mark young

AI First Agency

Navigate The Future With Confidence.

Unleash The Power Of AI. 

In today's dynamic world, you are the hero of your business story. But even heroes face challenges. We're here to turn the AI challenge into opportunity by helping you navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape, standing out from the competition, and leveraging AI to ensure your business thrives.

Founder

Love Social Media

Social Selling / Modern Sales is about leveraging your social network to find the right prospects, build trusted relationships, and ultimately, achieve your sales goals. This sales technique enables better sales lead generation and sales prospecting process and eliminates the need for cold calling. Building and maintaining relationships is easier within the network that you and your customer trust.

About Us

We are passionate advocates for Social Selling and Social Media with a focus on LinkedIn and Facebook. Our vision and mission is to help you build your digital sales strategy, and most importantly, acquire new clients

B2B social selling and digital marketing is evolving. Social selling is an evolution of traditional sales techniques that enables sales professionals to engage with today's buyers. Digital marketing and Sales can align to help create great buying experiences. Social selling sales professionals need the tools and insights to enable the buyer to make a buying decision. 

HOW WE DO IT: 

Training Courses  - LinkedIn, Social Selling, Sales Navigator training, Digital sales Transformation, Social Recruiting

Content Production- Sales enablement content, blogs, articles – powerful, engaging and on-brand content is what we do

LinkedIn Profile Makeover - We turn your profile into an IMPRESSIVE digital introduction to the world!

Done For You LinkedIn Prospecting Service
Through our dedicated focus on LinkedIn marketing, we have developed best practices that go beyond your everyday results. 

Our Solution will:

...Save Time: Get results while focusing on your customers
...Save Money: Better, consistent results less than the cost of a full time employee
...Generate Leads:  Your prospects are looking for you online - be there
...Build Brand Visibility: and attract new customers
...Thought Leadership: Leaders share curated, top-quality content
...Foster Relationships: Feedback, build loyal followers

READY TO TALK?  - Connect with me on LinkedIn

Our courses will teach you how to leverage social media to find more leads, develop better-qualified prospects, and increase deal sizes. 

HOW WE DO IT

👉🏼 1-2-1 Mentoring -  either in person or Live Online
👉🏼 Private Bespoke Training – At a location of your choosing. We’ll customise the class so its relevant to what you need
👉🏼Public Scheduled Training  - in London

WHAT WE DO

Our Specialties are

👉🏼 Social Selling Training
👉🏼 LinkedIn Marketing Training
👉🏼 Facebook Ads
👉🏼 Social Media Blueprint
👉🏼 Social Recruiting
👉🏼 Content Marketing
👉🏼 SEO/ PPC Training

WHO WE DO IT FOR

Sales teams, coaches, consultants, entrepreneurs, marketing teams, SMEs and Training Providers
Testimonials can be found here	https://www.youtube.com/user/LoveSocialMedia/videos

My Expertise: LinkedIn | Social Selling | Lead Gen| Sales Management | Digital Selling | Training | Social Media

READY TO TALK? 
Connect with me here on LinkedIn!

Linkedin Instructor / Social Selling Training / Social Selling Coach

LinkedIn Marketing

“You can’t hurry love, No, you’ll just have to wait. love don’t come easy, but it’s a game of give and take” – Phil Collins

The same is true for marketing on LinkedIn. Its not a platform where you can rush in and ask everyone to buy your stuff. It’s more like attending a networking event. If you’ve been to a business networking event and bumped into someone that wants to just sell you their service or product then you’ll know that feeling of wanting to escape as quickly as possible. It’s all about the sale for them and not about the relationship. – and they 100% FAIL

It’s the same inside the world of LinkedIn. You can’t just send out hundreds of connection requests and follow up with a spammy sales message. It takes time to nurture that relationship and get to know them even in advance of connecting

Done For You LinkedIn Marketing Service

They Ask, You Answer

They Ask, You Answer is a business framework with one obsession at its core: “What is my customer asking?”

It’s a simple idea: educated prospects become happier, better customers.  If your prospects are asking questions, you must answer them — openly and honestly — on your website.

When we shift our focus to educating and addressing everything about our products and services we build trust with our audience, weed out bad-fit prospects, and make the buying process smoother. 

Looking to implement They Ask, You Answer at your company? Become the most trusted voice in your space and master the framework with IMPACT or one of our Certified Coaches:

They Ask, You Answer Certified Coach

AI Forge

As a LinkedIn outreach specialist and content creator for AI Forge, my role involves empowering startups to revolutionize the world with cutting-edge AI technology and expert guidance. 

AI Forge is an intensive 12-week incubator program based in London and Miami, led by experienced entrepreneurs. Our aim is to accelerate the development of AI companies that address real-world problems. Through more than 60 training sessions, we provide hands-on training and the necessary support and expertise to help launch successful ventures. At AI Forge, we focus on startups that make a significant impact through AI-driven solutions. As part of our program, we offer financial support, including £10k in cash and credit for various services. Additionally, startups receive 100 hours of free developer time, market research, design materials, and assistance in identifying AI market opportunities. 

With our intensive 12-week program, personalized mentorship, and co-founder-like support, we equip founders with the skills, tools, and resources needed to establish thriving AI startups.

Founding Member 

Block Dojo

Co-Founder and Team Member of Block Dojo, a blockchain incubator, I played a crucial role in setting up the company and contributed to various aspects such as event organization, marketing, LinkedIn outreach, and finding mentors, investors, and start-ups. In 2022, Block Dojo's success was reflected by accounting for 24% of all blockchain investments, highlighting the significant impact of the company in the industry

Founding Member / Business Development

DLA ignite

The buyer's journey has changed and it's never going back. Customers have embraced evolving technology as a way to bolster their control over their own purchasing paths. ... Smarketers (sales and marketing) who see change as an opportunity are the ones who will emerge as the pioneers of the Age of the Customer

What is Social Selling?

Social selling is a “buzzword” and everyone in sales is talking about it. Whether you love it and have embraced it, or hate it and hang on to your cold calling and email methods, you cannot deny that social selling can be incredibly effective when done properly.

Digital Sales Transformation / Social Selling Coach

Academy Class

i was the founder and CEO of Academy Class - the UKs leading Digital Media Training company which i started back in 2006

Key Accomplishments

- started in 2006 with zero investment and grew organically
- The only training centre in the UK Authorized by Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Maxon, Quark, Unity
- First Training Centre Authorised by Unity Technology in Europe 
- Created an Online Training Channel - Academyclass.tv
- Ran the largest Meet up for Designers in the Uk - Creative Class
- Ran an annual event each year for designers called - Designers Fiesta
- Managed 4 facilities and offices with staff up to 40 in London, Glasgow, Manchester, Vilnius
- Served the biggest and most well know media companies in UK including - Sky, McCann Ericsson,, BBC, ITV, Adobe, OUP, and many government departments as well as the freelance community 
- ran courses across EMEA for BlackBerry

Founder / CEO

Iron Wolf Calling

Everything has changed with lead generation and customer contact! 
But we know you still need to stimulate interest in your product, and you still need qualified, new business leads. 

Are your clients still buying your products? Or are they now buying from your competitors? 
Iron Wolf Calling gives you reliable, intelligent partnering, not process telemarketing. 
There’s nothing you can do in-house do that we cannot do!

Co-Founder / CEO

Highlander

Ran the training team at Highlander where it was awarded the European Training Centre of the Year by Macromedia

Accredited by Adobe Inc., Highlander provides classroom, blended and online courses for professionals at all levels who wish to learn Photoshop, Flash, InDesign, Illustrator, DreamWeaver, ActionScript and more. Additionally, we offer customised closed courses at your own location for groups.

Sales Director

Mekon

Focussed on selling training solutions to companies around Adobe FrameMaker Technology

Mekon are leading UK systems integrators focused on increasing the effectiveness of your business content and technical communications. Thought leaders in XML and complex content processes, we leverage our expertise and cross-industry client experience to help you turn your content from a cost centre to a business asset, with a specialty focus on Content Strategy, XSLT development, XSL-FO Stylesheet development, CMS system intergration, S1000D, and DITA.

Business Development Training Solutions

🐱 Cat Person and AI Enthusiast | 10x Your Social Media Impact with AI Avatars: Empowering Solopreneurs & Business Pros in Personal Branding Using Advanced AI Technology / (Dogs Are Cool Too)

Helping Fractional Consultants & Executive Coaches Build Authority & Land Clients on LinkedIn—Fast

With over 30 years in Tech, Training, and Media, I empower professionals through AI innovation and transformative training. My mission is to make AI and digital strategies approachable, actionable, and impactful, enabling others to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

❤️ Who I Help

I work with fractional consultants who:

Possess deep industry expertise but aren’t fully leveraging LinkedIn to attract ideal clients
Seek consistent inbound & outbound leads to fill their pipeline with premium opportunities
Lack time to develop content, messaging, and outreach—but need results fast

❤️ How I Help

I’ve developed a comprehensive LinkedIn system designed to position you as a trusted authority while attracting premium clients through both inbound and cold outreach strategies.

Here’s how it works:

LinkedIn Profile & Brand Optimization – Transform your profile into a client magnet within 24 hours
Targeted Cold Outreach – 200-400 strategic connection requests plus personalized video messaging to initiate warm conversations
Done-for-You Thought Leadership Content – 4-8 engaging posts per month to drive inbound leads
Authority-Building Video Content – Professionally edited videos to boost credibility and trust
Outbound Follow-Up & Nurturing Sequences – Converting cold prospects into booked calls
Newsletter & Email List Growth – Turning LinkedIn traffic into an owned audience

❤️ Results?

A fully optimized LinkedIn presence that delivers consistent, high-quality client opportunities.

❤️ Why Work With Me?

30+ years of experience in Tech, Training, and Media – bridging innovation with practical business growth

Specialization in LinkedIn for fractional consultants and coaches – offering a proven authority-building system tailored for experienced professionals

Effective Cold Outreach – combining targeted messaging, video, and automation to turn cold connections into warm leads

Hands-off execution – my team handles 90% of the work, allowing you to focus on delivering results to your clients

Multi-channel approach – blending outreach, content, video, and email marketing to create a lead-generation machine

❤️ Contact Me

Curious about how I can elevate your business? Let’s connect and explore how my services can drive your success. Whether we work together or not, I promise you'll leave our conversation with clarity and actionable insights. And if you’re a cat lover, let’s swap a few photos while we’re at it!

Mark Young

BizCrunch

BizCrunch is a Discovery, Due-Diligence and Deal-Execution Platform for Off-Market Private Equity Acquirers.   BizCrunch powers Acquisition Entrepreneurship and SMB Succession M&A.

SMB M&A is frustrated by inefficient, opaque and time-consuming processes.  BizCrunch is on a mission to make selling and acquiring companies faster, cheaper and easier through digital transformation.

Co-Founder and CEO

Enterprise Insights Ltd

We help scale businesses, and to future-proof leaders, through impactful Executive Coaching programmes. As a dynamic consultancy and coaching company, Enterprise Insights offer a portfolio of transformational services, designed to facilitate British scale-up businesses in achieving sustainable growth, securing capital investment, and embracing perpetual change.

Principal Consultant

ElectrAssure Ltd

ElectrAssure designs, installs and operates electric vehicle charging solutions, chargepoint management systems and site support services, delivering critical infrastructure to support the future of transport.

Non Executive Director

Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation

My role as Chair requires leadership of the Board and ensuring it operates effectively; ensuring the smooth running of Board meetings; promoting good governance; providing supervision and support to the Foundation's CEO where required; and representing the Foundation publicly.   Acting in accordance with the Nolan Principles, I seek to lead in an open-minded, fair and objective manner, to enable the Foundation to operate optimally in delivering on its charitable and commercial mandates for the benefit of the stakeholders of the Garden City.

Chairman Of The Board Of Trustees

I support the Leadership Team in setting, pursuing and achieving the necessary strategic objectives for the Foundation, such as energy-efficient housing, skills and youth employment, regional economic success, ecology and improvement of the public realm.

Trustee and Board Member

Contributing to oversight and strategy at this innovative nonprofit, responsible for maintaining and enhancing the world’s first Garden City.

Governor

Boardroom Advisors: Part-Time CEOs MDs NEDs for Scale-Ups and SME's.

Boardroom Advisors provides experienced, real-world CEOs, MDs, Non-Executive Directors, Chairmen and paid Mentors for Scale-Ups and SMEs on a part-time, PAYG basis.  Their talent pool consists of some of the most successful proven business leaders in the UK.   Available from one day per quarter and at short-notice, with no recruitment fees, no long-term commitments and including interchangeable personnel as your needs change.  You can scale up or down your advisory as needed.  Your Boardroom Advisors function as part of your team, providing you with consulting, direction, and strategy at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire, which makes them perfect for start-ups, scale-ups, small family businesses and SMEs.

Fractional CxO / Advisor

Connectd

As an early investor in Connectd, I have made several Angel Investments via the platform and served in a coaching capacity as this exciting business has achieved impressive growth exceeding £1m ARR.   Supporting Connectd's Transition To Portfolio program, I serve as Mentor to participants seeking to begin working with startups and scale-ups in Advisory and Non-Executive Director roles.

Mentor - Transition to Portfolio

Stratiphy

stratiphy.io is a FinTech robo-advisor, investment-strategy and portfolio-management platform for values-driven investors.  It provides strategies based on financial performance and ESG scoring, and delivers valuable insights for a low monthly subscription.

Advisor

biz4Biz

biz4Biz a not-for-profit company, run by experienced business leaders, that provides a coherent voice for businesses in Hertfordshire.  biz4Biz aims to influence and shape policymaking and encourage investment in Hertfordshire by engaging with local and central government, relevant public sector bodies and local organisations, to promote the county of Hertfordshire as a great place to live and do business.  

Its networking, suite of services, government liaison and charitable involvement operations aim to benefit the residents, commuters, workers and business-owners who all contribute to Hertfordshire life.

Associate

A startup venture-builder, putting companies and their founders through their paces during an intense 12 week programme, providing seed-funding and development services to build the future of blockchain applications.

Investment Consultant

Startup 2 Standup

StartUp2StandUp is a community of founders, funders, advisors and service-providers who collaborate to provide mutual support on the journey from startup to scale.   I serve as Coach and Facilitator to the weekly founders' surgery sessions and a Pitch-Event Panelist at the community's periodic meet-ups.

StartUp Coach

"The key is not spending time, but investing it."
  -- Stephen Covey.

Having built, acquired, grown, sold and exited companies during my 20+ years in industry, I developed and honed a skillset in leadership and M&A.

Following my exit through sale to a Nordic Nasdaq listed permanent ownership group, I pursued my passion for innovation in the startup ecosystem.   As an Investment Director at a startup incubator, an Angel Investor and a Director of Henley Business Angels, I was privileged to work with many early-stage companies.     With the cycling of the macro market, from growth to value, I returned to my roots in serving buyouts of Small- and Medium-sized Businesses.

I co-founded BizCrunch to digitally transform SMB M&A, aiming to help triple the volume of deals completing in the UK annually, by reducing time, cost and complexity through digital transformation.

Enterprise Insights provides a portfolio of consulting and coaching services, designed to facilitate StartUp and ScaleUp companies in achieving and managing sustainable growth, and in preparing for exit.  

As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Chairman of a Charitable Foundation, and a trusted Mentor/Advisor, I've served high-performing leaders, enabling them to further the success of their teams and organisations.

Gareth Hawkins

Grateful to our BizCrunch users who helped shape this huge update.    You asked for features and stats that help you better refine your proprietary outreach campaigns.    

Our team have over-delivered, with a host of helpful campaign features to further help Searchers get to positive conversations with off-market Sellers, FAST.

ETA/Search // Investor : Acquirer : Founder : NED

We rebuilt our outreach tool from the ground up.

After hundreds of conversations with acquisition entrepreneurs - both inside the BizCrunch community and beyond - today we're shipping Campaigns 2.0.

Here's what's in this mammoth update 👇

New analytics dashboard: 
→ Delivery rate, open rate, click tracking 
→ Unique reply counts and engagement trends over time
→ Full CSV exports for deeper analysis

New workflow tools: 
→ 🔁 Clone campaigns - reuse copy with one click
→ 💾 Save as template - turn winning messaging into reusable playbooks

Deliverability upgrades: 
→ More double-verified emails in our database
→ Infrastructure improvements driving week-over-week performance gains
→ Better inbox placement = more conversations with owners

The result:

Better data. Faster workflows. More emails reaching owners.

For searchers and SMB acquirers running systematic outreach, this is a major step forward.

This is live NOW in your workspace - with some more incredible upgrades coming next week. So stay tuned 👀


#BizCrunch #ETA #OffMarket #Acquisition

taplio

The Battle

Mark Young

Gareth Hawkins

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreGareth Hawkins's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Mark Young

Gareth Hawkins

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Gareth Hawkins's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreGareth Hawkins's LinkedIn Performance