Handpicked with Naomi Simson: Recent Episodes
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Handpicked with Naomi Simson is a short podcast delivered each Monday which is just like having a mentoring session with one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs.
In this podcast Naomi takes questions from business owners that might need help growing starting or saving their business.
Each guest is handpicked by Naomi as she shares stories, ideas and advice that might help them and anyone that has ever wanted to start a business.
Naomi Simson is an entrepreneur who founded RedBalloon in 2001. She has been blogging for a decade at NaomiSimson.com, is a professional speaker, author of Live What You Love & Ready To Soar, and a “Shark” on business reality show Shark Tank Australia.
When you're creating an entirely new category, you can't just sell—you have to educate. Kate Abrahams, founder of TrafficAI (a platform that predicts reputational risk events using workforce behavioral data), sits down with Naomi Simson to discuss the exhausting gap between building groundbreaking technology and getting customers to understand why they need it.
Drawing on her experience launching RedBalloon when "experience gifting" wasn't a thing, Naomi shares battle-tested strategies for market development: how to look bigger than you are, turn customers into your sales force through case studies, and build authority when nobody knows your category exists. Kate and Naomi explore keeping tech teams energized during years of customer education, what investors actually need to hear about new categories, and how to cut through the AI hype to demonstrate real value.
If you're building something genuinely new and struggling to reach customers who don't yet know they need you, this conversation offers practical frameworks for building customer reach and turning an interesting idea into a must-have solution.
Thank you to Deel.com for supporting Australian business owners through it's sponsorship of Handpicked Season 6 for more information about Anytime Pay click here
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What's slowing your business down could become your biggest competitive advantage. James Yang, founder of Kaizen Solutions (a productivity suite for remote teams), asks Naomi Simson the hard questions every Australian startup founder faces: why do our businesses fizzle while American companies scale globally? How do you shift from selling to individuals to landing corporate clients? When do you stop competing and start acquiring?
Naomi delivers game-changing insights drawn from 20+ years scaling RedBalloon: stop buying customers one by one and build distribution partnerships instead, transition from throwing people at problems to building platforms that scale, and most powerfully—identify your biggest constraint and weaponize it. She shares how 1-800-GOT-JUNK cornered the market by pre-buying their truck supplier's entire production, preventing competitors from copying them, and how RedBalloon locked up Australia's best experiences before a billion-euro competitor could enter the market.
If you're struggling to scale, burning cash on customer acquisition, or wondering whether to compete or consolidate your market, this conversation offers brutally practical frameworks for turning limitations into competitive moats.
Thank you to Deel.com for supporting Australian business owners through it's sponsorship of Handpicked Season 6 for more information about Anytime Pay click here
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Strategy is easy. Execution is where most businesses fail. In this episode, Naomi Simson sits down with Mat Wilk, founder of Ballast Point Construction and creator of the Inner West Tech & Startup community, to tackle the challenges every entrepreneur faces: how to move from planning to doing, how to build partnerships that actually work, and whether being a polymath helps or hurts your business growth.
Mat shares his belief that businesses spend too much time perfecting strategy when they should be building their execution muscle and creating feedback loops. Naomi counters with practical frameworks including the one-page strategic plan, how to work backwards from big goals to daily actions, and why focusing on one hard thing makes everything else easier.
If you're juggling multiple projects, struggling to get others committed to your vision, or wondering whether your diverse interests are diluting your personal brand, this conversation offers honest, actionable advice for finding focus and getting things done.
Thank you to Deel.com for supporting Australian business owners through it's sponsorship of Handpicked Season 6 for more information about Anytime Pay click here
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Every successful business starts with a problem worth solving. In this episode of Handpicked, Naomi Simson sits down with Mark Woodland, founder of Kismet, who's tackling one of Australia's biggest challenges: the administrative burden crushing families caring for aging parents. After successfully building and selling Explore, Mark is now automating healthcare admin for the "sandwich generation"—those caught between caring for aging parents and dependent children. Discover why the biggest business opportunities lie in solving nation-building challenges in healthcare, education, and housing. Learn how to build thought leadership and authority in your industry, why celebrating customer wins matters more than self-promotion, and Mark's surprising next venture into solving housing affordability.
Thank you to Deel.com for supporting Australian business owners through it's sponsorship of Handpicked Season 6 for more information about Anytime Pay click here
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Time is your most precious resource—so why are you spending it on admin at 11pm? Naomi Simson and Slavic Teplitsky from Deel reveal exactly how to get your time back. From consolidating 16 time-sucking vendors into one streamlined platform to giving employees instant access to their earned wages (saving everyone's time), this episode is a masterclass in reclaiming hours you didn't know you had. If you're time-poor, you're system-poor. Learn the triggers that signal it's time to invest in getting your time back—and discover the practical tools that make it possible.
Thank you to Deel.com for supporting Australian business owners through it's sponsorship of Handpicked Season 6 for more information about Anytime Pay click here
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Every founder says yes too often—and it's killing their business growth. Naomi Simson sits down with serial entrepreneur Sheree Andersen (founder of Elephant and Trove corporate gifting platforms) to reveal the pivotal moment in RedBalloon maturing and learning what to say no to. Discover why business success comes from what you refuse, not what you accept. Learn business focus strategies, the cost-to-serve analysis every startup needs, how female founders can stop self-limiting, and the personal planning framework that prevents founder burnout. If you're struggling with business focus, work-life balance, or knowing which customers to turn away, this entrepreneur advice will transform how you think about scaling your Australian business.
Thank you to Deel.com for supporting Australian business owners through it's sponsorship of Handpicked Season 6 for more information about Anytime Pay click here
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Six kids under six. C-suite roles at Australia's biggest retail brands. A law degree completed just to prove her brothers wrong.
Amy Louise doesn't do things halfway.
From shop floor to boardrooms. Amy's built her career scaling iconic Australian retailers while raising six children in what can only be described as controlled chaos.
But here's what she wants to know: Is burnout really a badge of honour? Or are we all deceiving to ourselves?
Amy asks the questions retail leaders are wrestling with right now—and the answers aren't what you'd expect. How do you move from corporate to founder to investor? What should you outsource when you're trying to do it all? And what does Naomi look for in leaders she backs?
Naomi shares the conversation that made her realise she needed help, why she and her husband make a plan each year, and the moment she knew her angel investing days were over.
Plus: the untapped opportunity in Australian retail over the next few years. It's not what most retailers think—and it can't be put in a box.
This episode is for anyone juggling impossible loads, wondering if there's a smarter way to do it all, or questioning what the next chapter looks like when you've already achieved what you set out to do.
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Liam Forde ran a big business in London. His confession? "I turned into an asshole."
So he spent the next 26 years teaching people not to be like him—creating transformation experiences for leaders across 40 countries.
Now he's relocated to Australia for his grandkids—and he's starting completely fresh. No networks. No contacts. No idea where to begin in the Australian market.
His questions are brutally honest: Where do I even start? What networks matter? How do I build trust when nobody knows who I am?
And then the big one: What's keeping Australian leaders up at night right now?
Naomi doesn't hold back. She shares the phone call that changed everything for RedBalloon ("How do I know you're real?"), why she wears red every single day, and the networking mistake most people make when building a business.
Plus: the truth about burnout that went viral on LinkedIn, why leaders are struggling with a completely new set of pressures (AI, cybersecurity, remote teams), and the "tiger team" approach that's replacing traditional org structures.
And when Liam asks how to get partners to work harder for you than anyone else? Naomi reveals what she has seen work successfully.
This episode is for anyone who's ever felt like they're starting over—whether you're new to a market, rebuilding after a setback, or just trying to figure out where your people are.
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January 2020. New CEO. Six-month-old baby. Seven weeks later? COVID hits.
That's how Cara McLeod stepped into the CEO role at Mahlab—and somehow that chaos became the launchpad for international growth.
But here's the problem: Mahlab does bespoke strategy work. Everything is custom. Every project needs people. More growth = more headcount. The classic service business trap.
So how do you scale what on paper looks hard to scale?
Cara asks the questions keeping service business CEOs up at night: How do you stand out in a global marketplace when you're suddenly competing worldwide? Can you turn custom expertise into scalable products without losing your magic? And how do you test international markets—especially for their niche in member-based organisations—without taking your eye off the Australian ball?
Naomi doesn't hold back. She reveals the partnership model that took a Shark Tank investment global fast. Plus: the warm referral strategies that crack international markets (spoiler: ditch the cold calling) and why tapping into global associations through your existing clients is pure gold.
If you're wrestling with taking custom work global, this episode is your playbook.
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What do you do when you've built a successful business in a niche that most people don't even know exists? Oliver Lonergan went from selling lollies in primary school to running Professional Picture Hanging—a 12-person operation spanning Australia's east coast and London, with major contracts including Crown Sydney and luxury hotels. At just years out of school, he's facing the classic scale-up challenge: how do you grow from 1 million to 5 million without losing what makes you special?
In this episode, Naomi tackles Oliver's tough questions: building a memorable brand in an "invisible" industry, navigating the leadership shifts required for multi-location growth, and whether to plan for acquisition now or later. From AI-powered scheduling to strategic partnerships and the power of a well-branded van, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for any service-based business looking to scale. Plus, discover why being someone's first customer sometimes comes back to you in the best way possible.
NaomiSimson.com
www.professionalpicturehanging.com.au
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Join Naomi Simson as she mentors Jash Fullinfaw from The Print Bar through the critical challenges of website re-platforming, scaling print-on-demand operations, and maintaining customer experience during rapid growth. From SEO migration strategies to revenue model prioritisation, this episode delivers actionable insights for any e-commerce business navigating technology transformation while preserving what makes them special.
The Print Bar
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Join Naomi Simson in conversation with Adriana Brusi, Managing Director of CrowdsNow, as they dive deep into the real challenges of startup life. From the three critical mistakes that derail new businesses to why authentic relationships trump expensive marketing campaigns, this episode reveals the uncomfortable truths about building a business that lasts. Discover why your customers should be your best ambassadors and how to create genuine connections in an increasingly digital world.
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Drowning in property management systems, booking engines, and CRM platforms? Alicia Szerszyn from Paradise Resort gets answers on balancing high-tech with high-touch.
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When tourism gets tough, do you pivot or persist? Mark Garey from Orange Trikes faces three critical decisions about SEO, pricing strategy and premium product marketing.
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Jay Yip's 40-year tourism journey leads to one big question: as AI transforms travel booking, is it better to go everywhere or focus on fewer, better partners?
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From tea towels to TV dreams: Live painter Sarah Rowan asks how sole traders can scale without losing their magic. Her energy is infectious and her questions apply to every creative entrepreneur.
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From Crohn's diagnosis to gut health empire: Rudi van der Vlies asks how to build authority, tackle taboo topics, and grow D2C brands in the AI era. Game-changing insights inside.
If this is for you - https://www.brand-hub.au/pages/tumme also use the code NAOMI10 to get a discount
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When 91% of companies have recognition programmes but only 31% rate them as effective, something's clearly broken. In this episode, co-CEOs Belinda and Amie from Cos share how they're revitalising their "tired" recognition programme without falling into the favouritism trap.
Why Strategy Execution Unravels and What to do About It
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OnDeck's Justin Brady asks the tough questions about sales incentives and customer relationships. Discover why memorable beats monetary and the three pillars that drive results.
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Hello, I'm Naomi Simson — and we’re back with a brand new season of Handpicked, my podcast where real business owners bring me their real questions.
Season five is here (can you believe it?), and wow — the entrepreneurs have really brought the big ones this time. We’re talking about everything from how to motivate today’s sales teams to how to build a culture of recognition that lifts everyone — not just the loudest voices.
These are the kinds of questions that cut through the noise. No fluff — just real, actionable insights for anyone growing a business, leading a team, or simply trying to get the best out of their day.
Each episode is short, sharp, and packed with ideas you can use immediately. Because sometimes, all it takes is a new perspective — and a little courage to ask.
Join me every Monday for Handpicked.
Naomi x
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In this short extra I look stratergy made simple
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Venkatesh has been in business for almost a decade and he is really wanting to scale. I ask him to consider the constraints of the business and what is holding him back. He wants to know if being boutique is good and how to appeal to larger customers - as a twist at the end I ask him to dream about what his business will look like in five years time. Do you dream about what is possible?
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/
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In this short extra I explore the importance of owning a space.
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If you have a busines idea then this is the episode for you. Chris has a design patent and now he wants to take his project further. I challenge him on some of his thinking, ask him about success and lead him towards next steps.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/
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Have you explored what your Gross Margin is per employee?
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In this episode a give a reality check to this pre-revenue founder. I think it is important to ask challenging questions, to hold up the mirror but also to offer some alternatives. There are althernative sources of money, as I always say debt is cheaper than equity. I talk about customer funded business models, joint marketing and proof of concept.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/
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In this short extra, I give you one of my favourite rules of buisness
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Great conversation on where and how tocreate authority How to look at your business model to create more consistent revenue and also how to align your social contribution to your purpose statement. I even create a purpose statement on the fly. Bill has big aspirations and with these simple inexpensive activities he and his partners are well on their way to achieve their business aspirations.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/
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In this short extra I explore the rythem of your buisness week.
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Growing a team as a startup can be difficult - where do you find talent I offer some suggestions on how to attract like minded people. We discuss how to find funds for captial infrustructure. Andrew shares some of his successes and I asking him about his super power and where he needs to spend his most valuable resource - his time.. Would partnerships work? His vertical farming is such a great concept this is a gerat episode on a sustainable innovative aussie invention.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/
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This is much more than a life style business, Bethany has a clear sense of purpose, is getting great traction and now she is set to fly, however she needs to make it work for her. We talk about her playing to her strengths, how she finds team members and also whether franchising is an option.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/
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In this short extra, Naomi wants to know what your buisness intel is telling you?
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Building brands in service businesses can be a challenge - but when you get it right then you will be speaking with the right people at the right time - and it can become very cost effective. Maria's questions are great and will help any business owner looking to build sales as well as inspire the team around you.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/
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In this short extra, we explore the bottlenecks in your buisness and what to do about them.
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Matt has one of the most compelling customer promises that I have heard. We have a great conversation about growth, finding more customers, competing against faceless online portals and building an entry level product. This is an inspiring episode that will help any business owner think through growth opportunities.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/
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In this short extra, beware of the scam
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Anthony has a great looking coffee brand primarily pitched to millenials, he wants to know how to stand out in the competitive digital landscape. And I provide some different ideas that would be very cost effective. I talk through alternatives to paid media and I make suggestions on how to build a tribe around the brand. I help Anthony work through the idea of what a partnership might look like and where he could find on. It is an upbeat conversation full of marketing ideas.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/
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A short extra on the importance of having a checklist in your business
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In this episode our energetic founder is on to a great idea, but Joanne needs the insight to understand what are the most effective marketing channels for her. I give lot's of 'silver bullets' of great ideas for her to to try. I talk about building owned media channels, and building real relationships with customers.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/
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Season 4 of Handpicked is out this Monday 19th of June
Right now more than ever business needs all the help they can get and in this series, Naomi gets to speak to business owners and founders about not only growing their business but surviving this pandemic.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/
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So I have finally been 'stumped' for words. Twice Marty has reinvented the concept of the photo booth for events. He asks me a number of questions about the economic environment, the start up eco system and also marketing. But then come two questions that are not easy to answer. 1. Would I start RedBalloon now? 2. What is one thing that is an absolute must have for a start up? Hear what I have to say.
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Tamsin sees that Entrepreneurs can play a big role in leadership throughout our economy, she wants to know about success and whether it is dependent of 'personal development'. Sitting still is never an option for business owners but how do you know where to spend your energy?
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Moving to Melbourne Australia, from Romania to start a property development business in January 2020 might not have been the ideal time for Dan to kick of his business. However with a little traction he is keen to understand about the approach to market, market dynamics, and getting the most from the team around him.
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Gaby has seen a business opportunity to create an app which helps millenials earning an income from savings. She has launched Blossomapp and she asks me questions about where to get more customers, who she should hire first, and how she should position the business. This start up is ready to blossom.
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Why go it alone? Naomi believes in the power of partnerships.
In this short extra she tells us why.
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As a successful entrepreneur who sold her thriving enterprise Leigh wants to give school aged students the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship. She has seen significant growth in rural areas and has students throughout Australia. She is asking questions about creating team, recognising great work and how to create a winning culture. When the team is anywhere and everywhere.
More notes from the show below.
https://www.thebigredgroup.com.au/adapting-to-the-new-experience-of-work/
https://www.spillthebeans.events/aspire-2/
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It’s a tricky business pitching our business to investors.
In this short Handpicked Extra , Naomi reflects on her time on Shark Tank AU and also around a new way to find investors.
To find out more about Clearco our sponsor https://clear.co/partner/naomi-simson/
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Tim is a relatively new entrepreneur with a passion for tennis and fitness. He is looking to diversify and grow beyond his current business model. Having built his website he wonders about formal education versus the 'school of hard knocks'. His passion is infectious.
To find out more about Clearco our sponsor https://clear.co/partner/naomi-simson/
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In this short extra Naomi offers advice on the 3 metrics to watch for business growth.
Find out more about Clearco here https://clear.co/partner/naomi-simson/
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I've known Christine for many years, and this is not her first business. Driven by purpose and wanting to shift leadership capabilities for her clients. She asks me questions on funding, equity and investment - how do you know what is right for you? She is thinking through the 'ideal' strengths of an entrepreneur, who is pushing you to greatness and also what stops people growing their businesses.
To learn more about Clearco's funding for your business click here https://clear.co/partner/naomi-simson/
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Naomi loved her time on Shark Tank Australia and this episode she teams up with Michele Romanow a Dragon on the Canadian version of Shark Tank which was called Dragons Den.
Michele is a Serial Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Clearco and a Dragon on Dragons' Den. They sit down and chat about their mutual love of Entrepreneurship and Clearco's entry into Australia.
Find out more about Clearco here https://clear.co/partner/naomi-simson/
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Ahmed has been in business for a decade and it turns over $20m, in that time he has raised close to $30m in venture capital but knew there must be a better way to access growth capital. He tells me that one of his inspirations to starting Zookai was meeting me when he was at university. We cover a breadth of subjects about priorities, networks, bootstrapping and growth funding
Find out more about Clearco here https://clear.co/partner/naomi-simson/
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In this short extra episode of handpicked Naomi answers the question “is life as an entrepreneur all that’s its cracked up to be?”
Thanks to our season sponsor Clearco https://clear.co/partner/naomi-simson/
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Cat is driven by a deep sense of purpose to help businesses trace their carbon footprint. She has significant early traction and a team of seven. She asks me about having a co-founder and she wants to understand how to keep a wonderful friendship as well as having a brilliant partnership.
Thanks to our season sponsor Clearco https://clear.co/partner/naomi-simson/
Find out more about Cat's buisness here www.our-trace.com
Find more info here https://home.kpmg/au/en/home/services/enterprise/high-growth-ventures/startups/grants-government-incentives.html
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In this short Handpicked extra Naomi explores the ‘F word’. How do you deal with fear in business?
Handpicked is brought to you by Clearco, the world's largest e-commerce investor. https://clear.co/partner/naomi-simson/
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Craig and Sarah have worked in oncology for many years and saw how hard it often is for patients to find accommodation near their medical practitioners. With 1600% growth, Medistays sees a big opportunity. Sarah talks about Remarkable accelerator program and asks me questions about ESG frameworks, growth, and creating a great workplace. An inspiring story of Australian determination.
Handpicked is brought to you by Clearco, the world's largest e-commerce investor. https://clear.co/partner/naomi-simson/
Find out more about Medistays here https://www.medistays.com.au/
Learn more about Remarkable here https://remarkable.org.au/
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Shark Tank season 4 the last investment of the series and co-founder Moe joins me with questions about design, technology and customer experience. QPay is going from strength to strength and just completing a successful crowd funding initiative Moe asks me the question ‘do you need a tech founder?’ I share my views on building out technology expertise whether that is your background or not. How to create a technology advisory board, and how to get customers involved with product development. I reflect on what I would have done differently and what get’s in the way of mega growth. I talk about the growth mindset and challenge Moe to look out 5 years and work backwards to what it is he needs to be working on now. It was great to catch up with the QPay story.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Introduction-Business-Growth-Mindset-businesses-ebook/dp/B081D7KQB1
Developing a growth mindset -linkedin-learning.pxf.io/Yg1edR
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With a successful and growing business on the Gold Coast Melissa is challenged by increasing costs and how she can look at changing her prices. She asks me about value pricing, loyalty bonuses, and value adding for clients. We talk about price sensitivity and understanding the role that her business plays in her clients lives. She has a great team culture but knows that this is something that must be focussed on. She asks me what sort of things I have done that don’t necessarily cost a lot but build team connection. With two small children at home, she often finds that she is forever racing. She asks how I managed and what I did to be a founder with family responsibilities. This is a thoughtful and insightful conversation with lessons for any businessperson.
Pricing Strategy Explained
linkedin-learning.pxf.io/mgzMnX
Value based pricing
linkedin-learning.pxf.io/DVQoLn
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This second-generation family manufacturer based in Brisbane produces 40,000 watches a year. Grant has worked for 26 years in the business and is seeking to understand growth opportunities. He knows that he must attract Australians to a career in watch making Customer buying habits are changing and whilst he has an online store, 350 retailers and corporate clients that Adina Watches supplies he knows that this is changing. Whilst successful in Queensland government he asks how to open sales opportunities the other states and levels of government as clients. With the conversation about the Olympics top of mind he wants to know how he and other busines owners can maximise the trade opportunities of big events…This is a wonderful 50-year-old success story with a big vision for growth.
Resources https://www.tenders.gov.au/
How to get celebrities to promote your brand https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/341018
https://www.adinawatches.com.au/
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I’d met Melody as part of a formal mentoring program a few years back and it is so delightful to see the growth she has achieved. She has some great questions about building her two-sided marketplace between local stores and customers. People and businesses do want to buy from local and regional businesses, but they do not want a shoddy customer experience. I talk about the new role that ‘bricks and mortar’ retail plays. We touch on vivid stories and how to get people talking about you as well as Australia as a nation of innovators and inventors.
www.shopmynation.com
Starting a business online https://linkedin-learning.pxf.io/o64eE
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That's the question Bill wants to ask Naomi?
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
Naomi is now taking your questions in this series of Handpicked to help you navigate Covid.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea9BiKAQD4QNjp1V75wbP8uXGMAO7A3flsB-4W9t0XbugAxg/viewform
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Katherine wants to know when the right time is to stop running her home office and lease an office?
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
Naomi is now taking your questions in this series of Handpicked to help you navigate Covid.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea9BiKAQD4QNjp1V75wbP8uXGMAO7A3flsB-4W9t0XbugAxg/viewform
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Nick is driven by a sense of purpose, he and his team know that because of the work they do they are changing the lives of many people with mobility issues. You can hear his commitment to his customers and community. At 13 years into his business ownership journey, he wants to know what will take his business to the next level. Nick knows that to invest in an external CEO could give him the space he needs to work on strategy, vision and relationships but how will he know if it will be successful? He ponders about the ‘imposter syndrome’ and self-talk and asks what I do to manage negative thoughts. We also have a robust conversation about being challenged to greatness.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
Over coming imposter syndrome
linkedin-learning.pxf.io/b3GXkx
hlshealthcare.com.au
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Michelle emailed Naomi to say she is too busy and she wants to know if she’s working on the right stuff?
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
Naomi is now taking your questions in this series of Handpicked to help you navigate Covid.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea9BiKAQD4QNjp1V75wbP8uXGMAO7A3flsB-4W9t0XbugAxg/viewform
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Tash in Victoria wants to know if she should close her business? The pandemic has hit them hard and she wants to know her options.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
Naomi is now taking your questions in this series of Handpicked to help you navigate Covid.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea9BiKAQD4QNjp1V75wbP8uXGMAO7A3flsB-4W9t0XbugAxg/viewform
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ginger Rogers, dance partner of Fred Astair, famously said ‘I did it backwards and in heels’ Louise has designed a fabulous shoe for women on their feet – a lot. She has been in business for 8 years and is doing the design, distribution and development herself. She wants to take the next step with her business. In this episode Louise asks me to put ‘marketing consulting’ hat on for her business. She challenges me on the single-minded value proposition for her clients and asked me to develop a tag line on the fly. We talk about how and where she could find customers cost effectively. She knows to grow she will need to recruit someone, and she asked about bonus structures and compensation. And finally, she asked about time and balance. This interview is full of passion and connection it shows the deeply personal side to making a dream a reality.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
Scaling Up Compensation Subtitled 5 Design Principles for Turning Your Largest Expense into a Strategic Advantage
www.louisemshoes.com
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Dimitri wants to know if now is the right time to scale his business in South Australia?. He is lucky to have good cash flow and steady growth but he wants more and wants advice on if now is the right time?
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
Naomi is now taking your questions in this series of Handpicked to help you navigate Covid.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea9BiKAQD4QNjp1V75wbP8uXGMAO7A3flsB-4W9t0XbugAxg/viewform
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode Naomi answers Rita in Brisbane’s question about how to control your Cash Flow in Covid.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
Naomi is now taking your questions in this series of Handpicked to help you navigate Covid, you can submit them here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea9BiKAQD4QNjp1V75wbP8uXGMAO7A3flsB-4W9t0XbugAxg/viewform
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam and Lucy want businesspeople to plan differently (Plan.D). They are encouraging people to think outside the box. I love their product, the research, design, and creativity of this planning tool is world class. But they have questions. How and when should they make it their full-time job. Is it better to have one project or be working on many things? Is there a gender or age issue to success and how to overcome it. And what about ‘terminal days’ of doing things you have always wanted to do – how do you get on to completing your bucket list… and I answer all this in this wonderfully warm and energetic conversation full of enthusiasm and passion for business owners being successful. Change your behaviour change your world
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
To find out more about Plan D
https://naomisimson.com/product/agile-planning-poker-cards
https://naomisimson.com/agile-at-work
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In this short extra, Naomi talks about the 7 steps to innovation and capturing those ideas for growth and survival.
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There are big questions in this episode Donna wants to know how she should be marketing her socially driven enterprise. I give a succinct overview of building brand equity and making sure that promotional activities are happening at every stage of the customer journey. To remember that creating advocates, ambassadors and advisors can be materially important. Donna asks whether she should focus on retailers or online and speaks about her chosen ambassadors and how best to use them. A tricky question at the end on the ‘right customer’ and I talk about what can be controlled and what cannot. This episode shows the dedication, persistence and drive needed to make a difference in the world.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
Find out more about Donnas business here:
https://donnaforbes.com/
Check out Naomi's book here:
https://naomisimson.com/product/ready-to-soar/
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Helping your business survive the pandemic with a short look at how to use your natural strengths to help in these uncertain times in business
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In this extra of Handpicked, Naomi explores generating new ideas in this critical time of change.
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Helping business thought this pandemic with some productivity hacks to maximise your time and make sure you stay focused while staying at home.
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In this short extra of Handpicked, Naomi shares some productivity hacks that might just help you gain the most important commodity, time!
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Vegepod has flourished in recent times as people are spending more time at home – and gardening is increasingly popular. The founders have come a long way since I met them in season two of Shark Tank. Now in 19 countries with a team of 40, Simon as head of sales and marketing is challenged by the perpetual change of digital marketing channels. He wants to know how to stay on top of ever-changing algorithms of digital channels including Google and Facebook. With a new product on the way we explore product and channel strategies, and he also challenges me on the cost of customer service and whether personalised service is maintainable at scale. There are plenty of laughs, leads and learnings in this episode
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
How Digital Marketing will change in 2021
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In this special extra series of Handpicked Naomi wants to help small business not just thrive but survive this pandemic.
In this epsiode Noami talks life crafting, goals and adjusting your expectations around success.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Co Founder of Finder.com the globally successful comparison website has a new book – Go Live, how to launch… anything. Fred wants to know about my life as an author, how did I write, who did I write for and most importantly why did I write a book. He asks about promotion after the launch and I share with him that a book is not dissimilar to launching any product. I talk through what I did that worked, what I did that didn’t work and what I would have done differently. This is a great episode that is relevant to anyone who is going to launch a product – or perhaps is thinking about becoming an author.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
How to launch a product linkedin-learning.pxf.io/doLBRK
Buy Fred's book here:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Go-Live-principles-launch-global/dp/1922611042/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=fred+schebesta&qid=1622783955&sr=8-1
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Season 2 of Handpicked is out this Monday 16th of August.
Right now more than ever business needs all the help they can get and in this series, Naomi gets to speak to business owners and founders about not only growing their business but surviving this pandemic.
Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this short extra, Naomi explores finding your "why" in business and in life.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
You can check out the links below for more info.
https://naomisimson.com/live-what-you-love-purpose/
https://naomisimson.com/finding-meaning-in-life/
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Andrew Fleming is passionate about people's financial health. He understands the connection between mental health and financial security. He has built and app and has ready for market, but Andrew is seeking some insight in the best way to build the brand and find customers. This is a great episode full of warmth and discovery. It is so wonderful to be profiling such great Australian businesses.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this short extra, Naomi shares some tips and strategies on knowing when to quit.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
For more tips see the links below.
https://naomisimson.com/product/ready-to-soar/
https://naomisimson.com/leadership-framework/
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I met Vanessa from Celle Skin on the first episode of series one of Shark Tank Australia – her journey is exciting and this episode we have a discussion on personal strategy for growth. What does a founder need to do to have a successful business? When do you stop doing everything yourself and get ‘experts’ to help?
Scaling a business using outsourcing, not just employees can deliver material scale. How does an entrepreneur get out of their own way to stop doing everything and get others to bring different skills? Celle Skin is creating a new market for wearable beauty in response to customer trends, how do you track trends?
How can an entrepreneur be supported in these difficult times? Mental health for business owners is critically important and we discuss where an how to be supported, as well as the importance of positive language. And why I have a personal theme each year.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
Here are some other links Naomi mentioned in this weeks show.
https://www.lifeline.org.au/
https://business.gov.au/risk-management/mental-health/mental-health-and-wellbeing-support-for-business
https://scalingup.com/ - Verne Harnish’s work
https://celleskin.com/ - wearable beauty products
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Business language is often confusing, so in this short episode of Handpicked extra, Naomi explains some of it.
For more head to these links.
https://business.gov.au/finance/accounting/key-financial-terms
https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2019/05/20/b2b-vs-b2c
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Naomi sits down face to face with Tony from Youngster.co
Youngster is wonderful business that provides great job opportunities for our youngsters and empowering our elders to use technology better.
In this episode they chat about wellbeing in business, business in regional Australia and Tony's work with helping our elders use technology.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
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In this short extra of Handpicked, Naomi talks about the importance of having a great relationship with your bank and other stakeholder to help you along your business journey.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode Naomi talks with Jacqui who wants to know how to grow her business when she can't actually travel.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this short extra of Handpicked Naomi gives a few handy tips on when to hire and a tool to help you decide who to hire.
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Handpicked we talk to Harry Sanders who is the Director and Founder of StudioHawk. StudioHawk | Award-winning Specialist SEO Agency
Harry has some excellent questions for Naomi which include, do you hire for passion or experience? Is there a reason Naomi wouldn't back someone in business? And how does Australia shape up for entrepreneurs in comparison to other countries?
Thanks to our season sponsor - Bendigo Bank EFTPOS and Ecommerce powered by TYRO, see the link below
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/payments-and-merchant-services/tyro/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's that 'S' word that we hear so much in business but how important is it and how do you build one.
Here's a few quick tips in this extra of Handpicked.
Thanks to our sponsor www.hummpro.com/au/
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Sasha is keen to get started with her new business, but she seems to be stuck. “When is the best time to launch?” she asks. I give her a lot of insight into what customers are looking for, where they might be found and I also coach her on ‘there is no perfect’. This episode speaks to those in business about staying relevant to customers, and those who one day dream of starting one and need the next steps to do so.
Thanks to our sponsor www.hummpro.com/au/
For more info on some of things Naomi talks about in this episode, see this link.
https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/clay-christensens-milkshake-marketing
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In this episode of Handpicked Extra Naomi talks all about Marketing on a shoestring
How do you get more customers? Maybe this short extra might help.
Thanks to our sponsor www.hummpro.com/au/
For more info on marketing see this links
https://naomisimson.com/five-top-marketing-rules/
https://naomisimson.com/product/facebook-ads-authority/
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In this Episode I sit down with Rebekah Campbell from www.zambesi.com
Rebekah is a serial entrepreneur, author and commentator who thinks she has too much on her plate.
She asks me the question about how do I find the time to do all the things I need to do? How do you get a sense a calm when life is chaotic as a business owner, And where does personal brand fit into the marketing mix?
Should you use your own name to build trust for your brand? This is a wonderful conversation and Rebekah also asks me about my experience of being a published author.
Thanks to our Sponsors www.hummpro.com/au for supporting business owners
You can pre order Rebekah's new book -138 Dates-The true story of one woman's search for everything. booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Xxm6Xo
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In this extra episode of Handpicked, Naomi explores if your idea is a good idea, how you can protect it and the importance of your purpose and story.
You can find out more about protecting your idea here https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/
Learn more about your purpose here https://linkedin-learning.pxf.io/y6qqb
Thanks to our Sponsor - HummPro https://www.hummpro.com/au/
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Sally Obermeder (TV personality) is the co-founder of SWIISH.com together with her sister they have grown their business to a material size. In this episode Sally asks the challenging questions on behalf of business owners and entrepreneurs. How much should you tell your team about the finances of the business? These questions are about leadership, transparency, building culture and influence. Growth is top of mind for Sally join in now to hear what insights I have for her and the SWIISH business.
For more information about our Sponsor - HummPro, check out the link www.hummpro.com/au/
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For many business owners raising money to get started can be a challenge. Whilst bank finance (debt) seems the first place to start there are a number of options.
For more information about our Sponsor - HummPro, check out the link www.hummpro.com/au/
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In this edition Saxon Phipps Co-Founder Year 13 reflects on its growth but asks “What’s the best way to start a business?”, “How do you weed out the ‘sharks’ and find advisors and investors who will help you build the brand?” How do you keep the brand building central to the business culture?” “As a business owner who is working relentlessly How do you know when you need to take a break?” – We have a considered and insightful chat keeping it real and to the point.
For more information about our Sponsor - HummPro, check out the link www.hummpro.com/au/
How to Start a Small Business? www.naomisimson.com/how-to-start-a-small-business
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Each Wednesday on Handpicked, Naomi offers short tips and tricks to grow or start your business. In this episode find out how to find a mentor and how they can help anyone .
For more information about our Sponsor - HummPro, check out the link www.hummpro.com/au/
You can find out more info here: https://naomisimson.com/product/shark-tank-building-your-business/
https://www.mentorwalks.com.au/
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In this first episode of Handpicked, Naomi sits down to chat with Kerrie from Merino Country. Passionate about Australian manufacturing, yet facing the challenges of growing because finding skilled team members is increasingly difficult. After nearly three decades this can be exhausting for any owner.
Kerrie and her husband manufacture garments using Australian Merino textiles in regional Queensland and whilst the business is booming she asks the question is she the right person to take the business on the next wave of growth?
This is a wonderful Australian business story with plenty of laughs, whilst asking the tough business questions.
For more information about our Sponsor - HummPro, check out the link www.hummpro.com/au/
For more info on selling your business read this blog https://linkedin-learning.pxf.io/Ddyya
For support with Mental health and your own business head here https://business.gov.au/news/supporting-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-of-small-business-owners
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Handpicked with Naomi Simson is a short podcast delivered each Monday which is just like having a mentoring session with one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs.
In this podcast Naomi takes questions from business owners that might need help growing starting or saving their business.
Each guest is handpicked by Naomi as she shares stories, ideas and advice that might help them and anyone that has ever wanted to start a business.
Naomi Simson is an entrepreneur who founded RedBalloon in 2001. She has been blogging for a decade at NaomiSimson.com, is a professional speaker, author of Live What You Love & Ready To Soar, and a “Shark” on business reality show Shark Tank Australia.
For more information about our Sponsor - HummPro, check out the link www.hummpro.com/au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.