Business Made Smarter
Business Made Smarter, brought to you by Executive Training and Consultancy Limited, is your go-to podcast for practical, no-nonsense advice to help your business thrive.Hosted by Ed Nell and featuring insights from Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy Limited, this series dives into actionable strategies that businesses of all sizes can use to grow and succeed.Since 2000, Doug has guided businesses with real-world expertise, covering topics like understanding your customers, refining your unique selling proposition, and more. Each episode delivers tools and insights you can apply immediately to elevate your business.Plus, you ca...
Scaling Your Business

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, host Doug D’Aubrey is joined by ETC’s Director of Consultancy, Phil Edwards to explore the power of scaling up your business.
Together, they talk about what scaling really means, how it differs from traditional business growth, and how small businesses can increase turnover without drastically increasing overheads. With real-world examples from tech startups to HR consultants and web developers, they demonstrate how automation, outsourcing, innovation, and clever use of resources can help you scale effectively and sustainably.
Key Takeaways
Scaling means increasing outp...
Creating a Successful Marketing Plan

In this episode of Business Made Simple, host Ed Nell is joined by Doug D’Aubrey to explore the essentials of creating a successful marketing plan for small businesses. With Doug’s no-nonsense approach, they break down the barriers and myths around marketing strategies, showing that you don’t need a large team or months of prep to start planning effectively. Together, they highlight the importance of simplicity, consistency, and aligning your marketing with seasonal trends and business goals.
Key Takeaways
Keep your marketing plan simple and actionable. It doesn’t need to be complica...
Crafting a Strong Marketing Message

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, Ed Nell sits down with Doug D’Aubrey to discuss the importance of crafting a strong marketing message. Doug explains why a marketing message needs to resonate with your target audience, focusing on outcomes rather than the details of how your product or service works. He shares insights on avoiding common mistakes, the power of a clear Unique Selling Proposition (USP), and how storytelling can enhance your message. Doug also introduces the "So What?" test as a way to refine your message and ensure it delivers value.
This episode of...
How to Develop Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, Ed Nell sits down with Doug D’Aubrey to discuss the importance of identifying and developing a strong Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Doug explains that a USP is not just about being "different" but also about understanding why customers choose your business over the competition. He shares practical advice on how to uncover your USP by talking to customers, avoiding common mistakes, and using it effectively in your marketing strategy to stand out in a crowded market.
Key Takeaways
Understanding Your USP: A USP is what makes yo...
How Automation and AI Enhance the Customer Journey for Small Businesses

In this episode of the Business Made Smarter Podcast, Doug D’Aubrey and Michele Ibbs discuss the importance of a well-defined customer journey and how automation and AI can streamline business processes. Michele explains how her company, Truly Yours, helps businesses by creating bespoke customer journeys, utilising automation tools such as Go High Level and AI to save time and improve productivity. She highlights the advantages of integrating automation with systems like CRM to enhance customer service and marketing.
Key TakeawaysÂ
The Customer Journey is Key: A successful customer journey requires detailed planning and mul...
Organising Your Customers for Better Marketing

In Episode 3 of the Business Made Smarter Podcast, host Ed Nell and Doug D’Aubrey, Founder of Executive Training & Consultancy, discuss the importance of organising customer data to enhance marketing efforts. Doug explains how segmenting your customer base allows for more targeted communication, improved service, and ultimately, greater profitability. Whether you're a small business owner or a growing enterprise, this episode provides actionable steps to help you refine your marketing strategy.
Key Takeaways
Why Customer Segmentation Matters: Different types of customers require different communication styles and marketing approaches. Organising your database helps tailor messaging ef...
Understanding Your Customer: The Key to Effective Marketing

In Episode 2 of the Business Made Smarter Podcast, hosts Ed Nell and Doug D’Aubrey explore why understanding your customer is the foundation of effective marketing. Doug explains how identifying your target audience enables you to tailor your messaging, focus your efforts, and maximise marketing success. From creating a customer avatar to tracking changing trends, this episode provides practical insights for refining your marketing strategy.
Key Takeaways
🔹 The Importance of a Target Audience: Marketing to everyone is ineffective. Define your ideal customer to create clear, compelling messaging.
🔹 Building a Customer Avatar: Identify demograp...
Small Business Marketing

In Episode 1 of the Business Made Smarter Podcast, hosts Ed Nell from The Media Insiders and Doug D’Aubrey, founder and managing director of Executive Training and Consultancy, discuss how small businesses can market themselves effectively in a competitive landscape. Doug shares ETC’s 8-step framework for budget-friendly marketing, offering actionable strategies for understanding target audiences, creating clear messages, building loyalty, and refining approaches. Whether you're a start-up or a growing enterprise, this episode provides practical insights to help your business thrive.
Key Takeaways
Marketing on a Budget: Small businesses don’t need big budget...
Business Made Smarter Trailer

Business Made Smarter, brought to you by Executive Training and Consultancy Limited, is your go-to podcast for practical, no-nonsense advice to help your business thrive.
Hosted by Ed Nell and featuring insights from Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy Limited, this series dives into actionable strategies that businesses of all sizes can use to grow and succeed.
Since 2000, Doug has guided businesses with real-world expertise, covering topics like understanding your customers, refining your unique selling proposition, and more. Each episode delivers tools and insights you can apply im...