Johanne Stimson

Welcome to my Black Book.

This is where I write down the things I see in businesses that I can’t unsee.

The sales problems that aren’t really sales problems. The decisions nobody’s making. The money being left on the table. The things that have become “just how we do it” that probably shouldn’t be, and the glaringly obvious stuff that’s often only glaringly obvious when you’re standing on the outside looking in.

I’ve spent over 40 years in sales and 19 years running and growing a UK manufacturing business as MD, part owner and Sales Director rolled into one.

These days I get inside founder-led and family-run businesses and ask the questions that need asking.

That’s what you’ll find here.

Things I’m seeing. Things I’m questioning. Things I’ve learned the hard way and, occasionally, things that might make you think: “Bugger. We do that.”

If it makes you look at your business differently, the Black Book has done its job.

Sales Support for Family-Run Businesses

Sales Support for Family-Run Businessesby: Johanne StimsonPublished on: 23/09/2026

What sales support does a founder-led or family-run business really need? Learn when advice is not enough and how close commercial support can help.

sales supportfamily owned businesssme businessgrowing sales
Sales Support for Family-Run Businesses