Zero Lives Left Business, Career & Life Podcast

In this episode I chat with Colly Graham CEO Salesxcellence about the importance of sales within Businesses both small and large.  Colly Graham in 1996 who has over forty years’ experience in telephone, field sales and sales management. Colly is recognized as an international sales trainer who achieves excellent results.Colly chats about the key traits which make a good sales person and how being resilient is an important characteristic of a successful sales person.  When it comes to sales Colly explains it's all about being a 'problem solver' A good sales person has to be a good listener.   Colly explains how a business can recognise a well-qualified sales opportunity and that account management is key within business.  He shares this top 3 sales tips and techniques to help small businesses generate better sales.  We discuss the impact which Social Media, the Internet and in particular LinkedIn has had on the sales process and Colly share's his thoughts on how businesses can use LinkedIn more

In this episode I chat with Former United States Most Wanted Brett 'GOllumfun' Johnson referred to by the United States Secret Service as "The Original Internet Godfather.  Mr Johnson was a central figure in the Cybercrime world for almost 20 years.   He build and was the leader of 'ShadowCrew', the precursor to today's darknet markets.  He was instrumental in development many ares of online fraud while helping design, implement and refined modern identity theft, account take over fraud, card not present, IRS Tax fraud and countless other social engineering attacks and breaches and hacking operations.  Brett shares openly and honestly his backstory, being on the United States Most Wanted to turning it all around and now working with Business, Organisations and Individuals across the world helping them protect themselves against Cybercrime.   We chat about the types of Cybercrime which people need to be aware of as well as simple things which people can do to help protect themselves.  B

This episode of the podcast is taken from my recent Facebook Live in which I chat with Terry Robb Head of Personal Banking at Ulster Bank.  Financial fraud is becoming more prevalent so protecting your money whilst shopping particularly in the run up to Christmas is really important.I’ve teamed up with Ulster Bank over the next few weeks to contribute to the ‘TAKE FIVE TO STOP FRAUD’ national campaign from Financial Fraud Action UK and the UK Government.We kicked off on Black Friday (which one you say J) and are creating and posting tips to help keep you safe  – videos, blogs, Instagram stories and Facebook and Twitter posts out with practical advice to prevent scams in the run up to Christmas.  Terry chats about the common types of fraud and scams which can impact people as well as sharing simple and effective ways which people can protect themselves.  We chat about the 'Take 5 to Stop Fraud' Stop and Think when you receive a request to move money. A genuine bank or organisation will never contact yo

In this episode I chat with Ted Rubin a leading Social Marketing Strategist, Speaker, CMO of Brand Innovators, & Co-Founder of Prevailing Path. In March 2009 he started using and evangelizing the term ROR, Return on Relationship, hashtag #RonR.Ted has a deep online background beginning in 1997 working with best selling author, entrepreneur and agent of change Seth Godin at Yoyodyne, which was acquired in Q4 1998 by Yahoo! Ted chats about his time at Yoyodyne & what it was like working with Seth Godin.  Ted talks about the importance of relationships and shares real life examples of how they can be developed, nurtured and the value which they can bring.  We chat about the importance of 'being nice to people' a value concept which Ted feels is so important and often forgotten.  Ted also shares this thoughts on what brands especially those in retail need to think about and shares simple and effective tips for small businesses when it comes to engaging with customers.  Finally he finishes off with

In this episode I chat with George Kingsnorth Owner/Director/Producer at Gullion Media Limited.  With 32 years professional experience from producing, writing, directing, editing and creating animations, George helps tailor a story in video that meets the needs of your audience and budget. George chats about this career journey to date and how he got this first break in film making.  We discuss the importance of creating effective effective video content and why the best videos are planned & visualised into a storyboard.  We talk about creating video content on a Smartphone and some of the limitations which can impact the end result as well as the difficultly of capturing good quality audio. George also shares his tips for students thinking on University or getting that degree, the benefits of spreading your education across your career & choosing a course which is specific to your educational needs.  Finally we chat about the important of being able to create and tell stories within your video conten

In this episode, I chat with David Henderson who runs an award-winning multimedia design company based in Northern Ireland. David chats about how at high school he always had a keen interest in 'Art & Design' It was via this interest which David ended up graduating from the University of Ulster with a 'first class' honors in Interactive MultiMedia Design which kickstarted his career We chat about the importance of 'networking' in business but also it's importance in career development. David shares tips for students & those who have graduated who are perhaps finding it difficult to get their career going. He talks about getting out and networking as one of the key aspects of finding and opening opportunities. David talks about how his business has been using Instagram to tell 'Stories' about the type of work which they are involved in and also aspects from within the business. David shares some great on businesses of all sizes can get on board with Instagram

In this episode, I chat with successful serial entrepreneur Dave Whelan Founder & CEO of ByPhone.co.uk. Dave has been involved in VoIP systems since 2006 I kick off the episode by asking Dave to chat a little bit about his business and entrepreneurial journey to date. We chat about something which has become important for all businesses Internet Security but more specifically what Internet Security has to do with Telecoms. Dave talks about how Cyber Criminals are using phone systems to make money by hacking systems. Dave talks about one way in which businesses can protect themselves is by keeping systems up to date & limiting remote access. We chat about the benefits of using VOIP Technology for Business and the cost savings for businesses and the entrepreneur. Dave gives us an insight into how his company is constantly pushing the boundaries of technology and experimenting with VR Finally, Dave shares his top 3 bits of advice for Businesses & the Entrepreneurs 1: Stay close to your C

In this episode, I chat with Adrian Markey who is a Chartered #Accountant based in Newry. I kick off the episode asking Adrian about this journey from Music Promoter to Chartered Accountant and why it feels it's so important to get to know the individual behind the business as opposed to just crunching the numbers. We chat about health and wellbeing in business and the importance of getting out and meeting other like-minded people & how starting and running a business can often be very lonely and isolated experience. When it comes to the area of tax and accountancy this is something many people can struggle with and getting the right advice from the outset is key. Adrian gives us an introduction to the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology what it is and how it works. We also talk about some of the things people need to think about from a taxation point. Finally, Adrian finishes off with this top 3 tips for Businesses & entrepreneurs; Be in Business for the right reason

In this episode, I chat with Emma Garrett CEO Mallusk Enterprise Park. I kick off by asking Emma to share a little insight on her career journey to date and some of the challenges along the way. Emma discussing how she worked her way up the career ladder and how it took her a little while to figure out what she wanted to do career-wise. We chat about her role at Mallusk Enterprise Park and also the types of the role the local enterprise center plays in helping those interesting in starting a business as well as those seeking to expand and grow their business further. Like me, Emma is an avid social media users so we get the chance to talk about the role which it plays with not just within small businesses but businesses in general. Emma talks about the types of content which businesses can produce to help engage with their customers, being personable and getting your personality across on social media. 'People buy from people' Emma talks about the 80/20 rule which she learned from her D

In this episode, I chat with Claire Stewart Chartered Accountant Partner at Cartmill Stewart & Co. Chartered Accountants based in Northern Ireland. Claire is a small business advisor, mentor, and author. We chat about Cartmill Stewart & Co. how the business was formed and the types of professional services which it offers to clients both small and large. Claire talks about her path to becoming a Chartered Accountant and how she wanted to change the 'stereotypical' example of what an account was. We discuss the importance of goals in life and Claire explains that running a business is just a vehicle to reach personal goals. Claire shares her insights and thoughts on the importance of aligning goals with what you want to happen and how even though you might have a plan don't be afraid to take a different route. Claire shares her 3 best tips (which was hard) from her book 25 ways to help get your business off to a good start; - Get over your fear - Take a risk - Don't Network

In this episode, I chat with Mickey Quigg who currently works in New York for NY GAA as Development Officer. Mickey was previously a student of the University of Ulster and was also Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs & Vice President of Campaigns and Communications at Ulster University Students Union. We chat about his time at the University of Ulster and the roles which he has been involved in, as well as the skills which he developed and feels, have been important. Mickey talks about his current role as a development officer at New York GAA and what it's been like working in the United States. We discuss important skills which students need to develop and refine and the importance of communication skills in the workplace. Mickey share's his top 3 tips for Students graduating in 2018 and how these can help land a job or opportunity after University. Finally, we chat about LinkedIn and how useful Mickey has found it for building his own career profile online and professional n

In this episode, I chat with Debbie Rymer Principal of East Coast of Marketing Academy who have launched a CIM (The Chartered Institute of Marketing ) study center in Newry City offering Businesses & Individuals the opportunity to obtain a qualification in Marketing or Digital Marketing. We chat about The Chartered Institute of Marketing and explore opportunities which obtaining a professional qualification can present. Debbie shares her insights on how both businesses and individuals can directly benefit from the qualifications. Debbie talks about the importance of planning when it comes to making your digital marketing and social media efforts successful and how using a Digital Marketing Framework such as Dave Chaffey 'RACE' Framework help digital marketers plan and manage their activities in a more structured way. Debbie also shares examples of which previous delegates who have gained their CIM qualifications, as a result, have been able to secure employment opportunities and promotions

In this episode, I chat with Emma Boylan. Emma helps small business owners, who struggle with marketing, fill their business with ideal clients as well as finding a faster path to way more money by Standing out and NOT sounding the same as every other business. Emma left her 9 to 5 job 4 years ago to fulfill her dream of starting her own business; when she saw that most marketing was all the same and that businesses were really struggling to attract the right clients and have a message that made them different. Emma talks about thinking about how businesses can influence people but understanding how your customer or clients think or feel. Emma shares her tips on how to cut through the noise of social media and reach your ideal client. Emma explains why people do business with people they know, like and trust. All business need to build this with their audience online by creating a tribe of people who are waiting for your next Facebook Post & her 3 tips on how businesses can get crystal clear on their

Niamh McAuley is video marketing manager with over 4 years of experience in camera operation and video content throughout the island of Ireland. She has been growing Purple Dot Videos for the last 3 years producing over 200 promotional videos for businesses throughout Northern Ireland.  In this episode Niamh shares her insight and top tips on how businesses and individuals can benefit from creating video using just their smartphone.   Niamh talks about other equipment which businesses can use to help improve their video, the mojo kit & ways to overcome the fear of getting in front of the camera.

Nikki Bradley is a young woman who has been on a truly unique and remarkable journey.  Diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer at the age of just 16  - Nikki knows how to push limits and boundaries - from glacier abseiling to attempting a Guinness World Record. In this episode, Nikki talks openly about dealing with cancer to sharing her 5 tips for helping overcome Adversity.  She shares strategies for living with a disability. Nikki talks about the importance of Appreciating the Power of Laughter, Accepting Help and remembering why it's not all about you. She shares some of her plans for the future and how she now speakings in Schools to Young People & Businesses by sharing her story as well as chatting about the campaign which she launched Fighting Fit for Ewings

When it comes comes to Twitter for Business the name Tweeting Goddess AKA Samantha Kelly is synonymous with Twitter in general.  She is someone who I have gotten to know well over the past few years.  She has helped me connect with people in Ireland and around the world and given me the opportunity to speak at her Irish Biz Party events throughout Ireland and also to speak at the first Irish Social Media Summit which attracted speakers such as Ted Rubin & Brian Fanzo to name a few.   She is a Twitter superstar and in this episode she shares her insights and tips to how Businesses can use Twitter more to build relationships with Customers & the reason your Business needs to be using Twitter.   Samantha shares why people don't go on Social Media to be sold to.  The importance of taking relationships which you build online offline & her 3 key tips for using Twitter for Business.   Samantha also shares key hashtags which businesses need to look out for which can help increase the reach Tweets and

Many of us hope for Financial freedom but very few people achieve it. When many of us hear the term Financial Planning a blank expression comes to mind.  For many people, they think the whole Financial Planning process is something of a complex process but it dosen't have to be.   There are many simple steps which you can take along the way which will help you move closer to Financial freedom John Sloan of Navigator Financial Planning helps me explore this a little further.  We chat about the different types of debt the Good Vs the Bad debt which many of us have - potentially causing a lot of stress.  John talks about what he calls the Superman syndrome what this means and why it's important for young professionals to think about.   John talks about the importance of writing down some simple Financial goals of what you would like to achieve and how a Financial advisor can help you reach your goals, we chat a little about putting a little aside each month and investing for the future.   This episode is

Imagine developing a University or College project and turning it into a Business that generates sales of 1 Million that's what happened when Kyle Gawley co-founded Get Invited  - the Online Ticketing Platform In this Podcast Kyle talks openly and honestly about this business journey to date.  We chat about why it's actually ok to fail.  Why Bootstrapping is important and how you can but 250K of investment in a very short time. We discuss Kyle's latest journey in life to become a Digital Nomad and why Health and Wellbeing is very important in Business & Life.  This episode is packed full of great tips and advice and building a start up and life.  

From Hobby to Business to Pitching in Dragons' Den Niamh Hogan from Holos Skincare has had an interesting business journey so far.  In this episode of the Podcast I chat with Niamh about the early days of  setting up her business, how she got started and ended up pitching to Investors on the Irish Dragons' Den Niamh share great insights and advice to getting a business up and running and the importance of cash flow - without cashflow it can make it difficult to execute your business plan.   Niamh shares her 3 tips for Startups as well as pitching tips should you get the opportunity to pitch your business idea to an investor or in the Dragons' Den. Building relationships is key and these days social media can help you build relationships on a global level  - it's all about putting yourself in the right position.   Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to share the link with your friends   

Digital Technology has helped evolve and change the experience for travellers in 2016 - It presents many of opportunities for both businesses and customers to take advantage of to help improve and enhance the experience.  In episode 24 I chat with Kieran Swail Innovation and Technology Specialist at i3 SRC Newry  Kieran has mentored over 100 businesses through a range of different funding streams to help businesses in their path to become more innovative and do business better.   We discuss how businesses can think about using new digital technologies more effectively to improve the visitor experience especially from a 'pre destination' How technology can become an enabler pre - durning and post visit with technology being all around us.   We wrap up with some advice for Students studying Travel, Tourism or Hospitality how to get a start in the industry  - the importance of being creative and innovative and never giving up till you get what you want.