Best Craft Fair Tips Podcasts (2025)

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Elevate Your Negotiation Game Using These 6 Principles with Saad a Saad 24:29

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1d ago24:29

24:29

How can embracing friction in sales negotiations unlock more creative and effective deal-making strategies? Saad a Saad is a negotiation consultant with Corporate Visions and the author of In the Lead: Mastering Your Sales Negotiation. We explore the art of negotiation beyond mere price discussions in this episode, focusing on the nuances that diff…

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Episode 180 - The critical distance between the reader and the action. 27:02

4d ago27:02

27:02

The reader is like a camera as the scene unfolds. Where should that camera be? How far away from the characters and the action? Here are thoughts on authorial distance, about the benefits of placing the camera--the reader--near or far. Plus, how Charlotte Bronte worked. Support the showBy James Thayer

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What Clients Actually Want: Shocking Insights From the Agency-Client Benchmark Report 2025 with Remeny Armitage 25:12

8d ago25:12

25:12

What are the surprising findings about client awareness of agency services, and how can agencies bridge this gap? In this episode, I sit down with Remeny Armitage once again, Founder of Brilliant and Human, to discuss the intricacies of client-agency relationships. Remeny's extensive research reveals a surprising gap: 40% of agencies acknowledge th…

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Episode 179 - The critical writing techniques all in one episode. 27:15

11d ago27:15

27:15

Here are the most important fiction writing techniques boiled down to twenty-five minutes. I've talked about all these elements in prior episodes but sometimes it's useful to hear things again. This episode is a refresher. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Unlocking Growth Through Innovative Business Models with Caroline Johnson 33:25

15d ago33:25

33:25

What are the critical steps for aligning leadership and embracing change to drive business transformation in the marketing industry? This week I sit down with Caroline Johnson, Co-Founder of The Business Model Company, to get an inside look at her groundbreaking approach to transforming business models in the global marketing services industry. Car…

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Episode 178 - How to make readers laugh. 27:34

19d ago27:34

27:34

We may be writing a comic novel or we may want to add humor to our thriller or romance or horror or literary novel. Humor adds a strong element to most any story. Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas: “Funny how? I mean, funny like I'm a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh?" Well, yeah. Let's see how we can make readers laugh. Support the show…

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The Secrets of Success in Niche Marketing Revealed with Rob Dando 33:18

22d ago33:18

33:18

How did this marketing agency transform its approach to become a leading expert in the engineering and manufacturing sector during the pandemic? In this episode we’re welcoming Rob Dando, MD & Co-Founder of FINALLY Agency, to get insights from his fascinating journey that took him from web development to becoming a leading figure in niche marketing…

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Episode 177 - The description double duty technique. 27:37

26d ago27:37

27:37

Good descriptions of characters should do double duty: they can let the reader know what the character looks like and the description can also suggest something about the character's personality. Here are examples and thoughts on double duty descriptions. Also, how Alice Walker works. Support the show…

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How an Influencer Marketing Agency Can Guarantee Results with Jennifer Quigley-Jones, Part 1 27:12

29d ago27:12

27:12

How did a mere £500 and a unique perspective lead to a groundbreaking influencer marketing agency? In this first of two parts, we’re welcoming Jennifer Quigley-Jones, the founder and CEO of Digital Voices. She takes us through her incredible journey from working on refugee economic integration to establishing a thriving agency with just £500. We ex…

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Episode 176 - Inventing a fabulous title. 24:47

1M ago24:47

24:47

The title is the book browser's first impression of our novel. The title should tempt the browser to pick up and open the book. Here are thoughts on how we can give our story a strong, enticing title. Also, how do famous authors edit their own manuscripts? Maybe we can learn from them the best way to self-edit our stories. Support the show…

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How Salesforge used AI to Grow to $3 Million ARR in Under a Year with Frank Sondors 28:54

1M ago28:54

28:54

What if you could scale your sales pipeline with minimal staff and maximum efficiency using AI? I sit down with tech sales expert Frank Sondors this week to explore how AI and lean teams are reshaping the B2B sales landscape. Frank, with his extensive background at Google and various B2B SaaS companies, shares his journey of building efficient sale…

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Episode 175 - Writing funny dialogue. 25:48

1M ago25:48

25:48

We can write dialogue that makes readers laugh. Here are thoughts on creating funny conversations between our characters. Plus, we don't need to have our character look into a mirror to describe herself, which has been done time and again. Here are ways to avoid the mirror. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Secrets of Successful Upselling and Strong Client Relationships with Jon Peppiatt, Part 2 24:23

1M ago24:23

24:23

Could the evolving landscape of marketing procurement be the key to mastering the new frontier in sales? We’re welcoming back Jon Peppiatt today, former Chairman at BBH London, for the second of a two-part episode. We explore the intricacies of AI-enabled service delivery, plus innovative pricing models that align with both agency and client goals.…

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Episode 174 - How to ruin our story's first sentences. 25:36

2M ago25:36

25:36

A story's first sentence should make the reader ask, "What's next?" They should propel the reader into the story. Here's how to do it right and how to do it wrongly. Also, three master writers show us how to describe a setting. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Building The Makers Cwtch: A New Kind of Community for UK Creatives 9:44

2M ago9:44

9:44

In this episode of the Makers' Cwtch podcast, host Emma shares her journey as a maker and entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and triumphs she has faced over the years. She emphasises the importance of creating a supportive community for indie makers, where they can share knowledge, celebrate successes, and navigate the struggles of running a s…

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The 5 Steps to Immediately Increase Your Win Rates with Harry Kendlbacher 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

Get ready to learn the 5 transformative principles that can elevate your B2B sales performance to new heights! Harry Kendlbacher, CEO & Managing Partner of Global Performance Group, has a wealth of experience and innovative strategies to enhance B2B sales, especially in unpredictable economic climates. Together in this episode, we explore the nuanc…

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Episode 173 - The magic of dialogue. 23:56

2M ago23:56

23:56

Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read. Our story should have lots of it. Here's a powerful thing dialogue can do: it can reveal (that is, to show rather than tell) what a character is thinking. The character's conversation can be lively and fun, and hearing the character speak is so much stronger than reading the character's mind. Here are thoug…

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Harnessing the Extreme Power of B2B Event Management with Jade Howgrave-Graham and Lucy Francis 34:47

2M ago34:47

34:47

What strategies can still lead to fruitful in-person event outcomes in challenging economic times? I’m thrilled to have both Jade Howgrave-Graham and Lucy Francis from Lemon Lane join me to explore their impactful business in the B2B events industry. They tell us all about how their personal passions have uniquely shaped their professional journey,…

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Episode 172 - Our first fifteen pages. 25:53

2M ago25:53

25:53

The first pages of our novel should contain certain elements and avoid certain elements. Here's a list of things to include and exclude in those first pages. Plus, ways to write forceful, clear, and lovely sentences. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Unlocking the Mysteries of Public Sector Procurement with Dan Cook 33:59

2M ago33:59

33:59

What powerful strategies can help suppliers break into the lucrative public sector market? Dan Cook, Director of Public Sector for digital product consultancy Red Badger, is here to give deep insights into public sector procurement. He provides a very unique perspective, showcased by his journey from being a buyer in the public sector to navigating…

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Episode 171 - Top ten list of bad advice for writers. 29:09

2M ago29:09

29:09

In these episodes I try to set out good writing advice but a lot of bad advice is out there, so here is a list of bad advice, and the list may help us avoid writing blunders. Here are also ten dialogue mistakes, and avoiding them likely means we end up with engaging and even riveting dialogue for our characters. Support the show…

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Mastering Supplier Relations Through Strategic Dialogue with Kelly Barner 30:57

2M ago30:57

30:57

How can procurement professionals transition from mere cost-cutting to becoming strategic partners that drive amazing business outcomes? Kelly Barner, Co-Founder and Head of Content and Operations at Art of Procurement, is here to talk all about strategic procurement as shown through her journey from traditional purchasing roles to building strateg…

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Episode 170 - Writing the crowd scene. And guilt and pride. 28:09

2M ago28:09

28:09

Here are techniques for keeping focus in a scene where there is a crowd, with an example from Harper Lee. And how Margaret Mitchell worked. Plus: how can we show rather than tell about a character's guilt or pride. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Typical Agency Dysfunctions and How to Avoid Them with Leah Power 30:47

3M ago30:47

30:47

Is your agency prepared to counteract typical dysfunctions and build value-driven client partnerships? Leah Power, EVP, Strategic Operations Consultant at the Institute of Canadian Agencies, joins us for a second appearance to discuss the relationship between cost efficiency and creativity in agency-client relationships. Leah examines the role of p…

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Episode 169 - How to find a surefire plot. 25:03

3M ago25:03

25:03

Stephen King says there is no idea dump we can visit to find a good plot. We have to create our own plots. How can we do so? Here's a discussion on creating plots. Also, if Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition can learn to write, so can we. And the critical technique of using the active sentence form. Support the show…

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Secrets of Successful Upselling and Strong Client Relationships with Jon Peppiatt, Part 1 24:31

3M ago24:31

24:31

Ready to find out how agencies can strike the perfect balance between upselling and nurturing lasting client relationships? Jon Peppiatt, who has amassed over 35 years of marketing experience including his time as Chairman at BBH London, joins us today. In this first of two parts, the conversation focuses on upselling as well as the balance between…

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Episode 168 - Making our first sentence sparkle. 27:17

3M ago27:17

27:17

Does our story's first sentence cause the reader to ask, "What's next?" Or does the reader say, "So what?" Here are thoughts on creating a tense, sparkling first sentence. Also, how the masters use specific, definite, and concrete details to convince the reader. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Humanize Your Sales Approach Using The Wes Method with Wes Schaeffer 18:03

3M ago18:03

18:03

What unique sales insights can be gained from someone who traded military discipline for the dynamic challenges of B2B? Wes Schaeffer, AKA The Sales Whisperer, is a former Air Force member who has successfully transitioned into the world of B2B sales. Today’s conversation has Wes sharing his unique journey from the structured environment of the mil…

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Episode 167 - Revealing our character by the setting. 26:48

3M ago26:48

26:48

Our setting descriptions should do more than describe a place. They can also show the reader much about our character. Here's how to do so. Also: what's the main thing our plot needs: trouble. Here's why. And how Edna Ferber worked. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Mastering Negotiation Through Compassionate Curiosity with Kwame Christian 35:14

3M ago35:14

35:14

Is embracing emotional intelligence while understanding the amygdala hijack the secret to mastering negotiations under pressure? Kwame Christian, a globally recognized negotiation expert and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, joins us today. He shares his inspiring journey from a novice negotiator to a LinkedIn Top Voice with over 119,000 f…

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Episode 166- Showing our character's thoughts. 24:30

3M ago24:30

24:30

Two mistakes can ruin our presentation of what our character is thinking: telling rather than showing, and interior monologue. Here are ways to present thoughts in a way that grabs the reader. Also, how Octavia Butler worked. And examples of wonderful character descriptions from masterful writers. Support the show…

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Avoiding Complacency Through Agency and Consultancy Dynamics with Dino Myers-Lamptey 37:12

4M ago37:12

37:12

Ready to learn the strategic shifts that can help organizations avoid the pitfalls of complacency? This week we’re welcoming Dino Myers-Lamptey, who founded The Barber Shop, which is a strategy-led media, creative, and tech company. We look at the complex world of agency and consultancy dynamics, revealing how complacency can derail organizations. …

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Episode 165 - The rule of exceptions. 28:41

4M ago28:41

28:41

Sometimes the strongest writing technique isn't the strongest in our story. Every writing rule has exceptions, and here's a discussion on when to make exceptions. Also, how to create a strong title for our novel and short story. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Why Independent Agencies Are Making Waves in the Advertising World with Nigel Roberts 33:48

4M ago33:48

33:48

Can the rise of independent creative agencies signal a revival in the craft of advertising? Nigel Roberts, Creative Partner at Orange Panther Collective, shares the secrets behind making ads that resonate with audiences for years to come in this episode. We explore the balance between creativity and sales, and Nigel reveals how engaging and persuad…

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Episode 164 - Design our cover? And the masters on setting details. 28:36

4M ago28:36

28:36

We are learning fiction techniques, and we are or soon will be skilled fiction writers. Does this mean we should design our own book covers? Also, Michael Chabon's terrific sense of smell. And the use of details in the haunted house. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Mastering Connections from LinkedIn to Real Life with Steve Fair and Matt Broughton 38:52

4M ago38:52

38:52

Ready to make your agency stand out in a saturated market by focusing on verifiable facts rather than self-description? Steve Fair and Matt Broughton, both from Sponge NB, are here today to discuss how to build authentic business relationships, including how to form genuine connections on LinkedIn without the pressure of immediate sales pitches. We…

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Episode 163 - The benefits of an underdog. 25:36

4M ago25:36

25:36

Having readers fall in love with our character is so important, and making our hero an underdog is a good way to do it. Here are thoughts on underdog characters. Also, I'll read a few character descriptions from master story-tellers that may make us stronger writers. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Aligning Teams for Long-Term B2B Sales Excellence with Adam Miller 28:06

4M ago28:06

28:06

Could the art of collaboration transform your sales and marketing strategies for C-suite success? This time we sit down with Adam Miller, CEO of Elevate, to explore the art of aligning sales and marketing for B2B success. He explains the nuances of targeting C-suite decision makers in complex sales cycles, and shares his expertise on defining clear…

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Episode 162 - The state fair plotting technique. 27:19

4M ago27:19

27:19

Our story should be like a state fair: one thing after another. Here are some ideas on state fair plotting. Plus: settings shouldn't be inert locations in our novel or short story but rather should work for our story. Here's how to get the most from our settings. Also: my experiment with AI proofreading. Support the show…

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Why You Need to Grow Your Customer’s Decision Confidence with Brent Adamson and Karl Schmidt 36:25

4M ago36:25

36:25

Are you ready to discover why building customer self-confidence is more crucial than ever in today's B2B sales landscape? Brent Adamson and Karl Schmidt join us today, the duo behind the upcoming book "The Framemaking Sale." These sales experts unravel the critical yet often overlooked aspect of buyer confidence. They shift the focus from tradition…

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Episode 161 - Ways to give readers what they want. 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

Readers want five things in a story, three of which are right in the beginning. Here's a discussion of how to deliver those five things. Plus, a character's thoughts are the least interesting aspect of a story. How can we show what a character is thinking without entering her mind? Support the showBy James Thayer

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Secrets of Fueling Growth Through Non-Traditional Collaborations with Iain Scott 32:13

5M ago32:13

32:13

What secrets do successful businesses use to convert initial collaborations into long-term, profitable partnerships? Iain Scott, the CEO and Founder of Base Creative, joins today’s conversation as we get into the transformative power of strategic partnerships for business growth. He shares his journey of leveraging his digital marketing agency's su…

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Episode 160 - Should our story have a theme? 24:01

5M ago24:01

24:01

Best-selling writers disagree on the importance of a theme in stories. Here are thoughts on whether we should present a theme in our novel or short story. And famous authors on their writing discipline. Plus, mixing genres when telling an agent or publisher about our novel. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Why You Need to Rethink RFP Processes for Sustainable Growth with Leah Power 38:31

5M ago38:31

38:31

Is your brand caught in the cycle of short-term gains due to outdated RFP processes? In this episode, we’re examining the nuances of agency operations with Leah Power, EVP, Strategic Operations Consultant at the Institute of Canadian Agencies. We unravel the overwhelming nature of agency pitches and explore the challenges agencies face, from the RF…

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Episode 159 - A surefire way to generate plot, the sidekick. 27:09

5M ago27:09

27:09

Putting a sidekick into our story adds many benefits, a main one being that readers love sidekicks. Here are some techniques for creating a sidekick for our novel or short story. Also, a list of catchy, memorable novel titles. And a big question: how do bad novels get published? Support the showBy James Thayer

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Reimagining Relationships in Media and Marketing with Adam Hopkinson 27:51

5M ago27:51

27:51

Could formalized training in media planning and buying be the key to elevating industry standards? Adam Hopkinson, the innovative founder of PASHN, takes us into the world of media buying this week. We examine the crucial role of media planners and buyers, exploring the need for robust training and formal qualifications in the industry. Adam argues…

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Episode 158 - A lifetime's writing advice reduced to one minute. 22:53

5M ago22:53

22:53

Were a young writer to ask me for advice, and only had one minute to listen, here is what I'd say. Plus: how Louisa May Alcott worked. And, avoiding the blahs and self-doubts when writing. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Building an Incredibly Powerful Sales and Marketing Engine with Caroline Hodson 34:37

5M ago34:37

34:37

How can you ensure your marketing and sales strategies are not just aligned, but actively collaborating for shared success? Today we’re joined by Caroline Hodson, Managing Director of WoolfHodson, to explore how to build a robust sales and marketing engine in the ever-changing B2B landscape. Caroline explains the critical role technology plays in c…

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Episode 157 - How we writers can create a world. 27:31

6M ago27:31

27:31

Remember the fabulous worlds that fantasy, sci fi, and historical writers create for us readers? How do they do that? What works so well? I'll talk about world-building, not just for those novels but for all genres. And also: more on the critical craft of character description. Support the showBy James Thayer

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From Passion to Profit: A Guide to Agency Transformation with Emily Metcalfe 34:17

6M ago34:17

34:17

Are you ready to redefine your agency's strategies for a competitive edge? Emily Metcalfe, a strategic marketing consultant, is here to guide us through the future of agency growth and client relationships. Emily dissects the crowded UK market, showcasing the critical need for agencies to articulate unique value propositions that go beyond generic …