Make Time: Human, Business & AI Capabilities for Small Business

In this episode, Sam discusses the critical differences between coaching and mentoring, emphasising their unique roles in supporting successful business leaders. She highlights the importance of education as a foundational element that enhances the effectiveness of both coaching and mentoring. By understanding these distinctions and the value of structured support, business owners can accelerate t...

In this episode, Sam discusses the importance of developing your own critical thinking skills and strategies in business. She emphasises that relying on others for answers can lead to a loss of power and agility. By cultivating your own thinking, you can be confident to make informed decisions, adapt to changes, and ultimately thrive in a dynamic business environment. Sam shares insights on how to...

In this episode, Sam discusses the concept of investment beyond just financial terms, emphasising that every choice we make is an investment of our time, energy, and attention. She explores the importance of self-investment, the compounding effect of small, consistent actions, and the need for conscious decision-making in our daily lives. The conversation also touches on the collective impact of o...

In this episode of Make Time, host Sam discusses the common challenges small businesses face in marketing, emphasising the importance of having a solid strategy rather than just relying on tactics. She highlights how understanding customer needs, building a strong brand, and creating a seamless customer experience are crucial for effective marketing. Sam also addresses the role of agencies in mark...

In this episode, Sam delves into the significance of purpose stories and why sharing yours will help you in your business. She emphasises their role in connecting with audiences and inspiring action. In sharing 25eight's purpose story, Sam explores the challenges many small business leaders face in gaining the knowledge and skills they need to lead a thriving business. Sam talks about the impact t...

In this episode of the Make Time podcast, Sam discusses the origins of the brand 25eight, emphasising the importance of clarity and education for startups. She shares insights on how the company evolved from a marketing agency to a focus on empowering businesses through educational programs. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by startups, particularly around time management and the n...

In this podcast episode, Sam, the CEO of 25eight and host of the podcast, shares her journey from being an international sales and marketing director to becoming an entrepreneur focused on empowering small and medium-sized businesses. She discusses the importance of education, the challenges faced by SMEs, and the need for business owners to operate on their own terms. Sam emphasises the significa...

In this week's episode Sam delves into the significance of pitch training as a crucial element of business strategy. She discusses how effective pitching can help businesses understand their value proposition, stabilise sales, and adapt to market changes. Sam emphasises the importance of understanding customer needs and tailoring pitches accordingly, as well as the dynamic nature of business growt...

What will ensure the longevity of your business when things get tough? In this weeks episode we Make Time for Erika Hughes, the 2023 Women Manufacturer of the Year and Commercial Director of Integra Systems. Erika shares her journey in the manufacturing industry, discussing her strategic approach to business growth, innovation, and the importance of governance. She emphasises the need for resilien...

In this week's episode, Sam discusses the importance of focusing on core competencies, especially during uncertain times or in the early stages of business. She shares insights from her own experience in her 10 years of Small-Medium Business Leadership and talks about how you can use the strategic framework, The Hedgehog Concept, developed by Jim Collins to become a great company. Looking at Lego...

In this episode, Sam discusses the challenges businesses face in achieving product market fit (PMF) and offers strategies to overcome these obstacles. She highlights common pitfalls such as insufficient market research, overestimating early feedback, ignoring customer input, and premature scaling. Sam emphasises the importance of continuous validation, strong feedback loops, and strategic agility...

In this week's episode of Make Time, Sam discusses the critical importance of product market fit for all businesses, regardless of what stage you are in. She highlights that it is the key factor in determining success or failure. With statistics on startup failures due to lack of market need and explanations how achieving product market fit can lead to accelerated growth and sustainability, Sam de...

In this episode, CEO of 25eight, Sam Hurley discusses the critical importance of focus in both personal and business contexts. Highlighting the cognitive limitations that hinder our ability to maintain attention, the challenges posed by modern distractions, and the significant impact of focus on business growth and operational efficiency at whatever stage your business is at and the need for strat...

This week on Make Time: A business podcast by 25eight, we make time for Michelle Creevey, CEO of Purpose Procurement and ex supply chain leader from Boeing Defence Australia. Interviewed by Make Time host, Sam Hurley, CEO of 25eight. 25eight. Business education & high performance training for SMEs who like to work smarter, not harder. In this episode of Make Time, host Sam Hurley interviews Mi...

What stage of growth is your business? In this episode, CEO of 25eight Sam Hurley, describes the characteristics of the five stages of small business growth as identified by Churchill & Lewis and published by Harvard Business Review. By understanding these stages it helps us to better navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship effectively and what the most important thing we need to focus on....