
Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast
Business & Economics Podcasts
Could YOU improve your small business by 1% each week? Get more customers, make more money - WITHOUT working harder - with the ambitious, lifestyle business podcast.
Location:
United Kingdom
Description:
Could YOU improve your small business by 1% each week? Get more customers, make more money - WITHOUT working harder - with the ambitious, lifestyle business podcast.
Twitter:
@jasonjbrockman
Language:
English
Website:
http://bigidea.co.uk/
Email:
jason@bigidea.co.uk
Episodes
Ronseal and Farting Horses...
4/20/2025
There's a YouTube video, titled "Horse kicks tree, farts on dogs then runs away."
In it, you won't be surprised to hear that a horse kicks a tree, farts on some dogs, then runs away.
In today's Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast, find out why DOING what you said you'd do is CRUCIAL to your business.
Duration:00:05:45
28 programmers, Bill Gates, and a secretary...
4/13/2025
The first 30 employees at Microsoft were 28 programmers, Bill Gates, and a secretary.
YOU are the best person to sell your product/service.
Bill Gates knew it. Red Bull Founder Dietrich Mateschitz knew it.
And, after today's Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast episode, you'll know it too...
Duration:00:04:59
Start where you ARE
4/6/2025
Many people can articulate their goals but struggle with the steps to achieve them. Visualizing the finish line is not enough; you need a plan to get there.
Starting where you ARE is crucial for success. Success is built step by step, not by jumping to the end, and even small beginnings can lead to significant achievements over time.
You may not have all the resources you need at the start. But the hardest part of any journey is getting started. Momentum is created by taking the first step, no matter how small.
Get a FREE chapter of ANY of John's Books
Duration:00:06:13
"My business works for ME, not the other way around.."
4/3/2025
The school system is outdated and fails children with additional needs. In this episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business Podcast, we chat with Sarah Lamerton, author of "How the School System Fails Children With Needs (And What You Can Do About It").
Sarah shares her evolution in business, her motivations for writing a book about the education system, and her plans to create a podcast aimed at supporting parents navigating the complexities of education.
John and Jason grill Sarah on the evolution of her work, from one-on-one support to creating broader educational resources, including courses and books. We look at getting the balance right between "evergreen assets" and live work. The episode highlights the need for systemic change in education and the role of community and media in driving that change.
The Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts...
Duration:00:42:07
The 5/25 Rule...
3/30/2025
This year, I'll be celebrating 25 years of running small businesses.
In those 25 years, here are the 5 things that made the BIGGEST difference:
1. persevering (and iterating) until I found a model that worked.
2. Starting a mailing list.
3. Investing in paid advertising. (Google Ads in 2002, FB Ads in 2013, Amazon Ads currently run my coaching business)
4. Focusing on ONE thing. "Deep work" days and stacking up weekly "one things".
5. Putting retention first. focus on growing returning visits, increasing lifetime value, and truly putting retention first for every business.
The One Percent Club doors are NOW OPEN - until 9pm on Monday 31st March
Duration:00:07:09
Doors Close 9pm THIS MONDAY...
3/26/2025
The One Percent Club doors are NOW OPEN for our March 2025 intake.
However, we'll be closing the doors at 9pm THIS MONDAY - and won't open them again until September.
If you're looking to improve YOUR business (and lifestyle) by 1% every week, you can join the One Percent Club here (until 9pm on Monday 31st March)
Duration:00:01:09
The first £177,835.50 is the HARDEST...
3/23/2025
You know what they say - the first £177,835.50 is the hardest.
No, it's not the first million - though you'll be well on your way to that.
It's about getting to launch velocity - where compounding begins to do some of the heavy lifting for you.
Charlie Munger wrote in the 1998 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Letter that "The first $100,000 is a b****, but you gotta do it."
"I don’t care what you have to do," he said. "If it means walking everywhere and not eating anything that wasn’t purchased with a coupon, find a way to get your hands on $100,000. After that, you can ease off the gas a little bit."
Thanks to inflation, $100k in 1998 is the equivalent of $225k now. And $225k for us Brits is £177,835.50.
So, find a way to get your hands on £177,835.50, and THEN ease off the gas a little bit...
The One Percent Club doors are NOW OPEN - until 9pm on Monday 31st March
Duration:00:05:41
My Sliding Doors Moment...
3/16/2025
In this solo epsiode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast, John Lamerton, author of Big Ideas... for Small Businesses, and founder of the One Percent Club ponders how different his life could have been if he'd made just one different decision...
The One Percent Club doors are NOW OPEN - until 9pm on Monday 31st March
Duration:00:05:51
My (Self-Published) Book Will Earn Me Several MILLION Pounds
3/9/2025
In this solo epsiode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast, John Lamerton, author of Big Ideas... for Small Businesses, and founder of the One Percent Club explains how a self-published book, that only sells a few thousand copies a year can generate more than a million pounds in revenue...
The One Percent Club doors are NOW OPEN - until 9pm on Monday 31st March
Duration:00:05:58
"I sell very expensive high-tech shovels to people in a gold rush..."
3/6/2025
The One Percent Club doors are NOW OPEN for our March 2025 intake. Find out more (and apply to join) here, before the doors close on Monday, March 31st.
In this episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business Podcast, One Percenter Ben Proudlove shares his journey of founding Merrow Scientific, a company specialising in high-end scientific instruments.
He discusses the unique niche his business occupies, the challenges he faced transitioning from a scientist to an entrepreneur, and the valuable lessons learned over 21 years in business. Additionally, Ben explores the role of philosophy in guiding his business decisions and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and judgment in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.
In this conversation, Ben shares insights from his 21-year journey in business, emphasising the importance of stoic philosophy, mindset, and process in navigating challenges. He discusses personal experiences, the significance of coaching and understanding individual motivations, and the intersection of sports and business. The conversation highlights the need for reflection on achievements and the driving 'why' behind their work, ultimately defining what an ambitious lifestyle business looks like.
The Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts...
Duration:00:46:40
Retention First: an (early) sneak peek
3/2/2025
In this solo epsiode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast, John Lamerton, author of Big Ideas... for Small Businesses, and founder of the One Percent Club reads the very first chapter of his forthcoming book "Retention First: Why Existing Customers Are Key to Growth"
If you would like to be a beta reader for the book, email john@bigidea.co.uk.
Duration:00:10:02
One Percent Club Doors Are NOW OPEN
3/1/2025
Hey, it’s John here – and I’ve got some BIG news for you. 🚀
Right now, the doors to the One Percent Club are OPEN for our March intake! 🎉
If you’re a small business owner looking for consistent, sustainable growth – without working 100-hour weeks or burning yourself out – this is your chance to join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, all focused on making 1% improvements every single week.
Here’s what you get as a One Percenter:
✅ Three, 90-minute coaching calls each month to keep you on track and accountable.
✅ 90-day planning sessions – so you know exactly what to focus on.
✅ Direct access to Jason for 1-2-1 support – whenever you need it.
✅ A proven system to help you work ON your business, not just IN it.
✅ And most importantly – a community of business owners who get it.
If you’re tired of going it alone, trying to figure everything out yourself, and getting distracted by every new shiny thing… this is for you.
But here’s the thing – we only open the doors twice a year. And when they close, they’re shut until September.
So if you want to grow your business, improve your lifestyle, and make 2024 your best year yet, head over to bigidea.co.uk/one-percent-club and grab your spot before it’s too late.
Join us now at bigidea.co.uk/one-percent-club – and let’s make those 1% improvements together. See you inside! 💪
Duration:00:02:19
36 ways you could improve your business THIS WEEK
2/23/2025
Improving your business by just 1% every week is the path to steady, sustainable growth that lasts.
In this solo epsiode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast, John Lamerton, author of Big Ideas... for Small Businesses, and founder of the One Percent Club breaks down just how easy it can be, rattling off 36 ways you could improve your small business by 1% this week.
Duration:00:05:32
What if EVERYTHING Went Pete Tong?
2/16/2025
We all set big goals, and then dream about how brilliant life will be when we hit them.
But how often do we consider what life will be like if we DON'T achieve them?
In today's short episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast, John Lamerton, bestselling author of Big Ideas.. for Small Businesses explains how imagining telling your kids they WON'T be going to Walt Disney World after all increases the odds that you WILL meet Micky and Donald after all...
Duration:00:04:55
The Best Client You've EVER Had
2/9/2025
Are you a financial advisor who hasn't got an ISA? An accountant who misses the tax deadline for your own self assessment? A builder with a half-finished kitchen at home?
Well then, today's short episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast is for you - as John Lamerton, bestselling author of Big Ideas... for Small Businesses encourages you to be your own client - and explains how lucrative that can be...
Duration:00:05:14
"I'm the best at every thing, but can't do EVERYTHING..."
2/6/2025
In this episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business Podcast, John and Jason interview One Percenter Simon Fisher, who describes himself as "that property guy from Torbay who loves networking, travelling, sport & business."
Simon shares his journey navigating various business ventures, including web design, mortgage brokering, a jet ski business and an estate agency.
He discusses the importance of seizing opportunities, the challenges faced in different markets, and the dynamics of running a family business. Simon also reflects on the concept of a 'false exit' and how he plans to continue contributing to his business while delegating responsibilities to his family.
In this conversation, Simon Fisher discusses the evolution of his business and personal mindset, emphasising the importance of delegation, building a diverse leadership team, and creating a sustainable business model that aligns with his lifestyle goals.
He shares insights from his journey, including the impact of running on his mindset, the value of mentorship, and the necessity of letting go of control to empower his team. Simon also reflects on the challenges of small business ownership and the importance of adapting to changes in the market.
Duration:00:48:15
Are YOU a fish out of water? 🐠
2/2/2025
I got a new fish tank recently.
It's three times the size of my old one, and full of REAL plants, soil, sand etc.
In today's solo episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast, I explain what happened when I introduced my old fish to their new home...
Duration:00:05:26
8 hours, 48 minutes and 38 seconds
1/26/2025
December 20th 2024 was the shortest day.
From here on in, it's constant, never-ending improvement.
Marginal gains every day, gaining an extra minute in the morning, and/or a minute in the evening.
No noticeable difference whatsoever from day to day.
After a week, we gain 10 minutes of daylight a day. Whoop-de-do.
After a month, we get an extra hour a day. Now we're talking! We start to notice the difference - eventually waking up in daylight, or driving home in daylight (for me, one of the first signs is leaving a football match in the daylight around late February.)
After six months of constant never-ending improvement, we gain an extra 8 hours, 48 minutes and 38 seconds of daylight - a world of difference. But it all happened little-by-little, day-by-day.
And so it is with your business - if you're following the One Percent Way, you're making your business 1% better every week - an improvement that you won't even notice for months - but that eventually you'll look back over dozens (or eventually hundreds!) of weekly 1% gains, and the difference will be like night and day...
Duration:00:04:44
John does some amateur psychology...
1/19/2025
Summary
In this solo episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast, business book author John Lamerton discusses the influence of Rory Sutherland, particularly his book 'Alchemy', which highlights the importance of psycho-logical solutions in addressing problems that seem to require logical fixes.
John illustrates this with examples from the London Underground and even proposes a rebranding of Inheritance Tax to enhance public perception and engagement. He shows how small businesses can adopt these psycho-logical insights to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
You can get a FREE chapter of John's book Big Ideas... for Small Businesses here.
Duration:00:06:51
Which is best? Inbound or Outbound Marketing?
1/12/2025
Is your Marketing strategy primarily inbound, or outbound?
Despite having written a bestselling business book (Evergreen Assets) about an inbound, content marketing led strategy, John Lamerton doesn't suggest that this is necessarily the best option for YOU.
In this short, solo episode of the Ambitious Lifestyle Business podcast, John explains the difference between the two strategies, and suggests you may want to do BOTH...
Duration:00:06:06