In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Natalee Leach, founder of The Payroll Collective, shares her journey from a corporate payroll career to building a fast-growing consultancy on track for $3M in revenue. She breaks down how values-driven leadership, people-first culture, and client retention fueled rapid growth. Natalee also opens up about managing fast scaling, hiring at the right time, and the mental strain of entrepreneurship. She explains why foundations, systems, and the right team matter more than aggressive sales. A candid conversation on sustainable growth, leadership, and building a business with purpose.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Natalee Leach, the hardest thing in growing a small business is the speed of growth. Growing too fast can feel scary and overwhelming, especially with the fear that "what goes up must come down." Managing rapid scaling while keeping the business stable, sustainable, and healthy is the real challenge.
   
   

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Natalee Leach's favorite business book is The Diary of a CEO, which has helped her the most by offering honest, relatable insights into leadership, mindset, and personal growth, while also providing validation and practical ideas that she can apply to building and leading a successful business.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Natalee Leach recommends a few great podcasts and online resources to help grow a small business, including The Diary of a CEO for mindset and leadership insights, How I Built This for real founder stories, and Smart Passive Income for practical business strategy. She also points to MasterClass, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning as solid hubs to level up skills in marketing, leadership, and scaling operations — all great for small business growth.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Natalee Leach often points to Notion as one of her go-to tools for growing a small business — it's great for organizing workflows, project plans, SOPs, content calendars, client onboarding, and team collaboration all in one place. She also recommends Slack for team communication, Asana or Trello for task management, and Stripe/QuickBooks for streamlined billing and finances. These tools help keep operations smooth, teams aligned, and growth intentional.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   According to Natalee Leach, one advice she would give herself is to book a Pilates session or schedule time for yourself in your diary from day one because the business will run over you if you do not. She emphasizes that setting these boundaries immediately is crucial for maintaining a lifestyle that offers longevity rather than constant exhaustion. This self-care allows for quality time with family and friends, ensuring you are not too tired to actually enjoy life outside of work. By prioritizing your own physical and mental strength early on, you can better power through the different phases of business growth. Ultimately, she views scheduling this personal time as a paramount habit that business owners must develop to prevent being derailed by the mental strain of leadership.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

From day dot, make sure you schedule time in your diary for yourself, because the business will run on top of you if you don't — Natalee Leach

We are a values-based business that lives by a mission to drive positive change through optimizing people and payroll spaces everywhere — Natalee Leach

I believe success is all about the people you work with and building a culture where everyone is heard and feels they belong — Natalee Leach

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin speaks with Ryan Hughes, Director of Phil Hughes Office Solutions. They explore the remarkable journey of a family business that scaled a $1,500 investment into a $4.2 million, technology-led enterprise in Tasmania. Ryan details the pivotal move from traditional stationery to digital solutions, the counterintuitive strategy that doubled sales during COVID-19, and the core philosophies of valuing people and fostering a resilient culture. The conversation offers profound insights into navigating family business dynamics, adaptive leadership, and the pursuit of sustainable, innovative growth.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   Ryan Hughes shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is finding the right people and then empowering them to act like owners. He believes people are both the biggest challenge and the biggest asset in any business.
   
   

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Ryan Hughes shares that his favorite business book is "How to Win Friends and Influence People." He says his father gave it to him young, and it shaped how he deals with people and builds strong relationships.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Ryan Hughes shares that he listens to the Grow A Small Business Podcast, especially episodes with people he knows. For relaxation and learning, he also enjoys the Sports Bizarre podcast, which teaches surprising lessons through storytelling.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Ryan Hughes shares that ChatGPT, especially the paid version, is one of the most powerful tools for small business growth. He also recommends Aqua Voice, a voice-to-text tool that speeds up emails, quotes, and documentation.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Ryan Hughes shares that he would tell his younger self to enjoy the journey more, not work nonstop, and understand that the business will bring plenty of good moments — so don't miss them by keeping your head down all the time.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Valuing people is the real engine behind every successful business - Ryan Hughes

The most important sale you'll ever make is the next one - Ryan Hughes

Success isn't about growing fast, it's about growing with purpose and balance - Ryan Hughes

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Andrew Griffiths as he shares his journey from a rough childhood to buying a dive shop at 17, making major mistakes, and eventually mastering business growth. He built a marketing company to multimillion-dollar success, survived partner betrayals, and later found his true passion in writing and speaking. With 14 bestselling books and over a thousand presentations in 25 countries worldwide, he focuses on helping small business owners build financial resilience and charge what they're worth. Andrew's focus is helping business owners to redefine success on their own terms, embrace what makes them truly unique, master the art of strategic storytelling and get as close as you can to your customers. His story is an inspiring example of resilience, reinvention, and long-term entrepreneurial thinking. Andrew's latest bestselling book "Someone has to be the most expensive why not make it you?" is transforming businesses across every industry, in every corner of the planet.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Andrew Griffiths, the hardest part of growing a small business is managing cash and money. He explained that in his early years, dealing with financial pressure and cash flow was the toughest challenge he faced while scaling his business.
   
   

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Andrew Griffiths' favorite business book—the one that helped him the most — is "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   According to Andrew Griffiths, while he consumes a wide range of learning material, one of the online learning resources he personally values is the work of Brendan Burchard, whose programs and coaching have influenced his professional development.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   According to Andrew Griffiths, a simple but powerful tool he recommends for growing a small business is your phone, using it to regularly record videos and communicate directly with customers to build stronger engagement and visibility.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Andrew Griffiths says that if he could give advice to himself on day one of starting his business, he would tell himself to trust his intuition, because many of the business mistakes he made over the years were situations where his gut was right, but he ignored it and let logic overrule it. 

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Constant learning makes business owners more resilient and ready for constant reinvention – Andrew Griffiths

Customer proximity is the ultimate strategy because loyal customers can sustain your business through anything – Andrew Griffiths

Trust your intuition in business, because it will guide you more accurately than logic alone – Andrew Griffiths

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Theo Kapodistrias, from Theo Kapodistrias Speaking & Coaching, an experienced in-house lawyer, speaker, and author. Theo discusses several sneaky legal landmines that small to medium-sized businesses often overlook, such as automatic software renewals, potential breaches of Competition and Consumer Law through misleading product claims, and HR issues related to employment law. He emphasises the importance of establishing good operational processes for managing legal matters and maintaining a central repository for all business contracts and documentation. Furthermore, Theo highlights the value of having clear and easy-to-understand contracts to streamline negotiations and improve productivity.

P.s The information shared in this episode is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified legal professional.

Other Resources:

• QFF: Mastering Leadership Communication with Theo Kapodistrias: Insights from a Successful Speaker and Communication Coach with Over a Decade of Experience, Helping Businesses Achieve Success and Generate Millions Revenue. (Episode 532- Theo Kapodistrias)

• A Way With Words: Advice from the TEDx frontline on how to cut the crap and deliver a killer message whatever the communication method by Theo Kapodistrias
  
  

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Watch for Sneaky Legal Landmines in Contracts: Many small businesses sign software agreements with hidden clauses like automatic renewals and early termination penalties. Always review the fine print or get legal help before signing anything.

Clear and Simple Contracts Save Time and Money: Theo emphasizes using easy-to-understand legal documents. Avoid overly complex language—clear contracts reduce negotiation time and accelerate sales, directly boosting revenue.

Protect Customer Privacy – It's Not Optional: Transparency in how you collect, use, and store personal information is crucial. Be explicit in your privacy policy, get proper consent (especially for images), and prepare for upcoming changes in Australia's Privacy Act that will likely affect smaller businesses too.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Legal Doesn't Have to Be a Handbrake on Innovation: Legal advice is best brought in before launching new products or campaigns. It helps avoid IP issues (like trademark infringements), ensures compliance, and supports sustainable growth—especially important for tech or creative businesses.

Create a Legal Safety Net Without Feeling Restricted: Even without an in-house lawyer, businesses can benefit from periodic legal audits. Focus areas should include intellectual property, consumer law, insurance, contracts, and property leases. Prevention saves time, money, and stress later.

Centralize and Organize All Your Contracts: Theo's top actionable tip: gather all contracts into one secure, central location. This makes renewals, compliance checks, and future reviews easier, and helps avoid costly surprises.

One action small business owners can take:

The One key action that Theo Kapodistrias advises small business owners to take immediately is to find all the contracts that their business has signed up to and put them in one place. He emphasises the importance of keeping these records tight, secure, and knowing where they are so they can be checked to prevent things from going wrong or being missed. Having a central repository of contracts can also be a great document to refer to and can support the business if needed. Amanda Jones, the host, also acknowledges the wisdom of this advice, noting her own scattered digital files .

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Be aware of the sneaky things in software contracts, like automatic renewals – Theo Kapodistrias

Easy to understand, clear and fair documents are going to be a complete game changer – Theo Kapodistrias

Transparency is a really big principle for privacy, clearly articulating data collection and use – Theo Kapodistrias

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Kira Leskew from The Eagle Institute. Kira Leskew shares her impressive journey of owning seven businesses, with five successful exits and three reaching seven figures. A particularly notable achievement was growing one business from five to fifty employees in just two and a half years. Currently, at The Eagle Institute, Kira teaches intuition development for CEOs and meditation techniques to manage stress. She emphasises the importance of discipline, consistency, and developing a strong mindset for business success, drawing lessons from her experiences as a former elite athlete.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Kira Leskew, the hardest thing in growing a small business is different for every person. She mentions that having talked to and trained many business owners, she has observed that they face various challenges. Therefore, there isn't one universal "hardest thing"
   
   

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Her favorite business book that has helped her the most is "Who: The A Method for Hiring" by Randy Street and Brad Smart.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Kira emphasizes intuition through meditation for insights and values discipline in weekly planning. She highlights tracking metrics like cash flow, profitability, and sales growth as vital for business success. Endless curiosity, questioning peers, and investing in professional development through books, coaching, and events underpin her continuous learning approach.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Kira Leskew recommends developing a disciplined habit of weekly planning as a key tool to grow a small business. She emphasizes the importance of consistently reviewing meaningful metrics—like cash flow, profitability, and sales growth—and holding yourself to high standards. Drawing from her background as an elite swimmer, she believes that just as performance in sports relies on tracking progress and refining technique, business success depends on regular reflection, strategic adjustments, and staying aligned with long-term goals.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Kira Leskew could give herself advice on day one of starting out in business, it would simply be, "It's gonna be awesome." This short yet powerful message reflects her belief in embracing the entrepreneurial journey with optimism and confidence. Despite the challenges and growth pains, she trusts that with the right mindset, discipline, and resilience, the experience of building a business will be not only successful but deeply rewarding.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

You can grow fast and still lead with calm, clarity, and kindness – Kira Leskew

You don't need to be loud to lead—just deeply present and willing to listen – Kira Leskew

Meditation isn't about escaping business stress, it's how you master it – Kira Leskew

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Eric Jorgenson from Scribe Media, who shares his remarkable journey from author to CEO after the company faced bankruptcy. Eric successfully rallied investors to acquire Scribe Media and is now leading its impressive turnaround, projecting growth from $6 million to $9 million. Beyond his leadership at Scribe Media, Eric is also a successful author with over 1.5 million books sold. This conversation delves into his strategies for business revival and leadership insights at Scribe Media.

Other Resources:

• The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness.

• The Anthology of Balaji: A Guide to Technology, Truth, and Building the Future

• An easy way to measure if your customers love you in 21 minutes – use the Net Promoter Score (NPS). And it's FREE.

• Boost productivity by 7–23%, triple team engagement, and double retention with ESOPs! Expert Craig West reveals benefits, costs, and timelines. (Episode 55 - Craig West)

• The Great Game of Business, Expanded and Updated: The Only Sensible Way to Run a Company by Jack Stack
  
  

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   Eric Jorgenson said the hardest thing in growing a small business is dealing with entropy, alignment, and constant surprises. He emphasized that it's not for the faint of heart and requires continuous effort to manage these dynamic challenges.
   
   

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Eric Jorgenson's favorite business book that has helped him the most is Poor Charlie's Almanack. He also mentioned Zero to One by Peter Thiel as an exceptional book for understanding the foundational principles of business.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Eric Jorgenson highly recommends Founders Podcast by David Senra. He described it as the most important and impactful podcast, where David dives deep into biographies of the greatest founders in history, extracting powerful lessons and patterns for business growth.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Eric Jorgenson recommends using ChatGPT as a powerful tool to grow a small business. He emphasized that everyone just became 2–10x more productive with it—if they learn to use it well—highlighting its potential to dramatically boost efficiency and innovation.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Eric Jorgenson's advice to himself on day one of starting out in business would be: "Spend a lot more energy figuring out what to focus on and then focus — build the discipline to reorient quickly and follow through on the most important things." He emphasized the importance of filtering noise, closing loops, and trusting your instincts through repetition and outcomes.
   
   

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Writing a great book can change your life—and your business – Eric Jorgenson

A small business flourishes when everyone rows in the same direction – Eric Jorgenson

You're always one great hire away from transforming your company – Eric Jorgenson

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey interviews Julie Holmes, founder of The Smarter HQ, who provides valuable insights on achieving success in business through the strategic use of AI. Julie explains how AI can help small businesses become more efficient and effective, enabling them to scale and compete with larger organisations. She introduces the 20-60-20 framework for utilising generative AI and emphasises the importance of human oversight in the process. Key takeaways include treating AI like an intern and practical first steps for small business owners to start experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT. Ultimately, the podcast underscores that embracing AI is crucial for small businesses to avoid falling behind their competitors.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Start with Your To-Do List to Apply AI: AI enables small businesses to scale and compete with larger organisations in ways they couldn't before. Julie states that AI can help businesses "sell smarter, serve better and save time"

.

To get started with AI, small business: Owners should look at their "to do list" for tasks that are not in their "zone of genius" or are time-consuming, such as emails, social media, and writing proposals. Julie notes that AI can help overcome the difficulty of starting these tasks.

Use the 20-60-20 Framework: Julie Holmes introduces the 20-60-20 framework, also known as "you do you", for using generative AI. The first 20% is on the owner for strategy and prompting, the AI does 60% of the work, and the final 20% is crucial for personalisation and ensuring the output aligns with the brand.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Treat AI Like an Intern, Not a Magic Wand: AI isn't magic—it needs context. Train it like you would a new hire: giv.e it background, examples, and feedback to get the best outcomes.

Solve Real Problems First—Then Choose the Tool: Don't start by exploring tools. Start with a problem (e.g., note-taking, content creation, or customer personalization) and then find the best AI tool to solve it.

Enhance Customer Experience with Smart Personalization: AI can help tailor messages, proposals, and services by researching customer details and needs, letting small businesses deliver big-brand experiences.

One action small business owners can take:

One immediate action small business owners can take is to identify tasks on their "to-do list" that are not in their "zone of genius" or that are time-consuming, such as emails, social media, and writing proposals, and consider how AI could assist with these.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

AI is like electricity—it powers everything, but only if you plug it in — Julie Holmes

Small businesses don't need more arms, they need smarter tools—and that's AI — Julie
Holmes

You don't need to be tech-savvy to use AI, but you must be technique-savvy — Julie Holmes

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger, founder of DS Bellinger Consulting, specializes in helping business owners and sales teams enhance their sales performance by mastering revenue-generating conversations. She launched the business part-time nine years ago, growing it into a thriving enterprise with a team of five and multiple six-figure revenues. Dr. Bellinger also brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience, including successfully exiting a tech company. In this discussion, she shares her journey, the challenges she faced as a woman and a person of color, the critical role of financial literacy, the art of delegation, and the importance of fostering a strong business culture.

Other Resources:

Sales Is Not About Wait And See: Do You Want To Get Paid Now or Eventually? by Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger (Author)

You Lost Me @ Hello: Actionable principles that move you beyond "Networking."  by Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger (Author)

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger, the hardest thing about growing a small business is understanding your value statement. She emphasises not trying to be all things to all people within your area of expertise. You simply cannot please everyone, so it is best to focus on what you do best and excel at that.
   
   

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   According to Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger, her favourite business book that has helped her the most is The E Myth. However, she also mentions that The Purpose Driven Life, while not a business book, was very important to her. Therefore, she highlights two books as being particularly impactful.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger, doesn't recommend specific podcasts or online learning tools. Instead, she emphasises the importance of tailored research within the specific industry of a new client to remain relevant. She takes "a little bit of everything" for her own professional development. The host, Troy Trewin, suggests the Grow Small Business podcast itself as a helpful resource.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   She recommends the most direct tool recommendation for growing a small business is to have a good, robust CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. She states that the days of just using a spreadsheet are over.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Her advice for herself on day one of starting out in business would be straightforward: "If you can't laugh at it, don't do it"

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Confidence is your most powerful sales strategy—own it before you pitch it – Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger

Revenue generation starts with a mindset, not a marketing plan – Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger

Stop asking for permission to succeed—just go get it  – Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Stefan Di Benedetto from SolBevi. Stefan discussed the phenomenal growth of his limoncello brand, including more than doubling sales and expanding into New Zealand. He shared insights into the challenges of starting solo and the importance of team building. The conversation also touched upon key marketing strategies like "liquid on lips" and the complexities of funding rapid growth in the FMCG industry. Stefan offered valuable lessons learned during his entrepreneurial journey.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   Stefan Di Benedetto believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is having to do everything yourself, especially at the start. Stefan recounted his experience of managing cross-functional tasks such as marketing, finance, and sales simultaneously. He described physically going from venue to venue during the day and then working until midnight on administrative tasks like paying invoices and cash flow forecasting
   
   

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Stefan Di Benedetto stated that his favorite business book that has helped him the most is "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight. He mentioned that the book reminds him of similar situations he has gone through in his business, such as taking risks and experiencing financial difficulties, and it provides him with a lot of motivation.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Stefan Di Benedetto mentioned that he doesn't really use any online tools for his professional development. Instead, he listens to a lot of business-related podcasts. He specifically enjoys podcasts where he can learn from people who have exited businesses and built successful companies. He also listens to podcasts that discuss marketing and marketing strategies, including what's current and how to be strategic.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Stefan Di Benedetto recommends using Xero as a key tool to grow a small business. He emphasizes its value in helping business owners understand their numbers, which he believes is crucial for making informed decisions and sustaining growth. He also highlights the importance of working with a good bookkeeper or accountant who can help interpret those numbers, rather than just recording them. This combination, according to Stefan, provides clarity and supports smarter business decisions.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   On day one, Stefan Di Benedetto would tell himself, "It's going to be hard." He admits he was likely naive about the challenges of his new industry, especially compared to his previous experience in consultancy and construction, where he felt more confident. The unexpected difficulties taught him that persistence and resilience are essential. His core advice to himself would be: "It's going to be hard, but just don't back down."

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Back yourself, because no one else will believe in your vision like you do – Stefan Di Benedetto

The wins feel amazing, but the lessons come from the hard days – Stefan Di Benedetto

Understanding your numbers isn't optional—it's essential for growth – Stefan Di Benedetto

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Simone de Haas, founder of Simone de Haas International. Simone shares her journey from performing on stage to coaching business leaders in storytelling and powerful communication. She discusses the importance of "business theatre", blending performance skills with leadership to create impactful presentations. Tune in to hear how Simone helps professionals master stage presence and craft compelling business narratives.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Storytelling is a Business Superpower – A compelling story can captivate clients, build trust, and make your brand memorable. Learn how to craft narratives that resonate with your audience.

Business is Theatre in Motion – Like skilled performers who captivate audiences, effective business leaders orchestrate their presence with purpose, balancing authentic expression with strategic delivery to inspire and influence.

Leadership Requires Authentic Presence – Whether commanding a boardroom, rallying a team, or captivating an audience, leaders who blend powerful communication with genuine authenticity don't just convey messages—they ignite action, forge lasting connections, and transform ordinary interactions into defining moments that propel their vision forward.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Creativity Drives Innovation – Thinking outside the box, as in theatre, helps business owners stay ahead in a competitive market. Encourage creativity in problem-solving and branding.

Emotional Connection Wins Clients – People buy based on emotion and justify with logic. Engaging storytelling and expressive communication foster deeper client relationships.

Adaptability is Key – Just as actors adjust to different roles, small business owners must embrace change, pivot when needed, and stay agile in their industries.

One action small business owners can take:

According to Simone de Haas, one action small business owners can take is to master their signature story. Crafting a compelling and authentic narrative that reflects their brand, values, and mission helps build deeper connections with clients, enhances credibility, and makes their business more memorable in a crowded market.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Your voice is your power—use it to inspire, influence, and impact – Simone de Haas

Confidence on stage and in business starts with owning your story – Simone de Haas

Great storytelling turns ordinary businesses into unforgettable brands. – Simone de Haas

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Marissa Seeley, co-founder of By Design Physio, a physiotherapy business based in Hobart, Australia, providing high-quality physiotherapy services with an emphasis on personalised care, injury rehabilitation, and ongoing physical wellness built around consistency in team culture and service delivery, ensuring that every client receives a top-tier experience.

Other Resources:

• Marketing Funding Flywheel eBook

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?

One of the hardest things in growing a small business is scaling without losing quality or company culture. Finding and retaining the right people is a major challenge, as is managing cash flow during rapid growth. Additionally, the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship can be difficult to navigate.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?

One of Marissa's favorite business book is The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani. It talks about the 12 elements of life. And if you can fill all of the buckets, then you'll feel whole, which is really nice.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?

Marissa says "Build with Leila Hormozi"is always in her ears all the time. She says it is very helpful to anyone that has staff because she simplifies all concepts into manageable, bite sized pieces that you can apply literally that day, so that you're not just listening, you're actually applying.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?

One of the most effective tools for growing a small business is leveraging Google Reviews and SEO to improve online visibility. Customer relationship management (CRM) software like HubSpot or ActiveCampaign can help manage customer interactions and automate marketing. Automation tools like Zapier can streamline operations and save time by connecting different apps and services.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?

If I could give myself advice on day one, I would emphasize the importance of focusing on building systems rather than just working hard. Patience is key—success doesn't happen overnight, and consistent effort pays off in the long run. Networking and building relationships early on can open doors to new opportunities. Lastly, keeping a close eye on finances from the beginning can prevent many future challenges.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

"Growth isn't just about numbers—it's about building a team and culture that delivers consistently, every single day." - Marissa Seeley

"Google Reviews became one of our biggest game-changers. We didn't just rely on word of mouth; we made sure potential clients could see real results before they even walked through the door." - Marissa Seeley

"The best investment we made wasn't just in marketing or operations—it was in ourselves. Learning from mentors and refining our leadership changed everything." - Marissa Seeley

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Maxwell Nee, the mastermind behind ScoreApp, a platform revolutionizing lead generation for small businesses. Maxwell shares innovative strategies to boost customer engagement and drive growth. Discover how ScoreApp helps businesses gain unmatched insights into their audience, turning data into actionable results. Tune in to learn game-changing approaches to thrive in today's competitive market!

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Maxwell Nee, the hardest thing in growing a small business is finding the right people. He illustrates this by pointing to well-known success stories, noting that these achievements were often the result of small, effective teams or "pods". He gives examples like Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak of Apple, Sergey Brin and Larry Page of Google, and Eduardo Saverin and Mark Zuckerberg as the initial forces behind Facebook. While acknowledging that some individuals within these teams might have been more influential than others, Maxwell emphasizes that the contribution of two, three, or four individuals working together was crucial to realizing their success.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Maxwell Nee credited two transformative books for shaping his entrepreneurial approach: "OverSUBSCRIBED" by Daniel Priestley, which revolutionized his mindset on creating unstoppable demand by making businesses "must-haves," and "The Outsiders" by William N. Thorndike, which revealed how unconventional CEOs achieved outsized returns through radical capital discipline and independent thinking.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Maxwell Nee mentioned that he doesn't really have specific great podcasts or online learning tools to recommend for professional development. While he listens to podcasts like "Diary of a CEO" and the one he was being interviewed on, his preferred approach is to become deeply engaged with specific individuals who align with his learning objectives at a particular time. He typically spends around three months focusing on one person, thoroughly reading their books and listening to their podcasts multiple times before moving on to someone else.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Maxwell Nee suggests that small business owners can benefit from using time blocking to manage their many responsibilities more effectively by pre-planning their schedules. He also highlights Score App, a lead generation software that uses quiz marketing to gamify the process and significantly increase conversion rates while filtering out unsuitable leads, as a valuable resource. In terms of professional development, Maxwell prefers to deeply immerse himself in the work of specific individuals for extended periods rather than broadly following podcasts or online learning. Two influential books he recommends are Oversubscribe by Daniel Priestley and Outsiders, which offers insights from unconventional CEOs.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Maxwell Nee would tell his younger self on day one of starting out to have a deliberate conversation about the learning curve . He wishes he had the awareness to work for free with someone he admired in a cool industry for about six months to "sponge it all up". He believes this approach would have been faster than his initial self-funded journey, where he paid for his own learning and personal expenses

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Success isn't about working harder; it's about working smarter with the right people – Maxwell Nee

Entrepreneurship is a mindset—adapt, innovate, and keep moving forward – Maxwell Nee

Growth happens when you stop thinking small and start acting bold – Maxwell Nee

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Marcus Bendall, Creative Director at Wally, who shares 17 years of branding and design expertise. He discusses common branding mistakes, such as imitation, and emphasizes the importance of originality to stand out. Marcus highlights how small businesses can effectively create a strong brand identity on a budget. He provides practical tips for developing consistent visuals and tone to establish trust and professionalism. Tune in for actionable insights on crafting a brand that resonates and leaves a lasting impression.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Brand as First and Last Impression: A brand starts with visual identity but is ultimately defined by how customers feel and talk about your business after interacting with it.

Importance of Originality: Avoid imitating competitors. Instead, use inspiration from other industries and regions to create a unique and memorable brand.

Consistency Builds Trust: Ensure consistency in colors, fonts, and overall style to establish a recognizable and professional brand presence.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Start Simple, Scale Later: For businesses with limited budgets, simple logos and consistent visuals can work effectively until resources allow for professional branding.

Practical DIY Tips: Use free tools to explore fonts and colors that align with your brand's personality, and seek honest feedback to refine your choices.

Adapt and Future-Proof: A strong brand identity evolves over time and must be designed to grow with the business while maintaining its core values.

One action small business owners can take:

Marcus Bendall suggests that small business owners focus on creating a consistent visual identity as a starting point. Choose a font, color, and style that represent your business, and use them consistently across all materials. This builds recognition and trust while ensuring your brand looks professional and cohesive.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

A brand is not just a logo; it's how people feel about your business after every interaction – Marcus Bendall

Your brand should communicate who you are, not just what you do – Marcus Bendall

Great design evokes emotion and creates lasting connections with your audience – Marcus Bendall

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews Sarah Williams from Leading Culture Limited shares how improving workplace culture can dramatically lift business performance, explaining how communication gaps and unclear direction create major problems inside teams. She outlines her diagnostic approach to uncover culture issues, backed by a real case study where clarity and engagement led to higher productivity and lower staff turnover. The conversation highlights how business owners often underestimate the financial impact of team morale, showing that people and numbers are directly connected in driving meaningful growth.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Strong culture boosts performance – when communication and expectations are clear, productivity rises and problems shrink.

People drive the numbers – financial results are a reflection of how well teams are supported, aligned, and motivated.

Communication is almost always the core issue – when facts are missing, myths and harmful assumptions fill the gap.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Small and midsize companies can change faster – they are more agile and can act on advice without slow bureaucracy.

Diagnosing the problem comes first – interviews, observations, and listening reveal what's actually happening inside the culture.

Fixing culture saves real money – reducing turnover, improving engagement, and aligning goals can deliver huge financial returns.

One action small business owners can take:

According to Sarah Williams, one action small business owners can take is to communicate more clearly and more often, making sure every team member understands the direction of the business, what's expected of them, and how their role contributes to the bigger goals.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

The numbers are just a reflection of what your people are doing every day – Sarah Williams

When communication lacks facts, people will fill the gaps with stories – Sarah Williams

If you want faster progress, support and accountability will always get you there – Sarah Williams

In this episode, Troy Trewin interviews Anya Cheng, founder of Taylor.Style, an AI-powered men's fashion startup. Anya shares how she scaled the business from 2 founders to over 20 team members, achieving 10x growth and generating millions in revenue. She discusses how AI-driven clothing subscriptions provide a hassle-free shopping experience while promoting sustainability. With insights from her leadership roles at Meta, eBay, and McDonald's, Anya offers valuable lessons on innovation and scaling a fast-growing startup. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on building a tech-driven, customer-focused business.

Anya Cheng, CEO of Taylor.Style, is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur recognized in "Girls in Tech 40 Under 40" for her expertise in AI, product management, and marketing. She played a key role in launching Facebook and Instagram Shopping, led new business at eBay, and advanced McDonald's global delivery. A best-selling author, TED speaker, and professor, she teaches at Northwestern University and 500 Global. Taelor has won top awards, including Draper University's Startup Competition and a "Startup to Watch" title. Mention code "PODCAST" for 25% off your first order!

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   Anya Cheng believes the hardest part of growing a small business is balancing priorities amidst an overwhelming workload. As a startup founder, everything feels important, making it challenging to focus. She emphasizes the value of seeking guidance from investors and external perspectives to step back, reassess, and make strategic decisions effectively.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Anya Cheng's favorite business book is "Get to Aha!" by Andy Cunningham. She appreciates how the book emphasizes the importance of clear positioning, using examples like Disney's "Happiest Place on Earth" and Amazon's "Most Customer-Centric Company." It has guided her in maintaining focus and defining her company's unique value proposition.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Anya Cheng recommends leveraging founder meetups and networking events, such as those hosted by Startup Grind and Open Future Forums in the Bay Area. She finds these opportunities invaluable for gaining insights, sharing experiences, and learning directly from other entrepreneurs in the small business and startup ecosystem.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Anya Cheng emphasizes the importance of leveraging tools that enhance emotional well-being for small business growth. She recommends the "How We Feel" app, which helps track and manage emotions, fostering mental clarity and resilience. According to Anya, a healthy and focused mindset is vital for effective leadership and team success.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   On day one, Anya Cheng would advise herself to prioritize building relationships and engaging with the community early. She emphasizes that success in business requires strong connections and collaboration, not just focusing on executing tasks. By networking and integrating into the business ecosystem sooner, she believes she could have accelerated growth and created more opportunities for her startup.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Success is not about doing everything; it's about focusing on what truly matters – Anya Cheng

The key to scaling a business is leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and customer experience – Anya Cheng

True impact comes when you step out of your bubble and see the world through others' eyes – Anya Cheng

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Ian Myers, founder of Oceans, shares his journey of scaling from 2 to 50+ team members in just three years. By leveraging Sri Lanka-based operational outsourcing and referral marketing, Ian achieved remarkable global growth. He reveals how Oceans thrived with minimal marketing spend of less than $100k. Ian also discusses overcoming challenges, maintaining team culture, and his unique approach to recruitment. Discover actionable insights on scaling effectively and sustainably.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   Ian Myers believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is acquiring customers. He highlights the challenges of standing out in a crowded market, dealing with fragmented attention, and the rising costs of customer acquisition, such as skyrocketing ad expenses on platforms like Facebook.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Ian Myers does not read business books. As a literature major, he prefers reading fiction and historical biographies. However, he emphasizes learning from advisors, team members, and personal experiences rather than relying on traditional business literature.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Ian Myers recommends Morning Brew podcasts and newsletters as excellent resources for business insights and updates. He also mentioned Troy Trewin's podcast, Grow Small Business, as a valuable source for learning about business growth and overcoming challenges. Additionally, Ian values real-world experiences, networking, and seeking guidance from advisors and peers for tailored learning and support.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Ian Myers recommends using Google Workspace (G Suite) as a powerful and versatile tool for growing a small business. He highlights its simplicity and effectiveness, particularly Google Sheets, which he believes can handle most business needs during the early stages. He advises avoiding overly complex tools and focusing on practical, user-friendly solutions.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Ian Myers advises himself to avoid being too hard on himself or his team. He emphasizes the importance of not overthinking small mistakes, recognizing that they often don't matter in the long run. Ian highlights the value of patience, self-compassion, and focusing on building a resilient mindset for long-term success.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Real businesses should be able to grow on the strength of referrals alone – Ian Myers

Recruitment is where everything begins; it's the foundation of success – Ian Myers

Growing quickly is as challenging as not growing at all—it comes with its own set of pains – Ian Myers

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Scott Ko of The Curiosity Mindset and explores how radical curiosity fuels innovation and business success. He shares strategies to balance creativity with operational efficiency and adapt systems for modern challenges. Scott emphasises questioning norms to stay relevant in a fast-changing market. His insights on leadership, innovation, and growth offer actionable advice for entrepreneurs. Discover how a mindset of curiosity can transform your approach to business.

Dive into thought-provoking content and subscribe for fresh perspectives via Scott's Substack newsletter, a hub of powerful insights on business, leadership, education, systems-thinking, and personal growth. 

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Question Your Status Quo: Regularly ask why you do things the way you do. Put your business under the microscope with the classic 5 Whys. This practice can uncover outdated methods, inefficiencies, and create opportunities for innovation.

Shorten Business Planning Cycles: Business lifecycles are drastically shortening. Trends can come and go within a quarter. Keep an eye on your destination, but hold your operational business planning lightly so you can adapt to change nimbly. This isn't about constantly redesigning your business; it's about a mindset that keeps you open to change.

Before You Scale Your Business, Know Your Business: Scaling your business isn't just about 10x-ing your clients. If you don't understand how your business is put together and how it can adapt to growth, adding more clients can be a recipe for disaster; like adding jet fuel to a car engine. Understand your business and how it fits together, then you'll be ready to tackle growth in a genuine, sustainable way.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Curiosity Will Be Your Competitive Edge: Curiosity isn't about asking more questions or just taking an interest in new things; it's an ongoing practice of thinking differently, of thinking better. Curiosity is about deeply understanding what you know, why, and how you integrate new information into your business. Businesses don't transform until leaders transform their thinking first. 

Reassess Regularly And Holistically: Look at both your business and your people. Your business is nothing without your people, and your people work together because your business. So take time to check-in on both, to see if your efforts are aligned with your goals, ensuring they are both meaningful and sustainable for long-term success.

One action small business owners can take:

According to Scott Ko, one action small business owners should take is simply to question a key process in their business. Ask, "Why do we do it this way? Is it still effective or relevant?" Whenever you feel stuck, unclear, or frustrated, this simple act of curiosity can empower you to uncover opportunities for improvement and drive meaningful change.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Curiosity is the key to unlocking new possibilities in business and leadership – Scott Ko

The pace of change demands new thinking. Your competitive advantage will be a mindset of curiosity. – Scott Ko

To thrive, hold your assumptions lightly and your vision firmly – Scott Ko

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Amanda Lemmage, the visionary behind Skinevity Med Spa, shares her inspiring journey of transforming a traditional spa into a thriving wellness clinic. Starting solo in 2013, she achieved 300% revenue growth and built a team of four. Amanda discusses her passion for community involvement, leveraging patient satisfaction, and innovative treatments to create a wellness destination. She also reveals how she self-funded her business and earned accolades like Vanity Fair and Vogue features. Tune in for insights on leadership, resilience, and balancing professional growth with personal well-being.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Amanda Lemmage, the hardest thing in growing a small business is having patience and persevering through struggles. She emphasizes that success doesn't happen overnight and requires years of experience, learning from failures, and maintaining a positive mindset to overcome challenges.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Amanda Lemmage mentioned "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey as her favorite business book that has helped her the most. She also expressed appreciation for "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill as another impactful read.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Amanda Lemmage recommends two great podcasts for small business growth: The Office Hours Podcast by David Meltzer, offering valuable business insights and discussions on gratitude, and The Ray C Show from Singapore, featuring diverse and inspiring business topics. These resources help expand horizons through impactful interviews and discussions.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Amanda Lemmage highly recommends finding a mentor as a key tool for growing a small business. She emphasizes that mentors provide invaluable guidance by sharing their experiences, successes, and lessons learned, helping business owners avoid pitfalls and make informed decisions.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Amanda Lemmage's advice to her day-one self in business would be to stay open-minded and aware of everything around her. She stresses the importance of not limiting oneself to preconceived ideas, being receptive to new opportunities, learning from people encountered along the journey, and recognizing the value they bring.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Being a great leader starts with setting the example you want others to follow – Amanda Lemmage

Staying true to your goals while embracing change is essential for lasting success – Amanda Lemmage

Your energy as a leader impacts not just your team but everyone who walks through your door – Amanda Lemmage

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Terence Tam, founder of Radical Marketing, a leading agency specializing in helping educators and coaches fill webinars through strategic funnels. Terence shares his journey of scaling his business to 10 team members and achieving 10x revenue growth to $700K AUD annually. He highlights the importance of embracing failure, building strong team values, and maintaining work-life balance. Terence also discusses his favorite business books and strategies for success in the competitive marketing space. Tune in for insights into growing a global agency and thriving as an entrepreneur.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Terence Tam, the hardest thing in growing a small business is the feeling of being alone and misunderstood. He explained that even close loved ones and friends often don't fully understand the challenges entrepreneurs face, which can make the journey isolating.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Terence Tam's favorite business book that has helped him the most is Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. He shared that the book emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks to others to free up time and focus on growing the business​.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Terence Tam recommends several resources to help small business owners grow. Key podcasts include Digital Marketer (for digital marketing insights), Ad Leaks (focused on ad management), and Dan Sullivan's Mastermind Group (for strategic advice and networking). For courses, he suggests Digital Marketer and Dan Sullivan's Mastermind.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Terence Tam highly recommends Go High Level, a powerful all-in-one marketing tool for small businesses. It includes features like landing pages, email and SMS marketing, AI integration, and CRM capabilities—all for an affordable price of around $99/month. He highlights its value for businesses looking to automate and scale their marketing efforts efficiently.
   
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Terence Tam's advice to his younger self on day one of starting a business is: "Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and just fail forward fast." He believes the key is to embrace failure as a learning process, take risks, and focus on living a fulfilling life without regrets, rather than settling for comfort​.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Don't be afraid to fail—fail forward fast and grow stronger — Terence Tam

A great offer and the right message can scale your business to limitless heights — Terence Tam

Success isn't about avoiding mistakes, it's about learning from them — Terence Tam

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Troy Trewin  interviews Joe Burrill, founder of Just Website Brokerage, shares how he built a leading online business brokerage specializing in buying and selling digital businesses. Joe discusses navigating Flippa, AI, and SEO challenges, highlighting the impact of Google's Helpful Content Update. He also explains valuation strategies, deal structuring, and his passion for helping clients achieve success through expert deal-making. This episode offers actionable insights for anyone looking to sell or acquire an online business.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Prepare Your Business for Sale: Ensure accurate financial records, a clear profit-and-loss statement, and transparency about your business's operations to attract serious buyers.

Timing Matters: Sell your business when it's performing well, as a growing trend in revenue and traffic is more appealing to buyers than a declining one.

Understand Valuation: Businesses are often valued using a multiple of Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE). High-quality businesses with stable revenue streams and minimal owner involvement command higher multiples.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Highlight Opportunities: Showcase untapped potential areas like new markets, unactivated revenue streams, or growth strategies to appeal to buyers and maximize your business's value.

Be Flexible with Deal Structures: Consider vendor financing or installment plans to make your business more accessible to buyers, especially for higher-value transactions.

Leverage Professional Help: Engaging an experienced broker like Just Website Brokerage can streamline the selling process, ensure better deal-making, and provide access to a larger network of potential buyers.

One action small business owners can take:

According to Joe Burrill, the one action small business owners should take is to organize their financial records and create a clear profit-and-loss statement. This foundational step is crucial for understanding business value and attracting serious buyers.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Transparency is key when selling your business; honesty builds trust and attracts the right buyers – Joe Burrill

Know your numbers; understanding your profit and loss is the foundation of a successful sale – Joe Burrill

The best deals happen when both buyer and seller feel they've won — balance is the art of deal-making – Joe Burrill

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Janelle Jarman, founder of Wells Home Maintenance, shares her inspiring journey from starting with $50K to achieving $2.8M revenue and leading a team of 39. Specializing in home and aged care services, Janelle highlights the power of communication and customer satisfaction in driving growth. She discusses her challenges in managing staff and scaling operations sustainably. Tune in to learn about her innovative marketing strategies and how she created a business that empowers employees and delights clients.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Janelle Jarman, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing people. She emphasizes that dealing with staff-related challenges, such as hiring the right individuals and meeting client expectations as the business scales, has been one of the most demanding aspects of her journey.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Janelle Jarman's favorite business book is Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. She appreciates its lessons on accountability, leadership, and taking full responsibility, which have greatly influenced her approach to managing and growing her business.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Janelle Jarman recommends using Audible for professional development, as it allows her to listen to books and learn on the go. She values utilizing downtime, such as driving or walking, to invest in continuous learning and growth.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Janelle Jarman advises focusing on foundational elements like proper HR systems and safety setups. She emphasizes the importance of starting with the right insurance and resources to create a strong and reliable business structure.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Janelle Jarman's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be: "Don't worry about what people think of you. Just do it and follow your gut, because your gut is right." She also wishes she had started her journey 10 years earlier.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Communication is the key to any relationship, whether with clients or team members – Janelle Jarman

Strong foundations in HR and safety are the backbone of a growing business – Janelle Jarman

Success is watching your team grow in confidence and self-worth – Janelle Jarman

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Mark LaScola, founder of On The Mark, a professional services firm specializing in organization design. Mark shares his 35-year journey, growing from a spare bedroom startup to a team of 40, culminating in a 2024 acquisition. He reveals insights on balancing leadership, resilience, and team collaboration. Mark also discusses the importance of documenting processes for scaling success. Don't miss his advice on creating sustainable change and staying agile in business.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   Mark LaScola believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is perseverance. He highlights the challenges of getting up every day, coping with ambiguity, and consistently putting one foot in front of the other despite setbacks. Mark emphasizes the importance of resilience, maintaining health, and finding ways to handle the psychological and physical demands of running a business over time.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Mark LaScola's favorite business books include "Good to Great" by Jim Collins, "The Learning Organization" by Peter Senge, and Edgar Schein's works on process consultation. He also admires early communication works by Virginia Satir, which have profoundly influenced his approach to leadership and organizational design.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Mark LaScola recommends exploring a variety of podcasts and online learning resources to grow a small business. While he doesn't focus on any single resource, he values content on economics, behavioral science, and creative industries for diverse perspectives. Mark avoids overly popularized shows and prefers podcasts with substance and actionable insights, such as those focusing on behavioral economics, leadership, and business strategy. He believes branching out beyond one's industry can spark valuable ideas and foster innovation.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Mark LaScola emphasizes the importance of listening to your customers and adapting your products or services based on market trends and feedback. While he doesn't highlight a specific tool, he recommends mastering strategic planning and understanding how to anticipate and respond to changes in the marketplace. He believes these skills are essential for staying competitive and fostering sustainable business growth.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Mark LaScola's advice for starting out in business revolves around resilience, passion, and adaptability. He emphasizes following your instincts and staying focused on your vision, even amidst uncertainties. Challenges are inevitable, but they teach resilience and the importance of solving problems early to create options. Building a strong support system is essential for navigating tough times, while celebrating small wins helps maintain momentum. Above all, he encourages staying grounded, planning for the unexpected, and embracing the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Follow your passion, but stay grounded and ready for the unexpected – Mark LaScola

Success begins with listening to your customers and adapting to their needs – Mark LaScola

Resilience is the key to navigating the inevitable challenges of business – Mark LaScola

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey interviews Ben Simpson, CEO of Collective Shift, who shares his expertise in crypto investing and blockchain technology. He explains how small businesses can leverage Bitcoin as digital gold to hedge against inflation. Ben discusses the risks of crypto scams and emphasizes the importance of education in navigating the space. He introduces decentralized finance as a tool for loans without banks and highlights future trends like tokenization of real assets. Tune in for actionable insights into harnessing cryptocurrency's potential for business growth.

Ben can be reached via his Instagram, Twitter, or through his website.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Bitcoin for Wealth Preservation: Use Bitcoin as digital gold to hedge against inflation and currency devaluation, safeguarding your financial assets.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Leverage DeFi platforms to access loans, earn interest on crypto holdings, and reduce reliance on traditional banks.

Tokenization Opportunities: Tokenize real assets like property or goods to simplify ownership, reduce paperwork, and streamline transactions.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Crypto Education is Essential: Stay informed to navigate the volatile crypto market and avoid scams by utilizing trusted research platforms like Collective Shift.

Long-Term Crypto Potential: View Bitcoin as a high-performing long-term investment, with significant growth potential over time.

Blockchain Integration: Explore blockchain applications, including tokenization and decentralized systems, to drive innovation and efficiency in your business.

One Action Small Business Owners Can Take:

According to Ben Simpson, small business owners should allocate a small portion of their cash reserves to Bitcoin as a long-term investment. This strategy helps hedge against inflation and currency devaluation while unlocking the potential of digital gold.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Bitcoin is the digital gold of our era, offering a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation — Ben Simpson

Decentralized finance is revolutionizing access to loans, eliminating the need for traditional banks — Ben Simpson

Investing in Bitcoin offers an unparalleled opportunity with infinite upside and limited downside — Ben Simpson

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Bianca Best, founder of The Burnout Business and former owner of The Bespoke Gift Company. Bianca shares her journey of scaling her first business to a $2M turnover with a small team, balancing family life, and transitioning into corporate consultancy. She discusses strategies to prevent burnout, insights from her new book "Big Impact Without Burnout," and her plans to help entrepreneurs achieve sustainable success. Learn how Bianca combines passion, resilience, and innovation to create lasting impact. A must-listen for business owners seeking growth with balance!

Other Resources:

Bianca Best's book "BIG IMPACT WITHOUT BURNOUT" is now available for pre-sale! Order now to receive your copy when it launches on March 11, 2025, plus an exclusive bundle of goodies delivered straight to your inbox immediately.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Bianca Best, one of the hardest things in growing a small business is managing the "sheer abundance" of options and deciding which direction to prioritize. She emphasizes the importance of focus and avoiding the distraction of pursuing too many opportunities, which can dilute the core proposition and hinder growth.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Bianca Best's favorite business book is The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins. She found it particularly helpful in navigating the corporate world and understanding how to play the "corporate game." Another book she mentioned is The Politics of Promotion by Bonnie Marcus, which she found useful for her professional development in the corporate realm.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Bianca Best recommends Audible for deep dives into subjects that align with professional development and personal interests. While she prefers books for in-depth learning, she emphasizes the importance of selecting resources that are clearly relevant and goal-focused. Additionally, she mentioned Opus AI, a tool for generating impactful marketing content like reels, which can be valuable for growing a small business.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Bianca Best recommends Opus AI, a tool that automates the creation of engaging video clips and reels from longer content. This resource is particularly useful for businesses looking to enhance their marketing and reach broader audiences efficiently.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Bianca Best's advice to her day-one self is to "follow your heart and stay in integrity." She emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with personal values, as being out of alignment can hinder fulfillment and effectiveness. Staying true to her passions and maintaining integrity are key principles she believes lead to both personal and professional success.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Follow your heart and stay in integrity to create meaningful success — Bianca Best

True success is going to bed with peace, knowing you made a positive impact — Bianca Best

Never shy away from your triggers—lean in, resolve, and grow stronger — Bianca Best

n this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Casey Berman, founder of Leave Law Behind Casey joins Troy to share his journey from a law career he found unfulfilling to building a thriving business helping lawyers transition into new careers. Starting with blogging in 2010, Casey turned his personal story into a coaching business, later scaling it with online courses. He and his business partner now run a lean, lifestyle-driven company with five team members, generating around half a million USD annually. Casey reflects on the importance of discipline, alignment, and emotional connection in entrepreneurship, while emphasizing the value of balance, automation, and continuous learning in sustaining growth.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Casey Berman, the hardest thing in growing a small business is feeling worthy of success. He explains that as the business starts making good money, many entrepreneurs struggle internally with questions about whether they deserve it or how success might change them. Casey admits he once worried about becoming greedy or losing his values but learned that money itself isn't the issue—it's the love of money that causes problems. Over time, he realized that maintaining generosity, reinvesting in the business, and focusing on helping others allowed him to embrace success without guilt.
   
   

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Casey Berman's favorite business book that has helped him the most is The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business by Elaine Pofeldt. He found it inspiring because it showed that it's possible to build a lean, highly profitable business without a large team — something that aligns closely with how he runs Leave Law Behind. He also mentioned Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki as another influential read, especially early in his career, because it opened his eyes to the difference between being an employee and becoming an entrepreneur.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Casey Berman recommends several great podcasts and online resources for small business growth, including the Work From The Inside Out podcast episode "Discover Your Unique Genius to Build Meaningful Work," where he shares how to align your strengths with meaningful entrepreneurship, and the Digital Marketing Success Stories episode with West Kraemer, where he discusses strategies for building a niche audience and online following. He also shares practical business insights on his own website, www.caseyberman.com, focusing on growth, purpose, mindset, and transitioning from employee to entrepreneur. These resources emphasize discovering your unique value, mastering marketing in your niche, and developing the mindset needed to confidently grow and sustain a successful small business.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Casey Berman shared that the most crucial tool for growing a small business is a robust CRM platform, which he credits as the central nervous system for managing all customer interactions and streamlining operations. He specifically highlighted the value of a CRM with integrated texting capabilities, like Salesmate.io, for enabling effective and personalized outreach to clients. This system allows a business to consolidate contacts, automate key processes, and handle payments seamlessly from one unified hub. By implementing such a foundational tool, companies can achieve greater efficiency and scalability without needing a large team. Ultimately, he champions a powerful CRM as the key to systematizing sales and marketing for sustainable growth.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Casey Berman would advise his day-one self that the entrepreneurial journey is an ongoing process of personal growth, not a destination to be reached. He would emphasize the critical importance of learning to enjoy the entire slog, with all its inherent ups and downs, rather than just chasing a future moment of "success." He'd stress that true happiness is found in the process of becoming your ideal self through the challenges of building a business. Finally, he would encourage himself to see and appreciate his own development, recognizing that the person behind the business is the most important project of all.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Find power in discipline by mastering the work when inspiration is absent - Casey Berman

Elevate your marketing by aligning your energy with your purpose - Casey Berman

Unlock success by falling in love with the process, not the prize - Casey Berman

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews John St. Pierre, Chairperson of Rhombus Group, a holding company overseeing six businesses with 150 team members and $120M in revenue. John shares insights on scaling sustainably, learning from failures in sports management, and the importance of patient ambition. He discusses building a culture of intrapreneurship, managing cash flow, and aligning business growth with personal life goals. Tune in for actionable advice on overcoming challenges and creating a resilient business. 

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to John St. Pierre, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing cash flow. He emphasizes that cash flow challenges persist at every stage of business growth, regardless of size, and developing strong cash management habits is critical for success.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   John St. Pierre's favorite business book that has helped him the most is "Scaling Up" by Verne Harnish. He values its insights on strategic growth and implementing systems for scaling businesses effectively.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   John St. Pierre recommends the "All-In Podcast" as a thought-provoking resource. While not strictly professional development, it features valuable insights from venture capitalists and business leaders. He also highlights the importance of leveraging podcasts and online tools to sharpen business acumen.
   
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   John St. Pierre recommends Alan Miltz's Cash Flow Story as a crucial tool for growing a small business. It helps entrepreneurs understand and optimize cash flow, enabling better financial decisions and sustainable growth.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   John St. Pierre would advise himself on day one of starting out to "have patient ambition". He emphasizes growing the business at a sustainable pace and not rushing for immediate success, as building a solid foundation takes time and careful planning.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Sustainable growth comes from mastering patient ambition, not chasing instant results. – John St. Pierre

True leadership is creating opportunities for others to grow beyond your expectations. – John St. Pierre

A business without a clear life plan is destined to run you, not the other way around – John St. Pierre

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews George Elkhair, a seasoned entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience and 10 successful business turnarounds. George shares insights on fostering employee respect, driving social impact, and mastering governance. He highlights the importance of customer intimacy and aligning vision with strategy for sustainable growth. With a proven track record in transforming struggling businesses, George's expertise offers valuable lessons for small business owners. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about redefining success in business!

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Employee Respect Drives Culture: Prioritize valuing employees and fostering a culture of respect and development to enhance productivity and retention.

Align Vision with Strategy: Success stems from ensuring your vision and strategy are in sync. Misalignment can derail growth and management efficiency.

Embrace Governance: Effective governance isn't just for large organizations—it provides structure and clarity that drives small business success.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Know Your Customers Intimately: Building deep relationships with your customers helps you understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions.

Seek External Expertise: Don't hesitate to reach out for help, advice, or mentorship. Collaboration with experts can provide a competitive edge.

Balance Social Impact and Business Growth: Giving back to the community and focusing on social impact can enhance your brand's reputation and long-term sustainability.

One action small business owners can take: 

According to George Elkhair, one actionable step small business owners can take is to align their business values with daily operations. This ensures consistency, strengthens the company culture, and builds trust with both employees and customers.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Small businesses thrive when values guide every decision – George Elkhair

A strong culture is the foundation of every successful business – George Elkhair

Building trust with your customers starts with understanding their needs – George Elkhair

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Ral West, founder of Ral West Livin' The Dream, shares his journey of entrepreneurial success. From scaling Hawaiian Vacations to 8-figure revenue and exiting to Alaska Airlines, Ral built an impressive career. He now empowers entrepreneurs with 6 principles to achieve freedom and sustainable growth. His insights on systems, culture, and leveraging automation are game-changers. Don't miss this inspiring episode packed with resilience and lessons for business success.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

Other Resources: 

• QFF: The #1 Habit a Small Business Owner MUST Develop. (Episode 625 - Troy Trewin, Founder of Grow A Small Business)

• When should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors?

• Get a return from an effective Chairperson of a Board

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?

   According to Ral West, the hardest thing in growing a small business is sticking with it — having the faith and stamina to persist through discouraging times. Staying committed and pushing forward despite challenges is essential for success.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Ral West's favorite business book is "The E-Myth" by Michael Gerber. She credits it with providing invaluable insights on creating systems and developing a sustainable business, emphasizing its impact on his entrepreneurial journey.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Ral West recommends a range of resources to help grow a small business, including Tony Robbins' Business Mastery, which offers transformative insights into strategy and growth, and Amy Porterfield's Digital Course Academy, ideal for creating and marketing online courses. He also highlights the value of YouTube as a free resource for learning topics like marketing and automation, alongside entrepreneurial podcasts for professional development. These tools underscore Ral's belief in continuous learning and leveraging expert knowledge to drive success.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Ral West emphasizes the importance of systems as the most crucial tool for growing a small business. Whether through automation, apps, or processes, implementing effective systems ensures efficiency, scalability, and the ability to manage details without being overwhelmed.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Ral West advises his day-one self to start without fear of failure, embrace the journey, and be ready to pivot when necessary. He highlights the importance of learning continuously, not striving for perfection, and believing in yourself to navigate the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Systems are the backbone of sustainable business growth – Ral West

Empower your team with clear values and watch your business thrive – Ral West

Success is built on resilience, adaptability, and the courage to pivot – Ral West

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Matthew Pollard, founder of Rapid Growth Academy. Matthew shares how he empowers introverts to thrive in business, scales his team to 12 members, and transforms professional service businesses. Discover his proven rapid growth strategies, focus on passion-driven models, and approach to achieving six-figure revenues. Gain insights into building a profitable and sustainable business while embracing your unique strengths. Tune in for actionable tips to drive business success!

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Matthew Pollard, the hardest thing in growing a small business is standing still long enough to get the strategy right. He emphasizes the importance of resisting the urge to act on unvalidated ideas or self-importance, as proper strategy is key to sustainable growth.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Matthew Pollard's favorite business book is "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber. He highlights how it taught him the importance of systematizing a business and focusing on what truly matters, rather than trying to do everything himself.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Matthew Pollard recommends the podcast "Smart Passive Income" by Pat Flynn as a valuable resource for growing a small business. He found it helpful for discovering strategies, tools, and insights to build an online business, though he advises being selective to avoid unnecessary expenses
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Matthew Pollard suggests project management software, such as Monday.com, as a valuable tool for growing a small business. He also emphasizes the importance of social media posting tools that automate and optimize content sharing, ensuring efficiency and a consistent online presence.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Matthew Pollard advises his day-one self to "stop taking yourself so seriously." He highlights the importance of focusing on having the best intentions for clients rather than striving for perfection or overthinking outcomes​.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Success comes from creating a business that aligns with your passion and values – Matthew Pollard

Building a profitable business starts with putting purpose ahead of profit – Matthew Pollard

Introverts thrive when they embrace their unique strengths and work with systems – Matthew Pollard

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey interviews Courtney Pomerenke, Partnerships Manager at Employment Hero, sharing expert insights on transforming small business hiring processes. Learn how Employment Hero's AI-powered tools like Smart Match, wage transparency, and proactive recruitment strategies can save time, cut costs, and attract top talent. Courtney highlights real-world success stories and practical tips for building a stronger employer brand and retaining employees.

Sign up before March 30, 2025, and get 3 months FREE on Employment Hero – your all-in-one solution for payroll, HR, and people management. To redeem, email courtney.pomerenke@employmenthero.com and quote "GASB2025". T&Cs Apply.


Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Streamlining Recruitment with AI: Employment Hero's Smart Match tool uses AI to provide curated candidate lists in seconds, reducing hiring time by two weeks and saving up to 12 hours of administrative work per hire.

Wage Transparency Benefits: Transparent salary practices attract aligned candidates, foster trust, and build a culture of fairness, helping small businesses stand out in competitive job markets.

Proactive vs. Reactive Hiring: Building a recruitment funnel and creating talent pools ahead of time can prevent last-minute hiring stress and lead to better hiring decisions.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Flexible Work and Career Development: Beyond salaries, employees value flexible working arrangements, career development, and a strong workplace culture. Small businesses can use these to attract and retain talent effectively.

Data-Driven Decisions: Employment Hero offers salary benchmarking tools and reports based on real-time data from millions of employees, enabling businesses to set competitive and fair wages.

Success in Real-World Applications: Employment Hero's solutions have helped businesses, such as those in the NDIS sector, reduce hiring time, improve onboarding, and achieve higher retention rates, leading to better team performance.

One action small business owners can take:

According to Courtney Pomerenke one action small business owners can take is to embrace AI-powered recruitment tools like Employment Hero's Smart Match. By leveraging AI, businesses can streamline the hiring process, save valuable time, and attract candidates who are the best fit for their roles and culture.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Proactive hiring is about building relationships, not just filling positions – Courtney Pomerenke

A strong employer brand is your best tool for attracting top talent – Courtney Pomerenke

Flexible work options and career growth are the new priorities for today's workforce – Courtney Pomerenke

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Alexandra Terrey, founder of The Mentoring Effect, shares her 20-year entrepreneurial journey, growing four businesses across the globe. She discusses achieving 20% annual growth, and sometimes big shifts such as generating $100K weekly sales, and leading a team of 5. Alexandra reveals how mindset and emotional shifts and leadership strategies empower entrepreneurs to break through challenges and achieve success. Tune in for valuable insights on sustainable business growth and personal transformation.

GROW where listeners get 35% discount for this program:

Other Resources:

• Conscious Leadership with Alex Podcast

• Empower Yourself with Transformative Resources – The Mentoring Effect

• Special offer for listeners 30% off from the "Unleash Your Authentic self and Create the Life You Want" program, now only $29 AUD with coupon "GROW" https://leadership-university.mykajabi.com/offers/azL5QofT

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Alexandra Terrey, the hardest thing in growing a small business is developing patience. She emphasizes that the journey is filled with challenges, including personal growth, overcoming fears, and adapting to various stages of business evolution, all of which require resilience and persistence.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Alexandra Terrey's favorite business book is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. She credits it with helping her view business from a different perspective. Additionally, she finds inspiration in The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer for its insights on mindset and personal growth.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Alexandra Terrey recommends a variety of podcasts and online resources to help grow a small business. She highlights Brene Brown's leadership-focused podcasts, Michael Singer's content on personal growth, and Health Movement Lab for insights on neuroscience and performance. Additionally, she suggests exploring business-related podcasts tailored to your growth area, emphasizing the value of continuously learning from diverse perspectives.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Alexandra Terrey recommends meditation as a powerful tool for growing a small business. She emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from daily stresses, calming the mind, and accessing creativity through practices like mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation. These routines enhance decision-making, resilience, and overall performance, making them invaluable for personal and business growth.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   On day one of starting out in business, Alexandra Terrey advises focusing on personal growth and maintaining a sense of fun and passion for your work. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, addressing limiting beliefs early, and building a business you truly love. Keeping the initial excitement alive and prioritizing self-improvement can lay a strong foundation for long-term success.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Success begins with the courage to face your fears and grow beyond them — Alexandra Terrey

Processes drive behavior; great systems create great cultures — Alexandra Terrey

Leadership starts with self-awareness and the willingness to evolve — Alexandra Terrey

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Doug Taylor, co-founder of Taylor Chip, a rapidly growing dessert brand. Starting from a wedding cookie idea in 2018, Taylor Chip now has 7 retail stores, 42 employees, and $10M revenue projections. Doug shares insights on expanding beyond Pennsylvania, leveraging automation, e-commerce, and marketing strategies. He also discusses the challenges of scaling, hiring the right team, and overcoming financial hurdles. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey from a small startup to a thriving dessert empire!

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Doug Taylor, the hardest part of growing a small business is market capture and scaling effectively. He emphasizes that each new level of growth presents unique challenges, especially in a highly competitive industry like desserts. Doug explains that getting people to know about your brand, breaking into new markets, and ensuring consistent quality while scaling are major hurdles. He also highlights the importance of adapting to changing marketing landscapes, staying financially disciplined, and continuously improving operations to sustain growth.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Doug Taylor's favorite business book that has helped him the most is "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. He credits it for unlocking the mindset and strategic thinking needed for business success. However, he also acknowledges the controversies around the author but still finds the psychological principles valuable. Another book he frequently references is "The Paradox of Choice", which explores decision-making and its impact on business and consumer behavior.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Doug Taylor recommends "How I Built This" with Guy Raz for valuable insights from successful entrepreneurs, especially in food and beverage. He found it instrumental in learning about scaling a business. However, he later reduced content consumption to focus on execution, believing that prioritizing action over excessive learning is key to growth.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Doug Taylor recommends TikTok Shop and Facebook Ads as powerful tools for growing a small business. He emphasizes the importance of organic social media, e-commerce, and influencer marketing to drive sales. He also highlights email marketing as a high-ROI tool for customer retention and business growth.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Doug Taylor's advice to his day-one self would be: "Be patient and invest in automation early." He regrets not adopting automation sooner, which could have saved time and labor costs. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding good debt, scaling efficiently, and staying resilient through challenges.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

You cannot hire or fire out of fear — your A players are watching – Doug Taylor

Success isn't just about money — it's about the impact you make and the lives you change – Doug Taylor

Discipline in finances, team building, and operations is the key to sustainable growth – Doug Taylor

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Eve Nelson, founder of Redbridge HR, shares how her firm helps businesses navigate HR challenges, from workplace investigations to mentoring new managers. She highlights the importance of clear employment contracts, staff performance management, and fostering workplace flexibility. Eve discusses how effective HR practices can prevent costly mistakes and improve team morale. She also emphasizes the power of leadership vulnerability and open communication in building a strong company culture. Lastly, she offers actionable advice for business owners to assess manager performance and create a positive work environment.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

HR Compliance is Critical: Keeping up with employment law changes, fair work regulations, and solid contracts helps businesses avoid costly legal issues.

New Managers Need Support: Transitioning from an employee to a manager is challenging; mentoring and training are essential for leadership success.

Workplace Investigations Require Expertise: Handling serious staff issues internally can lead to legal risks; using external HR professionals ensures fairness and compliance.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Employee Morale Directly Affects Business Growth: Unhappy employees reduce productivity and engagement, making it crucial for leaders to foster a positive work environment.

Flexibility is Key in the Modern Workplace: Offering remote work options and adaptable schedules improves staff retention, performance, and overall job satisfaction.

Regular Manager & Employee Check-ins Are Essential: Gathering feedback and conducting stay interviews (not just exit interviews) help businesses retain top talent and build strong teams.

One action small business owners can take:

According to Eve Nelson, small business owners should regularly check in with employees to assess manager performance and workplace morale. By fostering open communication, they can identify potential issues early and create a more engaged, productive team.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Effective leadership starts with vulnerability and a willingness to learn – Eve Nelson

Workplace issues don't disappear on their own—proactive HR prevents costly mistakes – Eve Nelson

Hiring the right people isn't just about skills; values and culture fit matter just as much – Eve Nelson

In this episode, Troy Trewin interviews Kris Jones, owner of Red Door Designs based in the beautiful Portland, Oregon, in the United States. Red Door Stories started 23 years ago as a design agency focused on branding and websites, but evolved to specialize in helping clients develop and tell their stories more effectively across their marketing and online presence.

Over the past 12 months, Kris grew her design agency by an impressive 384%, transitioning from a solo operation to building a team of 5. The key to Kris' success was mastering the art of storytelling. She faced a common challenge - clients struggling to write their own website copy. This led Kris to immerse himself in the power of story, applying storytelling techniques to transform her clients' businesses. By helping her clients craft captivating stories, Kris enabled them to charge 6 times more, avoid burnout and attract higher-paying customers.

Other Resources:

• From Click to Client Podcast by Kris Jones

• From Clicks to Clients: Proven Sales Strategies for the Digital Era Book by Kris Jones

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?

Kris says the biggest challenge is figuring out how to talk about your business clearly. Being inside the "bottle", it's hard to read the label from an outside perspective - your customers' point of view. Being immersed in your own business, it's easy to fall into the trap of using industry jargon or assuming too much knowledge from your customers.

2 .What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?

Kris swears by Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller, as a game-changing resource. He explains how mastering the art of crafting compelling stories transformed his business, allowing him to help clients charge 6 times more, avoid burnout, and attract higher-paying customers.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?

Kris is a big fan of the Marketing Made Simple podcast, as it provides practical, actionable tips for growing a small business. She also finds inspiration in story-driven shows, like ghost story podcasts to fuel her creativity.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?

Kris emphasises the power of a well-designed website as the centre of your marketing universe, recommending platforms like Wix, Squarespace or Kajabi. She believes your website should be the focal point that you direct all your marketing activities towards, as it's the best way to convert visitors into paying clients in this digital age.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?

If Kris could go back in time, she would tell herself to focus solely on the tasks and clients that truly energise and fulfil her. She learned the hard way that saying "yes" to every opportunity, even if it's outside your zone of genius, can lead to a lot of frustration and burnout. Kris emphasises the importance of having the courage to politely decline work that doesn't align with your passions and strengths, as this will allow you to dedicate your time and resources to the areas that will drive the greatest impact for your business.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Focus on the things that you really enjoy doing and pay attention to the clients that you really enjoy working with, and just say no to all the rest – Kris Jones

Story has this beautiful flow to it that helps us engage fully and feel connected in the story and kind of filter out the noise of the world – Kris Jones

When you begin to delegate, that's when that freedom, I think, begins to truly kick in – Kris Jones

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey  interviews Simon Robustelli, who grew his restaurant business, Solo Pasta, from $5,000 to $50,000 in weekly revenue over 15 years before a successful exit. Simon shares his insights on the challenges of managing rapid growth, including the importance of consistent processes and empowering his team. He reflects on the difficulties of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the need to "work on the business, not just in it". After his successful exit, Simon emphasises the value of having the right mentors and being open to change. 

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Michael delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Simon Robustelli, the hardest thing in growing a small business is patience and belief in your product or brand. He emphasises the importance of having great people around you who are aligned with your vision, as one person deviating can quickly derail the business.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Simon admits he didn't read many business books, preferring to learn through hands-on experience, mentors, and observing others. He believes his core values and business acumen came more from his father and the network of people he surrounded himself with.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   While Simon didn't have a specific podcast or online resource to recommend, he emphasises the value of being open to learning from a wide range of people, including those in your industry and beyond. He believes the more diverse perspectives you can gain, the better.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Simon's top recommendation is to focus on establishing clear procedures and processes to ensure consistency. He points to the example of McDonald's, where every step is meticulously documented, as a model for small businesses to emulate.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   If he could go back in time, Simon would tell himself to "get ready for a life-changing journey." He reflects that the experience of building and growing his restaurant business was transformative, both professionally and personally, and he wouldn't trade it for anything.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Be open to change, and that's something that you know – Simon Robustelli

At the end of the day, people are coming for a service, and I need to provide that service, so teaching myself as soon as five o'clock is on, whatever you got going on before? Mate switch it off, because you're on show now – Simon Robustelli

I think the biggest driving success for me was the customer satisfaction of creating something, a product which people wanted to enjoy and wanted to be associated with – Simon Robustelli

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews Gail Eaton-Briggs, founder of Every When Solutions, shares how her concept of Conscious Grit helps small business owners move from burnout and self-doubt to clarity and purpose. Drawing on her background in leadership and neuroscience, Gail explains how awareness, mindset shifts, and deliberate action can transform both individuals and teams. She highlights the importance of recognizing tipping points, building resilience, and surrounding yourself with supportive people. Through her coaching and online programs, Gail empowers business owners to grow with confidence and authenticity.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Shift from Unconscious to Conscious Grit – Success requires more than hard work; it's about being aware, intentional, and strategic in your actions.

Mindset Matters Most – Regularly check in with your thoughts and beliefs; developing a growth mindset can completely transform your business outlook.

Recognize Your Tipping Point – Pay attention to pivotal moments or advice that can spark meaningful change and move you toward conscious growth.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Invest in Deep Development – Growth doesn't happen in a single session or workshop; it takes consistent reflection, learning, and practice over time.

Choose Your Circle Wisely – Surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up, not "emotional vampires" who drain your energy and confidence.

Value Your Worth – Don't undervalue your services; believe in the quality of what you offer and price it accordingly—your clients will respect it.

One action small business owners can take:

According to Gail Eaton-Briggs, one action small business owners can take is to consciously check in with their mindset. If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, assess your internal dialogue and actively work to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset. She recommends seeking out resources on achieving a growth mindset to help reframe challenges as solvable opportunities. This practice is essential for moving from a state of exhausting "unconscious grit" to a powerful and deliberate "conscious grit," where you can start making tangible progress.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

To move from exhausted to empowered, you must shift from unconscious grit to conscious grit - Gail Eaton-Briggs

Your tipping point is often just one piece of trusted advice away from changing your entire trajectory - Gail Eaton-Briggs

Be mindful of the emotional vampires in your life, the people you allow to influence you will either sustain or drain your energy - Gail Eaton-Briggs

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Anna-Daisy, a renowned psychic, emotional healer, and founder of Anna-Daisy. Discover how to harness positive energy, overcome negativity, and cultivate success through vibrational alignment and a warrior mindset. Anna-Daisy shares powerful insights on intuition, authenticity, and creating safe spaces for growth in both life and business. Learn practical tools like self-kindness, the law of attraction, and how to stay grounded in the present moment. Perfect for business owners seeking to elevate their energy and build meaningful, authentic connections.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

The Power of Energy and Mindset: Anna-Daisy emphasizes how energy influences success and happiness. A positive mindset attracts positive outcomes, while negativity creates obstacles.

Creating a Safe and Judgment-Free Space: She highlights the importance of providing a non-judgmental, welcoming environment where people feel safe to express themselves.

The 15-Minute Rule for Handling Worries: She advises limiting dwelling time on problems to 15 minutes. Writing them down and taking action helps prevent overthinking and anxiety.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Authenticity and Business Success: Anna-Daisy explains that being true to oneself and prioritizing care over profit fosters a genuine connection with customers and leads to business growth.

The Contagious Nature of Energy: Surrounding yourself with positive people elevates your energy, while negativity can drain it. Awareness of this helps maintain a healthy and uplifting environment.

The Importance of Self-Kindness: She encourages people to speak kindly to themselves and others, as kindness strengthens personal energy and has a ripple effect on the world around them.

One action small business owners can take:

One action small business owners can take is to create a positive and judgment-free environment for both customers and employees. Foster a space where people feel heard and valued, whether through customer interactions, team meetings, or workplace culture. This builds trust, strengthens relationships, and ultimately drives business growth.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Your energy is your greatest asset — when you radiate positivity, the universe responds in kind – Anna Daisy

Authenticity isn't a strategy—it's the magnet that draws the right people to you – Anna Daisy

Trust your intuition — it's your soul's way of guiding you to your truth – Anna-Daisy

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Blima Ehrentreu, co-founder of The Designer Group, discussing the growth of her interior design firm from a two-person team in 2011 to over 30 members today. The firm operates in Toronto, New York, and Miami, focusing on commercial, healthcare, senior living, and educational projects. She emphasized the importance of mindset, delegation, and adaptability in business growth, while highlighting the significance of relationships and quality work in marketing, avoiding traditional advertising. Listen in to gain valuable insights from their inspiring journey.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Blima, it's all about maintaining that upward growth mindset every single day. She reckons anyone can start a business, but the real challenge is keeping that momentum going and continuing to innovate to stay ahead of the pack.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Blima is a big fan of "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg and "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight. These books gave her some awesome insights into the journeys and mindsets of successful business leaders.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Blima doesn't have a go-to podcast, but she loves jumping around and learning from different perspectives, especially when it comes to self-improvement. She reckons it's super valuable to hear how other people's journeys have shaped them.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Blima Ehrentreu's top pick is surrounding yourself with amazing people. She believes that having good people in your corner is the key to being able to achieve anything. And the way to attract those people is to be a good person yourself and be willing to help others.

1. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   She'd say, "You don't know what's ahead of you, but it's going to be fun!" Blima is incredibly grateful for the journey she's been on, and she'd encourage her younger self to embrace the adventure.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

"Your mindset should be that you can do it, and then you'll figure it out. You will put the right people into place, because you cannot say you can do something if you can, so you have to make sure that you will be able to." - Blima Ehrentreu

"I believe that the way to get good people in your corner is to be a good person yourself. So if you're there to help others, people will want to help you." - Blima Ehrentreu

"You don't know what's ahead of you, but it's going to be fun!" - Blima Ehrentreu

In this episode, Troy Trewin interviews Caulen Foster, the co-founder of Brain Power Agency, a marketing agency that specialises in building, managing, and growing ecosystems for direct-to-consumer, native brands online. Caulen shares the challenges of scaling a service business, highlighting that managing people is the toughest part due to the variables around human beings. He also discusses his previous business experience, where he failed to understand unit economics and financial literacy, leading to the business' downfall. Caulen emphasises the importance of these key metrics for success.

Other Resources:

• Marketing Funding Flywheel Ebook

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?

Caulen Foster, co-founder of Brain Power Agency, says the hardest thing is managing people. He emphasises that people are the toughest part to scale due to the variables around human beings.

2 .What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?

Caulen recommends two marketing books that have been game-changers for him: "Breakthrough Advertising" by Eugene Schwartz and "The 16-Word Sales Letter" by Drayton Bird. He says these books have fundamentally changed the way he writes copy and understands direct response marketing.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?

Caulen is a big reader and mentions that he's constantly investing in his own professional development through books, masterminds, and training programs. He particularly enjoys learning about human psychology and how it applies to marketing and sales.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?

Caulen suggests a great CRM (customer relationship management) system, such as GoHighLevel, as a crucial tool for small businesses. He emphasises the importance of having the right infrastructure in place to capture and nurture leads effectively.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?

Caulen's advice to his younger self would be to be patient, resilient, and ready for the challenges ahead. He stresses the importance of understanding that building a successful business takes time and that being prepared to weather the ups and downs is key.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

"People are the toughest thing to scale, because there's so many variables around human beings." - Caulen Foster

"I would say my biggest mindset shift is probably understanding that things take time. Great things take time. There's a part of me that used to be very like, you know, I would think of something while I'm in the middle of something shiny object syndrome." - Caulen Foster

"Be resilient. You literally replace that within a month and more just by like, all right, it happens. It sucks. It's a little scary." - Caulen Foster

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, Troy Trewin, Founder of Grow A Small Business emphasizes the importance of professional development (PD) for small business owners, advocating for a significant time investment in learning resources like books, podcasts, and online courses. He personally dedicates over 14 hours a week to PD, equating to 1300 hours annually, which helps him generate new business ideas and improve his seven businesses. 

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

• Invest in professional development (PD) through resources like books, podcasts, and online courses. Troy dedicates over 14 hours per week to PD, which equates to 1,300 hours per year and allows him to continuously improve his own businesses and better assist his clients.

• Be intentional about how you consume PD content. Don't try to multitask - focus solely on the PD material to get the most value. Instead, consume it during "dead time" like driving, cleaning, or light physical activities.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

• Recommended PD resources include:

• Mark Whitson's "Mini MBA in Marketing" online course

• Troy's own "Transform Your Performance" free 2-week online course

• The "Mid 2024" and "Built to Sell Radio" podcasts

• Implement strategies to maximize your PD time, such as listening at 1.5x or 2x speed, and utilizing a Spotify Premium subscription to access free audiobooks.

• Continuously seek out PD opportunities and be open to expanding your knowledge in various aspects of your business, from sales and operations to marketing and team management.

The key is to make PD a consistent habit and priority as a small business owner, as it can significantly contribute to your business growth and personal development.

One action small business owners can take:

Troy Trewin suggests committing to increasing your weekly professional development (PD) hours. He emphasizes the importance of investing significant time into PD, sharing that he dedicates over 14 hours per week to consuming books, podcasts, and other educational resources. He encourages listeners to ramp up their own PD efforts, as it allows him to continuously improve his own businesses as well as better assist his clients.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

"PD is not just about casts and books, investing online courses too. We'll give you two great ones to make a start." - Troy Trewin

"People consume 6x more content on podcasts than on audio books. And Australians are the highest consumers of podcasts in the world. Per capita, 40% of adults listen to at least one episode a week, and 10% six or more a week." - Troy Trewin

"I invest over 14 hours a week on two speed. That's 28 hours a week of content, or 1300 hours a year. The average audio book running around nine hours. If I just stuck to books, that means I would get through an incredible 144 books each year." - Troy Trewin

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Ilana Wechsler from Sydney, founder of Green Arrow Digital. Ilana shares her journey from corporate life to building two six-figure businesses, mastering Google Ads, and achieving work-life balance. She reveals how strategic investments, a focus on client retention, and adapting to AI-driven changes have fueled her success while supporting businesses worldwide.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Ilana Wechsler, the hardest thing in growing a small business is when business owners have to wear many different hats and are not large enough to hire people to alleviate the business owner to do what they are best at1. She mentions that this was a struggle that she found herself in and why her growth was not as significant as it could have been.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Ilana Wechsler's favorite business books include "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell, which highlights the power of delegation to scale effectively, Alex Hormozi's "100M Offers" and "100M Leads", which helped her refine lead generation strategies, and Jay Abraham's "Getting Everything You Can Out of All You've Got", which shaped her focus on maximizing value for existing customers over solely chasing new ones.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Ilana Wechsler recommends several resources for small business growth, including podcasts and online learning tools. She suggests listening to James Schramko's podcast, as he is a long-time mentor, and the podcast "How I Built This"1. For online learning, she highly recommends using Google Ads, noting that while its effectiveness depends on the business type, it can be very beneficial. Additionally, she advocates starting a YouTube channel as a powerful, long-term strategy for business growth that provides stable and lasting results, offering more sustainability than social media.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Ilana Wechsler recommends several key tools and resources for small business growth, primarily focusing on online strategies. She considers Google Ads to be a top recommendation for its effectiveness in reaching potential customers at the point of search, but also emphasizes starting a YouTube channel for long-term, stable results. Furthermore, she stresses the importance of understanding your key business numbers. She also notes that other effective strategies include podcasting and speaking at events.
   
   

5.  What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?

If Ilana Wechsler could go back to day one of starting her business, she would tell herself that it's going to be harder than you think and that she was very naive going in. She would also advise herself to focus on enjoying the journey, because once you reach one goal, you'll just move to the next one. She emphasizes you have to enjoy the journey because you'll never reach a point where you don't want to grow anymore.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Success isn't about money; it's about the freedom to do what you love while serving others well — Ilana Wechsler

Google Ads is like sliding your business card under the nose of someone ready to buy—it's an opportunity you can't ignore — Ilana Wechsler

Your business thrives when you focus relentlessly on your existing customers — Ilana Wechsler

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Scott Maynard, co-founder of Excite Media, a Brisbane-based marketing agency specializing in digital marketing for service-based businesses. Scott, an electrical engineer with a background in software development, brings over 20 years of experience to the marketing industry. Excite Media has grown from a two-person startup to a 40-employee company generating $5.6 million in revenue. Scott attributes their success to prioritizing team happiness, client satisfaction, and financial sustainability. They foster a positive work environment through a 4-day work week and open feedback channels.

Other Resources:

• An easy way to measure if your customers love you in 21 minutes – use the Net Promoter Score (NPS). And it's FREE.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   Scott Maynard, co-founder of Excite Media, believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is juggling the various demands and feeling pulled in different directions. He compares the experience to navigating an obstacle course in the dark or juggling Rubik's cubes while facing unexpected challenges. This feeling arises from the need to manage multiple priorities simultaneously as the business expands.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   One of the business books mentioned in the podcast you uploaded is "100 Million Dollar Offers" by Alex Hormozi. It's highly recommended for understanding how to create compelling offers that can transform a business. The guest also praises it for its insights on objection handling and structuring marketable offers​. For my personal favorite, I would highlight "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries, as it provides a practical approach to building businesses that focus on continuous innovation and learning—a principle useful across industries.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Scott Maynard highly recommends seeking out podcasts and online resources that are specific to your industry. He also suggests exploring content from individuals like Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary V) and Warren Buffet, who offer valuable insights applicable to various business aspects. Maynard emphasizes the importance of being curious and choosing materials that resonate with your needs.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Scott Maynard suggests that learning how to use a spreadsheet is a valuable tool for growing a small business. While it may not seem glamorous, spreadsheets are incredibly versatile for tasks like business planning, number crunching, and financial forecasting. He emphasizes that mastering this fundamental tool can empower business owners to make informed decisions and manage their operations effectively.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Looking back on his 20-year entrepreneurial journey, Scott Maynard would advise his younger self to be patient, maintain consistency, and focus on the business fundamentals. He emphasizes that success is not a get-rich-quick scheme but rather a result of sustained effort and dedication over time.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Know your numbers. You can't make good decisions unless you know the numbers — Scott Maynard

Define your culture and accept that it's not going to be for everyone. That's fine — Scott Maynard

Do the fundamentals well and cover your weaknesses by surrounding yourself with people who complement your strengths — Scott Maynard

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews Rob Cameron sits down with Amanda Jones from Grow A Small Business to explore the secrets to marketing success for small businesses. Amanda shares her expertise on measuring ROI, the importance of brand building, and actionable strategies for customer acquisition. With practical insights and real-world examples, she highlights how small businesses can make confident marketing investments. Whether you're looking to improve your metrics or scale your growth, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Don't miss Amanda's expert tips on unlocking your business's potential!

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Know Your Numbers: Track essential metrics like customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV) to evaluate your marketing ROI effectively and make informed investment decisions.

Balance Brand Building and Lead Generation: Allocate your marketing budget wisely, with around 50-60% focused on long-term brand building and the rest on short-term lead acquisition efforts.

Test and Monitor Continuously: Success in marketing comes from testing, monitoring, and refining. Experiment with different channels, content, and campaigns to find what works best for your audience.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Leverage Low-Cost, High-Impact Channels: Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective tools, offering both brand-building and lead-generation opportunities with an impressive ROI.

Start Small, Scale Smart: When trying new marketing channels or campaigns, begin with a modest budget and scale up gradually based on measurable results and trends.

Tailor Strategies to Your Audience: Understand your target audience's needs and behaviors. Personalize your messaging and use storytelling to connect authentically and build trust.

One action small business owners can take:

According to Amanda Jones, small business owners should prioritize tracking essential metrics like Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV). This foundational step helps evaluate marketing efforts, optimize budget allocation, and identify opportunities for growth. By understanding these numbers, you can confidently make data-driven decisions to drive success.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Marketing is about testing, monitoring, and refining to find what truly works for your business — Amanda Jones

Know your numbers – metrics like CAC and LTV are the compass for smart marketing investments — Amanda Jones

Confident marketing decisions come from understanding your audience and your data — Amanda Jones

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Susan Toft, founder of The Laundry Lady, shares her journey from starting solo in 2012 to growing her business to $6 million in annual revenue. The company now boasts over 300 contractors and operates across Australia and New Zealand. Susan highlights the unique flexibility her platform offers, empowering families and communities. She discusses scaling challenges, bootstrapping success, and plans for further growth with investments. A must-listen for anyone inspired by innovative, customer-focused business models!

Other Resources:

• From $50K to 8 Figures: Kristi Herold on Building JAM's 450-Person Team, 11 Acquisitions & a Culture of Play

• From Teen Lawn Mower to $20M App: Bryan Clayton's Journey to 200K Customers & 22 FTE 

• 30 Years of Expertise: Matt Raad's Strategies to Skyrocket Your Business Success

• Angel Investment Secrets: Liz Raad's Blueprint for Million-Dollar Business Succes

• The "Marketing Funding Flywheel" eBook outlines how to strategically align marketing investments with funding metrics like CLV and CAC to create a self-sustaining cycle of growth for small businesses.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   Susan Toft highlights cash flow management as the hardest aspect of growing a small business. She explains that consistent challenges with managing finances, especially in the early stages, can lead to moments of doubt about whether the effort is worth it. Understanding financials is critical, but even with that knowledge, limited resources and reinvestment needs can make the journey especially tough.
   
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Susan Toft's favorite business book is "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, the memoir of Nike's co-founder. She finds it particularly impactful because it candidly portrays the realities of business growth, especially challenges like managing cash flow during different stages of the business. She appreciates its honesty about the struggles and successes of building a business​.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Susan Toft prefers listening to a variety of podcasts that focus on the journeys and stories of entrepreneurs. She values learning from real-life challenges and successes shared by others, as these stories can be motivating and relatable. While she doesn't follow specific podcasts exclusively, she enjoys exploring diverse options to gain insights and inspiration for growing a small business.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Susan Toft highlights the importance of having an accounting system that provides clear insights into your financials. She specifically values tools that allow access via mobile devices, enabling her to manage business operations effectively while balancing personal responsibilities. This flexibility helps her stay informed and in control of cash flow and finances, which she considers critical for business growth​.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Susan Toft's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be to "just keep going." She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, acknowledging that there will be tough days filled with doubt, but persistence eventually leads to achieving goals and seeing rewards. Her message reflects the resilience needed to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Understanding your numbers is critical—your business success depends on it — Susan Toft

Balance in business and life is about integration, not perfection — Susan Toft

Stay true to your values — they are the foundation of sustainable success — Susan Toft

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Tim Calise, the driving force behind Business Tim Calise Consulting & Investing. Tim shares his journey from founding innovative startups in college to scaling Gym Launch into a $35M success. He provides valuable insights into financial education, business strategy, and how his consulting and investing ventures help entrepreneurs build scalable, efficient businesses. Don't miss his expert advice on growth, resilience, and making bold decisions!

Other Resources:

• An easy way to measure if your customers love you in 21 minutes – use the Net Promoter Score (NPS). And it's FREE.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Tim Calise, the hardest thing in growing a small business is maintaining focus. He emphasizes the importance of staying in your lane and building capacity by hiring the right people. This ensures sustained growth and avoids distractions that can derail progress.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Tim Calise cites "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell as one of his favorite business books, offering actionable insights on optimizing time and leveraging resources effectively. He also recommends "Ready, Fire, Aim" by Michael Masterson (Mark Ford) for its practical strategies to grow businesses at different stages. These books have significantly influenced his entrepreneurial journey.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Tim Calise recommends The Business School Podcast by Shaan Puri and The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes for actionable business and personal growth insights. He also highlights Dan Bolton's YouTube channel for coaching and consulting professionals. Additionally, he suggests Nicholas Cole's book, "The Art and Business of Online Writing," to enhance communication and brand-building skills.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Tim Calise emphasizes the power of leveraging AI tools to grow a small business. He recommends using tools like ChatGPT for automation and content generation, Zapier for workflow automation, and other AI-driven platforms to streamline operations and improve efficiency. He encourages teams to aim for replacing 50% of their output with automation to maximize productivity and scalability.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Tim Calise advises his day-one self to stay focused, make lots of offers, and play the long game. He emphasizes building a strong network of people who support your journey and giving generously without expecting immediate reciprocity. His key message is, "It's going to be okay; stay committed and consistent."

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Focus on building capability, not just capacity, to achieve sustainable success — Tim Calise

To win in business, build a vision big enough for others to fit their dreams inside — Tim Calise

The best investment you can make is in yourself—collapse decades into days through learning — Tim Calise

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey  interviews Lesley Van Tuil, General Manager of Brewlab Hobart, shares her journey of transforming a small brewpub into a thriving community hub. She discusses mastering delegation, leveraging destination marketing, and fostering unique customer experiences. Lesley reveals how these strategies have driven Brewlab's growth and created a welcoming space that embodies Tasmanian hospitality.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Master Delegation: Effectively delegate tasks to focus on high-impact areas like marketing and strategy.

Leverage Email Marketing: Build and segment an email list to directly engage with customers, promote events, and drive business growth.

Foster Community Engagement: Collaborate with local businesses and listen to your community's needs to create meaningful connections and organic growth opportunities.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Adapt and Evolve Roles: Reassess team roles regularly to ensure they align with your business's current needs and growth stage.

Create a Unique Experience: Focus on exceptional, personalized customer service to differentiate your business and build loyalty.

Be Open to Learning: Invest in training and transformation programs to gain fresh insights and refine your business approach.

Focus on the Long Game: Build a business that supports not just financial growth but also work-life balance, enabling owners to take breaks without disruption.

One action small business owners can take:

Lesley Van Tuil advises small business owners to begin building and segmenting their email lists by utilizing booking platforms, QR codes, and partnerships with local businesses to gather customer data, enabling personalized marketing efforts that boost customer engagement and sales, as effectively implemented at Brew Lab.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Delegation is the key to unlocking your business's true potential — Lesley Van Tuil

Balance is the secret ingredient to both business success and personal happiness — Lesley Van Tuil

A welcoming environment is what turns customers into lifelong fans — Lesley Van Tuil

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews John D. Marvin, former President and CEO of Texas State Optical, shares his 25-year journey leading one of America's most iconic optical brands. He talks about growing the company from 100 to 130 locations and over $130 million in annual revenue, adapting to major industry disruptions, and mentoring the next generation of optometrists. John also dives into lessons on leadership, faith over fear, and the power of listening to customers. His story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and building purpose-driven growth in a changing marketplace.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to John D. Marvin, the hardest thing about growing a small business is implementing change. He explains that it's easy to keep doing what's familiar, but real growth requires the courage to challenge old habits and adapt to new realities. Marvin points out that while individuals struggle with personal change, organizational change is even tougher—because it involves employees, resistance, and the fear of losing people. Yet, without embracing change, he says, a business risks becoming irrelevant.
   
   

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   John D. Marvin's favorite business book is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. He says it has helped him the most because it lays out the 13 core principles of success, not just for making money but for living a rich and meaningful life. For Marvin, the biggest lesson from the book is that success begins with mastering your thoughts — what you focus on and believe ultimately shapes the results you achieve.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   John D. Marvin, former President and CEO of Texas State Optical, recommends continuously learning from great resources to grow a small business. He often listens to John Maxwell's Leadership Podcast for insights on personal and team development, and explores podcasts or materials by authors whose books he's currently reading to deepen his understanding. Marvin emphasizes the value of ongoing education through audiobooks and practical leadership content, believing that consistent learning, reflection, and application are key to adapting and thriving in business.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   John D. Marvin recommends using strong time management and scheduling tools to grow a small business. He believes that success often comes down to discipline — keeping promises, managing priorities, and staying organized. Marvin emphasizes using a reliable calendar or planner, whether digital (like Apple Calendar) or traditional (such as Franklin Covey or Day-Timer systems), to plan ahead and follow through on commitments. For him, effective scheduling isn't just about productivity — it's about building trust, consistency, and professionalism, which are the real foundations of sustainable business growth.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   John D. Marvin says the advice he'd give himself on day one of starting out in business is simple but powerful — just start. He admits that in his early years, he often delayed taking action because he felt he needed to study more or perfect his plan first. Over time, he realized that true learning and progress only happen through doing, not waiting. Marvin compares it to climbing mountains — you build the skills and confidence to tackle bigger challenges by starting with smaller ones. His message to new entrepreneurs: don't wait for perfect conditions — take the first step, learn along the way, and keep climbing.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Replace fear with faith, and you'll start seeing opportunities where others see obstacles — John D. Marvin

The only way to learn how to climb mountains is by climbing mountains — start small, but start now — John D. Marvin

Success begins with mastering your thoughts; what you focus on is what you create — John D. Marvin

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Kat Piachaud, Managing Director of Katalyse Consulting, shares her inspiring journey of growing her business from zero to $500,000 in revenue in just three years. Specializing in bookkeeping and CFO consulting, Kat reveals how she built a high-performing team across Australia and the Philippines while streamlining operations to achieve remarkable efficiency. She opens up about the challenges of rapid growth, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned from scaling back to prioritize quality and sustainability. Kat's story is a testament to resilience, integrity, and the power of discipline in achieving business success.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Kat Piachaud, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing yourself. This includes maintaining work-life balance, overcoming mental and emotional struggles, handling pressure, and staying disciplined and aligned with integrity. She emphasizes that personal growth and self-management are critical to business success, as challenges often stem from within the entrepreneur themselves.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Kat Piachaud's favorite business book that has helped her the most is The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life. She found it to be very insightful, offering valuable lessons and principles applicable to both personal growth and business success.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Kat Piachaud recommends Layla and Alex Hormozi's podcasts for actionable insights and strategies to grow a small business. She also emphasizes the value of engaging with entrepreneurial podcasts to learn from the experiences of others. Networking with fellow entrepreneurs and leveraging their knowledge is another key resource she highlights, along with continuous exploration of business-focused online content to stay updated and inspired.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Kat Piachaud strongly recommends working with a coach or mentor as a key resource for growing a small business. She advises finding someone who has achieved the level of success you aspire to, ensuring they understand your challenges and can provide tailored guidance. This relationship can offer valuable insights, accountability, and strategies to help navigate the complexities of business growth.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   On day one of starting out in business, Kat Piachaud would advise herself to "Give everything a go. Say, Yes, there's no failure. There's just lessons." This reflects her belief in embracing opportunities, learning from mistakes, and maintaining a growth mindset throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

There's no such thing as failure, only lessons to fuel growth — Kat Piachaud

Discipline bridges the gap between burnout and sustainable success — Kat Piachaud

Integrity is the backbone of business; it defines who you are — Kat Piachaud

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Callum Laing, founder of the Veblen Director Program, a global initiative helping individuals secure their first board seats and add value to businesses worldwide. Callum shares insights from his storied career in mergers and acquisitions, scaling businesses, and promoting diversity in boardrooms. Learn how Veblen grew to include over 200 members serving on 300+ boards and why he believes every entrepreneur should leverage advisory boards.

Visit Callum Laing's website to explore his books, insights, and more about his mission to connect and empower future board leaders.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Callum Laing, one of the hardest things in growing a small business is finding the right team and keeping them aligned and motivated. He emphasizes that when you have the right people working together effectively, the journey becomes much easier. However, ensuring that team members remain engaged, focused, and inspired throughout the growth process is a key challenge many business owners face.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Callum Laing's favorite business book that has helped him the most is "Legacy" by James Steven Cook. This book resonates with his focus on building and maintaining strong company cultures, particularly in the context of resilience and long-term success, which are central themes in his work with boards and M&A.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Callum Laing emphasizes reading and learning through books and networks over podcasts but highlights the value of mentorship and professional communities for growth. He recommends leveraging online courses and platforms like LinkedIn to connect with peers and gain insights. For actionable advice, his books "Progressive Partnerships" and "Boardroom Blueprint" are great resources. Explore more of his insights and tools for business growth at callumlaing.com.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Callum Laing recommends leveraging advisory boards as a key resource for growing a small business. He highlights how having a group of experienced advisors can provide strategic guidance, accountability, and access to valuable networks. This tool is especially impactful for small businesses aiming to scale effectively while benefiting from diverse perspectives and expertise.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Callum Laing reflects that the advice he would give his younger self is to listen more to the great advice from mentors and apply it. He admits that, in his early days, he either lacked the context to fully understand the advice or dismissed it with overconfidence. His key takeaway is to remain open, humble, and coachable, as following sound advice could have made his journey smoother and more successful.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

A strong board is the compass that guides your business through uncharted waters — Callum Laing

Partnerships are the rocket fuel that propels businesses to new heights — Callum Laing

Challenges are not obstacles, but opportunities in disguise — Callum Laing

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews Christian Jack, founder of The Sales Dojo, about mastering sales strategies to drive business growth. Christian shares how his team helped a client scale from $180K to $780K in monthly cash flow and reach over $1.2M in monthly revenue. Learn actionable tips on optimizing sales teams, closing deals, and building systems that unlock hidden revenue potential for both B2B and B2C businesses. Don't miss Christian's expert insights into creating sustainable success in sales!

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Invest in a Well-Trained and Carefully Hired Sales Team: Build a high-performing sales team through meticulous hiring and continuous training to maximize revenue potential.

Engage Directly with Customers: Regularly participate in sales calls and direct customer interactions to gain insights and strengthen relationships.

Implement and Optimize Sales Processes: Develop and continuously refine robust sales processes and systems to manage human variability and ensure consistent performance.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Know Your Strengths and Delegate Effectively: Assess your skills and strategically delegate tasks, including sales, to focus on high-impact activities and scale your business.

Leverage External Expertise: Seek and utilize external expertise, such as sales training and management consultants, to address specific challenges and accelerate growth.

Track and Analyze Sales Data: Implement data tracking and analysis tools to monitor sales performance, identify bottlenecks, and make informed, data-driven decisions for optimization.

One action small business owners can take:

Christian Jack suggests that small business owners should commit to making at least three strategic sales calls each week. By preparing ahead—reviewing customer data, identifying potential pain points, and tracking the results—business owners can gain valuable insights. This proactive approach aligns with Jack's focus on direct customer engagement, building relationships, and using informed, purposeful interactions to drive business growth.

Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Direct customer interaction is key to unlocking business growth — Christian Jack

Data is the compass that guides effective sales strategies — Christian Jack

Sales is as much an art as it is a science, requiring both strategy and intuition — Christian Jack