Reed Hansen, from Chicago, runs MarketSurge.io, offering comprehensive digital marketing services with a focus on AI and automation. He is this week's gues on The Next 100 Days Podcast.

• Reed Hansen runs MarketSurge.io, offering comprehensive digital marketing services with a focus on AI and automation
• Podcasting can be an effective marketing tool, increasing visibility and perceived authority for business owners
• AI is rapidly changing digital marketing, creating both challenges and opportunities for small businesses

• Offers range of digital marketing services including CRM, audience targeting, SEO, ads, AI sales agents, content marketing, web development
• Surge Audiences: Uses buyer intent data from partner network to create targeted prospect lists for outreach
• AI sales agents: Developed for inbound/outbound communication, booking meetings with 80%+ uplift in engagement vs traditional chatbots

• Reed found success getting booked on podcasts, shares expertise through Surgecast service
• Podcasting increases perceived authority and expertise with existing clients
• Offers clients podcast booking service, guaranteeing 3 bookings per month for $500
• Podcast appearances often rank highly in Google search results, increasing online visibility

• Rapid changes creating both opportunities and challenges for small businesses
• Reed focuses on bridging education gap, helping clients leverage new AI tools
• Discussed potential for AI to develop apps without coding in near future
• Explored strategies for optimizing content for AI-powered search, like using question-based long-tail keywords

• Digital marketing landscape increasingly complex for small businesses to navigate alone
• Many business owners lack technical skills, starting with basics like professional email setup
• Reed takes consultative approach, assessing client's tech comfort and tailoring solutions

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. Graham founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, where he introduces AI Agents that sit on websites, to increase engagement, dwell time, leads and conversions.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

Transcend is Faisal Hoque's latest book. It provides readers with the road maps that will soon be upon us. Faisal shares his perspective on the intersection of philosophy, humanity, business and technology. It made for an excellent conversation on this week's The Next 100 Days Podcast.

The group shifts to discussing Faisal's background as a management thinker and author. Faisal explains that his new book "Transcend" explores the intersection of humanity, philosophy, management, and technology in the age of AI. He outlines a framework called "Open and Care" to guide the opportunities and risks of AI.

The conversation delves into a deeper philosophical discussion about the potential catastrophic scenarios if AI is not properly governed. Faisal expresses concerns about AI replacing jobs, especially for younger generations, and the risks of AI being controlled by a small number of people. Kevin and Graham also share their perspectives on the challenges of regulating emerging technologies.

Faisal suggests that while governments may be slow to act, public pressure and the emergence of AI-related crimes will eventually force legislative action. He argues that a balanced, "middle path" approach is needed to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating the risks. The group discusses the difficulties of getting governments to effectively regulate AI.

The hosts thank Faisal for the thought-provoking discussion and invite him to provide a testimonial about his experience on the podcast. Faisal expresses his appreciation for the challenging conversation and his willingness to return as a guest.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. Graham founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, which combines the world's biggest source of 10,000 marketing experiments with AI. Find Graham on LinkedIn.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

Here's the rational for Inclusive Leadership - people are the backbone of organisational effectiveness. Scientific research shows that our hard-wired survival instincts can hinder our ability to lead and collaborate effectively in teams. By becoming aware of these instincts in ourselves and others, we can help each other succeed and perform better. Alex Draper's DX Learning provides the platform, tools, and capabilities for leaders and their teams to thrive in today’s workforce.

Link to Alex's business page: https://www.dx-learning.com/

Kevin, Alex, and Graham introduce themselves and discuss their backgrounds, including their experiences with technology and leadership training at large organizations like Royal Mail.

Alex explains his "CARE" framework for inclusive leadership, which focuses on providing Clarity, Autonomy, building Relationships, and ensuring Equity. He emphasizes the importance of adapting leadership styles to the unique needs of each team member.

The group discusses how C-suite executives often lack awareness of the full scope of issues facing their organizations, and can struggle with imposter syndrome and lack of confidence in their leadership abilities. Alex suggests this is a key area where leadership training can have a big impact.

The conversation explores how different generations, especially younger workers, have varying communication preferences and comfort levels with technology. Alex advocates for leaders to adapt their styles to effectively engage all team members.

Alex provides specific recommendations for leaders to improve in the next 100 days, including simplifying communication, actively building relationships by asking thoughtful questions, and regularly reflecting on their own leadership behaviors.

Alex shares a few final insights, including the origins of Chicago's "Windy City" nickname and the importance of leaders being humble and focused on being human, rather than trying to be the smartest person in the room.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. Graham is the founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, which combines the world's biggest source of 10,000 marketing experiments with AI. Find Graham on LinkedIn.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

Teresa Carrington is CEO of a not for profit, Ten By Three

What does Ten By Three mean? "TEN" reflects the number of products we promise to purchase monthly from artisans who live in extreme poverty. "By" reflects a Prosperity Wages model.

10x3 pay artisans at least 2.5 times the fair trade rate, enabling them to care of their families and have enough extra to start businesses. Unlike micro-lending, this ensures financial independence without debt.

"THREE" requires artisans to begin at least three businesses. Each business generates an average of four income streams, giving artisans at least 12 streams of income. This sparks generational wealth and ensures a sustainable exit from poverty.

The group discusses Theresa's charity work and passion for helping those in poverty. She shares her personal story of overcoming hardship and how that has driven her to create a charity that empowers artisans in developing countries. Kevin & Graham praise Theresa's mission and the positive impact of her "Ten by Three" model.

Theresa outlines her goals for the charity, including expanding into more of the world's poorest nations, spreading the "Ten by Three" model to other organisations and governments, and building up financial reserves to provide more stability. We discuss the challenges and opportunities around achieving these goals.

The group reflects on the passion and purpose that drives Theresa and her charity work. They discuss how this level of dedication and commitment is essential for making a real difference, and how it can inspire and motivate others to get involved and support the cause.

Lastly, we touch on the potential pitfalls of traditional aid and development efforts, noting how they can sometimes do more harm than good by not properly understanding the needs of the local communities. We emphasise the importance of trade over aid and empowering people to develop from within.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. Graham founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, where he introduces AI Agents that sit on websites, to increase engagement, dwell time, leads and conversions.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

If you want to get around the world, you need a passport & visa. If you leave things to the last minute to get them sorted, you'll need to speak to Rob Lee. He's our guest today on The Next 100 Days Podcast.

Rob explains that his company helps US passport holders and residents obtain visas to travel to countries like China, India, Vietnam, and Brazil. He describes the process of obtaining visas, including the challenges of dealing with government websites and requirements.

Rob shares the story of how he and his wife started the business after encountering visa challenges while living in Central America. They decided to leverage their experience to help others navigate the visa process.

Rob discusses the day-to-day work of his company, including providing detailed instructions, handling document submissions, and dealing with evolving visa requirements, especially for countries like China. He explains how his team has developed expertise to navigate these complexities.

Rob justifies the pricing of his services, noting that while there is an added fee, it provides convenience, peace of mind, and a higher success rate compared to individuals trying to navigate the visa process on their own.

Kevin raises concerns about the sensitive personal data Rob's company handles, and Rob explains the extensive security measures and compliance standards they have implemented to protect client information.

Rob discusses his and his wife's long-term goal of being able to work and travel more freely, and the steps they are taking to make the business more technology-driven and scalable, including the development of new software tools.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. Graham founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, where he introduces AI Agents that sit on websites, to increase engagement, dwell time, leads and conversions.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

Joe runs an Aquatics business. He is a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience. Joe builds businesses by developing business managers along with systems that support those managers. He’s very proud of the many young professionals he has mentored during his career. Joe’s diverse business experience from food manufacturing to rock climbing gyms, gives him a unique perspective and ability to creatively assess every opportunity. He loves the process of creating a business and turning a concept into a profitable reality.

• Joe transitioned from corporate (Kraft Foods) to entrepreneurship, starting with rock climbing gyms and now an aquarium store
• Niche retail faces challenges from inflation, supply chain issues, and changing consumer behavior
• Adapting business models (e.g. focusing on premium offerings) is key for small businesses to survive economic pressures
• Global manufacturing shifts and tariffs are impacting small businesses, requiring strategic pivots

• Worked at Kraft Foods for 13-14 years, changing roles every 18 months
• Started First Ascent rock climbing gyms while still at Kraft, keeping it secret until resignation
• Sold First Ascent 3 years ago, now owns/operates an aquarium store
• Offers business consulting through Snaggletooth Goby (named after a fish that climbs waterfalls)

• Inflation reducing consumer spending on hobby/luxury items
• 80% of aquarium products come from China, causing supply chain and pricing issues
• Real estate market slowdown impacting new home aquarium installations
• Shift from "superstore" concept with many SKUs to curated, premium offerings
• Focus on high-end systems and service to replace volume of lower-value transactions

• US unemployment low (2-3%) but other economic issues persist (e.g. medical costs, student debt)
• Debate over reshoring manufacturing vs. economic realities of global production
• Tariffs and trade tensions creating uncertainty for businesses reliant on imports
• Short-term corporate thinking vs. long-term strategic planning discussed

• Improving staff training and sales techniques
• Curating product offerings to focus on higher-margin items
• Targeting affluent customers less impacted by economic pressures
• Developing expertise to justify premium pricing and services

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. Graham founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, which combines the world's biggest source of 10,000 marketing experiments with AI. Find Graham on LinkedIn.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on

Financially Fit Entrepreneur is Phil's positioning - the substance of which is about making finances easy for people using the laws his grandma taught him about budgeting with glass jars as a teenager…

Phil started off helping young couples budget their money, get out of debt and save for big life goals. Through his Grandma’s Jars 1:1 Coaching and Workshops he has helped thousands of people achieve financial security and success. But it was during his 15 years as a stockbroker and financial adviser that Phil honed his cashflow expertise and learned how to apply it to the business world.

Over the past 20 years Phil has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and small business owners to help them multiply their profits and create financial certainty… not to mention achieve incredible life goals.

• Phil's "Grandma's Jars" approach uses a simple system of allocating money to different purposes, modernized for digital banking
• Proper cash flow management is critical for both personal and business finances, requiring discipline and purposeful allocation
• Entrepreneurs often struggle with financial basics; getting clarity on current position and goals is an essential first step
• Regular review and adjustment of expenses, including occasional "no-spend months", helps maintain financial health

• Phil learned budgeting from his grandmother using physical glass jars for different expenses
• Evolved system from physical jars to envelopes, paper budgets, Excel, and now online apps
• Developed own software after leaving high-paying finance career to focus on teaching financial basics

• Track 5-6 key numbers monthly: revenue, salary paid to self, expenses (cost of goods + overheads), tax set aside, profit
• Use a "cascade" system to allocate funds purposefully through business and personal accounts
• Maintain 1.5-2x monthly expenses in operating account; excess flows to reserves and other purposes
• Build 3-6 months of operating expenses as a rainy day fund before major reinvestment or expansion

• Entrepreneurs often lack clarity on basic financial position and profitability
• Tendency to increase expenses as revenue grows, reducing margins and financial stability
• Discretionary spending in business often less scrutinized than personal spending
• Lifestyle inflation can trap entrepreneurs in need for high income, limiting flexibility

• Conduct regular "no-spend months" to reset expectations and identify core vs. discretionary expenses
• Review all expenses line-by-line periodically to eliminate unnecessary costs
• Align business finances with personal life goals and vision
• Build purposeful reserves to enable creativity and reduce survival-mode thinking

• Focuses on transparency and creating a safe space for entrepreneurs to face financial realities
• Uses visual tools like the "cascade" concept to make financial management more intuitive
• Emphasizes learning from past patterns to plan for future fluctuations
• Helps clients get clarity on both current position and desired outcomes.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and...

Ben Johnson leads Particle41, which exists to strengthen your team with flexible technology. That manifests as a team of our own that is uniquely able to exceed expectations during every step of a project. In a marketplace flooded with partners who over-promise and under-deliver, Particle41 is doing things differently.

Graham, Kevin, and Benjamin introduce themselves. Benjamin shares his background as a serial entrepreneur and founder of several tech companies, including his current venture Particle 41 which provides CTO consulting, software development, and other tech services.

Benjamin discusses how Particle 41 leverages talent globally, with teams in India, Brazil, Argentina, and the US. He emphasizes the importance of finding talented individuals and building diverse, execution-oriented teams to deliver the best service to clients.

The group discusses the critical importance of focusing on customer experience and ensuring businesses have the right processes, policies, and level of maturity in place (e.g. password management, subscription management, onboarding/offboarding procedures) to operate effectively.

The group explores the ethical implications of using AI, particularly in areas like content creation where AI can reduce authenticity. They caution against defaulting to technology just because it's available, and emphasize the need to thoughtfully consider the human element.

Graham and Kevin summarize the key takeaways from the discussion with Benjamin, highlighting his passion, purpose, and experience as a serial entrepreneur. They discuss potential opportunities to collaborate, including leveraging Benjamin's expertise in areas like RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) AI.

Graham Arrowsmith

Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. Graham founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, which combines the world's biggest source of 10,000 marketing experiments with AI. Find Graham on LinkedIn.

Kevin Appleby

Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com