Grow A Small Business Podcast

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 speaks with Mitch McPherson, Founder of Stay ChatTY, who turned personal tragedy into a powerful mission. Mitch shares how he built a thriving, purpose-driven organization while breaking down mental health stigma in workplaces and communities. He reveals the biggest challenges small business owners face with mental health, why vulnerability builds stronger teams, and how finding your “why” can fuel resilience and success. This conversation is packed with inspiration, practical strategies, and a powerful reminder that business growth and wellbeing go hand in hand. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, support is available. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for free, confidential crisis support 24/7. If you're outside Australia, please reach out to local crisis services in your area, or dial your local emergency number if you are in immediate danger. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Turning Tragedy into Purpose – Mitch transformed the devastating loss of his brother into the foundation of Stay ChatTY, creating impact through advocacy and education. Mental Health in Business Matters – Small business owners must prioritize their own wellbeing and actively support their teams to avoid burnout and crisis.   Vulnerability Builds Trust – Open, honest conversations from leaders create stronger connections, trust, and healthier workplace culture. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?   Watch for Signs of Change – Mental health struggles aren't always negative behaviors; any noticeable change in team members can be a signal to check in.   Boundaries Prevent Burnout – Saying “no,” balancing work with personal life, and focusing on physical health are crucial for long-term success.   Lead by Example – Employees follow what they see, not just what they hear—owners must live their values to truly influence their teams. One action small business owners can take: According to Mitch McPherson, one action small business owners can take is to lead by example – genuinely living and breathing the values they promote, especially around mental health – so their team sees consistency between words and actions. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Renita Wolf, founder of Poe Wolf Partners, who transitioned from a Fortune 50 CFO career to helping small and mid-sized business owners prepare for successful exits. Renita shares her insights on why nearly 90% of businesses listed for sale never sell, and how she guides owners to align their business with personal goals while increasing value and reducing owner dependency. She discusses the emotional challenges of letting go, the importance of being organized and consistent, and her holistic approach to exit planning. Renita also reveals how she bootstrapped her firm, leveraged mentors, and embraced learning as part of her entrepreneurial journey. This inspiring conversation highlights the critical steps entrepreneurs must take to protect their legacy and maximize success when planning their exit. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Renita Wolf said the hardest thing in growing a small business is staying confident when you don't know everything and are running everything yourself, often with just a small team. She explained that uncertainty can shake confidence, but she overcomes it by being comfortable learning new things and accepting that she might be bad at them at first, knowing she will improve over time What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Renita Wolf shared that her favorite business books are “Key Person of Influence” and “Oversubscribed” by Daniel Priestley, which she always goes back to. She also values the work of Blair Enns, especially his books on Winning Without Pitching, since sales was not her forte and these resources helped her approach clients more effectively. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Renita Wolf recommended Donald Miller's Business Made Simple and the StoryBrand podcast as excellent resources for small business owners. She explained that they cut through the noise in the marketplace and provide a clear, actionable framework that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to stay focused and grow their businesses. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Renita Wolf recommended that every small business owner should have a simple KPI dashboard with around five key metrics. She explained that tracking these helps owners think strategically, measure consistency, and monitor progress—whether it's content strategy, social engagement, or other business drivers—making it a powerful tool for sustainable growth What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Renita Wolf's advice to herself on day one of starting her business would be: “Don't wait for perfect — just start.” She emphasized that taking action early is more important than waiting until everything feels ready. 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 organized and consistent is the foundation of small business success – Renita Wolf Your business is more than financials — it's your legacy for family, community, and employees – Renita Wolf Focus on who you serve, how you help, and what makes you different from the competition – Renita Wolf  

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Joe Zentmyer, Founder of Snaggletooth Goby, shares his entrepreneurial journey from leaving corporate life at Kraft Foods to co-founding First Ascent Rock Climbing, which grew to seven gyms before being sold in 2021. He explains how his passion for aquariums led him to purchase and expand a local store into a growing business, adding recurring revenue streams and online sales. Joe reflects on the challenges of scaling during COVID, including managing hundreds of employees and navigating shutdowns. He highlights the importance of numbers, people management, and hiring the right team for growth. Finally, he offers advice on resilience, balance, and building a strong culture while scaling a small 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Joe Zentmyer shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is the pace of decision-making and filtering feedback. He explains that entrepreneurs often hear only the extremes—overly positive or overly negative voices—while the real insights usually lie in the middle. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Joe Zentmyer told that one of the most impactful books for him is “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon, which focuses on motivating people, getting them aligned, and building positive momentum within a team. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Joe Zentmyer shares that he listens widely to many business podcasts and online resources, cycling through different voices to absorb as much knowledge as possible. He believes entrepreneurs should avoid sticking to just one source and instead learn from a wide range of perspectives. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Joe Zentmyer shares that small business owners should not hesitate to invest in simple online apps and tools that save time on repetitive tasks. Even spending $20–$50 a month on the right software can free up valuable hours, making efficiency a key growth resource. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Joe Zentmyer shares that if he could go back, he would tell himself to believe in the journey and enjoy the ride. Building a business is full of challenges and surprises, but embracing the process with confidence makes it worthwhile. 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 in small business happens when the sum of the team is greater than the whole – Joe Zentmyer The right people are easier to find than trying to fix the wrong ones – Joe Zentmyer If you think as a leader you can force people to do what they don't want, you're sorely mistaken – Joe Zentmyer  

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 speaks with Jeffrey Klubeck, founder of The Integrity Game, dives into how soft skills and accountability drive leadership growth and team engagement. He explains his 10-point Integrity Game framework, designed to make self-reflection easy and impactful for business owners. Jeffrey shares how understanding emotional patterns and aligning daily actions with long-term goals leads to real transformation. He also touches on helping businesses prepare for exit by focusing on internal clarity and strategic structure. Packed with insights and humor, this episode is a masterclass in leading with purpose. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Soft Skills Drive Strong Leadership: Mastering communication, empathy, and self-awareness creates better leaders, stronger teams, and healthier work cultures. Accountability Starts Within: Before holding others accountable, business owners must develop self-accountability and align their actions with their values and goals. Engagement Requires Understanding: To truly engage teams, take the time to understand who your people really are and what they genuinely want—not just what the business needs. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Behavioral Blocks Limit Growth: Often, underperformance isn't about lack of skills—it's about fear, habits, or emotional blocks. Leaders must learn to identify and remove these. The Integrity Game 10-Point Model: Jeffrey's framework helps individuals and teams align purpose, potential, and performance – building businesses with strong structural integrity. Plan Your Exit Early: Start with the end in mind. Know your exit strategy, build systems that support it, and identify trusted advisors who can guide the transition. One action small business owners can take: According to Jeffrey Klubeck, one action small business owners can take is to start identifying and building relationships with trusted advisors early, so they're prepared for future growth, challenges, and eventual exit planning. 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.

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Tessa Thomas, co-founder of Pipeline Solutions, a Toronto-based SaaS platform helping boutique fitness studios streamline operations, automate workflows, and unlock data-driven insights. Tessa shares how the business launched in 2019, navigated the chaos of COVID-19, and still achieved 300%+ annual growth post-pandemic. Now operating globally with clients across North America, Australia, and beyond, Pipeline's success is rooted in deep industry knowledge, user-centric design, and a strong remote team. Tessa discusses the importance of personal development, transparency in leadership, and obsessing over metrics like churn to drive real impact. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Tessa Thomas believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is that it's a daily effort—you have to consistently show up and ensure everything works as expected. She highlights how even the biggest businesses operate day-to-day, and for small business owners, there's no room for autopilot. From team absences to tech issues, she emphasizes that running a business requires constant attention, problem-solving, and staying close to the people you're serving, which can be both challenging and crucial. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Tessa Thomas's favorite business books that have helped her the most are 10x Is Easier Than 2x and Be Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan. She says these books have really stuck with her—not just for business growth, but also for gaining personal clarity and direction. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Tessa Thomas recommends The Startup CEO Show by Mark MacLeod as a great podcast for small business growth. Mark, a former CFO at Shopify and now a coach for startup CEOs, shares deep insights and interviews with founders, especially within the Canadian ecosystem. Tessa appreciates the practical advice and founder-focused conversations that help navigate the challenges of scaling a business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Tessa Thomas recommends Slack as a key tool to help grow a small business. While it may seem simple, she emphasizes that strong, clear communication is critical—especially for remote teams. Slack keeps everyone connected, aligned on goals, and engaged with the company's purpose, making it essential for maintaining momentum and team cohesion during growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Tessa Thomas says the advice she would give herself on day one of starting her business is simple but powerful: “It's worth it.” She'd remind herself that despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, the journey, growth, and impact make it all worthwhile. 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: The business will never outgrow the founder—your mindset sets the ceiling – Tessa Thomas Harmony, not balance, is the key to sustaining life and business together – Tessa Thomas Success isn't a destination; it's a commitment to keep showing up every day – Tessa Thomas      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Chris M. Walker, founder of Legiit, a global platform helping over 100,000 businesses grow through affordable, high-quality freelance services. Chris shares his journey from working in low-level IT and taking sales calls from the bathroom to building an 8-figure business without external investors. He opens up about building a strong remote team across continents, the importance of personal branding, and the power of long-term vision. Listeners will also hear his thoughts on leadership, AI, and maintaining sustainable business growth. It's a masterclass in bootstrapping, mindset, and smart risk-taking. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Chris M. Walker shared that the hardest thing in growing a small business is constantly keeping the balance between bringing in enough business without breaking the systems, while still delivering a high-quality product or service. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Chris M. Walker shared that his favorite business book that has helped him the most is the Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson. He mentioned it taught him a lot about what to do—and what not to do—especially in leadership and dealing with people. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Chris M. Walker shared that he doesn't listen to many podcasts regularly, but he did give a shoutout to the "Grow A Small Business" podcast itself. He emphasized that most of his learning has come from personal experience, books, and courses, rather than relying heavily on external podcast resources. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Chris M. Walker recommended ChatGPT as the number one tool to help grow a small business. He said that a $20 ChatGPT subscription is more valuable than any other tool you'll ever buy, highlighting its ability to save time, boost productivity, and simplify complex tasks. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Chris M. Walker shared that the advice he would give himself on day one of starting out in business is to figure out his long-term goal before doing anything else. He emphasized that without a clear direction, it's easy to fall into the trap of constantly chasing short-term wins, reacting to problems, and making poor decisions. According to him, having a long-term vision helps avoid getting stuck in survival mode and allows for more intentional, strategic growth. 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: Figure out your long-term goal before doing anything else, or you'll end up chasing chaos — Chris M. Walker Personal branding isn't optional anymore—it's your secret weapon in business — Chris M. Walker Real freedom comes from owning your business, not just doing the work in it — Chris M. Walker

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 Grow A Small Business, host Amanda Jones chats with Troy Trewin, founder of Grow A Small Business, about the critical role marketing plays in driving small business growth. Troy shares how unlocking 15 extra hours per week through better delegation transformed one client's marketing efforts and boosted profits. They discuss the importance of strategy before tactics, the power of email marketing, and building a strong personal and business brand. The conversation also highlights professional development as a key driver for staying ahead in marketing. Packed with real examples and practical tips, this episode offers actionable insights for sustainable scaling. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Unlock Time for Marketing – Delegate tasks to free up at least 15 extra hours a week for focused marketing work, especially in the mornings when energy is highest. Prioritize Strategy Before Tactics – Avoid jumping straight into promotions; build a clear marketing strategy aligned with your business goals first. Leverage Email Marketing – Regular, well-crafted emails to your audience deliver one of the highest returns on marketing investment. 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 Professional Development – Dedicate at least 2.5 hours a week to learning through podcasts, books, and courses to keep your marketing skills sharp. Track the Right Metrics – Monitor key data like lifetime value to customer acquisition cost (LTV:CAC) and test campaigns thoroughly before deciding on results. Build Brand Consistency – Focus on both personal and business branding to strengthen market presence and trust over time. One action small business owners can take:  According to Troy Trewin, one action small business owners can take is to block out dedicated time each week—starting with at least two one-hour sessions in the mornings—solely for working on marketing strategy and execution without distractions. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Robyn Djelassi, founder of Impact People Solutions. After a 25-year corporate HR career and a top role at Vinomofo, Robyn launched Impact People Solutions in 2022 to give growing Australian businesses access to top-tier people leadership without the full-time cost. Their flagship service, CPO Connect, embeds a fractional Chief People Officer into your business. Bootstrapped from day one, Robyn has grown the business from a solo consultancy into a cash-positive team of eight. This is a story of building a business on clarity, commerciality, and treating adults like adults. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Robyn, the hardest thing in growing a small business is time. Finding enough of it to get everything done, especially when you're wearing multiple hats as a founder. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Robyn's favourite business book is Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson. Despite being an oldie, she finds it incredibly relevant and continues to refer to it even today. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? One of Robyn's go-to podcasts for professional development is How I Work by Amantha Imber. She appreciates Amantha's insights on productivity and building habits that stick. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Robyn recommends using Microsoft To Do List as a simple yet powerful tool to manage daily tasks. Despite using more advanced tools like HubSpot, she finds this one still does the best job of helping her stay on track and productive. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? If she could go back to day one of starting her business, Robyn would tell herself: “Be patient.” Success doesn't happen overnight, and learning to breathe and enjoy the journey 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: Good people help good people. Kindness in business always comes back around – Robyn Djelassi You don't need funding to succeed. You need grit, trust, and a hell of a work ethic! – Robyn Djelassi Success is doing the work you love with people you respect, not just chasing numbers. – Robyn Djelassi      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Nick Ellsmore, ex-founder of Hivint, a cybersecurity consulting firm he co-founded in 2015 and sold in just three years for $23M. Nick shares how he went from starting his first business during university to exiting two companies for a combined $47M. He talks about building Security Colony to give small businesses access to enterprise-grade tools, the importance of storytelling in marketing, and creating a strong, values-driven culture. A few years on from leaving the business, Nick reflects on his journey, the mindset shifts that helped him grow, and the lessons learned from scaling fast in a demanding industry. 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 points 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Nick Ellsmore, the hardest thing is maintaining focus, momentum, and the “will to keep your business alive” through the rollercoaster of small business growth. Staying consistent when things get tough is often what defines long-term success. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Nick Ellsmore has shared that his favorite business book is Early Exits by Basil Peters. It helped him understand how to structure businesses for strategic acquisition, especially when building with an exit in mind. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Nick Ellsmore recommends the 90 Day Year by Todd Herman, a goal-setting and execution system that breaks the year into manageable 90-day sprints. It helped him stay focused on what truly moves the needle in business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Nick Ellsmore, the One Page Strategic Plan from Verne Harnish's Scaling Up is a game-changing tool. It helps align teams, clarify strategy, and focus everyone on priorities—all in one concise page. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Nick Ellsmore has shared that if he could go back, he'd simply tell himself, “It's going to be okay.” Despite the challenges and stress, everything will work out. Trust the process, keep pushing, and don't forget to breathe. 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 in business isn't about brilliance, it's about consistency and the will to keep going – Nick Ellsmore For your team, for your clients, for potential acquirers, story-telling is key: Why you? Why now?  – Nick Ellsmore If you want to sell your business one day, start building it that way from day one – Nick Ellsmore  

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 speaks with Leslie Hassler, founder of Your Biz Rules, shares her journey of helping service-based entrepreneurs scale with confidence and clarity. Leslie dives into her proprietary Scaling Rich Method and explains how focusing on predictable profitability, 90-day strategic planning, and mindset shifts can unlock exponential growth. She discusses a powerful case study where a client grew from $125K to over $1M in take-home pay within a few years. Leslie emphasizes that growth doesn't have to mean burnout—and that business success is about building systems, leveraging the right team, and not doing it all alone. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Profitability Comes First – Focus on making your business predictably profitable before scaling; cash is the fuel for growth.   Use 90-Day Strategic Plans – Long-term visions are important, but 90-day plans keep goals achievable, focused, and easier to execute.   Mindset Matters – Often, the biggest growth barrier is in your head. Let go of limiting beliefs and be open to what's truly possible. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?   You Don't Have to Do It Alone – There's no trophy for burnout—leverage experts, teams, and advisors to lighten the load and scale smarter.   Growth Can Be Exponential, Not Just Incremental – With the right foundations, systems, and timing, rapid growth is achievable without chaos.   One-Size-Fits-All Doesn't Work – Every business is different. Custom strategies based on data and current business needs outperform cookie-cutter solutions. One action small business owners can take: According to Leslie Hassler, one action small business owners can take is to create a focused 90-day strategic plan based on real business data—this helps identify low-hanging fruit, prioritize actions, and build momentum toward scalable 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Suzanna Chaplin, founder of ESB Connect, shares her incredible journey from starting an email marketing business with her father to building a powerhouse with over 17 million email addresses and £1.5M in revenue. She opens up about overcoming £250K in debt, navigating the emotional toll of a family business, and pioneering the UK's first email retargeting tech that matches anonymous site visitors with emails. Suzanna also dives into scaling with profitability, building a resilient team, and why owning your audience is more critical than ever. Her story is packed with real challenges, bold moves, and powerful insights for any business owner chasing sustainable 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Suzanna Chaplin, the hardest thing in growing a small business is navigating the emotional rollercoaster—the constant ups and downs. One day everything feels great with strong sales and a happy team, and the next day, key clients might pull budgets or team members might resign. It's the ability to stay consistent, keep showing up every day, and push through the tough times that truly tests a business owner's resilience. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Suzanna Chaplin's favorite business books that have helped her the most include “Winners” by Alastair Campbell for its insight into what makes successful people tick, and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, which she values for its lessons on communication and understanding people's core motivations. She also mentioned “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and books by Adam Grant as powerful resources that have shaped her business thinking. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Suzanna Chaplin recommends several powerful podcasts and online resources to help grow a small business, including How I Built This by Guy Raz for inspiring founder stories, Diary of a CEO for raw and insightful conversations (especially earlier episodes), and Sweat Equity by the founders of Hype for practical branding tips. She also suggests Founders for deep dives into entrepreneurial mindsets and The Spark by Emma Grede for valuable perspectives from a female founder's lens. Suzanna emphasizes that podcasts, books, and mentorship have been key to her learning, offering real-world solutions to everyday business challenges. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Suzanna Chaplin recommends Xero as a must-have tool to grow a small business, emphasizing the importance of knowing your numbers and staying on top of cash flow. While it may seem basic, having clear visibility into your finances is crucial for making smart decisions. She also highlights the value of implementing a solid CRM system as the business scales, helping manage team workflows, forecasting, and client communication more efficiently. These tools, she says, are essential for building a strong operational foundation. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Suzanna Chaplin's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be: “It's going to be okay—keep going and stay consistent.” She emphasizes the importance of trusting the journey, making quicker decisions when needed (especially around hiring), and not holding onto people or situations that no longer serve the business. She'd also remind herself to stay organized, believe in her instincts, and understand that the hard days will pass—and every small step forward adds up to big progress. 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 don't truly own your audience until you own their email address – Suzanna Chaplin Every small step you take during hard times becomes a giant leap in hindsight – Suzanna Chaplin Delegation isn't weakness — it's the key to real growth – Suzanna Chaplin      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Stephen Candelmo, founder and CEO of Paralex, a groundbreaking legal tech platform transforming how small businesses access legal support. Stephen shares how Paralex leverages AI to deliver fixed-fee legal services that are up to 80% cheaper than traditional law firms—making legal help more accessible for startups and small companies. He opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, pivoting from marketing tech to legal innovation, and building a scalable SaaS model with a human-in-the-loop approach. We also discuss the risks of relying solely on tools like ChatGPT for legal advice and the importance of blending tech with real legal expertise. Stephen's insights are a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of law, AI integration, and startup 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Stephen Candelmo, the hardest thing in growing a small business is having patience and faith when things are hard—which, he emphasizes, is often. He highlights how the journey is rarely linear and requires resilience through constant ups and downs. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? According to Stephen Candelmo, his favorite business book that has helped him the most is "Good to Great" by Jim Collins. He admires how the book outlines the art and science of elevating an organization from being merely good to truly great. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Stephen Candelmo, a great podcast he recommends for entrepreneurs is "How I Built This", which offers inspiring stories from founders about building their businesses. He also highlights the use of ChatGPT (GPT-4) as a powerful online tool—calling it his “consultant” and “thought partner”—for strategic thinking and exploring business ideas. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Stephen Candelmo recommends Trippify as a valuable tool to grow a small business. It's especially useful for automated LinkedIn outreach, helping small business owners connect with prospects through personalized messaging campaigns to generate leads and meetings. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Stephen Candelmo, the advice he would give himself on day one of starting out in business is: "It's going to take time — keep on believing. One day at a 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: When you combine need, experience, and passion, you find purpose — Stephen Candelmo If you take everything personally, you're focusing on the wrong thing — Stephen Candelmo Success is when your customers start referring you without being asked — Stephen Candelmo  

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 speaks with Harriet Mellor, founder of Your Sales Co, joins the podcast to share how she helps small businesses unlock major revenue growth through strategic sales enablement. With a background in tech and cybersecurity, Harriet dives into how deep-dive sales audits, reignite campaigns, and clear messaging frameworks can lead to a 300% increase in revenue. She emphasizes the importance of qualifying leads properly, following up with intent, and building personalized sales processes. Harriet also highlights common mistakes small teams make and how consistent activity tracking can change the game. Her practical, people-focused approach makes sales strategy accessible and effective for growing businesses. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Start with a Sales Audit: Get a clear picture of how your team communicates, qualifies leads, and follows up—this diagnostic is the foundation for smarter strategy. Reignite Past Opportunities: Don't ignore old leads. Revisit past prospects with improved messaging and a consistent follow-up process to uncover hidden revenue. Messaging Matters: If people don't quickly understand what you do, you're losing business. Use clear, relatable language to explain your offering confidently. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Don't Over-Propose, Qualify More: Most businesses jump to proposals too fast. Spend more time understanding the prospect's real pain before pitching a solution. Follow-Up Like a Pro: One follow-up isn't enough. Use structured sequences across email, phone, and LinkedIn to stay top of mind and close more deals. Track Activity, Not Just Results: Monitor sales activities like calls, meetings, and outreach—not just revenue—to catch issues early and keep your pipeline healthy. One action small business owners can take: According to Harriet Mellor, one action small business owners can take is to implement a structured follow-up process after every sales conversation—by setting the next meeting before ending the current one, they can maintain momentum and avoid losing warm leads. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Maria Nicholas Groves, founder of Talent Growth Partners, based in Milwaukee, USA. Starting in 2016, Maria built her talent advisory firm from $350K in year one to just under 2 million, growing 20% year over year. The business offers leadership development, coaching, fractional HR, and full-cycle recruiting with a team of 6 FTEs and 10 contractors. Maria shares how her team maintains an impressive Net Promoter Score of 88 by obsessing over client success. She also discusses the importance of culture, hiring for alignment, and consistently celebrating wins while scaling. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Maria Nicholas Groves, the hardest thing is balancing the need to consistently celebrate wins while also pushing toward future goals and ensuring the team stays aligned with the evolving vision. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Maria Nicholas Groves shared that her favorite business book is What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith, as it highlights the importance of staying agile and continually growing as a leader. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Maria Nicholas Groves shared that she starts each day with the Optimal Living Daily podcast. It's a short and diverse resource that helps set a positive mindset, drawing lessons from various authors and thought leaders. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Maria Nicholas Groves, LinkedIn Learning is a great resource, along with leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT, CoPilot, or Gemini to increase efficiency. She also emphasizes understanding your personal learning style to maximize growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Maria Nicholas Groves shared that if she could give herself advice on day one, it would be: "Don't play small." She believes in going after big goals with confidence from the very beginning. 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: Building a kick-ass culture is just as important as having a healthy sales pipeline – Maria Nicholas Groves The companies that win are the ones that never take their eye off both sales and delivery – Maria Nicholas Groves Leadership is about aligning your team around vision while staying obsessed with client success – Maria Nicholas Groves      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jeremy Ames, co-founder of Guidant Financial, who turned a $3.5K startup into a $28 million powerhouse helping over 35,000 retirees use their retirement funds to start businesses. Jeremy shares his journey of building a 250-person team across five countries, the challenges of scaling, and the importance of customer insight and culture. With over two decades of experience, he reflects on key mindset shifts, lessons from failure, and how clarity, grit, and adaptability shaped his success in business. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Jeremy Ames, the hardest part of growing a small business is managing the emotional rollercoaster while continuing to move forward. There are moments of doubt, tough decisions, and setbacks — but staying focused through it all is key. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Jeremy Ames shared that The High-Velocity Edge is the business book that helped him the most. It transformed how he thinks about scaling, continuous improvement, and building systems that allow a business to grow sustainably. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jeremy Ames recommends resources like Audible, Blinkist, and listening to diverse podcasts. He credits his creativity to constantly consuming ideas from various sources and combining them in unique ways to solve business challenges. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jeremy emphasized the importance of building a solid financial projection model. He believes it's the most powerful planning tool for any entrepreneur—it helps clarify assumptions, prepare for roadblocks, and guide decision-making. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Jeremy Ames, if he could go back to day one, he would tell himself to talk to customers early and often. Deep customer understanding would've helped shape a better product, stronger marketing, and faster 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: If you can't see the problem, you can't solve it—visibility is where all growth begins — Jeremy Ames Success isn't about doing more, it's about doing what matters most with clarity and intention — Jeremy Ames You don't need more money to start a business—you need a problem worth solving — Jeremy Ames      

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! To celebrate our epic 700th episode, we're going behind the scenes with Troy Trewin, Founder of Grow A Small Business, shares his journey from burnout to balance, highlighting his leadership at Lark Distillery and the New Zealand Whisky Collection. He reveals how a life-changing moment in Bali inspired him to create the free Transform Your Performance course.  The course has already helped over 100 small business owners and their teams work smarter, reduce stress, and reclaim their time. Troy discusses practical productivity tips, mindset shifts, and the power of simplicity in business. This episode is packed with real stories, proven tools, and powerful insights for every small business owner. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Ditch Morning Meetings – Protect Your Power Hours: Troy swears by keeping his mornings meeting-free to do two deep 90-minute focus sprints. Your brain is sharpest early—use it to tackle the big stuff, not check calendars! Hustle Less, Achieve More: Forget the hustle culture hype. Productivity isn't about grinding—it's about building smart, lasting habits that let you work less and get better results. Say No, or Not Yet – Prioritize Like a Pro: When everything is a priority, nothing is. Learning to say “no” or “not yet” helps you focus on what actually moves the needle in your business. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Inbox Lockdown = Game Changer: Troy uses a tool to block email access during work blocks—because "just checking" often turns into hours lost. Control your inbox before it controls you. Use the 'Success List' – Not a To-Do List: Forget endless to-do lists. Troy's simple 2-page “Success List” system helps you plan your week with intention, reduce stress, and finish each day with purpose. Burnout Isn't a Badge – It's a Warning Sign: Troy hit burnout four times before realizing something had to change. Your business won't thrive if you're running on empty—prioritize balance, or you'll pay the price. One action small business owners can take: According to Troy Trewin, one action small business owners can take is to block out their mornings for deep, distraction-free work—no meetings, no emails—just 90-minute sprints focused on high-impact tasks that drive real results. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business host Troy Trewin interviews Kerry Boulton from Exit Strategy Group, who shares her incredible journey of buying a freight business doing $16M and growing it to $50M with the same 63 staff. Kerry reveals how she executed a strategic exit after seven years, then went on to build and sell multiple ventures. Now through The Exit Strategy Group, she mentors owners on being “always exit ready,” balancing business, financial, and personal goals. She discusses the power of systems, the Value Builder tool, and finding your “Alan Bond moment.” Kerry's story is a masterclass in scaling, cash flow, people, and creating true freedom. 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. Maximise Your Business Sale Price To Meet Your Expectations! How to Exit Your Business Feeling Fulfilled Personally Satisfied and Have the Biggest Pay Day of Your Life 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Kerry Boulton, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing cash flow. Growth eats up cash faster than most owners expect, and many don't realize how easily they can run into a squeeze. She says you've got to keep a constant eye on cash, plan ahead, and understand that scaling up often means funding gaps you need to prepare for. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Kerry shares that her favorite business book is “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, which she says gave her a rock-solid foundation for both business and life. She also loves “The Great Game of Business” by Jack Stack for teaching how to build financial literacy and an ownership mindset in your team. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? For podcasts and learning resources, Kerry highly recommends “Built to Sell Radio” by John Warrillow, which dives into making your business more valuable and sellable. She also likes “Business Lunch” with Roland Frasier & Ryan Deiss, plus the Exit Planning Institute's podcast. And of course, she's a fan of Troy's Grow Small Business Podcast, which she appeared on. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? When it comes to tools, Kerry swears by the Value Builder System, which helps owners see their business through a buyer's eyes, score it across key value drivers, and figure out exactly where to improve to maximize value and exit readiness. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? If she could give herself advice on day one of starting out in business, Kerry laughs and says she'd simply tell herself to “buckle up,” because it's going to be a hell of a ride—full of challenges, personal growth, and ultimately the chance to create freedom and live life on her own terms. 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: Always run your business as if you'll sell it tomorrow — that's how you build something truly valuable — Kerry Boulton Buckle up — because business is the best roller coaster ride you'll ever take — Kerry Boulton Cash is the oxygen of your business; ignore it and you'll suffocate — Kerry Boulton      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Scott Cundill, founder of My Most Trusted, a platform that overlays LinkedIn and Zoom to build genuine, trust-based business connections. Scott shares how he grew the business to around $1M AUD annual revenue (equivalent), scaling at 20-30% per year while staying fully bootstrapped. He dives into the power of his 100-100 network strategy, explains how a pilot with BNI Philippines became a turning point for their white-label model, and talks about why he's passionate about creating ethical, human-to-human networking over spammy automation. Scott also reveals how free diving in Okinawa keeps him grounded as he continues to grow his 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Scott Cundill, the hardest thing in growing a small business is getting enough revenue to keep going, especially to consistently cover staff and operational costs. He also pointed out how tough it can be managing team dynamics — making sure you have the right people who can adapt as the business changes. For him, if you can secure steady revenue and build a team that evolves with you, you're already overcoming the biggest hurdles. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Scott Cundill didn't name a single favorite business book, but said he's most helped by books and resources about understanding different personality types — like those based on DISC, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram. For Scott, learning how to quickly read people and spot hidden agendas has been one of the most valuable skills in business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Scott Cundill didn't specifically recommend any podcasts or typical online learning resources. Instead, he highlighted that he finds the most value in tools and materials that help understand personality types, like DISC, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram. These have helped him navigate human behavior in business far more than traditional professional development content. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Scott Cundill's top recommendation is his own tool, My Most Trusted. He firmly believes in using it (or at least building the same concept) to create a 100-100 network — that's 100 people you deeply know, like, and trust, each with their own 100 trusted connections, opening up 10,000 warm opportunities. For Scott, this is hands down the best way to grow a small business. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Scott Cundill's advice to his younger self on day one would be: “Build your network early and keep nurturing it.” He emphasized that the contacts and friendships you make at the start often become your strongest allies and best business opportunities down the road — just like an alumni network you create for yourself. 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: Build a 100-100 network and you'll never run out of doors to knock on — Scott Cundill Learn to spot hidden agendas early; it'll save you years of pain — Scott Cundill One good meeting can change your life — nurture every connection — Scott Cundill      

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 speaks with Joel Salomon, founder of SaLaurMor, a former hedge fund manager turned prosperity coach. Joel now helps spiritual entrepreneurs shift their limiting beliefs around money and implement strategies to grow their businesses. He shares the powerful story of helping a client triple her income and quit her job within 60 days. A key takeaway from the episode is the concept of "acting as if", where entrepreneurs start behaving like their future successful selves. Joel also emphasizes that mindset without strategy—and vice versa—won't lead to lasting success. This episode is packed with practical tools to break through financial and visibility blocks. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Shift Your Money Mindset: Joel emphasizes that most business owners carry limiting beliefs about money. To grow, you must replace thoughts like "I can't afford it" with empowering beliefs of abundance and prosperity. Act As If You're Already Successful: Visualize your future business success and start making decisions from that mindset. Whether it's interviewing a new team member or planning a big event, acting as if helps you attract what you want. Charge What You're Worth: Underpricing your services creates an imbalance. Joel encourages business owners to price according to the transformation they provide—because helping clients achieve their dreams is priceless. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Align Strategy With Mindset: Having the right systems without a strong mindset—or vice versa—limits growth. Lasting success comes when belief and business strategy work hand-in-hand. Embrace Sales and Marketing: Many entrepreneurs, especially in spiritual fields, shy away from selling. Joel stresses that selling is serving—and visibility is key to helping more people. Tailor Your Business Strategy: Avoid cookie-cutter solutions. Joel's approach is to work with each client individually, ensuring their strategies align with their personality, values, and goals. One action small business owners can take: According to Joel Salomon, one action small business owners can take is to "act as if" their business is already successful — whether that means visualizing higher revenue, drafting a future team structure, or planning a celebration for hitting big goals. By aligning their mindset and behavior with their desired outcome, they start attracting the results they want faster. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Nelly Gal, founder of Live Vibrant Wellness & Esthetics, who shares her incredible story of going from $0 to building a $2M+ med spa business in just four years. Nelly opens up about supporting 12 family members back in Cuba, working only three days a week, and how she overcame burnout while scaling her clinic. She dives into the mindset shifts that helped her grow, the power of trusting her team, and why true success means having wealth without sacrificing joy or health. It's a must-listen for entrepreneurs, especially women, seeking inspiration to build a thriving business and life on their own terms. Other Resources: When should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors?en should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors? Get a return from an effective Chairperson of a Board 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Nelly Gal, the hardest part is changing your own mindset and truly believing in yourself. She says overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome is tougher than any operational or financial challenge. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Nelly Gal shares that Traction by Gino Wickman has been one of the most impactful books for her business journey, along with favorites like Atomic Habits and The 4-Hour Workweek. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Nelly Gal reveals that her biggest resource lately is actually ChatGPT and exploring AI tools. She's also invested in learning platforms like the app Cursive to deepen her knowledge of AI and tech for business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Nelly Gal strongly recommends having a solid CRM like Go High Level, using QuickBooks for finances (handled by her accountant), and above all — mastering AI tools like ChatGPT to save time and unlock new strategies. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Nelly Gal would tell her younger self: keep going, it gets better. Believe in yourself, stay patient, and know that you're far more capable than you think — your hard work will create something that feeds people, brings joy, and changes lives. 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 a number in your bank account — it's working three days a week, caring for your family, and living without burnout — Nelly Gal Trust your gut when hiring; the wrong person in the wrong seat will cost you more than you can imagine — Nelly Gal Invest in ads, invest in your team, and most importantly, invest in yourself — because your growth is the foundation of your business — Nelly Gal

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jarrad Goulding, founder of The Local Guys, who scaled his service-based franchise from humble beginnings in electrical test & tag to over 200 franchises across Australia and New Zealand. Jarrad shares how a flat fee model, leveraging AI tools, and prioritizing franchisee success drove their impressive growth. He also opens up about turning down big VC offers to keep the business family-focused and values-led, revealing what true success means to him. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Jarrad Goulding, the hardest part of growing a small business is realizing that ultimately, no one is coming to save you. As he put it, when you're in the driver's seat, every detail — from strategy to the smallest operational checks — rests on your shoulders. If something goes wrong, it's your responsibility, and that can be both terrifying and empowering. This mindset shift, understanding that you must push everything forward yourself and constantly verify results, is critical but also one of the toughest realities for any entrepreneur. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? According to Jarrad Goulding, two standout resources that have significantly contributed to his professional growth are the Dave Ramsey EntreLeadership podcast and the Diary of a CEO. He appreciates how EntreLeadership delivers practical, values-driven advice tailored for small business owners, while Diary of a CEO offers powerful, candid interviews that dig into the mindset and challenges of high performers. Jarrad also consumes a wide range of content on YouTube, treating it as a daily learning platform to keep sharpening his skills. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Jarrad Goulding, two standout resources that have significantly contributed to his professional growth are the Dave Ramsey EntreLeadership podcast and the Diary of a CEO. He appreciates how EntreLeadership delivers practical, values-driven advice tailored for small business owners, while Diary of a CEO offers powerful, candid interviews that dig into the mindset and challenges of high performers. Jarrad also consumes a wide range of content on YouTube, treating it as a daily learning platform to keep sharpening his skills. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Jarrad Goulding, the most essential tool he recommends for growing a small business is a solid CRM system. He believes that in today's world, relying on pen-and-paper methods or informal tracking is simply not sustainable once your customer base grows. A good CRM allows you to manage quotes, scheduling, follow-ups, and client relationships professionally, helping turn one-time jobs into long-term, repeat business. For Jarrad, this kind of system is the backbone of scaling a service business, enabling consistent customer engagement and building reliable, compounding revenue year after year. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Jarrad Goulding, the advice he would give himself on day one of starting out in business is to understand that success is not about what you personally gain but about who you become through the journey. In the early days, he thought it would all be about making money and enjoying the rewards, but over time, he realized the real value lies in the growth, resilience, and humility you develop by serving others, facing challenges, and building something meaningful. He believes that keeping this perspective from the start would have made the journey even more purposeful and fulfilling. 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 what you get — it's about who you become along the way — Jarrad Goulding A CRM isn't just a tool; it's the engine that turns one-time clients into a lifetime of growth — Jarrad Goulding Hire slow, trust your gut, and protect your culture like your business depends on it — because it does — Jarrad Goulding

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 speaks with Rai Hyde Cornell of Cornell Content Marketing reveals how to tap into buyer psychology, outsmart giant competitors, and win loyal clients—all without blowing your budget on ads. Discover how empathy-driven, long-term strategies can fill your pipeline for years, build unshakable trust, and turn your brand into the obvious choice. If you're ready to grow your market share the smart, sustainable way, this is the episode you can't afford to miss. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Use buyer psychology: Understand what keeps your ideal customers up at night—even beyond what you sell — and craft marketing that speaks directly to their real problems.   Stop chasing quick wins: Ditch short-term campaigns that burn cash and energy. Invest in long-term demand generation that keeps paying you back year after year.   Get ahead of competitors early: Capture your audience before they're ready to buy, so when the time comes, you're already their favorite choice. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?   Be genuinely helpful: Create content and tools that solve multiple pain points for your audience, not just those tied to your product. Trust builds loyalty.   Empathize like crazy: Take time to imagine your buyers' hectic lives—step into their shoes. This will sharpen your messaging more than any funnel hack ever could.   Build brand relationships, not transactions: Focus on becoming a trusted advisor. When people know, like, and trust you, selling becomes almost effortless. One action small business owners can take: According to Rai Hyde Cornell, one action small business owners can take is to pause for 5-10 minutes, truly step into their buyer's shoes, and empathize with what their Monday looks like—because understanding their world is the secret to crafting irresistible marketing. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Nicola Mason, co-founder of Smitten Merino, shares how she built a thriving Tasmanian fashion brand from her dining table to a $4M business with 30 staff. Using premium Merino wool, they've championed local manufacturing and sustainability, growing through clever strategies like authentic, personal email marketing. Nicola talks about navigating challenges during COVID, balancing rapid growth with family life, and how resilience and creativity turned their dream into a lasting success story. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Nicola Mason, the hardest thing in growing a small business is making sure you don't damage family relationships along the way—especially in a family-run business. Balancing intense work demands with family harmony takes real intention. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Nicola Mason shares that The E-Myth was one of the first business books that truly helped her, alongside Brene Brown's work on vulnerability and leadership, and she recently found Hanging by a Thread by Erin Dearing particularly relevant. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Nicola Mason, some of the best resources to help grow a small business include the Grow a Small Business Podcast, Diary of a CEO, Huberman Lab, and anything by Brene Brown. She finds these not only practical but also inspiring for both business strategy and personal development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Nicola Mason believes the best “tool” for growing a small business isn't software or tech, but the qualities of passion and resilience—showing up every day, even when it's tough. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Nicola Mason would tell herself on day one to keep going, hold onto the dream, trust the vision, and know that despite the setbacks, it truly will work out in the end. 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: Layer up in wool, layer up in courage — both will get you through the cold days — Nicola Mason Our customers don't just wear our clothes — they become part of our family story — Nicola Mason If you love what you do, you'll keep reinventing, even when the world wobbles — Nicola Mason  

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet, who built a $3M podcast marketing agency with 15 FTEs after exiting two prior businesses. He shares how turning off cold outreach and focusing on trust-based podcast marketing skyrocketed results. Tom reveals why “relationships are the ultimate currency”, how AI is changing the marketing game, and why he took a 6-week sabbatical to prove the business could thrive without him. Packed with wisdom for founders serious about scaling smart. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Tom Schwab, the hardest part is patience and consistency. He explains that founders often want results quickly, but true growth requires staying the course and pushing through the slower, uncertain times. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Tom Schwab shares that his favorite business book is "Thou Shall Prosper" by Rabbi Daniel Lapin. It shaped his thinking around the purpose of business, value creation, and ethical success. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Tom Schwab recommends the podcast "Follow Your Different" by Christopher Lochhead. He appreciates its eclectic guests and thought-provoking insights that often leave him asking deeper questions about his own business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Tom Schwab shares that mentor groups have been invaluable—especially peer-based organizations like Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and Collective 54. He emphasizes the importance of getting out of your bubble and learning from others' experience. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Tom Schwab, his advice on day one of starting out in business would be: focus more on relationships. He believes that “relationships are the ultimate currency” and that trust and human connection drive long-term success in 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: Relationships are the ultimate currency — trust pays the highest dividends – Tom Schwab Success isn't the destination, it's the progress toward a worthy goal – Tom Schwab Hope is not a strategy – clarity and action are – Tom Schwab      

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 speaks with Rick Calabrese, a specialist in business valuation and owner of Commonwealth M&A. Rick delves into the critical role of professional valuations for small business owners, particularly those in the lower middle market with revenues ranging from $5 million to $100 million. He explains why business value is often an intangible asset that requires expert assessment. Rick also highlights common factors that impact valuations, such as heavy owner involvement and customer concentration. Sharing insights from his firm's track record—successfully selling seven businesses in just two and a half years—he underscores the importance of strengthening operational systems, refining financial metrics, and building a trusted team of advisors. Ultimately, Rick emphasizes that thoughtful preparation and a clear plan are essential to achieving a successful business exit. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Get a Professional Valuation: Your business is likely your largest asset, yet its value is often intangible. Engage valuation specialists to understand its true worth, especially before planning an exit. Reduce Owner Dependence: Businesses that are overly reliant on the owner are harder to sell. Build strong teams and systems so the company can thrive without you. The most attractive businesses are often run by owners who can afford to be on vacation. Diversify Your Customer Base: Avoid heavy customer concentration. Buyers see too much revenue tied to a few clients as a risk. Broaden your client mix and aim for recurring revenue streams. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Plan Early & Be Patient: Preparing for a sale can take years. Strengthen operations, improve financial metrics, and update valuations regularly so you're ready when the time—and the market—is right. Build a Trusted Deal Team: Selling a business isn't like selling a house. Surround yourself with experienced advisors—specialist lawyers, CPAs, and M&A experts—to guide you through this complex process. Understand the Buyer's Perspective: Buyers focus on risk, stability, and future cash flows. Position your business as a predictable, systematized operation to command a premium price. One action small business owners can take: According to Rick Calabrese, one action a small business owner should take is to reduce owner dependence by building strong teams and systems—so the business can operate smoothly without them, making it far more attractive and valuable to future 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Barrie Cohen, founder of BC Public Relations, about her journey of building a successful Denver-based PR firm. Since its inception in 2017 as a solo venture, the firm has grown into a dynamic team of five women. Initially focused on traditional media, BC Public Relations has diversified into digital platforms such as podcasts and YouTube. Cohen shares insights on the power of storytelling in marketing, navigating the challenges of team management, and fostering strong client relationships. She also discusses self-funding her business, leveraging AI in PR, and the transformative value of mentorship and professional development. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Barrie said the hardest thing is that we often focus too much on what we're not doing well and forget to celebrate the wins. She stressed it's easy to feel like we're constantly screwing up instead of recognizing the many little victories that come with growing a business. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Barrie's favorite is “The Business of Persuasion” by Harold Burson, a pioneer in public relations. It's somewhat niche to her industry (PR), but she finds it offers great lessons on how the field started and evolved. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? She recommends The PR Podcast (specific to PR), and also listens to Mel Robbins for personal growth. Beyond that, she values reading widely and networking to learn from peers. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Barrie recommended media databases (like Cision, Muck Rack, Meltwater). While these are mainly for PR, she highlighted how powerful the right tools can be to connect with audiences and tell your story effectively. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Her advice for day one in business is to keep pushing forward. Embrace the tough moments, allow yourself to feel them—maybe even shed a tear — but always rise again the next day. As a business owner, others rely on you, and the journey is a continuous one. 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: Keep moving forward – cry it out if you must, but get up the next day and keep going — Barrie Cohen Focus less on what you're not doing well, and take time to celebrate the small wins — Barrie Cohen You're running a business, not a charity; hire for skill, not just likability — Barrie Cohen      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Ryan Carey, founder of Better On — a platform that helps leaders enhance their communication skills through asynchronous video. Carey recounts his path from working at YouTube to establishing his own venture in 2019. He underscores the importance of self-care and mental health, sharing how his company has achieved consistent 15% year-over-year growth and now employs seven full-time team members, all without external investment. Carey highlights the power of video in marketing, the ongoing challenge of balancing sales efforts with product development, and the critical roles of trust, exercise, and sound financial management. He also reflects on the value of mentorship and the courage required to navigate the uncertainties of growing a 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Ryan Carey believes the hardest part of growing a small business is facing the unknown — never knowing what tomorrow might bring, how you'll feel, or what changes could come in the market or industry—which means having the courage to move forward despite constant uncertainty. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Ryan Carey said his favorite business book that has helped him the most is Blue Ocean Strategy, explaining that it opened his eyes to how to approach markets differently. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Ryan Carey shared that he doesn't listen to many podcasts, but he did highlight his use of tools like Loom, an asynchronous video recorder, as a valuable resource. While not a traditional learning tool, he uses video heavily to communicate more effectively and save time — something he considers essential for running and growing a small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Ryan Carey recommended QuickBooks as a key tool to help grow a small business. He stressed the importance of getting your “money house in order,” noting that having clean, organized financials makes running and growing a business much easier. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Ryan Carey said that if he could give himself advice on day one of starting out, it would be: “It's going to be hard as shit, but it's going to be so great.” 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: Take care of your body first — it's the only temple you've got — Ryan Carey Success is helping the most people, making the most money, while hiring the fewest — Ryan Carey Trust your people, make them feel seen, and you'll build a culture that lasts — Ryan Carey      

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 transformational executive coach Will Samson of WillSamson.com. Will shares his approach to helping IT executives and small business owners manage chaos by focusing on internal transformation and “radical self-ownership.” He emphasizes the power of identifying what can and cannot be controlled, using personal narratives to reshape outcomes. Through compelling case studies—including a CFO overcoming trauma and a successful post-merger integration—Will illustrates how shifting mindset leads to measurable business success. Listeners are encouraged to clarify their own controllable factors to gain focus and resilience. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Practice Radical Self-Ownership: Take complete responsibility for your internal state and actions. Lasting business success starts with personal transformation. Control What You Can, Release What You Can't: Create a simple list of what's within your control versus what isn't. This clarity helps reduce overwhelm and sharpen focus.   Your Internal Narrative Shapes Your Reality: The stories you tell yourself influence how you respond to challenges. Rewriting those stories can lead to better decisions and outcomes. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Success Brings New Challenges: Growth isn't the end of struggle—it introduces new layers of complexity. Be prepared to adapt your mindset and systems as you scale.   Interdependence Beats Independence: You can't do it all alone. Building systems and relationships around shared support fosters sustainable success. Business Chaos is Often Personal Chaos: Many external challenges reflect unresolved internal conflicts. Addressing the personal side of leadership often unlocks the solutions to business problems. One action small business owners can take: According to Will Samson, one action a small business owner should take is to make a list dividing what they can control and what they can't—this simple exercise brings clarity, reduces overwhelm, and empowers focused, intentional decision-making. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Julia Linehan, founder of The Digital Voice, a UK-based PR and marketing agency specializing in ad tech and martech. Julia shares her journey from a solo consultant to leading a remote team of 36, including 28 full-time equivalents. Over the past six years, she has grown the agency's revenue sixfold and doubled profits, driven by her people-first approach. Julia discusses the challenges of letting go, the power of consistent company culture, and the value of tools like Trello and Slack. She also highlights the importance of work-life balance and strong client relationships in building a sustainable, scalable business. Other Resources: When should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors? Get a return from an effective Chairperson of a Board 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Julia Linehan, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing stress. She explains that without effectively handling stress, it can quickly become overwhelming and negatively impact both the individual and the business. She also highlights cash flow management as a significant challenge, noting the delicate balance required between growth, maintaining profitability, and ensuring financial stability. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Julia Linehan's favorite business books that have helped her the most are "Big Impact Without Burnout" by Bianca Best and "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott. She also recommends "The One Minute Manager" and "Monkey Management" for their practical insights on leadership and team communication. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Julia Linehan recommends several valuable podcasts and online learning resources for small business growth, including her agency's own shows Off Record On Point and Legends of Adtech. She also highlights podcasts by Tamara Littleton and Paul Gubbins with Wayne Blodwell for insights into the ad tech and marketing industries. For ongoing learning, she suggests platforms like Skillshare and Coursera and encourages dedicating regular time, such as a weekly “Boost Your Power Hour,” to continuous professional development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Julia Linehan recommends using the right tools to support remote collaboration and project management when growing a small business. Her top picks are Trello, for organizing tasks and workflows with transparency, and Slack, for maintaining strong team communication and connection. She emphasizes that investing in effective software tailored to your business needs is essential for sustainable growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Julia Linehan's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be to be present, enjoy the journey, and smile through it. She believes that the more you enjoy what you're doing, the more others around you will too, creating a positive ripple effect in both team culture and client relationships. 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 over profits—invest in your team, and the returns will follow – Julia Linehan Let go, trust your team, and watch them fly – Julia Linehan You don't need to chase every opportunity – protect your culture first – Julia Linehan      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Owen Tilbury, founder of Clip Consulting, who shares his entrepreneurial journey from launching a restaurant in Tasmania to selling it for nearly a million dollars before the 2008 financial crisis. Owen emphasizes the importance of systemizing processes, crafting a unique selling proposition (USP), and fostering community engagement. He discusses his pivot from corporate consulting to community development, leading to the Great Regional City Challenge, which has raised over $600,000 for local projects. Owen also highlights the value of celebrating small wins, balancing work-life goals, and preparing for life after selling a business. The conversation explores people management, including the role of honesty, clear performance documentation, and creating job satisfaction through autonomy, goal clarity, and recognition. Insights from his 44 years in business include mentorship, the importance of life goals beyond work, and lessons learned from initiatives like the Men's Table, a support group for men navigating life challenges. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Owen Tilbury believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is finding and managing the right people. He explains that poor hiring choices can severely harm a business, and even well-qualified candidates on paper may not perform as expected. Letting staff go is never easy, but it's sometimes necessary when they aren't a good fit. He highlights the importance of setting clear goals, documenting performance, and being honest during the process. While he also discusses the challenges of systemizing operations, he makes it clear that people management is the toughest part of the growth journey. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Owen Tilbury's favorite business book that helped him the most is The E-Myth by Michael Gerber. He credits it with fundamentally shifting his mindset about entrepreneurship, particularly the importance of systemizing a business rather than relying solely on personal effort. The book helped him move beyond the "myth" of the natural entrepreneur and focus on building scalable systems that could operate without him, which became a key factor in the long-term success and eventual sale of his consulting business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Owen Tilbury didn't specifically mention any particular podcasts or online learning resources by name in the interview. However, he emphasized the value of lived experience over theory, suggesting that small business owners should learn directly from others who have actually built businesses. He praised initiatives like the Grow a Small Business podcast itself for featuring real-world stories and practical insights, rather than purely academic advice. His approach to learning leans toward practical, experience-based sharing, community engagement, and learning by doing rather than relying heavily on formal online resources. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Owen Tilbury recommends systemization as the most powerful tool to grow a small business. He highlights the importance of creating structured processes that allow the business to operate smoothly without relying solely on the owner. Specifically, he developed a systemized consulting framework called the Profit and Growth Process, which included custom software, manuals, surveys, and templates to streamline business planning and improvement. This approach not only enhanced consistency and scalability but also made his business valuable enough to sell for 15× EBITDA. For Owen, systemizing operations is the key resource every small business should invest in. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Owen Tilbury's advice to himself on day one of starting out in business would be to focus early on systemizing everything and to build the business around the life you want—not the other way around. He emphasizes that business should serve your life goals, not consume them. He also suggests being clear on what success looks like personally, not just financially, and to celebrate small wins along the way. Most importantly, he would remind himself to create a product or service with a clear competitive advantage (USP) and to not be afraid of failing small while learning fast. 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: Business should serve your life, not become your life — Owen Tilbury You don't need permission to make your community better — just start — Owen Tilbury Celebrate early and often—small wins build great journeys — Owen Tilbury      

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 Joey Coleman, Chief Experience Composer at Design Symphony, shares insights on how business owners can design their first 100 days to foster momentum, clarity, and joy. He highlights the value of taking extended breaks, recommending at least two weeks to recharge and prevent burnout. Advocating for personal growth, Coleman encourages reading fiction and scheduling time for self-care to prioritize well-being. Additionally, he emphasizes celebrating achievements and maintaining a balance between work and personal life as key strategies for sustaining long-term success. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Design Your Own First 100 Days: Apply the same strategic thinking you use for customers and employees to yourself—plan your first 100 days of any new business phase with intention and clarity. Take True Time Off to Reset: Even a 10+ day break (ideally more) away from work and tech can dramatically reset your energy, creativity, and focus. You're not just resting—you're recharging your leadership capacity. Celebrate Small Wins Regularly: Don't wait for big milestones to celebrate—acknowledge small victories to boost motivation and prevent burnout. Even a solo movie or walk can be a powerful reward. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Grow Yourself, Not Just the Business: Set personal growth goals with the same focus you give business metrics. A stronger, wiser version of you is needed to lead the next stage of your company. Protect Appointments with Yourself: Treat time with yourself as sacred. If you wouldn't cancel a client meeting, don't cancel on yourself. Your well-being directly impacts your business health. Rediscover Joy Through Non-Business Activities: Read fiction, take a dance class, explore hobbies—doing things that have no direct business ROI can reignite creativity and emotional resilience. One action small business owners can take:  According to Joey Coleman, one action a small business owner should take is a 10-day (or longer) true break from work—completely unplugged from emails, calls, and business tasks—to reset, gain clarity, and return with renewed energy. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Cathy Yoder, founder of Empowered Cooks, who shares her inspiring journey from starting a simple blog in 2008 to building a thriving business with seven full-time equivalent team members. Her popular YouTube channel, which focuses on air fryer recipes, has garnered over 752,000 subscribers and has been a key driver of her success. Cathy has sold more than 50,000 cookbooks, achieved over $70,000 in monthly sales, and generates significant revenue from both digital and physical product sales. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the importance of staying authentic, continuously learning, and balancing the demands of family life with entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, Cathy plans to sell her product line and retire, marking the next chapter of her remarkable 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Cathy Yoder, the hardest thing in growing a small business is "the grind of working hard without seeing immediate returns." She emphasized the challenge of staying committed during the early phases when results are slow, especially in a culture that expects instant success. Her advice is to trust your gut, keep at it, and be okay with delayed rewards. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Cathy Yoder's favorite business book that helped her the most is Essentialism by Greg McKeown. She shared that it taught her to cut out the fluff, focus on what truly matters, and work more efficiently, especially after experiencing overwhelm from trying to do everything in her earlier business partnerships. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Cathy Yoder recommends several great podcasts and online learning resources to help grow a small business, including the Ed Mylett Podcast and Brendon Burchard for motivation and performance, and Jody Moore's “Better Than Happy” podcast and life coaching membership for mindset and personal development. She also emphasizes the value of joining mastermind groups and hiring business coaches early on, even if it's a small investment, as they helped her build systems and accountability that supported her business growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Cathy Yoder recommends YouTube as a powerful tool to grow a small business. She highlights that, while it's a long game and not an instant win, it's a fantastic way to build trust, generate leads, and get paid while doing it. By being authentic and consistently creating content, she was able to grow a loyal audience and convert that engagement into substantial revenue through product sales and memberships. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Cathy Yoder's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be: “Trust the process. Keep going.” She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, especially during the early stages when progress feels slow, and believes that staying consistent and trusting your instincts is key to 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: Being okay with being uncomfortable is the key to building habits that lead to success — Cathy Yoder Success is not either family or business—it's being present and impactful in both — Cathy Yoder Authenticity will always set you apart in a world full of automation — Cathy Yoder      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Dean Mathews, the founder of On The Clock. Dean shares his evolution from a solo software developer in 2004 to leading a team of 23 professionals, supporting 170,000 to 280,000 active users. Originally launched as a time-tracking app, On The Clock has expanded to include employee scheduling and payroll services, with ambitious goals of reaching $10 million in revenue and one million monthly active users. Dean discusses the critical role of consistency, hiring the right talent, and leveraging tools like Asana for effective project management. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and fostering a culture that prioritizes growth and team development. Other Resources:  When should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors? Get a return from an effective Chairperson of a Board 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Dean Mathews, the hardest thing in growing a small business is shifting from doing everything yourself to empowering others by building systems and trusting your team. He highlights the importance of moving from working in the business to working on the business, emphasizing that true growth comes from hiring the right people, clearly defining roles, and creating an operating structure that allows others to thrive. You can't scale alone, and recognizing that earlier can make a significant difference. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Dean Mathews' favorite business book that has helped him the most is Scaling People by Claire Hughes Johnson. He found it especially valuable because it offers practical frameworks and structures for growing teams and building an internal operating system. The book resonated with him as it closely aligned with the challenges he faced while scaling OnTheClock, particularly around leadership, processes, and team development. He even conducted a book club at work based on it, applying its lessons to enhance how his company operates. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Dean Mathews recommends several great podcasts and online learning resources to help grow a small business, especially in the SaaS space. His top pick is the SaaStr Podcast, which features insights from successful SaaS founders and is packed with growth strategies. He also expressed strong interest in exploring content by Alex Hormozi, particularly his books $100M Offers and $100M Leads, and his podcast focused on data-driven business scaling. Additionally, Built to Sell Radio by John Warrillow was recommended for its focus on recurring revenue and building sellable businesses, while Nathan Latka's Podcast was noted for its sharp focus on SaaS metrics like ARR, MRR, CAC, and churn—making it a valuable listen for any growth-minded founder. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Dean Mathews recommends using a project management tool like Asana to grow a small business, as it helps teams stay organized, track progress, and manage both projects and processes effectively. He believes every business boils down to three core elements—people, projects, and processes—and Asana helps align them in a structured way. Additionally, he highlights creating an internal operating system (built in tools like Google Slides), which outlines company values, goals, job roles, meeting structures, and key metrics. Together, these tools support scalable growth and team alignment. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Dean Mathews' advice to himself on day one of starting out in business would be to “buckle in, you're in for a ride” and to understand early on that scaling a business is all about people. He emphasizes that success doesn't come from doing everything yourself, but from hiring the right people, trusting them, and building systems that empower them to thrive. He reflects that if he had learned earlier how to let go of control and focus on developing others, his business could have grown even faster. Surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you in their areas is key to building something truly sustainable. 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: Trusting others with your vision is the first step to real growth — Dean Mathews A strong culture starts with clearly defined and lived values — Dean Mathews Leadership is less about control and more about enabling success  — Dean Mathews  

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 David Dilger, co-founder of Edge Legal, to explore the critical topic of psychosocial safety for small business owners. Drawing on over 30 years of legal and leadership experience, Dilger highlights the significant impact of unmanaged mental health risks in the workplace—emphasizing that mental health injuries cost three times more and take four times longer to resolve than physical injuries. He identifies key psychosocial hazards such as interpersonal conflict, inappropriate behavior, resistance to change, and mismatched expectations. Dilger underscores the importance of self-aware leadership, cultivating a respectful workplace culture, and conducting regular one-on-one meetings with team members. He also stresses the need for up-to-date policies, comprehensive training, and proactive risk assessments to effectively manage psychosocial risks and ensure legal compliance. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Mental Health Risks Are Costly: Mental health injuries cost businesses three times more and take four times longer to resolve than physical injuries—making prevention and early action essential. Know Yourself as a Leader: The way leaders behave significantly influences workplace culture. Self-awareness and empathy are crucial for building trust and psychological safety. Interpersonal Issues Are the Core Hazards: Most psychosocial risks stem from interpersonal conflict, inappropriate behaviors, resistance to change, and unmet expectations—addressing these proactively reduces harm. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? One-on-One Meetings Are Powerful Tools: Regular 10–15 minute one-on-one meetings between managers and team members help detect issues early, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. Update Policies and Train Your People: Outdated policies won't protect your business. Regularly revise them to reflect current expectations, and ensure all staff are trained and understand them. Risk Management Is Not Optional: Conducting proper risk assessments, applying reasonable controls, and reviewing them over time is essential for compliance and maintaining a healthy work environment. One action small business owners can take: According to David Dilger, one action a small business owner should take is to implement regular one-on-one meetings with employees, as this fosters open communication, builds trust, and helps identify and address psychosocial risks early. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin engages in an insightful conversation with Sari Davidson, founder of Fractional Founders. Sari shares her entrepreneurial journey, beginning with the establishment of Boogan Head, a baby products company, in 2007, through to its successful acquisition in 2024. Boogan Head's product line, which included pacifier clips, was distributed through major retailers such as Walmart and Target, achieving annual revenues between $5 and $10 million with a team of nine full-time employees. During the discussion, Sari underscores the significance of authenticity in marketing and addresses the complexities of scaling a business, particularly the challenges posed by Walmart's markdown policies. She also stresses the critical need for small business owners to maintain a strong grasp of financial management and highlights the value of mentorship and continuous professional development in driving long-term 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Sari Davidson, the hardest aspects of growing a small business are time and money. Limited resources make it challenging to fund people, marketing, production, and essential activities like trade shows. Additionally, when owners try to do everything themselves, it often leads to burnout. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Sari Davidson finds "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss impactful. She has implemented principles from the book to create balance and efficiency in both her past and current businesses. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Sari Davidson highly values in-person learning opportunities, such as regional conferences and events from organizations like EO (Entrepreneur Organization). While she isn't a fan of online courses, she loves podcasts and incorporates them into her daily routine to gain insights on business and health. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Sari Davidson emphasizes the power of AI tools like Canva and Adobe, especially for small businesses. These tools help create professional-quality outputs at a low cost, enabling businesses to compete effectively. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Sari Davidson advises her younger self to trust that everything will work out in the end. She believes the challenges faced will lead to accomplishments and experiences that allow you to impact others significantly. Additionally, seeing her children admire her work ethic has been a gratifying outcome. 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: Authenticity paired with the right marketing takes you farther than anything else – Sari Davidson Every small business owner should know where every single dollar is going – Sari Davidson Being an entrepreneur is like a sickness—you can't not do it – Sari Davidson      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin speaks with Matthew Whyatt, Managing Director of Tech Torque Systems. Matthew shares his entrepreneurial journey, scaling a previous business to 70 employees before intentionally transitioning to a leaner, more focused team of six at Tech Talk, specializing in B2B marketing for SaaS and tech companies.   He discusses the power of long-term strategy, the impact of personal branding, and the growing effectiveness of hyper-personalized marketing. With revenue projected to exceed $1 million, Matthew attributes much of the company's success to a disciplined marketing approach, robust systems, and clearly defined processes. He also opens up about the realities of cash flow management, the importance of professional development, and the enduring value of mentorship in sustaining business 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Matthew Whyatt, the hardest part of growing a small business is avoiding distractions and staying focused on what truly drives long-term success. He stresses the temptation of chasing "shiny objects"—the latest tools, trends, or business ideas—that can derail progress. Instead, he believes in the importance of discipline, consistency, and nurturing the core business strategy. Using the metaphor of letting the oak tree grow from the acorn you planted, he emphasizes the need to water, tend, and build structure and systems around the business rather than relying on short-term tactics or quick wins. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Matthew Whyatt mentions several impactful business books, but one of his favorites that has helped him the most is The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino. He appreciates it for its powerful lessons wrapped in a fable format. He also highlights The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt, which offers valuable insights into process thinking and business systems, and says that thinking of a business like a manufacturing process can significantly improve throughput and efficiency. These books have deeply influenced his approach to sales, systems, and business strategy. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Matthew Whyatt recommends several valuable podcasts and online learning resources for growing a small business. He highlights Dale Beaumont's Business Blueprint as particularly impactful, noting its structured, systems-focused approach and strong community of business owners. He also mentions learning a lot from thought leaders like Alex Hormozi and Neil Patel, especially around marketing and personal branding. In terms of podcasts, he recommends checking out Nathan Latka's podcast, which focuses on SaaS businesses and digs deep into financials and growth strategies—ideal for those in the tech and software space. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Matthew Whyatt recommends your calendar as the most powerful tool for growing a small business. He emphasizes the importance of scheduling tasks with discipline and structure to maintain consistency and productivity. In addition, he suggests exploring AppSumo to find lifetime deals on useful business tools, helping reduce the burden of monthly subscriptions while still accessing high-quality software for marketing, automation, and operations. These resources, combined with disciplined execution, can significantly enhance small business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Matthew Whyatt's advice to his younger self on day one of starting out in business would be: “It's all going to be okay.” This simple yet powerful message reflects his belief in trusting the journey, staying resilient through challenges, and focusing on long-term growth rather than immediate outcomes. It encapsulates the importance of patience, perspective, and perseverance in 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: Success is planting the acorn, nurturing it, and letting the oak tree thrive with systems and structure — Matthew Whyatt True success is the freedom to wake up and do what you love every single day — Matthew Whyatt Avoid the short-term sugar hit; long-term success is built on consistency and discipline — Matthew Whyatt  

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 Trang Nova, a renowned speaker and speaking coach, who shares her inspiring journey from physiotherapy to empowering entrepreneurs and business owners to harness the power of effective communication. Trang discusses common challenges her clients face—including public speaking anxiety, team leadership, and building personal brands—and emphasizes that 93% of a message's impact lies in its delivery rather than just words. She outlines her approach to mindset, articulation, and vocal presence, and offers compelling case studies of clients who have achieved remarkable business growth through improved speaking skills. Trang also shares a practical tip: record and review your own speaking to uncover opportunities for impactful improvement. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Your Voice Is a Business Asset: Effective communication isn't just a soft skill—it directly impacts your ability to lead, sell, and influence. Learning to use your voice with clarity and confidence can elevate your brand and business. 93% of Communication Is Non-Verbal: Trang emphasizes that how you say something—your tone, pace, body language, and energy—has a far greater impact than the words themselves. Delivery drives trust, authority, and connection. Mindset Shapes Your Message: Many entrepreneurs struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Building the confidence to be seen and heard is foundational to becoming a compelling communicator and leader. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Tailor Your Speaking Style: There's no one-size-fits-all solution. Trang works with clients individually to help them refine their unique speaking style—whether that means slowing down, speaking up, or pausing more intentionally. Leadership Requires Clear Communication: Business owners who lead small teams must learn to communicate with a balance of warmth and authority. Mastering hard conversations and motivational messaging is crucial for team growth. Practice with Purpose: Trang recommends a simple but powerful exercise: record a 2-minute video of yourself speaking and review it after a day. This builds self-awareness and helps you identify key areas to improve delivery and presence.   One action small business owners can take: According to Trang Nova, one action a small business owner should take is to record a 2-minute video of themselves speaking—whether introducing their business or sharing a story — and watch it the next day to identify areas for improving clarity, confidence, and delivery. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Francesca Moi, founder of Empowering Virtual Solutions. Francesca shares her journey from starting a business 15 years ago to pivoting three years ago to focus solely on virtual assistants (VAs). Since then, she has grown the company from 1 to 78 full-time equivalent team members, serving over 1,500 clients and generating $1.8 million in revenue. Her business connects Australian companies with skilled VAs from the Philippines, offering services in admin, customer service, and marketing. Francesca highlights the benefits of offshore teams, including better wages and work-life balance for her staff. She also discusses the importance of leadership, time blocking, and continuous professional development, while reflecting on the challenges and lessons of managing fast growth. Other Resources: When should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors? Get a return from an effective Chairperson of a Board 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? Francesca Moi believes the hardest part of growing a small business is managing people during fast growth. As her team expanded rapidly, she found herself in a managerial role she didn't enjoy. Balancing leadership with structured team management became a challenge. She emphasizes the importance of building the right support to complement your strengths. 2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Francesca Moi's favorite business book that has helped her the most is "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell. She values it for its practical strategies on delegation and reclaiming time as a business owner. The book deeply resonated with her as she scaled her VA business. It reinforced her belief in building systems and freeing herself from daily operations. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Francesca Moi recommends listening to Alex Hormozi's podcast and reading his book "$100M Offers", which she found incredibly helpful for refining offers and sales strategies. She also enjoys mindset-focused podcasts like those by Brooke Castillo from The Life Coach School. Francesca believes combining business tactics with personal development is key to sustainable growth. 4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Francesca Moi strongly recommends hiring a virtual assistant (VA) as a key tool to grow a small business. She believes VAs help business owners delegate repetitive tasks, free up time, and focus on high-value activities. By building the right support team, entrepreneurs can scale faster and more sustainably. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Francesca Moi would tell herself on day one: “It's possible.” She emphasizes that in the beginning, she doubted her ability to succeed or even make a single dollar. Her advice is to keep moving forward, trust the process, and believe in your potential—because success comes with persistence. 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 more—it's about working smarter with the right team – Francesca Moi Leadership is knowing your strengths and building support where you're weak – Francesca Moi Don't fear pivoting—sometimes the detour becomes the main road to success – Francesca Moi

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews John Abrams, founder of South Mountain Company, shared his remarkable journey from launching a small six-person architectural construction firm in 1973 to growing it into a thriving 40-employee solar business generating $20 million in annual revenue. A strong advocate for employee ownership, Abrams highlighted the advantages of worker cooperatives and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), emphasizing their positive impact on productivity and employee retention. In his new book, From Founder to Future: A Business Roadmap to Impact, Longevity, and Employee Ownership, John Abrams explores the critical topic of succession planning for aging business owners, offering insights on preserving company values, fostering effective communication, and achieving a sustainable work-life balance. He also reflected on navigating challenges like the 2008 financial crisis and underscored the importance of community engagement in building a resilient and purpose-driven business. Other Resources: Companies We Keep: Employee Ownership and the Business of Community and Place, 2nd Edition by John Abrams The Company We Keep: Reinventing Small Business for People, Community, and Place by John Abrams 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to John Abrams, the hardest thing in growing a small business is getting everyone aligned behind a single mission—what he describes as “getting all the wood behind a single arrow”—while also maintaining core values in the face of numerous external temptations. He emphasizes that as a business grows, staying true to its founding principles becomes increasingly difficult, yet it's essential for long-term success and integrity. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? John Abrams' favorite business book that has helped him the most is Managing Transitions by William Bridges. He values it for its insights on how to effectively move from one stage of business to another, emphasizing that it offers guidance on navigating all kinds of changes within a company. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? John Abrams recommends several alternative sources of learning rather than traditional business media. He highlights The Ink and The Contrarian as valuable platforms, along with communicator Anat Shenker-Osorio for her insights on messaging and influence. While not all are strictly business-focused, he finds them powerful for understanding communication, leadership, and societal context—all of which he sees as essential to growing a meaningful small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? John Abrams recommends strong communication tools—both written and spoken—as the most important resource for growing a small business. He believes that clear, effective communication is the key to building relationships, aligning teams, and driving a business forward successfully. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? John Abrams would advise himself on day one of starting out in business to recognize that it's going to be an incredible ride, to enjoy every minute of it, and to stay conscious and aware of how he builds relationships with people, as they are the true key to success. He reflects that in his early years, he focused too much on product quality and not enough on the importance of people, which he later realized is what small business is really about. 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: When people are truly part of something, they give it everything they've got – John Abrams Growth is overrated and often the cause of trouble rather than triumph – John Abrams Communication is the key to small business — writing, speaking, and being transparent – John Abrams  

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 Shane Fell shares his incredible journey from the corporate world of luxury cars to becoming the driving force behind Fellini, Hobart's renowned Italian restaurant. With a passion for hospitality, Shane emphasizes the importance of trust, teamwork, and creating WOW experiences that leave lasting impressions. He discusses his leadership approach, focusing on empowering staff, fostering innovation, and building a people-first culture. Shane's insights into crafting unforgettable dining experiences showcase his commitment to excellence and adaptability. From customer connections to operational precision, Shane's story inspires business owners to pursue growth through passion and resilience. Other Resources:    “Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect”, by Will Guidara The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone 7 Tenets of Taxi Terry: How Every Employee Can Create and Deliver the Ultimate Customer Experience by Scott McKain Would You Do That to Your Mother?: The "Make Mom Proud" Standard for How to Treat Your Customers by Jeanne Bliss Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Passion Drives Success: Pursue what you love, as passion fuels energy and commitment in both business and personal life.   Trust Builds Culture: Trust is the foundation of a strong team and an exceptional customer experience. Without trust, culture deteriorates.   Empower Your Team: Value your staff by giving them a voice, encouraging innovation, and fostering an environment where they feel appreciated. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?   Customer Experience Matters: Success lies in crafting memorable experiences by focusing on relationships, first impressions, and understanding customer needs.   Adaptability is Key: Stay open to change and embrace new technologies or ideas to remain relevant and competitive in your industry.   Invest in Self-Growth: Continuously learn and grow through books, audio, and personal discipline to achieve goals and inspire others. One action small business owners can take: According to Shane Fell, one action a small business owner should take is to set clear non-negotiables for their operations, such as service quality and team behavior. Regularly reviewing these standards with the team ensures consistency and drives 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Penny Burke, Director of WhereTo Research, shares her inspiring journey of growing the company to $12 million in revenue and leading it through a successful merger with a global firm. She highlights the importance of strong people skills, strategic thinking, and staying passionate about business. Penny also reflects on her early days in advertising and how those experiences shaped her leadership style. This episode offers valuable insights into sustainable growth, effective leadership, and staying true to your values in the business world. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Penny Burke, one of the hardest things in growing a small business is managing time, especially balancing business development ("hunting") with project delivery ("cooking and eating"). She explains that in a project-based business, it's challenging to constantly juggle winning new work while also delivering high-quality outcomes. Additionally, she emphasizes that people management — hiring the right team and dealing with performance issues—is another tough but crucial aspect of sustainable growth. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Penny Burke's favorite business book that has helped her the most is "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. She considers it a classic and values its timeless insights on building strong relationships and effective communication—key skills in both leadership and business growth. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Penny Burke does not recommend any specific podcasts or online learning tools to help grow a small business. She mentions that her husband uses such resources more than she does, and she personally prefers listening to music during her downtime instead of engaging with podcasts or similar tools. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Penny Burke emphasizes the importance of market mapping as a methodology rather than a specific tool. She recommends identifying where your business can play, where it can win, and where you can build your fame. This market-focused thinking helps small businesses define their niche and develop a strong positioning strategy, which is critical for growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Penny Burke's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business is: "Just be good. Don't worry about size. Just whatever it is that you're going to do, do it really, really, really well." This highlights her focus on quality and excellence over rapid growth. 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: The only thing I've ever wanted to be is good, and not just good, but great – Penny Burke Success is about working on great projects, attracting great people, and delivering great outcomes." – Penny Burke People like working with good people; don't underestimate the power of being one." – Penny Burke  

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jaemin Frazer, founder of The Insecurity Project, He shares his 15-year journey of turning personal and professional setbacks into success. Starting in 2010, he scaled to 5 full-time equivalents and 30 contractors but faced a $250,000 debt when the model failed. By restructuring, Jaemin now works just 24 hours weekly with his wife, from anywhere in the world, generating impactful results globally. His approach treats personal insecurity as a solvable problem, supported by six books and his innovative coaching framework, empowering ambitious midlifers to eradicate self limiting beliefs so they can show up to life at their best where it matters most. Other Resources: Leverage: How to change the people you love for all the right reasons and get the relationships you deserve Unhindered: The seven essential practices for overcoming insecurity Elegantly simple solutions to complex people problems The Self-Permission Method: How to succeed at life without using self-discipline The One Minute Coach. 356 Thought-provoking insights to start your day 12 Coaching Conversations Every Disciple Must Have 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Jaemin Frazer, the hardest part is backing yourself. It requires resilience, resourcefulness, and staying true to your vision, even when faced with doubts or challenges. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? According to Jaemin Frazer, his favorite business book is "Key Person of Influence" by Daniel Priestley. He highlights its transformative impact on understanding business systems and structure. He also mentions other influential reads like "Awaken the Giant Within" by Tony Robbins and "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Jaemin Frazer, he highly recommends the Tim Ferriss podcast and the Key Person of Influence podcast by Glenn Carlson for professional development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Jaemin Frazer, ScoreApp is a powerful tool for growing a small business. This quiz-based lead generation platform effectively gathers data and engages prospects while converting leads more efficiently. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Jaemin Frazer, he would give no advice to his past self. He believes in the importance of learning from struggles without shortcuts, as those experiences add meaning and depth to the 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: Success is a lifestyle built on purpose, not a race to exhaustion – Jaemin Frazer You can't build something meaningful without first backing yourself – Jaemin Frazer Insecurity is solvable, but it demands you confront what you've long avoided – Jaemin Frazer  

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 LaTonya Roberts, Founder of Harmony Consulting Group, shares how she helps small business owners streamline operations, scale sustainably, and step fully into their CEO role. She discusses the power of fractional COO support, her signature operational health audit, and the importance of strategic planning. La Tonya also explains how outsourcing day-to-day operations allows founders to focus on growth, clients, and innovation. With real-life examples and practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for any business owner feeling stretched too thin. Discover how to grow smarter, not harder. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Fractional COOs Add Big Value Without Full-Time Costs: You don't need a full-time operations executive to scale—fractional COOs offer expert support tailored to your business size and budget. Start with an Operational Health Audit: Assessing eight core areas of your business helps identify what's working, what needs fixing, and where to stop wasting time and energy. Strategic Planning Drives Sustainable Growth: Annual planning with clear 3–5 year goals, broken into quarterly milestones, keeps your business focused, flexible, and on track. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Step Into Your CEO Role: Let go of the day-to-day grind and focus on vision, sales, and growth—your highest-value work as a founder. Prioritize Communication with Your Fractional Exec: Clear roles, decision-making authority, and regular check-ins are key to a successful partnership. You Don't Have to Do It All Alone: Even with limited resources, bringing in trusted operational support—just a few hours a week—can unlock growth and free up your time. One action small business owners can take: According to La Tonya Roberts, one action a small business owner should take is to conduct an operational health audit to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and create a clear roadmap for sustainable 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru, founder of Ashburn Children's Dentistry, based just outside Washington, D.C. Dr. Lynda shares her inspiring journey of healing her own sleep apnea without surgery and how it led her to pivot her practice toward airway-focused pediatric care. She explains how early intervention in children's breathing and sleep issues can transform their long-term health. Tune in to hear how she's making a global impact by helping kids breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier lives. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Dr. Lynda believes the hardest thing is staying focused and committed to your vision, especially when it's not popular or easily understood. For her, the challenge was sticking with an innovative and nontraditional model of pediatric dentistry despite obstacles. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Her favorite business book is "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek. She values how it emphasizes understanding and communicating your purpose, which has been crucial in leading her team and connecting with patients. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Dr. Lynda highly recommends The Ed Mylett Show for its personal and professional growth insights. She also listens to Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi, and uses ChatGPT to help organize her thoughts and explore ideas in her business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? She recommends becoming great at telling your story with conviction. She emphasizes the power of storytelling to connect with patients, build trust, and market effectively—something she has used to grow her own practice. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Dr. Lynda would tell her younger self to believe more, be patient, and stay persistent. She reflects on the importance of self-confidence and trusting your vision, even when others don't yet see its value. 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 changing the trajectory of a child's health, not just fixing their teeth – Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru Tell your story with heart—that's how people truly connect – Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru Most lifelong health issues start in childhood—we just have to know what to look for – Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jose Berlanga of Tricon Homes, based in Houston, Texas. Jose shares his 40-year journey as a serial entrepreneur, starting in oil and gas at just 17, then scaling a construction business to $100M and 200 team members. He opens up about the challenges of the GFC, lessons from running seven cafes, and the mindset needed to survive and thrive in business. Jose also offers insights into hiring, delegation, and building resilience through tough economic cycles. Check out the book "The Business & Home Building" by Jose Berlanga — a practical guide that merges entrepreneurship with real estate insights. It offers proven strategies for building a thriving business while maintaining a strong and balanced home life. Focused on financial independence, property investment, and work-life balance, this book is a valuable resource for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike. 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Jose Berlanga believes the hardest part of growing a small business is persistence — staying mentally tough through uncertainty, setbacks, and the less enjoyable tasks. Passion can fade when challenges mount, but endurance keeps you going. He explains that growth brings constant change and pressure to adapt. True success, he says, comes from resilience, not just enthusiasm. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Jose Berlanga's favorite business book that has helped him the most is The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. He values it for its step-by-step approach to identifying and eliminating obstacles, improving processes, and turning challenges into assets for business success. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jose Berlanga didn't mention any specific podcasts or online learning resources he uses. Instead, he emphasized his habit of writing everything down — capturing ideas, reminders, and tasks immediately to stay organized and avoid forgetting important actions in his business journey. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jose Berlanga recommends focusing on self-awareness and skill alignment as the most important tool to grow a small business. He advises choosing a business that not only interests you but also matches your strengths — because success comes from doing what you enjoy and what you're genuinely good at. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Jose Berlanga would advise himself on day one to relax and trust the process — to do his best without stressing over outcomes. He emphasizes not forcing results and believes that if you stay committed and focused, things will work out as they're meant to. 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: Passion fades, but persistence fuels true success – Jose Berlanga You don't build a business alone — you build it with people you trust – Jose Berlanga Success is owning your time, not just your income – Jose Berlanga  

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 Linda Manaena, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of LeaderLab, a consultancy dedicated to helping leaders create psychologically safe and high-performing workplaces. Linda discusses how LeaderLab uses neuroscience and practical, evidence-based tools to support leaders in shifting from command and control to leading with clarity, courage, and connection. She emphasizes the importance of moving beyond compliance to foster genuine trust, inclusion, and well-being within teams. Linda also shares common ways leaders unintentionally undermine safety and the mindset shifts needed to build resilient cultures. A special highlight of the episode is Linda announcing her upcoming podcast, Meno Mojo, which blends sass, science, and shenanigans to explore the often-overlooked topic of menopause. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Psychological Safety is Not Optional — Even for Small Teams: Linda debunks the myth that small businesses are “too small” to worry about psychological safety. Regardless of team size, creating a culture where people feel safe, heard, and valued is essential for productivity and well-being. Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast: Taking the time to build trust and safety within your team may feel slow initially, but it leads to smoother operations and faster results over time. Investing upfront in people yields long-term gains. Avoid the “Toughen Up” Trap: Old leadership mindsets like “just toughen up” are no longer effective. These attitudes can unintentionally harm team morale. Instead, leaders should focus on empathy, curiosity, and adapting to individual team member needs. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Compliance and Culture Go Hand-in-Hand: Safety isn't just a compliance checklist—it's about culture. Leaders must balance legal responsibilities with a human-centered approach that empowers teams to thrive emotionally and psychologically. Leaders Can Undermine Safety Unintentionally: Common behaviors like micromanaging, rushing decisions, or dismissing ideas can quietly erode psychological safety. Awareness and better communication—like asking “What can I do differently to help you do your best work?”—go a long way. Leadership Starts With Self-Awareness: One of Linda's strongest messages is about personal responsibility: leaders must look inward and understand their own behaviors and triggers to lead with courage and connection. Unlearning outdated habits is key to better leadership. One action small business owners can take: According to Linda Manaena, one action a small business owner should take is to ask their team, “What can I do differently to make it easier for you to do your best work?” and then simply listen. Creating space for open, honest dialogue builds psychological safety and trust. This small yet powerful step helps leaders better understand their people and improve overall team performance. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Tiffany Alexander, Fund Manager and Owner of Aspen Sage Fund, about her 20-year journey from aspiring astronaut to successful real estate investor. Tiffany shares how she built a 30-person team, scaled to 17 rental doors, and transitioned into note investing to reclaim her time and boost returns. She explains how Aspen Sage Fund specializes in acquiring and restructuring distressed mortgage debt, helping families stay in their homes. Her story highlights the power of mindset, growth, and adapting to market shifts. This episode is packed with insights for anyone in real estate or looking to scale a small 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Tiffany Alexander, the hardest part of growing a small business is facing moments of financial uncertainty—when you feel like you can't keep going and don't know where the next penny will come from. Especially in real estate, she highlights the challenge of being "property rich and cash poor," where assets are tied up but liquid funds are lacking. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Tiffany Alexander's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Multiply Your God-Given Potential by John Bevere. She appreciates how the book challenges business owners to go beyond personal success by using their talents to give back, grow further, and make a greater impact rather than settling after reaching initial goals. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Tiffany Alexander recommends the Lucky Titan podcast by Josh Tapp as a great resource. She values it for its strong focus on marketing, which she believes is essential for business growth. She also emphasizes the power of referrals and using a CRM to track them as key tools for small business success. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Tiffany Alexander recommends using a white-labeled version of Pantheon Connect, a tool that helps manage and leverage LinkedIn connections for referrals. She values it for enabling her to build trust, request introductions, and expand her network effectively—crucial for growing a small business through relationships. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Tiffany Alexander's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be: “Ask more people. Don't be afraid to ask a dumb question. Ask. Don't quit on asking.” She believes staying quiet slows down progress and that growth comes from seeking help and information early and often. 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: Ask more people—growth begins the moment you stop being afraid to ask – Tiffany Alexander The master has failed more than the beginner has ever tried—keep going – Tiffany Alexander Being property rich and cash poor taught me the true cost of holding assets – Tiffany Alexander      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jay Patey, founder of Pigeon Whole Bakers, who shares his journey from launching a small Hobart café in 2008 to building an $8M bakery with over 50 staff. Jay dives into the power of word-of-mouth marketing, the decision to expand into wholesale, and creating a beloved Tasmanian brand that now supplies major outlets like MONA and Hill Street stores. He opens up about the challenges of fast growth, how shifting to daylight production transformed team wellbeing, and why a people-first culture is key to long-term success. Jay also reflects on lessons learned from nearly two decades in business and offers valuable advice for other small business owners. It's a raw, honest, and inspiring story of resilience, purpose, and sustainable growth. Other Resources: The Ultimate Recruitment Toolkit Online Short Course 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Jay Patey, the hardest thing in growing a small business is dealing with the unknown and the lack of control over unexpected challenges. Despite careful planning, unforeseen issues can arise that test resilience and patience. He highlights that growth is a long-term journey requiring adaptability and the ability to navigate uncertainty.  What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Jay Patey mentioned that the business book which helped him the most was "2 Second Lean" by Paul Akers. He appreciated its focus on improving workflow efficiency, organization, and lean manufacturing principles—particularly relevant as he set up their new bakery production space to be streamlined and future-proofed. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jay Patey specifically recommended the Grow A Small Business Podcast as a valuable resource. He mentioned that he listens to it religiously and finds it insightful for learning from other business owners' growth journeys and challenges. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jay Patey recommends using subscription-based software tools to grow a small business, particularly those that streamline operations. He highlights tools like Xero for accounting, a robust time and attendance system integrated with payroll, and Square for point of sale (POS), which also connects with their website. These tools have helped improve efficiency and reduce administrative overhead What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Jay Patey would advise himself on day one to “strap in for the ride” and recognize that he had no real idea of what lay ahead. He reflects that he was quite naïve at the start and never imagined the business would grow as much as it has, emphasizing the importance of being mentally prepared for a long, challenging, and evolving 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: If you're playing in the A-League, you need A-League players every day – Jay Patey Patience and resilience are the real fuel behind sustainable growth – Jay Patey Growing a business isn't a sprint; it's a marathon with hills, storms, and surprises – Jay Patey  

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 Michael Preece, the Connector in Chief at Business Networking Advantage Australia. Michael shares how he built a thriving statewide network of six groups across Tasmania over the past 11 years. Starting as a photographer, he leveraged his passion for genuine relationships into a powerful business referral system. Michael offers practical tips on networking, building trust, and the importance of making one meaningful new connection each week. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Focus on Relationships Over Sales: Networking is not about pitching—it's about building genuine, value-driven relationships that lead to long-term business opportunities. Set Realistic Networking Goals: Don't aim to meet everyone in the room. Instead, target 3–4 meaningful conversations at each event to build quality connections. Consistently Grow Your Network: Make it a weekly habit to meet at least one new person in business. Over time, this compounds into powerful referral and support networks. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Never Underestimate Who People Know: A contact may not become a client—but they might introduce you to someone who is. Treat every connection as a gateway to broader networks. Use Simple Tools Effectively: A well-organized contact system (like Outlook synced to your phone) can act as a lightweight CRM to manage relationships and follow-ups. Track and Show the Value of Networking: Leverage tools or systems that give transparency into referrals and business growth so you can clearly measure the ROI of your networking efforts. One action small business owners can take: According to Michael Preece, one action a small business owner should take is to meet one new business contact each week with the genuine intent to build a relationship—because you never know who they know or where that connection might lead. 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.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Felicity Zadro, founder of Zadro Agency, a strategic communications firm in Sydney. Felicity shares how she built her business from just $5K and a heavy laptop named “Bruce” into a $2M agency with 10 team members. She discusses overcoming major challenges, including the GFC and losing 85% of revenue during COVID, and how she rebuilt with a strong retainer model. We dive into her focus on team culture, the shift from founder to CEO mindset, and balancing leadership with motherhood. It's a powerful story of resilience, clarity of purpose, and long-term 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Felicity Zadro, the hardest thing in growing a small business is juggling priorities and deciding where to focus your time. She emphasised that time is finite, so making the right decisions, learning how to delegate effectively, and focusing only on what the business owner can uniquely do—especially the tasks they might not always want to—are essential and challenging parts of growth. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Felicity Zadro's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Start With Why by Simon Sinek. She shared that it's been critical for Zadro Agency, particularly in shaping their brand and strategic planning process. It resonated deeply with her approach to purpose-driven business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Felicity Zadro emphasises her involvement in a CEO group, noting that while it requires a substantial commitment, she finds it incredibly valuable for gaining insights and building connections with key people and suppliers. She describes the group as a continuous, structured learning environment that has profoundly influenced her and reshaped how she manages her business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Felicity Zadro recommends developing a robust business plan as a critical tool for growing a small business. A clear plan focuses efforts, sets achievable goals, and ensures team alignment, creating momentum and long-term direction for success. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Felicity Zadro's advice to her day-oneself is to trust her instincts and embrace the journey, knowing it will challenge and transform her into a better leader. She highlights the importance of listening to your inner voice as it reflects accumulated experience. 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: Culture isn't created overnight; it's a daily commitment to values and people – Felicity Zadro   Success is a balance of ambition, focus, and adaptability – Felicity Zadro Resilience is the key to thriving through challenges and change – Felicity Zadro      

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Hayden Crack, founder of HC Electrical, shares his inspiring business journey. Starting as a one-man operation, he scaled his electrical contracting business from a £300k turnover to over £4M in just six years, growing his team to 13 full-time equivalents. Based in Hobart, Australia, HC Electrical specializes in residential, insurance, and commercial electrical work, as well as air conditioning and solar installations. Hayden emphasizes the value of delegation, cultivating a robust network, and nurturing team culture as key strategies for managing rapid growth. Other Resources: The Ultimate Recruitment Toolkit Online Short Course 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Hayden Crack, the hardest thing in growing a small business is: "Wearing all the hats — knowing when to let go, when to hire, and balancing reactive versus proactive decisions. It's tough to get the timing right, especially when transitioning roles and responsibilities." What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Hayden Crack mentioned he's not a massive reader, but he does regularly read the Australian Financial Review and finds value in that. He hasn't read many business books but was recommended The E-Myth during the episode. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Hayden Crack recommends a few valuable podcasts and learning resources for small business growth. He regularly listens to the Grow A Small Business Podcast for insights from fellow entrepreneurs, and enjoys 15 Minutes with the Boss by the Australian Financial Review for quick, impactful business tips. He also found the Lifestyle Tradie Podcast particularly inspiring, especially a story about a plumbing business that scaled to 17 team members and was eventually sold, highlighting the power of strong systems and minimal owner involvement. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Hayden Crack recommends that the most important tool for growing a small business is yourself—specifically, your mindset and willingness to learn. He highlights the value of investing in personal development, building a strong network, and surrounding yourself with experts like a great accountant or digital strategist. For Hayden, continuous learning, listening to podcasts, and having a trusted support network are key resources that drive sustainable growth. As he puts it, “You are the biggest tool—that's why it's your business.” What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Hayden Crack's advice to his day-one self would be: “Just keep going.” He emphasizes the power of visualizing where you want to be, setting clear goals, and believing in your own capability. Early in his journey, he didn't think he could achieve what he has today, so he'd remind himself that everything is achievable with determination and the right mindset. Believing in himself sooner would have made a big difference. 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 are the biggest tool—that's why it's your business. Invest in yourself and your network – Hayden Crack Delegating isn't just about trust—it's about growth. Let go and empower others to step up – Hayden Crack Success is not one big moment—it's made of small wins, proud teams, and time with the people you love – Hayden Crack