The Exceptional Business Podcast

n this episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking explores one of the most overlooked marketing tools in business growth — your team’s reviews.She explains how genuine feedback from your employees not only helps attract top talent but also builds credibility with potential clients. Positive reviews show that your business is professional, transparent, and a great place to work with — and for.💡 Key insights from Helen: 🖋️ Encourage reviews regularly – Ask your team to share their experiences on platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, Google, and LinkedIn. 💬 Make it easy – Use ChatGPT to help staff draft their reviews and dedicate time for them to write and post. 🔁 Follow up – Check in with employees who haven’t yet left a review and encourage them to contribute. 🌍 Diversify platforms – Post across multiple sites for wider visibility and stronger brand reputation. 💌 Communicate clearly with applicants – Helen shares a personal story about the power of simple, honest communication when someone isn’t selected for a role — a small gesture that builds long-term respect.Her message is clear: authentic voices build trust. When your team champions your company online, it strengthens your employer brand, attracts aligned clients, and reinforces the culture you’ve worked hard to build.🎧 Listen to the full episode: www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk 📅 Book a chat: www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, Helen shares how her team tackled one of the most frustrating challenges in appointment setting — no-shows and constant rearranges.Using Go High Level, they built an automated system to confirm appointments and categorise bookings by their likelihood to rearrange. Within just two months, they halved their no-show rate and dramatically improved how rearrangements were handled.💡 Here’s what made the difference: ⚙️ Automated confirmations: Text and email sequences reminded clients and confirmed attendance. 📊 Smart categorisation: Prospects were grouped by reliability, allowing for targeted follow-ups. 🔗 Seamless integration: Zapier and Monday.com streamlined notifications and updates for the team. 🤖 Automatic rearrange handling: The system now manages new times without manual intervention — cutting errors and saving time.Helen also emphasised the bigger lesson: solving business problems starts with strong systems and processes. By tracking key metrics through scorecards and KPIs, you can identify patterns, measure progress, and continuously improve efficiency.Her takeaway: automation isn’t just about saving time — it’s about building consistency, accountability, and control.🎧 Listen to the full episode: www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk 📅 Book a chat: www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful session, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking unpacked the “sales gap” many mid-size businesses face — that frustrating space between marketing buzz and actual new clients.Her advice was clear: fix the bottom of the funnel before spending more at the top.Helen shared a structured, three-stage process to qualify leads and improve conversion rates: 1️⃣ Stage One – Booking: Use tools like Calendly to streamline initial meetings. 2️⃣ Stage Two – Qualification: Add smart pre-call questions to filter genuine prospects. 3️⃣ Stage Three – Video Sales Letter (VSL): Share a short video that pre-sells your value before the meeting.She also reinforced the power of BANT — Budget, Authority, Need, and Timescale — to qualify effectively and ensure every team member can clearly explain the sales process.Finally, Helen emphasised the importance of testing and measuring performance. A simple scorecard can track meetings → proposals → wins, revealing where improvements will have the biggest impact.Her message: you can’t fix what you don’t measure. When you tighten your qualification process, your pipeline becomes predictable, and your sales flow becomes consistent.🔗 Learn more about how Exceptional Thinking helps businesses generate qualified, consistent appointments: www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk 📅 Book a chat: www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helen walked through how to use Sales Navigator to find the right prospects — for example, C-suite directors in large UK manufacturing firms — and how to use ChatGPT to craft personalised connection and follow-up messages that start real conversations.💡 Key takeaways: 🔍 Target smartly – Use Sales Navigator filters to find your ideal decision-makers. 💬 Personalise with AI – Let ChatGPT help you write tailored connection and follow-up messages that sound human. 📊 Track everything – Keep an organised list of connections in your CRM or Excel. ✅ Qualify before booking – Focus on genuine prospects, not just anyone who replies. 📅 Build consistency – Connect with 100 contacts weekly, follow up via LinkedIn and phone, and review your progress through weekly stats.Helen also stressed the importance of keeping a briefing document and regular updates so both you and your clients stay on track — ensuring quality, not just quantity, in every appointment.Her message is simple: LinkedIn done right isn’t about mass messaging — it’s about method, relevance, and rhythm.🔗 Learn more about how Exceptional Thinking helps businesses generate consistent, qualified leads: www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk 📅 Book a chat: www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and candid episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, Helen shares the real story of when she and her husband — and Finance Director — Nick had to take a client to court. They won the case, but as she explains, winning doesn’t mean it didn’t take a toll.This episode dives deep into the emotional and operational realities of dealing with client disputes — what happens before, during, and after a legal battle, and how to avoid getting there in the first place.Helen explains:Why the case happened: a seemingly happy client suddenly refused to pay their final invoice — despite previously praising the team.What the court process was really like: long, exhausting, and emotionally draining, even when the outcome was in their favour.Key lessons learned:Try every possible resolution before court — from reasoned communication to mediation.Keep everything factual — contracts, evidence, and timelines matter far more than emotion.Use tools like ChatGPT to draft kind but firm responses that remove heat from tense conversations.Remember the emotional cost — the stress can linger far longer than the financial gain.Why mediation matters: Helen explains how mediation can resolve cases quickly and privately, avoiding months of strain.She also reflects on how running a business inevitably means facing difficult moments — refund requests, complaints, unfair accusations — but how we handle those defines our integrity and resilience.Her closing advice is simple but profound:“Yes, I’d take a client to court again if I had to — but I’d always exhaust every other route first. The emotional cost of conflict is rarely worth the win.”👉 If you’d like to learn how Exceptional Thinking builds strong, transparent client partnerships and clear communication from the start, visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, Helen shares a simple, structured approach to setting business goals that actually stick. Instead of plucking targets out of thin air, she shows how to use real numbers, reverse engineering, and weekly accountability to create growth plans that are ambitious — but achievable.Drawing from her own experience leading Exceptional Thinking into its next financial year, Helen walks through how to forecast growth, plan strategically, and make sure every target is backed by action.Here’s what she covers:Start with your numbers: review your last two years’ revenue, then calculate your annual percentage growth — or decline — to understand your trend.Set realistic targets: don’t jump to a 50% increase without evidence; decide on a percentage that stretches but doesn’t overwhelm.Plan how you’ll grow: consider where the increase will come from — price rises, new offers, more clients, or reduced costs.Reverse engineer success: imagine you’ve hit your target — what processes, people, and systems made it happen?Involve your team: brainstorm what it would take to scale beyond your target (e.g. 12 clients per month) to uncover hidden opportunities.Keep score weekly: track revenue, projects, and team motivation every week — not monthly — so you can course-correct fast.Helen also shares how her team at Exceptional Thinking identified ten “exponential growth activities” and designed creative incentives to keep everyone engaged, such as reward gifts when booked appointments convert to clients.Her message is clear: real growth comes from structure, not guesswork. With consistent review, collaboration, and measurement, you’ll move from setting goals to achieving them.👉 Want to see how Exceptional Thinking helps clients achieve consistent growth through qualified appointments? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply honest episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, Helen opens up about something most entrepreneurs neglect — rest. After years of “go, go, go,” she shares how burnout forced her to rethink productivity, redefine success, and rebuild a business that thrives without her being constantly switched on.Drawing on lessons from athletes and Olympic performance coaches, Helen explains how business owners are the “athletes of the business world” — carrying the weight of payroll, performance, and progress — yet often skip the recovery phase that makes elite results possible.She explores:The cost of overwork: how constant hustle once left her exhausted, reactive, and short-tempered.The athlete analogy: why rest and recovery are as vital for entrepreneurs as training and performance.Finding your rhythm: knowing when you work best and protecting that energy (no sales calls after 3pm!).Simple habits that restore focus: daily walks with Chewie and Jet, short runs, 10-minute meditations, good books, and creative hobbies like cross-stitch.Boundaries that work: switching off completely on holiday, muting notifications, and trusting the team to run the business.Her message is clear — rest isn’t laziness, it’s leverage. By deliberately stepping back, you give your mind space to think, plan, and build systems that free you from day-to-day firefighting.👉 If you’d like to learn how Exceptional Thinking helps business owners reclaim time and grow their pipeline with qualified appointments, visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, Helen lifts the lid on how she and her team have used AI-driven automation to revolutionise the way their business runs — saving the equivalent of one to two full-time roles through smart systems design.Following previous episodes on ChatGPT and Go High Level, this one dives into Monday.com, Zapier, and Make — the unsung heroes connecting everything together behind the scenes. Helen walks through how Exceptional Thinking automated client onboarding, appointment processing, and follow-up, turning what once took 30–40 minutes per task into 8–10 minutes or less.You’ll learn:How Monday.com cut admin time in half by linking telemarketers, account managers, and clients in one automated flow.How Zapier and Make connect systems like Go High Level, Microsoft, and Monday.com to create seamless automations.How automation improved client experience with faster updates, cleaner communication, and near-zero inbox backlogs.Why setup takes time (and patience) — but pays back massively once it’s working.How automation can replace admin roles, freeing you to invest in growth, not repetition.Helen’s message is clear: automation isn’t about replacing people; it’s about reclaiming time, cutting complexity, and making your business run smoother than ever.👉 Want to see how automation could power your lead generation and appointment setting? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to find out how we combine people, process, and AI to deliver results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, Helen pulls back the curtain on the lead generation industry — and she doesn’t hold back. After more than 20 years in business, she’s seen the good, the bad, and the downright awful: empty promises, unqualified “leads,” one-size-fits-all campaigns, and companies more focused on signing clients than serving them.Helen breaks down exactly why most lead gen companies fail their clients — and how to make sure you never waste time or money again.Here’s what she covers:Big promises, little substance: why “100 leads this month” means nothing without qualification.The missing ingredient — BANT: how Budget, Authority, Need, and Timescale stop you wasting hours on the wrong people.Expectation setting: understanding why true lead gen is a process, not a miracle.The danger of cookie-cutter scripts: why copying templates across industries kills results.Partnership over churn: how long-term collaboration, not quick wins, creates consistent ROI.When clients share responsibility: why feedback, follow-up, and commitment are vital on both sides.Helen also outlines what great lead generation should look like — transparent, consistent, and tailored — with a five-step process that’s built to deliver three to six qualified appointments per month on repeat.If you’ve ever been burned by a lead gen company that overpromised and underdelivered, this episode will show you how to choose differently next time — and what a true partnership should feel like.👉 Want to see how Exceptional Thinking does it differently? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to explore our transparent, proven five-step process for generating qualified appointments that convert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Helen digs into the underrated superpower of sales: asking better questions. Sparked by coaching a candidate selling corporate hospitality, she shares why most reps leap to a pitch instead of learning why a buyer would—or wouldn’t—say yes. Using her own experience with race-day events, Helen shows how almost no one asks, “Why not now?”—and how that single question uncovers practical fixes (format, travel, budget, incentives) you can feed back into your offer.Key takeaways:Lead with curiosity. On sales calls and follow-ups, ask open questions to learn context, constraints, and timing—don’t guess.Do something with the feedback. Close the loop internally (tweak the offer/process) and externally (tell the buyer what you changed).Treat “no” as “not yet.” Gain permission to check back, then diarise a 3–6 month follow-up so warm opportunities don’t go cold by neglect.Make it human. Genuine interest beats scripted interrogations; the goal is insight, not a checkbox.If you want a pipeline built on real conversations—not wishful thinking—start by asking better questions and following through.👉 Ready to fill your diary with qualified appointments and a follow-up plan that actually happens? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 9:30 Advantage session, Helen shows why standout sales conversations begin long before the meeting — with smart qualification, not a hard sell. You’ll learn how to use LinkedIn and ChatGPT to create connection and follow-up messages that make the right prospects self-identify (“raise their hands”), so your diary fills with people worth speaking to.Helen walks through the practical flow:Attract, don’t chase — craft messages that invite interest instead of pushing a pitch.Pre-qualify before sales touches — have your team speak to prospects first so only real opportunities reach closers.Share a clear process — use a simple 5-step delivery map (kickoff → connect → nurture → telemarket → weekly stats) so prospects know exactly how you work.Qualify with BANT — Budget, Authority, Need, Timescale — and make that definition shared across the team.Measure what matters — track meetings → proposals → wins with a KPI scorecard to keep campaigns on course.The result: fewer tire-kickers, stronger conversations, and a pipeline you can actually forecast.👉 Want a steady flow of qualified appointments — not just more meetings? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this candid episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, Helen tackles one of the biggest frustrations she hears from new clients: “We’ve tried lead generation before, and it didn’t work.”She breaks down why so many businesses get burnt by flashy dashboards, false promises, and low-quality “leads” that go nowhere — and more importantly, how to make sure it never happens again.Helen walks through the four key steps to rebuilding trust in the process:1️⃣ Pause and Reflect – Before jumping into another contract, take stock. What actually went wrong last time — wrong partner, poor qualification, or lack of follow-up? 2️⃣ Change Your Perspective – Stop chasing volume. Focus on quality over quantity — three to six qualified appointments a month can transform your business when they’re the right ones. 3️⃣ Demand Transparency – If a lead generation company can’t explain how they qualify, score, and report on leads, walk away. Helen reveals how Exceptional Thinking ensures full visibility: call recordings, transcripts, BANT scoring, and weekly reports. 4️⃣ Think Long-Term – Real lead generation isn’t a quick fix; it’s about consistency, reliability, and predictable growth month after month.With real-life stories — from clients burned by false promises to those landing dream meetings like BrewDog — Helen shows what happens when you replace luck with process and hope with strategy.If you’ve been burned before, don’t give up. The right partner, process, and patience can make lead generation one of the most profitable systems in your business.👉 Ready to see how it works when it’s done properly? Book a chat today at www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact — no pressure, just a real conversation about what would work best for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Helen revisits one of the most transformative frameworks she’s used in business growth — Leverage by Fabian Fredrickson. She breaks down the eight “activators” that help entrepreneurs step out of day-to-day operations and scale sustainably:1️⃣ Team – building people who truly support you. 2️⃣ Systems – ensuring everything runs smoothly without relying on you. 3️⃣ Time – setting boundaries and escaping daily ops. 4️⃣ Business Model – designing for 10x capacity. 5️⃣ Marketing – creating repeatable, automated promotion. 6️⃣ Differentiation – standing apart and clearly articulating your process. 7️⃣ Accountability – having a strong second-in-command. 8️⃣ Vision for Freedom – defining what you’ll do once everything’s in place.Helen shares how applying these principles — alongside EOS (the Entrepreneurial Operating System) — helped her streamline operations, remove herself from firefighting, and finally achieve calm control. She’s honest about what still needs work too: delegating sooner, handing over projects once systemised, and shaking off her “lone ranger” habits.This episode is both a reflection and a blueprint for any business owner ready to move from operator to true leader, freeing time for strategy, creativity, and growth.👉 If you’re ready to stop running your business and start leading it — while filling your diary with qualified appointments — visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to find out how Exceptional Thinking can help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this refreshingly honest episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, Helen shares her journey from working on every holiday to finally switching off completely — and how you can do the same.She talks about the mindset shift that comes from realising you’d never expect your team to check emails on their holiday, so why hold yourself to a different standard? Helen also shares the practical steps that allowed her to fully disconnect — from mapping out and reverse-engineering her company’s five-step process, to training and trusting her team to handle 99% of issues.You’ll learn:Why over-checking emails is a symptom of poor systems, not dedicationHow to build processes and trust so things run without youThe importance of taking small “trust breaks” — start with one day, then a weekend, then two weeksHow to train and empower your team to solve problems before they reach youAnd how planning for real downtime can actually make your business strongerWhether you’ve been the person on the beach glued to your laptop or just haven’t dared take time off, this episode will show you why true leadership means letting go — and how to make that possible.👉 Ready to step back and let your business run smoothly — with a steady flow of qualified appointments? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to find out how we can help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Helen tackles the bit most business owners avoid: follow-up. Drawing on ideas from No One Gives a Bleep About Your Business (Chris Dillon) and her own setups, she shows how automation makes follow-up timely, professional, and painless. You’ll hear how Exceptional Thinking uses Go High Level with WhatsApp to handle no-shows and nurture leads: a short video apology, three clear options (rebook, not now, not interested), and automatic next steps—rebooking links, long-term reminders, or respectful removal—without a human lifting a finger.Helen explains why giving prospects an easy opt-out actually improves trust (and saves you chasing ghosts), how to route “call me later” replies into six-month reminders, and ways to confirm appointments and drip useful info via WhatsApp—where open rates are sky-high. The result: less awkward chasing, fewer tasks slipping through the cracks, and a cleaner pipeline that moves at the prospect’s pace while still protecting your diary.👉 Want to fill your diary with qualified appointments—and have your follow-up run itself? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 9:30 Advantage session, Helen shows senior leaders how to create reliable lead flow without adding headcount. She unpacks the real reasons pipelines look “full” but don’t convert—overreliance on cold leads, blurred roles (asking closers to self-prospect), weak follow-up, and fuzzy definitions of a “good” appointment. Drawing on hard-won lessons from reshaping her own sales function, Helen shares a five-point plan to stabilise results:Define a qualified appointment using BANT (Budget, Authority, Need, Timescale) and make that definition shared across the business.Front-load qualification with a simple, visible five-step sales process everyone can explain—from kick-off to weekly reporting.Separate roles: let appointment-setting feed the diary so your salespeople can do what they do best—close.Follow up like clockwork (use Helen’s “rule of three” and reset on contact) so “dead leads” stop dying prematurely.Instrument with KPIs so forecasting reflects reality: meetings → proposals → wins, not wishful thinking.If you’re tired of erratic months, demoralised reps, and fictional forecasts, this playbook helps you swap volume-chasing for quality conversations that convert—and build a pipeline you can actually plan around.👉 Ready to fill your diary with qualified appointments and create predictable lead flow? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 20-minute 9:30 Advantage session, Helen breaks down why sales teams underperform when they’re fed cold, unqualified leads — and what to do instead. She explains the hidden costs (wasted hours, demoralisation, bad forecasting) and the common trap of pushing salespeople to both set appointments and close deals — two very different skill sets. You’ll learn a four-part fix:Introduce BANT with a shared definition of a qualified appointment and independent scoring (Budget, Authority, Need, Timescale; pass threshold 4.5/6).Front-load qualification by publishing and following a simple, five-step process everyone can explain — from kick-off to weekly reporting.Stop making closers book their own calls — use a dedicated appointment-setting motion (or a partner) so sales spends time closing, not chasing.Run a consistent weekly cadence with follow-ups and a scorecard that tracks meetings → proposals → wins, so the pipeline becomes real, not wishful.If you’re done with “more meetings at any cost” and want quality conversations that convert, this episode shows how to rebuild your system so great salespeople can actually sell.👉 Ready to fill your diary with qualified appointments and lift your conversion rates? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact to chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, Helen lifts the lid on the CRM platform that’s become the backbone of her business — Go High Level. After years of juggling multiple tools for CRM, email marketing, scheduling, and social media, she explains how moving to an all-in-one system has saved time, reduced costs, and improved client management.You’ll hear:Why Go High Level replaced tools like AWeber, Hootsuite, and Acuity in one centralised platformHow to import and organise your contacts without overwhelming your systemThe powerful automation features for email, SMS, WhatsApp, contracts, and follow-up sequencesHow to use tags, opportunities, and task assignments to keep leads moving forwardExtra capabilities like membership sites, funnels, client portals, quizzes, surveys, and AI-assisted messagingThe hidden costs you need to factor in — and why Helen still thinks it’s worth every pennyWhether you’re looking to automate more of your client journey, consolidate your tech stack, or simply gain better visibility over your pipeline and team activity, this episode will help you decide if Go High Level could work for you.👉 Want to see how Exceptional Thinking uses Go High Level to help book qualified appointments for clients? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, Helen shares how a clearly defined process transformed Exceptional Thinking — streamlining operations, simplifying training, and enabling her to step out of the daily running of the business.Drawing on her own five-step appointment-setting process, Helen explains how documenting each stage — from kickoff meeting to weekly reporting — has created clarity for the team, improved client understanding, and ensured consistent quality. She also reveals how breaking down each area of the business into smaller mapped-out processes makes onboarding new team members faster, easier, and more effective.You’ll learn why “every client is different” is often a myth, how to spot common patterns in your work, and how to turn them into repeatable systems that can be followed by all. Helen also shares lessons learned from implementing processes, including the tweaks and changes needed to get them right — and why, without them, owners often stay trapped in the operational grind.If you want to free yourself from constant firefighting, scale your business without chaos, and focus on growth, this episode will give you the practical first steps to make it happen.👉 Want to see Exceptional Thinking’s five-step process and find out how we can help you book qualified appointments consistently? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 930 Advantage session, Helen tackles one of the most common myths in business growth — that referrals alone can sustain your pipeline. While they’re valuable, referrals are unpredictable and can’t be relied on as your sole strategy. Instead, Helen reveals how to build a system that generates them consistently.You’ll learn her four-part referral strategy:Ask for them – Overcome the awkwardness, time your request right, and combine it with asking for testimonials and case studies.Run referral events – Create online or in-person events that give value to clients and their networks while introducing potential new customers to your services.Reward your clients – Use incentives like discounts or gifts to encourage referrals, and make sure clients know about them.Leverage social proof – Share testimonials, case studies, and useful content that clients can easily pass on to their networks.Helen also shows how these four strategies can be combined into a repeatable process that keeps referrals flowing, and why having a consistent system beats relying on “word of mouth” alone.👉 Want to find out more about booking qualified appointments and building a predictable new business pipeline? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, Helen shares how AI — and ChatGPT in particular — has become an everyday part of running Exceptional Thinking. From creating social media content and blog posts, to solving HR challenges, writing scripts, generating ideas, analysing appointments, and even building complex Excel formulas, AI is helping the team work faster, smarter, and with fewer admin resources.Helen explains why AI should never completely replace human oversight, how to write effective prompts (including one essential line to ensure UK-friendly results), and why experimenting is key to unlocking AI’s full potential. You’ll also hear real-world examples — including how ChatGPT surprised a local pub with menu ideas and marketing content in seconds — to inspire your own business experiments.If you’ve been curious about AI but haven’t yet taken the plunge, or if you’re looking for fresh ways to make it work for you, this episode will give you practical starting points and a clear understanding of its possibilities.👉 Want to find out more about booking qualified appointments that help you grow your business? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After hitting big goals in 2025, Helen found herself facing an unexpected challenge — a lack of motivation for the long, drawn-out projects that would take the business to its next level. In this candid episode of The Exceptional Thinking Podcast, she shares how she navigated post-goal energy dips, balanced “boring but necessary” work with more engaging tasks, and learned to only tackle big projects when the energy and headspace were right.Helen also opens up about how she successfully stepped out of the day-to-day running of her business by putting the right leadership structure in place, implementing the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), and resisting the urge to jump back into operational firefighting.If you’ve ever achieved a milestone only to find yourself struggling with the next phase — or if you’re wondering how to free yourself from the daily grind without losing control — this episode will give you practical tips, real examples, and a refreshing perspective on working with your energy, not against it.👉 Want to find out more about booking qualified appointments that move your business forward? Visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s January 2026 — but are you still chasing the same goals you set in 2025? In this episode of The Exceptional Business Podcast, Helen challenges you to break the cycle of setting the same targets year after year without moving the needle.Drawing on relatable stories (including one about an 8-week cooking course that sparked a big “aha!” moment), Helen shares her five proven tips for turning your 2026 goals into reality:Reframe, don’t repeat – Update stale goals so they’re specific, emotionally engaging, and time-bound, instead of dragging last year’s list forward untouched.Focus on micro wins – Break big, daunting ambitions into smaller, achievable actions that keep momentum going.Change your environment – Set yourself up for success with surroundings that make progress easier, not harder.Get accountable – Build in external motivation, from coaches to public commitments, to keep you on track.Know your “why” – Connect each goal to a bigger sense of purpose so you stay driven even when the novelty wears off.This episode is part inspiration, part practical action plan — ideal for business owners and leaders who don’t just want to “set” goals, but actually hit them. If you’re ready to make 2026 the year you stop repeating history and start creating it, this one’s for you.👉 If you’d like to find out more about how to book qualified appointments that help you achieve those big business goals, visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final episode of 2025, Helen shifts focus to the importance of rest and rejuvenation for business owners during the festive season. As the year draws to a close, she shares practical advice on how to truly disconnect and recharge, ensuring you return to work refreshed and ready for the challenges of 2026. Helen outlines five essential strategies to help you make the most of this downtime, emphasizing the need to prioritize self-care and mental health.Key Takeaways:Prioritise Sleep: Helen discusses the critical role of sleep in maintaining overall well-being. She shares personal tips on how to improve sleep patterns during the holiday season, stressing that proper rest is foundational to recharging.Schedule True Downtime: It's easy to fill your time with social obligations, but Helen advises scheduling periods where you can unwind without the pressure of constant activity, ensuring you don’t return to work exhausted.Stay Active: Exercise is vital, even during the holidays. Helen suggests simple ways to incorporate physical activity into your routine, which will help you feel more energized and give you a break from the holiday hustle.Mentally Disconnect from Work: Helen encourages listeners to take advantage of the fact that most businesses are closed, making it easier to switch off and enjoy the holidays without thinking about work.Avoid Scheduling Work: Resist the temptation to use the holiday period for catching up on tasks. Helen emphasizes the importance of a complete break to start the new year feeling refreshed.Listener Challenge:Helen challenges listeners to fully embrace the festive period as a time for rest and recovery. She encourages you to implement these strategies and avoid the temptation to work, ensuring you return to the new year with renewed energy.Call to Action:If you found these tips helpful, make sure to subscribe for the upcoming series in 2026, where Helen will continue to provide valuable insights for business owners. Share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs who might benefit from a well-deserved break. For more advice and to stay updated on new conten, visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode, Helen continues her series on setting impactful goals, guiding listeners through a structured approach to planning for the year ahead. Building on the foundation laid in part one, this episode focuses on breaking down annual goals into manageable, actionable steps, using the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework. Helen emphasizes the importance of quarterly planning and regular reviews to ensure progress and accountability.Key Takeaways:Quarterly Planning: Helen advocates for dividing the year into 90-day sprints, which helps maintain focus and allows for more achievable goal setting. This method ensures that progress is consistent and manageable.Identifying Key Objectives (Rocks): Inspired by the EOS system, Helen explains how to identify your most important goals, or "rocks," that will drive your business or personal growth. These are the big objectives that should be prioritized above all else.Reverse Engineering Goals: To effectively plan your actions, Helen suggests reverse engineering your goals. Start with the desired outcome and work backward to determine the specific steps needed to achieve it.Accountability Strategies: Helen highlights the value of accountability, whether through regular team meetings or an accountability buddy. These practices ensure that goals remain a priority and that progress is monitored consistently.Weekly Check-ins: Regular weekly meetings are crucial for reviewing progress on your goals. These meetings help keep everyone on track and provide an opportunity to address any obstacles.Practical Examples: Helen shares real examples from her business, illustrating how to set sales targets, refine client onboarding processes, and implement necessary tools like CRM systems to streamline operations.Listener Challenge:Helen encourages listeners to implement a quarterly planning process and set their key "rocks" for the next 90 days. She challenges them to reverse engineer their goals and establish accountability practices that will keep them on track.Resources Mentioned:EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)Reverse engineering goal-setting techniquesCall to Action:If you found these strategies helpful, be sure to subscribe and tune in for the next episode, where Helen will continue to guide you on your journey to achieving your goals. Share this episode with others who might benefit from a more structured approach to goal setting. For more insights and to book a consultation, visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary: In this thoughtful episode, Helen guides listeners through a powerful end-of-year ritual designed to help business owners and professionals reflect on the past year and prepare for the next. Recognizing the importance of closure before setting new goals, Helen introduces a three-part exercise focused on celebrating achievements, addressing challenges, and extracting valuable lessons learned. This practice is particularly useful for those who align their year-end reflections with the traditional calendar but can be applied at any time for a fresh start.Key Takeaways:Celebrate Achievements: Start by listing all the positives from the past year. Collaborate with a partner or friend to help uncover accomplishments you might overlook. Aim to identify at least 50 things you’re proud of, focusing on both personal and professional successes.Acknowledge Challenges: Reflect on what didn’t go well and create a list of these situations. Engage in a clearing exercise by repeating the phrases “I forgive you,” “I’m sorry,” and “I love you” to release any lingering negative energy and move forward with a lighter heart.Learn from the Year: Consider the lessons you’ve learned from both your successes and setbacks. Identify key takeaways that will inform your approach in the coming year, helping you to grow and evolve.Clearing Exercise: The clearing exercise Helen recommends involves forgiving yourself and others, allowing you to let go of negative emotions tied to the past. This process can be emotionally intense but is ultimately freeing, paving the way for a more positive outlook.Preparation for Goal Setting: This episode focuses on the first part of the exercise—reflection and clearing. The next episode will delve into setting goals for 2026, building on the insights gained from this reflection process.Listener Challenge: Helen encourages listeners to complete this three-part reflection exercise before the next episode. Take the time to identify your achievements, clear past challenges, and extract key lessons to ensure a fresh start as you prepare for the year ahead.Resources Mentioned:Reflective journaling and clearing exercises.Call to Action: If you found this exercise helpful, be sure to tune in next week for part two, where Helen will guide you through setting your goals for 2026. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with others who might benefit from this reflective practice. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Helen dives into the often-overlooked benefits of marketing during the so-called "quiet" months of August and December. While many businesses pause their marketing efforts during these periods, Helen argues that these months are actually prime opportunities to gain traction and secure new clients.She explains that the common belief that everyone is on holiday in August or too distracted by the holidays in December is a misconception. By continuing to market during these times, you can reach decision-makers more easily and stand out in a less crowded market. Helen shares insights on how her own business thrives by booking meetings and securing new clients when others have slowed down.She also discusses the importance of not letting the end-of-year mindset affect your marketing strategy, emphasizing the value of year-long programs and end-of-year offers. Helen encourages listeners to test this approach in their own businesses, highlighting the potential for significant gains.Tune in to discover why August and December should be your secret weapons for successful marketing and how to make the most of these months when others are taking a break.Key Takeaways:Seize the Opportunity in Quiet Months: August and December are often overlooked as prime times for marketing, but they offer unique opportunities to reach decision-makers with less competition from other businesses.Decision-Makers Are More Accessible: With many gatekeepers on holiday during these months, it can be easier to connect directly with decision-makers, increasing your chances of securing meetings and new clients.Year-End and Year-Long Offers Can Drive Sales: December, in particular, is a great time to launch year-long programs or special offers. People are often planning for the year ahead and may be more willing to commit to your services.Don’t Let the End-of-Year Mentality Slow You Down: Many businesses wind down their marketing efforts at the end of the year, but this is the perfect time to push forward and gain a competitive edge.Test and Learn: Helen encourages businesses to experiment with marketing in August and December to see the potential for themselves. Consistent effort during these months can lead to significant growth.Call to Action: If you found value in this episode, make sure to subscribe, and share it with fellow business owners or managers who might benefit from these tips. Try implementing one of Helen's techniques today and see how it impacts your mindset and productivity. To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Helen shares her tried-and-true strategies for maintaining mental well-being and staying positive as a Managing Director or business owner. Recognizing the unique pressures that come with leadership roles, Helen provides practical tips and exercises that have helped her stay focused, energised, and resilient. These practices are not only essential for personal sanity but also crucial for leading a motivated and effective team.Key Takeaways:Mindset Gym: Just as physical exercise is vital for the body, regular mental exercises are crucial for maintaining a positive and resilient mindset.Daily Positive Inputs: Listen to uplifting podcasts, read inspiring books, and focus on learning and growth to keep your mindset sharp.Set Challenges: Engage in personal or team challenges to stay motivated and focused, whether it's a sales sprint or a new project goal.Focus on the Good: Write down three good things that happen each day to shift focus from negatives to positives.Physical and Mental Health: Regular exercise and healthy eating are foundational to maintaining energy and a positive outlook.Mental Breaks: Engage in activities like puzzles, crafts, or meditation to give your mind a rest from work stresses.Energy Management: Use the red, orange, and green day method to track your energy levels and adjust your workload accordingly.Addressing Negative Thoughts: Counter negative thoughts by writing them down and challenging them with positive affirmations.Emotional Release Techniques: Practices like cord-cutting or object meditation can help release built-up stress or negative emotions.Language Matters: Be mindful of your language, replacing “I can’t” with “I can” to foster a positive, solution-oriented mindset.Listener Challenge: Helen encourages listeners to visit their "mindset gym" daily, trying out various techniques to find what works best for them. Just as with physical fitness, consistency is key to mental strength.Resources Mentioned:Books:The Effective CEO by Byron Morrison10x Power Focus by David SiglerPodcasts:Seven Figure Agency by Josh NelsonChill and Prosper by Denise ThomasThe Grown Up Business Podcast by Paul EvansThe Fabian Show by Fabian FredricksonCall to Action: If you found value in this episode, make sure to subscribe, and share it with fellow business owners or managers who might benefit from these tips. Try implementing one of Helen's techniques today and see how it impacts your mindset and productivity. To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Helen shares a game-changing concept that transformed the way she manages her business: the realization that her role as a Managing Director (MD) is not to do everything herself but to ensure that everything gets done. She discusses how she shifted her focus from being the person who completes tasks to becoming a leader who delegates and oversees the completion of those tasks by her team.Helen dives into the importance of understanding your true role as a business owner or leader, emphasizing that your job is to manage your team effectively rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day tasks. She reflects on her own journey from being a "doer" to a "project manager" and the positive impact this shift has had on her business and personal life.Key Takeaways:The Key Concept: Just because something needs doing doesn't mean you have to be the one to do it. Your job as a business owner or MD is to ensure that tasks are completed, not necessarily to complete them yourself.The Role of Delegation: Delegating tasks to team members, especially those who are specialists in their field, can be more efficient and effective. This frees up your time to focus on strategic aspects of the business.Shift in Mindset: Moving from a "doer" to a "teacher" and "project manager" allows you to empower your team, ensuring that they are capable of handling tasks on their own, which in turn helps grow the business.The Impact on Business and Lifestyle: By delegating effectively, Helen's to-do list has drastically reduced, and she has seen significant improvements in how her business operates. This change has also improved her work-life balance.Listener Challenge: Helen challenges listeners to reflect on their current role in their business or organization. Are you taking on too much? Who else can handle tasks that you are currently doing? Consider how you can delegate more effectively and focus on leading rather than doing.Resources Mentioned:Fiverr.com: A platform Helen uses to outsource tasks like creating sales pages.Call to Action: If you found this episode insightful, subscribe to the podcast and share it with other business owners or leaders who might benefit from learning how to delegate more effectively. Don’t forget to tune in to the next episode for more tips on improving your business management skills. To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you actually measuring the right things in your business?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking explains why, if you have an issue, sometimes what you THINK is the cause isn't what is the ACTUAL cause and encourages you to dig deeper to get to the root issue.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How often do we assume that people understand everything we say? On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking shows you why it's essential to check, check and check again that people understand and know how to do their jobs and also have measures in place so you can see where there are issues.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you use Chat GPT or Excel functions to automate your workload?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking tells you why if you currently don't, you absolutely should and how you can use these tools to simplify your business.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all have the occasional difficult client, but when you do experience one, what can you do about it?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking walks you through seven different things you can do to help prevent difficult clients and then to deal with them when you experience them.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you currently do everything yourself? If this is you, then today's episode will be very useful.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking gives you three suggestions for getting out of the day to day and shows you what you should focus on instead to drive your business forward.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've been listening to Josh Nelson from the Seven Figure Marketing Agency with new thinking about webinars.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking walks you through the changes we've made in our business about webinars and the difference it's made and shows you how you can apply these as well.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have a regular focus meeting where you set your intentions for the week?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking explains why you should and goes through what's included in a focus meeting.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We visited Bollinger Champagne house last year which was really interesting...On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking goes through the experience and some of the lessons that you could apply to your business.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have a proven step by step process that's mapped out and you can give to your clients and potential prospects?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking walks you through why you should and what this step by step process might look like.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know how to ask questions....and when you do, do you really listen to the answers?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking walks you through the power of asking questions and how you can use questions to get more clients.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we're looking to get a new client across the line and they ask for a discount, it's always tempting to say yes!On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking shows you ways to discount without actually discounting so the client feels that they're getting a deal but it's not costing you an arm or a leg.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We tell stories all of the time; whenever we're with people we know, loved ones, friends - we love stories; that's why books and films work so well.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking asks why we don't use stories as much as we should in our business and encourages you to start thinking about stories you could tell.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you listen, your prospects and your customers will tell you about things they're worried about, questions they have and objections that they'd like you to overcome.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking shows you how to use frequently asked questions to help build a content library and move potential prospects forward.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever watch your sales meetings back on zoom or teams?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking gives you four reasons why you should watch your sales meetings back and how you can use them to improve your sales.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all have different personalities and depending on what personality assessment you use, you can find out what these are and then use them to attract these sorts of personalities via your marketing.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking shows you two assessments that you can use and how to take these personalities and create a marketing strategy around them.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When was the last time you did some house-keeping on your marketing?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking goes through why it's essential to check your website, check links work etc etc to build a thriving business.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have regular meetings with your clients or send them weekly reports?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking goes through meetings and reports and let's you know why these can be beneficial for your business.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Case studies are always great to build, but sometimes they are quite hard to come by.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking shows you a super quick method to gather new case studies that are genuine and not stressful to get.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have a call to action on everything that you send out?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking shows you why call to actions are so important and encourages you to put a call for action on everything that you send out.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've been running now for a couple of years and there are a lot of similarities between running and running a business.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking explores the similarities between the two and how you can use some of the tools she's learnt about running in your business.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you set your prices? How do you increase them?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking lets you know why pricing is ultimately all about mindset and gives you a challenge to double your prices.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.