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For producers, editors and organisers
The No Bullshit Business Coach In The Media
I am Robert Adelman, and I have spent more than two decades running businesses rather than talking about them. Four founded, two sold, 27+ years in IT and 15+ years in digital marketing and e-commerce.
That makes me useful for one specific reason: I will say the thing your audience is thinking but nobody on the panel wants to say out loud. No scripted talking points, no sponsor-friendly hedging, and no pretending business is easier than it is.
If you are producing a podcast episode, a panel, a workshop or a story on small business, I am happy to help — including on short notice. If a topic sits outside what I actually know, I will tell you that too, and usually point you at someone better placed to answer it.
Read verified client feedback on the reviews page before you commit an hour of your audience’s time.
Send A Media Enquiry17 March 2022 — Ticker TV
Watch A Previous Interview
A short television interview covering the reality of running a small business in Australia and why so much conventional business advice fails the people it is aimed at.
The topics
What Rob Speaks About
Pick a lane, or ask for a combination. Each of these can run as a 20-minute talk, a conference session, a workshop or a podcast episode:
Growing A Business Without Cold Calling
Building demand so customers call you first. Inbound enquiry, positioning, pricing with a straight face, and why discounting is usually a symptom of a different problem.
Cyber Security For Small Business
Why small and medium businesses are the easiest target going, what a realistic level of protection costs, and the handful of controls that stop most attacks before they start.
Building A Team That Stays
Culture as an operational decision rather than a poster in the lunchroom, and what it really costs to hire the wrong person twice.
Selling A Business Well
What a clean exit looks like, why earnouts trap so many owners, and the preparation that has to start years before the sale conversation.
IT Systems And Automation
Where technology genuinely saves hours and money for a small business, and where it is an expensive distraction dressed up as progress.
Getting it booked
How To Book Rob For A Podcast Or Panel
- 1
Send the brief
Use the enquiry form on this page or call 1300 59 00 82. Tell me the show or event, the audience and the angle you want covered.
- 2
Agree the angle
We spend ten minutes on the phone shaping the topic so it is useful to your audience rather than a plug for my business. I will flag anything I am not qualified to speak on.
- 3
Lock the date
Melbourne based with regular trips to Sydney and Brisbane, and remote recording is no problem. Short-notice fills are usually fine — just ask.
- 4
Record or present
No fee is charged for genuine media interviews and podcast appearances. Paid workshops and corporate speaking are quoted case by case.
- 5
Get the follow-up
Ask and I will supply a photo, a short biography and any links you need for show notes, plus a straight answer to whatever your audience emails in afterwards.
Make it easy
What To Include In A Media Enquiry
The more of this you send first time, the faster you get a yes or a no:
- Outlet, show or event name and the audience it reaches.
- Format — live, pre-recorded, written comment, panel, workshop or keynote.
- Date, time and duration, including your deadline if it is a written piece.
- Location or the platform you record on, and whether remote is acceptable.
- The angle and any questions you want covered, so I can turn up with real examples rather than generic advice.
- What you need from me — photo, biography, headshot, quotes or supporting data.
Also worth a look
Undercover Boss And Other Formats
If your story needs more than a talking head, there are formats here that make better viewing. The Undercover Boss service puts an outsider inside a business to report back on what is really happening on the floor — which tends to produce far more interesting material than an interview in an office.
The business networking club also runs regular sessions in Melbourne where owners talk openly about what is going wrong. Media are welcome to attend with prior arrangement and the room’s consent.
For anything else, call 1300 59 00 82 and ask. The worst that happens is I point you somewhere more useful.
Straight answers
Media And Speaking Questions
Does Rob charge to appear on a podcast?
No. Genuine media interviews and podcast appearances are free, whatever the size of your audience.
Paid corporate workshops, training days and keynote speaking are quoted individually once I know the format and the preparation involved.
Can Rob record remotely?
Yes. Remote recording is straightforward and is often quicker to schedule than an in-person slot.
In person in Melbourne is easy, and Sydney and Brisbane are possible around existing client trips.
How quickly does Rob respond to media enquiries?
Usually the same business day. If your deadline is tight, say so in the subject line or call 1300 59 00 82 directly.
Short-notice replacements are welcome — someone dropping out at midday is not a disaster.
What topics will Rob decline?
Anything requiring licensed financial, legal or accounting advice, and anything that needs me to comment on a business I know nothing about.
I would rather refer you to someone qualified than fill airtime with confident guessing.
Can Rob supply a photo and biography?
Yes. Ask in your enquiry and you will get a headshot, a short biography and a longer version for programmes and show notes.
Background on his businesses is on the about Rob page if you want to write your own introduction.
Will Rob speak to a room of business owners?
Regularly. Workshops and masterclasses for business groups, associations and networking events are a normal part of the calendar.
Tell me the room size, the mix of industries and how long you want, and I will shape the session to suit.
Can journalists quote Rob on business coaching costs?
Yes, within reason. Pricing at this business is one flat monthly fee with no lock-in contract, and I will not quote other coaches’ numbers as fact.
The business coaching cost page sets out what drives the figure.
Let’s chat business
Send Your Media Enquiry
Producers, editors and event organisers: use the form below and put the outlet, format and date in the message. Rob replies personally.
Real business coaching client testimonials