Help Before You Sell: Authentic Business Marketing

If you're interested in our personal projects:Peter Daly-Dickson"The Wealthy Artist": https://thewealthyartist.com/patreonRob Drummond"Wise Echoes": https://WiseEchoes.comMatthew Bliss"RE:Thinking Podcasting": https://rethinkingpodcasting.captivate.fm/listenThanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

What if your next great podcast episode could cut through the noise AND show your authentic self?In this episode, Peter Daly-Dickson, Rob Drummond, and Matthew Bliss sit down with Royce Blake, a seasoned radio broadcaster turned copywriter and marketing strategist. With decades behind the mic and hundreds of interviews under his belt, Royce shares his insights on how to engage listeners, ask better questions, and avoid "puking" (it's a radio thing, have a listen!).The conversation flows through everything from why authenticity outperforms overly-polished content, to why “helping people buy” beats traditional selling every time. This is a masterclass in authentic communication and a reminder that the best marketing helps first, sells second.Get in touch with Royce Blake:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royce-the-writer/Grab Royce’s free ebook on Interview Skills: voiceofroyce.comThanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

What if the reason your content isn’t landing is because you’re solving the wrong problem—or talking about it in the wrong way?In this episode, Pete, Rob and Matthew are joined by ethical marketing strategist Katie Spreadbury, who brings her background in psychology and market research to the world of online business. Katie helps coaches, consultants and creatives get clear on the real problems their audience is facing, and how to talk about those problems in a way that cuts through the noise and builds real trust.Katie also shares her own podcasting journey and how the act of speaking her ideas aloud has become one of the most transformational tools in her business, while also providing valuable expertise to potential clients without spending all her time on one-to-one calls.Learning to ask the right questions without confirmation bias will help your business get the information it needs to thrive, and Katie is an expert at this!Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

In this episode, Pete and Rob are joined by systems strategist and author Gareth Everson, founder of SystemsWise and creator of the Lemonade Plan: a refreshingly practical framework for building a business that grows predictably through smart systems.Gareth shares the story behind his new book and explains why starting with the end in mind - referrals, reviews, and delighted clients - should shape the way we think about marketing and delivery. Along the way, he opens up about the real reason he resisted podcasting for so long, and how it eventually became the spark for his book and his new AI-powered service, Hey Pip.This one’s packed with honest reflection, practical frameworks, and encouragement for anyone trying to scale their business in a more human, sustainable way.Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

Award-winning filmmaker and business coach Izzy Stevens joins Peter, Rob and Matt for a rich, real, and unfiltered conversation about what it means to truly help before you sell - especially when you’re building a business around your creativity.Izzy shares her journey from working in Hollywood and directing indie films to helping creatives build six-figure businesses that actually support their artistic lives. This episode is packed with wisdom on positioning, storytelling, content creation, and self-mastery, including how Izzy recorded over 50 podcast episodes in 50 days (without editing!) and why daily visibility doesn’t have to be complicated.Check out Izzy's Work:Izzy's Website: https://indiespunk.com/Listen to Izzy's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6XtJWdHX2gAGmR9E3Jw6voThanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

In this episode, Rob Drummond, Peter Daly-Dickson, and Matthew Bliss make the case for an old-school tool with new-school potential: the print newsletter. What starts as a light-hearted catch-up turns into a rich, practical conversation about how physical newsletters can build trust, extend your reach beyond digital, and deepen client relationships.Rob shares his behind-the-scenes process for creating the Help Before You Sell print newsletter—why he does it, how he uses AI to support it (but not replace the human touch), and what it’s really like to pull insights from podcast episodes into something tangible. The trio explore how print fits into a “help first” marketing philosophy, why it's less expensive than you might think, and how it can become a litmus test for potential clients.Whether you’re already publishing content or just trying to stand out in a digital crowd, this episode will help you think differently about how and where you show up to serve your audience.🔗 Try the Help Before You Sell print newsletter for freeAnd thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

What makes a great podcast interview? In this episode, Peter Daly-Dickson, Rob Drummond, and Matthew Bliss discuss the real craft behind interviewing or, as they prefer to call it, having meaningful conversations.Drawing from their own podcasting and client experiences, the hosts unpack why reframing "interviews" as conversations leads to more authentic, valuable content. They explore techniques like active listening, curiosity, respectful interruption, and even the fine art of guiding a guest deeper without making them uncomfortable. Along the way, they share personal stories (including early mistakes!) and practical advice for anyone wanting to sharpen their skills behind the mic.Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

If you’ve ever wondered how podcasting fits into a slower, more human approach to marketing, this episode is packed with insight. Pete, Rob, and Matt are joined by Gord Vickman—former radio host and producer, now the man behind Strategic Coach’s entire podcast network.Gord shares how he uses storytelling, structure, and a whole lot of personality to help entrepreneurs create content that builds trust over time. He also talks about the mindset shift from “episodes” to “assets”—and why you don’t need to commit to a weekly show forever to make podcasting work for your business.You’ll hear real stories (including how Gord helped spark this very podcast), some tough truths about boring business content, and practical ways to make your audio more useful, more engaging, and more strategic.If you enjoyed hearing Gord in this episode, check out his other work!Strategic Coach: https://www.strategiccoach.com/resources/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordvickman/Podcast Payoffs (his show with Dan Sullivan): https://www.strategiccoach.com/resources/podcasts/podcast-payoffsThanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

In this episode, the team talk about our bread and butter: podcasting. But this isn’t a step-by-step how-to. It’s a conversation about why podcasting can be such a useful, human, and surprisingly low-effort way to build trust with your ideal clients… before you ever sell them anything.Pete, Rob, and Matt discuss how Help Before You Sell came to be, why podcasting isn’t (always) about lead generation, and how it fits into a bigger picture of authentic, slow marketing. Along the way, they tackle the common misconceptions people bring to the table—like thinking you need perfect gear, weekly episodes, or a huge audience to make podcasting worth it.If you’ve been wondering whether a podcast is right for your business—or if you’re overthinking it—this one’s for you. Spoiler: You don’t need a studio. You just need a voice and something useful to say.Jason Leister's website: https://jasonleister.co/Rob's Claude AI prompt for editing our transcripts (feel free to adapt for your own use):"Please act as an expert transcript editor, editing for grammar, repetition, conciseness, and readability. Write in UK-English using short direct sentences. Avoid starting a sentence with the word 'and'. Do not summarise and stick to the original text. Please mark Peter's comments in bold, Matt's comment's in italics, and leave Rob's comments in normal font. Please leave lines with speaker names but remove the timestamps. Please leave or add a colon after each speaker name. Please do not use the word 'ensure'. Please remove any instances of 'kind of' or 'sort of'."---Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

In this episode, we dive into online webinars — the good, the bad, and the often overwhelming. Rob shares his behind-the-scenes experience of running high-stakes webinars with Peter & Matt. They talk about when they’re worth doing, what makes them effective, and how they fit into a help-before-you-sell approach.We cover how to structure a webinar that actually helps (without overwhelming your potential clients), why showing up live still matters, and the importance of running more than one to get it right. N.B. As mentioned on this episode, our next 'Activate Your Podcast' webinar is on Wednesday 16th April.Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

In this episode we dig into live events, explore why they’re one of the most effective ways to help people before you sell, and how to run them well.We talk about the unique power of in-person workshops to build trust and clarity with your ideal clients, what makes a good event (and what absolutely doesn’t), and the balance between giving value and overwhelming your audience. We also share lessons from our own workshop experiences — the wins, the mistakes, and the moments that made the biggest difference.If you’re thinking about running a live event to deepen relationships with your audience, or if you’ve tried it before and want to do it better, this one’s for you.Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

Have you ever gone out networking to promote yourself and your business? Every business needs a support network to succeed, so good networking skills are widely transferable. Listen in as we share our top insights.Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

Every coach and consultant on the planet seems to offer a 'free discovery call' as a way to individually help potential clients. (We're no different - you can book one here!)The trouble is, you only ever want to be on calls with qualified, interested prospects. How do you make that happen? Find out in today's episode! Resources mentioned:Jason Leister's "not a straight line" episodeAlistair MacKenzie's "not a straight line" episodeThanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

There's a lot of talk online about the importance of 'authentic marketing'. To be authentic, you need to share some of your story... which is where the wheels fall off!We tend instead to second-guess ourselves, assuming that:We haven't done anything interesting.Our clients only care about themselves and their own problems.Our story is a distraction with no real relevance to our message!If you've ever had such thoughts, this episode is for you!Resouces mentioned:A Short Swim in a Pond in the Rain - George SaundersPete's 'not a straight line' conversation with Renee RamirezThanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

Finding new clients and making new sales isn't something you can do perfectly on Day 1 - you need to take the time to practice, refine and test the optimal method and process for you.In this episode of Help Before You Sell, Rob, Peter, and Matthew talk about refining and testing your marketing efforts. Drawing from their diverse experiences in ads, email marketing, and podcasting, they reveal practical strategies for effectively gathering, interpreting, and acting on audience feedback. You'll learn how small "micro-adjustments" or big-picture "macro-adjustments" can dramatically improve engagement, conversions, and sales. And if you're following along - being consistent and aligning to your genius will lead to the opportunity to check engagement, momentum and new clients!Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

Consistency is a must if you're attempting email marketing, podcasting or any project (even hobbies) and want to find fulfilment!In this episode of "Help Before You Sell", Peter, Rob and Matthew discuss the critical role of consistency in achieving long-term success in marketing and personal pursuits. Drawing on their personal experiences, including daily running routines, daily blogging, and email marketing, they explore their own challenges with maintaining consistent efforts and the rewards that followed.The key takeaway: that both professional and personal growth stems from consistent action, supported by structure and reflection.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:"The Warden" by Anthony TrollopeDead Drop Game News podcastThanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

In this "Help Before You Sell" episode, Rob Drummond, Peter Daly-Dickson, and Matthew Bliss challenge the traditional marketing funnel! We ask: is there a more dynamic and engaging way to create a sustainable, trustworthy marketing strategy?Resources Mentioned:Gareth Everson's "Systemwise" podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb8nWtXbDME&ab_channel=SystemsWiseJames Smith's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S99tKGX9fc&ab_channel=JamesSmithThanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

On the last episode, we were looking inward at identifying your unique genius. On this episode of Help Before You Sell, we're looking outward and asking: how can you climb inside the head of your ideal clients?Rob shares insights from the Robert Collier Letter Book, emphasising empathy in understanding customers' thoughts and needs, and the significance of active listening and humility in marketing, using tools like empathy maps. We finish the episode by exploring practical steps for sharpening your empathy skills!Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

Without understanding yourself and your unique zone of genius, there's no way you can help your clients achieve their true potential.In this episode of "Help Before You Sell," hosts Matthew Bliss, Peter Daly-Dickson, and Rob Drummond explore the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's story as a foundational step towards effective marketing and business growth. They discuss the pitfalls of traditional, effort-driven approaches and advocate for a value-first philosophy that aligns with one's core essence and authenticity. Rob emphasizes the need for deep inward reflection to identify unique strengths and values, which in turn fosters long-term, meaningful client relationships.Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

If you sell based on trust and expertise, then helping before you sell is a great way to grow your business. But of all the possible strategies, which should you pursue? And above all, which are right for you and your team? Do you need to appear everywhere, or is it better to have one core platform?Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

Every business strategy comes with what economists call an 'opportunity cost'. In other words, you could always have done something else with your efforts! So, how do you know that 'Help Before You Sell' is the right strategy for your business? And if so, what systems do you need in place?Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

We have a saying that most marketing is HAT: Hard and Time-Consuming. When in fact, great marketing should feel like a comfortable GLOVE, and be Generous, Loving, Opulent, Valuable and Easy. Unfortunately, creating something that is a joy to experience and easy to consume is often a lot of work! Which is where we pick up the conversation...Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

"Help before you sell" sounds simple in practice. But in the heat of the moment it's all-too-easy to leap into sales mode! On this episode we explore why this is such a problem, and why we love podcasting as a way to help people authentically at scale.Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

The first and most valuable way you can help your audience is by sharing your story. As Daniel Priestley says in Key Person of Influence, your story is a goldmine underneath your feet! So on this first episode, Rob, Matt and myself share a slice of our own stories, and discuss what 'Help Before You Sell' means to us. As you listen, have a think about your own story, too. Thanks for listening to Help Before You Sell!If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you start your podcast, head to https://activateyourpodcast.com/ and sign up for an introductory chat with our very own Peter Daly-Dickson!Connect with Pete, Matt and Rob on LinkedIn:Rob Drummond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-drummond-a88a8443/Peter Daly-Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdalydickson/Matthew Bliss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/