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  • EP44 - Building The Business - January 2025 - Daniel Osullivan

    EP44 - Building The Business - January 2025 - Daniel Osullivan
    2025/02/04
    In this special solo episode of We Built This Business, host Daniel Osullivan shares an insider update on his own businesses—Red Cactus Events and the newly launched Shizzoo Media. He discusses the growth, challenges, and future plans for the company, offering a transparent look into running and scaling multiple brands in the event and media industries. From financial goals and team expansion to marketing strategies and investment ventures, Daniel gives an honest breakdown of where the business stands as of January 2025. HIGHLIGHTS 1. Introducing the How We solo episodes—Daniel’s monthly business update. 2. The growth of Red Cactus Events, its 10 sub-brands, and expansion plans. 3. The launch of Shizzoo Media, a new creative content agency. 4. 2024 financial recap: £1.4M turnover, £120K profit, 15 employees—with a goal to reach £1.75M and 20 employees in 2025. 5. New training initiatives to upskill employees and stay ahead with AI advancements. 6. Marketing shift: focusing on social content and a brand vlog series. 7. Investment challenges: difficulties in securing Bitcoin investment access. 8. Business performance update—team building events are up, but retail experiences are struggling. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We explore their beginnings, challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Running a business is tough—so why not learn from those who have done it before? PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences offers nationwide team building events, ensuring companies Keep Things Fun! From game shows to sports days and more, there’s something for every team. Visit https://bit.ly/tbe-pod and use code PODCAST15. VALUABLE RESOURCES Host Website www.redcactusevents.co.uk www.shizzoo.co www.webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 4 - How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie Episode 5 - How I Built a Global Tech Events Business and Thrived in the Pandemic - Johnny Edser Episode 6 - How I Built a Digital Marketing Business and How I Exited - Alex Minchin ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of Red Cactus Events, overseeing brands in events, entertainment, and media, including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page Donation: Every week that we release an episode, we donate £10 to the British Heart Foundation. Our goal is to contribute £520 a year! Donate here.
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    9 分
  • EP43 - How I Built Boost Drinks into a £75 Million Revenue Business - Simon Gray

    EP43 - How I Built Boost Drinks into a £75 Million Revenue Business - Simon Gray
    2025/01/28
    In this episode of ‘We Built This Business,’ we talk with Simon Gray, founder of Boost Drinks. Simon shares his journey of building a challenger brand in the functional drinks space, growing it to £75 million in revenue, and eventually selling the business to AG Barr for £20 million. From starting with no formal business plan to navigating challenges like cash flow and competition, Simon reveals how he scaled his business and maintained its identity in a competitive market. HIGHLIGHTS 1. Starting Boost Drinks: Simon discusses how he turned a university pain point into a thriving business, launching a challenger brand in the energy drinks space. 2. Scaling Up: From a small team to a £75 million revenue business, Simon highlights pivotal moments in Boost's growth journey. 3. The Acquisition by AG Barr: Insights into the deal-making process and navigating the transition after selling his company. 4. Brand Innovation: How Boost diversified its offerings with products like isotonic sports drinks and iced coffee. 5. Lessons Learned: Simon shares the challenges of leadership, including tough personnel decisions and managing cash flow in high-growth phases. 6. Future Plans: What’s next for Simon as he transitions out of Boost and explores new ventures. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel O’Sullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business podcast to discuss how they built their businesses. We explore their origins, challenges, successes, and lessons learned along the way. Running a business is hard work, so why not learn from those who’ve done it before? PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences is a nationwide team building company specializing in keeping things fun for businesses. From game shows to sports days, there’s something for every team! Visit Team Building Experiences and use code PODCAST15 for 15% off your next event. Team Building Experiences Website - https://bit.ly/tbe-pod Offer Code – PODCAST15 VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://www.boostdrinks.com/ Host Website – https://beacons.ai/wbtb EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 4 - How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie Episode 19 – How I Built a Luxury Events Business From Startup to Superyacht – James Clutterbuck Episode 41 – How I Built a £7 Million Events Business From £1000 – Ben McCarthy ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page
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    52 分
  • EP42 - How To Write A Bestselling Book To Get Customers - John Lamerton

    EP42 - How To Write A Bestselling Book To Get Customers - John Lamerton
    2025/01/21
    In this episode of We Built This Business, we talk with John Lamerton from Big Idea Ventures. As part of our How To mini-series, John shares his expertise on How to Get Customers by Writing a Bestselling Book. John, a seasoned entrepreneur and bestselling author, discusses the steps, strategies, and secrets to creating a book that builds credibility, attracts customers, and scales your business. HIGHLIGHTS · The Power of a Book in Business: Why writing a book can be your most effective tool for marketing and establishing authority in your industry. · From Concept to Creation: John explains how to structure your book, plan its content, and ensure it speaks directly to your target audience. · Turning Expertise into a Bestseller: Practical tips on crafting a book that resonates, including the importance of creating a chapter structure and refining your message. · Using Books to Build Trust and Credibility: How a well-written book accelerates the "know, like, and trust" process with potential clients. · The Business Ecosystem of Books: How multiple books can serve as tailored "business cards" to attract different audiences and solve specific client problems. · Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Why you shouldn’t rush the process, the real cost of self-publishing, and the dangers of using AI to write your book. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their businesses. This special How To series focuses on actionable advice from experts, helping you tackle specific challenges and level up your business. PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team-building company, experts in keeping things fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events like Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there’s something for every company. Visit this link and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://bigidea.co.uk/ Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business – Taran O'Doherty How I Built a Luxury Events Business From Startup to Superyacht – James Clutterbuck ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of Red Cactus Events and Shizzoo Media with brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page
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    53 分
  • EP41 - How I Built a £7 Million Events Business From £1,000 – Ben McCarthy

    EP41 - How I Built a £7 Million Events Business From £1,000 – Ben McCarthy
    2025/01/14
    In this episode of ‘We Built This Business’ we talk with Ben McCarthy from Premier Events. Ben discusses his journey from taking his entrepreneurial spark from humble DJ beginnings to building Premiere Events, a full-service event agency. Ben shares how he navigated financial risks, embraced pivotal business decisions, and transformed his company in the face of challenges like the pandemic. HIGHLIGHTS · Starting Small and Dreaming Big: How Ben’s first disco setup in university became the foundation for his future business. · Taking Risks: Managing five credit cards to fund early business investments. · Scalable Growth: Shifting from mobile discos to broader event services and owning all necessary equipment. · Navigating COVID-19: How Premier Events innovated with virtual event studios to survive and thrive during the pandemic. · Expanding Revenue Streams: The launch of a wood fabrication division and its contribution to the event business. · Building a Team: Insights into hiring for technical expertise and creating a cohesive team of 40+ employees. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We explore their beginnings, challenges, successes, failures, and everything in between. Running a business is hard work, so why not learn from those who have done it successfully? PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team building company who are experts in Keeping Things Fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there is something for every company. Visit Team Building Experiences and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website – Premier Events - https://www.premier-ltd.com/ Host Website – We Built This Business - https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 4 - How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie Episode 5 - How I Built a Global Tech Events Business and Thrived in the Pandemic - Johnny Edser Episode 6 - How I Built a Digital Marketing Business and How I Exited - Alex Minchin ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of Red Cactus Events, we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page DONATION Every week that we release an episode of We Built This Business, we donate £10 to the British Heart Foundation. Help us make a difference: British Heart Foundation
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    1 時間 3 分
  • EP40 - How To Start and Grow A Podcast - Alex Chisnall

    EP40 - How To Start and Grow A Podcast - Alex Chisnall
    2024/12/24
    In this episode of ‘We Built This Business,’ we talk with Alex Chisnall, the founder of Podpreneur and co-founder of Pod School. In this episode, Alex shares his expertise on how to start and grow a podcast for your business. As the host of the #1 rated business podcast, Screw It, Just Do It, Alex provides actionable advice, insights into the podcasting journey, and strategies to make podcasting a valuable tool for business growth. Whether you’re launching your first podcast or looking to take your show to the next level, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips. HIGHLIGHTS · Alex shares his journey into podcasting and the creation of his businesses, Podpreneur and Pod School. · Insights into overcoming the initial challenges of podcasting, including how to keep going when listener numbers are low. · Key strategies Alex used to make Screw It, Just Do It a #1 podcast within six months. · How podcasting can serve as a tool for business owners to find ideal clients and solve niche problems. · The hidden benefits of podcasting for networking, community building, and personal growth. · An introduction to Pod School: A community for podcasters to launch, grow, and succeed. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures, and everything in between. Running a business is hard work, so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business? PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team-building company that are experts in Keeping Things Fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there is something for every company. Visit https://bit.ly/tbe-pod and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Alex Chisnall Website - https://podpreneur.co.uk/ Pod Skool - https://www.skool.com/podschool Screw It Just Do It Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@alexchisnall Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 4 - How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie Episode 5 - How I Built a Global Tech Events Business and Thrived in the Pandemic - Johnny Edser Episode 6 - How I Built a Digital Marketing Business and How I Exited - Alex Minchin ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page DonationEvery week that we release an episode of We Built This Business, we give £10 to our Charity, the British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/ (Started 21.05.2024; we hope to donate £520 a year).
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    45 分
  • EP39 - How To Mentally Survive Running A Business - Simon Cusden

    EP39 - How To Mentally Survive Running A Business - Simon Cusden
    2024/12/17
    In this episode of ‘We Built This Business,’ we talk with Simon Cusden about how to mentally survive running a business. Simon, a coach and keynote speaker, shares his profound journey from being a professional cricketer to overcoming personal battles with addiction, PTSD, and depression. Drawing from his experiences, Simon now inspires and supports high-performing individuals and senior leadership teams in managing stress and mental health challenges. HIGHLIGHTS · Simon’s Journey: From professional cricket to rock bottom and his inspiring recovery. · The Pressure of Leadership: Why high performers often struggle with fulfillment despite outward success. · Coping Strategies: Simple yet impactful techniques to handle stress and prevent burnout. · Building Support Networks: The importance of a personal “advisory board” and how to create one. · Fulfillment vs. Achievement: Why aligning your work with what fulfills you is crucial. · Mental Survival Tools: From mindfulness to actionable steps for balancing personal and professional lives. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their businesses. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures, and everything in between. Running a business is hard work, so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or have built a business? PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team-building company and experts in Keeping Things Fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there’s something for every company. Visit Team Building Experiences and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event! VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-cusden-2021 Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 4 - How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie Episode 5 - How I Built a Global Tech Events Business and Thrived in the Pandemic - Johnny Edser Episode 6 - How I Built a Digital Marketing Business and How I Exited - Alex Minchin ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page
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    38 分
  • EP38 - How To Train Teams To Be More Successful - Faris Aranki

    EP38 - How To Train Teams To Be More Successful - Faris Aranki
    2024/12/10
    EP38 - How To Train Teams and Individuals To Be More Successful – Faris Aranki In this episode of We Built This Business, Daniel Osullivan sits down with Faris Aranki, Managing Director of Shiageto Consulting. As part of our How-To mini-series, Faris shares actionable strategies on sharpening teams and individuals for strategic success. Drawing on his experience as a teacher, strategy consultant, and entrepreneur, Faris explains the importance of focus, collaboration, and clear goals in driving success. HIGHLIGHTS · The three pillars of Shiageto's methodology: IQ (ideas), EQ (emotional intelligence), and FQ (focus quotient). · Why most business strategies fail and how to get teams aligned for execution. · Techniques to improve team dynamics, including breaking silos and enhancing communication. · How shared experiences encourage collaboration and innovation within organizations. · Practical ways to balance egos while encouraging accountability and self-awareness. · Faris’s approach to unlocking creativity and generating actionable ideas through team innovation. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures and everything in between. Running a business is hard work so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business. PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team-building company specializing in keeping things fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there is something for every company. Visit https://bit.ly/tbe-pod and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team- building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://www.shiageto.com/ Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 4 - How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie Episode 5 - How I Built a Global Tech Events Business and Thrived in the Pandemic - Johnny Edser Episode 6 - How I Built a Digital Marketing Business and How I Exited - Alex Minchin ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page Donation: Each episode, we donate £10 to the British Heart Foundation (https://www.bhf.org.uk/)
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    29 分
  • EP37 - How To Get Customers Through Networking - Peter Mols

    EP37 - How To Get Customers Through Networking - Peter Mols
    2024/12/03
    In this episode of ‘We Built This Business,’ we talk with Peter Mols from Mastermind9, a business growth group networking company. Peter, an award-winning networker with over 20 years of experience, shares his expertise in building relationships through networking and leveraging referrals to grow your business. Discover the strategies behind his success and learn actionable tips to boost your own networking efforts. HIGHLIGHTS · The Power of Networking: Insights into how networking can help build relationships and drive business growth. · Success Stories: Real-life examples of clients who benefitted from Peter’s mastermind and networking groups. · The Art of Non-Selling: Strategies for building trust and relationships without directly selling. · Commitment to Networking: How consistent networking efforts can lead to long-term success. · Integrating Social Media: Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to amplify your networking efforts. · Mastermind Groups: How small, high-value groups provide a “safety net” for discussing challenges and scaling businesses. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures, and everything in between. Running a business is hard work, so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business? VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://www.mastermind9.com/ Host Website – https://beacons.ai/wbtb EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 32 – How To Get Customers on Linkedin – Ashley Leeds Episode 33 – How To Get Customers Locally on Google – Hannah Zora Strong Episode 35 – How To Get Customers Through Referrals – Dave Plunkett PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team building company who are experts in keeping things fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there is something for every company. Visit Team Building Experiences and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event. ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website - https://beacons.ai/wbtb Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page Donation: Every week that we release an episode of We Built This Business we give £10 to our Charity the British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/ (Started 21.05.2024 we hope to donate £520 a year)
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    36 分