We discuss how to merge new digital technologies with the still required physical efforts inside your business.

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On todays episode Paul & Robert discuss why businesses often focus on solving symptoms instead of the root causes—and how reframing the problem can unlock smarter strategies

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This week on the Digital Circles podcast, we dive into "The Power of Invisible Work for Business Growth." In business, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed — but it’s this invisible work that can make or break a company’s long-term success. From the countless hours spent in strategic planning and relationship-building to the meticulous efforts behind customer service, invisible work is the unsung hero of growth. We explore how small to medium-sized businesses, including startups, can harness this powerful yet often overlooked aspect of their operations to drive sustainable growth. Join us as we break down the key components of invisible work and how it can give your business a competitive edge.

• What is Invisible Work?
• The effort, time, and resources that go into tasks that aren't immediately visible to customers or even to the wider team.
• Examples include strategising, research, administrative tasks, building partnerships, and relationship management.
• The Importance of Invisible Work in Business Growth
• Invisible work lays the foundation for visible success by ensuring smooth operations, informed decision-making, and strategic alignment.
• It often involves work that doesn’t get immediate recognition but is critical for building trust, setting up processes, and scaling operations.
• Building a Culture that Values Invisible Work
• How leaders can foster a company culture that acknowledges and values the behind-the-scenes effort.
• Creating an environment where invisible work is appreciated, rather than just the "big wins" that are visible to customers.
• Invisible Work and Business Sustainability
• How investing in invisible work like continuous education, team development, and long-term planning ensures businesses remain adaptable and competitive.
• Examples of invisible work that directly contribute to long-term business sustainability.
• Practical Steps for Small and Medium Businesses
• Identifying the invisible work in your business and ensuring it gets the attention it deserves.
• Structuring your team and processes to ensure this work is supported and recognised.
• Avoiding the Pitfalls of Ignoring Invisible Work
• The risks of neglecting essential tasks that don’t yield instant returns, like building relationships or investing in staff training.
• How overlooking invisible work can lead to burnout, missed opportunities, and eventual stagnation.

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On our brand new series of podcasts we kick off with two brand new guests.

Aveen McVeigh is the Head of regeneration and Business Development with Newry, Mourne & Down District Council.

And from the Maiden City we are joined by the founder of the brand new Derry City Bus Tours, Ciaran Devine.

Aveen is currently the lead person within Newry Mourne & Down for the Go Succeed Programme.

Ciaran came through the programme after having a strong and well founded business idea based on his experience with Visit Derry, Ciaran signed up and received free mentoring and financial support that allowed him to set the wheels in motion on his fabulous immersive concept.

Go Succeed & Derry City Bus Tours – Supporting a Great Business Idea

The conversation highlights the journey of Derry City Bus Tours, a local company offering immersive guided tours around Derry City, showcasing its rich history and cultural heritage.

Key Points Discussed:

Business Concept & Vision:

Ciaran shares the inspiration behind creating a tour business that would offer locals and tourists an in-depth look at the city’s historical landmarks, while also providing a unique, personal experience. The vision was to create an inclusive, community-centered business that would allow visitors to explore Derry’s most iconic sites in a fun and informative way.

Role of Go Succeed:

1. Aveen explains how Go Succeed played a crucial role in turning Ciarans vision into a reality. She outlines the specific support they received, including business mentorship, funding advice, and strategic planning. Go Succeed’s guidance helped Ciaran refine the business model and structure, ensuring he was well-prepared to launch successfully.

Overcoming Challenges:

1. Ciaran discusses some of the challenges he faced in the early stages—such as navigating the complexities of required certifications and establishing partnerships. He explains how Go Succeed’s resources, such as networking opportunities and marketing strategies, provided valuable tools to tackle these obstacles.

The Impact of Support:

1. Both Go Succeed and Derry City Bus Tours emphasise the importance of having a strong support system when starting a business. Ciaran credits Go Succeed for not only helping him secure financial backing but also for offering ongoing support as they scaled the business.

The episode highlights how Go Succeed’s tailored support can empower local entrepreneurs and help turn promising ideas into successful businesses. It showcases the value of collaboration, mentorship, and community-driven entrepreneurship in building a sustainable, impactful business

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The Digital Circle podcast recently went on the road to meet another podcast guest.

Nick Durbin who hails from Merseyside has taken a hobby and developed it into a business. Mr Drone, as he is now commonly known has become a massively popular source of visual information on his Youtube channel. With over 36,000 subscribers on his channel Nick combined his part time hobby with another passion, Everton Football Club.

The building of Everton's new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock in Liverpool peaked Nicks personal interest in the build itself.

Taking his drone down to what originally started as a traffic cone on the ground, Nick has followed every part of the build and brought the footage online to a raft of passionate Evertonians, general football fans, architectural enthusiasts and beyond. People wait on each update week by week and become consumed by the building process. Brick by brick the supporters get to see their clubs new home taking shape.

It also gives great coverage to the many contractors involved and a lifetime visual representation to their work which will stand long after they lay down their tools.

Nick has managed to monetise his Youtube channel through the sheer volume of subscribers and in turn has been approached by local councils to cover other building works.

Hobbies and passion combined can become both lucrative in monetary terms and in personal achievement.

To check out Nick's Youtube channel go to

https://www.youtube.com/@misterdroneuk

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This weeks guest is Bob McGouran from Strangford Roastery and The Coffee Port in Strangford, County Down.

In trying to help his daughter find a little part time income Bob decided why not set up a coffee hatch next to his family home in Strangford just a stones throw from the ferry port.

The passing trade and the fantastic location right next to queues of cars waiting to board the short trip across The Narrows to Portaferry meant that very quickly Bob and his full family were all hands on deck trying to make coffee before the sound of the ships horn on its regular departures.

Taking his background in engineering and combining it with his entrepreneurial mind Bob decided it would make sense to purchase his own roaster and roast his own brand of coffee beans that would supply his own business and if all went well many others.

Fast forward and Bob now has a successful family business both supplying and making coffee under his Strangford Coffee branding.

A recent agreement means you will be seeing Bob's products in a very well known Supermarket across the island of Ireland.

We talk to Bob about how he finds working in the coffee business and randomly about his Columbian supplier.

You can find out more about Strangford Roastery here

https://strangfordcoffeeroastery.com/

Like this episode please subscribe to out podcast or follow us on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIg_3swzIiLBBqPxE9s_WqA

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On this weeks Circle Back Show we cover our previous guest Alan Teggart from Sport Changes Life.

We discuss how the age old schooling system isn't for everyone and discuss how sport can be a great pathway for young people to greater things.

There is lots of other nonsense about part time jobs and cooked ham, along with this weeks town of focus, Cookstown.

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Ever feel your child more sporty than academic?

Embarking on a compelling mission in Northern Ireland, The Sport Changes Life Foundation uses the power of sport to steer young people and recently, more mature individuals, away from conventional education struggles and towards personal advancement and community spirit. The foundation’s attention to holistic development has led to a focus not only on physical health enhancement but on significant improvements to educational attainment, employment prospects, and overall mental wellbeing through their various programmes.

Traditionally seen as a mere physical activity or game, sport has a unique capacity to unite, motivate, and serve as a medium for personal and community advancement. The Sport Changes Life Foundation exploits this unique power of sport, using it to inspire social improvement. The Foundation’s engaged and targeted programmes focus on four key areas: education, employment, health and wellbeing, and peace and reconciliation, with the ultimate goal of aiding those reaching for larger life objectives.

Here, their CEO Alan Teggart chats with us about their work across Ireland.

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