Best yourpilla.com Podcasts (2024)

1
Create your net zero strategy document 32:10

2M ago32:10

32:10

Richard Dickson, founder of Play It Green, talks us through his net zero framework which helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:00 The Mission and Products of Play It Green 04:28 The Net Zero Framework and Creating a Plan 07:46 The Importance of Governance in Sustainability 12:11 Reducing Carbo…

1
Tell your business journey as a story 28:55

2M ago28:55

28:55

Liam and Dan Nash discuss the importance of storytelling in building a brand and connecting with customers. They talk about storytelling as more than just a classical narrative, but as everything a business says and does to shape people's perceptions. Dan shares his framework for effective storytelling, starting with the journey of the business and…

1
How to plan and run a restaurant manager interview 33:18

3M ago33:18

33:18

Liam and Claire Crowel of Hattie Jane's Creamery discuss the importance of structured interviews and provide templates for restaurant managers. They cover topics such as communication, empathy, adaptability, resilience, conflict resolution, problem-solving, critical thinking, and hospitality. Claire emphasises the need for consistent and relevant q…

1
Evolve your business with micro changes 21:52

3M ago21:52

21:52

Liam speaks with Omar Boubess, the founder of Studio Circa, a branding studio for hospitality brands. They discuss the connection between evolutionary psychology and hospitality, specifically how brands and customers co-evolve over time. Omar explains that brands evolve through implementing new practices, communication styles, and visual styles, wh…

1
Work out your actual food cost versus your theoretical food cost 18:04

3M ago18:04

18:04

Liam talks with Matt Wampler from ClearCOGS about the importance of tracking actual vs theoretical food costs in the restaurant industry. Matt explains that actual food costs are the real costs incurred, while theoretical food costs are the expected costs based on recipes and menu items. Not tracking both can lead to a lack of understanding of true…

1
Three questions to ask your customers that will improve your menu 25:17

4M ago25:17

25:17

Annica Wainwright talks about the importance of customer surveys and how they can help improve menus and overall customer experience. She explains that many businesses are hesitant to conduct surveys due to the perceived complexity and fear of negative feedback. However customer input is crucial for making strategic decisions and improving customer…

1
Get staff to buy into just one of your core values 24:10

4M ago24:10

24:10

Jojo Smith, the brand and vision fairy godmother, discusses the importance of brand and vision strategy in business development. She emphasises the distinction between branding (visuals) and brand (personality and values). The lack of alignment between a company's brand and its employees can lead to short-lived relationships with clients. Jojo prov…

1
Three ways to improve transparency of tips 24:59

4M ago24:59

24:59

Liam and Mason from Grtfl discuss the importance of transparency of tips in the hospitality industry. They highlight the problems that arise from a lack of transparency, such as decreased motivation and engagement among employees. The conversation then delves into three tips for improving transparency: communication, documentation, and technology. …

1
Three ways to get started with user generated content 23:13

4M ago23:13

23:13

In this conversation, Mike Radley from Joli App discusses the importance of user-generated content (UGC) for hospitality and leisure brands. He explains that UGC has become popular due to changes in social media algorithms, which favour authentic and relatable content. Mike highlights three ways to leverage UGC: using staff as content creators, inv…

1
Principles of great onboarding training for new starters 24:37

5M ago24:37

24:37

In this conversation, Liam and Alex discuss the importance of effective training and onboarding in the restaurant industry. They highlight the consequences of poor onboarding, such as high turnover, poor staff morale, and burnout. Alex shares his insights on what makes a good training plan, emphasising the need for clear expectations, ongoing suppo…

1
Use biophilic design to improve customer experience 22:23

5M ago22:23

22:23

Olivia, an interiors and graphic designer at Catersales, discusses the importance of incorporating biophilic design principles in coffee shops and other hospitality spaces. She explains that these principles not only contribute to sustainability but also enhance the guest experience, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Olivia emphasises …

1
Build a gender-inclusive customer journey to get more bookings 29:21

5M ago29:21

29:21

In this conversation, Liam and Alex discuss the importance of gender inclusivity in the customer journey. They highlight the benefits of creating an inclusive environment from the very beginning of the customer interaction, including the booking process. Alex emphasises the value of using gender-neutral language and asking for pronouns in booking f…

1
Use a highlighter to increase your menu profitability 26:00

5M ago26:00

26:00

In this conversation, Annica Wainwright, co-founder of 2 Forks, discusses the importance of menu optimisation. She explains how menus can be used as a powerful tool to drive specific behaviours and increase profitability. Annica introduces the concept of categorising dishes into stars, workhorses, puzzles, and dogs, and highlights the need for a ba…

1
Tips for choosing the right franchise market (Dubai case study) 34:48

6M ago34:48

34:48

In this conversation, Liam interviews Ian Hyndman, a franchise expert, about market selection for franchising. They discuss the importance of understanding the complexities and nuances of different markets, as well as the pitfalls of not conducting thorough market research. Ian emphasises the need to match the target market's demographics and consu…

1
Use 'ticket to ride' to increase spend her head 29:53

6M ago29:53

29:53

Liam and Andy Dempsster discuss the importance of increasing average spend per head in the hospitality industry. They highlight the need to track this key performance indicator (KPI) to identify opportunities for growth and make informed decisions on pricing and staffing. Andy emphasises that selling is an integral part of good hospitality and enco…

1
Focus on product worth, not cost 27:14

6M ago27:14

27:14

Liam and Alex discuss the importance of average check size and how businesses can increase the perceived value of their products or services. They emphasise the need to focus on worth rather than cost, as customers are willing to pay for experiences that they perceive as valuable. The conversation covers strategies such as improving the quality of …

1
Use this strategy to increase employee engagement 29:36

6M ago29:36

29:36

Liam and Ewan discuss the importance of employee engagement in the hospitality industry. They highlight the negative impact of a poorly engaged workforce, including reduced revenue, low customer service, and inefficiency. Ewan emphasises the need to measure engagement and develop a people strategy to improve it. Ewan also recommends creating a plan…

1
Use this menu design to increase spend on every first drink 23:29

7M ago23:29

23:29

Liam speaks with Annica Wainwright, co-founder of 2 Forks, about the importance of menu optimisation in increasing average spend in the hospitality industry. Annica explains how menus can play a crucial role in guiding customers' choices and maximising profits. She suggests a strategy for getting the first drinks order in early by placing a curated…

1
Five signs your business could be a successful franchise 30:09

7M ago30:09

30:09

In this conversation, Suzie McCafferty, CEO of Platinum Wave Franchising, discusses the world of franchising and provides valuable insights for businesses considering franchising as a growth strategy. She emphasises the importance of proper preparation and highlights the risks of franchising without careful consideration. Suzie also outlines key co…

1
Create a value exchange so customers want to give you their data 30:26

7M ago30:26

30:26

Liam and Sam Brown discuss the concept of value exchange in the hospitality industry. They highlight the importance of capturing customer data and offering something of genuine value in return. Sam shares examples of successful value exchanges, such as birthday clubs and personalised offers. He emphasises the need for a clear narrative and internal…

1
Three tiers of service standards to level-up your teams 26:21

7M ago26:21

26:21

In this conversation, Liam and Ewan Thompson discuss the importance of service standards in the hospitality industry. They highlight the problems that arise from not having effective service standards, such as inconsistency in service delivery and high staff turnover. Ewan shares his expertise on creating service standards and provides a three-tier…

1
Tips for dealing with corporate bookings 26:28

8M ago26:28

26:28

Tara Heppell is a consultant based in Manchester, UK, who helps corporates find and enjoy the best corporate events in hospitality spaces. She comes from a hospitality background herself and so has seen both sides of the coin. On this episode, Tara shares tips on how hospitality businesses can set themselves up to deal with corporate events better.…

1
How to deal with an EHO visit and get a 5-star hygiene rating 30:56

8M ago30:56

30:56

Natalie Stanton is a qualified environmental health officer and former inspector for a local authority. On this episode, Natalie joined us to talk about the best ways to deal with an officer when they arrive unannounced. Connect with Natalie on Linkedin. Click here to learn about Play It Green This podcast is produced by Pilla - Create your operati…

1
Run your marketing campaigns with this timeline 31:25

8M ago31:25

31:25

Alan Armstrong is a freelance marketing director and has previously been marketing director at brands such as Stonegate and Nightcap Plc. On this episode, Alan talks us through his 636 timeline for organising successful marketing campaigns. Click here to read about the 636 model. Click to connect with Alan on Linkedin. Click here to learn about Pla…

1
Share your story with influencers to start with no budget 27:50

8M ago27:50

27:50

Reece Douglas is Founder of Social Plug, an the influencer marketing platform for local and online brands. On this episode, Reece joined us to talk about how businesses, particularly smaller ones, can get started with influencer marketing using little or no budget. Reece tells us that an authentic story goes a long way and can attract an influencer…

1
Seven steps to become more attractive to job candidates 32:27

8M ago32:27

32:27

Joe McDonnell is the Founder of 200 Hospitality Group and consults with businesses on everything staffing. On this episode Joe talks us through his model which will help you create an employee offering that people care about. An offering that will make your business stand out in the job market so you can attract the best candidates. Click here to v…

1
Layout your first retail products in this way 25:28

8M ago25:28

25:28

Eren is a Director of Catersales and has been hospitality businesses make profitable spaces for 15 years. In this episode, Eren talks us through the process of adding your first retail revenue line to your business and specifically how it should look to get traction. Connect with Eren on Linkedin. Click here to learn about Play It Green This podcas…

1
Three steps to add consistency in your shift schedules 28:55

8M ago28:55

28:55

Troy Hooper is the CEO of Hot Pelette America and oversees brands such as Pepper Lunch which has over 500 locations in 15 countries. On this episode Troy talks about the importance of shift scheduling and how poor scheduling can be a root cause for many other issues. Connect with Troy on Linkedin. Click here to learn about Play It Green This podcas…

1
Use dynamic pricing to maximise revenue at Christmas 25:08

9M ago25:08

25:08

Abby -Leigh Caulfield is the Brand Director at Bums on Seats and works with hospitality businesses on their sales and marketing strategies by identifying sales opportunities, driving organic growth, and increasing your customer loyalty for hospitality operators UK wide. On this episode Abby talks about the best way to price at Christmas. Check Abby…

1
Five ways to get more local restaurant customers 38:15

9M ago38:15

38:15

Mark McCulloch has worked at Board level with some awesome brands such as Ex Pret, Barclaycard & YO! Sushi. Experience: Dishoom, BrewDog, Costa, Roadchef, Nestle, Red Carnation Hotels, Ibis, Brighton Fringe, Bill’s, Rosa’s Thai, Holiday Extras, Buzzworks, Fourth, Vanarama, SSP. In this episode he presents his marketing model which can help restaura…

1
Use revenue to manage stock levels and increase profitability 28:35

9M ago28:35

28:35

Summary This conversation discusses the importance of understanding consumption and sales forecasting in order to maximize efficiency in stock management. It highlights the inefficiencies in stock ordering based on guesswork and the need for data-driven decision-making. The conversation also explores the tools and methods to start analyzing sales f…

1
Use landing pages like this to capture customer data 30:22

9M ago30:22

30:22

Adam Miller is the Commercial Lead at Mr Yum, a hospitality CRM and marketing platform. Mr. Yum focusses on helping hospitality businesses connect more authentically and strategically with customers. If you'd like to know more about how you can better connect with your customers, drop Adam a message. Adam's Linkedin Click here to learn about Play I…

1
Use job descriptions to increase staff accountability 26:44

9M ago26:44

26:44

Dom Jones was a Co-Founder of Maray restaurants, a very popular Parisian/Middle-Eastern brand with four sites. Dom was the HR and People Director for almost 10 years before leaving earlier this year to start his own consultancy. Now Dom helps brands organise their management teams to boost profitability so if you're stuck in a bit of a rut, drop hi…

1
Promote low/no alcohol to increase revenue 32:07

9M ago32:07

32:07

Michelle Righini is the Founder of We Recover Loudly, a social project, and support network for the hospitality industry focusing on shaking up conversations about addiction, recovery and drinking cultures in hospitality as well as providing much needed resources. Michelle is also an independent hospitality consultant specialising in brands underst…

1
Reduce your wine list to increase profitability 25:11

9M ago25:11

25:11

Summary In this conversation, Liam and Mike discuss the counterintuitive approach of reducing the size of a wine menu to increase profitability. Mike, a wine consultant with extensive experience in the industry, explains that many wine menus are too complicated and cluttered, leading to confusion for both staff and customers. By simplifying the men…

1
Use social media like a search engine to increase your reach 35:10

9M ago35:10

35:10

Summary In this conversation, Fiona King discusses the use of social media for organic search and how to optimize Instagram for search. She emphasises the importance of using keywords and hashtags in captions to improve discoverability. Fiona also highlights the value of different types of content, such as photos, videos, and stories, in engaging w…

1
Listen better to boost staff engagement 29:07

9M ago29:07

29:07

Summary In this conversation, Liam interviews Andy about the importance of listening in leadership, particularly in the hospitality industry. Andy shares his background in leadership and how he became passionate about helping hospitality businesses improve their leadership abilities. They discuss the barriers to listening in hospitality, the conseq…

1
Intro: Tactics to improve your hospitality business 1:31

9M ago1:31

1:31

Running a hospitality business is tough, there are endless plates to juggle (see what we did there) but there's always somebody who's been in your shoes and got through it. On this podcast, we get those people on to the show to discuss best practice. Every business will focus on one specific tactic that you can take away and implement in your hospi…

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