Where Does Business Growth Really Begin?
If you’ve already got a copy of my new book: ‘Value Whispering: The Smarter Way to Market your Small Business … that just happens to be brilliant for introverts’, then you might have noticed this quote on the front cover:
“If marketing makes you want to run and hide, read this book.”
Then you’ll already have heard of today’s guests.
In this episode of The Art of Value Whispering Podcast, I’m joined by Andrew and Pete, founders of Atomic and creators of Atomicon, now one of Europe’s biggest marketing conferences. And two of the nicest, most genuine people in the marketing and business growth world.
The reason I invited them onto the show was not just because of the scale and epicness of what they’ve built, but how deliberately human, generous and grounded their approach has always been.
Their story is a powerful reminder that confident business growth does not come from being louder or pushier. It comes from clarity, courage and resonance.
What makes this conversation especially meaningful is how honestly Andrew and Pete talk about the moments most people gloss over. The uncertainty, the experiments that didn’t quite land, and the decisions that felt risky at the time but were guided by listening closely to their audience and trusting their instincts. Rather than chasing growth for its own sake, they focused on building offers people genuinely wanted and communities people wanted to belong to.
Join me in this episode as we explore how clear value, thoughtful asks and genuine connection can quietly compound over time, turning small, intentional choices into extraordinary business growth and momentum.
Prefer to WATCH?
https://www.youtube.com/@melittacampbell
“You don’t get opportunities by waiting to feel worthy. You get worthy by stepping into the opportunity and asking.” — Pete Gartland
From zero to momentum, without a master plan
Andrew and Pete didn’t start with funding, investors, or a grand blueprint.
They started with skills, curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
Over time, their business evolved from web design to marketing consultancy, then into a community-led brand that now includes coaching, content, and a flagship conference. What’s important here is not the pivot itself, but how those pivots happened:
- They paid attention to demand.
- They listened to their community, and
- They waited until people were asking for more.
The Atomicon event was not a leap of ego. It was a response to signals that were already there in their community.
That distinction matters, especially for introverted business owners who want growth to feel aligned, not forced.
When the right offer changes everything
One of the most valuable insights Andrew and Pete shared was this:
Even great marketing cannot compensate for an unclear or underwhelming offer.
When Atomicon tickets went on sale, the response surprised even them. Not because the promotion was clever, but because the offer landed exactly where it needed to.
It was relevant.
It was clear, and
It was wanted.
That moment became a turning point, not just for their event, but for how they evaluated everything else in their business.
If people hesitate, it is rarely about your confidence or your visibility. Often, it is simply that the offer needs refining.
This is where Value Whispering really comes to life. When your offer is right, you do not need to persuade. People feel it.
“If your content isn’t getting a reaction, it’s not working yet and it won’t ever work unless you change it.” — Andrew Pickering
The cheeky ask, done properly
The idea of the ‘cheeky ask’ is a concept that Andrew and Pete have used to help grow their business, and it runs through this entire conversation.
But to be clear, the ‘cheeky ask’ is not about entitlement or persistence at any cost. But about intentional courage, backed by real value.
They shared how early growth came from asking boldly and getting creative, while always leading with value and contribution. Instead of pitching themselves, they looked for ways to help the other person win first.
That mindset opened doors to podcasts, stages, partnerships and long-term relationships with ‘big dominoes’ that might otherwise have been out of reach for a young business like theirs.
The lesson here is subtle but powerful.
When your ask is rooted in understanding what the other person genuinely wants, it stops feeling awkward and starts feeling helpful and collaborative.
Content that resonates instead of just filling space
We also talked about content, and the pressure many business owners feel to “be everywhere” and perform.
Andrew and Pete are refreshingly honest about this.
Consistency alone is not enough.
Repurposing alone is not enough, and,
Posting more does not automatically mean better results.
What actually matters is reaction.
If your content creates no response, it is not yet doing its job. The goal is not perfection, but improvement. Experiment, notice what lands, refine and repeat.
When content resonates, it carries your message further than effort ever could.
Building something that feels bigger than you
One of the reasons Atomic has grown so sustainably is because it was never designed to revolve around two people.
Creating a community was intentional from the start.
Not an audience that watches passively, but a network that connects, supports and grows together. This has made their marketing easier and business growth feel purposeful and collaborative.
This can be a powerful strategy for introverted founders, helping them avoid the need to be in the spotlight, and help manage their energy.
A quiet truth about sustainable growth
Towards the end of our conversation, Andrew and Pete touched on something many business owners struggle with: being consistent with their marketing, and not stopping when things get busy.
It feels logical to stop marketing when you have enough clients, but in reality it creates a stop-start cycle that keeps growth fragile and stressful. It’s far more effective to build sustainable momentum by continuing to connect, sell, refine and invite, even when things are working well.
Growth does not require constant hustle. But it does require staying visible to the right people over time.
A final thought to reflect on
Where in your business are you holding back because you’re waiting to feel more ready, more confident or more established?
And what might shift if you trusted that clarity, value and a thoughtful ask could take you further than playing small ever will?
💡 Ready to take action?
Purchase my brand new book: Value Whispering: The Smarter Way to Market Your Small Business on Amazon here:
About Andrew & Pete
Andrew and Pete are business partners, marketing strategists, and co-founders of Atomic, a global community and education platform dedicated to helping small business owners grow profitable, lifestyle-focused companies without corporate burnout. They met at university and started their first business together before graduating — and have been building and scaling ventures ever since, without ever having traditional jobs.
What began as a web design and branding agency evolved into a marketing consultancy, membership community, coaching programs, and the large-scale Atomic On conference, now attracting thousands of entrepreneurs. Through their work, they focus on helping business owners dream bigger, productize their expertise, and grow with clarity, confidence, and smart marketing.
Connect with Andrew & Pete
Get your ticket for AtomIcon 26
About Melitta Campbell
Melitta Campbell is an award-winning business coach, TEDx speaker, author of A Shy Girl’s Guide to Networking and founder of The Value Whispering Circle.
Through her Value WhisperingTM Blueprint, she helps introverted female entrepreneurs build quietly impactful businesses that grow through clarity, trust, and alignment.
Learn more about working with Melitta here
Ready to Grow Your Business?
Learn more about the ways you can work with Melitta Campbell to uncover your Value Sweet Spot to market, sell and grow your business confidently, and always on your terms.
Connect with Melitta
You May Also Enjoy...
The Crucial Marketing Step Most Business Owners Miss: Behind the Book Part 1/3
Great Marketing isn’t About Being Louder, but Resonating Deeper Part 2/3
From Self-Doubt to Self-Trust: The Hidden Work Behind Success Part 3/3
Growing Your Business with Valuable Events
100+ Ways to Market your Small Business
Get your "100+ Ways to Market your Small Business" eBook TODAY to Save Time and Money, and start making your Marketing Work
Send my '100 Ways to Market my Business' guide100+ Ways to Market your Small Business
Get your "100+ Ways to Market your Small Business" eBook TODAY to Save Time and Money, and start making your Marketing Work
Send my '100 Ways to Market my Business' guide