Here’s Episode 100 of Live & Linking and what a brilliant way to celebrate the milestone.

This week I’m joined by Melanie Goodman, LinkedIn trainer, marketing consultant, and one of the leading voices helping professionals understand how to use LinkedIn and Substack together. Melanie has spent years helping businesses turn connections into conversations and conversations into real opportunities. We talked about how LinkedIn has evolved far beyond being just a job hunting platform and why so many business owners are still missing the real opportunity sitting right in front of them.

A big part of the conversation focused on content creation and why long form content is becoming more important than ever. Melanie explained how she uses Substack alongside LinkedIn to build a stronger community, create recurring revenue opportunities, and grow an email list that she actually owns. We also explored repurposing content properly, avoiding SEO problems, and why writing one great long form article can create multiple LinkedIn posts. There’s loads in here for anyone who struggles with consistency or feels overwhelmed trying to keep up with every social media platform.

We also chatted about the reality behind personal content on LinkedIn, why impressions don’t always equal clients, and how genuine engagement still matters most. Melanie shared practical advice about standing out online simply by being human, replying properly to people, and building long term relationships rather than chasing vanity metrics. If you want a smarter, calmer approach to LinkedIn marketing and content creation, this episode is packed with ideas you can use immediately.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to Episode 100

00:59 Meet Melanie Goodman

05:28 Why Melanie started using Substack

11:47 What Substack actually is

14:53 Building a long form content strategy

16:00 Repurposing content with AI

17:36 Personal content vs business content

19:29 Why birthdays matter on LinkedIn

21:03 Growing your own email list

24:18 Roast My Post

28:40 Final thoughts

Guest contact details

Melanie Goodman

Email: melaniegoodman@trevisanconsulting.com

Phone: 07555106642

Website: https://www.trevisanconsulting.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniegoodman-training-marketing-employeeadvocacy/

Other: https://substack.com/@melaniegoodmanlinkedinconsultant

This week’s episode is all about one thing Accountex.

I sat down with Caroline Hobden, Portfolio Director behind one of the biggest accounting events in the world, to talk about what actually goes into making it happen and why it keeps getting bigger every year. From the moment you walk into the Excel to the buzz on the show floor, Caroline gives a real behind-the-scenes look at what makes this event tick and why it’s become such a key date in the calendar.

We get into the practical side as well. How do you deal with over 400 speakers and 16 stages? What should you plan before you even arrive? And what are the small things that can make a big difference on the day like downloading the app, wearing the right shoes, and knowing where to go when you need a break. Caroline also shares what’s new this year including the FD Show, the AI advisory hub, and a more accessible HMRC presence where you can actually speak to someone face-to-face.

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed at a big event or felt like you missed more than you saw, this episode will help you approach it differently. It’s about having a plan, knowing your priorities, and making the most of every conversation. Whether you’re attending Accountex this year or just curious about how events like this work, there’s plenty in here you can take away and use straight away.

Guest contact details

Email: chobden@divcom.co.uk

Phone: 07740104215

Website: https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-hobden-62888519/

This week, I’m chatting with Justin Ricklefs, founder of Guild Collective and author of Give a Damn. Justin joins me bright and early from Kansas City, coffee in hand, and we get straight into what really matters. Not just business, but life. Family, leadership, and why who you are matters far more than what you do. It’s one of those conversations that makes you stop and think about how you’re showing up, both online and offline.

We dig into Justin’s core idea that care can actually be a competitive advantage. Sounds simple, but most businesses completely miss it. He breaks down his four Cs: curiosity, compassion, clarity, and consistency. We talk about why clarity is often the missing piece, how consistency actually drives results, and why businesses that ignore the human side are leaving opportunities on the table. There’s also a brilliant discussion around personal branding and why people connect with people, not polished corporate noise.

And of course, we couldn’t leave it there. We put one of Justin’s LinkedIn posts under the spotlight in Roast My Post. It’s a proper, honest breakdown of why good content sometimes doesn’t land and what to do differently. If you’re trying to build your presence, connect with your audience, and actually stand out, there’s plenty here you can take and use straight away.

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/

Website: https://just.15mins.day

Live & Linking Hub: https://just.15mins.day

Guest contact details

Email: justin@guildcollective.com

Website: justinricklefs.com

Website: guildcollective.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinricklefs/

In this episode, I chat with Ben Westerby, a fractional FD and business mentor who’s built a strong personal brand by doing something most people avoid… just showing up. Ben shares what it was like before LinkedIn became part of his routine, when he was barely posting, low on confidence, and unsure what to say. If that sounds familiar, you’re going to see yourself in this conversation straight away.

We get into what actually changed. Not theory. Not hacks. Just simple, consistent action. Ben talks about how posting regularly, sharing a mix of personal and professional content, and yes, even telling dad jokes on a Friday helped him stand out. We also unpack the moment video came into play, why it felt uncomfortable at first, and how that discomfort quickly turned into confidence. There’s a great reminder here that content doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be real.

What’s really interesting is what happened next. More conversations. More opportunities. More trust. Ben explains how visibility led directly to business, and how people now approach him because they feel like they already know him. We also talk about his new venture, Find Your Fractional, and how he’s helping others step into that world with more clarity and support. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines with LinkedIn, this episode will give you the nudge you need to get involved.

Guest contact details

Ben Westerby

• Email: ben@westerbyconsultancy.co.uk
• Phone: 07771697857
• Website: https://www.findyourfractional.io/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-westerby/

Here’s the final episode of the BizFest SW Takeover, and it’s a proper mix of insight, energy, and real-world business conversations.

I’m joined by Lisa Bailey-Brown, Jannice Jones, and Rachel Pearce, all of whom are gearing up for Business Fest South West. Each of them brings a completely different perspective, which makes this episode such a good listen. From life-saving innovation to workplace wellbeing and family support, this one covers more than you’d expect in a short space of time.

We get into some important topics. Lisa shares how LifeVac works and why choking emergencies need more awareness, especially when traditional first aid doesn’t always work. Jannice breaks down what businesses are getting wrong when it comes to burnout, neurodiversity, and inclusion, and more importantly, what they can do about it without overcomplicating things. Rachel talks about building a family hub alongside nurseries and why early support for parents is something that’s needed now more than ever. It’s practical, honest, and full of real examples from people actually doing the work.

What I love about this episode is how grounded it is. No fluff, just people who care about what they do and want to make a difference. If you’re heading to BizFest, this gives you a great preview. If you’re not, you’ll still walk away with ideas you can use straight away in your business or life.

Timestamps

00:00 The chaos and energy of going live

00:39 Introducing the guests

01:49 Lisa Bailey-Brown and LifeVac explained

03:08 How the LifeVac device works

04:00 Why first aid is not always enough

05:31 Jannice Jones on neurodiversity and workplace change

07:03 Preventing burnout in business

08:07 Rachel Pearce and the family hub model

10:46 Supporting families beyond childcare

11:27 The bird question

12:01 LifeVac myths and misconceptions

15:58 First aid awareness reality check

17:58 Jannice on EDI and business impact

20:07 Practical ways to avoid burnout

22:07 Rachel’s business journey

24:46 Why they’re attending BizFest

28:20 How to connect with each guest

Connect with Ashley:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/Website: https://just.15mins.dayLive & Linking Hub: https://just.15mins.day

Guest contact details

Gavin Harris

Email: gavin.harris@fourfrontevents.co.uk

Website: businessfestsw.co.uk

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gavinharris6230

Phone: 01726982197

Lisa Bailey-Brown

Email: lisa.bailey-brown@lifevac.uk

Website: www.lifevac.uk

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-b-860949397

Phone: 07306 750736

Rachel Pearce

Email: helloelihouse@outlook.com

Website: www.elihouse.co.uk

Instagram: eli_house_familyhub

Jannice Jones MSc

Email: support@jannicejones.com

Website: https://www.jannicejones.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannicejones-neurodiversity-consultant/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jannicejonescoaching/

BizFest SW Takeover – Week 11 | Ethical Sales That Actually Work with Richard Palmer

Tickets for Bizfest - Website: businessfestsw.co.uk

I’m Ashley Leeds, The 15-Minute Guy. I help business owners get more visibility on LinkedIn using simple daily habits that take 15 minutes a day.Want more visibility on LinkedIn (in just 15 minutes a day)? Then get a detailed report to show your strengths and things you may be missing. Take my Visibility Quiz and get a clear plan to improve your profile, content, and daily habit.Visibility Scorecard (start here): https://15mins.day/scoreIf the word sales makes you feel uncomfortable… this episode is for you.

In Week 11 of the BizFest SW Takeover, I’m joined by Richard Palmer, sales trainer, author, and founder of SureTrain and Sales Station.

Richard has spent years helping small business owners learn how to sell without feeling pushy, awkward, or “salesy”.Because here’s the truth.

Most people don’t start a business because they want to sell.They start because they’re passionate about what they do.But if you can’t communicate your value, your business simply won’t grow.In this conversation, Richard breaks down what ethical sales actually means and why the traditional view of selling is completely wrong.

We talk about the simple frameworks that help you have better conversations with clients, qualify the right customers, and turn everyday chats into consistent sales.We also dive into his book The Ethical Sales Handbook, where he shares practical techniques to help business owners sell confidently, ethically, and profitably.If you’re heading to Business Fest South West, Richard is also running a series of masterclasses designed to help small businesses win more work without pressure or gimmicks.

This episode is packed with practical advice you can start using immediately.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and BizFest Takeover Week 11

01:13 Meet Richard Palmer

02:20 Why small businesses struggle with sales

04:25 The Ethical Sales Handbook explained

06:10 The two most important sales questions

09:26 Common sales mistakes business owners make

11:22 Why fear of selling holds businesses back

12:50 The importance of discovery conversations

15:18 Structuring a simple sales process

17:10 Why commitment matters before price

18:50 Should you put prices on your website?

19:02 Presenting your solution the right way

21:50 The most common objections in sales

23:04 Handling “It’s too expensive” properly

25:26 Value vs cost in sales conversations

27:10 Richard’s masterclasses at BizFest SW

30:44 How to connect with Richard

Watch the full episode and learn how to sell in a way that feels natural and authentic..

Guest contact detailsGavin HarrisEmail: gavin.harris@fourfrontevents.co.uk

Phone: 01726982197

Website: businessfestsw.co.ukLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gavinharris6230

Richard PalmerEmail: richard@suretrain.co.uk

Phone: 07831172022

Website: https://www.suretrain.co.uk/sales-station

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-palmer-8466144/Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://15mins.day/ashleyBook a quick call with me: https://tidycal.com/ashleyleeds/New videos weekly on LinkedIn visibility, content, and small actions that build trust.

This week’s BizFest South West Takeover episode is all about the real stories behind the businesses exhibiting at the event. I’m joined by Steve King from Exec Transfer, Laura Cubeddu from LC Virtual Admin, and Sara Watkins-Schmidt from Rent Assured and Sourced Living.

Each of them is building a business in a very different space, but they all share the same goal. Helping people, growing through networking, and making the most of opportunities like Business Fest South West.

Sara kicks things off by explaining how she built her letting agency from scratch and how the industry is about to change with the incoming Renters Rights Act. She talks about the balancing act between landlords and tenants and why having a knowledgeable agent in the middle matters more than ever. Laura then shares what it really means to be a virtual assistant, why so many business owners are drowning in admin, and how outsourcing even small tasks can free up time to focus on the work that actually grows a business.

We also hear from Steve, who runs Exec Transfer, a chauffeur and executive airport transfer service covering the South West and beyond. From luxury airport runs to multi day trips around the UK, Steve explains what people expect when they book executive transport and why professionalism and presentation matter in his industry. The conversation then shifts to BizFest South West, where all three guests will be exhibiting, and we chat about networking, building relationships before the event, and even what exhibitors should wear to make the right impression.

If you are heading to Business Fest South West or simply curious about how small businesses grow through connections, this is a great conversation to tune into.

Steve King

Email: info@exectransfer.co.uk

Phone: 01392 327777

Website: www.exectransfer.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-king-81041961?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android

Laura Cubeddu

Email: laura@lcvirtualadmin.co.uk

Website: www.lcvirtualadmin.co.uk

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-cubeddu-2157ab354

Sara Watkins-Schmidt

Email: sara.ws@sourced.co

Phone: 07747604665

Website: https://living.sourced.co/rent-assured

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-watkins-schmidt-celap-b90169156/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565741413753

Other: https://www.facebook.com/sourcedpropertygroup

Here’s Week 9 of the BizFest SW Takeover and this one is all about people. The people you network with, the people you sit next to at events, and the people you support when life gets tough. I’m joined by Alistair Gleave from G12 Business Networking, Paul Skinner from Backworld, and Maria Bailey from Grief Specialists as we count down to BizFest SW on 1st April. Three very different businesses, one common theme: relationships matter.

We talk about what makes networking actually work, and why it is not about shoving business cards into hands. Alistair shares how G12 has built a decade of trusted relationships. Paul explains why most of us are working in completely the wrong setup and how small ergonomic changes can stop long term pain. Maria opens up about her personal story of loss and how that led to building a national grief support network that gives people immediate help when they need it most. It is honest, practical and packed with real-world insight.

If you are nervous about networking, thinking about exhibiting, or just want to understand how better conversations lead to better business, this episode will give you plenty to think about. BizFest SW is shaping up to be something special and this chat shows exactly why.

Connect with me here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/

Website: https://just.15mins.day

Live & Linking Hub: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13981378/