Miranda Birch Media

Stories that change attitudes and reach new audiences

Starting up, scaling up and the art of sacking yourself

Cocoa Loco started when Sarah Payne took a career break from her computer programming job to look after her children. She discovered that she was very good at making brownies. They were always in great demand when she went round to her friends’ houses. So one day she said to her husband Rory, “I’m going… Read more

Why we must kill the word ‘co-working’. This gem of a space deserves so much better. So do you.

(And if you are looking for a place within easy reach of London and the South East, read on.) Yes, I’m being harsh, but for good reason. Becoming an entrepreneur is an education in itself. It’s possibly the most demanding qualification you’ll ever go for. So you need a space that helps you, and your… Read more

Why you must look your dog (or boss) in the eye and say “I’m outta here”.

Could one of these be you in 2018? You’re thinking of giving up the 9-to-5 to work for yourself You’re already running your business from home and want to grow If so, you need moral support and inspiration. People around you who’ve been there, get it and want to share what they have learned so… Read more

How to find new angles to your story – and get new clients.

Yes, your prospects are busy. So how do you get their attention? One way is to keep writing content. Even if they’re too busy to look at your first 3 blog posts, they might have 5 minutes for the fourth. Another way is to find different angles to the issue you’re tackling. One of them… Read more

Vision and values are good things. The stories behind them are even better.

Many companies list their values on their websites. That’s great. It gives me a benchmark to measure them by. But when I read these lists I want to know the stories behind the vision and values. Why do things like ‘quality’ and ‘integrity’ and ‘creativity’ matter to you? If you tell me why, I’m more… Read more

How does a city’s brand affect your business? The 2017 Great Debate.

Wherever you base your business – town or country – its reputation will rub off on you in some way. At the University of Brighton’s Great Debate, more than 200 businesses discussed whether the city’s brand of fun helps or hinders its economy. For better or worse, it’s down to the sea. I’m going to… Read more

Change your mind about micro-businesses. They must get more credit.

I like working with people who turn my thinking on its head. And when I heard about this for the first time, I felt like kicking myself. It was so obvious. The idea comes from Darren Fell, Entrepreneur-from-Birth and award-winning CEO of Crunch Accounting. (Centre.) It’s simple. Micro-businesses are small and they make an enormous… Read more

Call the doctor. Your business IS special – but you need a second opinion.

So, tell me again. How is your business better than all the rest? Why should I, as a picky client, choose you over anyone else? You’ve spent hours building your business. You probably think you’re the best person to work out, and explain, why it’s special. You’re well qualified to have an opinion on it…. Read more