The Business Over Breakfast Podcast: Recent Episodes
Andrew Griffiths & Bree James
The Business Over Breakfast Podcast is for Small Business owners wanting to grow their business. Two of Australia’s leading business minds, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths have teamed up to provide some early morning food for thought, designed to challenge conventional business thinking and to help business owners come out on top in every situation.
Business Over Breakfast includes thought provoking discussions, covering a broad and diverse range of business concepts.
Each episode is filled with practical tips, deep dives on a variety of topics, and a success story interview with an expert in their field.
Business Over Breakfast is the perfect mix of raw, real, and relevant information, all designed to challenge the way Small Business owners do business now and into the future.
We are all looking for ways to grow our businesses - and there are many options and choices. In this episode of the Business Over Breakfast Show we are taking a long hard look at the concept of getting out and speaking in front of an audience to spread your message. Now this show is part one of a two part series - in this episode we are going to convince you why you should be speaking, what the opportunities are, where to start, understanding that what you have figured out has value that others will see and so much more. In the next episode we dive into the “HOW” of speaking. Clearly this is a big topic - and we could spend a year talking about it - so lets stop waffling here and get into why you need to be speaking to grow your business. Important links:
Buy the Business Over Breakfast Vol 1 Book Bree James Website PakMag Website The PakMag Parents Podcast Andrew Griffiths Website Authorville Andrew’s weekly INC column Andrew’s Flying Solo column
On the last episode of the Business Over Breakfast Show we spoke about the need to get ready for tougher economic conditions because in reality, there are two kinds of business, those that have had tough times and those that will have tough times. Learning how to survive tough times is so important and it’s not a skill that is easily learned. There is another interesting angle to this and that is we need to ask ourselves if we are leaving money on the table, every single day of the week? Sometimes the best way to protect ourselves is to increase how much we sell.What exactly do we mean by this? Are you losing sales or more specifically, are there products or services you could be selling that you simply aren’t? This shows theme came about after Andrew noticed a very popular restaurant in Melbourne had opened a serving window at the back of the premises where people could swing by and grab a take away coffee and some simple treats - and it has a long line of people ready and very willing to buy. How much extra revenue did this business generate with not necessarily a whole lot of extra effort? In this episode of the Business Over Breakfast show we dive a little deeper on this topic and try to help you identify ways that you could increase your businesses revenue by being smart about the products or services you introduce. And from our experience, pretty much every business is missing out on potential revenue. Important links:
Buy the Business Over Breakfast Vol 1 Book Bree James Website PakMag Website The PakMag Parents Podcast Andrew Griffiths Website Authorville Andrew’s weekly INC column Andrew’s Flying Solo column
We don’t think there is any doubt that times are getting tougher. All of the signs are pointing to changing economic conditions and that has ramifications for anyone in business. So what do we do? Throw our hands up in the air, or stick our head into a hole, embrace denial or just panic and run around like Homer Simpson? We think there is a better approach - and that is simply to get ready for tough times. The more prepared we get the more likely we are to survive and economic downturn. And believe us, there is a lot that we can do to be prepared. In this episode of Business Over Breakfast, we look at the signs that tell us things are going to get fiscally challenging and most importantly, what are the steps we can take to do something about it right here, right now. Thinking we are helpless and unable to do anything is the first big mistake. This is an important episode for every small business owner. Important links:
Buy the Business Over Breakfast Vol 1 Book Bree James Website PakMag Website The PakMag Parents Podcast Andrew Griffiths Website Authorville Andrew’s weekly INC column Andrew’s Flying Solo column
We all know what it’s like when we start to feel a little fried in our business. Long hours, pressure and stress, an ever increasing “to do” list and before we know it, we can burn ourselves out. And this has some long term ramifications.
Understanding that burn out can impact any small business owner and what that could lead to, makes this a very important topic for discussing, especially as it feels like we are swimming against the tide on a daily basis.
In this episode we take a deep dive into the world of small business owner burnout, what causes it and what we call do about it. An important episode for every single small business owner on the planet.
Important links:
Buy the Business Over Breakfast Vol 1 Book Bree James Website PakMag Website The PakMag Parents Podcast Andrew Griffiths Website Authorville Andrew’s weekly INC column Andrew’s Flying Solo column
Whether you know it or not, we’ve all become a part of the subscription economy and it’s important to understand just how significant this has become in recent years and why we need to be looking at ways to get our small business onboard.
Every month we pay various subscription dues for everything from what we watch on television to our telephone service to various apps and platforms that we use in our business. We are very happy to pay little bits for a product or service every month, as opposed to large chunks.
This new payment and pricing model is appealing for many reasons - the big question is how can you use the subscription model in your business? In this episode we are offering our thoughts on the best way to embrace the subscription model in your small business.
Check out Subscribed by Tien Tzuo Buy the Business Over Breakfast Vol 1 Book Bree James Website PakMag Website The PakMag Parents Podcast Andrew Griffiths Website Authorville Andrew’s weekly INC column Andrew’s Flying Solo column
You may have noticed that there is a Hipster Revolution happening - and it’s certainly have a big impact on the business world. In fact we think Hipsters are fantastic for reinvigorating businesses and industries, just give them time to get to yours. So what exactly do Hipsters do that we can learn from? Why are they appearing in certain types of industries but not others? What exactly are they bringing to the small business world? Lots of questions, lots of laughs - and more than a few learnings to be had. In this episode of Business Over Breakfast we take a long hard look at the Hipster Revolution and try to make sense of it. This is a great episode, one we both loved recording. Grab a bowl of Corn Flakes and settle in for some tattoos and beards over breakfast. Buy the Business Over Breakfast Vol 1 Book Bree James Website PakMag Website The PakMag Parents Podcast Andrew Griffiths Website Authorville Andrew’s weekly INC column Andrew’s Flying Solo column
Trust is a big word in the business world these days, particularly in the corporate world. The overall lost of trust, particularly with the corporate world, has a flow on effect with small businesses as well. There is growing demand from consumers for businesses of all kinds to be transparent in all that they do. The goal for any small business is to be completely trusted and trustworthy. Do this, and we feel that you will have no shortage of customers, but like most things, it’s not that easy to know where to start. How transparent do you need to be and can you be too transparent? In the coming years transparency will be one the key factors that determines the success of a business. In this episode of the Business Over Breakfast show we are diving deep on the concept of transparency for small businesses - what it looks like, how we achieve it and what will happen if we don’t become transparent. Buy the Business Over Breakfast Vol 1 Book Bree James Website PakMag Website The PakMag Parents Podcast Andrew Griffiths Website Authorville Andrew’s weekly INC column Andrew’s Flying Solo column
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since we all faced the challenge of Y2K. That 20 year block disappeared in a heart beat. So what has changed in business in that time? Clearly just about everything. But let’s look at a tighter time frame - say 10 years. What has changed in that time and what have you learned?
The moral to this episode is the power of reflection as a business tool. But we don’t just want to sit and ponder the vague changes, we want to extract some deeper and more meaningful information and ideas that we can use in our business for the next 10 years. Because as the old saying goes, “what got us here won’t get us there”. So in this episode, we share our realisations and reflections on the last decade and extract what this means for the future in our businesses and yours. Enjoy episode 58 of the Business Over Breakfast show. Buy the BOB Vol 1 Book - https://www.booktopia.com.au/business-over-breakfast-vol-1-andrew-and-james-bree-griffiths/prod9780987406668.html Bree James website - https://breejames.com/ PakMag - https://pakmag.com.au/ Bree James PakMag podcast - www.pakmag.com.au/podcast Andrew Griffiths website - https://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/ Authorville - https://authorville.com.au/ Andrew’s weekly INC column - https://www.inc.com/author/andrew-griffiths Andrew’s Flying Solo column - https://www.flyingsolo.com.au/member/andrew-griffiths
We all hear the term “social good” being used, especially in the corporate world but what does it really mean? Is there a company out there that really captures the essence of this concept in a way that we can learn from and apply to our own business? We think there is. In this episode of the Business Over Breakfast show, we take a deep dive look at Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company. Founded in the 1970’s - Patagonia is remarkable, on many levels. Their mission is “To Save the World”. And they are certainly doing that. But what can we do as small business owners? We’ve looked long and hard at Patagonia and distilled a number of key elements that make this business unique and applicable to any business. We share these ideas, concepts and strategies and without doubt, they are extraordinarily powerful. So buckle up, grab a strong coffee and enjoy episode 57 of the Business Over Breakfast Show. Buy the BOB Vol 1 Book - https://www.booktopia.com.au/business-over-breakfast-vol-1-andrew-and-james-bree-griffiths/prod9780987406668.html Bree James website - https://breejames.com/ PakMag - https://pakmag.com.au/ Bree James PakMag podcast - https://pakmag.com.au/podcast Andrew Griffiths website - https://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/ Authorville - https://authorville.com.au/ Andrew’s weekly INC column - https://www.inc.com/author/andrew-griffiths Andrew’s Flying Solo column - https://www.flyingsolo.com.au/member/andrew-griffiths https://www.patagonia.com.au/pages/company-history
We came across an interesting quote recently that said “if you have a major customer complaint in 2018 you may not be around in 2019”. Whilst this may sound melodramatic, there is some truth to it. Customers have changed so much in the past few years and in reality, the change has just begun. Customers have power and they are certainly not afraid to use it. For most businesses the area that can let them down is communication. The single biggest customer service complaint is that businesses don’t get back to their customers when they say they will. Simply make a conscious effort to become a great communicator and you are miles ahead of your competitors. So in this episode of the Business Over Breakfast Show, we take a new look at an old topic and aim to provide some practical advice on coming to grips with this new world of customer service. We hope you get a great deal out of this episode. Buy the BOB Vol 1 Book - https://www.booktopia.com.au/business-over-breakfast-vol-1-andrew-and-james-bree-griffiths/prod9780987406668.html Bree James website - https://breejames.com/ PakMag - https://pakmag.com.au/ Bree James PakMag podcast - https://pakmag.com.au/podcast Andrew Griffiths website - https://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/ Authorville - https://authorville.com.au/ Andrew’s weekly INC column - https://www.inc.com/author/andrew-griffiths Andrew’s Flying Solo column - https://www.flyingsolo.com.au/member/andrew-griffiths
It’s so easy to be dismissive of the concept of having fun in our business but maybe, just maybe, it’s more important than we realise. There’s no doubt that over time it’s very easy for a business to lose it’s fun feel, for things to become heavier and basically for everyone, including the customers, to stop having a good time. Does it really matter? Shouldn’t business be a serious thing? Hell no! It is after all, only business. You know that we love a good laugh, and we are both constantly trying to outdo each other in the “who is funnier stakes - (we know it’s Andrew right)”, but the reality is that we both understand how important have a serious fun element to any small business can be.
But what do you do if you’ve lost that fun feeling? Can you get it back? Want some really practical ideas? The best move you can take is to grab a strong cup of coffee, get comfortable and tune into this episode of the Business Over Breakfast show for a good laugh and plenty of ideas on how you can bring the fun back to your business today. Buy the BOB Vol 1 Book - https://www.booktopia.com.au/business-over-breakfast-vol-1-andrew-and-james-bree-griffiths/prod9780987406668.html Bree James website - https://breejames.com/ PakMag - https://pakmag.com.au/ Bree James PakMag podcast - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pakmag-parents-podcast/id1439864478?mt=2 Andrew Griffiths website - https://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/ Authorville - https://authorville.com.au/ Andrew’s weekly INC column - https://www.inc.com/author/andrew-griffiths Andrew’s Flying Solo column - https://www.flyingsolo.com.au/member/andrew-griffiths
What fears are holding you back in life and in business? According to self development icon, Dale Carnegie, ninety percent of what we worry about never happens. Even though he offered that advice a very long time ago, he has a point. But that doesn’t make the fears that hold us back any less relevant or any less powerful. In this episode of the Business Over Breakfast Show, we share some of the most common fears holding us back in business and of course, we offer advice on what we can do about these fears. And in our “Food For Thought” segment we talk about an innovation that lets people wear clothes for a month without washing them (ewwwwww), a boat made entirely from recycled plastic and whilst we are on the recycling platform, a very cool company in Sri Lanka has found a use for discarded flowers. Buy the BOB Vol 1 Book - https://www.booktopia.com.au/business-over-breakfast-vol-1-andrew-and-james-bree-griffiths/prod9780987406668.html Bree James website - https://breejames.com/ PakMag - https://pakmag.com.au/ Bree James PakMag podcast - pakmag.com.au/podcast Andrew Griffiths website - https://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/ Authorville - https://authorville.com.au/ Andrew’s weekly INC column - https://www.inc.com/author/andrew-griffiths Andrew’s Flying Solo column - https://www.flyingsolo.com.au/member/andrew-griffiths
Most of us struggle with saying NO. For whatever reason that little two letter word can be the hardest one to say. Sadly if we don’t master the art of saying no, we pay the price. After a while we tend to either burn ourselves out or get so frustrated that we erupt and say things out of anger and frustration as opposed to calm logic.
Like most aspects of doing business, saying no is simply a skill set. Bree and Andrew share their own take on this topic and of course their own experiences. Not all are good - and that’s what this show is all about, sharing honestly in a way that will be relevant and practical for the small business owners listening in. So if you are one of those people who struggles to say no, this episode of the Business Over Breakfast show is for you.
Links:
Buy the BOB Vol 1 Book - https://www.booktopia.com.au/business-over-breakfast-vol-1-andrew-and-james-bree-griffiths/prod9780987406668.html
Bree James website - https://breejames.com/
PakMag - https://pakmag.com.au/
Bree James PakMag podcast - http://thepakmagparentspodcast.libsyn.com
Andrew Griffiths website - https://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/
Authorville - https://authorville.com.au/
Andrew’s weekly INC column - https://www.inc.com/author/andrew-griffiths
Andrew’s Flying Solo column - https://www.flyingsolo.com.au/member/andrew-griffiths
With more businesses than ever operating from home, the concept of business isolation is very real. It’s become increasingly easy to get cut off from real human contact, spending days and weeks behind a computer without venturing out into the real world. And of course plenty of people are not physically isolated from day to day contact but they feel cut off and isolated emotionally. The end result is much the same and it’s not good.
In this episode Bree and Andrew talk about the business isolation, from their own personal perspectives. They also share what the real dangers are and of course, most importantly, what we can do about. This is a must show for anyone who is feeling cut off and isolated in their business.
Links:
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Buy the BOB Vol 1 Book - https://www.booktopia.com.au/business-over-breakfast-vol-1-andrew-and-james-bree-griffiths/prod9780987406668.html
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Bree James website - https://breejames.com/
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PakMag - https://pakmag.com.au/
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Andrew Griffiths website - https://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/
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Authorville - https://authorville.com.au/
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Andrew’s weekly INC column - https://www.inc.com/author/andrew-griffiths
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Andrew’s Flying Solo column - https://www.flyingsolo.com.au/member/andrew-griffiths
Energy is everywhere, and where we focus our own energy can greatly affect how our business functions. Good energy can make our business thrive, while not-so-good energy can cause us to become exhausted and burned out.
In this episode of Business Over Breakfast Bree and Andrew are talking about understanding energy in your business (no, this isn’t about using less electricity).
We also discuss things like:
- Self-management
- Good energy vs bad energy
- Reoccurring patterns
- How internal dialogue can affect your energy
- How do you feel most days?
- How to stay energised
- Getting back into the right place if you’re feeling fried
- 5 top tips for managing your energy
Links:
- Business over Breakfast Book
- Smallville
- Bree James Website
- Andrew Griffiths Website
Well the Business Over Breakfast show has reached the milestone of 50 episodes. There have been lots of bad jokes, interesting guests, deep dives on important small business topics and lots of very cool business ideas from around the world.
In this episode Bree and Andrew reached out to their community and asked for people to share their best ideas and advice to help other small business owners. We talk through these ideas, give our thoughts and acknowledge those people who have helped to make our show a success. This is a great episode, lots of fun and lots of really solid advice from people in the trenches of small business on a daily basis.
We also discuss things like:
- Doing your homework on who you’re getting advice from
- Getting through the tough times
- Achieving your personal goals
- Believing in yourself
- The certainty of uncertainty
- Knowing who to market to
- Trusting your gut feeling
- Meeting like-minded people
Links:
- Business over Breakfast Book
- Smallville
- Bree James Website
- Andrew Griffiths Website
Sometimes as Small Business owners we are so busy in our business we forget to work on it. Input from other individuals can be one of the most valuable and useful tools to improve your business as a whole. There are many options to consider when involving others in your business that are often free, you just have to think outside the box.
In this episode of the Business Over Breakfast Podcast Bree and Andrew are talking about the involving others in your business and the positive impact it can have.
Additionally, Bree talks to Anoushka Gungadin, a connector of people, culture and opportunity. Her 20 years of International work experience across Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia, with the rise of highly globalised societies and the need for connectedness in business and community, she was inspired to set up GlobalCQ, a company which helps employers leverage cultural intelligence and inclusive diversity to drive growth. If you are looking for sensational advice on how to get others involved in your business, this episode is for you.
We also discuss things like:
- Andrew and Bree’s personal experiences
- Gaining advice form a brains trust – learning from other business owners
- Work experience and working with interns within your business
- Don’t underestimate those contributing to your business
- Being clear on what you want to achieve
- 5 top tips for getting others involved in your business
- Business ideas and innovation from around the world
Links:
- GlobalCQ Website
- Anoushka Gungadin linkedIn
- Business over Breakfast Book
- Smallville
- Bree James Website
- Andrew Griffiths Website
Times are changing rapidly, and with it, so do marketing tactics and our customers. As business owners, it’s unavoidable, and we have to keep coming up with new ways to create revenue or we’ll end up falling behind.
In this episode of Business Over Breakfast Bree and Andrew are talking about can we be more creative when it comes to developing new income streams?
Today’s guest is a husband and wife duo that displays dedication and innovation when it comes to their business. They were banana farmers that created a solution to the large amounts of wasted bananas, some 500 metric tonnes disposed due to oversupply on the market or share and size of the produce.Together they have producedtheir very own green banana flour using fruit that would have otherwise gone to waste. Please welcome Krista Watkins from Natural Evolution.
This episode, Bree talks to Krista Watkins, a husband and wife duo that displays dedication and innovation when it comes to their business. They were banana farmers that created a solution to the large amounts of wasted bananas, some 500 metric tonnes disposed due to oversupply on the market or share and size of the produce.Together they have producedtheir very own green banana flour using fruit that would have otherwise gone to waste.
We also discuss things like:
- Thinking creatively when it comes to creating revenue
- Some examples from Andrew
- Some examples from Bree
- How fast things are changing – including customers
- If we aren’t coming up with new products and services, customers will find someone who will
- The importance of understanding and building strong relationships with our customers
- Andrew and Bree’s personal experiences and learnings
- Some practical tips on thinking creatively
Links:
Natural Evolution Website
Krista Watkins LinkedIn
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
Bree James Website
Andrew Griffiths Website
Confidence really is everything in the world of business. A strong sense of confidence can take you to the stars, while being unsure of yourself can make matters worse. While our confidence may get knocked from time to time, customers may be a little reluctant to buy from you. However, with a little patience and determination, your confidence will soar.
In this episode of the Business Over Breakfast Podcast Bree and Andrew are talking about the importance of confidence when it comes to doing business and how a confident mind can help you get anywhere.
Additionally, Bree talks to multiple business owner, mum, and author of Once Upon a Time in Small Business Lee McCaffrey. Over the years, she has played a large role in the start up of many successful companies as well as starting her own business, Mac&Co, from scratch. If you’re looking for the confidence you need in yourself to take your business to the next level, this is the episode for you.
We also discuss things like:
- Andrew and Bree’s personal experiences
- Imposter Syndrome
- “Bluffing” your way to confidence
- How to identify things that erode your confidence
- Eliminating things from your life that affect your confidence negatively
- How low confidence affects business
- What to do when you aren’t feeling your strongest
Links:
Once Upon A Time in Small Business Book
Mac&Co Website
Lee McCaffrey LinkedIn
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
Bree James Website
Andrew Griffiths Website
It’s time for us all to accept that eventually all business relationships come to an end, which may seem a little daunting however, we can be prepare for this situation to end a relationship graciously.In this episode your hosts, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths, discuss all the best ways to recognise when a business relationship has run its course and how to best handle the situation so there is a positive outcome for everyone involved.
Today’s Toaster guesthas been at the helm of some of the biggest mass participation events in the world. He has impacted millions of people by delivering some of the largest mass participation sports events across three continents and is the author of Mass Participation Sports Events. He is a highly sought after international speaker, high impact consultant and Founder and CEO of Mass Participation Asia, please welcome Chris Robb back to the show.
We also discuss things like:
- Becoming good at ending a business relationship graciously
- Understanding why business relationships end
- Where people go wrong when ending a business relationship
- Taking the emotion out of ending a business relationship
- Common symptoms that a relationship is coming to an end
- Avoiding bad business relationships in the first place
- Moving on after ending a business relationships
- 5 top tips for ending a business relationship that has run its course
Links
Mass Participation Sports Events Book
Chris Robb Linkedin
Chris Robb Website
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
Bree James Website
Andrew Griffiths Website
We can all, at times, battle with procrastination but it really comes down to our own self-management and how we choose to deal with it, to overcome it. It’s important to dive deeper into the issue causing the procrastination and evaluate how you can overcome this to progress on with the task at hand. Are you ready to turn your procrastination into action? Stay tuned to find out about how you can win the battle against procrastination once and for all.
Additionally, Bree chats with our Toaster guest, Sam Harrop, who is an expert in helping business owners build highly valuable and saleable businesses by making them more profitable and of course, more efficient. Sam is one of Australia’s leading business coaches and is the author of Small Business Big Exit, and Getting Stuff Done - A 7 Step Process to Ending Procrastination and Achieving More.
We also discuss things like:
- Overcoming procrastination through self-management
- Reasons and recognising procrastination in business
- What to do to overcome procrastination
- Measuring business progress to get motivated
- Overwhelm – one of the leading factors of procrastination
- Staying motivated in business
- Using an action priority list to get things done
- 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
- Top 5 for overcoming procrastination
- A few brilliant business ideas from around the world!
Links
Getting Stuff Done Book
Small Business Big Exit Book
Sam Harrop Linkedin
Sam Harrop Website
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Culture is something that grows with your company; it isn’t something that happens overnight. It is a carefully planned; designed to exercise the business’ core values and vision. Culture can make or break a company and by achieving a great culture, not only will it help you stand out from the rest of your competitors, it can steer it away from mediocrity.
So, this episode of the Business over Breakfast podcast is dedicated to just that; creating a culture that best suits your business.
In this episode, the show welcomes Brett Odgers. Brett is one of Australia’s experts in creating business team culture and is ranked in the top 100 business coaches in the world. He is a Business Thought Leader who specialises in team performance and is the author of Playing above the line and Staying above the lineto help create winning business teams.
We also discuss things like:
- The difference between good and bad corporate culture
- Being brave and admitting when culture needs improvement
- Understanding the impact that culture has on business
- Different types of company culture
- Dealing with staff members that are affecting culture
- Finding a role model business to aspire to
- The biggest challenges when it comes to building the right culture
- Building a strong and positive internal culture
- Top 5 tips for creating a great business culture
- A few brilliant business ideas from around the world!
Links
Playing Above the Line Book
Staying Above the Line Book
Brett Odgers LinkedIn
Brett Odgers website
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
Bree James Website
Andrew Griffiths Website
Are your staff passionate about creating loyal customers for your business? Making a lasting impression on clients is important. One way to do this is to provide an outstanding customer experience. Customers expect reliability, but they also search for innovation. So, that’s why today on the Business over Breakfast podcast, Bree and Andrew are discussing customer service and the need to provide both certainty and uncertainty in business.
In this episode, Bree also chats to Cate Schreck who shares her insights on motivating staff to provide the best customer service they possibly can. Cate is the Founder and Managing Director of Lightbulb Training Solutions and the author of The A-Z of Service Excellence. Cate is a highly sought after and inspirational workplace trainer who uses a 6 Step ACTION processto save businesses across Australia time and money by turning on the service excellence lights of frontline employees.
We also discuss things like:
- The changing world of customer expectations; it is complicated.
- The need for customer reliability as well as innovation.
- Connecting and engaging with customers.
- The importance of soft skills in customer service.
- The 6 step ACTION process.
- How to deal with difficult and angry customers.
- Motivating staff to do the best they can do.
- Engaging empathy when dealing with difficult customers.
- Five tips for managing the need for consistency and inconsistency with customers.
Links
The A-Z of Service Excellence
Cate Schreck Website
Cate Schreck LinkedIn
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
Bree James Website
Andrew Griffiths Website
The art of negotiation is an important skill to master in any Small Business. As a Small Business owner, becoming a strong negotiator is critical; it is a major factor in business success. This skill doesn’t come easily to all though; it’s common for people to walk away from deals feeling as though they have been hard done by.
But don’t fear! Negotiator skills can be developed and in this episode, your hosts, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths, discuss all the best ways to make sure that both parties involved in a negotiation get the most out of the deal.
The show welcomes Cian McLoughlin. With a sales career spanning almost 20 years, Cian is a best-selling author, speaker and founder of Trinity Perspectives, a sales consultancy firm committed to unlocking the latent potential of customer insights.
We also discuss things like:
- How to develop your negotiating skills
- Different types of approaches when going into a negotiation
- Characteristics of a bad negotiator
- Creating a win, win negotiating style to build respectful relationships with clients
- Learning how to say no to an unfair deal
- Physically preparing yourself before entering a negotiation
- Reflecting on past negotiations and learning from them
- What micro-negotiations look like in business
- Providing beneficial solutions to a deal without devaluing your service or product
- Knowing when to walk away from a negotiation
Links
Rebirth of the Salesman Book
Cian McLoughlin Website
Cian McLoughlin LinkedIn
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
Bree James Website
Andrew Griffiths Website
Working with big clients can be a little daunting at times, but there’s a lot to learn from working with big companies. Bigger clients often come with bigger budgets, and yes, they are slow to work with, but by being a little patient, it may just result in some major opportunities for your business.
In this episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths will give you some tips on working with big companies, so you can grow with them and raise your business profile.
Additionally, Bree chats with Small Company, Big Business founder, author and speaker Bronwyn Reid who has over 21 years of experience in Small Business. Bronwyn specialises in helping Small Businesses step up and take on contracts with big companies. If you want to start enabling business development, then this episode is for you!
We also discuss things like:
- Reasons why Small Businesses should be working with big companies
- Using opportunities smartly when working with big companies
- How to position your business well by building a brand that attracts the right clients
- Andrew’s realisations about working with big companies
- Common errors when working with big businesses
- How big companies think
- Boosting business credibility by working with big companies
- A 5 step process for Small Businesses wanting to work with big companies
- Some smart business ideas from around the world
Links
Small Company, Big Business Book
Bronwyn Reid Website
Bronwyn Reid LinkedIn
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
In business, you have to make a lot of decisions - Will I employ this person? Will I stop working with this partner? Should I introduce this new product? Is it time to sell the business? Sifting through these tasks can be an onerous task! So many aspects of your business need your leadership, but the amount of problems and difficulty of the challenges can become overwhelming. That’s why Bree James and Andrew Griffiths hope to provide quality advice on the decision-making process for business owners in this episode of Business over Breakfast.
Plus, Bree interviews Rosemary Shapiro-Liu about her approach on decision-making by listening to the voice inside or the mentor within. As the director of Triple Win Enterprises and the author of The Mentor Within, Rosemary is a highly experienced coach for thought leaders and social entrepreneurs. If you’re interested in learning to overcome the obstacles that block good decision-making for your business, then this episode is for you!
Also discussed in this episode:
- The different levels of decision-making and the increasing difficulty levels
- The common reasons and problems that derail sound decision-making abilities
- Specific solutions to prevent indecisiveness or poor judgement
- The moment when a decision must be made
- Considering the outcomes of various options and how they will affect your business
- Why different approaches to decision making will vary from person to person
- The value of allocating a specific time for decision-making
- Never being forced into making a decision if you’re not ready or not committed
- A possible idea to outsource some decision-making on your behalf
- Smart business ideas from around the world!
Links
Triple Win Website
The Mentor Within Book
Rosemary’s LinkedIn
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
We’ve all been asked the question, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ As a business owner, you can do your part to encourage kids to be the next generation of entrepreneurs, or kidpreneurs! In this episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths share why it’s the responsibility of today’s business owners to support the interests of young children. Plus, the hosts give you plenty of strategies and ideas on how exactly to help kidpreneurs.
Bree also interviews two special guests for this episode - kidpreneurs Cory Dent and Angus Copelin-Walters. Cory is one of the founding partners of the PowerShot app, and Angus is the Executive Head of Candy at Croc Candy, a startup business that is attracting global sales. If you want to find out more about the next generation of entrepreneurs and how they approach business, then this episode is definitely for you.
Also discussed in this episode:
- Why it’s not all about financial profit in determining ‘successful’ kidpreneurs
- The need to stay competitive with the resources offered by Europe and America
- Suggestions on how business owners can get involved with supporting kids
- How to honour your responsibility to the next generation of entrepreneurs
- Teach children a respect for money, including earning it and investing it
- Emphasising the lessons of delayed gratification and rewards for hard work
- How to talk with children to encourage them to become solution-based thinkers
- Pushing young people outside of their comfort zone will teach them valuable lessons
- Parent observations on the skills they’ve seen their kidpreneurs develop
- Smart business ideas from around the globe!
Links
PowerShot App
Croc Candy
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
If you look around, you’ll notice that there are way too many mediocre businesses. The service isn’t too good and neither are the premises or customer service. There’s no love or attention. This doesn’t just happen overnight, but generally due to a lack of direction or motivation from the business owner. So, in this episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths walk you through how to aim for excellence because mediocre businesses simply don’t survive. Learn how to stand out from the crowd and get people raving about you!
This episode’s special guest, Hunter Leonard, is an author and marketer who helps mature age individuals start their first business in their 40s and beyond with his company, Silver & Wise. Hunter is also the CEO of Blue Frog Marketing, a company that helps business owners achieve their goals and set up their entrepreneurial ventures. As someone whose business philosophy is to help others solve problems, he gives his thoughts on how to face a seemingly overwhelming amount of hardships. If you need advice on how to tackle your business’s greatest challenges, then this episode is for you!
Also discussed in this episode:
- Defining what mediocre and excellence look like in your business
- Why you need to break down and dissect each part of your company
- The reality of living in an ultra competitive world
- Reflecting on your attitude and approach as a business owner
- Why businesses must shop their competitors’ products and services
- One of the most dangerous assumptions you can make in business
- The benefits of going the extra mile in terms of customer support
- Learning how to become an effective business owner
- How you can set up your to-do list to tackle your big problems
- The secret of the seven-week cycle, and how it can transform your business
Links
Hunter Leonard Facebook
Hunter Leonard LinkedIn
Silver & Wise Website
Blue Frog Marketing Website
Get Your Marketing Cooking Book
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Today on the Business over Breakfast podcast, Andrew Griffiths and Bree James talk about a wide variety of topics such as managing people in business, Netflix commitment rings, the new use for English telephone boxes and watching melons grow. Yes, that’s right - melons. But their main focus is learning how to better manage people within business, and if you’ve always found that to be especially difficult, then this episode is perfect for you.
Their guest on today’s show is the master of mass-management, Chris Robb, who is used to making the jump from managing a team of 20 to a team of 5,000. Chris chats to our hosts about the importance of small business owners knowing how to effectively manage people, and what happens if you fail to do it properly.
This episode also touches on things like...
- Understanding your strengths and weaknesses
- The common issues that occur in people management, and how to overcome them
- Tips to manage just about anyone
- How to figure out whether you have a bad company culture or not
- The most effective way to sort out inter-office problems
- Chris Robb’s framework to the best people management system
- Chris’ biggest challenge in management, and how he solved it
- Five top management tips for those just starting out
Links
Chris Robb LinkedIn
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
It’s common for us all to feel like we’ve hit a brick wall sometimes, whether it’s in business or in our personal lives. But while it’s a normal occurrence, it’s important to know how to get past it if and when it happens to you. So, this episode of the Business over Breakfast podcast is dedicated to just that: helping you climb over, go around or break right through that brick wall.
Your hosts, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths, discuss all the best ways to overcome brick walls, and how to minimise the risk of hitting them in the first place. Their guest is Dr Jesse Green – dentist, entrepreneur, coach and thought leader who has helped a number of elite clients play bigger, better and smarter in business. With two decades of experience and the author of the hugely successful book RETENTION! Dr Green is highly adept at overcoming metaphorical brick walls, and at helping others do the same. He gives his thoughts on how you can get past any blockages and barriers that stand in your way with his usual intelligence and insightfulness.
Also discussed in this episode:
- The best 8 ideas and strategies to move beyond brick walls
- Why prioritising is so important
- What to do when your business is struggling
- The main factors that influence the occurrence of brick walls, and how you can overcome them
- How to take your business to the next level
- Why you should take time away from business in order to give it the boost it needs
- The importance of self-reflection in solving problems
- Moving out of your comfort zone and getting results
- How to avoid losing your passion, motivation and vision for your business
Links
Dr Jesse Green Website
Dr Jesse Green LinkedIn
Dr Jesse Green Facebook
Dr Jesse Green Twitter
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Have you been driving yourself crazy wondering just what purpose marketing actually has for your business? Do you ever find yourself asking whether it’s truly necessary? Businesses that make the mistake of failing to create an effective marketing plan run the risk of not being as successful as they could be. No matter how much effort and time you put into getting your business out there, without marketing implementation it may as well be a secret.
Today, on the Business over Breakfast podcast, Bree and Andrew are discussing marketing in its various forms and going through top 20 marketing tips for business owners. So, no matter what industry you’re in or which marketing approach you prefer, you’ll find a tonne of worthwhile information in this episode.
Bree and Andrew also touch on things like:
- The importance of having a business card, even in the digital age
- Why any business owner can and should be able to tell their story
- The best ways to get more referrals for your business
- Using media like podcasting to broaden your network
- The different marketing goals you can set yourself to ensure you reach your full potential
- How to use free samples to make a profit
- The newest trends in marketing and business found all over the world
- Why you need a great brand for both your business and yourself
- Why customer connection is so important
- The best kind of content you should be creating
Links
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Do you ever feel as though you’re lacking passion for what you do? Some people are able to be naturally passionate about what it is they do. They have seemingly endless amounts of enthusiasm and energy towards their business, and approach every new step with a spring in their own. But if you’re one of those people who tend to struggle reaching those levels of passion (or even finding any in the first place), then this episode of Business Over Breakfast is for you.
Today, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths are talking about passion in all its forms, whether it’s in business or life in general. And to provide better insight on the topic, their guest is international speaker and author, Keith Abraham, who is so dedicated to cultivating passion in business, he’s written five incredibly popular books on the topic and is fondly referred to as the Guru of Goal Setting.
Bree and Andrew also discuss the following:
- What passion means in terms of the small business owner
- The benefits of being passionate about things in life
- How to increase your passion
- What a lack of passion can manifest into with business
- Why passion doesn’t always need to be shown with hi-fives and group hugs
- The things that can quickly kill your passion, and how to avoid them at all cost
- How to find something to be passionate about
- What fuels passion, and how you can bring that into your everyday life
Links:
Keith Abraham Website
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Have you ever asked yourself if your business could survive without you? Often, especially with small businesses, there is a major risk if anything ever happens to the owner, as they usually are the ones who wield the greatest influence, do more work than anyone else, drive the direction and generate the most revenue. To mitigate risk you should therefore seek to make yourself redundant so your business isn’t solely relying on your presence day in and day out. In this episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths will tell you how you can properly safeguard your business and team. By taking the steps to remove dependence on you as the business owner, you will end up building a stronger business with greater chance for increased revenue and success.
Bree also chats with financial advisor, author of Finance Action Hero and speaker Peita Diamantidis. She talks about the impact of unexpected exits from a business, whether that be the owner or key team members, and what you should do to prepare for those situations. Additionally, Peita introduces the value of key man insurance and how that can support businesses cope with a loss of major players. If you want to know what steps can make the difference between your business surviving a disaster to it being sold for almost nothing, then this episode is for you!
We also discuss things like:
- Understanding the concept of if your business would survive without you
- Top tips to make sure your business is safeguarded
- What plans business owners should have in place for worst case scenarios
- The idea of “me proofing” your business
- How outsourcing can be a win-win for owners and employees
- The 5-step rule of thumb for designing tasks
- Why you need to have a documented business plan
- The case for an excellent insurance plan if you are your business brand
- How you can increase your business value by making it less dependent on you
- A few brilliant business ideas from around the world!
Links
Finance Action Hero Book
Peita Diamantidis LinkedIn
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
With each passing day, customers are expecting more and more from the companies that they do businesses with, so it’s time that business owners move from a purely transactional relationship with clients towards delivering an excellent customer experience. With your product or service, when your interaction with your customer is only focused on the transaction, there’s a lack of a real emotional connection. In this modern age, that’s simply not enough anymore and your business will be in trouble if there’s no experience for your customer. In this episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths will give you top tips on how to stand out amongst competitors so your business can show how innovative it is and how to deliver fantastic service to your clients.
Additionally, Bree chats with Zing founder and business coach Lisa Conway who has over 30 years experience shaking up the hair and beauty industry. A hairdresser by trade, Lisa now helps salon owners transform their businesses all around the globe and is an expert in customer experiences. If you want to learn how to gain loyalty from clients and grow your business, then this episode is for you!
We also discuss things like:
- Why it’s not enough to simply meet customer expectations any longer
- The value of creating an emotional connection with your customers
- Surprise your customers to keep them intrigued
- Brainstorm with your team on how to engage new and old clients
- Great customer service will build serious loyalty
- Not chasing the money, chasing the service
- Evaluating the list of clients that have left you in the past few months and why
- Mapping out the touch points of your customers and competitors
- Falling in love with your customer, not your product
- Some smart business ideas from around the world
Links
Lisa Conway Website
Lisa Conway Facebook
Lisa Conway LinkedIn
The Naked Salon Book
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
You began your business because you were (and are!) passionate about your industry. Because your company stemmed from your vision for a better future, your business ultimately is a reflection of who you are. In today’s world, most business owners’ personal happiness is locked into your business success. It doesn’t make sense anymore to pretend your business doesn’t affect your overall well being significantly. You are the business barometer and the company will have the same energy as you. If you are distracted, the business will reflect that scattered attention. Likewise though, if you are clear and focused, your business will reflect that dedication as well. In this episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths give practical tips and techniques for how to take care of yourself to take care of your business!
Additionally, Bree chats with clinical psychologist and fellow of the Australian Psychological Society Chris Mackey. With over 35 years of experience in psychotherapy, his own private practice, and as the resident psychologist on the television show Destination Happiness, Chris shares his advice on how to better your wellbeing. Specifically, in the business world, he talks about how business owners can control the mission, culture, and everyday climate of their company. If you want to learn practical strategies on how to be an effective team leader, this is the episode for you!
We also discuss things like:
- Everything in your business reflects you, for better and for worse
- The false perception of business owners that you are “handling it” when you’re not
- Address directly issues that you are avoiding
- Identify any recurring problems you are having to stop the cycle
- Surround yourself with confidants to talk through personal and business challenges
- Know how you want to feel about your business
- How business owners and supervisors have 70% influence on employee happiness
- The 6:1 positivity to negativity communication ratio
- Harnessing the strengths of your team
- Paying active attention to wins and positives of the week
- Unusual and funky business ideas!
Links
Chris Mackey Website
Chris Mackey’s Book Synchronicity
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Getting focused and staying focused are two battles that business owners face every day. There are so many distractions these days that getting focused has become problematic in how much of a challenge it is. However, once you are able to concentrate on a task, we all know that incredible sense of accomplishment that results in increasing focus. In this episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths give practical tips and techniques for how to stay focused throughout the day. Concentration breeds progress which will breed achievement for your business!
Additionally, Bree chats with guest Cameron Aggs, a clinical psychologist who is an expert on mindfulness training in Australia. Cameron shares how business owners can use mindfulness to focus more effectively on things that are important to them, rather than being overwhelmed by a seemingly insurmountable workload. He has delivered over 250 mindfulness training programs and his 8-week program has shown to improve concentration by 16% in its participants. If you’d like to hear what Cameron recommends to be less self critical and how to refresh your attention, this episode is for you!
We also discuss things like:
- The sense of accomplishment you feel when you are in the zone and focused
- The product of focus is progress and achievement
- Focusing your energy and time on the wrong things at work
- Why you should be wary of the time drain of email
- Prioritising your work to determine the sole project you need to concentrate on
- The strategy of batching work
- Getting rid of the triggers that commonly distract you from important projects
- The value of having more fun in your business
- How mindfulness can improve focus but also help us be less self-critical
- The best tip on how to refresh your attention
- Smart business ideas from around the globe!
Links
Cameron’s Website
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
There are some business owners who do a ton of business travel and then there are some who do not care to travel. No matter where you land on that spectrum, it’s best to be prepared in case an opportunity does pop up. In this episode of the Business over Breakfast show, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths give you top strategies on how to make that business trip a breeze. Both Bree and Andrew are big advocates of travelling to meet clients or partners, as that face time is so worthwhile in the long run. Proximity is power, and taking the time to travel to see someone in person often makes a great impact.
As someone who has been on the road for decades, Andrew Griffiths himself shares how he remains stress-free on business trips and what he does to feel energized emotionally and physically. Conditioning yourself as a business owner to be at peak performance away from the office is crucial. If you want to learn how to position yourself to maximise business travel opportunities, this is the episode for you!
We also discuss things like:
- Why bootlegging business travel may not be saving you much money
- Questioning if it is necessary to travel if you can use Skype or Zoom video conferencing
- Proximity is power
- One of Andrew’s hilarious travel mishap stories
- Why you should spend 25% more on a car service for airport transfers versus a cab
- How to make your hotel stays during travel easier
- Keeping a spare set of your business essentials dedicated solely to travel
- The benefits of being loyal to airlines or hotel chains
- Taking time out during business travel to enjoy your destination
- Why you should always be carrying a book with you
- Amazing business ideas from around the world
Links
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
CCIQ
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
In this economy, everything is moving so fast with new products, services and businesses around every corner. It’s astounding how quickly customers have adapted to craving new things all the time. As a business owner, this means you are faced with the constant challenge of staying relevant to your customers. You never want your business to fade by the sidelines, and in this episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths will tell you why being top of mind for your customers is vital and how your business can do it. No matter what your business is, Bree and Andrew will help you keep on target and on trend with your audience!
The show also welcomes Cian McLoughlin to talk about why business owners need to stay relevant to customers. He is founder and CEO of Trinity Perspectives, a sales training and consulting company, and author of two Amazon bestsellers. Additionally, Cian’s blog was voted one of the Top 50 sales blogs in the world for the past three years. Cian provides us with his tips on how to stay relevant to drive customer loyalty and business.
We also discuss things like:
- Shifting to keep chasing your target customer
- How to grow your business to adjust to technological trends
- The need to check in with the wants and needs of your ideal audience
- Evolving your business and seeking new ways for constant improvement
- Why business owners need to adapt the mindset of preparing for growth to protect against irrelevancy
- Pay attention to what’s happening globally
- Getting used to being uncomfortable or uncertain
- Why you should not pursue absolute perfection
- Business owners need to explicitly tell your customers why you are relevant
- Relevance driving not only business but loyalty
- Great ideas from around the globe to give you inspiration
Links
Rebirth of a Salesman Book
Business over Breakfast Book
Smallville
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Have you experienced tough financial times in your business? Let’s face it… you either have faced challenging periods or you will, and that is simply an inevitable chapter that every will be in every business owner’s career. In today’s episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths will teach you how to survive when your finances are lean. By telling you how to identify what mistakes lead to rough waters managing your money and sharing how you can overcome these problems, Bree and Andrew will help make sure your business navigates the hurdles so it can thrive in the long run!
In this episode, the show welcomes Bronwyn Reid to share her wisdom about tackling the enormous stress of leading your business through serious financial downturns. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, newly found author, small business mentor, and particularly known for her strong business and community engagement roles in regional Queensland, yet she, like all others, has faced drastic financial drops in her career of over 20 years. Bronwyn provides us with helpful coping mechanisms for business owners to get through any period of battle, with a few scars, but stronger.
We also discuss things like:
- Complacency as a leading cause to future money troubles
- The things that business owners do to themselves to inflict financial harm
- Why denial or cutting off communication is a warning sign
- Reaching out for help and seeking guidance when you need it
- Having a rainy day plan prepared at all times
- Address issues or red flags immediately to be proactive
- The reason why you must communicate struggles with your suppliers but not your clients
- Why you need to be strategic when cutting costs
- Keeping one eye on the now and one eye on the future
- Reflecting on mistakes made to prevent them from happening again
- Learning to read the warning signs early
- Ingenious businesses from around the world
Links
Bronwyn Reid LinkedIn
Smallville
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Have you experienced business owner burnout -- blemishes, headaches, sleeplessness, panic attacks, or heart palpitations? In today’s episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths talk about the struggles of business owner burnout, relating some of their personal experiences. Burnout is such a universal problem for all business owners but Bree and Andrew tell you how to identify the early signs of a larger problem and how to manage your life so you can banish burnout altogether.
Business over Breakfast welcomes Sarah McCrum in this episode to share her professional expertise on how to master your personal energy and never burnout. She has trained for 22 years with Chinese energy masters and has worked with entrepreneurs for over 20 years. As the author of Energy on Demand, Sarah shared how business owners can come to have an imbalance in their energy systems and advice to those burning out.
We also discuss things like:
- The different degrees of business owner burnout
- Identifying the small early signs of burnout in yourself and in others
- Finding someone that you can be honest with if you are struggling
- Cutting out negative people or surroundings
- Keeping up habits or hobbies that allow you to relieve stress
- Scheduling appointments in your calendar for self-care
- Why burnout can be developed from a lack of self love
- Figure out your purpose to find fulfillment in your work
- The importance of switching your brain completely off
- Not putting off things you value until retirement
- Sustainable business ideas from around the world
Links
Sarah McCrum Website
Energy on Demand Book
Sarah McCrum Facebook
Smallville
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
For many of us, our entire business and marketing strategy revolves around being the cheapest option out there for customers but why is that business model fundamentally flawed? In today’s episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree James and Andrew Griffiths tell you about the advantages of being the most expensively priced choice for your audience. As a business owner, there are serious benefits to selling a high-end product of service and Bree and Andrew tell you how you can shift your positioning in your industry. Because Andrew is Australia’s number one small business author and is in the process of writing a book about this very topic, he is serving as the interview guest as well for this episode. Andrew shares his wisdom in how he was successful in increasing his rates for his companies multiple times throughout the years and why he thinks pricing to be the cheapest is the worst business mistake you can make.
We also discuss things like:
- The lack of loyalty of those clients seeking the cheapest options
- Where becoming the cheapest choice for customers stems from
- What it says to customers when you are the lowest priced competitor
- Why you should charge what you are worth
- How staff morale will be impacted by an increased price
- Reprogramming your mental approach and strategy to your business
- Being prepared to change your community and network
- Telling more stories about your brand and why you do what you do
- Making your customer experience extraordinary
- Accepting that you will lose customers as you transition your pricing model
Links
Smallville
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Marketing your business these days can be intimidating, with so many social media channels and jaded consumers, but it doesn’t have to be for you! No matter what industry you’re in, you must market your business. Many businesses are struggling with keeping up with consumer trends and constantly changing platforms, but Bree James and Andrew Griffiths have strategies to help you navigate the marketing world. In today’s episode of Business over Breakfast, they will tell you how to be innovative in your branding and messaging for your customers.
Today’s guest, marketing consultant Roxanne Grey, adds her insight and further tips to help you market effectively as well. She shared why having a big marketing budget is less important to her small business owner clients these days and how the playing field has leveled for small and large companies. In fact, she answered what advantages that small businesses have over big corporations.
We also discuss things like:
- Target marketing to reach your ideal customer
- Differentiating your marketing strategy for your distinct audiences
- The rise of social media marketing and why you need it even if you hate it
- Why your marketing needs to be more innovative than ever
- Storytelling as a tool in branding marketing
- How customers want to buy from “good” companies with values
- Valuing quirky brands
- Mastering only three or four social media platforms
- Why you need to tell people what you do to be a great corporate citizen
- Interpreting everything as a marketing opportunity
- Do what others won’t and be brave
- Amazing artificial intelligence technology
Links
Sunshine Coast Council
CCIQ, the show's sponsors
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Newsroom PR
Amplify Website
“All publicity is good publicity”? Not anymore. Publicity is important for businesses both big and small, but it has to be good to be effective, and while it’s easy to become intimidated by the idea of media coverage, it’s an essential part of any business model. In today’s episode of Business Over Breakfast, we talk about the advantages PR can bring to your company, as well as all the different media options available to you, and how to go about leveraging that media coverage once you get it.
Our guest this week is Trena-Louise Lyons, owner of boutique public relations company Newsroom PR, and she provides some hugely valuable top tips on conducting your own media and PR, the benefits of a great communications plan and how it can boost your business, and the advantages of media exposure. If you’ve been wondering how to formulate your PR plan, Trena answers all the important questions.
We also discuss things like:
- How to get your business in the media
- Good publicity versus bad publicity
- The benefits of being persistent
- The many different avenues of media, and how to pick which one suits you best
- Why being interviewed isn’t as scary as you might think
- The credibility media coverage can bring to your organisation
- Why the media needs you, and how to give them what they want
- What makes something newsworthy?
- Robot priests (yes, really!)
Links
Sunshine Coast Council
CCIQ, the show's sponsors
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Newsroom PR
We all know the familiar anxiety and awkwardness of attending networking events, but in this episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree and Andrew give you 20 top tips on how to get you best prepared to be a networking pro. Networking can be vital in building a successful business, so by following these strategies, you can be sure to always get something out of attending networking events. From deciding if you should even go to a networking event to conversation starters to what to do afterwards, Bree and Andrew cover everything to help you feel confident as a networking business professional.
Additionally, we have Bob Greenup as our guest this episode. He is the franchise owner of BNI Sydney Central & South Regions, which is part of the largest referral organisation in the world. As someone who focuses with his franchise on developing, educating and supporting committed, passionate and referable business communities to build strong business relationships, he was the perfect person to discuss how to become a professional networker.
Plus, Bree and Andrew also get into today...
- What exactly is networking
- Telling the difference between a good networking opportunity and a bad one
- Why you should fight the urge to chat with only familiar faces at networking events
- The question you should ask instead of “What do you do?”
- When the best time is to arrive at an event
- What you can do beforehand to prepare yourself to do well at networking
- Easy business card tricks
- One unique way to make yourself memorable to others
- Where to position yourself at an event
- How to keep a network once you establish one
- Smart business ideas from around the globe
Links
Sunshine Coast Council
CCIQ, the show’s sponsors
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Bob Greenup LinkedIn
Bob Greenup Facebook
We all have limiting beliefs that may be holding us back in our business, but in this episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree and Andrew will give you a few ideas on how to deal with them. Some typical limiting beliefs we hear all the time are “my customers can only afford to pay so much,” “I can’t raise my prices” or “I’m a small business and I can’t do this.” No matter what beliefs are holding you back, if you can overcome then, that is when your business will really succeed. Learn some strategies to address these limitations to move you and your business forward.
Plus, our guest this episode, Shelley Evans-Wild, one of the most extraordinary neuroscientists in the country, will bring some brain science to the behaviours behind our limiting beliefs. She is the founder and CEO of People HQ and has been dedicated to helping others in unleashing their potential to stretch their mindsets and shape a better world. Her specialisation in how and why people behave the way they do in groups helps us shed some light on how to break through our limiting beliefs.
Plus, Bree and Andrew also get into today...
- Identifying the most common limiting beliefs of business owners
- Fighting against others’ limiting beliefs to become successful in business
- How to zoom out to understand you created a false narrative about yourself
- Understanding the connection between self-worth and business value
- Tackling limiting beliefs through habit hijacking
- The all too common “imposter syndrome” feeling of small business owners
- Why you need to combat limiting beliefs
- 4 wild and wacky business ideas from around the world
Links
CCIQ, the show’s sponsors
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Shelley Evans-Wild
Business is generally about solving problems. When you run a business, you seek to make things better for yourself and for others. But the reality is you need to get better at solving problems and the trick to that is asking better questions of yourself.
In this episode of Business over Breakfast, Bree and Andrew talk about the value of asking proactive and empowering questions. Learn how to get out of that endless loop of unproductivity and figure out how to empower yourself with better questions to get better answers.
Plus, our guest this episode, Howard Tinker, discusses the specific questions he asks to make restaurants more profitable. Howard, the CEO of Restaurant Profits, specializes in helping his restaurant owner clients grow their business and increase repeat visitors. He has also published two books filled with tips and insights called More Bums On Seats and Selling at the Table. Although he is a marketer by trade, Howard emphasizes in this conversation the vital importance of asking the simple questions about finances first.
Plus, Bree and Andrew also get into today...
- The need to be asking better questions of our business and ourselves
- What are the questions we need to ask
- Defining what a proactive question is
- Why asking yourself questions that make you think about your successes is beneficial
- The financial question that not enough business owners ask themselves
- Needing to talk to your clients to see why they engage your business
- The simple tactics that business owners tend to ignore with marketing
- 5 great tips on how to ask better questions of yourself to make a better business
- Food for thought on business ideas from around the world
Links
CCIQ, the show’s sponsors
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Howard Tinker’s Website
Some days it may feel like your business is running you. You’re reacting and you’re responding, but you’re not in control of the business’s destiny or future. We all lose control of our business at some stage, that’s usually the result of bad habits or bad rituals building up over time.
In this episode, Bree and Andrew discuss a great deal of strategies in how you can take back control of your business. And once you do, you’ll not only fall in love with your business again, but you’ll be making more money and arrive in better shape.
Additionally, Kate Christie, our guest this episode, a time management specialist and founder of Time Stylers, shares wonderful insight into this topic. She is an international speaker, regular on TV and is the author of the book Me Time. Kate developed her business after discovering how many thousands of people across the country were struggling to manage their time. Today she shared the most common mistakes that she found that people make with organizing their time as business owners.
Plus, Bree and Andrew also get into today...
- The concept of making your business work for you, not the other way around
- How does it evolve that we lose control over our business and what we can do to change
- Signs of when you are losing control of your business
- 5 top tips in taking control of your business
- Common mistakes that people make with managing their time
- Time hacks and strategies to save time
- Some (very) unique business ideas from around the world
Links
BDO
CCIQ, the show’s sponsors
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Kate Christie’s Website
It’s easy to underestimate and not think too much of it, but creating a happy workplace can benefit your business greatly on so many different levels. There’s a huge amount of research to prove that a happy workplace is a productive, healthy and profitable workplace. Who doesn’t want a financially successful business where you, your staff and your customers are all thriving? In this episode, Bree and Andrew discuss the many advantages you can reap from a happier business environment, and it starts with you, the leader. Have a listen to learn tips on what you can do to cultivate a culture of positivity and success in your business.
The featured guest this episode, Andrea Tunjic, the founder of People Strong & the Work Happy Movement, shares her insight from her 20+ year career on why some people are more fulfilled at work while others feel the best part of the job is taking a sickie. She discusses how to influence people to change how they feel about work for the better.
Plus, Bree and Andrew also get into today...
- The concept of a happy workplace
- Why it’s important, as a business owner, to be happy
- How a happy workplace can benefit a business’s productivity and profitability
- The danger of unhappy staff members negatively impacting the business
- Setting the tone for a positive environment and workplace culture
- Reasons why a workplace may be miserable
- The best thing you can do to make sure an individual employee is happy
- A simple question you can ask to create a happier workplace
- How we feel about work affects every part of our lives
- Removing frustrations that disable people from being happy
- Cultivating a hopeful sense of the future for individuals and the business
- 5 tips to create a happy workplace
- A few amazingly wacky business ideas from around the world
Links
Office of Industrial Relations
CCIQ, the show’s sponsors
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Andrea Tunjic’s Website
In this episode, Bree and Andrew explore the concept of ‘newism’, which is the idea that consumers are constantly craving new technology, new trends to follow, new foods to eat. So what does that mean in business? This means that business owners need to be renewing their products and services all the time because everyone is addicted to new.
The launch of new products and services is often the most important process of creating something new, so Bree and Andrew share their top tips on how to make sure your next big idea is a success.
Lastly, Bree chats with Mark Coburn, a serial entrepreneur, who over 25 years has built over a dozen businesses. His latest venture is a single malt whisky distillery where Bree finds out how he raised $1.2 million dollars with Facebook Live in ten minutes.
On top of all that, Bree and Andrew also go into...
- Why the launch is often the most important part of the sales process
- Lessons they learned from their past failures in launching new products and services
- Why market research on all consumers, not just your customers, is vital
- The homework every business owner needs to do during the development stage
- The easy mistake you can avoid when studying the competition
- How you can guarantee your product or service will sell by the time you launch
- Why you should keep promoting your product or service even if you are tired of it
- Mark Coburn’s unique business model in keeping a business going when your profit timetable is four to seven years away
- Advantages of Facebook Live as a launch strategy
- The value of a community that includes those who may not be large financial backers
- 5 top tips on launching a new product or service
- Unusual and weird business ideas from around the world
Links
Creat3D
CCIQ, the show’s sponsors
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Mark Coburn’s Coburns Distillery Website
What is a business advisor, how do you go about getting one and what are the common pitfalls that business owners fall into when looking for them? These are some of the common questions that small business owners come up against when going through the hiring-process for an advisor. Fortunately, Bree and Andrew are addressing all of those issues and demystifying some of the biggests concerns that people face when looking for the perfect advice.
On top of that, Bree is grilling Sam Harrop in Toaster Time. Sam is one of the best business advisors in the country and is offering his advice on the steps that you need to go through when seeking out sound business advice.
And if that weren’t enough, the guys also get into all of this too...
- Why you need an advisor in the first place
- How to know when you need a business advisor
- What type of advisor is best for you and your business
- Understanding the different roles in the business advice sector
- How to handle problems that pop up with your advisor
- Picking and choosing the advice that’s right for you and your business
- Sam Harrop’s tips for small businesses looking for business advice
- 5 top tips on how to find the right advisor for your business
- 4 weird and wonderful business ideas from around the globe
Links
CCIQ
BDO, the show’s sponsors
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Sam Harrop’s Website
Sam Harrop’s books, Getting Stuff Done and Small Business Big Exit
There are two types of businesses: those that have had tough financial times already, and those that have those tough times coming. In this episode of the Business over Breakfast show, Andrew and Bree are talking about what a financial pothole is, how they occur and, most importantly, how you should handle them.
In Toaster Time, it’s Amanda Fisher who’s feeling the heat this week. Amanda is a technologist who fuses accounting know-how with technology to improve and grow businesses. She’s a thought-leader in her space and the author of three great books, and here she’s sharing her thoughts on navigating your way through financial potholes.
In this episode, the guys get into all of that, plus loads more, including...
- What it means to be hitting financial potholes in business
- The most common reasons why businesses fall into financial potholes
- Working out a realistic plan of attack to solve your business woes
- What NOT to do when you find yourself in financial difficulties
- Top tips on how to get out of financial potholes… and how to avoid them in the first place
- Amanda Fisher’s process in helping businesses get out of financial potholes, and her top advice on how to keep on top of your accounts
- 5 tips on how to survive a financial pothole
- 5 smart business ideas from around the globe
Links
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Amanda Fisher’s Website
Sturt Business Centre, the Show’s Sponsors
For business owners looking to grow and learn new skills, developing partnerships is a great way to expand in a way that’s beneficial for everyone. However, for many people in business, entering into a partnership is a murky and sometimes even anxiety-provoking prospect. Luckily, in this episode of the Business over Breakfast show, Bree and Andrew are talking you through partnerships from A to Z.
Bree James is being joined in the Toaster Time section by a very special guest, Mike Reid of Key Persons of Influence. Mike is talking about his own experiences around partnerships and how they’ve played a pivotal role in the rapid growth of Dent Global.
And if that weren’t enough, the guys are also getting into all of this too...
- The different types of partnerships and how to know which ones are best for you and your business
- The benefits that partnering your business will have for your clients
- Where businesses often go wrong with partnerships
- The ‘What if?’ questions you need to ask before entering into a partnership
- The reasons why you should think about partnering your business outside of just making money
- How to prepare yourself before entering into a partnership
- Why location should never hold you back when searching for a partner
- The idea of fair exchange and aligning values, and why it’s key in small business
- How your partners can help to promote services and products, and ultimately generate leads
- 5 top tips on how to use partnerships in business
- 3 weird and wonderful business ideas from around the globe!
Links
ERM Power
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Mike Reid LinkedIn
If you’re in the majority of small business owners who struggle with making technology work for you and your company, then you’re definitely going to get a lot out of this episode. Andrew and Bree and talking all things tech, and how you can use it to help with your productivity, efficiency, and saving time and money.
Bree’s back with Toaster Time, and this time round she’s joined by the director of Mahi Web and Bright IT, Ben Versang. Ben’s using his tech wizardry to help the guys tackle some of the biggest problems small business owners face when it comes to technology.
And if that weren’t enough, the guys get into all of this too...
- Knowing the full potential of your technology, and how it can make you and your business more productive
- The cost of not using your technology correctly
- The effect that technology can have on your team as a whole
- Re-thinking how we look at technology and our relationship with it
- The most common problems and frustrations among small business owners around technology
- Knowing when to upgrade your technology and when to leave it alone
- The value of technology and how you can use it to save time and money in the long-run
- The biggest changes that small business owners are going to have to make around technology in the next five years
- How to keep on top of the latest tech developments
- Three weird and wonderful business ideas from around the globe
- Five top tips on how to make the most of technology
Links
ERM Power
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Bright IT
Mahi Web
Like every single entrepreneur on the planet, you probably struggle with problems and self-doubt from time to time. Well, in this episode of the Business over Breakfast podcast, Andrew and Bree are talking about how you can use resilience to overcome these issues and move forward in business.
Andrew and Bree discuss what resilience is, why you need it and how you can develop it to survive in business for a long time.
In this week’s Toaster Time, Bree’s grilling entrepreneurial legend, Darren Finkelstein, aka ‘The Boat Guy’. Darren shares his journey of how he became an industry expert on powerboats, developed a huge media presence and authored three bestselling, award-winning books.
The guys get into all of that, plus loads more including...
- Learning from experiences and never making the same mistake twice
- Overcoming staff changes and losing key individuals
- Developing a ‘rainy-day plan’ for negative situations
- Taking inspiration and resilience tips from people around you
- Tips on how to always be aspiring upwards
- How Darren Finkelstein overcame adversity to become an entrepreneur with no regrets
- Where most business owners go wrong when going through a tough situation
- Darren’s number one tip on resilience
- Five strategies to help you be more resilient in business
- Three smart business ideas from around the world
Links
CCIQ
CQU
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Darren Finkelstein
In this very special episode of the Business over Breakfast podcast, Andrew’s flying solo and being joined by the legendary Michael Gerber. As one of the most influential names in the world of small business, Michael is a man who needs little introduction. His first book, The E-Myth, has been acknowledged as the #1 small business and entrepreneurial book of all time by The Wall Street Journal, and its concepts have been applied in 145 countries, 29 languages and taught in 118 universities.
Michael’s also a huge idol of Andrew and Bree, and has influenced and inspired them for years. In this conversation with Andrew, Michael talks about the release of his new book, Beyond the E-Myth: The Evolution of an Enterprise: From a Company of One to a Company of 1,000. Be sure to get your pen and paper out for this one, because it’s packed with gems.
In this episode, Andrew and Michael are talking about:
- The practices of the E-Myth and how they’ve been applied to every industry on the planet
- The four critical components of what it means to be an entrepreneur
- Michael on how to start your small business with the right intent
- Defining what a business is, coming up with an exit strategy and turning your company into a precious commodity
- How to create a platform for growth in your business
- The ‘Turnkey System’ and how you can use it in your business to help to scale and grow
- Defining and designing a client fulfilment system
- The three attitudes you need to have to grow a company of one to a company of 1,000
- How Michael is making people feel great about what they’re creating
Links
Beyond E-Myth
Book: Beyond the E-Myth
CCIQ
CQU
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
If you’ve reached a point with your business where you think it might be time to diversify and move into new markets, then you’re definitely going to get a lot out of this episode. Andrew and Bree are talking all things diversification, including new industries, products and services, and how all of this relates to the all-important customer engagement.
Bree’s back with Toaster Time, and it’s Geoff Hetherington who’s feeling the heat in this episode. Geoff is the founder of The Clarity CEO and Dancing Blind Man Business Advisors. He’s also a top strategy and business coach, and keynote speaker. Bree’s grilling him about his story and top tips on diversifying business.
The guys are also talking wacky, smart business ideas from around the globe, plus loads more.
In this episode, Andrew and Bree get into...
- Bree James diversifying her publishing business to be more than just print by moving into new markets
- Updating your business and moving away from the dangerous position of being considered ‘old’
- How to know when it’s time to diversify your business, and how quickly you should do it
- Tips on increasing engagement with your audience by listening to their wants and needs
- Problems with diversifying your business and how to overcome them
- What you need to put into your business to successfully diversify it
- The marketing strategy you need to employ when diversifying your business
- Why Geoff Hetherington views clarity as one of the most important attributes for businesses
- Industries that are feeling the pressure to diversify more than others
- Looking at the changes in your industry and what you need to do to your business to keep up
- Five tips to help your business diversify
Links
CCIQ
CQU
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Geoff Hetherington Website
If you’re struggling with how to boost your online presence and generate more leads and income through the web then you’ll definitely want to check out this episode of The Business over Breakfast Show. Andrew Griffiths and Bree James are getting into the details of an area that many small business owners struggle with but one that is absolutely vital if your business is going to realise its potential.
Toaster Time is back and in this episode Bree James is interviewing Lucas Meadowcroft, the Director of CROFTi - a business that specialises in delivering innovation and technology consulting. Lucas is at hand to offer some top tech tips as well as share his company’s journey.
The guys are also back again with the Food for Thought section, looking at weird and wonderful businesses from all four corners of the globe.
In this episode, Andrew and Bree are getting really into…
- Existing on multiple platforms to improve your online presence
- Making the copy of your website powerful and pertinent for your potential clients
- How to use content to set your website apart from your competitors
- The importance of functionality and aesthetic for your website
- Checking and improving the usability of your site
- Turning your site into a work in progress that’s constantly improving
- The trends in websites and adjusting with the times
- How often you need to update your website to keep it fresh and appealing for your clients
- Lucas Meadowcroft’s three top tips to help you with your IT problems
- Lucas’ #1 tip for small business owners building their websites
- Five tips for getting it right in the online world
Links
Artius
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
CROFTi
Welcome to The Business over Breakfast Podcast, and in this episode Andrew and Bree are getting retro and talking old-school marketing techniques. So often in business we become fixated on online and social media campaigns that we forget those tried and tested techniques that not only work great but will also set you and your business apart.
Bree’s back with Toaster Time and it’s Mario Calanna who’s feeling the heat this week. Mario is the CEO of the family-run Calanna Pharmacy Group - an innovative business that focuses on natural health products and services.
And, as ever, the guys are sharing plenty of advice and wisdom that you can use to get your business firing on all cylinders. Plus, they’re looking at a few weird and wonderful ideas in the Food for Thought section. Enjoy!
In this episode Bree and Andrew and talking about...
- Standing out from the crowd with old-school marketing
- How the perfect combination of marketing in business is combining the best of new-school with the best of old-school
- Getting your brand out there in the local community
- Interesting and innovative tips for building partnerships
- Clever ideas to reach out to your target audience and engage with them
- Going back to giving your business a personal touch that clients can really connect with
- New-school marketing and how it feels like we’re doing a lot more but not getting as much traction
- Mario Calanna on the importance of creating a family environment for clients
- The combination of ambition and humility - building a business based on self-belief
- Mario on building confidence through public speaking and playing sport
- Andrew and Bree’s top five old-school marketing tips
Links
The Calanna Pharmacy Group
Artius
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
101 Ways to Market Your Business by Andrew Griffiths
Welcome to The Business over Breakfast Podcast, and in this episode Andrew and Bree are talking all about the customer experience and how by focusing on it you can see big improvements in your business. It’s no secret that the customer is king, but many aspects of their relationship with your company are often overlooked. Here, the dynamic duo explain why it’s so important and what you can be doing to set your business apart from the rest.
Bree is back with Toaster Time, and in this episode she’s talking to Desley Cowley, founder of Spruiker Hire - a national online retail training and talent directory. Desley shares her story as well some top tips on how to make it into the online selling industry. The guys are also sharing some weird and wonderful business ideas from around the globe in the Food for Thought section, plus loads more.
In this episode Andrew and Bree get really into...
- The problem of having regular, great customer service, and the importance of training your team in it
- Why transaction is no longer enough on its own for today’s customer
- How to make the experience better for your customer
- The best examples of customer service
- Why you need to focus on the customer experience
- Desley Cowley’s journey and how she came to set up Spruiker Hire
- Desley’s advice on taking the plunge into setting up an online business
- The importance of prioritising your ideas before starting to write up your business plan
- Desley’s biggest tip on improving the customer service
- Five great tips on how to move customer transactions into customer experiences
Links
Spruiker Hire
Griffith Sciences
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Do you ever wonder if you’re doing everything you can to boost sales in your business? If so, then you’re in luck because in this episode of Business over Breakfast Andrew and Bree are getting really into how to sell more stuff in business, busting the myth that sales is a dirty word and sharing great advice on what you can do to improve your sales technique.
Bree is back with Toaster Time and in this episode she’s interviewing Brad Rappell, the founding CEO of Cloud First - a company that helps organisations to harness the power of cloud technology to keep pace in their competitive industries. The guys are looking at ingenious business ideas from around the world in the Food for Thought section, plus loads more.
Here’s just some of the things that Andrew and Bree get really deep into…
- Passion sells - to be great at selling you have to be your no.1 biggest fan
- Why you need to know about your competitors and how your business is unique
- Spray and pray - steps to understanding your ideal client and target audience
- How to make sure that your products are right for your customers
- Ways for you to build credibility as a business owner
- The art of the sales conversation and how it will help you to sell more
- How to keep fine-tuning and updating your business in line with what your market wants from you
- Brad Rappell’s 15 years experience as a leading tech guru, starting his first company at the age of 24 and working with over 100 brands
- Andrew and Bree’s five top tips for increasing sales in your business
- Smart business ideas from around the world
Links
Got Your Attention? by Sam Horn
101 Ways to Sell More of Anything to Anyone by Andrew Griffiths
Cloud First
Griffith Sciences
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Welcome to the Business over Breakfast podcast and to celebrate international podcasting day Bree and Andrew are broadcasting this episode from Bali! And they’ve got a great show in store for you. They’re talking about what it means to be a good business today, in terms of living up to the expectations of your clients and your community. They get right into the details with this one and explain the positive impact that taking an interest in charities and causes can have on your business, and some practical tips on how you can go about doing it.
On top of that, Bree is talking with Chris Essex for this week’s instalment of Toaster Time. Chris is the managing director of Big Dog Pet Foods - a business with 30 employees that produces over 30 tonnes of raw pet food a week. Chris shares plenty of invaluable advice for small business owners. Also, the guys are back with Food for Thought, plus loads more!
This week Bree and Andrew are talking about…
- Building corporate Karma and the Karma bank
- Why our customers and community expect us to be a good business
- The important role that small businesses play in local communities
- The Thankyou group and the amazing work they’re doing
- Why helping causes and communities is more than just throwing money at a problem for small businesses
- Bree James’ Mobile Parents Room
- Building a reputation for being fair
- Following ethical guidelines as a small business
- Being proud of what you’re doing and letting your customers know about it!
- Chris Essex’s three pieces of advice for small business owners
- Chris on the importance of keeping an eye on cash flow
- Bree and Andrew’s five tips for a healthier business
Resources
Big Dog Pet Foods
St. John Ambulance Queensland
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Thankyou Group
If you ever have problems managing the money and numbers side of your business then this episode of Business over Breakfast is definitely for you. Knowing the costs, profit margins and handling expenses are all issues faced by small business owners on a daily basis, and this week Bree and Andrew are demystifying those areas and offering plenty of handy, actionable tips that you can start implementing straight away.
On top of that, Bree’s back with Toaster Time, and her guest is CCIQ member, Sarah Mak, Co-founder and Managing Director of The Story Boxes - an award winning business committed to telling and sharing wonderful stories. The guys also talk about some brilliantly innovative businesses in Food for Thought, plus loads more.
Here’s what is in store for you in this episode:
- Why it’s essential to know how much it costs to run your business
- Knowing your profit margins and setting prices based on them rather than on your competitors
- Why you need to know when you’re getting paid
- Having a handle across your top ten biggest expenses, and what it means for small business owners
- The importance in telling your business’ story to the world
- Advice on understanding the ‘Why’ in business
- People buy from people - humanising your business and capitalising on that
- Five top tips from Bree and Andrew on managing your money, from understanding your own books to methods for increasing cash flow
Resources
The Story Boxes
St. John Ambulance Queensland
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Unscramble Your Numbers by Amanda Fisher
Welcome to the fourth episode of Business over Breakfast sponsored by Resilium. In this show Andrew and Bree are talking team building. Of course, this is something that all small business owners will come up against at some point. The question is how do you know when you need to start hiring and which areas you need help with? Fortunately, Andrew and Bree are at hand with five actionable tips on how to answer these difficult questions around growth and team.
Bree’s out and about again interviewing another CCIQ member. This time, she talks with the co-founder and director of GBR Helicopters, Chris Cooper. Chris shares his company’s incredible journey as well as a few lessons in business including spreading the workload and effective use of assets.
As always, Andrew and Bree take a look at three smart business ideas from across the globe, plus loads more. Enjoy!
In this episode Andrew and Bree talk about:
- How to know when you need to start hiring in your business
- Why team-building can decrease the stress and workload across your business
- Ways to outsource your business growth using freelancers
- How to recruit - traditional and innovative methods
- Looking for talent within your team
- Offering rewards and ramifications
- Knowing exactly who to employ when filling a position
- Keeping on top of your team mood
- Culture within a business team
- The delicate balance of a team environment and how to avoid disrupting it
- Making sure your employees know exactly what’s expected of them
Links
Resilium
CCIQ
GBR Helicopters
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Episode 3 - Five Steps in Becoming More Productive in Business
Welcome to the third episode of Business over Breakfast, sponsored by Resilium Insurance. This week, Bree and Andrew are talking productivity. This is a problem shared by many small business owners, and lots of them have no idea how to tackle productivity problems in the first place. Bree and Andrew share their thoughts as well as their very own five productivity powerups, to help you identify and overcome problems with self-motivation in business.
Bree is back with Toaster Time, and her special CCIQ guest this week is Dominic Holland, the founder of tow.co.au - Australia’s first and only national towing company.
On top of that, Bree and Andrew share three more out-of-the-box business ideas in the Food for Thought section, as well as plenty more that’s certain to get you buzzing with heaps of great business ideas.
In this episode, Bree and Andrew talk about:
- How you can get more stuff done
- Top tips on productivity
- Why you need to rein in the time you spend on social media and email
- Where to start when becoming more productive
- How to identify problems with productivity in business
- Planning out your day properly
- Using software to save time and become more efficient
- Rituals and routines
- How you sometimes need to get less productive in order to become more productive in the long-run
- How outsourcing can help you
- The art of self-management
- Learning from others in business
- How Dominic Holland went from being a software engineer to founding Australia’s first national towing company
- Dominic’s biggest challenges and lessons in business
Links
Resilium
Tow.com.au
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Books
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The ONE Thing
How to be a Productivity Ninja
Blog
Lifehack.org
Webinar
The Ultimate Productivity Webinar
Software
Xero
Hello and welcome to the second episode of Business over Breakfast, sponsored by Auswide Bank. In this show, Andrew and Bree are up early as usual to share with you some great advice on how to stay motivated as an entrepreneur and small business owner. Together, they talk about their own experiences dealing with motivation and run through five tips on what to do when you’re feeling de-motivated and without your mojo, as well as five more on staying motivated.
As always, Bree is off and about interviewing a special CCIQ member for the Toaster Time section. In this episode, she talks with Bernard Schreiber, managing director of Scody Performance - an amazing Brisbane-based business that provides sportswear to elite athletes including the Australian cycling team.
Andrew and Bree reveal three more weird and wonderful businesses in the Food for Thought section, which are bound to inspire you into some out-of-the-box thinking, plus loads more.
In this episode, Andrew and Bree talk about:
- How staying motivated can be particularly challenging for small business owners
- The importance of pushing yourself
- Dealing with uncertainty and unexpected curveballs
- Why staying motivated is important for you and your team
- What you can do to get your mojo back!
- What Bree and Andrew do when they’re in a de-motivated slump
- Bernard Schreiber’s business journey
- Bernard’s biggest lessons learned so far in business
- Why having the right people in place makes everything in business easier
- Top, actionable tips on staying motivated as a business owner
- The importance in recognising your achievements when moving forward
Links
Scody Performance
Auswide bank
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
In this episode of Business over Breakfast sponsored by Auswide bank, Bree and Andrew cover a load of topics starting with the understated importance of cross-industry innovation. This is a seriously cool idea for learning from other businesses outside of your own industry, and Bree and Andrew explain how you can capitalise on it.
The episode also features the podcast’s very first interview. Bree goes out and chats with Oliver James, founder of Caffiend. Caffiend is a killer cafe based in Cairns that prides itself on exceptional coffee, big flavour food and an innovative atmosphere. Oliver prides himself on being a real coffee aficionado and has even traveled to Ethiopia in search of inspiration for the perfect blend. And his efforts are really paying off as Caffiend is generating some serious buzz.
As always, Bree and Andrew share five top tips that you can take away and action straightaway, this time on the art of time management. They also talk about three left-field businesses that are pushing the idea of niche to the extreme.
Here are just a few of the key topics that Bree and Andrew get really into:
- How cross-industry innovation can really help small to medium sized businesses
- The art of asking better questions
- Adopting different ideas
- Oliver James’ - the founder of Caffiend - journey and how he became an expert in coffee, food presentation and the perfect hipster look
- How having a business mentor can help entrepreneurs who are just getting started to overcome some of the more difficult hurdles
- Becoming successful through sharing ideas and being open
- The importance in having trust in yourself, especially when it comes to decision making
- Tips on how to break down tasks
- Managing meetings better
- Bree and Andrew’s advice on batch working days
- How to avoid distractions at work
Links
Caffiend
Book - Not Invented Here: Cross-Industry Innovation
Auswide bank
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Business over Breakfast, a brand new, weekly podcast series sponsored by CCIQ (Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland) and presented by Bree James and Andrew Griffiths. Bree and Andrew are both experts in their fields, sharing 50 years of experience as small business owners between them. Throughout this series they’re going to be having a look at what new and innovative things are happening globally, as well as sharing heaps of killer tips and ideas that will practically help you and your business. Along the way, they’re going to be talking to some key figures in businesses who are also CCIQ members, so you’re guaranteed to come away with plenty of takeaways from every episode.
To get things rolling, in this first show Andrew and Bree are talking about the small business space. This is an area that is in a constant state of flux, particularly right now, and it can be difficult for entrepreneurs to know how to best utilise the wealth of technology at their disposal. Andrew and Bree talk about some key points that are vital for small business owners, share five top tips that you can go away and action, and run through a list of three weird and wonderful businesses that may just provide you with that all important spark of inspiration.
Relax, pour yourself a coffee and enjoy the episode.
In this show Bree and Andrew talk about:
- How to select the right technology for you and your business
- Killer tips on how to create engagement with an audience
- Tips on staying connected with your clients across a variety of different mediums
- The importance of understanding your audience
- Why low prices aren’t as important as high quality
- The rise of the hipster and what that means for small businesses
- The role of CCIQ - who’s it for and can it help you?
- Why you need to understand and leverage your niche
- Advice on how to make your customers feel valued
- Communication as one of the biggest areas of dissatisfaction with customers, and how you and your business can capitalise on that
- The importance of personal touch and how you can use it in business
Links
CCIQ
Bree James Pakmag
Bree James LinkedIn
Andrew Griffiths Website
Amplify Website