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Most of us at some stage will suffer from imposter syndrome – that feeling of fraud -like inadequacy, despite having a reputation for success. According to behavioural expert Charlotte Blair, recognising and naming imposter syndrome is the first step to managing it. Charlotte is a partner at The Strengths Partners, a company dedicated to strength-based development of individuals, teams and organisations. She is also author of ‘Career Unstuck: How to play to your strengths to find freedom and purpose in your work again’. Charlotte says that creating a brag file of past successes and considering the worst-case scenario, can help combat imposter syndrome. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who wouldn’t like to double their business? Well, according to Melissa Browne, Founder of Mel Browne Money, it might sound like a fantasy but it’s entirely possible if you focus on profit, not just sales. Melissa shares practical tactics to increase profitability, from improving customer retention and average spend to streamlining costs and finding quick wins that make a big impact. She explains why too many business owners overlook the data that really matters, and how small tweaks can lead to exponential growth. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brands are increasingly being copied by "dupes", and while consumers may enjoy cheaper alternatives, the impact on business owners can be devastating. But the Director of Strategy and Creative Lead at Kommunal, Rod Curtis, says businesses can stay ahead by doubling down on quality, innovation and authenticity to protect their brand and thrive in a competitive market. He also explains how smart marketing, strong customer relationships, and memorable experiences can help genuine brands stand out and keep loyal customers coming back. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s natural to be apprehensive – even fearful – of the uncertainty that envelopes us when we face challenges. But, if we push through a particular challenge and get through the other side, we’re the better for it. Emotional fitness expert Joe Pane has identified three universal fears that hold us back from living the life we want or having the business we desire: the fear of not being enough, the fear of not belonging, and the fear of not being loved. To find direction, he says, it's important to align with our evolving values and integrate ambition into meaning. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The rise of artificial intelligence promises great new advantages for SMEs, but AI also brings major security risks. The Managing Director of Cyber Matters, Saaim Khan, says confidentiality and integrity are critical concerns when using AI tools. He says businesses need to be cautious about sharing sensitive information and he outlines practical steps to protect businesses including setting clear policies and guidelines for acceptable AI within firms. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How many of your employees are using AI without your knowledge? As generative AI tools like ChatGPT start to become ubiquitous in the workplace, many employees are quietly using them to boost productivity, secure promotions, and even enjoy their work more. Andrew Phillips is Vice President of Freshworks, a company delivering AI powered software for customer and IT services, and he explains why ignoring AI is no longer a viable business strategy, and how SMEs must quickly adapt or risk falling behind. He also shares surprising insights from a recent survey on how workers are using AI to handle mundane tasks, freeing up time for creative thinking, problem-solving, and learning new skills. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Great coaches – like great leaders – are able to support teams and individuals, allowing them to perform at their best. Professor Martin Bean, is CEO of The Bean Centre, and co-author of ‘Toolkit for Turbulence: The mindset and methods that leaders need to turn adversity to advantage’. He discusses how meaningful, one-on-one conversations, focused on achievements, development, enjoyment, and partnerships, all help enhance team performance and engagement. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Would you like your workers to come back to the office? Many businesses are still grappling with how to bring employees back to the workplace, and whether they should be worried at all. Marnie Brokenshire, Founder of Uncapped Potential, outlines some practical strategies to make the workplace irresistible. She explains how patience, strong leadership skills, and creating a sense of belonging can inspire engagement, outlining ways to not only win back employees, but make them excited about it. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How well does your website perform in search engine results? If it’s not at least on page one, you need to understand how Google’s algorithm is prioritising quality content over quantity, and build that into your SEO. That’s according to Sagar Sathi, Founder and CEO of digital marketing agency Xugar. The credibility of the author are also important factors in determining search rankings, strengthening your SEO and overall marketing strategy, which has the capacity to provide a long-term return on investment. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are four enemies of team performance, according to Organisational Psychologist Stephanie Bown. Poor performance can often stem from traps like focusing on the wrong problem, locking into unproductive debates, relying too heavily on leadership for answers, and falling into blame. Stephanie explains how small business owners and managers can spot and avoid these common pitfalls to unlock the potential of their teams. She also shares practical strategies to foster better collaboration, encourage diverse thinking, and build a culture of shared accountability. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Conforming to compliance requirements can seem overwhelming, but did you know you can use some of the tools you already have to simplify things? Saaim Khan, Managing Director of Cyber Matters, explains how to simplify and streamline your approach to digital security and regulatory frameworks. He suggests a “measure twice, cut once” mindset can help you meet multiple standards with a single, well-executed effort. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you find some people on your team are difficult to communicate with? Perhaps they don’t give straight answers, or they dominate group conversations, or they’re outright hostile. Well, they could demonstrate one of four main communication styles: aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive or assertive. Communications specialist Leah Mether unpacks each style and how you can adapt to better connect with your team. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
These days a lot of companies promote their values through their branding, but do they really understand the meaning of being genuinely purpose-driven? Rod Curtis is Director, Strategy and Creative Lead at Kommunal, Brand Strategy Architects, and he says purpose-driven branding matters more than ever. He explains how a clear and compelling purpose not only attracts customers, talent, and investors, but also strengthens your brand against competition in a world of copycat products and greenwashing. He shares practical ways to define your brand’s purpose and how to make it both visible and credible. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How are you doing with sales? Do you have a winning sales strategy or approach? If not and you’re struggling to close, you might need a different pitch. Glenn Poulos has developed a sales pitch from his many years in corporate sales, marketing and customer service roles. The ‘Punch Perfect Pitch’ starts with a "punch" or "bang" – an impactful opening that grabs the audience's attention. Because it’s important to understand the client's pain points and demonstrate how your product or service can address their most urgent problems. References: Download Glenn’s Punch Perfect Pitch guide:https://glennpoulos.com/ Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Entrepreneur Rebecca Klodinski may have founded an internationally recognised swimwear brand, but now she’s branching out from bikinis to bling. Rebecca grew Frankie Swimwear — now rebranded as IIXIIST — from a student side hustle into one of Australia’s first Instagram-born fashion labels. She explains how and why her business instincts have now taken a new turn into the booming world of lab-grown diamonds. She recounts how smart branding, timing, and a hands-on approach helped her ride two waves of success, from packing orders in her bedroom to running two thriving companies. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Struggling to get your team back to the office? How about making them fear missing out on something? Founder of leadership and performance consultancy, Uncapped Potential, Marnie Brkenshire, offers three practical strategies to reignite connection and creativity in your workplace by making it more meaningful, bringing back real training, and creating a sense of FOMO. She explains how purposeful leadership, and genuine learning experiences can inspire your team to re-engage. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Facts and stories play a vital role in successful sales operations. While facts build trust and demonstrate value, stories engage and connect with people on an emotional level. The problem is that businesses tend to use either sales or facts to convert customers or clients to purchase. Sales expert Sue Barrett, CEO of Barrett Consulting Group, insists a good story has the power to inspire action and create a sense of connection between the storyteller and the audience. Salespeople should embrace authenticity and share their own vulnerabilities and challenges to foster trust and build deeper relationships. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stress may sharpen our minds, but when it lingers, it can damage our health, productivity and relationships. Employee engagement specialist Esther De La Cruz says it’s possible for SME owners to manage stress through practical, science-backed strategies that support both mind and body. Esther shares how understanding the connection between brain chemistry and daily habits can empower business leaders to take back control, even in uncertain times. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Too often sales people tell the customer what they think they want to hear, rather than asking questions and listening to customer concerns. That’s according to business coach and trainer Jim Cocks, who equates great questions with great sales. Jim offers insights into how to improve sales performance by focusing on mindset and building rapport with potential clients. He offers strategies for handling objections and closing the sale. And he shares seven sales beliefs that can impact success. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The complexity of the General Retail Industry Award is creating unnecessary challenges for small businesses, which make up the great majority of the retail sector. That’s according to the CEO of the Council of Small Business Associations Australia (COSBOA), Luke Achterstraat. COSBOA has joined a new collaboration with the Australian Retailers Association to push for sensible reforms - simplifying pay structures, increasing flexibility, and ensuring workers benefit too. With nearly 1,000 different classifications in the award, small business owners are struggling to navigate the system while juggling multiple roles. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A brand is more than just a logo — it’s the entire experience your business delivers. Rod Curtis, Director of Strategy & Creative Lead at Kommunal - Brand Strategy Architects, explains that while a well-designed logo is important, it’s just an empty symbol without a strong strategy behind it. Rod explores the deeper layers of branding, from the way you present yourself to the promises you make to your customers. Every interaction, from answering the phone to meeting a client, shapes how your brand is perceived. He explains how to craft a brand story that truly resonates with your stakeholders. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A successful sales team as one that is fully engaged, highly satisfied, able to handle pressure, and performs at their best. That’s according to Anna Glynn, speaker, author and coach on thriving workplaces, who shares her six secrets to sales success. Implementing the six principles, she insists, takes time and should be part of an ongoing plan. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Speaking up isn't always easy — especially for people who are early in their careers or from cultures that value deference. But organisational psychologist Stephanie Bown says your voice is your value. With AI transforming the workplace, it’s more important than ever to show up with your ideas, back yourself, and make your thinking heard. Stephanie helps us overcome self-doubt, prepare with purpose, and tap into both logic and emotion to build confidence and contribute meaningfully. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Businesses are scrambling to keep up with latest trends in technology and take advantage of the efficiencies of digitisation. At the same time, mediocre customer service is rampant. So, how can you embrace the benefits of the digital era while also servicing customers with the human touch they crave? Well, Jaquie Scammell provides the answers in her new book, ‘The Future of Service is 5D’. The concept encompasses the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of human interaction. Jaquie encourages bosses to create conditions that allow employees to thrive in each dimension. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Struggling to generate revenue in today’s tough market? A sales revolution might be the answer. That’s according to Ingrid Maynard, Founder and Managing Director at The Sales Dr. Ingrid explains why traditional sales models are failing, how a lack of skilled sales talent is holding businesses back, and why a company-wide approach to customer engagement is essential for growth. She also discusses how every role in your business contributes to profit — whether through sales, cost retention, or improving customer experience — and how a shift in mindset can drive success. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the nation goes to the polls tomorrow, Business Essentials Daily brings you the final episode of our special week of pre-election interviews, and it’s certainly revealing. A new report by OnDeck - small business loan experts, shows that out of the 500 Australian small businesses they surveyed, 85% cite cost of living pressures as the key issue shaping their vote this election. It’s an extraordinary number and illustrates how personal finances have overtaken other small business concerns for the sector. The survey also says energy bills and red tape are still hitting small businesses hard, even though resilience remains strong. In this interview, OnDeck Marketing Director, Justin Brady delivers key insights from the survey. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Global volatility, tariff tensions, and shifting global trade dynamics continue to shape the outlook for small and medium businesses in Australia. For the next in our special series of pre-election interviews, Economist Professor Robert Brooks unpacks the ripple effects of global uncertainty on Australia — highlighting inflation risks, exchange rate pressures, and why smart, steady policy responses may help shield local businesses from the worst impacts. He also explains how Australia’s exposure to Asian markets adds another layer of complexity, and why avoiding trade retaliation has been crucial in maintaining stability. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hospitality is one of Australia’s largest small business sectors, and it’s been on the front lines of recent economic uncertainty. So, are government policies doing enough to help, and what is the Coalition offering? CEO of the Australian Restaurant and Café Association, Wes Lambert, unpacks the pros and cons of each major party’s offerings for small business owners, with a focus on energy relief, tax breaks, and support for apprentices. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the lead up to the Federal Election, Monash University economist Professor Robert Brooks assesses the state of the Australian economy. He explores key productivity drivers — from childcare reforms to infrastructure and housing supply — and warns that lasting improvements will depend on smart, long-term policy decisions. Professor Brooks assesses the potential impacts of polices and highlights the need to address ongoing challenges with economic growth and labour availability. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The status of family businesses needs to come into clear focus this election, according to Family Business Association CEO Catherine Sayer. Family businesses make up about 70% of Australian enterprises, yet they remain largely invisible in federal policy conversations. So, Catherine is calling for greater recognition — through better data collection, targeted representation, and policy consideration — to ensure this vital sector has a seat at the table. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
COVID spelt difficult times for many small businesses, perhaps none more so than in the travel sector. So, when the pandemic brought travel to a halt, owners of the travel app Locomote.com had to rethink their survival strategy to. CEO and Co-Founder of Growth Forum, David Fastuca, focused on repackaging Locomote’s value by highlighting duty of care, governance, and compliance to help SMEs manage post-pandemic travel risks. By proactively reaching out to CFOs and addressing future challenges, he built a strong sales pipeline despite the uncertainty. It’s a classic tale of how strategic pivoting, sharp messaging, and persistence can turn crisis into opportunity. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Dr May Chan was a child, she had a fall which resulted in dental issues and an unwillingness to smile for family photos. This experience would later be pivotal in her ambition to pursue a career in cosmetic dentistry. Ten years ago, Dr May and her husband, Dr Reuben Sim, started Dental Boutique in the Melbourne suburb of Balwyn. Today it has grown to 10 surgeries across Australia and New Zealand. They have since won a slew of business awards. She discusses the life-cycle of business growth including, the start-up stage, teenager and maturity stage. The success comes down to maintaining a focus on quality, putting the right systems in place, looking after their staff, and adding value to the community. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The shift to remote work appears to have improved task efficiency, but is it hindering innovation? Marnie Brokenshire, Founder of leadership and performance consultancy, Uncapped Potential, says productivity in Australia is at its lowest in decades, and spontaneous in-person interactions may be what’s missing. Marnie says leadership is a “contact sport” and how returning to the office, when done right, can drive collaboration, creativity, and long-term business success. She says businesses can move beyond rigid return-to-work mandates to create a culture of engagement, trust, and high performance. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rarely do we know when crisis will strike – a pandemic, war, or a GFC-like event – but if it does happen, the impact on your business and staff could be just as seismic. So how can you prepare for a potential disaster? It helps to have an adaptive mindset, insists Prof Martin Bean, CEO of The Bean Centre, and former Vice Chancellor of RMIT University, during the lockdown days of COVID-19. He has co-authored a book, ‘Toolkit for Turbulence: The mindset and methods that leaders need to turn adversity to advantage’. An adaptive mindset, he says, equips you and your team to deal with fast and unpredictable change, to navigate in uncertainty, to collaborate on complex entangled problems, and to embrace ambiguity and paradoxes. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Starting a firm with nothing but a printed leaflet and gritty determination, Melissa Browne built a thriving business by focusing on profitability and strategic growth. From helping clients with tax to coaching them on business success, she developed ground-breaking systems that revolutionised her practice. Melissa explains how she scaled, streamlined, and ultimately sold her firm for seven figures. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You may associate cybersecurity with protection, but it can also be a driver of business growth. That’s according to the Managing Director of Cyber Matters, Saaim Khan. He explains how trust is now a major differentiator in a competitive market, with businesses increasingly required to meet strict security standards to win contracts and retain customers. Saaim tells us that as cyber threats rise, organisations that prioritise security can not only safeguard their data but also enhance their reputation and build stronger, long-term relationships with clients. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To maintain long-term profitability, you need a strategy that can adapt to new trends and consumer demands. Companies that don’t change will fall behind, says consumer and marketing guru Barry Urquhart. Barry identifies three pillars of business success, and offers the example of a particular Australian hardware company, which is pivoting from hardware to homeware – a subtle, yet powerful realignment. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A strong brand isn’t just the CEO’s responsibility — it belongs to employees, customers, and even competitors. Rod Curtis is the Director, Strategy & Creative Lead at Kommunal Brand Strategy Architects, he understands more than most why businesses should involve their entire team in shaping their brand identity. Rod explains how effective team workshops can foster genuine buy-in, and that aligning employees with the brand’s core values can create a sense of belief and purpose, leading to stronger commitment and better customer experiences. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Workplace productivity has taken a dive in the last couple of years. Productivity in the workplace involves effectively leveraging resources to deliver outcomes. So how do you do that? HR consultant Karen Gately says bosses should set clear expectations, fostering engagement, and focusing on intrinsic motivators. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes it’s a good idea to look at your sales approach with fresh eyes, so for a sales check-up, we’ve turned to Ingrid Maynard, Founder and Managing Director of The Sales Dr, Ingrid outlines four essential practices that she says every business should embrace. She explains how to plan outcome-driven conversations, ask powerful questions, use influencing techniques effectively, and strengthen client relationships after the sale. The discussion centres on how small changes in your approach can lead to more meaningful engagements, increased conversions and long-term business growth. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Being a salesperson today is a tough gig, but could a change of mindset be the secret to success? CEO and Co-Founder of Growth Forum, David Fastuca, says starting out by building a healthy pipeline fosters confidence, reduces desperation, and helps you close deals without alienating people with what he calls "commission breath." David has some great advice on how to engage buyers on their terms, deliver real value, and strike the right balance between persistence and patience in your sales approach. He also shares practical tips on using empathy, insight, and the right timing to connect with potential clients without becoming an irritation. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Traditional sales skills may not be sufficient to overcome the challenges faced by sales teams today. A new approach is needed to end rising disengagement, stress and burnout, and equip sales leaders to lead their teams confidently to success. That’s according to Anna Glynn, who says leaders need to ensure that their teams have the mindset and toolset – not just the skillset – to succeed in sales. She calls these the off-field factors and they relate to the resources available that help achieve long-term sustainable performance. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s been a great deal of public discussion about four-day work weeks recently, so could it give your business a competitive edge? Gartner’s VP of Research and Advisory, Aaron McEwen, explores the surprising benefits of employees working fewer hours — from boosting productivity to attracting top talent. He breaks down the key principles, the risks, and why small businesses might have an easier time making the shift than big corporations. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does it take to lead a leadership organisation? Well, former AFL player and two-time Hawthorn Grand Final winner, Dean Anderson explains why in 2022, he took the role of CEO at Leading Teams. Leading Teams is an organisation well known for its leadership and high performance models, that have had a huge impact on businesses across so many industries, including media, education, government, utlitlies and most publicised - on elite level sporting teams. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trust and respect are the foundation of strong workplace relationships — for both owners and employees. But how can business leaders and teams cultivate them? Performance coach Stephanie Bown explains why vulnerability is key to building trust, as well as how to encourage and express it in a workplace framework. She discusses how leaders can create psychologically safe environments, and the role respect plays in fostering innovation and collaboration. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clear and simple communication is a powerful tool, yet many professionals still get lost in jargon and complexity. Employee engagement specialist Esther De La Cruz has some advice: deliberate simplicity is key to driving change, engaging stakeholders, and making ideas stick. Esther outlines some practical strategies for breaking down complex concepts, testing clarity, and refining messages to ensure they resonate with any audience without losing essential meaning. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The key to effective sales and marketing is collaboration, according to sales expert and CEO of Barrett Consulting Group, Sue Barrett. Having a customer-centric mindset across the entire organisation will ensure everyone is on the same page. This can be achieved by nurturing the customer at each marketing touchpoint, e.g. emails, social media digital marketing, and direct communication with sales teams. While the emphasis on each function may vary depending on the product or service, the core idea remains that are interdependent. This synergy between sales and marketing is fundamental for achieving sustainable growth and success. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A clear and focused brand strategy is essential for standing out in a competitive market. But what does strategy really mean? Director and Strategy and Creative Lead at Kommunal Rod Curtis is a branding expert with decades of experience. Rod lays out a simple yet powerful approach — distilling strategy down to three key questions: Why are we here? Where will we play? And how will we win? He also warns against vague, bloated strategy documents and instead emphasises clarity, purpose, and a disciplined approach to building a brand that attracts customers, investors, and talent. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Business owners often struggle with setting the right price for their products or services due to self-doubt, observes business coach and trainer Jim Cocks. It’s important, he says, that business owners have the confidence in their offerings and be willing to increase prices to reflect their quality and value. Finding the right pricing balance requires consideration of competitors, affordability, and the current economic climate. Jim Cocks is author of ‘Build, Excite, Ignite: How to beat burnout and build a six-figure business in 12 months’. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tipping in Australia is on the rise, with restaurant tips increasing by nearly 50% in just two years —in spite of a cost-of-living crisis and a drop in international tourism. But where do these tips go, and should they be taxed? CEO of the Australian Restaurant and Café Association, Wes Lambert, unpacks the latest data and explores how businesses handle gratuities. He also questions whether the government should treat tips as tax-free windfalls. With wages rising and digital tipping options becoming more common, the conversation also explores how our tipping culture will continue to evolve. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.