Making B2B Businesses More Valuable with Simon Penson Ep 206 - The Global Discussion

The Global Discussion

Simon Penson, the Founder and Managing Partner of Scaled Consulting, joins Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode of The Global Discussion. With a wealth of experience as an exited agency founder, angel investor, and board member, Simon Penson shares invaluable insights on scaling digital businesses, the intricacies of M&A, and the importance of aligning purpose with business success.

From Journalism to Digital Pioneering

Simon Penson's journey began in the mid-90s when he started his career in journalism. This period, coinciding with the rise of the Internet, sparked his interest in digital transformation. Simon quickly recognized the shifting patterns in how people consumed information and seized the opportunity to create content-driven affiliate sites. His early ventures laid the groundwork for a career in digital marketing and business leadership.

Reflecting on his early days, Simon remarked, "I was born at the right time, right when the Internet was becoming a thing. My journalism background taught me the importance of audience creation, which is at the core of everything I've done since."

Scaling and Exiting: Lessons Learned

Throughout the discussion, Simon emphasized the importance of strategic growth and the art of scaling businesses effectively. He shared his experiences building and successfully exiting two digital businesses, most notably Zazzle Media, where he grew from a small team to a formidable digital content marketing agency. Zazzle Media's success culminated in its acquisition by IPG Mediabrands, a significant milestone in Simon's career.

The Birth of Scaled Consulting

Simon's passion for helping other entrepreneurs led to the creation of Scaled Consulting, a firm dedicated to guiding the next generation of agency leaders. At Scaled, Simon and his team provide tailored strategies to help businesses grow efficiently and prepare for successful exits. This consultancy is a culmination of Simon's years of experience in digital marketing, business strategy, and M&A.

"Scaled was born from my desire to help others navigate the complex journey of building and scaling a business. We provide simple roadmaps to growth, and we roll up our sleeves to ensure those plans are executed effectively," Simon explained during the podcast.

Investing in People and Technology

Beyond his work at Scaled, Simon is a partner at Haatch Ventures, focusing on early-stage investments in high-growth B2B SaaS businesses. He also serves as an advisor and board member for several companies, leveraging his expertise to support founders in realizing their visions.

When discussing the role of technology in business, Simon pointed out the potential pitfalls of "software bloat" and emphasized the importance of strategic planning over-reliance on tools. "Technology is crucial, but it's the strategy and execution that truly drive success. You need great people at the beginning and end of every process," he noted.

A Purpose-Driven Approach to Business

A recurring theme throughout the episode was Simon's belief in aligning business with purpose. After his successful exit, Simon asked deeper questions about his identity and purpose beyond business. This introspection has driven his passion for helping other entrepreneurs succeed financially and find fulfilment through their work.

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