From Hot Mess To Flamin' Success: Recent Episodes
Sharon
Stories, musings and advice to help small businesses own their numbers. The "From Hot Mess To Flamin' Success" podcast features entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled, marketing experts who’ll help you grow (even on a shoestring budget), and small business owners just like you, who talk candidly about their journeys, learnings, and struggles.
Technology advances combined with the pandemic have seen the number of online businesses out there (MicroChilli included!) increase dramatically in recent years. The overheads are lower than bricks-and-mortar retail, which means the barriers to entry are fewer, however there are still many things to consider to ensure success in this realm.
Alex Tempany, Founder of Alex Tempany Jewelry has been in biz for over three years, so has some great tips, tricks and learnings to share when it comes to owning it in the world of e-commerce.
In episode 15 Alex chats with Sharon about:
- Some of the benefits associated with running an online vs. bricks-and-mortar business
- Her recommendations when it comes to affordable, user-friendly platform providers (even for those with minimal tech skills)
- How and why your online store needs to be seamless – from the way you showcase your products, to ensuring consistent branding.
- The importance of the customer journey, the role of data here, and the key term to know: conversion rates (spoiler alert: Alex shares a conversion rate KPI, too!)
- The challenges she has faced when it comes to wearing all of the hats, and the value of prioritising.
- Why it’s important to outsource where and when you can.
Interested in learning more about Alex and her beautiful pieces of both bespoke and ready to wear jewelry? Head to her:
Website
This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative
If you’re spending loads of time on proposals, struggle to respond to leads or follow up with prospects, or don’t have a clear client onboarding and offboarding process in place… Then your business could be in need of some process related R&R!
Firstly, know that you’re not alone, and this is so common. Secondly, episode 15 of our podcast is going to be a must listen for you. Here Sharon and Charlotte Isaac, a Dubsado Strategist & Business Operations Consultant, cover the tools, tips and tricks you can lean on to streamline your operations, get more time back in the day, secure new clients, and grow your biz.
Take a listen to hear Charlotte talk through:
- The value of process in a small business (we’re all time poor, after all!)
- Some quick wins when it comes setting up and streamlining your operations
- The three key processes she recommends establishing before you launch (you can still do this now if you’re already up and running, though!): lead nurturing, onboarding, and offboarding.
- Some of the benefits of a process-driven approach
- The key process-driven platforms to consider: a CRM, scheduling tool, and project management tool, and her recommendations for each.
To learn more about Charlotte’s services and to get in touch, head to her website.
Charlotte has also created a special link for listeners to access her course: 7 Steps To Automation for free! Check it out here**.
This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative**
So, you’ve started or are running a business… Amazing! However, like so many of us entrepreneurs, you might have found that aside from the fun client work – where you’re the expert – there are lots of other things to consider as a business owner. Think: bookkeeping, HR, IT, and… Legals!
Having a sound set of legal documents in place is a must, however we get that navigating all things contracts can be a little overwhelming. So, in episode 13, Sharon chats with Tracey Mylecharane, a Business Lawyer with more than 12 years experience in litigation and dispute resolution, and Founder at Tracey Mylecharane Solicitor, about this very topic.
Some of her key insights from this ep include:
- The three key reasons why contracts are important for every small business, from the need to adhere to your legal obligations, to protecting yourself.
- The value of treating your legals in the same way you do your branding, website and social media.
- The key types of contracts to know, for both product and service-based businesses.
- Why it’s so important to avoid a templated approach, and opt for legal documents that are tailored to your business, and your offering.
- The power of highly engaging, branded legal documents that reflect you and your business.
- The issues you might face without contracts, such as not receiving payments (eek!), falling victim to scope creep, or even getting sued.
- Tips for creating contracts (namely: be open to outsourcing!)
- The ballpark costs small businesses can expect to pay for these types of services, and the fact that payment plans are also a thing.
- Top tips for dispute resolution.
For more great legal tips and tricks from Tracey, and to get in touch, visit her:
Website
Instagram page
This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative
So, maybe you’re growing and aren’t sure where to go next, recognise that you need some advice from the experts but don’t know who to look to, or have big, bold plans for your business, and want to learn more about ways to fuel its growth… Well, episode 12 of our podcast is full of insights that relate to this, and more!
Here Sharon spoke with Troy Trewin, a chairman, advisor and businessman, who is also the founder of Grow A Small Business. Some of the topics they cover include:
- Troy’s varied and successful entrepreneurial journey from childhood, through to launching businesses overseas, operating distilleries in Australia and NZ, and running Grow A Small Business.
- What is meant by the term shareholder, including the value they can bring to a business, what they own, and what their role is.
- What to look for in a shareholder, including Troy’s notion of active vs. passive money.
- The importance of a shareholder agreement, and looking to legal experts to create them.
- How to know if and when seeking the support of shareholders is right for you.
- Tips for getting shareholders on board (a solid pitch is a must, as is financial modelling!)
- Troy’s notion of ‘agile corp governance,’ and its value.
To learn more about Troy, Grow A Small Business, and how to become a guest on his renowned podcast, visit:
The Grow A Small Business website
Troy’s LinkedIn
This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative
If you think about what it is that inspires you to make a purchase or learn more about a company, chances are their branding has a big part to play.
In fact, a beautiful, eye-catching brand is what could set your small business apart from the rest and build trust, resulting in more leads, and greater growth.
In episode 11 of From Hot Mess to Flamin’ Success, Sharon and Gabby discuss some of the key pillars of good brand design, and how making the investment could benefit you.
Some of the things they cover off include:
- What is meant by the term ‘brand identity,’ which Gabby likens to as your brand’s personality.
- The value and importance of having a compelling brand, and rolling it out across your various platforms in a consistent way.
- The process involved in working with a brand designer, including the four Ds: discovery, direction, design and delivery.
- That small business owners should aim to view branding as an investment instead of an expense.
- How a professional brand that communicates your values can reduce risk when you’re launching a new business or product.
- The price points for professional branding, which vary depending on a studio’s size, as well as the deliverables you’re seeking.
- Gabby’s do’s and don’ts when it comes to branding (spoiler alert: avoid taking the DIY brand route!)
To learn more about Gabby’s offering and approach, head to:
Website
This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative
Whether personally or professionally, most of us will have received a suspicious looking email or text, or worse, had our website or social media platforms hacked at least once before.
Managing our security online is super important these days, as so much of our work and communication is done through digital channels.
All of this is what inspired the topic of our latest episode! Listen in to hear cybersecurity expert Richard Addiscott talk with Sharon about:
- How cybersecurity – or as Rich mentions it’s been referred to – ‘our soft underbelly’ has evolved in recent years and is no longer a nice to have, but a must have.
- Some of the implications of a cyber attack.
- The importance of mindset here, and recognising that you could, in fact, fall victim to a cyber attack. No one is immune!
- Common types of cyber attacks, including phishing, which Rich says is responsible for a large chunk of security breaches.
- Tips for creating a cybersecurity policy for your organisation. Importantly: keep it simple and avoid technical jargon, so your people understand what they need to be doing.
- Key signs that you might have been hacked.
- The importance of doing your due diligence when it comes to software selection.
- The notion of the ‘business email compromise’ and what to do if this happens in your company.
- Some resources to consider for staying on the front foot from a cybersecurity perspective.
- A key benefit of having a strong cybersecurity system in place: it can help you build brand trust.
This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative
A personal budget is important not only if you’re an employee, but a business owner too, as the two are inextricably linked.
Ideally, you’ll create your personal budget first, and this will then influence things like pricing in your biz. So, with a new financial year having just arrived, it’s time to get planning and goal setting!
This prompted us to look to one of the personal finances pros for episode 9 of From Hot Mess To Flamin’ Success: Kate Campbell, the Editor & Founder of How To Money.
In this episode Sharon and Kate cover off:
- The inspiration behind launching How to Money – namely Kate has found that personal finance management is one of those things we don’t tend to get taught at school.
- Some key steps to take when creating a personal budget, and how aligning your goals with practical steps is key.
- The importance of budget flexibility, experimenting with different scenarios, and the value of getting a friend or family member to join you on the journey (you might even find it becomes fun!)
- Recommended budget tracking tools such as Frollo, Pocketbook and PocketSmith, which many banks also have, and budget sub-categories to include.
- The joy vs. spend dichotomy, and spending in a way that complements your goals and values.
- Kate’s concept of the ‘money date’, where you carve out time each month to head to a cafe and sit down to look at how you’re actually tracking against your budget.
- Tips for ‘giving a dollar a job’ and getting the most out of the new financial year.
Seeking some support with your personal finances, so that you can succeed in business, too? Learn more about How To Money and get in touch with Kate via their:
Website
This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative
Did you know that registering for an ABN doesn’t necessarily mean you have exclusive rights to your business name, as well as brand assets like your logo and tagline?
This is where trademarking comes in. Not just reserved for big corporations, it’s important when it comes to protecting your business, and what Raquel Garcia, a Trade Marks Attorney and Founder of Legiterati likens to “an insurance policy for brands.”
So in episode 8 of From Hot Mess To Flamin’ Success, Sharon and Raquel chat about:
- How trademarking can be used to help you protect your brand and business assets, and deter other organisations, no matter their size, from using them.
- The important differences between a business name and the trademarking of that name.
- Why applying for a trademark is key before you launch: it will help you avoid expensive re-brands and even (gulp) a lawsuit.
- How a registered trade mark becomes property, and why this is essential if you’re seeking investors, or looking to eventually exit the business.
- The process involved in applying for a trade mark, which operates on a ‘first to file’ priority basis (which means time is of the essence!)
- The cost of trademarking, and how long a trade mark lasts.
- Trade mark monitoring, its value in terms of ensuring others aren’t filing for names, logos or other assets that are ‘confusingly similar’ to yours, and how to oppose a trademark application (of which you’ve only got two months to do so)
- That it is possible to apply for a trade mark yourself, however with 45 classes to choose from, it can be a bit of a maze, so looking to an expert is key!
Inspired to take action before it’s too late? Get in touch with Raquel to find out more about trademarking, and how she can support you!
Website
Email: hello@legiterati.com
This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative
Just like bookkeeping and all things numbers, HR is one of those small business essentials, but if it’s not in your wheelhouse, it can be challenging – and time-consuming – managing this on your own. There are lots of legalities to be aware of, plus how do you know when it’s time to hire, among many other things?!
We’re here to help! In this episode, Sharon speaks with Kerrie and Sally about the HR essentials for small business owners. These include:
- From casual and part-time, to full-time and maternity contracts, the different employment types, and your employer obligations (hint: they vary by type).
- Key ways to figure out which employment type is best for your business.
- Some of the tell-tale signs it’s time to hire – such as your numbers show strong growth or your current team (or you if you’re a solopreneur) don’t possess a certain skill set that’s needed to continue to grow.
- Steps to take before you hire in this current competitive market – namely ‘start before you need somebody.’
- Tips for hiring effectively, and what to include in job ads. Interestingly, making your job ads mobile friendly is a must, as 70% of people view them on their devices.
- Contractual and paperwork essentials (like a Fair Work Information Statement and code of conduct) for employees.
- The importance of adhering to award rates (of which there are 122 in Australia!).
- Requirements around bullying and harassment training.
- The two HR-related exemptions that apply to businesses with 14 employees or less.
- When to outsource HR.
Need support with your HR needs, but not looking to hire? With HR Advice Online you can outsource this task for as little as $275 per month.
To learn more and get in touch with Kerrie and Sally, drop them an email at advice@hradviceonline.com.au and include MicroChilli in the subject line!
You can also find out more about HR Advice Online via their website.
Tax time is just around the corner, but don’t fret small business owner, we’ve got your back! While MicroChilli is here to support you with your books, it’s important to have an accountant on your team too.
So in this episode Sharon and Zelda discuss all things accounting, tax and getting the most out of this time of the year, including:
- The importance of looking to an accountant not just at tax time, but all of the time
- The value of working with an accountant and bookkeeper who are on the same page
- The role of tax planning (and that if your accountant hasn’t brought this up with you yet, it might be time to switch!)
- What your tax time checklist needs to include, and why you might not even need one (hint: planning throughout the year is key)
- Key things to stay on top of as an employer from a hiring, super and tax perspective
- Tax deductions, including their definition, common deductions, and how they vary by business
- Zelda’s ultimate tax time no nos! The big ones? Don’t wait until the 30th June to start preparing, or avoid lodging your returns all together due to fear or worry
- Plus, Zelda runs us through her Rich Women CEOs Facebook Group, a support network for women covering not just finance, but general ideas, learnings and more.
If you’re looking to get your tax organised (Zelda recommends starting this now), get in touch with her:
Website
The team at One Roof have found women are often excluded from discussions in the boardroom, and this leads them to take the entrepreneurial journey, because they crave the flexibility that comes with it.
One Roof recognises that being an entrepreneur can be isolating at the best of times though. So, in this episode Sharon and Fran chat about the value of communities that are dedicated to both supporting women in business (at various stages of their journey), and providing them with opportunities to connect with like minded leaders.
Listen in to hear about:
- Fran’s inspirational career journey, from investment banking to innovative consulting
- How One Roof has evolved from one of Australia’s largest bricks and mortar co-working spaces, to a fully fledged digital platform for female leaders and entrepreneurs
- One Roof’s member support initiatives, such as coaching calls, masterclasses, mastermind sessions and a new ‘Inner Circle’ matchmaking program
- The ways One Roof boosts the visibility of its members’ businesses
- How the organisation has maintained its link to co-working spaces across the country
- One Roof’s purpose over profit mentality, which means they aim to keep their membership costs to a minimum (spoiler alert: listeners will receive a discount code!)
If you feel you need a little bit of One Roof love in your life, learn more via their:
Website
Email: hello@weareoneroof.com For more savings sign up using code 'microchilli' to receive an additional 15% OFF the already discounted membership via this link
If you think about the most memorable websites, social feeds, movies or even television ads you’ve seen, chances are, they are all highly visual.
The thing is, we humans are super visual learners, so it makes complete sense to take this approach when it comes to the branding in your own organisation, right?!
While getting professional photos can feel a bit awkward, shouty and even cringeworthy, they are an important part of every business.
So in this episode Mel runs us through the value of professional photos, and shares some tips and tricks for getting the most out of them.
Listen in to learn about:
- What led Mel to turn her creative hobby into a fledgling photography business for ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders
- How compelling visuals can help you gain a competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace
- Tips for capturing memorable visuals
- They key ingredients of a great photo: think lighting, composition, expression and more
- The importance of thinking about what you want to communicate to your audience through your visuals, and creating a narrative around them
- Where and when (you might be surprised by this one!) to use your professional photos once you receive them
- The one thing you should invest in from a photography perspective, even if you’ve got minimal budget to work with
Looking to take the leap and invest in some beautiful images for your brand? Or simply want some advice about what to do with your photos?
Learn more about Mel’s services and get in touch with her here.
She also happens to be an amazing singer! Listen to Mel’s stunning voice here.
Are you considering upping your digital marketing game to secure more customers, yet find it all a bit baffling? Or maybe you’re launching your business soon, and want to get the essentials right?
In episode three of From Hot Mess to Flamin’ Success, MicroChilli’s CEO & Founder, Sharon Crombie discusses all things digital marketing for small business with Damien Elsing, the Founder of CLCK Media.
Damien has a content and copywriting background, and throughout his career found companies often struggle to develop meaningful, long-term buying cycles which nurture their customers and prospects ongoing. This inspired the launch of CLCK Media, where Damien and his team provide services ranging from digital and content marketing, to SEO and marketing automation.
Some of the key things Sharon and Damien cover off in this episode include:
- The importance of adopting long-term digital marketing strategies versus one-off campaigns to build trust, and tips for taking this route.
- The value of maintaining and updating your list of contacts, and communicating with them regularly via platforms such as email marketing.
- Why it’s important to avoid a perfectionist approach, and test marketing concepts and ideas before you launch, to ensure there’s a real need for them.
- Organic versus paid digital marketing, and which is best for your business throughout its life cycle.
- Success tips for Google Ads campaigns.
- The power of ‘content offers’ which genuinely help to solve a customer or prospect’s problem.
If you’re interested in learning more about digital marketing for your small business, visit the CLCK Media website for lots of valuable (and free) resources, and to get in touch with Damian!
A must-listen for anyone considering ‘throwing themselves in’ and going out on their own, or looking to master their socials, in episode two of From Hot Mess to Flamin’ Success MicroChilli’s CEO & Founder, Sharon Crombie chats with Mira Ciccone, Founder of The Life of a Virtual Assistant.
Mira has a very interesting and inspirational small biz story. Devastated after being made redundant due to COVID and disheartened by the lack of jobs out there, instead of waiting around for something to happen, Mira decided to take her fate into her own hands by launching her own business.
The Life of a Virtual Assistant specialises in providing social media marketing services, namely content creation, scheduling and community engagement, and also offers a mentoring service to help others make the switch to small business ownership, and thrive in their roles as Virtual Assistants.
Listen in to learn about:
- How Mira shifted from unemployed to a fully booked small business owner within two weeks of finishing her Virtual Assistant course.
- The strategies she adopted to secure clients so quickly.
- Her top tips for achieving success with social media (hint: consistency is key!)
- The role the client plays in ensuring their success on social media.
- The biggest challenges she faces as a small business owner.
- The power of project management tools.
If you need help with your socials or are looking to enter the Virtual Assistant world, learn more about or get in touch with Mira (she offers free ‘Clarity Calls’) via the links below:
- Book a free call
In episode one of From Hot Mess to Flamin’ Success MicroChilli’s CEO & Founder, Sharon Crombie speaks with Amy Hooke, Founder of The Savvy Bookkeeper.
Leaning on her own experiences of attempting to launch her own biz, where while it was successful, she found it so stressful that she quit, Amy now supports smart bookkeepers on their journey to becoming business savvy bookkeepers.
She helps them avoid the mistakes she made by helping them build professional, profitable online bookkeeping practices that can eventually even run without them.
With pricing being so key to all of this, our topic for this episode is all about pricing, and how to create the right strategy for your business.
We cover things like:
- When small business owners should work out their pricing
- Top tips for setting pricing
- How this differs between product and service-based businesses
- Ways small business owners can go about increasing their prices
- Some common mistakes small business owners make when it comes to pricing, and what they can do to avoid them
Need to nail your pricing? Then tune in via your favourite podcast app to hear Amy’s valuable insights!