Start Scale Succeed

Claudia shares her journey from marketing to design, the challenges early-stage brands face with packaging, and her expert advice on how founders can communicate their brand’s personality, maximize every inch of packaging real estate, and strike the right balance between standing out and fitting in with category norms. You’ll hear about common mistakes to avoid, trends shaping the future, and some and practical tips for leveraging colour psychology and QR codes to engage your audience. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about a brand refresh, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help your product pop off the shelf and into the hands of customers. We chat about The Role of Packaging in Brand Success Process for Starting a Packaging Project How Brands Can Stand Out with Packaging Common Packaging Mistakes Defining Brand Personality Incorporating QR Codes on Packaging Emerging Packaging Trends AI in Packaging and Design Importance of In-Person Shelf Research Rebranding: When and Why to Revisit Brand Identity Guest Claudia Costa -Rowse Claudia is the founder of Freckle design studios A pocket-sized studio, for small teams with big visions. Freckle exists to support ambitious brands with creative that actually works - clear, collaborative, and built for where you are right now. Claudia is a London-based branding and packaging specialist, with over 12 years experience helping brands grow in the food & drink, health & wellness, beauty and lifestyle sectors. She is passionate about crafting brand identities that are rooted in strategy and full to the brim with personality. https://www.freckledesign.studio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/freckledesign/ https://www.instagram.com/freckledesign.studio https://www.freckledesign.studio/packagingchecklist Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

Join us as Imogen shares her journey from interior designer to creative business owner, revealing why she chose to make wholesale and trade shows a new focus, the realities of prepping for her debut trade show at Top Drawer, a UK trade show and the practical lessons she learned along the way. Whether you’re considering your first trade show or just love hearing honest accounts of building a business, this episode is packed with actionable tips, candid moments, and encouragement for anyone ready to take the next step in scaling their product business Imogen shares Why she chose Top Drawer as her first trade show How she prepared and what she would have done differently The show itself, including Logistics & Costs. What worked for her during the show and how she attracted visitors to her stand After the show and how to maximise the experience The Unexpected Challenges. Guest Imogen Partridge - Imogen Partridge is a bespoke illustrator who took the leap into expanding her creative business after leaving her job last year. When illness forced her to pause, Imogen came to realize just how much her work depended on her personal involvement. Wanting to make her business more scalable and sustainable, she explored new avenues such as wholesale, a step she hesitated over for months. Inspired by seeing others succeed at trade shows, Imogen finally pushed herself to try by booking a stand at Top Drawer, believing that setting a deadline would give her the motivation to make it happen. Her journey is one of creativity, courage, and learning to balance personal artistry with new opportunities for growth. https://www.topdrawer.co.uk/ https://imogenpartridge.com/ https://www.instagram.com/imogen.partridge/ https://imogenpartridge.com/learnings-from-my-first-trade-show/ Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

This episode is packed with practical advice for founders and brand owners looking to start or scale their product-based businesses—especially those considering India for production. You’ll learn about the best product categories to source from India, key cultural and communication considerations, pitfalls to avoid, and how on-the-ground trips can transform your sourcing journey. Key Topics & Takeaways Why Source from India? Finding the Right Suppliers Navigating Challenges Cultural & Communication Insights About the Guest Sara Collins Ethical production consultant With over 10 years of experience in developing and manufacturing products ethically, Sara is now on a mission to help independent brands feel confident in their own ethical manufacturing journeys. Over the years, Sara has worked one-to-one with certified Fairtrade manufacturers around the world and has successfully brought numerous sustainable fashion, jewellery, and homeware products to the European market. Sara offers help, advice, and support to independent business owners seeking to partner with social enterprises and local initiatives. links India sourcing trip waitlist https://mailchi.mp/f45756a30eb6/india-wait-list https://www.instagram.com/saracollins.uk/ https://www.sarahelencollins.com/ About the Host The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ About the Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your e-commerce store? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIS and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

Nicole and Deryane delve into the reality of competing in a discount-driven market, strategies for driving sales, and the importance of focusing on exceptional customer service. For those considering starting a brick-and-mortar or e-commerce business, Deryane’s advice is invaluable. Deryane shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early days in retail to establishing a successful multi-brand boutique. Episode Highlights: Challenges and Triumphs: Discover the hurdles Deryane faced in securing funding and premises, and how she overcame misogyny in the early days of her venture. Business Evolution: Insights into how The Dressing Room has evolved with changing customer demands and the impact of offering a mix of affordable to aspirational brands. Cybercrime Ordeal: Deryane opens up about a significant challenge their online business faced due to a cyber attack and how they are navigating this setback. Customer Connection: Learn about the innovative ways Deryane maintains strong connections with customers through personalized services and events. Navigating discount culture: The prevalence of discount culture and events like Black Friday have reshaped the retail calendar. Deryane considers these challenges in her strategic planning, focusing on enhancing the in-store experience to counteract the pressure of discounting. By organizing events and collaborations, Shop at the dressing room https://www.the-dressingroom.com/ Follow https://www.instagram.com/thedressingroomsocial/ Follow Deryane https://www.instagram.com/deryanetadd/ Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

This weeks episode of Start Scale Succeed Nicole is joined by Leanne and Amy, the dynamic co-founders of Naked Biotics. They delve into the journey of launching and scaling their probiotic brand amidst challenges like the COVID-19 lockdowns. Inspired by personal experiences and the power of gut health, Leanne and Amy's entrepreneurial journey is one of passion, resilience, and innovation. The Birth of Naked Biotics: Discover how a trip to South Africa and a unique formulation transformed Leanne and Amy’s perspective on gut health, leading them to create a brand that’s changing lives. Challenges and Triumphs: Hear about the hurdles they faced launching during the pandemic, from adapting to an online environment to rebranding their product for better market alignment. Insights on Gut Health: Leanne and Amy delve into the importance of maintaining a healthy gut and its surprising links to mental health, stress, and overall well-being. Branding and Networking: Get tips on the importance of strong branding, staying persistent, and the power of networking from two entrepreneurs who've navigated their way through the world of business successfully. Guests Founders Leanne & Amy Naked Biotics Amy and Leanne, friends and co-founders of Naked Biotics. share a passion and interest in natural health and well-being. Both fully qualified yoga instructors with their own yoga studio in London.The Naked Biotics journey started in 2018 when a trip to South Africa led them to discover the fermented, live, liquid probiotic in its natural form.Their mission is to educate people on the importance of gut health and make high quality probiotics accessible to as many people as possible. The journey is just beginning, and we would love you to join us. https://nakedbiotics.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/nakedbiotics/ Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

In this episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast, Nicole is joined by Becci McAvoy, founder of Be Heard Socials, to discuss the importance of authenticity in social media, particularly for brand founders. They delve into the challenges and fears of showing true selves online, tips to overcome these barriers, and the significance of personal boundaries in content sharing. Becky, a content strategy and social media marketing expert, shares her journey and insights on building genuine connections with audiences while managing the pressures of social media engagement. Key Topics Discussed: Understanding Authenticity: Becky explains how brands and founders can be authentic in their social media presence, and the relevance of authenticity to connect with audiences effectively. Getting Comfortable with Sharing: Tips for social media users who hold back from sharing personal stories and experiences, along with strategies to build confidence and a positive mindset. Defining Boundaries: How to establish personal boundaries on what to share online and being mindful of what aligns with the brand’s values. Handling Negativity Online: Becky discusses how to manage negative comments and trolling on social media, the importance of focusing on positive interactions, and using platform features to maintain a healthy online environment. Utilizing Social Media Features: An overview of the useful features on Instagram, such as practicing live sessions and limiting comments, to enhance user experience and manage audience interaction. Viewers and Audience Engagement: Insights into why understanding the audience and considering why certain content matters are crucial for deciding what to post. Guest Becci Mcevoy Social Media Marketing and Content Strategy for amazing women owned businesses. Becci's work helps them to simplify their content, show up and be heard on social media so that they can grow their business on social media without feeling overwhelmed https://www.instagram.com/beheardsocials/ https://beheardsocials.com/ Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

Pippa Goulden joins the Start Scale Succeed podcast to chat all thing PR for your small business and how you can DIY it and the steps you need to take to increase the visibility of you and your brand. Highlights include

In this episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast, We delve into the world of entrepreneurship with the inspiring story of Lucy, the founder of Acorn and Pip. Lucy has successfully run her family concept store, navigating the complexities of retail in challenging times. With nearly 100,000 Instagram followers and a thriving business model that includes a retail store, cafe, and an online presence, Lucy shares insights into the importance of community, innovation, and authentic customer service. Join us as we explore how Lucy has managed to keep her business resilient and profitable, overcoming obstacles such as the impact of COVID-19, Brexit, and economic pressures. Some of the key areas discussed are 1.The Birth of Acorn and Pip: Lucy started Acorn and Pip as a pop-up store while on maternity leave, evolving into a family concept store with retail, hospitality, and online arms. Navigating Retail Challenges: Overcoming significant obstacles like Brexit and the post-COVID market crash, Lucy emphasises the importance of adapting and enhancing customer service. Her cafe became a lifesaver during tough times, highlighting the value of diverse revenue streams. Community-Centric Approach: Lucy discusses the power of hosting events to engage and serve the community, creating a space that’s more than just a shop. Her strategy revolves around building relationships and providing a meaningful experience for customers. Financial and Growth Strategies: She delves into the significance of financial planning, cash flow management, and creating an uplift strategy to boost sales, offering actionable advice for fellow business owners. Coaching and Mentoring: Lucy also helps other entrepreneurs through her coaching initiative, sharing her knowledge on marketing, inventory control, and more, fostering a supportive community for business growth. Lucy Haslam - Founder Family Concept store Acorn & Pip Acorn & Pip is a lifestyle brand that offers cherished customers more than just a product. They are devoted to creating a playful retail experience rooted in mindfulness and authenticity. https://acornandpip.com/ https://www.instagram.com/acornandpip/ https://www.coachingwithlucy.co.uk/ Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Nicole Higgins is an award-winning retail consultant with over 20 years of experience in the industry, having worked as a buyer with blue-chip companies such as Primark and M&S across multi-product categories from Bras to Beauty Her journey in the corporate world has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge and insights that she now dedicates to empowering startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their journey to growth, profit and scalability. Nicole specialises in guiding businesses through the intricacies of start-up, strategy, sourcing and product development. Her keen understanding of market dynamics allows her to provide tailored solutions that drive success in today's competitive landscape. Major television networks turn to her for her insights and guidance in retail programs. Her practical and results-oriented approach has made her a sought-after collaborator in the media industry, where she contributes her expertise to help shape compelling narratives for retail-focused content. Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

Ep 178 Masters of the Market, Elevating Small Businesses with Salad Days Market founders Daisy & Liv Tinker In this week's episode of Start Scale Succeed I chat with Liv & Daisy, the innovative founders behind Salad Days Market, a vibrant pop-up market showcasing the best of small businesses in London. With their unique backgrounds in fashion and retail, they share their journey from working in the fashion industry to creating their own dream events. They discuss the importance of craftsmanship, creativity, and passion in the brands they work with, and how they have successfully connected with a diverse customer base. From hosting successful events at iconic locations like Selfridges and the Shard to adapting to the ever-changing trends with agility, the duo highlights the power of resilience and community building in scaling a successful business. They also offer actionable insights and advice for small brands looking to exhibit at markets or run their own events, emphasizing the significance of preparation, customer engagement, and maintaining a clear vision. Join us as we delve into the world of markets and entrepreneurship, powered by the spirit of innovation and dedication to supporting small enterprises. Tune in to hear their tips on selling and exhibiting at markets and much more Guests Daisy & Liv Tinker founders of the curated markets salad days Salad days Markets have become a beacon for shopping small, fostering positivity, community, and connection. They have hosted over 80 markets at London's most iconic landmarks, including Selfridges, Battersea Power Station, The Hoxton Hotel, Dulwich Picture Gallery, and The Shard. Collaborations with thousands of remarkable small businesses have been a hallmark of their success. Their achievements have been featured on the news, on the front page of a newspaper, and they have even received an award. It has been a remarkable few years. And they are not stopping now! Salad days is on a mission to infuse this energy into the struggling world of retail, eagerly anticipating what the future holds https://saladdaysmarket.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/saladdaysmarketlondon/ https://saladdaysmarket.co.uk/newsletter-signup https://saladdayslondon.substack.com/ Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. For 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

I'm all for anything that is going to make you more money in your business and connecting with your customers in an authentic way. Live shopping ticks those two boxes. In todays episode of Start Scale Succeed I'm joined by Stephanie Weightman the founder of highlight crafts who started to implement Live shopping in their business just 9 months ago and it has literally saved them from going under. Stephanie initially started slowly with Live shopping once a month but is now doing several campaigns a week turning over anything between £5K to £15K per session! Episode Highlights: Live Shopping: The Game-Changer: Stephanie shares her incredible journey of reviving her business with live shopping after facing a near-disaster and how she was able to replace millions of lost revenue. Discover how she managed to transition from traditional TV shopping to interactive digital platforms, securing her business's future and even expanding it. Simple Start, Monumental Growth: Learn from Stephanie's experience of starting small with live shopping—initially expecting modest numbers—and how she turned it into a significant revenue stream, now achieving up to £15,000 an hour in sales with 80% conversion rates. Engagement & Community: Stephanie discusses the importance of direct customer engagement through live shopping. With interactive sessions, personable demonstrations, and dynamic product stories, she’s not only selling products but also building a loyal community. Innovative Strategies: Discover the methods that Stephanie and her team utilised—from themed shows to engaging live quizzes—that kept their audience coming back for more and even boosted their conversion rates to impressive levels. The Future of Shopping: As Stephanie declares, "Live shopping is the future," see why she believes this format is here to stay and how it can democratise the retail experience for brands and customers alike. Stephanie’s story is a testament to resilience and innovation. If your business is pondering its next move or if you need inspiration on handling market shifts and challenges this episode is a must-listen. Links https://sprii.io/ This weeks Guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-weightman/ https://www.instagram.com/highlightcrafts/ https://www.instagram.com/liveshoppingvip/ https://liveshopping.vip/ Stephanie Weightman is the Creative Director and one of the founders of Highlight Crafts Ltd. She has worked with big-name craft products and developed many new products over the years - including her own brands; Two Red Robins, Lemon Lane, My Craft Studio, Tattered Lace, Screen Sensation, and many more. Stephanie has taken newly developed product from zero to multi million pound turnover brands through her experiences in TV shopping. Stephanie also started from scratch the award-winning Crafting Live shows, which run in various locations across the UK annually. Stephanie also appears at major shows and events and has written several books. Her latest venture through Highlight Crafts and live shopping.VIP is in the world of social shopping, working closely with the most innovative and market leading facilitator Sprii. With this partnership Highlight crafts are quickly becoming recognised as social shopping super users. Her achievements in the world of craft have seen her gain multiple awards year after year, including Best Overall Designer, Celebrity Crafter of the Year, and most recently, Designer of the Year for the third year running and Craft Influencer of the Year (2020 Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Nicole Higgins is an award-winning retail consultant with over 20 years of experience in the industry, having worked as a buyer with blue-chip companies such as Primark and M&S across multi-product categories from Bras to Beauty Her journey in the corporate world has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge and insights that she now dedicates to empowering startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their journey to growth, profit and scalability. Nicole specialises in guiding businesses through the intricacies of start-up, strategy, sourcing and product development. Her keen understanding of market dynamics allows her to provide tailored solutions that drive success in today's competitive landscape. Major television networks turn to her for her insights and guidance in retail programs. Her practical and results-oriented approach has made her a sought-after collaborator in the media industry, where she contributes her expertise to help shape compelling narratives for retail-focused content. Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

Subscription box businesses are worth 1.8 billion in the UK and it's a growing market. So if you are considering starting one, adding one to your current business or need advice on how to make your existing one more profitable then listen to this weeks episode 176 of start scale succeed . Where you'll hear tips and advice from Multiple Subscription Box founder Lauren Prentice. Some of the areas we chat about are The importance of audience building before launch How to structure pricing and commitment terms Managing your churn rate Best practices for marketing and customer retention Tips for managing logistics and fulfillment If you want to find out more about the business box or work with Lauren then click the links below www.thebusinessbox.co.uk https://thebusinessbox.co.uk/everything/ Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

EP 175 How your style can create your success with Samantha Harman Listen to this week's episode to understand how your wardrobe choices influence your business success "Your wardrobe isn't clothes. It is the physical manifestation of your beliefs, your hopes, your fears, your dreams, all of the things that you think that you can be, that you can't be." Tune into this weeks episode with Samantha The style editor, we chat about Wardrobe as a Tool for Success: Samantha shares how your wardrobe is more than just clothes. It's the physical manifestation of your beliefs, dreams, and the stories you tell yourself. Discover how to transform your wardrobe into a tool that enhances your business success. Combining Mindset with Style: Learn about the concept of "enclothed cognition" and how the energy you project in your clothes can influence your work performance. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling empowered and projecting confidence. Finding Gold in Your Closet: Samantha provides practical tips on purging your wardrobe of disempowering items and finding the hidden gems that make you feel like a boss. Visualization and Outcome: Hear how visualization aids in aligning your fashion choices with your professional goals, helping you stay on course to success with strategic styling. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Explore how understanding your personal style can help overcome imposter syndrome by allowing you to fully express and present yourself authentically. Whether you're working from home or gearing up for a big meeting, these insights will help you harness the power of your wardrobe to advance your professional life. Samantha Harmam The Style editor Samantha is the secret weapon of some of the best-dressed women in your industry. Helping female founders, leaders, and women in corporate elevate their style and magnetise their personal brand, so they get noticed and make more money. https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-harman-style-editor/ www.instagram.com/styleeditoruk https://thestyleeditor.thrivecart.com/workify/ Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

In this raw and honest episode, Katie Brandon Byrne shares the emotional journey of closing her award-winning children's wear brand, Lil and Izzy. From its successful beginnings to the final decision to liquidate, Katie discusses: The warning signs that led to closure The impact of rising costs and market changes Navigating the liquidation process Personal lessons learned from the experience Moving forward with a new business venture Katie Brandon Byrne founded Lil and Izzy, an award winning childrenswear brand established Pre-pandemic Katie decided to close the doors on the brand in 2024 and has since retrained as a PT & Nutrition coach. https://www.instagram.com/ktb_coach/ https://www.instagram.com/talkburpeetome/ Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

Join me as I chat with co- founder Roxy Marrone where she shares how her own skincare journey with hormonal acne led to the creation of the brand. eyeam is a community-driven wellness destination on a mission to align your skin with your mind, body, and spirit. Their mission is to bring healing into the world with targeted skincare, supplements and education. While wellness has traditionally separated these fundamental pillars from one another and treated each in isolation, they feel that true wellness is achieved when they are in harmony with one another. About the Founders Founded by Margo and Roxy Marrone, Roxy shares how her journey with Hormonal Acne, experience with integrative nutritional health and manifestation and Margo's extensive experience as Cosmetic Formulator, Pharmacist, Homeopath and Energy Healer led to the creation of eyeam https://eyeamworld.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@healingwithroxy https://www.instagram.com/healingwithroxy Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

Join Jasmine & Nicole for an open and honest conversation about starting and growing a brand, securing investment and the process of finding a buyer for the business. In Ep 171 of Start Scale Succeed Jasmine Wicks-Stephens shares the story behind the brand and how it's rapid expansion and success were met with financial and manufacturing challenges and despite backing from Dragons Den she decided to sell the business Faace was born out of Jasmine's extensive industry experience and her personal journey as a new mother The brand aims to simplify skincare by focusing on lifestyle and hormonal factors, offering products that address specific skin concerns without unnecessary complexity Jasmine's entrepreneurial journey has garnered attention, with Faace securing investment from prominent business figures on the TV show Dragons’ Den. The brand experienced strong growth expanding to 23 countries and being stocked in many global retailers. However despite it’s potential, there were many challenges that faced the brand with Jasmine making the decision to sell in 2024. Connect with Jasmine on https://www.known-community.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jas_ws/ https://www.instagram.com/wearefaace/ https://femalefounder.substack.com/ Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

Etsy has over 6 Million sellers and about 400 million visitors to the platform each month So as a seller how do you get started and how do you get seen. These are just some of the topics I’m going to be talking about with my guest Dylan Jahraus on todays episode of start scale succeed You can also watch the episode on You tube https://youtu.be/y5rxoH1P5lg Highlights of the episode include Getting started on the platform and where your focus needs to be. Why your etsy sales may be declining and what to do to course correct. Where to find trends and new ideas for etsy products Getting started on the platform and where your focus needs to be. How to attract your etsy customers to your own social platforms and then website. What types of businesses and business models are working right now Guest Bio Dylan Jahraus is a multi-six figure Etsy seller. With a background in corporate e-commerce for companies like Zappos and Zulily. Her expertise was buying, product development, pricing strategy, planning and forecasting. Now she sells on Etsy, Amazon and Shopify. She helps other Etsy sellers and prospective Etsy sellers build the financial freedom that they dream of. https://www.instagram.com/dylanjahraus/ https://dylanjahraus.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeO8Gmc2B-3G2fgcFnRR4Xw Get your FREE 16-step checklist to grow your shop! You'll receive a checklist with 16 profitable action steps to implement daily in your shop to scale your revenue! https://dylanjahraus.mykajabi.com/pl/2147677557 Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

  "Building Your Brand: Visibility Strategies with Anna Jones    What's your why? sometimes this can be a difficult question to answer but one I think is key to understand before you start showing up as the face of your brand.  My guest this week Anna Jones - Visibility expert helped make this more accessible by asking yourself what is the impact that you want your product to have on your customer. What do you want it to do for them, this goes much deeper than the features and the benefits of the products.  In this week's episode of Start Scale Succeed I chat with Anna about how you can be more visible in your brand and some of the areas to understand before you do that.  Some of the topics we chat about are  Building brand recognition  Prioritizing direct customer interactions Effective use of social media and email marketing for improved visibility and engagement. Creating a strategic marketing plan  Developing a mission and vision that truly reflect your "why" and value proposition. Anna brings a wealth of experience from her time managing flagship stores for notable brands like M&S and Topshop to forming her marketing agency in Chicago. Having experienced a confidence crisis herself, Anna now dedicates her efforts to helping female entrepreneurs gain visibility and confidence in their businesses. https://www.yourajency.com/anna-jones-visibility-expert https://subscribepage.io/subscribe-to-your-ajency-newsletter https://www.instagram.com/yourajency/ Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.    At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/    

Todays episode of start scale succeed Nicole is Joined by UK knitwear designer and brand founder Genevieve Sweeney  Some of the areas we chat about are   Challenges of UK Manufacturing in an industry that is disappearing & her dreams and plans of revitalising the UK knitwear industry.  What Genevieve learnt from stepping away from the Fashion Norms when running a fashion business.The power of staying true to your business brand values.  Building community through social media and how it has scaled with in-person at her studio in Hertfordshire.  Being sustainable at the core whilst growing. Key highlights including    Launching a Brand:The pivotal moments and challenges that led Genevieve to start her own knitwear brand. Sustainability Practices:Genevieve's approach to sustainable manufacturing, including ethical sourcing, minimizing waste, and making timeless pieces. UK Knitwear Industry:The evolution of the industry over the past decade and the current landscape for UK-based manufacturers. Business Milestones:The significance of being stocked at Fortnum & Mason and the recent expansion to a new studio in Hertfordshire. Community Engagement:How Genevieve engages with her local community through her studio, including workshops and tours. Challenges and Aspirations: Current challenges such as seasonality and future plans for creating a micro-factory and offering apprenticeships. Advice for Entrepreneurs:Genevieve shares valuable advice for those looking to start their own brands, emphasizing resourcefulness and creativity.   https://www.genevievesweeney.com/ https://www.instagram.com/genevievesweeney/   Genevieve Sweeney is committed to preserving and revitalising this corner of the industry. Working with hand-selected mills and factories around the UK, GS is driving British manufacturing forward by embracing innovation whilst also celebrating tradition; keeping time-honoured craftsmanship relevant and capturing the beautiful, refined touch of the artisan. Her signature yarn blends evoke a unique and contemporary mood, while limited batches promise unrivalled originality, lasting quality and attention to detail.   Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.    At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/    

Innovating Period Care with Ruby Raut of Wuka In this inspiring episode, Nicole Higgins sits down with Ruby Raut, the founder of Wuka, a sustainable period product brand on a mission to eradicate period shame and combat period poverty. Join us as Ruby shares her journey from a small village in Nepal to leading a game-changing brand in the UK. With insights into funding, product innovation, and the importance of building a community, this episode is packed with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in sustainable solutions. Key Highlights: Product Market Fit  How Ruby initially tested the idea and discovered that there was a market need for the product, and how they continue to test and innovate, making period underwear accessible to all. Explore the diverse applications of Wuka's period underwear, from comfort for new moms and women experiencing perimenopause to suitability for children with sensory issues. Community Building & Kickstart  Ruby stresses the importance of community, sharing the organic reach and PR strategies that led to their successful Kickstarter campaign, including a pivotal feature on BBC's front page. Getting into retail  How product innovation meant they were able to grow their  retail presence, currently in  stores like Boots,  Morrisons, Sainsburys, Ocado  and their plans for further expansion. The Growth of the brand  How resilience, networking and hiring the right teams has helped move the brand forward  Ruby's Advice for Entrepreneurs.  Tips and strategies for new product business founders, including starting lean, proving product value, and building a competent team. https://wuka.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/wukawear/ Guest Bio  Ruby Raut Ruby, Environmental Scientist and listed in the 2019 Top Women in Femtech, grew up in Nepal, which inspires her work in making menstruation positive, taboo-free and environmentally-friendly. “When studying for my Environmental Science degree, I discovered that more than 200,000 tonnes of tampons and pads were sent to UK landfills every year, contributing to the mounting tide of plastic pollution. This was my ‘lightbulb moment'. I knew something had to change about the way we handled menstruation.” - Ruby Raut, Founder & CEO Ruby grew up in Nepal, where shame about periods was widespread. Nachune is the Nepalese word for period which basically translates as 'untouchable'. When she started her period, she experienced a form of Chapaudi, now illegal in Nepal. During menstruation, she was sent to her aunt's house and wasn't allowed to go out in the sun, look at men, or touch plants - as it was believed that she would kill them - just because she was having a period. Like other girls, she was given old sari rags to use for the bleeding, which happened to be reusable and eco-friendly, but not hygienic. They weren't leak-proof nor comfortable, and didn't work for her when she played sports! When she arrived in the UK, she was astonished by the wide range of menstrual products available on the shelves, but quickly realised that most of them were neither comfortable nor leak-proof, and they certainly were not eco-friendly. So it became Ruby mission to replace plastic-riddled disposable pads & tampons with the world's most comfortable and sustainable period underwear. Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.  At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

Approximately 29% of entrepreneurs are neurodivergent, revealing a strong link between neurodiversity and entrepreneurial drive.  In Ep 167 Nicole Chats with Dr Lauren Breese experienced Clinical Psychologist and founder of & Psychology and Co-founder of The neurodiversity practice along with other co-founders Dr. Siobhan Higgins and Dr Jo Muelller  Together, they explore ADHD symptoms, varying diagnoses and tips and strategies for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs.  Lauren discusses why awareness and reduced stigma have led to more adult ADHD diagnoses, rather than an increase in cases. They touch on the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD, particularly concerning reproductive cycles, and the dual responsibilities of entrepreneurship and family. Listeners will gain valuable tips for managing ADHD through mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and practical strategies for maintaining focus and organisation. Lauren and Nicole also address workplace inclusivity, emphasising the importance of understanding and accommodating neurodiverse employees. Some of the key areas discussed are  Understanding ADHD ADHD and Burnout Coping Strategies Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness Harnessing ADHD  Seeking Help Assessments and Support Inclusivity in the workplace for those diagnosed with ADHD   Guest Links  Dr Lauren Breese https://andpsychology.com/about https://www.theneurodiversitypractice.com/ Neuro Diversity in the Work place - checklist  https://www.theneurodiversitypractice.com/neuroinclusivity-checklist Neuro Diversity for Parents https://www.theneurodiversitypractice.com/book-list-parents Host  Nicole Higgins  has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.    At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.   https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/  

With Black Friday just around the corner, I know you're probably gearing up for one of the biggest shopping events of the year. To help you navigate this competitive landscape, I'm chatting with Anna Frapwell founder of Neon Digital Clicks and sponsor of the podcast. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the scene, these expert tips are sure to help you crush your sales goals. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. It's Never Too Late to Prepare Anna emphasises that even if you feel behind, it's never too late to start prepping for Black Friday. Whether it's building your audience or strategising your ads, every bit of effort counts. 2. Understand Your Goals Before diving in, be clear about what you want to achieve. Is it clearing stock, acquiring new customers, or boosting lifetime customer value? Your goals will shape your strategy. 3. Customer Retention Ensure your Black Friday customers stick around by enhancing their post-purchase experience. Excellent customer service and targeted email marketing can turn one-time buyers into loyal fans. 4. Ad Strategy Insights Anna provides a treasure trove of advice on maximising your ad spend while navigating the competitive Black Friday landscape. From clear messaging to vibrant visuals, discover what works best. 5. Post-Purchase Strategy The sales don't end with Black Friday. Utilise customer loyalty programs and nurtured email campaigns to keep the momentum going through the holiday season. I've created a FREE Checklist & Guide for you to action before during & after Black Friday https://nicolehigginsthebuyerandretailcoach.lpages.co/black-fridayplanner/ Your black Friday Checklist PDF HOST BIO Nicole Higgins has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits. She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories   Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/   Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/  

Live shopping is set to hit £5 billion in the UK by 2025 with fashion and beauty being the key categories. But what converts and why should it be part of your marketing strategy. In todays episode of Podcast Start Scale Succeed I'm joined by Macdara Duncan International Director of Live Shopping Platform Sprii. https://sprii.io/ Key Highlights to help you understand what works in Live Shopping are below  Authenticity in Content MacDara emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity in live streams, presenting an in-store experience that feels real and unpolished to viewers. Campaign-Led Approach: Discover the advantages of using themes or campaigns over discounts to attract and retain viewers during live streams. Engaging Through Gamification: Learn how to incorporate interactive elements like quizzes, raffles, and polls to keep your audience entertained and engaged. Structure of Live Streams: Get tips on structuring your live sessions effectively, typically lasting 45 minutes to an hour and featuring numerous interactive components. Continuous Viewer Engagement: Understand the necessity of repeating themes and products to cater to viewers joining at different times. Production Quality Flexibility: Explore the range of production qualities, from casual setups to professional environments, suitable for live streams. Alternative Hosts: Learn why it's not always necessary for founders to host live streams themselves and how knowledgeable staff can be excellent hosts. Content Reusability: Discover strategies to repurpose live stream content for various promotional activities post-event. High Conversion Rates: Hear about the impressive conversion rates in live shopping, thanks to detailed and engaging presentations. Engagement Over Audience Size: Understand why a smaller, engaged audience can be more valuable than a larger, unengaged one. Sprii Platform  https://sprii.io/ Learn about Sprii, a streamlined live shopping tool, and its role in enhancing live shopping experiences. Host  Nicole Higgins  has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.  At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/

Ultimate Black Friday Strategy: How Brands Can Maximize Sales Before, During, and After First off I want to say participating in Black Friday may not be right for you, you might not have enough margin or stock or  it may not sit right from a sustainability or mass consumption point of view but if you have decided to join the countless brands that will be discounting over BFCM (Black Friday Cyber Monday) Then this episode is for you where I will share tips and tactics to help you before during and after Black Friday.     Some of the areas I chat about today  Setting Clear Goals & KPI's for Black Friday  How to Plan your promotions and what promotions work.  Optimizing your website and email marketing.  Black Friday can be a whirlwind, but with the right preparation and strategies, it's a huge opportunity for your business. Focus on planning ahead, executing smoothly during the rush, and following up afterward to keep the momentum going.  I've created a FREE Checklist & Guide for you to action before during & after Black Friday  https://nicolehigginsthebuyerandretailcoach.lpages.co/black-fridayplanner/ Your black FRiday Checklist PDF  Host  Nicole Higgins  has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.    At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.   https://runwaytoresults.com/

I'm all for advice that is  easy to understand and implement and was delighted to chat with Alice Benham author of the recently released The Digital Marketing Handbook for this weeks podcast  Some of the areas we chat about  Why Marketing Strategies Often Feel Overwhelming (00:03:16): The pitfalls of jargon-filled advice and the importance of understanding the core elements of a strategy. Marketing strategy simplified: plan with an end goal in mind. Three Steps to Building a Marketing Strategy (00:05:28): Clarity: Determine your marketing goals, brand identity, and target audience. Planning: Decide where and how to show up online, and create relevant content. Implementation: Establish processes, timelines, and methods to execute and measure your strategy. Setting Financial and Personal Goals (00:07:40): Integrating financial targets and personal lifestyle goals into your overall marketing strategy. Using marketing as a tool to achieve both business success and personal fulfilment. Standing Out and Connecting with Consumers (00:12:13): Understanding what makes your brand unique through customer feedback and storytelling. Case studies of successful product businesses, like Partner in Wine and Pearl Cosmetics. Identifying and Understanding Your Target Audience (00:17:35): The difference between demographic and psychographic targeting. The importance of constant learning and adapting based on consumer behaviour and feedback. Reviewing and Adjusting Your Marketing Strategy (00:20:13): The right intervals for evaluating and tweaking your marketing strategy. Buy the digital Marketing Handbook  https://amzn.eu/d/iNK80CV Find out more about Alice Benham  https://www.alicebenham.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/alice_benham/ https://www.alicebenham.co.uk/about Host  Nicole Higgins  has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.  https://glowwithus.neondigitalclicks.co.uk/runway-to-results-page681429

How about growing to 50K followers in 6 months, well that's just what this weeks guest did Martha Keith Founder of stationery brand Martha Brook London and her new account Business Secrets Club where Martha shares great tips and advice for small businesses particularly focusing on social media.  I recently had the pleasure of recording this episode Live on the stage at Top Drawer and it was so great to get the interaction and questions from the audience, (you can watch the full episode on You tube on the link below) We chatted about growing your business on Instagram,  and connecting with your customers along with driving sales on the Instagram platform.  For real tangible advice hear how you can  Create "bingeable"  content that leaves followers coming back for more  Understand what content pillars are and how to use them effectively for your brand  What trends are working now on Instagram   Understand what strategies are most effective for driving growth and sales  Give value to your audience and what that actually looks like in practice.  Include storytelling in your business. Adapt to the changing algorithm to enhance your  content's reach and visibility Guest  Martha Keith. Founder, Martha Brook and Business Secrets Club Martha is the founder and CEO of award-winning stationery brand Martha Brook. After her own experiences growing a business, she now helps and advises other entrepreneurs and start-ups. She is a member of the British Library Advisory Council and is Ambassador for their Business & IP Centre. In 2024 she founded Business Secrets Club, growing it to a community of 50K in six months. Last year she was awarded Consumer Goods Businesswomen of the Year at the Great British Businesswomen Awards. https://www.instagram.com/marthabrookldn https://www.instagram.com/businesssecretsclub/ https://www.businesssecretsclub.com/ https://www.marthabrook.com/ Nicole Higgins has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams. She now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.  https://glowwithus.neondigitalclicks.co.uk/runway-to-results-page681429    

Anxiety, Self-doubt and lack of confidence are all things as business founders we can experience. Today's  episode of start scale succeed I chat with Life Coach, published Author  & NLP Practitioner Holly Matthews about Finding your Confidence.  Holly has just released her new book Find your confidence (see link below)  She shares tips and tactics to help build and create confidence in several different situations  Areas we chat about in the podcast are  Building Confidence: Combining external body language techniques with internal mindset work. 'Fake it till you make it' approach while working on internal self-esteem. Developing self-belief through continued efforts and tools. Visualization and Scripting: Regular practice of visualization, especially before bed. Importance of scripting for public speaking and confidence in various scenarios. Anchoring Techniques: Methods like pressing fingers together to reinforce positivity and reduce anxiety, particularly effective for public speaking. Real-life Examples and Practical Tips: Holly shares her TED Talk experience and the role of visualization and anchoring in overcoming last-minute challenges. Handling Anxiety and Mindset Shifts: Techniques like breathwork, meditation, physical exercise, and EFT tapping for managing anxiety. Recognizing and challenging limiting beliefs through positive affirmations and real-time interventions. Setting Boundaries: Differentiating personal and business boundaries to maintain balance. Assertiveness in boundary enforcement to avoid passive or aggressive behaviours. Appearance and Self-Image: Addressing internalized critical messaging about appearance affecting public confidence. Striving for a balanced and authentic online presence. Moving from self-critique to neutrality and acceptance. Self-Compassion and Overcoming Negative Thoughts: Importance of challenging negative, fear-based stories and reframing failures with compassionate self-talk. Techniques for real-time thought interruption and adjusting self-perception. Guest Bio  Holly Matthews  Holly is a qualified Life Coach, NLP practitioner, hypnotherapist and Intuitive Psychology Coach. She has coached thousands of people across the world (across all walks of life, from Mums on the school run to Brit winning pop stars). Her debut book The Happy Me Project- A no nonsense guide to self development won Health and Wellbeing Magazines best wellbeing book of 2022 and hit number #1 on Amazon the day it released. Holly's relatable and raw approach to self development has her teaching people how to feel ‘more happy and less crappy' in a way that reaches those that never thought ‘self development' would be for them.  Www.iamhollymatthews.com  Buy Find your Confidence  https://amzn.eu/d/09gFk3Hy  Host  Nicole Higgins  has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.    At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.

If you are a product business up to 70% of your yearly turnover can come during Q4, I chat with previous Guest Hannah Spicer on how you can ensure you are getting the most out of your emails to drive your sales. Areas we chat about Approaching Black Friday and deciding on your sales & promotional strategy for the quarter Reviewing  what worked the previous year, testing and warming up your email list Key Metrics to track and how they might be slightly different this time of year. Reviewing your segmentation Frequency and timing of emails Post Black Friday & Christmas strategies  Emerging trends in Email Marketing Emailing on Christmas Day what works and what doesn't Retaining new customers gained during the Christmas season and transforming them into loyal repeat buyers   Guest Bio Hannah Spicer is a Klayviyo  email marketing expert having worked with Premium and Luxury ecommerce brands on email marketing from 2005. With 20 years experience consulting & supporting businesses in the fashion beauty and lifestyle sector to maximise their own email marketing   Listen to Hannah previous episode https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/mastering-email-marketing-for-your-business-with/id1577771045?i=1000647463616   https://www.instagram.com/hannahspicer_consulting/ https://www.hspicerconsulting.com/             Host Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits. She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories         Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/     Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.   At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.

Removing friction and making it easier for your customers to buy is key if you have a product business. This weeks episode I chat with Mel Eilers a Many chat expert where we talk about Chat funnels and why you should be using them and how they can benefit your business  Benefits of Using Manychat     - Mel breaks down what Manychat is and its compliance with Meta, highlighting its approval and the rules to abide by.      Use Cases and Examples     - Nicole and Mel discuss successful use cases of Manychat, including Instagram Live events and story mentions that drive engagement and increase sales.      Components of a Chat Funnel:     - Key components are discussed, such as personalization, the importance of re-engagement and pivoting conversations to maintain customer interest.      Integration with Existing Strategies     - Mel provides insights on how to integrate Manychat with your existing marketing strategies to enhance customer engagement and conversion rates.      Analytics and Measuring Success     - The importance of analytics in Manychat and how brands can track the effectiveness of their chat funnels to optimize their strategies. Preparing for High-Traffic Seasons:     - Mel discusses the importance of list-building and strategic planning using Manychat, especially heading into high-traffic sales periods like Black Friday. Guest Mel Eilers   The “Manychat queen” – Mel Eilers is a Manychat Messenger Expert and Agency Partner who works with coaches, personal brands and retailers to help them maximise their sales and leads from Instagram, all whilst freeing up the to-do list and saving time in the DMs. Mel helps brands personalise their connection with followers through Manychat automations, helping to boost reach and engagement, leading to higher conversion rates through a seamless customer journey. She has shared the online stage with Amy Porterfield and Michael Hyatt at the Rise Above Summit; spoken on the Chat Marketing Podcast and also delivered various masterclasses and webinars. Mel is recognised as a go-to expert for Manychat, building automations for clients such as online business coach Teresa Heath-Waring, mentoring site Photography Farm and the Resilient Retail Coach, Catherine Erdly. IG: https://www.instagram.com/socially_sound/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieeilers/ Website: www.sociallysound.co.uk Email: mel@sociallysound.co.uk Freebie: Manychat Starter Kit - https://sociallysound.thrivecart.com/ig-chat-funnels-starter-kit/ NEW: Manychat Beta Course https://sociallysound.thrivecart.com/manychat-ig-accelerator/ Host  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.  At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.

Today's episode of start scale succeed delves into the intriguing world of crowdfunding with our special guest, Danielle Wallington, the visionary founder of Flock here,  Join us as Danielle reveals her journey of raising over £20,000 in just over 30 days through crowdfunding.  Discover how she turned her idea, stemming from co-working meetups and the need for recommended workspaces for women, into a successfully funded project. In this episode, we unpack the essentials of launching a crowdfunding campaign, including setting precise funding targets, choosing the right crowdfunding model, and crafting a strategic marketing plan.  Danielle provides insights into  Her top tips for crowdfunding  The importance of mindset and positivity  Setting funding targets  Planning the campaign.  Post campaign   Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to explore crowdfunding, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you achieve your fundraising goals.    Guest  Danielle Wallington is the founder of Flck here a coworking and community app, she is a  business mentor  &  tech founder   https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-wallington-22a13234/  https://www.instagram.com/flock_here /https://www.instagram.com/danielle_wallington_/ Host  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.    At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.   Head to www.runwaytoresults.com to get the journey started and prepare your business for take-off! https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

With a low barrier to entry candle brands are an easy product to get started with as a business, but should you? and what do you need to make it a success, I chat with Samantha Johnson who tells it how it is in the candle industry what works and what doesn't and what you need to know.  We chat about  Brand Identity:    - The importance of knowing what your brand is and is not. Pricing and Regulations:    - Accurate product pricing to reflect true labour.    - Heavy regulation in the candle industry, emphasizing the need for knowledgeable operational staff. Market Insights   Trends in fragrance demand in Europe focusing on natural and herbal scents.    - The consumer's growing awareness and preference for branded experiences. Business Challenges    - The high cost and extended timeframes in product development.    - Challenges of gaining traction in a saturated market.    - Importance of a strong wholesale network and investment in branding and marketing. Operational Tips:    - Necessity for a solid operational person to navigate complex regulations.    - Tactical approaches towards creating a commercial product range. Guest Samantha Johnson  Retail CMO turned manufacturing Managing Director and co founder  Bringing making home to the North West of England via artisan production  Samantha manufactures interiors products, homewares and candles on a bespoke, private label and branded basis.  https://www.avalonhome.co.uk /https://pintailcandles.co.uk/  Host  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.  At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. Head to www.runwaytoresults.com to get the journey started and prepare your business for take-off! https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

Depending on your product type between 25-50% of your turnover can come from Q4 (Oct- Dec) and I want you to have the best sales this year and to help get you more organised and reduce the overwhelm I've created a helpful guide and a detailed podcast taking you through steps that I would have used during my time working as a buyer for companies like M&S  & Primark. To get the Free guide check out the Link below or DM me the word Xmas on Instagram at the buyer and retail coach Download the FREE Plannning your Q4 Guide here https://nicolehigginsthebuyerandretailcoach.lpages.co/q4checklist/ Here are some of the steps I talk about in the guide and podcast ⭐ **Reflect and Refine:** Discover how to review and reflect on your past Q4 performance, utilizing lessons learned to shape a more successful strategy this year.⭐ **Inventory Excellence:** Tips for selecting and stocking the right products, including the magic Pareto rule of having 80% of your revenue come from 20% of your stock.⭐ **Price Point Strategy:** Understanding the Good, Better, and Best price points to cater to your diverse customer base effectively.⭐ **Operational Efficiency:** From warehouse setup to customer service templates, get your logistics aligned for a seamless holiday season.⭐ **Marketing Mastery:** Techniques to drive traffic, increase your average order value, and keep your audience engaged and shopping.I've  also created a comprehensive Q4 planning guide to accompany this episode! This guide serves as a checklist to keep you on track and ensure nothing gets overlooked as you prep for the busiest time of the year.       Host Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits. She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories   Download the FREE Plannning your Q4 Guide here https://nicolehigginsthebuyerandretailcoach.lpages.co/q4checklist/         Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/     Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.   At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.   Head to www.runwaytoresults.com to get the journey started and prepare your business for take-off! https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

In this conversation, I chat with Elle Williamson, a Shopify and Klaviyo expert, about how to keep sales coming in over the summer.  We discuss the myth that summer is a downtime for sales and emphasize the importance of not stopping marketing efforts during this time.  Elle advises planning ahead, updating the website, and utilizing email marketing to stay visible and engage customers.  We  also discuss the use of apps like JudgeMe, ReferralCandy, and Gorgias to streamline processes and improve customer service. Elle shares her expertise and offers valuable tips for Shopify e-commerce owners. - Plan ahead and schedule content, even if you're taking some time off. Prepare emails and website updates in advance. - Maintain email frequency to stay visible. Continue sending 1 email per week. - Make emails short, sweet, and shoppable. Showcase products and make it easy to click through. - Check your automated flows are seasonal and working properly. - Use apps like Judge.me for reviews and Referral Candy for customer referrals. - Consider outsourcing customer service to a VA to handle inquiries while you're away. Most importantly, don't go silent over summer! With some planning, you can keep revenue coming in and set yourself up for a successful Q4. Guest Elle Williamson  https://www.theecommerceassistant.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theecommerceassistant/ - Judge.me: https://apps.shopify.com/judgeme - Referral Candy: https://apps.shopify.com/referralcandy - Gorgias: https://apps.shopify.com/gorgias The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

Steph Douglas is the founder of personalised gifting company Don't Buy Her Flowers.  Established in 2014 initially to cater to new mums the brand grew beyond it's initial idea and now creates thoughtful gifting for all occasions.  Steph chats about her journey as a business owner from first hires to investment with everything else in between,  We chat about  The growth of the brand ⁠ The Importance of Multiple Revenue Streams⁠ Marketing Challenges in a Noisy Space⁠ Building a Strong and Supportive Team⁠ Balancing the Needs of the Team and the Business⁠ Balancing Work and Family⁠ Staying Focused and Motivated⁠ Stephs advice for those starting a business Starting a Business⁠ ⁠Steph Douglas  https://www.dontbuyherflowers.com/ https://www.instagram.com/steph_dontbuyherflowers/ https://www.instagram.com/dontbuyherflowers/ Host  Nicole Higgins  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories

When you are  approaching suppliers for your product business  what do they want from you.  What are the red flags when deciding which suppliers to work with for your fashion brand or product start up.  We answer these and much more in Ep 153 of start scale succeed I chat with Sheredene Rose Ex head of design for Monsoon and co-founder of Kappas India a supply and manufacturing company for fashion garments Tips for Working with Suppliers:    - Key questions to ask regarding product fit, social compliance, and ethical practices.sampling and MOQ     - Importance of early assessment of communication and payment terms. Product Sampling Costs    - Insight into factory sampling costs being typically two to three times the bulk cost price or FOB price. Informed Design Choices:    - Importance of hit rates in sampling and order placements.    - Caution against offering too many options and mismatched quantities without market demand research. *Market Intelligence & Supplier Relations:    - Necessity for clarity, understanding of pricing, and strong relationships.    - Warning against unrealistic expectations and frequent design changes. Guest Sheredene Rose  Sheredene shares her transition from a corporate design background to founding her own brands and a supply business in Delhi. Post-COVID, she and her partner Gagan pivoted from traditional retail to supporting online businesses, emphasizing the need for a clear product vision and well-thought presentation for success. https://www.iislaandbird.com/shop/ www.kapaasindia.com The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

I get it, as a product business owner Linked In may be the last plate you want to spin so it's potentially not really on your to do list, but this weeks episode of Start scale succeed I chat with Laurie Macpherson on how you can unlock it's potential and reach your ideal clients and market weather that's a retailer, a journalist or your DTC customer.  Here are some of the topics we cover  Power of Human Stories:  Understand the importance of sharing personal stories and making human connections. -Optimizing LinkedIn Profile  Get tips on creating an engaging LinkedIn profile to attract the right connections. Creating Authentic Content Find out the best practices for posting on LinkedIn and how to mix personal and business updates effectively. Avoiding Common Mistakes Discover the pitfalls to avoid in your LinkedIn strategy and how to personalize your approach. Building Meaningful Relationships  Learn strategies to build relationships with journalists and other key players without cold DMs.   Guest  Laurie Macpherson   https://go.lauriemacpherson.com/SignupforLinkedInguidanceandprompts https://www.lauriemacpherson.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_laurie_macpherson/ www.linkedin.com/in/lauriemac Host Nicole Higgins  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Watch the full episode on You tube  https://www.youtube.com/@thebuyerandretailcoach/podcasts Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

Renee created a bootstrapped business with just £2500 which has grown into a renowned swimwear brand  If you had said that you wanted to create a business that gave you the freedom to travel and create a nomadic lifestyle, a product business wouldn't have been the top of my list but Renee has just done that.    In this weeks episode we chat about Rushing and Rapid Expansion Renee talks about the pitfalls of expanding too quickly and the mistakes that came from rushing important decisions.Challenges in International Markets  Insights into launching in different countries  differences in consumer behavior and trends that required unique marketing strategies.Stockholding and Product Suitability: Discussion on the importance of understanding stock needs and ensuring product suitability for different regions.Current Challenges The hurdles Ode & Rae  faces as it continues to grow, including managing influencer partnerships and finding the right fit for the team that is brought into the business Brand Perception and Key Styles: Realizing the importance of focusing on a few key styles rather than chasing trends continuously.Social Media Presence Renee's decision to distance herself from the brand's social media, and the reasons behind this choice including future business exit strategy and personal imposter syndrome. Investment Considerations  Her experiences with angel investment and the contemplation of further rounds, balancing external investment with her vision for the brand. Guest Renée Milner, Founder & CEO, ODE+ RAE Renée is a visionary entrepreneur and the solo female founder of ODE + RAE, a female owned and led, luxury Swimwear and Ready-To-Wear brand, which she bootstrapped from the ground up in 2017. Through the ODE + RAE brand, Renée is committed to empowering women to feel confident and liberated, as well as inspire others to create a lifestyle that harmonises work and personal freedom. Renée is passionate about freedom, personal growth, connection, happiness, and resilience; these values are the bedrock of her business philosophy. She advocates for maximising one's potential and living an inspired and authentic life, on your terms.   https://www.instagram.com/renee_rayy https://odeandrae.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ODEANDRAE Host Nicole Higgins  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Watch the full episode on You tube  https://www.youtube.com/@thebuyerandretailcoach/podcasts Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

We all saw the numerous collaborations Barbie did before the movie launch from make up to Airbnb  But many of you don't have the Barbie budget or the clout of a million dollar movie behind you so how can you make a partnership work for you, why should you do a collab and how do you pitch to the brands you are interested in working with.  They are all of thing topics I'll be chatting with Natalia Chappel about in this episode  Some of the key topics  The Power of Partnerships and Collaborations Understanding Complementary Brands and Audiences The Benefits of Partnerships for Reach and Growth Finding the Right Partners: Dream Brands and Unexpected Collaborations Researching and Connecting with Potential Partners Pitching for Partnerships: Creating a Compelling Proposal Negotiating a Partnership Involving a Physical Product Considerations for Profit Split and Stock Management Optimal Marketing Timelines for Product Launches Key Takeaways     Strategic Partnerships    - Forming complementary partnerships can help expand a brand's reach and engage different audiences.    - Clear objectives, understanding of the partner's branding, and aligning with the target customer are crucial.    - Real-world examples of successful partnerships,   Executing Partnerships    - The significance of clear agreements, expectations, marketing budget, and timelines.    - The importance of GDPR compliance and transparent data-sharing agreements.    - Creating excitement around product launches through well-timed marketing efforts and engaging events.   Handling Products and Stock    - Recommendations on focusing on core products to reduce margin erosion.    - Importance of clear agreements and margins when stocking products exclusively on a website.   Tips for Approaching Brands    - Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to research and build relationships for partnerships.    - Make pitches concise and highlight unique selling propositions to stand out.    - Consider the partner's tone of voice, customer base, and brand values.   Challenges and Timeframes    - Understand that securing partnerships can take significant time, ranging from a few months to over a year.    - Establish clear timelines, objectives, and deliverables from the start.   Guest Natalie Chappel     Digital Marketing Consultant and founder of Natalia Chappel Consultancy for lifestyle and fashion brands working with brands to scaling up revenue growth & accelerating traffic to site improving channel mix that focuses on acquiring new customers  improving retention rate & ensuring a healthy bottom line www.nataliachappell.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/nataliachappellco/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nataliachappell   Host Nicole Higgins  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/   Watch the full episode on You tube  https://www.youtube.com/@thebuyerandretailcoach/podcasts     Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/    

How do you inject more personality into your brand, help keep customers engaged and tell a story? One of those ways is by using stop motion in your creative socials, videos and reels. And today I'm chatting with Alice Loveday, founder of Loveday Social and the queen of Stop Motion.    Highlights include    - **Introduction to Stop Motion:   - Definition and magical elements of stop motion.   - Why it's so engaging and valuable for marketing and sales.   - **Business Applications:   - Distinguishing your brand and telling stories through stop motion.   - Highlighting unique selling points (USPs) and product features.   - The power of stop motion in social media and paid ads.   - **Common Misconceptions:   - Debunking the myth that stop motion is time-consuming.   - Tips for creating quick, effective stop motions using minimal equipment    - **Practical Advice:**   - Recommended apps: Life Lapse and Stop Motion Studio.   - Top five must-have stop motion content types for product businesses.   - Step-by-step process for coming up with stop motion content. Guest Alice Loveday  ​​https://www.lovedaysocial.com/ https://www.instagram.com/loveday.social Host Nicole Higgins  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/   Watch the full episode on You tube  https://www.youtube.com/@thebuyerandretailcoach/podcasts Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

When was the last time you audited your website and looked at it from the point of view of a user? This weeks episode we chat all about increasing your website conversion and enhancing the experience of the user.  Aime Cox from Studio Cotton is an  expert when it comes to crafting and designing websites  and shares their insights and tips on why your conversion may not be where it should be and what you can do about it.  Some of the areas we talk about  E-commerce Conversion Rates:**    - Understand what makes a good conversion rate and why smaller businesses might achieve higher rates (around 3-3.5%). User Experience (UX) and Product Descriptions:**    - Listen to Amy's golden advice on website optimization and the importance of regular SEO updates focusing on product descriptions and product collections. **Audit and Optimize:**    - Learn about the importance of regularly auditing your website to identify issues hampering conversion rates. Amy also provides insightful advice on utilizing customer and press reviews to enhance product descriptions. Guest  Aime Cox founder  Studio Cotton offer thoughtfully crafted website design and expertise for small businesses and podcasts  https://studiocotton.co.uk/  https://www.instagram.com/studio.cotton/   Host Nicole Higgins  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

Communications expert, journalist and PR guru Priscilla Pollara joins the start scale succeed podcast to chat  Pitching to journalists and how to engage with them and how to find the right ones for your brand & products.  Creating the story the journalist wants to hear and feature Collaborating with aligned brands to boost your visibility and leverage audiences  Engaging customers through compelling stories and what that looks like and how to craft them.  Understanding your unique Value proposition  Guest bio  With a background rooted in newspapers, Priscilla Pollara brings a unique perspective to problem-solving in the world of PR and communications. This distinct approach is the cornerstone of their firm, Top Trick, which is the culmination of years of experience in communications, journalism, reputation management, and branding. Priscillas journalistic eye allows them  to view every project through a distinct lens, ensuring thorough and insightful strategies that set their clients apart in a crowded marketplace. https://toptrick.co.uk/collections/courses https://toptrick.co.uk/ Host Nicole Higgins  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

The tables are turned this week where Nicole is chatting with Jacqui Ripley spilling the tea on what retailers want and what to include in your pitch deck and some other nuggets such as  ⭐️ Rookie mistakes brand owners can make including packaging⁠ ⭐️ How to grab a buyer's attention ⁠ ⭐️ The key information to put in a retail deck⁠ ⭐️ How to handle negotiation⁠ ⭐️ The importance of getting your pricing right from the get go⁠   Interviewer  Jacqui Ripley  Host Nicole Higgins  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

Connecting and engaging with your customer is key and one way to do this is through pop ups. This week's guest is Matt Hopkins founder of the great brand exchange.   The Great Brand Exchange was founded in 2014 with two goals in mind. The first was to help small businesses grow and scale by giving them a route into retail. And the second was to bring exciting, unique, local products to major retailers enabling them to offer something different alongside their big-name brands.   On the podcast Matt chats about:  Consumer behaviour and trends and what consumers want from a brand  Shifts towards localism and the desire for brands that reflect consumers' core values. Importance of storytelling, authenticity, and personalized experiences in brand engagement. How pop-ups serve as a potent marketing tool. Benefits of temporary retail spaces from driving sales to engaging consumers. Pop-ups' role in rapidly responding to trends and consumer demands. Setting Up a Successful Pop-Up**  Essential steps involved in preparing for a pop-up event. The importance of location, design, and storytelling in attracting and engaging customers. Strategies for creating impactful visual merchandising and product displays.  https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbrandexchange/ https://thegbexchange.com/ Host Nicole Higgins  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

You are what you eat, well in this case you are what you put on your skin, inspired by superfoods and plant based ingredients Roshanne transitioned from a legal career into the beauty industry and founded The Glowcery.  Listen to hear how  Before Roshanne  even launched she had been sent a cease and desist from Chanel  How the brand launched and why it was successful from the beginning  How the Glowcery are marketing and growing their brands and standing out in every increasing competitive market What is working for them with influencer marketing  And why pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is key for your growth as an entrepreneur.    Guest  Roshanne Dorset founder of the The Glowcery From the court room to cosmetics  Roshanne's journey into holistic wellness began five years ago when she embraced a vegan lifestyle. Initially motivated by a desire to enhance her diet.  Roshanne experienced profound improvements in her overall health; her skin became clearer and her Roshanne was inspired to found "The Glowcery," a company dedicated to creating skincare products that align with the principles of a plant-based lifestyle, nourishing the skin as wholesomely as the foods she consumed. https://www.theglowceryshop.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theglowceryshop/   Host Nicole Higgins  Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

What's a personal brand and how do you build one when you are also building your product business? This weeks episode Martha Keith founder of Martha Brook Stationery joins the start scale succeed podcast and we chat about how  you can make your brand stand out with personal branding, sharing your story and bringing your community on the journey.  Highlights include  How & why you should show up as the founder to differentiate your brand  The power of personal branding and debunking the current trend for faceless accounts  The Do's and Don'ts of personal branding  How to create engaging content  Developing the story of your brand  Guest Martha Keith founder of Martha Brook Stationery an award winning multi 7 figure stationery brand. Martha is an entrepreneur, speaker, writer and mentor    You can find out more at  https://www.marthabrook.com/ https://www.instagram.com/marthabrookldn/ https://www.instagram.com/businesssecretsclub https://www.marthakeith.uk/ Host Nicole Higgins Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.  She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

What to do when your product  business just isn't working for you anymore?, this is where Kayley was a few months ago and she has reassessed and reflected on what she wants her brand and business to be and so she is pivoting and changing her business model.  In this episodes she shares her journey of how she started,  the challenges she has faced and why she is pivoting to move forward with podcast host Nicole Higgins  Some of the topics covered Building a Brand with a Unique Selling Proposition:** Learn about Kayleigh's strategic shift towards a brand with an "always-in-stock" component, annual color changes, and seasonal drops. Wholesale and Market Strategies:** Insight into Kayleigh's plans to wholesale her brand, her preparation for trade shows, and why she chose to delay her participation to ensure brand readiness. The Emotional Journey of Entrepreneurship:** Kayleigh discusses overcoming her fear of failure, redefining what failure means, and the personal pride she takes in managing her business alongside motherhood. Strategic Pivots and Operational Changes:** Hear how Kayleigh handled challenges including subletting her store space, closing the playroom, and her plans to focus more on her own successful brand. Future Aspirations and Current Projects:** Get a sneak peek into the upcoming launch of Kayleigh's new brand and the winter collection planned for September/October.    Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

At some stage in your business journey you may look for  investment to help you  start or grow. This week in  ep 141 Luke Desmond joins the podcast to demystify investment and explain the investment landscape, who you should be approaching depending on what stage your business is at and the funds you are looking for.  Highlights of this episode include: Pitching to Investors: The value of a compelling story, clear data, and a precise ask in your pitch deck. Understand your business valuation and be prepared with all necessary documentation. Business Valuation: Factors influencing valuation and the differences between valuation methods based on profit or potential growth. Preparing for Investment: A walk-through of how to best get ready for investment, including having a well-organized pitch deck and data room for potential investors. Explaining Lifetime value  We delve into the components required to calculate a customer's lifetime value – average order value, frequency of purchases, and customer retention period – using a kidswear business as a case example. Client Acquisition Cost (CAC) Insight: Understanding CAC not only in terms of initial profit but over the longevity of client relationships and how it influences marketing budgets and investor relations. Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS): Luke breaks down these tax-relief schemes aimed at aiding investors who back risky startups. Investor Relations: Tips for aligning with the right investors – what to look for, what to ask, and how to establish mutual expectations for a fruitful partnership. Guest  Luke Desmond founder of crisp accountancy and fractional CFO has worked with businesses across a range of sectors but has specialist knowledge of technology, SaaS & E-commerce. He has helped businesses fine-tune original ideas & launch from day 1, raise seven figures and exit for eight figures.   founder and CEO of Crisp Accountancy, an accountancy firm that works with a range of businesses from Solopreneurs to Scale Up in a variety of different sectors. Luke works with businesses across a range of sectors but has a specialist knowledge of and passion for technology, SaaS & E-commerce. Through his work as Fractional CFO,  he helps businesses  fine-tune original ideas & launch from day 1, raise seven figures and exit for eight figures. He is on a mission to improve the financial understanding of business owners and I works closely with businesses to increase their profits and equip them with the necessary skills to master their finances and make better informed financial decisions. https://www.instagram.com/crispaccountancy/ https://crispaccountancy.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukedesmond/ https://www.lukedesmond.co.uk/ Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

This weeks episode Nicole chats about how  to build commercial ranges for your product business.  Nicole shares some of the mistakes she made whilst working as a buyer for major high street retailers and how you can create and develop products that are the right fit for your business  Focusing on people, the product and profit  Nicole breaks down actions to take when planning for the seasons ahead.    The Host  Nicole Higgins is a seasoned professional with over 18 years experience in the retail industry, having worked as a buyer  with blue-chip companies such as Primark and M&S across multi product categories from Bras to Beauty   Her journey in the corporate world has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge and insights that she now dedicates to empowering startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their journey to growth, profit  and scalability. Nicole specializes in guiding businesses through the intricacies of start up,  strategy, sourcing and  product development. Her keen understanding of market dynamics allows her to provide tailored solutions that drive success in today's competitive landscape.   Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsors  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

Using a distributor for your beauty or wellness  brand can catapult your growth.  In ep 139 of start scale succeed host Nicole Higgins chats with Catherine Collins about the practical tips for identifying and collaborating with the right distributor.  Catherine established a distribution agency in the middle east and now provides expert consultancy for beauty and wellness brands  This week some of the topics covered are  The pivotal role of distributors in a brand's expansion and the critical factors that determine when a brand is ready to work with a distributor. The financial mechanics of distributor partnerships, including the ideal margin rule for pricing  The distinction between the roles of distributors and agents in the growth of a brand, and what brands can expect from each. Characteristics of founders who steer their brands towards success, such as a growth mindset, resilience, and a purpose-driven approach to their business. An overview of current trends shaping the beauty industry, including consumer interest in scientifically-backed products and doctor-led brands.  Practical tips for identifying and collaborating with the right distributor, including questions to ask and strategies to foster a lasting and beneficial relationship.   Guest  Catherine Collins  Catherine's career spans across multiple markets from building an international beauty distribution business in the Middle East to advising some of the world's most well known beauty brands on their global strategy and working closely with high growth startups and connecting them with investors.  She has a deep understanding of international markets and how to scale a brand successfully and has worked with a variety of different retailers and distributors worldwide.  https://www.constellarconsultancy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/constellarconsultancy/ Host  Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

The retail market in the middle east is worth approx $80 billion dollars, but how do you break into that market as a brand and what do you need to consider  In this episode of Start Scale Succeed Nicole chats with Abbie founder of base brands a brand strategy & consulting company based in Dubai about selling and launching in the Dubai market  Some of the areas discussed are:  Tips and advice for breaking into the market  from customers to logistics  What to consider culturally and shopping habits in Dubai  Trends & Market changes that are emerging in the middle east  Red tape and legislation  The mistakes the small businesses make when trying to sell in Dubai  The different types of retailers and expected payment terms    Guest  https://www.basebrandsco.com/ https://www.instagram.com/base.brands/ Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/   Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

Recent closures of high street chains further highlights the challenges of bricks and mortar stores, but how are the new kids on the block building their businesses and creating a community.  This episode I chat with Cat Anderson founder of sustainable clothing store Treen a  vegan fashion retailer, offering a selection of style must-haves from a carefully selected group of brands that make a positive difference. Providing a killer wardrobe without Killing the planet.  This episode we chat about her start up journey, what she is doing to build the business and building relationships and becoming more than a retail brand and how she gets the community and her team  involved in the brand.  The sustainable initiatives that she has planned for the future and why they mean so much to her and the brand.  https://www.instagram.com/shoptreen_/ https://shoptreen.com/ Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/

Are you using your stories to their full potential?  Using stories to connect and sell is key to help you business grow. Ep 136 is with creative content consultant May Castillo our key focus today is How to sell in your stories.  Some of the topics we chat about are:  "Fearless Selling" - Overcome the emotional barriers to confidently sell your products or services. "Sales Foundations" - Understand essential sales strategies before utilizing Instagram stories to sell. "Consumer Shifts" - Adapt to changes in consumer behavior favoring stories and messaging over feeds and reels. "Story Sequencing" - Craft a compelling narrative throughout the day to engage viewers and lead them to purchase. "Client Transformations" - Use client stories to show the impact of your product, enhancing its value proposition. "Storytelling Mastery" - Maintain a logical sequence in storytelling; start with a problem and end with a solution. "Creative Sales" - Infuse creativity in sales through gamification and customer involvement for better engagement. "Avoid Mistakes" - Ensure context, relevance, and storytelling flow to avoid common storytelling pitfalls. "Profile Optimization" - Create a strong profile with strategic pinned posts to attract and retain followers. "SMS Engagement" - Utilize SMS marketing sparingly to build personal connections and boost engagement.   Guest  May Castillo  https://www.instagram.com/talktomay/  https://www.talktomay.com/10commandmentsofigstories   Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store? Want to do it without having to wear yet another hat and become a digital marketing expert? This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, THE paid-traffic partner for family and women's e-commerce brands wanting to scale their stores from five figure to six figure months using Meta, Google and Klaviyo marketing services.   Neon is offering listeners a FREE scaling audit worth £3000!  So whether your sales have plateaued or you 're looking for growth, this is a great opportunity to lift the lid on your biz and identify where the opportunities are hiding.  Head to scaleandglow.com to discover just how much revenue you could scale your store to this year.  https://scaleandglow.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/neondigitalclicks/