Business podcasts
6.5 million people in the UK listen to podcasts every week, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise – there are a huge amount of shows out there, including ones specifically aimed at SMEs.
The Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce’s podcast gets to the heart of key topics, from coronavirus support to combating stress in the workplace.
On that note, Adam Grant’s highly lauded WorkLife teaches you how to dispel negativity, overcome work loneliness and battle burnout.
Want to hear from some of the UK’s most established leaders? The Middle sees middle managers from Michelin, Siemens and Greene King talk to freelance management expert and BCU’s Associate Professor in Management Practice Stephen Willson.
Other essential business podcasts include Startup, which focuses on what made certain start-ups successful, and Secret Leaders, which sees the creators behind some of the world’s most unique brands share valuable tips.
Essential books
Maybe you want to get away from your screens and learn the old-fashioned way?
Experienced multi-unit manager and Birmingham City University lecturer Chris Edger’s Inspirational Leadership outlines how the world’s strongest leaders succeed in business.
Meanwhile, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, by Dr Robert Cialdini, teaches you how to convince your customers your product isn’t just what they want – it’s what they need.
Not sure how to turn your start-up into a success? Zero to One, by Peter Thiel, offers exciting ideas for SMEs to begin the path to accomplishment.
Business blogs and websites
If you want to keep abreast of UK-wide developments, SME Web is replete with helpful blogs, the latest news and expert think pieces.
Closer to home, Birmingham Business is regularly updated with important news for the region’s SMEs , as well as insight from local industry leaders.
Elsewhere, Birmingham-born JC Social Media have a range of helpful resources on search engine optimisation, LinkedIn and more.
Our own BCU Advantage business blogs are here to serve you, offering advice on working from home, the latest technologies and trends, and funding opportunities.
Keen to stay connected to the local community? Brum Hour takes place every Sunday night on Twitter and has amassed over 25,000 followers. It’s an essential place to visit if you want to engage with freelancers, businesses and charities.
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