New Feature: New Article Out Now in Startups Magazine
Scaling with Story: How SMEs Can Use Narrative to Punch Above Their Weight
Most SMEs don’t fail because of a bad product.
They fail because nobody gets what makes them different.
In this article for Startups Magazine, Julia Payne unpacks how smaller companies can use strategic storytelling to win trust, drive growth, and compete with far bigger rivals—without outspending them.
What’s inside:
Why your story, not your size is your biggest competitive advantage
How a strong narrative aligns teams, attracts talent, and accelerates growth
The most common mistakes SMEs make when trying to “tell their story” (and how to avoid them)
Real world example: How Bullion Chocolate used storytelling to go from a kitchen side hustle to a national retail brand
“Story isn’t fluff. It’s a strategic asset—and the fastest way to build emotional resonance, trust, and momentum.”
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale smarter, this piece will help you craft a narrative that cuts through the noise and fuels your next stage of growth.
Read the full article in Startups Magazine:
Scaling with Story: How SMEs Can Use Narrative to Punch Above Their Weight
New Feature: New Article Out Now in SME Today
Why Marketing Budgets Are Wasted Without Sales Alignment
Growth stalls. ROI plateaus. And despite spending more on marketing, you’re not seeing the lift in pipeline or revenue.
The real problem?
Marketing and sales are still rowing in different directions.
In this article for SME Today, we break down why even the best marketing strategy will underperform when sales alignment isn’t built into the core and what to do about it.
What’s inside:
- The hidden costs of misalignment: From wasted media spend to delayed deals and low-quality MQLs.
- The tell-tale signs your teams aren’t actually aligned (even if the org chart says they are).
- How to fix it: Practical steps to sync goals, KPIs, and feedback loops without needing a re-org.
“Most marketing ROI problems are really sales alignment problems in disguise.”
Whether you’re scaling a start up or recalibrating a mature team, this article will help you close the gap—and turn your marketing budget into real commercial impact.
Read the full article on SME Today:
New Feature: New Article Out Now in Entrepreneur
If you’re building your business with an eye on a future exit then read this.
I recently wrote a new piece for Entrepreneur titled “Building a Sellable Business”, where I outline what really makes a company valuable to buyers (hint: it’s not just your revenue).
What I’ve seen time and again is that brand strength, operational independence, and a smart digital footprint are just as important as financial metrics. Buyers want to see growth potential without the founder at the centre of everything. That means marketing systems that run on their own, a team that’s empowered, and messaging that’s consistent and credible.
This article lays out how to position your business for a clean, confident, and profitable exit.
And if you’d like support making your business exit-ready, get in touch.
Your future buyer is already out there, let’s make sure they see your value.
New Feature: New Article Out Now in Elite Business Magazine
When you’re preparing to exit your business, there’s a lot of focus on financials, legalities, and timing. But one powerful lever often gets overlooked: your marketing strategy.
I recently shared my perspective on this in an article for Elite Business Magazine: Sell Smart: The Marketing Blueprint for a Successful Business Exit.
In it, I talk about how marketing isn’t just about lead gen and branding, it’s about building visible, measurable value that buyers can see, understand, and trust. If your growth engine is dialled in and your positioning is crystal clear, you’re not just selling a business… you’re selling future potential.
If you’re thinking about exiting in the next 1–3 years, this piece is a must-read. It outlines the exact blueprint I use with clients to prepare them for a high-value sale.
And if you want help putting the blueprint into action, let’s talk.
New Feature: New Article Out Now in Startups Magazine!
Thrilled to announce that my latest article, “Mastering the Scaleup Journey: 5 Marketing Moves to Drive Growth” has just been published in Startups Magazine!
Scaling a business is never easy—but with the right marketing strategies, it doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. In this piece, I outline five proven marketing moves that can help scaleups break through growth plateaus, build momentum, and gain a competitive edge.
If you’re navigating the complex road from startup to scaleup, this article is packed with actionable advice to help you grow smarter and faster.
New Feature: My Latest Article in Corporate Vision
I’m excited to share that my latest article, “The Silent Growth Killer: How Sales and Marketing Misalignment Drains Revenue” has just been published by Corporate Vision.
In this piece, I dive into one of the most overlooked yet damaging issues facing growing businesses: the disconnect between sales and marketing teams. Misalignment isn’t just a communication issue—it’s a revenue killer that silently undermines growth, drains budgets, and leads to missed opportunities.
Whether you’re in leadership, sales, or marketing, this article offers practical insights on how to bridge the gap and unlock true collaborative performance.