Growth by Paul Dixon

19/08/2026

I was recently asked what advice I would give someone starting their first business — and whether I agree with the idea that founders should solve a genuine customer need, launch quickly and test whether people will buy before spending too long perfecting the product.

Broadly, I do.

My advice would be to start with the customer rather than the product. Be clear about who you are trying to help, what problem you are solving for them, and why they would be prepared to pay for your solution.

There is little value in spending months trying to perfect something before finding out whether customers actually want it. Get a credible version of the product or service in front of real people, listen to their response, and improve it from there.

The one qualification I would add is that “launch quickly” should not mean “launch carelessly”. Your first offer does not need to be perfect, but it does need to be professional enough to give customers confidence.

Start with a genuine need. Keep the initial offer simple. Test it in the real world. Listen, adapt and improve.

19/08/2026

How do you turn an ordinary takeaway menu into something people might actually stop and watch?

This AI-assisted video was created for Wok Inn Chelmsford. It combines an animated takeaway menu, practical customer information, Woky the mascot and a cinematic van chase.

The aim was not to use AI simply for novelty. It was to take familiar parts of the business — the menu, mascot, delivery van and established branding — and turn them into entertaining, memorable content that still has a practical purpose.

This is the kind of creative support I provide to small businesses: developing the initial idea, shaping the story and visuals, and bringing everything together into a finished piece of branded content.

Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KQzW32ZOc0


shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KQzW32ZOc0&t=8s

This client project demonstrates how AI animation and video product...

17/08/2026

The creation of my latest video, I Think, Therefore I Am, began three months ago. During this period, my understanding of artificial intelligence, workflow management, and the creative process has evolved significantly.

While the final output is not perfect and contains elements I would now approach differently, it serves as a meaningful document of a genuine learning curve. There is a risk in endlessly remaking work as our knowledge expands; perfectionism can often prevent timely publication.

This title reflects the necessary connection between self-awareness and professional development. Building a business is fundamentally inseparable from the development of the individual behind it.

The video is now available for viewing.

https://youtu.be/KjsGWOrRJOM

“I Think, Therefore I Am” reflects an idea at the heart of my work:...

15/07/2026

Do you want your customer back next week—or next year?

Many UK businesses are facing rising costs, but continually passing those costs on through higher prices can drive customers away altogether.

In my latest article, I look at how unrealistic pricing, reduced value and short-term thinking may be damaging repeat business—and the wider UK economy.

Read the full article here:

Are your prices helping your business grow—or quietly driving customers away? This article explores the difficult balance between rising business costs, fair profit and keeping customers coming back regularly rather than only once a year.

30/06/2026

AI is often sold as something simple: just type something in and get exactly what you imagined.

The reality is different.

AI can be powerful, but it does not read your mind. If the instruction is vague, the result is often vague. If the prompt has structure, context and direction, the output has a much better chance of being useful.

In my latest post, I explain why “just type something in” is one of the biggest myths about AI, and why prompt writing is becoming such an important practical skill.

Read the full post here: https://www.growthbypauldixon.co.uk/post/writing-better-prompts-for-ai

21/06/2026

Hello and welcome.

I'm Paul Dixon, and over the years I've worked across education, training, business support, consultancy, personal development, and international education.

One thing I've learned is that many people and organisations don't always need complicated solutions. Often, they simply need practical support, a fresh perspective, and someone who can help move things forward.

Whether it's helping a business owner who feels overwhelmed, supporting an education project, assisting with personal or professional development, or helping international students navigate the UK education system, my focus is always the same: practical help when it's needed.

This short video provides a brief introduction to who I am, what I do, and how I help.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

🎥 Watch the video below.

https://youtu.be/KFas7lo-5g4

16/06/2026

Most people think empathy is simply being kind.

It isn't.

Empathy is the ability to understand what's really going on beneath the surface. It's what helps us build stronger relationships, communicate more effectively, resolve conflict, support others through difficult times, and become better leaders.

The reality is that people are often fighting battles we know nothing about. Sometimes, taking a moment to understand another person's perspective can completely change how we see them.

In a world that's becoming increasingly disconnected, empathy may be one of the most important skills we can develop.

Here's why I believe empathy is the real superpower.

👇 Read the full article below.

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If you're facing a challenge, feeling overwhelmed, trying to move a project forward, or simply need a trusted sounding board, I'd be happy to help.

Book a Free 30-Minute Practical Fit Call and let's have a conversation about where you are, where you'd like to get to, and whether I might be able to help.

🌐 [www.growthbypauldixon.co.uk](http://www.growthbypauldixon.co.uk)
📧 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Growth by Paul Dixon
Practical support. Clear thinking. Forward momentum.
https://www.growthbypauldixon.co.uk/post/empathy-the-true-superpower

Empathy is the ability to understand what's really going on beneath the surface. It's what helps us build stronger relationships, communicate more effectively, resolve conflict, support others through difficult times, and become better leaders. The reality is that people are often fighting battles w...

09/06/2026

🚨 A question every business owner should ask themselves...

Have you built a business... or a prison?

This is one of the biggest challenges I see facing small business owners. 👇

https://www.growthbypauldixon.co.uk/post/have-you-built-a-business-or-a-prison

02/06/2026

What exactly does a practical right-hand person do? Spoiler: it's not Hollywood drama — it's reliable problem-solving, systems that actually work, and someone who makes your day-to-day run smoother so you can focus on growth. Read the full post to see real examples and how this role adds immediate value. https://wix.to/dCNpvri

Now, I have to admit that sounds slightly worrying. The moment I say it, my mind immediately jumps to all those Hollywood fixer characters. The people who get a mysterious phone call in the middle of the night, climb into an expensive car, disappear into the darkness, and somehow make the problem go...

26/05/2026

New on the blog: George and the Dragon — a short, honest take on why business shouldn’t feel like a war and what independent owners can do about it. Read the piece and rethink how you face challenges in your business. https://wix.to/tJ3Zwhl

The truth is, many independent business owners eventually discover something uncomfortable: Business should not feel like a war. Yet sometimes it does.