by AdSmart from SkyGrow your business through the power of TV advertising:👉https://www.adsmartfromsky.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can people achieve together? This episode explores the power of collective intelligence and collaboration. Richard Jacobs shares insights on team building and leadership, highlighting the importance of a growth mindset to achieve goals. Discover how to channel collective intelligence to solve problems.What if your next team meeting could unlock 5,000 years of experience?That’s not a metaphor. It’s collective intelligence, and Richard Jacobs shows you how to harness it.In this powerful, practical, and real-world conversation, Richard Jacobs, performance coach, author, and expert in purpose-led leadership - shares how to shift the way your business thinks, meets, and grows.From immersive theatre challenges and working with Google to helping organisations rewire culture, Richard explains how to:Turn meetings into momentumTap into the combined wisdom of your teamShift from performance to Opus—your life’s workLead with purpose that energises and connectsFacilitate collaboration instead of forcing controlWhether you're leading a business, growing a team, or asking “What am I really here to do?”—this episode will challenge and inspire you.🔑 What You’ll Learn:✅ How to unlock 5,000+ years of wisdom in your team✅ Why most meetings drain energy and how to fix them✅ How to calculate your team’s Potential Collective Intelligence✅ How to use “Yes, and…” to fuel momentum and trust✅ What it means to live your Opus and how to find yours✅ Why your legacy starts long before you think it does👤 About Richard Jacobs:Richard started in theatre and TV before building one of Europe’s biggest extreme sports distributors by 26. Since then, he’s trained over 400,000 people, worked with Google, Decathlon, and elite athletes, and helped organisations shift from process-driven to people-powered. His book, Find Your Purpose in 7 Questions, has reached readers across the globe.💬 Notable Quotes:“If you’ve got 10 people in a meeting with 10 years’ experience each, that’s 100 years of potential. But if one person dominates, you’re only accessing 10% of it.”“It’s over 5,000 years' worth of experience in the room. 5,000 years. That’s when the pyramids were being made…”“The real test of a meeting is simple: is there more energy at the end than there was at the start?”“Purpose is the diamond. Opus is how you shine the most light through it.”🎯 This episode is for you if:You’re a business owner tired of uninspired meetingsYou want to lead teams that think and act with purposeYou’re a coach, mentor, or facilitator guiding othersYou want to build a legacy that matters—without waiting decades📘 Mentioned:Book: Find Your Purpose in 7 Questions by Richard JacobsConcepts: Collective Intelligence, Enlightened Living, Opus, Yes FactorClients: Google, Decathlon, UK schools, elite teams across industries🎙 Powered by ActionCOACH Business CoachingThe help you need to grow your business:👉 https://business.actioncoach.co.uk🎁 Sponsored by Selfpublishing.comPublish your story. Make your impact.👉 https://selfpublishing.com/actionWhat’s your Opus?Drop a comment. Let us know the impact you want to create and how you’re starting to live it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Struggling to get leads or close deals over the phone? You're not alone — and you're not out of options.In this episode, James Vincent is joined by Anthony Stears, known globally as The Telephone Assassin. With 25+ years of front-line sales experience and millions of dials under his belt, Anthony shares proven, practical techniques to transform the way you sell — without sounding pushy or fake.You’ll learn how to:- Overcome the fear of cold calling- Build instant rapport with prospects- Open more conversations (and keep them going)- Use permission-led language to lower resistance- Follow up with confidence and clarity- Turn every dial into a meaningful interactionWhether you're an SDR, sales leader, or business owner looking to generate more qualified leads and close more deals, this is your step-by-step guide to using your phone as your most powerful sales tool.📍 Timestamps & Key Takeaways00:00 Overcoming the Fear of Objection00:33 Common Mistakes in Sales Calls01:19 The Psychology Behind Cold Calling02:21 The Role of Telesales in the Digital Age03:00 Effective Cold Calling Strategies03:41 Building Trust and Rapport07:44 The Importance of Permission to Speak09:25 The Art of Follow-Ups11:30 Avoiding the Salesy Approach15:48 The Telephone Assassin's Origin Story17:05 Best Practices for SDRs and Telesales19:43 The Power of Personalized Outreach26:28 Voicemail and Follow-Up Techniques29:03 Crafting Effective Follow-Up Voicemails29:35 The Power of Persistence in Sales31:08 Navigating Gatekeepers with Ease33:44 Avoiding Common Sales Mistakes34:51 Building Rapport and Credibility37:10 Mastering the Art of Closing45:31 Leveraging AI in Sales47:32 The Importance of Proper Training and Outsourcing49:42 Personal Insights and Reflections🔑 What You’ll Walk Away With:- A cold-call opener that actually works- A permission-based sales approach that builds trust fast- The TFR method: Take Final Responsibility for every follow-up- Why scripts fail — and what to use instead- Real examples of what to say when someone picks up- How to make follow-up calls feel helpful, not desperate- Ways to personalise your outreach without wasting time- A smarter way to handle gatekeepers and objections- Practical voicemail frameworks that get call-backs- Why good manners and great notes beat brute force every time📌 Who This Is For:- Sales reps, SDRs, and telemarketers- Business owners who need to generate leads- BDMs, appointment setters, and sales teams- Anyone who dreads cold calls or follow-ups- Coaches, consultants, and service-based businesses🎯 Want to turn conversations into conversions?📞 Ready to use your phone as your ultimate sales weapon?Hit play and take notes — this episode is packed with no-fluff sales gold.👍 Like, comment, and share if you’ve ever feared the phone.🔔 Subscribe for more practical business content that drives real results.💬 What’s the biggest phone mistake you’ve seen? Drop it in the comments!Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business:👉 https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest: Jose Ucar – Global Communication Coach | Author of Communicate Your Way to the TopHow do the best communicators in the world connect, influence, and lead with impact?In this high-value episode, Jose Ucar shares the tools, mindset shifts, and real-world strategies he's used to coach global teams at Amazon, Google, and beyond. You’ll learn how to simplify your message, stay present, handle high-pressure situations, and truly connect with people—whether on stage, in meetings, or in everyday conversations.🔥 What You’ll Learn:Why most people overcomplicate communication and how to strip it backA simple mindset model to stay grounded: Reflect, Reframe, ShiftThe push vs. pull approach and how to use both with impactWhy difficult conversations are unavoidable and how to do them wellHow to lead with authenticity and stop being "vanilla"What to do when you go blank in a conversation or presentationHow to master the voice in your head and boost self-trustThe secret to creating a magnetic presenceWhy your intention matters more than your delivery🧠 Key Insights from Jose:Simplify to amplify: Communication becomes powerful when it’s simple, clear, and focused.Push + Pull = Influence: Don’t just talk at people, invite them into the conversation.Connection builds trust: The way you walk into a room sets the tone before you speak a word.Listening is the real superpower: You build trust by making people feel seen, heard, and understood.Authenticity isn’t optional: If you’re not being yourself, you’re not really connecting.Preparation is love in action: It shows you care about the impact you’re creating.🛠 Practical Frameworks Shared:Reflect – Reframe – Shift: A 3-step mental reset to handle fear and pressure.Ask to Listen – Listen to Understand: Start with curiosity to unlock connection.Chilies, Avocados, and Ice Creams: Jose’s playful model for decoding behavioural styles in any audience.SLOWER Framework: Slowing down to listen, observe, and engage more effectively.Heart, Mind, Body Alignment: Real influence comes from congruence, when you think it, feel it, and express it clearly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helen Butters is not your average mum... And this is not your average podcast.What happens when four Yorkshire mums decide to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean with no real rowing experience? You get one of the most jaw-dropping, inspiring, and totally unbelievable stories you’ll ever hear.In this must-watch conversation, Helen shares the real, raw, and hilarious behind-the-scenes of going from school drop-offs and coffee mornings… to navigating storms, sharks, seasickness, and steering with a bit of string and hope.Hear from Helen on:- Their journey from a spark of midlife curiosity to a Guinness-worthy adventure- What it really takes to row an ocean (hint: £120k, freeze-dried chilli, and Buddhist calm)- Why rejection, doubt, and discomfort are your greatest superpowers- How meditation, mindset, and one wild decision rewired her entire life- And what it means to be a mother chasing more—for yourself and your kidsIf you’ve ever felt stuck, small, or scared to start, press play now. Helen’s story will make you laugh, cry, rethink everything—and maybe even say yes to your own wild idea.👉 Subscribe for more bold stories🎧 follow us on spotify to be notified of weekly audio uploads📈 Perfect for fans of adventure, mindset, motivation, resilience, and women smashing stereotypesTake Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2026:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WARNING: This wake-up call may cause you to stop and audit your entire website right now! In this powerhouse episode, Steve Pailthorpe, digital marketing strategist and founder of Iconic Digital, returns with some of the most insanely valuable insights we’ve ever captured. There’s a reason we’ve brought him back three times. This time? He breaks down why your leads are drying up, why your website might be killing conversions, and what marketing actually looks like in 2025.Think your funnel is working? Think again.From AI-powered SEO to converting cold traffic into real revenue, Steve dives deep into:- Why 74% of websites aren’t built to convert—and how to fix yours- The new rules of Search Everywhere Optimization (Google is just the start)- How to land Position Zero and dominate AI search results- The real math behind paid ad ROI and why most businesses quit too early- Building stackable offers that actually get leads to convert- The secret power of AnswerThePublic, persona targeting, and structured data- Why your content must be entertaining, educational, and informational to drive engagementAnd yes, we also cover:- Funnels vs the content whirlwind- The £1,000 per customer rule- How to stop attracting SLEEDs (yes, the bad kind of leads)- Why email marketing isn’t dead—it’s your most powerful toolWhether you’re a business owner, marketing manager, MD, or sales director—this is your blueprint for turning a marketing mess into a lead-gen machine.👉 Watch now and futureproof your marketing.Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strap in for episode #116 of the Business Growth Podcast. This isn’t your average rags-to-riches tale... It’s a jaw-dropping journey from homeless at 17 to building two powerhouse businesses worth £15 million+.In this raw, powerful episode, Andrew Wood shares the darkest moments of his past — from prison cells to rock-bottom bank balances, and how those moments lit the fire for a complete life transformation.He reveals how a second chance, a green band in jail, and one man’s forgiveness gave him purpose, and how that purpose turned into a multi-million pound empire.This is the ultimate masterclass in: ✅ Bouncing back from failure ✅ Building structure and scaling to 8 figures ✅ Humble leadership and empowering your team ✅ Specialising to stand out in a crowded market ✅ Leading with PURPOSE — and why it changes everythingIf you're a founder, entrepreneur, or dreamer stuck in survival mode, this is the real talk you need. You’ll leave inspired, refocused, and ready to take your next step — no matter how tough the journey has been.You’ll learn: 👉 Why writing a 5-year plan will change your business 👉 How forgiveness and trust unlocked exponential growth 👉 Why Andrew says “appreciation costs nothing — but changes everything”🔑 From £1M to £10M wasn't luck. It was clarity, courage, and choosing to lead differently.Don’t miss this. Watch now, subscribe, and take notes — this one’s a blueprint.📌 Like, comment, and share with someone who needs to hear this... #EntrepreneurJourney #FromPrisonToCEO #BusinessGrowth #DyslexiaSuccess #StartupLeadership #UKBusiness #PurposeDriven #BusinessTransformation #PodcastUK #ConstructionBusiness #LeadershipWithHeart #AndrewWood #HumbleLeadershipPowered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is the real Chandler Bolt? From ADHD diagnosis and being a college dropout with C-level English grades, to becoming a bestselling author and the founder of the world’s leading self-publishing platform, this is one of the most unlikely and inspiring entrepreneurial stories you’ll hear all year.In this episode, Chandler Bolt, founder of SelfPublishing.com, opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. He reveals how writing a book became his ultimate leverage, how personal tragedy created unstoppable urgency, and why every entrepreneur should consider becoming an author.We explore how Chandler transformed a single idea into a multi-million pound business, how books can drive real business growth, and the exact framework he used to sell over 10,000 copies of his own. He discusses self-publishing vs traditional publishing, the ROI of writing a book, building a brand that lasts, and why he believes books are the greatest business card ever created.Whether you're a business owner, coach, speaker, executive or creator, this episode is a masterclass in thinking bigger, acting faster and building a meaningful legacy through writing and publishing. Learn how Chandler scaled SelfPublishing.com from $84k in total sales to over $1.3 million in one year, the leadership lessons that nearly broke him, and why success always starts with speed, execution and ownership.This conversation covers business growth, mindset shifts, personal branding, the truth about authority, and how one book can open doors to opportunities for life. Discover how Chandler Bolt and his team are helping thousands become published authors and why writing your book might be the most important thing you ever do for your business and your legacy.Watch until the end to find out Chandler’s biggest business mistakes, his toughest personal lesson, and what he believes is the greatest gift you can ever give someone.#ChandlerBolt #SelfPublishing #EntrepreneurPodcast #ADHDEntrepreneur #SelfPublishingSchool #AuthorBranding #WriteABook #PublishingTips #BusinessBooks #MillionaireMindset #DyslexiaSuccess #BookMarketing #LegacyBuilding #PublishedBook #PersonalBranding #UKEntrepreneurs #StartupStories #ChandlerBoltInterview #AuthorLifePowered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, business exit strategist Dan Leaman shares expert insights on how to sell your business for maximum value. Whether you're planning an exit strategy, thinking about selling a small business, or just want to understand business valuation, Dan covers everything you need to know. Learn why not all business owners want to sell, what drives business acquisition, and how to prepare your company for a successful exit.Discover the key factors that affect business valuation, including recurring revenue, customer concentration, owner reliance, and profit margins. Dan explains the difference between recurring and repeat revenue, why financial due diligence can make or break a deal, and how to avoid the most common mistakes business owners make before selling. If you're aiming to attract private equity or strategic buyers, this conversation is packed with tips to boost your business value and stand out in a competitive market.Ideal for entrepreneurs, founders, and SME owners, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in selling a business in the UK. Dan Leaman offers real-world examples, proven strategies, and honest advice to help you understand what buyers look for, how to prepare your financials, and how to increase your chances of a profitable business sale. Watch now to learn how to position your business for a high-value exit.Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and practical podcast episode, international speaker and leadership expert Nigel Risner joins us for a no-nonsense, deeply insightful discussion about what really matters in business, leadership, and life. From the surprising importance of biscuits and barista-style coffee in the workplace, to the undeniable power of presence, praise, and human connection, this is one of the most engaging conversations you'll hear all year.Nigel breaks down the difference between leading people and managing things, offering real-world advice for business leaders, team managers, HR professionals, coaches, and anyone responsible for developing a positive and productive workplace culture. He shares why many leadership failures stem not from a lack of care, but from a fear of hearing what employees actually need—and why good tea, great biscuits, and authentic recognition often matter more than a pay rise.We explore how to give effective feedback using his concept of “feedforward,” how to create lasting team connection through small, consistent gestures, and why recognition must be immediate to be impactful. This episode dives deep into leadership philosophy, employee engagement, communication, emotional intelligence, and how to manage energy—not just time.Nigel also shares his personal stories, from the lessons he learned after stepping away from a finance company to his transformative realisations about being truly present with family. He opens up about forgiveness, resentment, and how carrying emotional baggage—whether in work or relationships—can sabotage success. You’ll discover the 9-minute rule he lives by, how to handle conflict constructively, and why walking side-by-side might be the most effective coaching method.This conversation is essential viewing for anyone who leads, influences, or inspires others—whether in a corporate setting, educational environment, or personal relationship. It’s filled with practical tools, compelling anecdotes, and mindset shifts that can change the way you show up at work, at home, and in life.If you're looking to improve team morale, build stronger leadership habits, boost communication skills, and create a culture of appreciation and psychological safety in your organisation, this is the podcast episode you cannot afford to miss.Topics covered include: leadership vs management, creating meaningful workplace culture, recognition strategies, employee wellbeing, effective coaching techniques, team communication, emotional resilience, ego and decision-making, personal accountability, and the importance of forgiveness in leadership.Don’t just manage your team—lead them. And maybe… bring biscuits.#LeadershipDevelopment #NigelRisner #BusinessCulture #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceWellbeing #HRStrategy #ManagementSkills #RecognitionAtWork #LeadershipPodcast #Feedforward #EmotionalIntelligence #Forgiveness #PersonalGrowth #ExecutiveCoaching #TeamMotivation #TeaAndBiscuits #ChiefBiscuitOfficer #WorkplaceConnection #UKPodcast #CultureChangePowered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.