The Business Behind Your Business: Recent Episodes
Hosted by Paul Sweeney
Conversations to help your business grow and thrive. It's like having your own board of expert advisors in your pocket. Join your host Paul Sweeney and our team of expert advisors as we take a deep dive into the problems (and solutions) faced by business owners. In our 15 to 20 minute podcasts, we’ll discuss information and advice from qualified, experienced professionals to help you create a great business. Running a business is hard. And no matter how experienced you are in your business you’ll run into unexpected issues. Whatever is happening to your business now, it has likely happened to plenty of business owners before. The Business Behind Your Business will be bringing the team of expert advisors to you, sharing their experience, tips and case studies to help you run a great business. Hear from expert advisors including Business Accountants, Business Advisors, Lawyers, Insurance Brokers, Finance Brokers, Information Technology (IT), Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, Financial Advisors, Business Restructuring, Business Turnaround, Systems Design and Implementation, and Strategic Planning.
Most business owners have valuable experiences, lessons, and insights to share, but many struggle to communicate them in a way that connects with others. In this episode, Paul Sweeney speaks with communication and storytelling expert Robert Kennedy III about how business owners can uncover their signature story and use it to build trust, credibility, and stronger relationships.
What you'll learn:
- Why everyone has stories worth telling
- The difference between storytelling and simply sharing information
- The Challenge, Catalyst, Change storytelling framework
- The Moment, Meaning, Message framework
- How everyday experiences can become powerful business stories
- Why storytelling helps people understand and trust your business
- The two essential stories every business owner should know
If you've ever felt like your story isn't interesting enough or struggled to explain the value you provide, this episode will give you practical tools to communicate with greater clarity and confidence.
Robert Kennedy III wants to live in a world where people are no longer afraid to confidently tell their stories...and they can also eat Reese's Peanut Butter cups for every meal without any repercussions.
His work as a keynote speaker and trainer in the area of leadership communication has led him to work with organizations such as the US Coast Guard, Barnes & Noble, Social Security Administration, Panda Restaurant Group, AARP, T-Mobile, and UNCF as well as appearances on Fox, CW and other networks.
He is involved in his community through various boards including the school boards, Association for Talent Development Maryland Chapter, youth leadership programs and helping non-profits conduct mock interviews. He is also a professional member of the National Speakers Association.
YouTube
www.robertkennedy3.me
www.robertkennedy3.com
This episode is supported by the Business Planning Operating System. My 9-module course built from 30 years of experience as an accountant, giving business owners a simple, one-page 90-day plan they'll actually use. Learn more at thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/focus
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Most business owners have heard that "the money is in the list."
But building an email list is only the beginning.
The real challenge is staying in touch with prospects and clients without sounding pushy, salesy, or becoming the business everyone unsubscribes from.
In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with email marketing strategist Ely Delaney to unpack a simpler, more effective approach to email marketing. They discuss how to build trust, create genuine relationships, and stay top of mind so that when people are ready to buy, they think of you first.
If you've ever struggled with follow-up, wondered what to send to your email list, or felt uncomfortable marketing your business, this episode is packed with practical advice you can put into action immediately.
What You'll Learn:
- Why most email marketing fails
- How to build trust without being salesy
- The biggest lead magnet mistakes businesses make
- Why people buy when they're ready, not when you're ready to sell
- A simple strategy to re-engage inactive contacts
- How to write emails that people actually want to read
Email isn't dead. Bad email marketing is. In this practical conversation, Ely shares simple strategies that can help you get more value from the relationships you've already worked hard to build.
Ely Delaney *is the creator of the Follow Up Rockstar System, helping entrepreneurs build a 24/7 automated system and go from surviving to thriving in any economy.
He’s an Amazon bestseller with his books “Marketing Tidbits” and “Networking Tidbits” & his program “Networking Like A Rockstar” has over 1416 students globally.*
www.elydelaney.com
This episode is supported by the Business Planning Operating System. My 9-module course built from 30 years of experience as an accountant, giving business owners a simple, one-page 90-day plan they'll actually use. Learn more at thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/focus
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Most business owners work hard, grow their revenue, and build something valuable—but still feel uncertain about their numbers. Pricing feels like guesswork, cash flow is unpredictable, and when it comes to valuing the business, there’s no real clarity. In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with Jeff Glick to unpack why this happens and, more importantly, how to fix it.
If you want to make better decisions, improve profitability, and ensure your business is truly worth what you think it is, this conversation breaks down the practical steps to get there. It’s not about doing more work; it’s about building the right financial structure to support the business you already have.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why many profitable businesses still struggle with financial clarity
- The difference between basic bookkeeping and a true financial infrastructure
- How poor or inconsistent numbers can reduce your business valuation
- What it really means for a business to be “bankable”
- The hidden risks that buyers and lenders look for during due diligence
- Why financial management should be treated as an investment, not an expense
- The simple foundational steps to improve cash control and reporting
- How to identify and fix the biggest financial risks in your business
- Why looking at your business as if you were selling it can improve performance today
At the heart of the discussion is a clear message: better numbers lead to better decisions. When your financial systems are accurate, timely, and aligned across the business, everything improves—from cash flow and profitability to trust from buyers, lenders, and your team.
Ultimately, this episode challenges business owners to stop treating finance as a compliance task and start using it as a strategic advantage. Because whether you plan to sell your business or not, the businesses that invest in their financial infrastructure are the ones that grow faster, operate with more confidence, and achieve far greater value over time.
Jeffrey Glick leads U.S. operations for Outsourced CFO firm and has spent 30+ years in the trenches helping founders, CEOs, and boards increase company value — especially when they’re preparing for Series funding, business loans, or a potential exit. Jeff has been a CFO for hedge funds, private equity firms, SPACs, and high-growth companies, and now works hands-on as a fractional CFO, helping businesses get “investor-ready” before they need capital.
www.ocfo.com
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When your business feels overwhelming, it’s easy to assume you need more discipline, more motivation, or bigger goals. But what if the real solution is the opposite? In this episode, Paul Sweeney speaks with Dr Christiane Schroeter about how small, repeatable actions—not big bursts of effort—are the key to restoring clarity, reducing burnout, and building real momentum. If you’ve been stuck, overthinking, or constantly busy without progress, this conversation will help you simplify your approach and start moving forward again.
What you’ll learn:
- Why overwhelm often comes from goals that are too big—and how to “deflate” them into achievable first steps
- The importance of connecting your goals to your personal values and why that drives real motivation
- How the “Petite Practice” framework turns small daily actions into consistent progress
- Why action matters more than perfection—and how to remove the pressure to get it right the first time
- How to focus your time and energy using priority and urgency instead of trying to “manage time”
- The hidden cost of holding onto low-value tasks, and how letting go creates space for what matters
- Why communicating your goals creates accountability and attracts the right support around you
In this episode, the message is simple but powerful: you don’t need to overhaul your business overnight to make progress. By taking small, intentional steps—consistently—you can regain clarity, protect your energy, and build a business that moves forward without burning you out. Start small, stay consistent, and let momentum do the rest.
Dr Christiane Schroeter helps leaders build real confidence and move through change with clarity and momentum, one small step at a time. A TEDx speaker, Fulbright Scholar, professor, and bestselling author featured in Business Insider, she hosts the Top 1% Happy Healthy Hustle podcast.
YouTube
www.doctorchristiane.com
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There comes a point in every business where working harder isn’t the answer anymore—something needs to change. In this episode, Paul Sweeney is joined by Ron James, a fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO) who helps growing businesses move out of constant firefighting and into structured, scalable operations. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the day-to-day, or unsure how to adapt to increasing pressure, this conversation will show you how to regain control, create clarity, and build a business that can grow without breaking.
Ron shares practical insights from decades of experience across retail, technology, and operational leadership, helping business owners understand why chaos isn’t caused by speed, but by a lack of structure. From the power of simple processes through to the role of planning and leadership, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for any SME owner trying to navigate change.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why working harder won’t fix a broken or overwhelmed business
- How to create structure and processes that reduce chaos and improve performance
- The difference between being busy and making real progress
- Why planning is critical, especially when you feel like you don’t have time
- How poor processes lead to constant interruptions, reliance on the owner, and team inefficiency
- The role of leadership in empowering employees to solve problems independently
- How a fresh, external perspective (like a fractional COO) can unlock growth
- Why simplifying your business is often the fastest path to scaling
- How better systems can reduce burnout and improve both performance and culture
A consistent theme throughout the conversation is that many business owners unintentionally become the bottleneck in their own business (jumping in to solve problems, bypassing systems, and staying stuck in the weeds). Ron highlights how stepping back, building repeatable processes, and empowering your team can shift you from operator to leader, and ultimately create a more scalable, enjoyable business.
This episode is a strong reminder that growth doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing things better. By simplifying, systemizing, and focusing on what really drives progress, business owners can move out of survival mode and start building a business that works for them, not the other way around.
Try Ron's business health assessment
Ron James - Many businesses don’t flounder because of poor metrics, but because leaders get in the way. Ron James has the unique ability to redesign founder-led companies into scalable operating machines—not just advise them.
Ron is the Founder of Opscale Partners and serves as Chief Operating Officer of Tax Guardian. His career spans operational roles at the #1 retail, consumer electronics, and tax preparation companies in the world.
Ron is an Eagle Scout and enjoys camping and spending time with his boys through Scouts and sports.
www.opscalepartners.com
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If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by what feels like a disconnect between generations in your team—especially when working with Gen Z—this episode will shift your perspective. Rather than blaming younger employees for a lack of accountability or work ethic, this conversation with Trudy MacDonald reframes the issue: it’s not about effort, it’s about expectations, communication, and leadership. You’ll walk away with practical ways to improve accountability, have better conversations, and create a more aligned and productive team, regardless of age.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Gen Z isn’t the problem and what’s really driving workplace friction
- How generational differences shape expectations around work, feedback, and accountability
- The role of empathy in bridging the gap between leaders and younger employees
- How to create a feedback-rich culture where conversations flow up, down, and across teams
- Why many accountability conversations fail and how to improve them
- A simple framework (SBI: Situation, Behaviour, Impact) to give clearer, more constructive feedback
- How to shift from blame to curiosity when addressing performance issues
- Why setting clear outcomes matters more than controlling how work gets done
- The importance of regular check-ins and consistent communication rhythms
- How to agree on next steps so accountability conversations actually lead to action
At its core, this episode is about leadership evolution. The workplace has changed, and expectations have shifted, but the opportunity is significant. By combining empathy with accountability, creating space for open dialogue, and being intentional in how feedback is delivered, leaders can unlock the full potential of every generation. The conversation finishes with a simple but powerful reminder: stay curious. That’s the key to better communication, stronger teams, and better outcomes.
For more great conversations, check out Trudy’s previous episodes here:
Ep 152 – From Burnout to Brilliance: Transforming Workplace Culture
Ep 169 - Rethinking Pay: Why Your Top Talent Might Be Eyeing the Exit
Trudy MacDonald has worked extensively with Boards, leaders and leadership teams over the past 20 years and is a sought-after coach to leaders across industries.
She is an experienced CEO, an established business leader and thought leader in the areas of strategy, people, and culture. She specialises in empowering organisations to become great by maximising the performance and productivity of their people.
She is a multi-award-winning speaker having been honoured as “Speaker of the Year” by the world’s largest CEO network – The Executive Connection (TEC). Trudy is a regular speaker to Leaders and Boards and regularly presents on the topics of strategy, high performance organisations and leadership at Industry Associations, Conferences and Corporate Events. Her career is founded on an education in Organisational Psychology and spans Australia, New Zealand, the USA and parts of Asia.
www.talentcodehr.com.auLinkedInInstagram
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Most business owners don’t fail because of a crisis. They fail because they never built the foundation that would protect them when a crisis arrives. In this episode, Paul Sweeney connects the dots from two powerful conversations with turnaround experts and reveals a simple but critical insight: everything that gets rebuilt in a business crisis should have existed long before it ever started.
If you’ve ever felt unclear about your direction, reactive instead of proactive, or unsure how your business would hold up under pressure, this episode will show you exactly what’s missing — and how to fix it before it becomes a problem.
What you’ll learn:
- Why business turnarounds are more about leadership, psychology, and culture than just numbers
- The real reason businesses fail, and why it happens long before the financials show it
- How lack of clarity and alignment quietly weakens your business over time
- Why most traditional business plans don’t work (and what to replace them with)
- The importance of having a clear, written strategy that aligns your team, suppliers, and stakeholders
- What a practical, one-page business plan looks like and why it works
- How to build a “living” plan that guides decisions instead of sitting in a drawer
- The role of rhythm (weekly, monthly, quarterly) in keeping your business on track
- Why the businesses that thrive in tough conditions are the ones that planned early, not late
The businesses that survive — and more importantly, thrive — aren’t the ones that scramble when things go wrong. They’re the ones that already have clarity, alignment, and a clear direction before the pressure hits.
This episode is a reminder that good business planning isn’t about creating a document. It’s about building a system that gives you clarity, focus, and control. Start now with a simple, honest plan because the time to build the foundation your business needs isn’t during a crisis, it’s long before it ever arrives.
Learn more about The Business Plan Operating System
Watch Ep 177 with James Martin Beyond Survival: Strategic Turnaround Tips
Watch Ep 158 with Mike Dunlop The Art of the Turnaround: Leadership Lessons for Business Success
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
www.paulsweeneyaccountant.au
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Most business owners start out chasing freedom — more time, more flexibility, and control over their life. But somewhere along the way, that freedom often disappears, replaced by long hours, constant pressure, and a business that feels like it owns you.
In this episode, Paul Sweeney is joined by Chris Papin to unpack why that happens (and more importantly, how to fix it.) You’ll learn how to close the gap between the business you imagined and the reality you’re experiencing, with practical insights on discipline, financial awareness, and how to regain control of your time.
What you’ll learn:
- Why “freedom” in business often turns into being constantly on
- How ignoring your financials can quietly create risk and stress
- Why most business owners get stuck reacting instead of planning
- How poor assumptions (especially around growth and marketing) compound over time
- The ideal rhythm for reviewing your financial performance, and why waiting too long is costly
- How to think about your week differently using the “168 hours” framework
- Why real freedom in business is a design choice, not something that just happens
In this conversation, Paul and Chris bring a practical, no-nonsense perspective to what it really takes to build a business that supports your life — not consumes it. They highlight how better financial awareness, clearer priorities, and intentional use of your time can help you avoid the trap of constant busyness and regain the flexibility you set out to achieve.
The key takeaway is simple but powerful: you don’t get freedom in business by working harder. You get it by designing your business and your time more deliberately. When you shift from reacting to leading, and from guessing to measuring, you move closer to a business that works for you.
Chris Papin, the owner and advisor at Papin CPA, is a seasoned CPA, attorney, and insurance producer. With a background in accounting and law, Chris offers invaluable advisory services that navigate complex financial and legal terrains, ensuring growth and compliance for businesses. His innovative insights and client-centred approach make him a trusted guide for businesses aiming for a prosperous future.
www.papincpa.com
www.papinspeaks.com
Get Chris's book here 168 Hours: A Startup Business Guide That Respects Your Time: A Smarter Way to Start, Structure, and Scale a Small Business
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If you’ve ever felt like your advertising is a gamble — spending money without knowing what’s going to work — this episode will change the way you think about marketing. In this conversation, Paul sits down with Skip Wilson to show how business owners can move away from guesswork and start using data to make better, more predictable decisions.
Instead of relying on what worked for someone else or hoping a campaign delivers results, Skip explains how to treat advertising as a system, where data gives you clear feedback on what to fix, improve, and scale. If you want more consistent leads and greater confidence in your marketing spend, this episode gives you a practical framework to apply straight away.
What you’ll learn:
- Why most advertising starts as guesswork, and how data removes the uncertainty
- How to treat campaigns as systems and identify exactly where they’re breaking down
- The key metrics that actually matter (especially customer acquisition cost)
- Why platforms aren’t the problem, and where to focus instead
- How to forecast campaign performance before you spend your money
- How faster feedback loops and small adjustments improve results over time
At its core, this episode is about taking control of your marketing. When you understand the numbers behind your campaigns and use data to guide your decisions, advertising becomes less of a gamble and more of a repeatable growth system for your business.
Skip Wilson, founder of DRAFT Media Partners, transformed his teenage passion for copywriting into a thriving career in advertising. From pioneering digital platforms at CNN Special Project to leading iHeartMedia's digital division, Skip's journey epitomizes innovation. With accolades like "Most Intuitive Software Developer" and "Best Marketing Software Developer," Skip's expertise and acclaimed podcast empower businesses to excel in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.
www.draftadvertising.com
The Advertising Podcast
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If you’ve ever felt like your team culture is “off” or that you’re carrying too much of the load as a business owner, this episode will give you a practical, grounded way to fix it.
In this conversation, Paul sits down with Lisa Even to break down how culture is always happening (whether you’re managing it or not), and how small leadership behaviours can create either a positive ripple effect… or quietly damage your team, your clients, and your business. You’ll walk away with simple, actionable ways to improve your team culture, respond better under pressure, and create a workplace where people actually want to show up and do their best work.
What you’ll learn:
- Why culture is never neutral and how it’s shaping your business every day
- The “good ripple effect” and how your behaviour as a leader spreads across your team
- How to identify and address toxic behaviours early (before they turn into bigger problems)
- Why change must start with you as the business owner (not your team)
- A powerful way to think about your “presence” as a gift in every interaction
- Why joy at work isn’t fluff — and how to measure it like a bank account
- Easy, low-effort ways to build moments of energy and connection into your team
At its core, this episode is a reminder that culture isn’t built through big initiatives, it’s built through everyday moments. When you become more intentional about how you show up, respond, and lead, you don’t just improve your team, you create momentum that flows through your entire business. If you want better results, stronger relationships, and a team that supports your growth, this conversation is a great place to start.
Lisa Even is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and leadership coach who helps teams create what she calls a ‘Good Ripple Effect.’
With a background in healthcare operations and team leadership, she now works with companies like ESPN, SHRM, and Disney to teach leaders how to show up with presence, build trust fast, and shape stronger cultures.
She’s also the host of the Have Good Ripple Effect podcast — and today, she’s here to bring insight, energy, and practical tools you won’t want to miss.
www.lisaeven.com
YouTube
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If you’ve ever struggled to attract the right clients—or found yourself wasting time on enquiries that go nowhere—this episode is for you. In this conversation with documentary filmmaker and storyteller Chris Baron, you’ll learn how to use storytelling as a practical business tool to connect with better-fit customers, communicate your value clearly, and stand out in an increasingly noisy and AI-driven market.
Chris shares how the same storytelling principles used to pitch multi-million-dollar documentaries can be applied to everyday business conversations—from sales calls to marketing—and why getting your story right can be the difference between winning work and missing out entirely.
You'll learn:
- Why storytelling is critical in business and how it directly impacts your ability to win work
- How to make your message relatable so the right clients engage with you
- Why understanding your audience (and using data/analytics) is essential to shaping your story
- The impact of changing technology, digital platforms, and AI on content and communication
- How to adapt your messaging and business model when your market shifts
- The concept of “kill your babies”—and why letting go of ideas that aren’t working is critical to growth
This episode is a powerful reminder that storytelling isn’t just for marketers or creatives. It’s a core business skill. Whether you’re pitching, selling, or simply trying to explain what you do, the way you tell your story shapes how people perceive your value. By focusing on relatability, clarity, and staying adaptable in a fast-changing market, you can attract better clients, communicate with confidence, and position your business as the obvious choice.
Chris Baron is a documentary director and series producer with 15+ years creating award-winning factual and documentary content for the world's biggest broadcasters, including BBC, National Geographic, Discovery, CuriosityStream and Disney+. He has directed shoots across 30+ countries, from active volcanoes to undiscovered tombs, delivering some of the most ambitious productions in the world.
A scientist by background, Chris has a rare ability to translate complex ideas into content people genuinely cannot stop watching. He now works with YouTube channels and creators through his production company Frontier Films, helping them scale their productions, refine their formats and build the workflows that serious channels need to grow.
He is also the host of No Ordinary Monday, a story-driven podcast published on YouTube, exploring the defining moments in people's careers.
www.noordinarymonday.com
www.frontierfilms.tv
YouTube
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Most business owners know they should have a plan—but too often, that plan ends up as a long document that’s created once and never used again. In this episode, Paul Sweeney breaks down why traditional business plans fail and what small business owners actually need instead. Drawing on 30 years of real-world experience, he shares a practical, actionable approach to planning that fits the realities of running a business today. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by planning, stuck in day-to-day operations, or unsure where to focus next, this episode will give you a simpler and more effective way forward.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why traditional business plans fail—and why it’s not because planning doesn’t work
- The three core reasons most plans become irrelevant: complexity, being static, and lack of an operating system
- The difference between a plan designed to impress (banks/investors) and one designed to guide your business
- The three-part framework for effective planning: clarity, simplicity, and rhythm
- How to define your ideal customer properly—and why this drives better marketing and sales decisions
- Why most business goals sound impressive but fail to drive real outcomes
- The power of a one-page business plan—and how it forces clarity and focus
- Why focusing on just 3 priorities can outperform a long list of tasks
- How to create a simple operating rhythm (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually) to keep your plan alive
In this episode, Paul challenges the traditional approach to business planning and replaces it with a system designed for real business owners—busy, time-poor, and needing clarity. By focusing on what truly matters and building a regular rhythm around your plan, you can turn planning from a one-off exercise into a powerful tool for better decisions, stronger results, and a more enjoyable business.
Learn more about the Business Planning Operating System.
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
www.paulsweeneyaccountant.au
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Marketing often feels overwhelming for business owners — a constant cycle of trying new tactics, getting inconsistent results, and questioning what actually works. In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with Kae Wagner to cut through the noise and get back to what truly drives effective marketing. You’ll learn how to simplify your marketing approach by focusing on core principles, build long-term credibility (including when publishing a book makes sense), and create a system that delivers consistent results without starting from scratch every month.
What you will learn:
- Why marketing feels random — and how shifting from tactics to strategy changes everything
- The critical difference between marketing, branding, advertising, and sales (and why confusing them holds businesses back)
- The “marketing pyramid” and how a weak foundation leads to poor sales outcomes
- Why jumping straight into tactics (social media, ads, events) often leads to failure
- The role of long-term strategy versus short-term action — and how to balance both
- How publishing (especially a book) can build authority and credibility in your industry
- Why quality and authenticity matter more than ever in an AI-driven world
- Practical ways to show up more authentically in your marketing, including content and podcasting
In a world where automation and AI are accelerating content creation, this episode reinforces a powerful message: authentic, human-led marketing grounded in strong principles will always stand out. By focusing on strategy first, then layering consistent and thoughtful execution, business owners can move from reactive marketing to predictable, sustainable growth. If you’re ready to stop chasing tactics and start building a marketing approach that actually works, this episode is a must-listen.
Kae Wagner is the founder of North Star Marketing, and now leads The Bold Authors Network and The Bold Authors Book Agency. With a career spanning TV production, advertising, consulting, and coaching, she helps authors and experts amplify their visibility. Through The Bold Authors Network, Kae supports authors in promoting their fiction and nonfiction books. Through The Bold Authors Book Agency, she partners with executives and thought leaders to turn their expertise into books, speaking opportunities, and client growth. As a best-selling fiction and non-fiction writer herself, Kae brings real-world marketing insight and publishing know-how to help clients expand their reach and authority.
www.BoldAuthorsNetwork.com
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If you’re running an e‑commerce business (or any business that relies on repeat customers) and feel like you’re constantly chasing the next sale, this episode will change how you think about growth. In this conversation, Paul Sweeney sits down with Steven Gringlas, Founder and CEO of Picos Media, to unpack why email marketing is still one of the most powerful – and most underutilised – profit levers for scaling sustainably. Together, they break down how email and paid ads are meant to work as one system, not separate tactics, and why focusing only on acquisition is leaving serious money on the table.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why email marketing is not dead and why it consistently outperforms many “shinier” channels
- How email drives customer retention and dramatically increases lifetime value
- The real cost of relying solely on paid ads for customer acquisition
- The key email flows every e‑commerce business must have in place
- Why list growth, segmentation, and automation matter more than blasting campaigns
- What most brands get wrong when trying to scale quickly
Paul and Steven also dive into the psychology behind customer behaviour, how many touchpoints are really needed to convert, and why persistence beats perfection when it comes to marketing systems. Steven shares clear, practical insights on popup strategies, welcome flows, abandon cart emails, and win-back campaigns – all focused on turning first-time buyers into long-term, profitable customers.
If you’re serious about building a scalable e‑commerce business (or improving consistency in any customer-driven model), this episode will help you rethink where your marketing dollars – and time – should really be going. Email isn’t just a support channel; done properly, it’s one of the strongest growth engines in your business.
Steven Gringlas is the Founder and CEO of Picos Media, a performance-led eCommerce growth agency specialising in email marketing, paid media, and creative strategy. He helps online brands scale profitably by combining strong marketing fundamentals with systems, automation, and clear execution. Steven is known for his direct, practical approach to growth and his focus on building marketing that actually drives revenue, not just engagement.
www.picos.com.au
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If you’re a B2B business owner who relies heavily on referrals and finds yourself stuck in unpredictable cycles of feast and famine, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Paul Sweeney is joined by LinkedIn growth expert Colin Gallagher to unpack why referral-based growth so often leads to stalled pipelines, burnout, and scope creep — and what to do instead. You’ll discover how to move away from “referrals and hope” and build a repeatable, predictable way to generate new business without constantly chasing your next client.
Rather than chasing more leads, this episode focuses on building systems — particularly using LinkedIn as a low-cost, high-impact channel — that can run in the background while you focus on delivering great work. Colin shares practical, real-world insights on how founders can stand out as humans in an increasingly noisy, AI-driven landscape and create outbound messaging that actually gets replies.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why referral-only growth creates stress, scope creep, and instability in small businesses
- How to build a predictable sales pipeline without abandoning referrals altogether
- Why LinkedIn is one of the most effective low-cost channels for B2B lead generation
- How to write LinkedIn messages that feel personal, relevant, and human — not spammy
- A simple, practical framework for targeting the right people with the right message
- Why “doing something” — even imperfectly — is far better than doing nothing at all
Colin also offers a powerful reminder for business owners who feel overwhelmed or stuck: stop waiting for the perfect system or message and start taking action. Whether you build the capability in-house or leverage external expertise, the key is to break the cycle and put a lead-generation system in place. With the right approach, consistency replaces panic — and your pipeline no longer depends on hope.
Colin Gallagher is the founder of Growlancer and a LinkedIn growth expert for B2B service companies. He helps founders and B2B leaders escape referral dependency with a repeatable system built on targeted outreach, authority-driven content, and sharp positioning. His systems-first model creates a predictable pipeline without needing to be full-time content creators.
Get your Free LinkedIn Outreach Campaign Setup — sample your results before committing www.growlancer.ai
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Most business owners are told that property and passive investments are the safest way to build wealth. But what if buying the right business — structured and funded properly — could deliver stronger returns, faster cash flow, and greater control? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by commercial finance expert Sidd Bahree to break down how business acquisitions really work and what banks actually look for when funding them. This conversation challenges common assumptions and helps business owners understand how acquisitions can become a powerful wealth‑building strategy.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why buying a business can outperform property when done correctly
- What lenders look for — beyond the numbers — in business acquisition finance
- Why management experience and industry alignment matter so much to banks
- How to plan for revenue drops after an acquisition and protect your cash flow
- The role of EBITDA, valuations, and business multiples
- Why having the right advisory team is critical before you buy
Paul and Sidd also explore why many sellers leave value on the table, how buyers can uncover hidden opportunities, and why realistic forecasting is essential. If you’re considering buying a business — or want to make your current one more valuable — this episode will help you approach acquisitions with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
Sidd Bahree is the commercial finance expert, strategic thinker, and the driving force behind Xpress Finance. With a deep passion for helping small to medium-sized business owners grow and thrive, Sidd is all about getting the right funding in place — fast, smart, and stress-free. After more than a decade in the banking world — in roles like Asset Finance Specialist, Small Business Banking Specialist, and Business Development Executive — Sidd knew it was time to shake things up. He’s consulted with over 4,500 businesses across Australia, earning a rock-solid reputation for tailored, no-nonsense finance solutions that actually work. That’s where Xpress Finance comes in. Sidd founded it to raise the bar in commercial broking — offering a fresh, streamlined approach that puts clients first. He’s on a mission to help clients make smarter finance moves, avoid debt traps, and fund their growth with confidence.
Contact Sidd at sidd@xpressfinance.com.au
www.siddbahreee.com.au
www.xpressfinance.com.au
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Many business owners believe their biggest challenges are rising costs, staffing issues, or external market pressures. But what if the real threat to profit, growth, and freedom is something far less visible? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with fractional COO and operations coach Forrest Derr to uncover what they call the accountability gap—a silent drain that can cost businesses up to 30% of their revenue and keep founders trapped in day-to-day decision-making.
This conversation is essential listening for any founder who feels indispensable to their business, struggles to step away without constant interruptions, or wants to build a company that can scale, perform, and ultimately exit without depending solely on them. Forrest shares practical, experience-backed insights into how structure, clarity, and self-accountability can transform a founder-dependent operation into a business that truly functions as a system.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why the lack of accountability quietly erodes profit and limits scalability—even in healthy businesses
- How to create clear ownership and performance without resorting to micromanagement
- The importance of defining the 5–7 core responsibilities that drive 80% of business results
- How simple, visible scorecards enable teams to self-manage and measure success
- Why the right mix of hungry, humble, and emotionally intelligent team members matters more than experience alone
- How strong processes and training reduce interruptions and free founders to work on the business, not in it
Get a clear framework for closing the accountability gap in your own business and a better understanding of what it takes to build a company that runs efficiently without burning out the owner. If your phone never stops ringing with internal questions and decisions, this conversation may be the turning point you didn’t know you needed.
Forrest Derr is a Fractional COO, integrator, and operations coach committed to helping small and mid-sized business owners regain control, build structure, and scale sustainably. With over 28 years of experience across industries such as tech, SaaS, telecom, construction, and landscaping, Forrest specializes in empowering leadership teams, creating accountability, and freeing overwhelmed founders from day-to-day operations. His career began with hands-on roles in retail and warehousing before rising to executive leadership in tech companies, where he led operations, finance, sales, and marketing. Today, through his firm Derr Consulting, Forrest equips businesses with proven systems, playbooks, and practical tools to align their vision, delegate effectively, and prepare for future growth or exit strategy.
www.derrconsulting.com
Fixers & Founders Podcast
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What if your products are great, your website looks professional, and your SEO has been solid for years — yet customers are quietly disappearing? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with e‑commerce growth expert Matthew Stafford to unpack one of the biggest shifts business owners are facing right now: how AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Grok are completely changing how customers discover and decide what to buy.
Traditional SEO alone is no longer enough. Customers are increasingly asking AI for answers — and those AI tools are making trusted recommendations without sending people to Google results pages. If your business isn’t visible or “understandable” to these AI engines, you risk losing a significant share of warm, high‑intent traffic. This episode explains what’s changed, why it matters urgently, and what practical steps you can take right now to make sure your products are still being found.
What you’ll learn:
- Why over half of Google searches now result in no clicks — and what that means for your revenue
- What AI Engine Optimisation (AEO) is, explained in plain English
- How AI tools are influencing buying decisions and acting as a “trusted advisor” for customers
- Why traffic from AI recommendations converts up to five times higher than traditional search clicks
- How to restructure your website content so AI can understand, trust, and recommend your products
- Why FAQs, buyer‑intent answers, and clarity now matter more than keywords and quantity
- How reviews, testimonials, and even lower‑star feedback can increase trust and conversions
- The one simple action e‑commerce owners should prioritise first to stay competitive
In a world where customers may never even visit your website before making a purchase decision, this conversation is a wake‑up call — and a roadmap. Matthew shares practical, achievable advice that business owners can start implementing immediately, without waiting for the “next update” or perfect clarity.
If you want to protect your visibility, future‑proof your growth, and ensure your business is recommended when customers ask AI for the best option, this episode is essential listening.
Matthew Stafford Over the past three decades, Matthew Stafford has been entrepreneurial and successfully building several businesses across various industries, including Concrete, Brick and Mortar Locations, POD, and Software-based ventures. Matthew Stafford, the Managing Partner of Build Grow Scale and an equity owner of some in-house Ecommerce brands, has knowledge and expertise, enabling him to mentor thousands of store owners through paid Ecommerce groups and live events. His experience has also allowed him to help hundreds of ecommerce brands scale past the million-dollar mark - with many hitting the $10 million mark. To top it off, he's been speaking on stages about ecommerce optimization for the past seven years! In fact, before COVID-19, BGS hosted the largest yearly Ecommerce-focused event in North America - BGS LIVE.
Book a call
www.buildgrowscale.com
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If you’ve built a great product or developed a powerful idea and are thinking about taking it global, one critical question quickly arises: how do you protect your intellectual property internationally without burning through your cash?
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with experienced patent attorney Austin Bonderer to demystify international patents and explain how small and medium businesses can protect their ideas, expand globally, and stay competitive — without making costly mistakes.
With more than two decades of experience and over 700 issued patents, Austin breaks down complex patent concepts into clear, practical insights. Together, Paul and Austin explore why patents aren’t just for large corporations, how international patent systems actually work, and how business owners can take a strategic, staged approach to protecting their IP while preserving precious start-up capital.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why patents are essential for protecting your competitive edge — even as a small business
- When to start thinking about international patent protection (and why earlier is better)
- How the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) works and how it can buy you time and flexibility
- Common mistakes business owners make that can permanently destroy patent opportunities
- How patents can be used strategically to attract investors and support business growth
- Why controlling manufacturing locations can be just as important as protecting sales markets
- How to work effectively with a patent attorney without exhausting your legal budget
Paul and Austin also tackle misconceptions around disclosure, cost, timing, and global enforcement, offering real-world examples that help business owners make smarter, more confident decisions about their intellectual property.
Whether you’re preparing to scale globally or simply want to safeguard the ideas you’ve worked so hard to build, this conversation will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Austin Bonderer *is a seasoned patent attorney with over two decades of experience. Austin's impressive portfolio boasts over 700 issued U.S. patents, underscoring his expertise and dedication to the field. Before his distinguished career as a patent attorney, he honed his skills as a U.S. Patent Examiner for the USPTO. Austin's professional journey has also taken him across the globe, enriching his perspective and broadening his knowledge. His extensive experience and international exposure make him a knowledgeable asset in the world of intellectual property. Notably, Austin also led the U.S. Nanotechnology prosecution for a Forbes World 100 company.
Today, Austin is the principal at the Law Office of Austin Bonderer, PC, where he specializes in obtaining patents for his clients. His extensive experience and international exposure make him a valuable asset in the world of intellectual property.*
www.bondererpatents.com/contact-us
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What does true wealth really mean — and who gets to define it? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Nancy Griffin, founder of Women, Worth & Wellness, for a powerful conversation that challenges traditional ideas about money, success, and legacy. If you’re a business owner, leader, or entrepreneur — particularly a woman navigating growth, responsibility, and long‑term planning — this episode will help you rethink how health, wealth, and values intersect, and why aligning all three is essential for sustainable success.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why legacy planning is about purpose, not just assets
- How women’s growing financial power is reshaping business, wealth, and philanthropy
- Why prioritising health is foundational to confidence, leadership, and long‑term success
- The importance of planning early for benefits, insurance, and estate planning — even at the start of your career
- How philanthropy can strengthen your business, your community, and your personal sense of worth
- Why collaboration and co‑creation are becoming essential strategies for modern business owners
- How peer‑to‑peer advisory groups can accelerate growth and reduce costly mistakes
With decades of experience across wealth management, philanthropy, and women’s leadership, Nancy Griffin offers timeless insights that are more relevant than ever. This episode is a reminder that your life is your greatest asset — and that building wealth without considering health, values, and legacy is an incomplete strategy. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your business journey, this conversation will encourage you to own your life, lead with intention, and create impact that lasts well beyond the balance sheet.
Nancy Griffin is a connector and influencer. She attributes her success to personal courage, determination, and joy, when focusing on women’s health and wellness, hence creating Women, Worth & Wellness®. Nancy enjoys every opportunity to inspire and inform women about their personal health and wealth, net worth and self-worth, philanthropy and legacy—so that women feel fabulous, generous, joyful, confident, and on top of their game every day.
Nancy Griffin established Women, Worth & Wellness in 1994 as a Private Client Wealth Advisor for her female clients and their families. Nancy continues to promote and inspire Daring & Caring Leaders, encouraging them to step up and lead in the world, following in the footsteps from many other powerful Women Leaders in the past.
Nancy’s overall purpose is to connect and influence for positive impact every chance she gets.
www.womenworthwellness.com
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Most business owners open LinkedIn with a sense of dread. Cold pitches, generic messages, and wasted time have led many to believe the platform simply doesn’t work. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by LinkedIn expert John Nemo to challenge that belief and reveal how LinkedIn can become a powerful, predictable source of genuine business opportunities — without posting content every day or chasing the algorithm.
John shares the simple, proven framework he’s used since 2012 to build a seven-figure business almost entirely through LinkedIn. This conversation cuts through the noise and shows business owners how to stop using LinkedIn like an online CV and start using it as a practical lead‑generation tool that actually delivers results.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why most LinkedIn profiles are set up incorrectly — and how to fix yours in minutes
- How to turn LinkedIn from a “cold pitch graveyard” into a consistent source of warm leads
- Why the real money on LinkedIn isn’t in posts or content, but in the inbox
- How a single, well‑written message can qualify leads and start real business conversations
- Why niching down on LinkedIn dramatically increases trust, relevance, and conversion
If you’ve been unsure how to use LinkedIn effectively, or you’ve felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice, this episode provides clarity and a refreshingly simple approach. It’s a must‑listen for any business owner who wants better conversations, better leads, and better outcomes from LinkedIn — without adding more complexity to their day.
John Nemo is a bestselling LinkedIn Author & Trainer who has been featured by The New York Times, LinkedIn's official marketing blog, Social Media Examiner, Entrepreneur on Fire, Inc. Magazine, Huffington Post, Business Insider and many others. He runs Nemo Media Group, which provides “Done For You” LinkedIn Lead Generation for Small Business Owners, Business Coaches and Consultants.
Get a free copy (audiobook or digital version) of John's Bestselling Book "LinkedIn Riches" online at www.nemomediagroup.com
Listen to John's Podcast "Nemo Radio" online at www.nemoradio.com
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In a digital world where it’s easier than ever to create and distribute content, many business owners and creators are unknowingly losing value from the assets they’ve already built. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Paul Goldman, Founder and CEO of Muserk, to explore how hidden value slips through the cracks — and how technology can help recover it. Using the music industry as a case study, the conversation reveals why protecting and properly managing creative assets is now a critical business skill, not just a legal concern.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why a significant portion of global royalties never reach their rightful owners
- How missing data, poor documentation, and unclear ownership quietly erode asset value
- The role AI and technology play in tracking, protecting, and monetising intellectual property
- How music catalogues are valued, bought, and sold as investment assets
- Practical lessons business owners can apply to protect their own brands and digital assets
This episode highlights a powerful truth: value creation doesn’t end once the work is done. Through insights from the global music industry, Paul Goldman shows how clear agreements, accurate data, and the smart use of technology can transform overlooked assets into long‑term value. The lessons extend well beyond music, offering business owners a fresh perspective on protecting what they’ve built and uncovering opportunities already within reach.
Paul Goldman is the Founder and CEO of Muserk, a global digital rights management company dedicated to ensuring music and video creators are properly compensated in today’s fast‑moving digital economy. Through Muserk’s patented Blue Matter™ AI platform, Paul has helped uncover millions in lost royalties by enabling accurate, large‑scale rights administration across streaming platforms, social media, and digital services worldwide. Since its launch, Muserk has grown to represent over 20 million works across 98 countries and has been recognised multiple times on the Inc. 5000 list and is one of America’s fastest‑growing private companies.
Before founding Muserk, Paul spent decades as an award‑winning composer, producer, and creative entrepreneur. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he built a successful career in New York City creating music, sound design, and visual content for film, television, advertising, and major global brands. His discovery that significant international royalties from his own work were never being collected led him to build Muserk with a clear mission: to create a transparent, technology‑driven system that empowers creators, protects intellectual property, and ensures artists are paid fairly wherever their work is used.
www.muserk.com
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Is it possible to build wealth and freedom without quitting your day job or sacrificing your family life?
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney is joined by Billy Keels, former corporate executive turned entrepreneur, to explore a smarter path to generational wealth. If you’re a high‑performing professional who feels stuck on the corporate treadmill but unsure how to create freedom without blowing everything up, this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and a proven alternative.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why clarity is the real first step to making your 9–5 optional
- How to protect your career while building something on the side
- The difference between creating a job and building a true asset
- How to avoid burnout by designing your business on purpose
If you’re successful on paper but craving more control over your time and life, this episode offers a practical place to start.
Billy Keels is an expert executive coach, best-selling author, and host of the top-ranked "Going Long Podcast with Billy Keels”. As an internationally renowned business strategist, Billy boasts over two decades of experience leading global teams generating over $500 million as a top sales leader at SAP and working alongside household names like Michael Dell, Bill Gates, Ken Chenault, John Chambers and more. Through his podcast and national best-seller "Grow Your Money the Smart Way," Billy shares strategic and actionable advice on how to make your corporate role optional.
Whether founding a private equity firm raising over $12.5 million with Accredited Investors or advising Fortune 500 clients, Billy draws on his experience from working in over 80 countries. Based in Barcelona, Billy Keels is the go-to Strategic Advisor for enterprise-level executives who want to excel in their careers while safely and securely building an additional stream of predictable income so that
their jobs become optional. He has worked with leaders from industry titans like SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, and Microsoft on multiplying their options from within
their current role.
Fluent in five languages, he has spoken at prestigious venues worldwide on his
approach for unlocking new professional and personal opportunities.
Billy's mission is helping mid 6 & 7 figure executives achieve extraordinary career growth without requiring a change in employment. He provides a blueprint for excelling in your career, leveraging your transferable skills, and building your business on the side. Accomplish this while maintaining your current career’s security and stability!
www.billykeels.com
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What would actually happen if you injected $250,000 into your business tomorrow—would it create real value, or disappear into unfocused spending? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Rodrigo Rodriguez-Novás to tackle one of the most common (and costly) challenges facing founders and business owners: the gap between big ideas and disciplined execution. If you’ve ever felt confident in your vision but uncertain about where to invest time, money, or people, this conversation will give you a clearer path forward.
Rodrigo is the founder and CEO of NORDES Consulting, a former global finance leader, business school professor, and author of The CFO Myth. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience across finance and operations, he introduces his practical CPR Framework—Core, Priorities, and Resources—a simple but powerful way to stop building your business backwards and start allocating resources where they actually create value.
Throughout the episode, Rodrigo explains why raising money is often easier than using it wisely, and how many businesses fail not from lack of capital, but from poor spending discipline. He unpacks the idea of “building backwards,” where founders focus on shiny tools, roles, or growth initiatives before validating the core problem they are solving. You’ll also hear why responsible spending culture matters at every level of a business, why not every company needs a CFO (yet), and how treating company money with the same care as your own can dramatically improve sustainability.
This is a grounded, common-sense conversation about slowing down to grow stronger—perfect for business owners who want to turn vision into execution without burning cash or momentum.
Rodrigo Rodríguez-Novás is the Founder and CEO of NORDES Consulting, a boutique firm specializing in financial leadership, operational efficiency and M&A execution.
With more than 20 years of global experience in finance, operations, and executive leadership, he brings a sharp, strategic mindset to every challenge—paired with the steady focus of a former competitive freediver. Rodrigo holds an MBA from EGADE Business School and has pursued advanced studies at The London School of Economics, Wharton, and the University for Peace.
A certified Project Management Professional, author, entrepreneur and business school professor, Rodrigo is passionate about building resilient businesses, leading with purpose, and helping others navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.
www.cfomyth.com
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If you’re a business owner thinking about private equity, growth, or an eventual exit, this episode could save you years of stress — and potentially millions of dollars. Most founders only learn how private equity really works after they’ve signed a term sheet, when it’s often too late to negotiate from a position of strength.
Paul Sweeney is joined by Alexis Sikorsky, founder of KnightScale Partners and a former CEO who successfully scaled and sold his own software company in a $100M+ private equity exit.
You'll learn:
- What private equity buyers are actually looking for
- How deals are structured, and what you should have in place before you ever start the conversation
- A deeper understanding of private equity - it's not 'funding' in the traditional sense, how it differs from venture capital, and why so many founders misunderstand the process
- What private equity firms really buy (profitability, growth, and operational discipline)
- The importance of understanding your numbers
- Why time horizons, autonomy, and alignment matter more than headline valuations
- Hard-earned lessons on due diligence, common red flags, and tactics founders must watch out for — including how deals can quietly change during the process
This conversation is an essential listen for founders approaching the $5–15 million revenue mark, feeling stuck at a growth plateau, or wondering whether private equity is the right exit path for them. It’s a practical, honest look at how to prepare your business, protect your interests, and make informed decisions about your next chapter.
Alexis Sikorsky *is a strategic advisor to founders who are serious about scaling fast and exiting strong. With a nine-figure private equity exit under his belt, Alexis isn’t speaking from theory—he’s lived the entrepreneurial highs and lows across decades of company building, boardroom negotiation, and international leadership. His flagship book Cashing Out lays out the APEX methodology, a four-part framework (Assess, Plan, Execute, Exit) that demystifies the journey to private equity for founders feeling stuck or overwhelmed by growth and decision fatigue.
Alexis founded, scaled, and sold New Access, a Switzerland-based software company, ultimately closing a $100M+ exit and transitioning into a new chapter as a Special Advisor to ambitious CEOs. Today, through Sikorsky Consulting and KnightScale Partners, he works with growth-stage businesses, typically doing $5M+ in annual revenue, who want to engineer their next chapter or PE exit.
A straight-talking alternative to cookie-cutter coaches, Alexis is often referred to as "The CEO Whisperer" for his candid insight and ability to diagnose issues in minutes. He supports leaders who are weighed down by their own business, helping them build vision, unlock cash flow, and scale toward freedom. He's also on a mission to serve founders priced out of one-to-one consulting through his mastermind programs, offering a rare blend of lived experience and practical strategy.*
www.asikorsky.com
www.knightscalepartners.com
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What happens when you want to grow your business—but you refuse to lose its heart in the process? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Nuttha Goutier, founder of Sabai Thai Spa, to explore how small business owners can scale, franchise, and systemise without sacrificing values, culture, or authenticity. If you’re worried that growth might dilute what makes your business special, this conversation offers both reassurance and a practical roadmap.
Nuttha shares her remarkable journey from growing up in rural Thailand—where wellness, community, and natural healing were part of everyday life—to building an award-winning spa franchise in Canada. She explains how her early experiences shaped a deeply human-centred approach to business, one focused on care, consistency, simplicity, and genuine connection rather than transactions.
Throughout the conversation, Nuttha breaks down how she translated “heart” into systems—developing repeatable customer and staff journeys that preserve culture at scale. She explains how Sabai Thai Spa trains teams, selects franchise partners, adapts across cultures and generations, and maintains a deeply personal customer experience across multiple locations.
This episode is a powerful reminder that systems don’t have to make businesses cold—and that franchising can be a force for connection, purpose, and impact when done intentionally. For founders considering expansion, franchising, or simply wanting to build a more meaningful business, Nuttha’s story offers inspiration and practical insight grounded in real-world experience.
Nuttha Goutier *Growing up in a Thai village without running water or electricity, Nuttha Goutier saw healing as part of life, not a luxury. Days spent gathering herbs with local healers and learning from her grandmother taught her that wellness was about community, presence, and simple daily practices. When she moved to Canada, she was struck by how spas often felt sterile, rushed, and focused on transactions instead of connection. She dreamed of creating a space where guests felt welcomed like family, somewhere that could bring the sensory richness of Thai hospitality to a new place.
Nuttha opened Sabai Thai Spa to offer guests more than a service: from warm greetings to calming scents, every element was chosen to help people slow down and feel cared for. The immediate response from the community confirmed the need for a spa that offered genuine warmth. Over nearly two decades, she has expanded Sabai Thai Spa into a franchise recognized for its immersive Thai-inspired environments and consistently attentive service.
Through franchising, Nuttha aims to make wellness a regular part of life for more people, helping communities embrace massage and self-care as everyday practices rather than rare indulgences. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that taking care of ourselves helps us be better in every role, from parenting to work to simply showing up for ourselves.*
www.sabaithai.com
www.sabaithai.com
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Most business owners don’t start their companies dreaming of 80-hour weeks, missed family milestones, and being trapped as the bottleneck — yet that’s exactly where many end up. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who feels time-poor, overworked, or guilty about trading family moments for business growth. You’ll learn how to reclaim 10–20 hours per week, remove yourself as the bottleneck, and build systems that support both your business and your life. Instead of sacrificing personal priorities for revenue, you’ll discover how both can grow together.
In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with entrepreneur and business mentor George Rivera, who went from grinding 80-hour weeks and running a $20M company as a single-point bottleneck, to creating a true “father-first” operating system that enabled him to scale to $50M while only working ~30 hours/week. George shares the deeply personal story that shaped his mission — from his father missing nearly all his childhood basketball games, to a powerful final promise during his father’s terminal illness: “Don’t miss Leo’s games.”
Through that lens, George explains how he redesigned his business and now teaches other owners to do the same. You’ll learn:
- How to identify bottlenecks and reclaim 10–20 hours/week without slowing growth
- The “$10K/hour filter” for deciding what the owner should actually do versus delegate
- Why flat org charts kill businesses — and how to correct them
- The “Two-Week Vacation Test” to prove your business can run without you
- Simple AI plays that save hours without adding headcount
- How to build systems, outcomes ownership, and consistency across teams
- Why buying back your time can save your family, not just your profits
Whether you’re a parent who feels torn between business and family or a founder who’s simply drowning in tasks, this episode offers a blend of emotional insight and practical frameworks. It’s a conversation about systems, delegation, leadership — but also legacy.
George Rivera helps 7, 8, and 9-figure founders buy back 10-20 hours a week and scale profits, without becoming the bottleneck. He’s the creator of the Father-First Owner OS and author of Buy Back Time Formula. George watched his dad miss his games and later regret it, and he gave George one piece of advice: “Don’t miss Leo’s games.” After grinding through 80-hour weeks, George rebuilt his companies to run without the founder using three levers, people who own outcomes, systems that create consistency, and AI that multiplies efficiency... the core of his $10K/Hour Filter. On this show he’ll share how to end key-person dependency, delegate outcomes (not tasks), and pass the Two-Week Vacation Test, because no one on their deathbed says, “I’m glad I skipped my kid’s game for a client meeting.”
www.buybacktimeformula.com
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If you’ve ever wondered why digital transformation projects fail or felt unsure about what “disruption” actually means, this episode brings much-needed clarity. You’ll learn the difference between digitalisation, transformation, and disruption — and how each impacts your business differently.
Host Paul Sweeney is joined by Juan Jose “J.J.” de la Torre, CEO of Raven and author of the award-winning book Transformation Designed. J.J. explains why more than 80% of transformation efforts fail, why starting with technology is the wrong approach, and how a design-led mindset puts customer needs and value creation first. He also shares real examples of how companies reinvent industries by removing friction instead of adding more tools.
Whether you’re trying to improve systems, rethink your business model, or understand how AI fits into the picture, this conversation gives you a practical lens for making change stick — without wasting time or money.
Juan Jose de la Torre A world leader in digital businesses, disruption, and digital transformation, Juan Jose (J.J.) de la Torre is an expert in the areas of strategy, innovation, and all things digital. He has been recognized as one of the world’s top eighteen digital transformation leaders and a top five digital marketing influencer. J.J. holds an MBA from INSEAD, a master’s degree from La Salle, and an industrial engineering degree from Adolfo Ibanez.
J.J. is a senior executive with decades of experience across the globe. Following his return to his home country, Chile, after twenty years of a successful international career, J.J. joined Virtus Partners as a senior partner. At Virtus, J.J. led the organization’s digital endeavors, which turned into Raven, a unique consulting boutique solely focused on business disruption and acceleration. As Raven’s CEO, J.J. pools strategy, design, technology, and analytics to help clients across industries embrace digital enablers and technologies.
He has founded and successfully traded three start-ups and is also an angel investor for fourteen start-ups, a mentor for more than 150 companies, and the founder of the first information and communications technology incubator in Saudi Arabia as well as the first 360 accelerator in the Middle East. He has even advised the United Nations and has delivered more than two hundred keynotes on entrepreneurship, gaining recognition from Forbes, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and more.
A father of three and a loving husband to his wife, Maria, J.J. is a former professional DJ and now music composer, a PADI diving instructor, and a mountain bike and golf aficionado. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and adventure sports.
www.jjdelatorre.co
Get J.J.'s book Transformation. Designed.
www.raven.inc/en
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If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s truly possible to grow and scale a business without compromising on the values it was founded on, this episode will give you the blueprint. In today’s conversation, you’ll learn how PLNT Burger has expanded rapidly in a highly competitive industry—while staying firmly rooted in its purpose of creating joyful, sustainable, inclusive food experiences. Whether you're facing growth challenges, struggling with consistency, or feeling pressure to drift away from your mission, this episode shows you how to scale with integrity, empower your team, and make smarter decisions under pressure.
In this inspiring interview, Chris Treloar—CEO of PLNT Burger—shares the origins of the brand, why mission-driven food businesses are gaining momentum, and how his team used unexpected disruption (including COVID) as an opportunity to grow. He talks openly about leadership, staying humble, learning from mistakes, and giving teams the autonomy they need to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
You’ll also hear how Chris builds scalable systems, why he believes in “yes-first” business thinking, and how PLNT Burger educates customers about their environmental impact in a fun, non-intrusive way. If you’re a small or medium business owner looking for practical, values-aligned strategies that actually work, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.
Chris Treloar has spent his career exclusively in restaurant operations. With a strong background in multi-unit operations management, team development, and systems innovation, Chris is a visionary leader who has consistently driven success in the food service industry. His dedication to excellence, data-driven decision-making, and people-focused approach make him a standout CEO in the field. His commitment to developing systems and procedures, combined with his strong analytical skills, has left a lasting impact on the organizations he's been a part of.
www.plntburger.com
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If you’ve ever assumed that American government contracts are only for big companies—or only for businesses based in the United States—this episode will change everything you think you know. In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll learn how your business, no matter where it operates in the world, can tap into one of the largest and most reliable customers on the planet: the US federal government. From discovering where global opportunities exist, to understanding how small and medium businesses can compete (and often win), to using simple research tools to identify the contracts waiting for you—this episode gives you the roadmap to enter a market worth over $700 billion annually.
Paul Sweeney is joined by Eric Coffie, founder of GovCon Giants, bestselling author, and internationally recognised expert in US federal procurement. Eric breaks down why the US government actively seeks overseas vendors, which industries are in highest demand, and how small business owners can leverage their agility, responsiveness, and lower overheads to outperform major corporations. You’ll also hear practical advice on using AI and government platforms like SAM.gov to find opportunities, how to prepare before a tender is released, and why mindset—not resources—is the biggest obstacle for most business owners.
If your business sells anything—goods, services, trades, logistics, tech, professional expertise—there may be a US government contract waiting for you. This episode shows you exactly where to start.
Eric Coffie is the Founder and CEO of GovCon Giants, an education and consulting firm helping small and minority-owned businesses enter the US federal contracting space. He build his career in government construction, where his company, Evankoff Construction, secured millions in federal contracts.
Today, Eric leads GovCon Giants in providing training, mentorship, and resources for businesses pursing govenrment contracts. His clients have collectively secured tens of millions in federal awards, and his work is grounded in real-world experience collaborating with agencies, small business programs, and prime contractors.
Outside of work, Eric is known for his approachable, no-nonsense style and for sharing lessons from his personal journey in business. He's passionate about helping entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and navigate government contracting with confidence.
www.govcongiants.org
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If you’ve ever felt frustrated because you know your business offers something incredible—but the world isn’t noticing—this episode is for you. Many business owners excel at creating a great product or delivering exceptional service, yet struggle to get seen, recognised, and paid what they’re worth. In this conversation, Joel Pilger reveals how he went from running a thriving studio to now building a global community supporting creative entrepreneurs.
In this episode, Joel shares how business owners can evolve from “doing everything themselves” to leading a business that is visible, sustainable, connected, and profitable. You’ll discover how learning the fundamentals of business, building the right relationships, and shifting from isolation to community can be the catalyst for long-term success. Whether you’re a creative, consultant, trade business, or service provider—the principles Joel shares can transform how you operate and grow.
You'll learn:
- Why great work alone isn’t enough—visibility and connection matter
- The mindset shifts that move businesses out of survival mode
- The danger of delegating without understanding
- How collaboration—yes, even with competitors—creates exponential opportunity
- Why treating business as an art can reignite passion and drive growth
This episode is filled with wisdom, real-world experience, and actionable insights for any entrepreneur ready to stop hiding in the shadows and start building a business that’s truly seen, valued, and in demand.
Joel Pilger helps creative studios and production companies — typically generating $1–10M in annual revenue — master the art of the business so they can attract better clients, command bigger budgets, and build the studio of the future. For 20 years, Joel helmed Impossible Pictures until exit. Now, through Joel's ecosystem of accelerators, community, and connections, he guides hundreds of studios worldwide — names like Sarofsky, STATE, Laundry, Giant Ant, Polyester, Kill 2 Birds, and Antfood — and many more on the rise. No theories. No consultants. No wannabes. Just real-world experience from one who has built, scaled, and sold a studio… and now helps others do the same.
Is your studio future ready? Take the quiz
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www.joelpilger.com
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If you’re a business owner, one day you will exit your business — whether by choice or circumstance. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most business owners are not ready when that moment arrives. And that lack of preparation could cost you the biggest payday of your life.
In this episode, host Paul Sweeney is joined by investment banker and exit strategist Cameron Bishop, who has been on both sides of the table — acquiring more than 50 businesses for private equity firms before switching focus to helping owners maximise their sale value. Cameron reveals the key factors buyers look for, the most costly mistakes sellers make, and what you should start doing now, even if selling feels years away.
You’ll learn:
- Why preparing years in advance creates dramatically higher business value
- The importance of accurate accounting (especially accrual-based reporting)
- How owner dependency sabotages valuation — and what succession planning really means
- How customer concentration or vendor reliance can make a business unsellable
- Why professional advice isn’t a cost — it’s an investment that often returns millions
Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want a stronger, more resilient business, this episode will reshape how you think about value — and what it takes to unlock it.
Cameron Bishop is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with a proven track record of driving exceptional growth and transformation across diverse industries. He began his career in publishing, culminating in his leadership of Intertec Publishing, where he scaled the company from a small business to a $400 million enterprise with a global footprint. Subsequently, he co-founded Ascend Media, a high-growth media company, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen and ability to build successful organizations from the ground up.
Beyond his corporate successes, Cameron has dedicated himself to advising and mentoring business owners. His experience spans various roles, including CEO of SkillPath Seminars, where he spearheaded a company-wide transformation, and his work with Capitus, guiding businesses through strategic transitions and maximizing their value. Cameron is passionate about empowering business leaders to achieve their full potential and continues to leverage his deep expertise to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, unlock new opportunities, and achieve lasting success.
www.raincatcher.com
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Running a business often comes with the constant pressure to reduce expenses and improve profit. But what if cost cutting alone isn’t the right answer? What if the real opportunity lies in rethinking how you resource, structure, and invest in your business rather than simply slashing spending?
In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with entrepreneur and Navitas Consulting founder Michael Haskell to unpack the smart side of cost management—one that doesn’t sacrifice quality, capability, or growth. Whether you're scaling, restructuring, or trying to improve margins, this episode will help you recognise the difference between cutting costs and optimising them.
Michael shares practical strategies including how to:
- Identify hidden inefficiencies eating into profit
- Decide which roles must remain local and which can be outsourced or made remote
- Use alternate staffing models (salary, contract, offshore talent) to protect cashflow and capability
- Improve margins without compromising service or output
- Shift thinking from “spend less” to “invest smarter”
Listeners will walk away with a clearer, more confident approach to costs—one that strengthens operational discipline and business value rather than weakening it.
Michael Haskell is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years of experience helping businesses grow smarter and faster. He’s taken companies public and now serves as the managing partner of Navitas Consulting, a firm that helps businesses scale by placing top finance talent - remotely and cost-effectively.
Michael has worked across New Zealand, Singapore, and the U.S., and is passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and impactful. He’s also a dynamic speaker who shares real-world advice on growth strategy, cost management, and leadership.
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Running a business becomes overwhelming when your data, systems, and processes slip into chaos—making it harder to make smart decisions, stay profitable, and plan for the future. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to clean up your business data, streamline your systems, and set up a structure that gives you clarity, confidence, and control. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disorganised, or unsure about what’s really going on in your business, this conversation will show you how to turn your mess into meaningful insights that help you grow.
In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Sonya Corkery from Clear Plans Consulting—an expert in business systems, operations and strategic planning. Sonya shares why business owners become overwhelmed with data and systems, the biggest risks of messy or outdated information, and the powerful role data plays in decision-making and long-term planning. She breaks down what “cleaning up your business” really means—from choosing the right software to setting up systems properly, creating meaningful dashboards, and using both data and intuition to steer your business forward.
Sonya also explains the importance of engaging specialists, building a strong advisory team, and structuring your operations so you can scale safely and profitably. Whether you’re a sole trader, a fast-growing trade business, or a larger organisation managing complex projects, you’ll walk away with clear steps to regain control, reduce stress, and set your business up for sustainable success.
Get the Profit First book here – Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz
Sonya Corkery has worked in business operations and data management for many years, and offers listeners practical solutions to streamline their business operations and achieve their goals. Sonya offersactionable strategies to 'clean up' their businesses and gain clarity on their trajectories. She is a business owner, wife, and mother that helps to empower fellow business owners to take control of their enterprises and design the lives they desire.
www.clearplanconsulting.com.au
Get 1:1 support cleaning up and understanding the overall health of your business. De-code your business health in 20 minutes with a friendly obligation-free chat.
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If you’ve ever wondered how to scale your business from a solo operation to a multimillion-dollar enterprise — without outside investors — this episode is for you. Bryan Clayton, CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, joins host Paul Sweeney to share his journey from mowing lawns to building a $30 million tech company serving over 300,000 customers.
Bryan reveals the hard-earned lessons behind bootstrapping growth — from hiring his first employees and scrambling to meet payrolls to mastering sales, building systems, and creating sustainable growth without debt or shortcuts. He breaks down the mindset shifts every business owner must make to move from doing all the work themselves to building a team that drives the business forward.
Listeners will learn:
- How to grow from a one-person business to a thriving, scalable company
- Why learning each part of your business before delegating is crucial
- The right (and wrong) ways to use debt when growing
- How listening to your customers can guide product and service innovation
- Why overnight success is a myth — and what real, long-term growth looks like
Whether you’re running a service business or building a start-up, Bryan’s insights on leadership, growth, and resilience will inspire you to think bigger — and execute smarter.
Bryan Clayton has been recognised as one of Inc. Magazine's "Top Entrepreneurs" and has built GreenPal to over 300,000 customers and $30 million a year in revenue. He is a serial entrepreneur with 22 years of experience in the lawn, landscaping, and garden industry. Before GreenPal, he built Peachtree Inc. to over $10 million a year before selling it. Bryan is a thought leader in the green industry, often sharing his insights through various media outlets and speaking engagements.
www.yourgreenpal.com
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What if your business could run smoothly—even grow—without you being the one to make every decision, solve every problem, or put out every fire? It’s not a fantasy. It’s completely possible. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney chats with Ryan Cassin, founder of Superpowers HQ, about how entrepreneurs can finally escape the bottleneck trap and build a business that thrives independently.
Ryan reveals how to design systems that capture your judgment, not just your tasks, empowering your team to think and act with your values and intent. He breaks down how to move from doing everything yourself to leading a self-managing company where your people make smart decisions—even when you’re not in the room.
You’ll learn how to:
- Turn your systems into tools for thinking, not just checklists for doing
- Empower your team with frameworks like the approval matrix to build confidence and accountability
- Shift from “delegating down” to delegating up, seeing your team as investments rather than expenses
- Protect your golden hours so you can focus on your highest-value, most creative work
- Use automation strategically while keeping the human judgment that makes your business special
If you’ve ever thought your business can’t run without you, this episode will change your mind. Learn how to reclaim your time, scale sustainably, and keep the magic alive while your business grows beyond you.
Get Ryan's book here: Superpowered: The Secret That Helps Every Entrepreneur Eliminate the Suck, 10X Their Impact, and Have More Fun in Work and Life
Ryan Cassin is passionate about entrepreneurship, having launched and sold multiple businesses. He co-founded Superpowers, which helps entrepreneurs hire and train their right-fi t executive assistant. Cassin is also a co-founder of Here Homes, a real estate investment platform which owns and manages over 100 rental properties across Dallas.
www.superpowershq.com
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If you’ve ever struggled to find funding for your start-up or early-stage business, this episode is for you. Many founders assume that capital raising is only for big corporations or venture-backed tech firms—but as Dr David Cunic reveals, small business owners can access funding too, if they know where to look and how to prepare.
In this episode, Dr David Cunic—entrepreneur, investor, and founder of UCS Advisors—shares practical, real-world advice on how to raise capital even when you’re pre-revenue or under five years old. He explains why clarity of purpose matters, how to avoid the most common fundraising mistakes, and what investors really look for before writing a cheque. You’ll learn the concept of “Dr David's Green Nuggets”—small, actionable insights that can polish your pitch and prepare you for investment success.
From planning your funding tranches to identifying the right investor profile, David offers a refreshingly transparent view of how to turn your business idea into reality. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this episode will equip you with the mindset, structure, and tools to secure the capital your business deserves.
Dr David Cunic serves as the CEO of UCS Advisors and is recognized nationally as an expert in investor relations, networking, and professional investment strategy. Leveraging over 18 years of industry experience, Dr Cunic has guided hundreds of founders in raising capital, refining their presentations, offering actionable business insights, and establishing investor-ready pipelines.
He has successfully founded more than ten companies, achieved multiple exits, and led teams exceeding 300 members across sectors including healthcare, science, agriculture, and start-up operations. An Alfred P. Sloan Award recipient, Dr Cunic—known as the “Triple Headed Dragon”—is respected for his extensive expertise in operations, public speaking, and capital acquisition.
As a frequent national speaker and investor judge, Dr Cunic maintains a robust network within both the start-up and investment communities. He is often consulted in high-stakes scenarios with demanding timelines.
A strong advocate for organizational culture, Dr Cunic promotes Positive Mental Attitude as a core operational principle, exemplified by UCS’s PMA Pin initiative—hundreds of which have been distributed among founders, investors, and community leaders. His guiding philosophy, “Always be willing to achieve your greatness,” reflects his commitment to preparation, resilience, and fostering investor-readiness.
www.ucsgreatness.com
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What if your business was built to outlast you? In this inspiring episode, Dave Munson, founder of Saddleback Leather Company, shares how he turned a simple idea for a long-lasting leather bag into a global brand known for its craftsmanship, purpose, and impact.
Listeners will learn how to create a purpose-driven business that combines quality, sustainability, and authenticity—one that leaves a true legacy. Dave reveals why he refuses to compromise on quality, how a clear mission attracts the right employees and customers, and why caring for people and the planet leads to lasting success.
From building a company with a 100-year warranty to funding education and community initiatives in Africa, Dave’s story shows that business success is about much more than profit—it’s about creating something worth fighting over, even after you’re gone.
Tune in to discover how to design your business to endure, inspire, and give back for generations to come.
Order Dave's book, They'll Fight Over It When You're Dead to hear the rest of his story!
BARNES & NOBLE
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Dave Munson is the founder of Saddleback Leather Co., a globally recognized brand known for crafting over-engineered leather bags built to last 100 years. His journey began in a small leather shop in Mexico with one goal: “Make it so tough my grandkids fight over it when I’m dead.” Since then, he’s survived jungle treks, car crashes, and even an assassin — all with his trusty leather bag in tow.
Today, Dave leads Saddleback alongside his wife, Suzette, creating world-class products while giving back through their sister brand Love 41 and outreach initiatives in Rwanda, Mexico, and Texas. With partnerships including Toyota, the Texas Rangers, and Martin Guitar, Dave continues to build with purpose — using business as a vehicle to love people and lift communities.
www.saddlebackleather.com
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Are you treating your LinkedIn profile like just another digital résumé? If so, you’re missing one of the most powerful business tools available. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Al Kushner—LinkedIn strategist, keynote speaker, and author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage—to uncover how business owners can use LinkedIn and AI to authentically build their personal brand and attract new opportunities.
Al shares practical, time-saving strategies to help you optimize your profile, stand out from competitors, and create content that resonates with your audience. You’ll learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to write engaging posts, leverage LinkedIn newsletters to expand your reach, and maintain authenticity in an AI-driven world. Whether your profile needs a total overhaul or a simple refresh, this episode gives you the actionable steps to start turning your LinkedIn presence into a growth engine for your business.
Get Al's free LinkedIn profile optimization checklist www.linkedvantage.com/audit
Al Kushner is an award-winning author and sought-after LinkedIn Growth Strategist, renowned for his innovative approach to digital networking. His groundbreaking book, The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage, has transformed how professionals and businesses leverage artificial intelligence to optimize their LinkedIn presence, grow networks, and drive meaningful engagement. Al’s expertise in blending AI-driven strategies with actionable insights has made him a trusted advisor and thought leader, empowering countless individuals to achieve measurable results on the platform.
www.linkedvantage.com
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If you think ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) only applies to big corporations, think again. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney welcomes back author and small business champion Bronwyn Reid to explain why ESG matters for SMEs.
Bronwyn shows how ESG isn’t just box-ticking—it’s about building resilient businesses that attract customers, employees, and funding. You’ll hear why ESG is a competitive advantage, what practical steps you can take without being overwhelmed, and how to leverage what you’re already doing in your community and operations.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why ESG is no longer optional for small businesses.
- How ESG drives loyalty, talent, and funding opportunities.
- Simple, low-cost steps SMEs can start with today.
- How to turn existing practices into an ESG story.
- Why ESG is ultimately just good business.
Get Bronwyn's book here: Small Business - Big Impact: Why ESG Won't Save You But Smart Strategy And Real Action Will
Bronwyn Reid is a successful business owner, bestselling author of three books, and winner of multiple business awards. Her books have been dubbed THE text books for small company – big business relationships. Now, as organisations become more aware of their ESG obligations, Bronwyn’s expertise and experience are critical to business success.
Bronwyn and her companies have spent a lifetime being smaller suppliers to big organisations. Her environmental consultancy counts giants BHP, Rio Tinto and Glencore amongst their client base, as well as international research organisations and all levels of Government. She has also been on the other side of the big company/small business transaction, having worked in Corporate for many years – both within Australia and overseas. She understands, and fixes, the issues that prevent more valuable, profitable and long-lasting commercial relationships between the big and small end of town.
Bronwyn is the “Google Translate” app for small business – big company relationships. She writes regularly for several SME publications including First 5000 (Medium-size business market), Kochies Business Builders and Inside Small Business. She is a regular conference speaker, for both corporate and SME audiences, and appears regularly on radio and business-related podcasts. She has been a member of BHP’s Local Buying Program Advisory Committee for 10 years.
Bronwyn’s training programs
Bronwyn’s other books:
Small Company Big Business: How to find, keep and win big customersSmall Company, Big Crisis
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Building a business that lasts isn’t about luck, start-up capital, or chasing every new trend—it’s about discipline, structure, and creating harmony between your work and personal life. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with serial entrepreneur Lance Cayko, co-founder of F9 Productions and host of the Inside the Firm podcast.
Lance shares how he scaled from a two-person start-up into a thriving group of vertically integrated businesses, including architecture, construction, real estate development, education, and even a nonprofit. Listeners will discover how discipline creates freedom, why mindset matters more than money, and how to use systems and vertical integration to stabilize and grow your business.
You’ll also learn:
- How to structure your day for maximum productivity (and less stress).
- Why “work-life harmony” is better than chasing work-life balance.
- How to keep business challenges from overwhelming your personal life.
- The role of systems, communication, and financial discipline in sustainable growth.
- Why vertical integration can give your business resilience and create new revenue streams.
If you’ve ever wondered how some entrepreneurs manage multiple businesses while staying calm, focused, and in control, this conversation with Lance will give you practical tools and mindset shifts to apply right away.
Lance Cayko is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of wildly successful architecture and construction firms in Northern Colorado. His career in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry spans over two decades and includes several design awards including the international Architizer A+ Award for Architecture + Living Small in 2016.
He co-founded F9 Productions, his architecture firm, in 2009 with his business partner Alex Gore after being laid off from a boutique firm in Boulder during the Great Recession. Since its inception, the partners have grown F9 from two employees grossing less than six figures to a team of 11.
Throughout his now seasoned career, Lance has also served his community by managing a community garden in Longmont which he is now turning into a formal non-profit. He also teaches part-time at the University of Colorado Boulder and North Dakota State and co-hosts one of the top five architecture and business podcasts in the world, Inside the Firm.
When he is not doing any of the above Lance is usually spending time with his family, fishing or editing his outdoor adventures for his YouTube channel, Fishing with Lance. When he's not fishing in Colorado he's back in North Dakota chasing Walleye and giant Paddlefish with his brother Lucas.
www.insidethefirmpodcast.com
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In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing algorithms and producing content at scale—only to lose sight of the real goal: connecting with people. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with TEDx speaker, author, and social media strategist Robin Nathaniel to explore how business owners can bring authenticity and human connection back into their marketing.
Robin shares his proven SYNC Method—a simple yet powerful framework for making your content stand out by keeping it Simple, Yielding to intention, Natural, and Changing it up. You’ll learn how to avoid “AI sludge,” stop chasing vanity metrics, and instead create meaningful content that builds trust and drives genuine engagement.
Whether you feel overwhelmed by the pace of digital change, unsure how to stand out online, or simply want to reconnect with your audience in a more authentic way, this episode will help you cut through the noise and rediscover the human side of social media.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why chasing algorithms leads to empty engagement—and what to do instead
- How to use AI tools without losing your authentic voice
- Why authenticity and clarity outperform volume and virality
- A step-by-step breakdown of the SYNC Method for intentional human connection
- Practical tips for identifying and engaging your ideal audience
Get Robin's Free Social Media SYNC bundle (2 E-Books, 1 Checklist, and a Free Preview of my Book) - To claim, visit LandTheTalk.com
Robin Nathaniel - TEDx Speaker, acclaimed author, and Telly Award Gold Winner, Robin Nathaniel, has a story of resilience, creativity, and reinvention. Beginning his career as a musician, Robin’s artistic roots laid a unique foundation for his journey. This experience in music, with its emphasis on connection and storytelling, naturally paved the way for his transition into the professional world of social media. Living by the motto "Connect. Create. Contribute," he aims to inspire a wave of positive transformation.
TED Talk on YouTube
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In today’s digital world, standing out as a small business feels harder than ever. Between endless noise, flashy marketing tactics, and conflicting advice, many business owners are left frustrated with wasted time and money. But what if narrowing your focus could actually unlock growth?
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney sits down with Jennifer Christensen, Co-Founder and CMO of Beacon Media + Marketing, to unpack the power of niche marketing. Jennifer shares why focusing on a specific audience doesn’t limit you—it liberates you. She explains how to build trust with the right customers, remove barriers in their buying journey, and stop wasting money on ineffective tactics.
Listeners will learn:
- Why niche marketing creates stronger, more authentic connections with customers
- How to identify your “perfect match” clients and what messaging resonates with them
- Practical steps to increase conversions by improving your website and customer experience
- Common mistakes small businesses make with marketing—and how to avoid them
- How to ethically use AI as a supportive tool (without replacing your expertise)
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing or struggled to get real results, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to focus your efforts where they matter most.
Jennifer Christensen is the Co-Founder and CMO of Beacon Media + Marketing, a national digital agency they've grown over the past 13 years with a mission to help small businesses thrive. At Beacon, they specialize in ROI-driven marketing campaigns that deliver measurable impact for both businesses and non-profits. Jennifer's journey as an entrepreneur began in her early 20s with a company that ultimately failed — an experience that shaped her profoundly. She didn’t plan to start another company at 40, but that failure taught her the humility, character, and resilience that have fueled Beacon’s success. Today, Jennifer has the privilege of partnering with visionary leaders to grow authentic, sustainable brands. Their team now serves clients across the country with locations coast to coast. The work they do has purpose, and that purpose drives everything they build. Outside the office, Jennifer is a proud wife of 30 years, mom to three amazing adult kids, and a passionate traveller who loves time with family and friends.
www.beaconmm.com
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Too many business owners chase revenue while overlooking the bigger picture—building wealth and long-term value. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with Stephanie Hayes, business and exit strategist and founder of Assets to Exits. Stephanie explains why every business owner, regardless of size or stage, needs to think about an exit strategy—not just as a final step, but as a roadmap for smarter decisions and sustainable growth.
Listeners will learn:
- Why exit planning is not just for large corporations or retirement-bound founders
- How shifting focus from short-term revenue to long-term assets can reduce burnout and reignite passion for your business
- The different types of exits available—including partial, operational, and legacy exits
- How identifying hidden assets (like IP, content, partnerships, or communities) creates real value
- Why building with exit in mind helps you make stronger business decisions today
This episode will help business owners reframe their thinking—so instead of simply hustling for the next sale, they can build businesses with value, flexibility, and lasting impact.
Get Stephanie's free guide: 9 Types of Assets to Build in Your Service-Based Business
Stephanie Hayes is the founder of Assets to Exits, a strategic pathway that helps business owners shift their focus from chasing revenue to building wealth. As a business and exit strategist, she works with small business owners and solo expert brands to design asset-based business models that create long-term value and open the door to full or partial exits.
Drawing on over 25 years of experience in business model design, innovation strategy, and acquisitions, Stephanie shows entrepreneurs that exit planning isn’t just for Silicon Valley start-ups or large corporations—it’s a powerful tool for any business at any stage. She helps owners uncover hidden assets, align their growth strategies with long-term value, and ultimately build businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and transferable.
Stephanie is also an acquisition entrepreneur, having purchased her first business while continuing to run a software company she co-founded more than a decade ago. She shares her insights and real-world lessons through her work with clients, as well as on her podcast Real People, Real Business.
www.stephaniehayes.biz
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Are you chasing sales but still struggling to see money in the bank? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business Podcast, financial strategist and Profit First professional Pam Jordan explains why focusing on revenue alone is a dangerous trap for business owners. Instead, she shows you how to get radically intentional about profit—because at the end of the day, it’s not what you make, it’s what you keep.
Dive into the crucial differences between sales, profit, and cash flow, and why so many business owners confuse them. You’ll discover how to shift your mindset and your numbers so your business works for you, not against you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why sales don’t equal success—and how to avoid being “rich but broke”
- The critical difference between profit and cash flow (and why both matter)
- How to price your products and services based on real profitability
- Practical steps to apply the Profit First method in your business
- Why knowing your numbers is essential to scaling, exiting, or building legacy wealth
- How to stay profitable even when external challenges force you to pivot
If you want to stop leaving profit to chance and start building a business that delivers financial freedom, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply immediately.
Pam Jordan is the CEO of Pivot Business Group. With her no-nonsense approach and expertise in financial analysis and strategic growth, Pam has become a driving force behind the success of fast-growing companies. With over 20 years of experience in assisting small businesses, Pam has mastered the art of translating the story of numbers to empower entrepreneurs. With her guidance and expertise, Pivot Business Group is dedicated to helping businesses reach their destinations while ensuring their financial engines run smoothly.
Pam is also a wife and mom to 3 kids.
www.pamjordan.com
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If you’ve ever had a great idea for a product or brand but weren’t sure how to protect it—or whether it was even worth pursuing—this episode will change how you think about intellectual property. In this conversation, Paul Sweeney speaks with Jeff Holman, founder of Intellectual Strategies, who combines engineering, law, and business expertise to guide innovators from concept to commercial success.
Jeff breaks down the essentials of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and explains how small and medium businesses can use these tools strategically—not just to defend their creations, but to drive growth. You’ll learn why intellectual property should be part of your business plan from day one, how to validate your ideas without overspending, and the critical steps to avoid infringing on someone else’s rights.
The episode also explores the dangers of skipping early-stage legal checks, the complexities of international IP protection, and how the “fractional legal team” model can give growing businesses big-company legal expertise at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re a start-up founder, an inventor, or a scaling business, this is a masterclass in protecting your innovation and building with confidence.
Jeff Holman helps founders, innovators, and scaling companies solve one of the most frustrating problems in business: how to navigate legal, business, and strategic decisions without burning time, money, or momentum. As the founder of Intellectual Strategies, Jeff created the Fractional Legal Team model—designed specifically for start-ups and growth-stage companies who need expert legal help without the overhead of a full-time legal department.
But legal is only part of the picture. Jeff is one of the rare advisors who blends the rigor of an engineer, the precision of an attorney, the perspective of an MBA, and the scrappy mindset of an entrepreneur. For over two decades, he’s worked with companies across SaaS, ecommerce, consumer products, and technology—helping founders not just protect what they’re building, but strategically grow it. Jeff’s guiding principle—both in business and in life—is simple: “Innovate with Confidence.” It’s not just a slogan; it’s the objective that drives how he supports his clients, how he operates his own business, and how he shows up for his family.
Whether it’s guiding a founder through IP strategy, helping a leadership team build a real business strategy, or navigating a complex deal, Jeff’s focus is always on turning complexity into clarity—and helping people take bold, confident action toward what they’re building. When he’s not translating between the worlds of legal, tech, and business, Jeff speaks on topics like business strategy, innovation mindsets, and how companies can use fractional services to scale smarter.
www.intellectualstrategies.com
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Succession planning isn’t just about passing on a business—it’s about protecting your legacy, preserving value, and ensuring the people you care about aren’t left scrambling when you’re gone.
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Rob Ferguson, seasoned CEO, trusted advisor, and founder of Ferguson Alliance, to unpack the essential steps for building a strong succession plan. Rob shares why waiting until you’re “ready to retire” is far too late, how to avoid the “founder’s trap” where the business can’t function without you, and why intangible assets—your brand, relationships, systems, and culture—are often worth more than your tangible ones.
You’ll learn how to start planning from day one, create a business that can thrive without your daily involvement, and transition smoothly to the next generation or a buyer while keeping your purpose intact. Whether you plan to sell, hand over the reins to family, or keep the business in the community, this episode offers practical strategies and a mindset shift that will help you secure the future of your hard work.
Get Rob's free eBook, The Prosperity Plan.
Rob Ferguson has been a trusted advisor to family businesses since 2010. Prior to becoming an advisor, Rob had a distinguished career in leadership – including ten years as a CEO at two different companies. One was a public company with $300 million in revenue, the other a family business with $100 million in revenue where he successfully managed the restructuring and sale of the company. Rob has led companies through 10x growth, helped turn struggling companies around, and has conducted more than $100 million in acquisitions.
Rob's company, Ferguson Alliance, is on a mission to increase the lifespan of family businesses. Rob believes that with the right foundation in place, businesses can live infinitely.
www.ferguson-alliance.com
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Can you really be a great entrepreneur and a present parent at the same time?
In this heartfelt and honest episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Dan Peterson — founder of Flip Switch Social Media, and father of three — for a real talk about the challenges of entrepreneurship and parenting.
If you're a business owner trying to juggle growing a business while showing up for your family, this conversation will resonate deeply. Dan shares how he’s learned (and is still learning) to give himself grace, why balance is a myth, and how embracing imperfection has actually made him a better parent and entrepreneur.
You’ll walk away with:
- A new mindset around "balance" between business and family
- Practical insights for handling guilt and internal pressure
- Encouragement to re-centre on why you started your business in the first place
- A reminder that showing up — even imperfectly — still counts
Whether you're a parent running a business or someone who supports one, this is a must-listen episode that acknowledges the messy, meaningful, and beautiful overlap of work and life.
Dan Peterson has 25+ years of experience in small business management and ownership. Most recently (in 2012), Dan founded FlipSwitch Social Media, a nationally recognized, award winning social media agency that helps small to midsize businesses grow using the power of social media.
Dan aims to help motivate and guide other entrepreneurs and businesspeople using his diverse range of experience across multiple genres of business.
Dan is also a singer-songwriter acoustic guitarist who performs throughout Chicagoland on a regular basis.
In 2008 Dan married his amazing wife Amy, and is the proud father of three daughters: Kylie, Taylor and Brooklyn.
www.flipswitchsocialmedia.com
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What if your next great client is already looking at your LinkedIn profile—right now—and you’re sending them away?
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with LinkedIn strategist and author Daniel Alfon to reveal how most business owners are misusing LinkedIn—and what to do instead. Daniel strips away the noise and shows you how to turn your personal profile into a high-performing business tool that attracts the right prospects and moves them to action.
You’ll discover why your profile matters more than your content, why your company page isn’t where the action is, and how to create a focused presence that actually leads to revenue—not just likes, follows, or empty metrics. Whether you’re a B2B business, a consultant, or a service provider, this conversation will reshape how you think about LinkedIn and help you align your efforts with your business goals.
Forget the pressure to post daily. It’s time to stop serving the algorithm—and start serving your business.
Check out Daniel's LinkedIn cheat sheet here: www.danielalfon.com/#freebie Daniel states, "Our profile headline is the single most important real estate on LinkedIn. This cheat sheet contains examples, a formula and how-tos. All of those enable you to craft a killer Headline."
Daniel Alfon *is the author of "Build a LinkedIn Profile for Business Success", and he's been on LinkedIn since February 2004 (yes, you read right).
Daniel sees LinkedIn as an extremely powerful tool that's mostly misunderstood. After training thousands of people on LinkedIn, Daniel developed a simple method that can help leaders reach their objective - without cold connecting, paying for a premium account, advertising or trying to become someone else. Daniel will get you thinking about your LinkedIn strategy, networking, and doing what's smart and not what's popular.*
www.danielalfon.com
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If you’ve ever played a sport—and especially if you’ve tried to turn your sporting passion into a business—this episode is a must-listen. Paul Sweeney sits down with Pete Moore, founder of Integrity Square and the driving force behind the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors). Pete has helped generate over $1.5 billion in transactions across fitness, wellness, and sports businesses. In this episode, he shares why many ex-athletes struggle to transition into business—and how they can use the same mindset and strategies from sport to win in the business world.
Listeners will learn how to rethink their business like a sports team: building a playbook, taking timeouts, knowing your competitors inside out, and putting your team in uniform—literally. Pete also unpacks why the word “wellness” is outdated and how “HALO” offers a more aspirational, results-driven framework for anyone in the fitness, coaching, or health ecosystem. If you want practical strategies, fresh ideas, and an inspiring push to think bigger, this is the episode to energize your next business move.
Get Pete's book Time to Win Again.
Pete Moore, founder of Integrity Square—a leading financial advisory firm that’s helped drive over $1.5 billion in transactions across the HALO sector. Pete’s worked with everyone from boutique fitness studios to major wellness brands, and he’s the author of Time to Win Again, a book packed with actionable takeaways for business owners navigating change and growth.
Pete’s also the host of the HALO Talks podcast, where over 8,000 professionals tune in for insights on strategy, investment, and innovation in health and wellness.
www.thehaloacademy.com
www.halotalks.com
www.integritysq.com
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Are you feeling stuck in your business—like you're pushing a boulder uphill with no reward in sight? In this episode, business coach and leadership expert Liz Wolfe joins host Paul Sweeney to unpack why hard work isn’t always the answer, and how your leadership style might be the hidden culprit holding you back. With over 25 years of experience coaching entrepreneurs, Liz shares practical strategies to help you move from frustration to momentum.
You’ll learn:
- Why “working harder” and having more credentials or connections aren’t the keys to success
- The four leadership styles for entrepreneurs—and how to identify yours
- The 3 key principles to shift your mindset and unlock business growth: Ask powerfully, Give wholeheartedly, Receive graciously
- How to build the right team around your strengths (and avoid hiring clones of yourself)
- Why embracing an abundance mindset is critical for forward movement
If you’ve ever compared yourself to others on social media, questioned your abilities, or wondered why success feels out of reach despite your efforts—this episode will help you identify what’s really keeping you stuck and what steps to take to break through.
Liz Wolfe is a business coach who got her entrepreneurial start growing up on a sheep farm in Western Pennsylvania. Later she moved to NYC to get as far away from the farming life as possible. She started her business with her husband 25 years ago and coaches individuals to get unstuck so they can launch and grow an abundant business. Liz coaches her clients to incorporate the three keys to an abundant business: Ask Powerfully, Give Wholeheartedly, and Receive Graciously. She also plays the ukulele and is half of the singing duo Ukulicious.
Get Liz's download Overcome the 5 Biggest Fears of Selling
Book a free business strategy session
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If you've ever looked at your business bank account and wondered, “Where did all the money go?”—this episode is for you. Discover why so many small business owners feel frustrated when their business shows a profit on paper but has no cash to show for it. In this powerful episode, certified Profit First professional Debbie Deknight breaks down how traditional accounting sets businesses up for financial confusion—and how the Profit First system flips the formula to help you take control of your cash flow, get clarity, and build sustainable profits from day one.
What you'll learn:
- Why your business can be profitable on paper but still cash-poor
- The simple mindset shift behind the Profit First formula: Sales – Profit = Expenses
- How to create financial clarity using multiple “small plate” bank accounts
- The importance of allocating profit first—even if it’s just 1%
- Why working with a certified advisor can fast-track your results
- Practical tips to start small and avoid common pitfalls when adopting Profit First
Debbie shares real-world advice from decades in the accounting industry and gives listeners a clear roadmap to reduce stress, build financial resilience, and finally stop dreading tax time. Whether you're in your first year or looking to overhaul your cash flow strategy, this episode offers immediate, actionable steps to start running a healthier, more profitable business.
Debbie Deknight is the founder of Right Way Profits and Bookkeeping LLC. She leverages her 30+ years of accounting expertise and her certification as a Master Certified Profit First expert to guide businesses toward financial clarity. She empowers business owners to make informed decisions that lead to real, lasting profitability. Debbie's goal is to help organizations achieve financial independence through clear and efficient cash flow and accounting strategies. If you're serious about building a profitable business, Debbie is here to provide you with the guidance you need for long-term success.
www.rightwayprofits.com
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In today’s crowded digital landscape, where businesses fight for attention and AI-generated content floods every channel, one element consistently cuts through the noise: genuine emotional connection. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Geoffrey Stern, founder and CEO of Voice Express and the consumer brand VoiceGift, to explore how emotional engagement can transform even the most ordinary product into something deeply memorable.
What you’ll learn:
Geoffrey shares how a voice-recording device used in the Build-A-Bear Workshop evolved into a powerful tool for emotional storytelling and connection across industries—from personalized gifts to aged care, education, and even neonatal therapy. He makes a compelling case that every business—no matter the product or service—has the potential to create lasting value through emotionally resonant customer experiences.
This episode challenges business owners to rethink what they're really selling. It’s not just goods or services—it’s meaning, memory, and connection. Whether you're a start-up founder or an established business leader, this conversation will inspire you to look at your offerings in a new light and ask: what emotional value are you creating?
Geoffrey Stern *is an early pioneer of voice chip and network computing convergence. With multiple patents covering the online personalization of voice-enabled print media, Stern has been at the forefront of using Voice and on-demand media to drive commerce and enhance communication. Stern's products have been used in voice-enabled toys, sentiment expression, photo imaging, direct mail, packaging, and Point-of-Sale signage, to name a few. Stern founded and is the CEO of Voice Express Corp., which as the exclusive provider of Sounds to Build-A-Bear Workshop, has shipped over 80M electronic sound devices, enabling consumers to express their emotions and put a smile on the face of young and old alike.
Stern is currently focused on building the VoiceGift® consumer brand where gift-givers and crafters can express their emotions in the most natural way possible..... with their voice. Recently, Stern has been focused on using voice to enhance memory-making and promote increased exposure to the spoken word by young children by introducing the VoiceGift PLAY™ voice recorder for adults and children.*
Stern also serves as president of PEF Israel Endowment Funds established in 1922 to enable tax deductible donations to Israeli non-profits. PEF touches every facet of Israeli life and provides support to the diverse population of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze and Bedouin living in Israel.
Stern lives with his wife in Connecticut were they enjoy the sounds of their three children and four grandchildren when blessed with a visit or playing a VoiceGift.
voice.gift
voice-express.com
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Public speaking is no longer just for TEDx headliners or CEOs on giant stages. Whether you're pitching to clients, speaking at industry events, or simply leading a team meeting, how you communicate can determine how your business is perceived. In this episode, Carmen Sederino, founder of Illuminated Story, reveals how small and medium business owners can turn public speaking from a fear into a business growth weapon.
Carmen shares how even the shyest business leaders can learn to deliver powerful, memorable messages—from one-on-one conversations to major keynotes. You'll hear practical, real-world tips for overcoming anxiety, shifting your mindset, and presenting in a way that creates real connection with your audience. This episode is packed with tools to help you stop hiding and start showing up with confidence and clarity.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
- Why public speaking is one of the most powerful marketing tools for small businesses
- How to overcome fear and anxiety before speaking
- Practical breathing and mindset techniques to calm your nerves
- The biggest mistakes people make when using PowerPoint (and how to fix them)
- How to transform any speaking opportunity into new business leads
Whether you’re an introverted expert, a numbers-driven accountant, or a passionate founder with a mission, this episode will show you how to bring your message to life—and why your audience needs to hear it.
Carmen Sederino is the founder and visionary behind Illuminated Story, a revolutionary approach to transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a unique blend of theatrical artistry, business acumen, and communication expertise, Carmen has established herself as the premier strategist for leaders seeking to elevate their public speaking from mere words to lasting impact. Drawing from her background in theatre and two decades of experience in corporate business, Carmen crafts bespoke experiences that push the boundaries of traditional keynote presentations. Carmen's work architects moments that move markets, shape opinions, and catalyse change. For those who understand that true leadership is about more than just being heard—it's about being unforgettable—Carmen Sederino and Illuminated Story offer the ultimate pathway to commanding the spotlight and leaving a lasting legacy.
www.illuminatedstory.com
Free Master Class
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In an era flooded with AI-generated content and marketing noise, how do small and medium-sized businesses truly stand out? This episode delivers a fresh, deeply human perspective on how to use AI—not just to produce more content, but to create authentic connections and lasting customer loyalty. If you're overwhelmed by automation tools or worried about blending into a sea of sameness, this conversation with marketing veteran Stephen Sakach will help reframe your strategy.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why building purpose into your marketing is essential to long-term success
- How to use AI to scale empathy, not just efficiency
- The difference between noise and meaningful content—and how to avoid the former
- Why customers today are more emotionally savvy—and how you can genuinely connect with them
- How to create systems that "build love into scalable systems" and drive both profit and purpose
Stephen also shares how his platform, aiCMO, helps business owners articulate their mission and create emotionally resonant campaigns that differentiate them from the competition. If you want marketing that speaks to your audience—not at them—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Stephen Sakach, co-founder of aiCMO and Founder/CEO of Zero Company, is a pioneer in empathetic AI and marketing with three decades of experience in digital media, journalism, and human consciousness studies. Committed to embedding empathy into business, he created the B.L.I.S.S. (Build Love Into Scalable Systems) ethos to help organizations scale with compassion. As host of the BLISS Business Podcast, he transforms research and insights into actionable strategies, while leading aiCMO to help organizations create authentic, purpose-driven connections with their audiences.
aicmo.io
theblisspodcast.com
zerocompany.com
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If you’ve ever been frustrated by a team member, confused by a client’s behaviour, or struggled to influence outcomes in your business—this episode is for you. Host Paul Sweeney welcomes experts Josh Davis and Greg Prosmushkin to explore the power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and how small and medium-sized business owners can use it to become more effective communicators, leaders, and decision-makers.
In this engaging and practical conversation, Josh and Greg demystify NLP—explaining it not as a manipulation tool, but as a science-backed, real-world framework for better understanding yourself and others. You’ll learn how to uncover what truly drives people (including your employees, clients, and even yourself), why our internal “maps of reality” often lead to misunderstanding, and how to use specific mindset shifts and tools to build stronger, more aligned relationships.
Listeners will walk away with:
- A practical understanding of NLP and its benefits in everyday business
- Insight into how to “read the room” and tailor communication for real impact
- Strategies for influencing without manipulation
- A shift from frustration to curiosity in dealing with people problems
- Simple steps to start using NLP in your leadership and communication today
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is a powerful introduction to transforming your relationships and results—starting from within.
Get the book here: The Difference That Makes the Difference: NLP and the Science of Positive Change
Josh Davis, PHD is an internationally bestselling author of Two Awesome Hours and certified Trainer and Master Practitioner of NLP. He is the founder and director of the Science-Based Leadership Institute. He earned his PhD in psychology and neuroscience at Columbia University.
Greg Prosmushkin is a highly successful trial lawyer and entrepreneur with a diverse range of business ventures. His discovery and use of NLP have been key factors in his success.
Josh's LinkedIn
Greg's LinkedIn
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How to Lead with Happiness, Hope, and Human Connection—Even in Tough Times
If you're a small or medium business owner struggling with team morale, leadership challenges, or just the daily grind of running a business, this episode is for you. In this inspiring conversation, Dr Calvin Lawrence Jr—a seasoned educator, leadership expert, and author of The Happy Leader—shares the powerful case for leading with joy, purpose, and genuine human connection.
You'll learn how to cultivate a resilient and motivated team culture, even during adversity. Dr Lawrence offers deeply relatable insights and real-world leadership strategies that don’t require big budgets—just big hearts. He reminds us that strong leadership is less about titles and more about influence, trust, and consistency.
🔑 In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why relationships are the foundation of strong business leadership
- How to lead a team with positivity—especially when business gets hard
- The power of mentorship (and why it’s a two-way street)
- How to rebuild trust and culture when your team has been let down
- Why failure, handled right, can be your best teacher
Whether you lead a team of two or twenty, this episode will help you step into a leadership style that creates loyalty, resilience, and success—without losing your soul in the process.
Get Dr Lawrence's book here: The Happy Leader
Dr Calvin Henry Lawrence Jr is a nationally respected leadership expert, motivational speaker, and author of "The Happy Leader: Relatable Stories of Influence and Hope". With 41 years of experience in K-12 and higher education, he’s the founder of CalvinLawrenceSpeaks, where he inspires audiences through messages on leadership, mentorship, and purpose. A former teacher, coach, and college dean, Dr Lawrence believes relationships are the foundation of leadership. He holds a doctorate from Baylor University and speaks regularly at schools, conferences, and faith-based events across the US.
YouTube
www.calvinlawrencespeaks.net
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Imagine waking up to find your website gone, your email list inaccessible, or your brand’s identity being misused online—and you have no idea how to take it back. That’s the nightmare too many business owners face because they’ve unknowingly handed over control of their digital assets. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Paige Wiese, founder and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, to help you make sure that never happens to you.
Paige draws on over 15 years of experience helping business owners protect their online presence to share eye-opening stories and a simple, effective strategy for taking back control. Whether you're a start-up founder or a seasoned business owner, this episode is your wake-up call—and your game plan.
🎯 Listen now to learn how to:
- Identify the full scope of your digital assets (spoiler: there are more than 200!)
- Avoid common mistakes that lead to losing domains, websites, or social media accounts
- Create a reliable system for documenting logins, licenses, and third-party tools
- Reduce risk during employee turnover or vendor transitions
- Set up brand protection policies that safeguard your business now and in the future
- Use Paige’s free Brand Protection Checklist to start assessing your exposure today
This episode is packed with practical advice you can implement right away to keep your brand safe, your systems organized, and your business growing.
Paige Wiese is the founder and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, a top-ranked Denver-based marketing agency that develops high performance websites and digital marketing strategies for businesses nationwide. With 16 years of industry experience, Paige has seen companies and CEOs struggle to manage and maintain their assets through growth or transition. She has recently developed a proprietary digital asset management service to track and protect companies’ over 200 data points. Paige is a dedicated speaker and mentor on the topics of brand protection and business growth.
Get your free Digital Asset Assessment
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Why should you care about restructuring your business—especially when things seem to be going fine? Because waiting for a crisis to act could be the most expensive decision you ever make. In this episode, turnaround expert James Martin reveals why restructuring isn’t just a last resort—it’s a powerful tool for transforming challenges into competitive advantage.
If you're a business owner navigating market volatility, rising interest rates, or internal growing pains, this episode is essential listening. James Martin shares practical insights that can help you see beyond short-term survival and into long-term strategic transformation—before a crisis forces your hand.
What you’ll learn:
- Why restructuring isn’t just for failing businesses—and how proactive changes can secure long-term success
- How to identify early warning signs that your business may need to pivot
- The importance of strategic alignment with all stakeholders, including suppliers and lenders
- How to build trust-based supplier relationships that foster resilience, not risk
- Lessons from leading companies through 9/11, the 2008 crash, and COVID-19 disruptions
- Why avoiding tough conversations (especially with banks and management teams) can backfire
- And how every business challenge—even a staffing crisis or regulatory change—can become a strategic opportunity
With clear, actionable advice and real-world examples, this episode shifts your mindset from damage control to strategic agility. Don’t wait for trouble to find your business—listen in and learn how to turn challenge into opportunity.
James F. Martin, CPA, is the founder and managing partner of ACM Capital Partners and an internationally recognized expert in corporate turnarounds, having restored or created over $800 million in value for private companies. With more than two decades of experience, he has led organizations through complex restructurings, raised over $500 million in capital, and overseen transactions exceeding $250 million. Martin has served as interim CEO, CFO, and board advisor across a range of industries, delivering strategic renewal, debt restructuring, and operational transformations—even amid major economic disruptions. A CPA with an MBA from Emory University and a finance degree from Florida State University, he is also seasoned in bankruptcy processes, court-appointed receiverships, and ABC assignments.
www.acmcapitalpartners.com
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Work That’s Worth It: How Purpose Transforms Performance with Georgi Enthoven
In a time when attracting and retaining great talent is tougher than ever, especially among Gen Z workers, are you approaching employee engagement the right way? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Georgi Enthoven—entrepreneur, Harvard Business School alumna, and author of Work That’s Worth It—to challenge the traditional mindset around work and purpose.
You’ll discover why building a purpose-driven business isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. Georgi shares how aligning your business with a meaningful mission boosts engagement, reduces burnout, and attracts top talent who care about making a difference. Whether you're running a small consultancy or a growing enterprise, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas for infusing impact into your business strategy—without compromising income.
This episode is a must-listen for any business owner who wants to thrive in the new era of values-driven work. Learn how to shift your mindset, energize your workforce, and build a company culture that matters.
Get Georgi's book here: Work That's Worth It
Georgi Enthoven is a thought leader, seasoned entrepreneur, and dedicated advocate for impactful careers. She is a distinguished alumna of the University of California at Berkeley, and Harvard Business School, where she earned her master's in business administration. Her career has been anything but conventional; she often describes it as ‘taking the scenic route” (although, the common thread throughout her career is “meaningful contribution”). Having lived in more than half a dozen countries, including South Africa, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico and the United States, she treasures a truly global perspective, including the dynamics of emerging markets.
Georgi believes that capitalism is at its tipping point, and careers going forward will need to demonstrate real, positive impact both in one's own community, or globally. Her (forthcoming) book, “Work That’s Worth It,” promises to be a pivotal resource for individuals seeking to design their career to work for them and the world.
www.georgienthoven.com
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Why understanding your customer’s values can unlock serious business growth
Are you missing the mark with your customers—and don’t even know it? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with marketing strategist and author Chris Peterson to explore a transformative idea: your customers’ personal values—specifically whether they lean conservative or liberal—can dramatically shape how they engage with your brand, products, and messaging.
Drawing from decades of global marketing experience and his book Red and Blue Customers: How to Drive Growth and Manage Risk in Today’s Conservative and Liberal Markets, Chris explains how businesses often impose their own worldview on customers, instead of seeing their business through the customer’s eyes. He outlines how liberal and conservative values influence buying behaviour, innovation adoption, trust, and even geographic marketing strategies. You’ll also learn why most businesses fail when trying to scale beyond early adopters—and how to avoid that trap.
Whether you're launching a new product, trying to improve your messaging, or struggling to connect with a particular market segment, this episode gives you a powerful new lens to understand your audience—and boost your bottom line.
Takeaways include:
- How personal values influence customer behaviour more than demographics
- Why liberal vs conservative thinking impacts innovation adoption
- Easy ways to identify the value makeup of your current customer base
- How to tailor your marketing to align with customer worldviews—without getting political
- What sales and marketing teams can learn from their contrasting value systems
Get Chris's book here - Red and Blue Customers: How to Drive Growth and Manage Risk in Today's Conservative and Liberal Markets
Chris Peterson *is the Co-Founder of Lifemind, an AI-agent platform designed for national, local, and regional marketers.
With over 30 years as a marketing pioneer and entrepreneur, Chris has founded two digital marketing agencies, working with both fast-growth start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. In the 1990s, he launched one of the first digital direct marketing agencies, earning recognition from The Wall Street Journal. Publicis Groupe later acquired the agency. Chris later established an early content marketing agency before the term became mainstream, which was then acquired by Rain, a direct-to-consumer advertising agency.
In 2020, Chris discovered Pew research highlighting the deep divide in how Democrats and Republicans perceive the world. This insight led him to explore how political beliefs shape consumer behaviour, and was the genesis for Red & Blue Customers. He and his family live in Milan, Italy.*
www.lifemind.ai
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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Financial literacy isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a survival skill for business owners. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with tax expert and financial educator Michelle Campbell about the hidden financial pitfalls entrepreneurs often face, and how a lack of financial understanding can quietly sabotage your business. Whether you’re avoiding tax obligations out of fear, struggling to understand cash flow, or unsure how to invest while in debt, this conversation is your wake-up call.
Michelle shares not just her professional insights but her personal story of financial recovery — one that began by confronting unopened bills and grew into a mission to empower others through practical financial education. She offers honest, jargon-free advice on tax, budgeting, business planning, and the importance of building emergency savings. Listeners will walk away with clarity, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of how mastering money can mean the difference between thriving and just surviving.
This episode is for every business owner who has ever felt overwhelmed by the numbers — and wants to turn confusion into confidence.
Get Michelle's book here: Bluebird
Michelle Campbell was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and began her educational journey in South Dakota before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, to continue her studies. During her academic pursuits, she launched a real estate investment firm, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial path. Over the years, Michelle expanded her ventures into various industries, including horticulture, where she founded an interiorscape company, and logistics, where she established a commercial trucking business. Drawing on the insights and expertise gained across these diverse fields, she transitioned into a career in the financial services industry. Michelle is also the author of Bluebird, a memoir that candidly explores themes of trauma, heartbreak, and the resilience found in life’s struggles. She is also the founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through financial literacy and fostering economic stability. She enjoys traveling, cooking, exploring diverse cuisines, organizing, dancing, indulging in spa treatments, and spending quality time with her cherished Pomeranian.
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Ready to sharpen your e-commerce strategy and stay ahead of the curve?
In this episode, Matthew Stafford joins us to share real-world tips and forward-thinking advice to help business owners thrive in the ever-evolving world of online retail. With years of hands-on experience, Matthew offers a clear perspective on what it really takes to succeed in e-commerce today — and why now is one of the most exciting times to be building online.
You’ll learn:
- Why starting simple can give you a big competitive edge
- The smartest way to use data and customer feedback to shape your store
- Tips for increasing your sales conversion rates
- Why staying focused on the customer experience is crucial
If you’re running an e-commerce business — or thinking about starting one — this conversation will give you the clarity, confidence, and practical tools to move forward with purpose.
Matthew Stafford Over the past three decades, Matthew Stafford has been entrepreneurial and successfully building several businesses across various industries, including Concrete, Brick and Mortar Locations, POD, and Software-based ventures. Matthew Stafford, the Managing Partner of Build Grow Scale and an equity owner of some in-house Ecommerce brands, has knowledge and expertise, enabling him to mentor thousands of store owners through paid Ecommerce groups and live events. His experience has also allowed him to help hundreds of ecommerce brands scale past the million-dollar mark - with many hitting the $10 million mark. To top it off, he's been speaking on stages about ecommerce optimization for the past seven years! In fact, before COVID-19, BGS hosted the largest yearly Ecommerce-focused event in North America - BGS LIVE.
Book a call
www.buildgrowscale.com
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What happens when you stop following the rules—and start following your passion? In this inspiring and insightful episode, Stephen Ridley shares how he built a globally recognized music brand, grew an online academy that now teaches over 1.2 million students, and turned personal passion into a thriving, purpose-driven business. Whether you're an entrepreneur or creative professional, Stephen’s story offers a powerful blueprint for building something truly meaningful from the ground up.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Stephen turned live performance into global visibility—and business momentum
- The key to growing a loyal, international audience with emotional connection
- Lessons on authenticity, branding, and standing out in a saturated market
- How Ridley Academy scaled to 40 countries and over a million students
- What it really means to build a brand based on purpose, not just product
Stephen’s journey is proof that building a business with heart can also be smart—and that you don’t need to fit the mold to make a massive impact.
Stephen Ridley is a world-renowned British pianist, composer, and visionary in modern piano education. His journey from a high-flying investment banker to a global musical sensation is as remarkable as his performances. At the age of two, Stephen discovered his passion for the piano, receiving formal training at eleven, but it wasn’t until he left the corporate world that his true artistry flourished. Beginning as a street performer on the streets of London, his raw talent and electrifying performances quickly garnered international attention, propelling him onto some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
Over the past five years, Stephen has toured across 60 countries, amassing a global fan base of over one million people and generating more than 500 million views on social media. His performances have mesmerized audiences from intimate private gatherings to large-scale concerts, including Monaco Yacht Week, London Fashion Week, and Uzbekistan’s largest concert in history, where he played for 28,000 people.
Stephen’s ability to blend classical brilliance with modern showmanship has led him to perform for royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II and numerous royal dignitaries, as well as alongside A-list celebrities such as Anderson .Paak, Sting, and Keanu Reeves. In Russia alone, he performed over 400 concerts, including at Dom Musica, one of the world’s most prestigious music halls, after securing three No.1 chart hits in the country.
Beyond his career as a performer, Stephen is revolutionizing piano education through the Ridley Academy. With a mission to make learning piano accessible to everyone, he has distilled his years of experience into an intuitive step-by-step system, enabling students of all ages—from 5 to 95—to master the piano. Today, over 1.2 million students across 40 countries are benefiting from his unique approach, redefining the way the world learns music.
Stephen is more than just a pianist—he is a global artist, an innovator, and a passionate educator, bringing the magic of music to audiences everywhere.
www.ridleyacademy.com
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Negotiation is more than winning—it’s about creating value for both sides. Many business owners struggle with negotiations, relying on outdated strategies that often lead to conflict or lost opportunities.
Whether you're dealing with vendors, partners, or internal stakeholders, your ability to negotiate directly affects your bottom line and professional confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn how to negotiate with clarity, calm, and confidence — even if you don’t consider yourself a “natural” negotiator.
Host Paul Sweeney shares a powerful and practical conversation with Wendy Minne, an experienced corporate manager turned business coach. Wendy unpacks why negotiations feel so uncomfortable for many of us, and how mindset shifts and a structured approach can help you get better results without burning bridges.
You’ll discover:
- Why many business leaders avoid negotiation — and how to reframe it
- The “cost of not negotiating” and how it quietly drains your business
- A simple three-part framework Wendy uses to help clients prep for tough conversations
- How women in particular can navigate common negotiation traps
Whether you're renegotiating contracts, managing procurement, or setting client expectations, this episode will equip you with tools to advocate for what you want — and feel good doing it.
Book mentioned in the episode:
The Third Alternative by Dr Stephen Covey
Paul also recommends this book:
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher and William Ury
Check out the previous episode featuring Wendy: Ep 110 The Journey from Corporate to Small Business
Wendy Minne is accredited in Organisational Coaching and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation. Her activities include coaching senior manager initiatives as well as young leader development. Wendy benefitted from coaching during her corporate career, and she is passionate about coaching for success at all levels.
Wendy’s area of specialisation in coaching is supporting leaders and potential leaders, particularly engineers, through change and transitions. It can be confronting when engineers transition from being the expert to leading others. They step back even further from their area of expertise when they are leading leaders.
Wendy has a corporate background that includes extensive experience in leading teams through change and transition. With her understanding of the business environment and her coaching skills, Wendy supports clients through a journey of self-discovery to find strengths-based solutions and develop as leaders.
www.novamentis.com.au
Email wendy.minne2@gmail.com
Phone 0413 433 808
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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If you're a small or medium-sized business owner, this episode could save you from costly legal missteps that threaten your business's growth—or even its survival. Legal expert Matthew Fornaro joins the podcast to highlight the essential contracts and legal strategies that many entrepreneurs overlook in their rush to launch or scale. Whether you're just starting out or already running a business, you’ll learn how to lay the legal foundation to protect your operations, reputation, and revenue.
What You'll Learn:
- Why your business plan is a legally powerful document—not just a planning tool
- The 10 contracts every small business should have in place
- How missing legal steps early on can hurt your chances of getting a loan or surviving an audit
- What to know about doing business across state or national borders
- The difference between minimum compliance and real protection
- How to set up a business structure the right way from the beginning
Matthew also shares personal stories from his own transition from big law firms to running his own legal practice, plus practical insights from mentoring business owners like you. If you've ever wondered whether your contracts, agreements, and structures are truly protecting your business—you can’t afford to miss this episode.
Matthew Fornaro is a seasoned business law attorney and founder of Matthew Fornaro P.A., serving South Florida since 2003. He specializes in contract disputes, with expertise in intellectual property. Additionally, he mentors entrepreneurs, teaching programs like FastTrac NewVenture and the Jim Moran Institute.
Subscribe to the Fornaro Legal newsletter and get the eBook 10 Contracts Every Business Needs
www.fornarolegal.com
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If you think pay is just about numbers, think again. In today’s talent-short market, the way you compensate your people could be the reason they leave—or why they stay and thrive. In this episode, Trudy MacDonald, award-winning business leader and Managing Director of TalentCode HR, pulls back the curtain on remuneration. She explains why most businesses are getting it wrong and what you can do to build a pay strategy that actually works.
Whether you're struggling with attracting top talent, keeping your best people, or motivating your team to hit new levels of performance, this conversation is your wake-up call. Trudy shares real-world insights and practical steps that will help you stop the guesswork and start building a smarter, fairer, and more effective approach to pay.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why traditional pay models are failing in today’s workforce—and what’s replacing them
- The biggest mistakes leaders make when designing salary and bonus structures
- How to create a pay framework that motivates performance without damaging culture
- What it means to move from “paying for presence” to “paying for value”
- Why market benchmarking might be misleading—and how to use it the right way
- How to talk about money openly with employees and build trust in your remuneration process
- Trudy’s go-to framework for strategic remuneration design in small and medium businesses
Pay isn’t just a cost—it’s one of your most powerful business levers. Done right, it drives retention, performance, and loyalty. Done wrong, it quietly erodes your culture and profitability. Trudy MacDonald offers a fresh, human-centric take on how business owners and leaders can rethink pay to fuel growth and keep their top talent engaged. If you want your team to work like they own the place—start by paying them like it matters.
Check out Trudy's previous episode here: Ep 152 - From Burnout to Brilliance: Transforming Workplace Culture
Trudy MacDonald has worked extensively with Boards, leaders and leadership teams over the past 20 years and is a sought-after coach to leaders across industries.
She is an experienced CEO, an established business leader and thought leader in the areas of strategy, people, and culture. She specialises in empowering organisations to become great by maximising the performance and productivity of their people.
She is a multi-award-winning speaker having been honoured as “Speaker of the Year” by the world’s largest CEO network – The Executive Connection (TEC). Trudy is a regular speaker to Leaders and Boards and regularly presents on the topics of strategy, high performance organisations and leadership at Industry Associations, Conferences and Corporate Events. Her career is founded on an education in Organisational Psychology and spans Australia, New Zealand, the USA and parts of Asia.
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In today’s fast-changing business landscape, survival isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about adapting, innovating, and thinking long-term. In this episode, we sit down with Rick Yvanovich, an experienced entrepreneur and business strategist, to explore what it takes to thrive in an era of constant transformation. Whether you're a start-up founder or an established business leader, this conversation will help you rethink traditional business practices and embrace a more resilient approach to leadership and decision-making.
Rick shares valuable insights on why there’s no such thing as "business as usual" anymore, emphasizing the need for agility in response to changing legislation, economic conditions, and technology. He also delves into the importance of resilience, sustainability, and continuous improvement, drawing inspiration from Japanese business longevity models. Additionally, he highlights the critical role of mindset and leadership, explaining why business owners should take action instead of waiting for external solutions.
A major takeaway from this episode is the value of external accountability and support. Rick discusses how independent advisors, non-executive directors, or external mentors can provide objective feedback, reduce stress, and help business owners make better strategic decisions. He also shares his perspective on personal branding and succession planning, encouraging leaders to separate themselves from their business to ensure long-term success.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Why "business as usual" no longer exists—and how to adapt
✅ The secret to business longevity: resilience and sustainability
✅ How to develop a proactive leadership mindset in times of uncertainty
✅ The power of external support and accountability in decision-making
✅ Why curiosity and continuous improvement are critical for business success
✅ How personal branding plays a role in ensuring long-term business survival
Get Rick's book: Business As Unusual - How to Thrive in the New Renaissance
Rick Yvanovich is a true master of the business coaching craft. His proven track record of helping companies and individuals achieve unprecedented levels of success is a testament to his unparalleled ability to combine business experience with coaching interventions. Through systematic processes and unwavering commitment to employee empowerment, Rick translates vision into actionable steps that propel his clients forward towards their goals and milestones.
www.rickyvanovich.com
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If you're a business owner who feels overwhelmed, overworked, and constantly in the thick of everything, this episode is a must-listen. Host Paul Sweeney takes a deep dive into the "hub and spoke" model—a common but problematic setup where every decision, task, and communication flows through you, the owner. While this might seem manageable in the early stages, it quickly becomes a bottleneck to growth, profitability, and your personal freedom.
In this insightful solo episode, Paul outlines how to recognize the warning signs that your business is overly dependent on you. He walks you through practical steps to redesign your business systems, delegate effectively, and reclaim the time and freedom you originally set out to achieve. Learn how to assess your current setup, use tools like virtual assistants and automation, and get access to a free Value Builder score to help evaluate and grow your business without burning out.
Whether you’re stuck in the day-to-day or looking for ways to scale smartly, this episode offers clear, actionable strategies to create a business that thrives without you having to be in the centre of everything.
Check out these past episodes referred to in this podcast:
Ep 161 Hiring Smarter: The Power of Virtual Assistants in Business Success
Ep 147 Scaling with Structure: Garrett Delph on Fixing Chaos in Business
Try the Value Builders Quiz and find out how to increase the value of your business (and escape from the hub-and-spoke business model). You'll receive a free report!
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
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Are you prepared for the unexpected? Every business will face a crisis at some point—whether it’s a PR disaster, a supply chain breakdown, or a financial emergency. But the difference between businesses that survive and those that struggle often comes down to preparation. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with crisis management expert Stephanie Craig from Kith Consulting to discuss how businesses can build resilience and respond effectively when things go wrong.
Stephanie shares her deep expertise in crisis management, explaining what defines a crisis, why preparation is key, and how businesses can protect their reputation and operations when faced with the unexpected. She dives into the importance of leadership in crisis response, the value of having a crisis team, and how to approach decision-making under pressure. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to ensure they are not caught off guard when a crisis strikes. Whether you're a small business owner or a corporate leader, this episode will help you stay one step ahead in safeguarding your business.
Sign up for Stephanie's Crisis of the Month newsletter.
Stephanie Craig, has built her reputation as a crisis expert by guiding some of the world’s most prominent people and organizations through their most trying moments. Combining her deep experience in politics, media and business, she mitigates crisis, repairs reputations and inoculates against future crises.
Stephanie has counted former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the mayor of the nation’s 10th largest city and some of the most notable global brands as clients. When not handling crisis, Stephanie supports causes she cares about by helping to establish the groundbreaking group — I Am ALS and chairing the Force to End Harassment in Advocacy as an effort during the #Metoo movement.
In her career, Stephanie has guided media organizations, Fortune 50 tech companies and members of the House and Senate in the United States and Canada through some of their most trying days. She sharpened her crisis skills on several campaigns including three presidentials. She is a battleground specialist and likely the only person to have worked in both houses on Capitol Hill and Parliament Hill.
www.kith.co
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Are you attracting the right customers for your business, or are you stuck in a cycle of working long hours for clients who aren’t the right fit? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Marama Carmichael, CEO of Oracle Tree, to uncover why so many business owners struggle to find their ideal customers—and how to fix it. If you’re tired of feeling like your marketing efforts aren’t working or that your business has drifted away from your original vision, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you turn things around.
Marama shares how many entrepreneurs unknowingly create what she calls a Frankenstein business—taking on any client that comes their way, working unsustainable hours, and losing sight of their purpose. She explains why defining your ideal customer is critical for business success and breaks down practical strategies using her Marketing Tree framework. From clarifying your messaging to choosing the right marketing channels, Marama provides a step-by-step approach to help business owners attract high-quality clients and build a brand that truly resonates.
By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to refine your marketing strategy, avoid common mistakes that waste time and money, and create a business that supports your goals—rather than one that drains your energy. If you're ready to take control of your marketing and build a business that aligns with your vision, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Get Marama's book here: Fixing Frankenstein - How to take the monster out of running our small business
Marama Carmichael *is an industry-leading business growth consultant, digital strategist, mentor and author.
As CEO of Oracle Tree an award winning digital marketing agency and with over 25 years of experience in business, she knows what it takes to build digital strategies that convert.*
She is dedicated to helping business owners work smarter (not harder!) to reach ambitious growth milestones and tackle business obstacles head-on. She is highly skilled at helping people get to the core of what is important to them and tap into their own set of unique talents and natural strengths to leverage them for growth. Professionally, she is driven by her passion to help the world prosper through giving back. She is the author of Amazon Best Seller : "Fixing Frankenstein - How to take the monster out of running our small business"
Marama lives on the Gold Coast in QLD Australia, and in her free time loves Latin dance and, of course, the beach.
LinkedInwww.oracletree.comFree lunchtime workshopsOracle Tree resources
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One of the most time-consuming and frustrating challenges faced by businesses are meetings, and especially board meetings. From chasing down reports to dealing with last-minute changes and version control issues, the process can quickly become a logistical nightmare. And what a headache (and waste of time) it is reading a slide show on your phone and then seeing the same presentation in the meeting! But what if there was a way to streamline this process, eliminate chaos, and save hours of valuable time?
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with Robert Wolfe, serial entrepreneur and founder of Zeck, a company revolutionizing the way board meetings are conducted. Robert shares insights from his experience founding and growing companies like Moosejaw and CrowdRise, both of which were successfully acquired. He discusses the challenges of traditional board meetings—often time-consuming, stressful, and inefficient—and how Zeck reimagines the process to be more engaging and productive.
Robert highlights the importance of strategic decision-making, effective communication between leadership teams and boards, and why investing in better systems early on is crucial for business success. He also shares how Hollywood actor and business partner Edward Norton became deeply involved with Zeck, contributing to its mission.
Whether you run a small business, a non-profit, or a start-up, this episode offers valuable takeaways on improving decision-making, streamlining meetings, and embracing modern solutions for long-term success.
Robert Wolfe is the founder and former CEO of Moosejaw and CrowdRise. More recently, Robert started Zeck. Zeck is entirely reimagining the miserable board meeting process.
Robert started Moosejaw in a tiny shop when he had really big hair. Moosejaw’s aim was to make retail and e-commerce fun and engaging and they also pressed their own Moosejaw brand, which became pretty cultish, in a good way. Despite being incredibly foolish, Moosejaw was acquired by Walmart. No one can believe it but it’s true.
Robert wanted to make sure he had some sort of decent impact, so along with his smarter brother, Jeffrey, and actor and philanthropist, Edward Norton, he launched CrowdRise. CrowdRise focused on making giving back notable, cool and social. CrowdRise eventually became the largest fundraising platform four non-profits in the US and was acquired by GoFundMe.
After spending time as an operator running board meetings and, on the other side of the table, as a board member, Robert launched Zeck to change the process entirely. Zeck transforms the dynamic between the leadership team and the board, making board meetings strategic and forward thinking. Never again will you get into a board meeting to have a deck that you already read, read back to you. Such a waste of time.
Robert has no interests or hobbies and is a terrible sleeper. He has been an advisor to several companies and is faster than Usain Bolt at replying to any message. But, publicly Robert only boasts about his Honorable Mention for ‘Best Breakdancer Using an Old School Cardboard Mat’. Also, ‘for’ is spelled incorrectly above on purpose.
www.zeck.app
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Struggling to close deals? Losing potential customers because you’re not following up effectively? You’re not alone—most business owners and entrepreneurs give up after just two or three follow-ups, missing out on massive sales opportunities. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, sales expert Jacob Hicks shares why consistent follow-up is the secret weapon for increasing conversions, building stronger client relationships, and ultimately growing your business. If you’ve ever hesitated to follow up because you didn’t want to be "pushy," Jacob has the strategies and mindset shifts you need to change your approach—and your results.
Jacob brings his years of sales experience to break down:
✅ The 10x10 Follow-Up System that keeps you top-of-mind without annoying your leads
✅ How to use CRM tools to automate and streamline follow-ups
✅ Why most sales happen after the 9th follow-up—and how to make sure you don’t stop too soon
✅ How to follow up with authenticity so you build relationships, not just transactions
Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or salesperson, this episode will give you practical, actionable techniques to improve your follow-up game and close more deals—without feeling pushy.
Jacob Hicks is a coach and keynote speaker with over a decade of experience transforming lives and businesses. Thanks to 10 years in sales, Jacob has a knack for identifying what drives lasting success and delivering implementable strategies to help clients achieve it. Podcasters love working with Jacob because of his practical insights and engaging storytelling that leave audiences inspired. Known for his strong follow-up systems and mindset-driven coaching, Jacob empowers clients across industries to overcome challenges, implement sustainable systems, and move forward with confidence.
www.jacobhickscoach.com
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Struggling with supply chain issues? Wondering how disruptions could impact your business—or how to prevent them? You’re not alone! Supply chains became a hot topic during COVID-19, but they remain a critical factor in business success today. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or industry leader, understanding how supply chains work (and how to manage them) can save you time, money, and major headaches.
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Kerim Kfuri, a seasoned supply chain expert, to unpack the challenges and opportunities businesses face when managing supply chains. Kerim explains how supply chain disruptions impact pricing, inventory, and cash flow—and shares practical strategies to make your business more resilient.
💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
✅ Why supply chains matter more than ever (even post-COVID)
✅ The biggest risks to your supply chain—and how to prepare for them
✅ How small businesses can avoid costly supply chain mistakes
✅ The role of AI and automation in modern supply chains
✅ Why outsourcing supply chain management can be a game-changer
Don't wait until your supply chain breaks to take action! Tune in now and learn how to future-proof your business.
Get Kerim's book Supply Chain Ups and Downs
Kerim Kfuri *is a global entrepreneur, ever-curious, ever-growing, and ever-learning. Throughout his career, Kerim has spearheaded numerous ventures that have significantly impacted the supply chain industry, all committed to innovation and excellence. Kerim has written the first of many books, Supply Chain — Ups and Downs, and is genuinely passionate about sharing his knowledge in classrooms with students studying supply chain management and at industry conferences.
Kerim's career has spanned across a diverse range of sectors, including technology, retail, entertainment, real estate, spirits, packaging, sports equipment, medical, import/export, and banking. Kerim has held notable positions at NASD/FINRA (National Association of Securities Dealers), Accenture, SEC, Friedman Billings Ramsey, and 24/7 Media, contributing to his broad understanding of the business landscape.*
For more than 2 decades Kerim has served as President/CEO of The Atlas Network, LLC, a global supply chain enterprise.
Contact Kerim here:
Website
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Feeling overwhelmed with endless tasks in your business? You don’t have to do it all alone! In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we uncover how virtual assistants (VAs) can help you regain your time, reduce stress, and grow your business more efficiently. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or unsure about outsourcing, this conversation will help you understand the benefits of working with a VA and how to delegate effectively.
Host Paul Sweeney sits down with Mia Juan, founder of Next Level Assist, to discuss how virtual assistants can transform the way business owners work. They explore common misconceptions about hiring VAs, the wide range of tasks they can handle—from admin work to social media management and customer service—and why using a VA agency ensures you get trained, reliable support. Mia also shares expert insights on overcoming the fear of outsourcing, setting up a VA for success, and making the most of this cost-effective solution.
Tune in to learn how a virtual assistant could be the key to scaling your business while freeing up time for what matters most.
Mia Juan: Your Virtual Success Coach & Game-Changer in Remote Work!
Mom, mentor, and your go-to guide for everything Executive Virtual Assistance. Mia is proof that you can thrive in your career and your personal life—even if the odds aren’t in your favor! From starting as a 19-year-old call center agent in Marikina City to managing a team of executive virtual assistants across the globe, Mia's journey has been one of grit, growth, and a few plot twists.
In 2017, Mia was running a thriving events business… until the pandemic hit. Like many, Mia had to pivot, and that’s when Mia discovered the power of being an executive virtual assistant. With zero experience but plenty of hustle, Mia built a career from scratch—and now Mia is sharing everything she's learned with you!
On TikTok and YouTube, Mia's created a space where over 400,000 of you tune in to get insider tips, inspiring stories, and career hacks to jumpstart your remote work dreams. Thanks to this incredible community, Mia's helped thousands of aspiring EVAs in the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, the US, and beyond take their first step toward earning in dollars without leaving home.
Mia's coached over 5,000 students through her online course, mentored countless VAs to ace their interviews, and built Executive Virtual Assistant Philippines—a thriving community aimed at creating real opportunities for Filipinos.
Contact Mia:
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Executive Virtual Assistant Basics Online Course
Contact Next Level Assist - Virtual Assistant agency helping executives and business grow:
www.nextlevelassistph.com
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Are you struggling to generate high-quality leads without spending a fortune on marketing? 🚀 In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we uncover a game-changing strategy that can double or even triple your lead conversion rates—without increasing your marketing budget! Our guest, Maxwell Nee, Chief Revenue Officer at ScoreApp, reveals how quiz marketing is helping businesses attract, engage, and convert the right customers effortlessly.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why traditional lead magnets like PDFs and discounts aren’t enough anymore
✅ How quiz marketing can convert leads at 20-40%—far better than standard marketing tactics
✅ The secret to understanding your ideal customers without wasting time or money
✅ How AI-powered tools like ScoreApp automate and optimize lead generation
✅ Practical, low-cost strategies that any small business can use today
Maxwell breaks down real-world examples and shares expert insights into how small and medium-sized businesses can stop wasting marketing dollars and start attracting ready-to-buy customers. If you’re looking for a smarter, more effective way to grow your business, this episode is a must-listen!
Get your FREE copy of the Scorecard Marketing book here: www.scoreapp.com/book
Maxwell Nee is the Chief Revenue Officer of ScoreApp,a Quiz Marketing
Platform with 7,000 paying clients. He's also a multi-award winning
entrepreneur, bodybuilder & dancer. He’s been featured in TV, Radio,
Forbes, Singapore’s The Business Times & The Australian Business Review.
Maxwell's LinkedIn
Maxwell@Scoreapp.com
Ph +61 438 988 879
Book a call with Maxwell
ScoreApp Socials:
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Starting a business is easier than ever, but building a successful one? That’s the real challenge. 🚀 Many entrepreneurs dive into start-ups without fully understanding the risks, market demands, or financial pitfalls—leading to failure before they even get off the ground.
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Peter Deans, business advisor and author of The Start-Up Toolkit: A Step-By-Step Guide for Founders. Peter shares the biggest mistakes start-ups make, the essential steps every entrepreneur should take before launching, and how to navigate the unpredictable world of start-ups.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ The top reasons why most start-ups fail (and how to avoid them)
✔️ The importance of market validation before launching your business
✔️ How to manage finances so you don’t run out of cash too soon
✔️ Why customer feedback is critical for business growth
✔️ Key strategies for risk management and adapting to change
Whether you're launching your first start-up or looking to refine your business approach, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you build, grow, and sustain a profitable business.
🔊 Tune in now and set your start-up up for success!
Get Peter's book here: www.goruworld.com
Peter Deans is currently Chair and Non-Executive Director of NerdWallet Australia, NonExecutive Director of the start-up equities trading platform Trade for Good, and Board Member of the global industry body for RegTech, The RegTech Association. Peter is also an advisory board member for several fintechs and start-up companies. Peter Deans is a former Chief Risk Officer and is today an industry leading risk management and strategy advisor through his firm, Notwithoutrisk Consulting. Peter is a regular contributor to a range of strategy, risk and finance publications including Company Director Magazine (Australia), Director Today (India), FINSIA (Australia) and The Asian Banker (Singapore). Peter was awarded Australian Banking & Finance magazine’s Chief Risk Officer of the Year award in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018. Peter is also the Creator & Founder of the 52 Risks® management framework (www.52Risks.com).
Email pdeans@notwithoutrisk.com
Phone +61 402 222 193
Website www.notwithoutrisk.com
X @deans_risk
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Are you struggling to keep your business afloat, or wondering how to take it to the next level? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we uncover the secrets of business turnarounds, leadership, and growth strategies with expert Mike Dunlop. With a track record of reviving over 34 failing businesses, Mike shares proven strategies that can help you transform your business, retain top talent, and develop the mindset of a successful leader. If you want to learn how to overcome challenges and build a thriving, resilient company, this episode is a must-listen!
🎯 What You'll Learn:
✅ The #1 leadership trait that determines business success
✅ Why a great company culture keeps employees engaged and committed
✅ The tough financial truths business owners must face—and how to fix them
✅ The psychology of turnarounds—why mindset matters just as much as money
✅ How Mike went from $300 in his pocket to turning around multi-million-dollar businesses
Mike’s insights, drawn from decades of experience, challenge common excuses and provide actionable strategies for business owners looking to thrive in any economic climate. Whether you're facing challenges or simply looking to build a stronger business, this episode is packed with invaluable wisdom.
🎧 Tune in now and start building the business you’ve always envisioned!
Mike Dunlop has helped to restore 34 companies in various stages of financial demise back to profitability. He has worked in the aerospace sector for over four decades and has built a number of aerospace component manufacturing companies, both in Europe and the United States.
The largest company he founded is QPM Aerospace, which grew to $30 million in sales in the first ten years. Dunlop designed and founded Net-Inspect, the most widely used aerospace quality-management system in the world. Dunlop has lived in Seattle, Washington, since he moved to the United States from the United Kingdom in 1973.
He is a holder of four US Patents and has been passionate about airplanes since his first flight on a Vickers Viscount in 1955 at the age of seven.
Dunlop is an experienced public speaker, and he’s offering his wisdom and stories on his weekly podcast, available on Spotify and YouTube.
Check out Mike's book, blog and podcast here: The Art of the Turnaround: A Comprehensive 10-Step Guide
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Want to create high-quality videos for your business but don’t have the budget or expertise? Video marketing is one of the most powerful tools for engagement, but traditional production can be expensive, time-consuming, and complex. In this episode, we uncover how AI-powered tools can help businesses create professional videos at scale—without breaking the bank.
Join host Paul Sweeney as he chats with Amer Tadayon, founder and CEO of LuciHub, about the future of video production and how AI is making high-quality video creation more accessible than ever. Amer shares how LuciHub’s AI-powered platform blends automation with human creativity, helping businesses tell their stories, engage their audience, and market their brand efficiently.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why video marketing is essential for businesses of all sizes
✅ How AI can reduce video production costs while maintaining quality
✅ The biggest challenges businesses face when creating video content
✅ How LuciHub’s hybrid AI-human model streamlines the video production process
✅ Tips for leveraging AI to scale your video marketing strategy
Whether it’s marketing, employee stories, or learning and development, businesses can leverage this innovative tool to create impactful videos without the steep learning curve and restrictive costs. 🎬🚀
Amer Tadayon, Lucihub's Founder & CEO, is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in the media and technology sectors. With a successful track record as an executive and entrepreneur, he has held leadership positions in prominent companies like IBM, Cognizant, and frog design. Amer’s exceptional leadership skills have driven growth and fostered innovation throughout his career. Leveraging his comprehensive understanding of the media and technology landscape, he’s been the driving force behind the innovation at Lucihub.
“Lucihub is an award-winning, next-gen video production platform that turns smartphone footage into high-quality videos—quickly and affordably. Our AI-powered tools help plan scripts and shot lists in seconds, while professional human editors ensure a polished final cut. With a cloud-based system for easy uploads and built-in collaboration tools for seamless revisions and approvals, teams can create professional videos in hours, not weeks.”
Links:
www.lucihub.com
Amer's LinkedIn
LuciHub LinkedIn
LuciHub Instagram
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Are you struggling with disengaged employees, declining productivity, or a team that seems to have mentally checked out? You’re not alone. The rise of quiet quitting—where employees do the bare minimum instead of actively contributing—has become a major challenge for businesses. But what if quiet quitting isn’t the real problem? What if it’s just a symptom of something deeper?
In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with Dr Aaron Bazin, author of The Vision Advantage: How to Curb Quiet Quitting, Build Resilience, and Create Growth, to unpack the real causes of quiet quitting and what leaders can do to prevent it. Dr Bazin explains why many employees disengage—not because they’re lazy, but because they don’t see a compelling future in their workplace. He introduces the CREATE framework, a step-by-step approach to building a strong organizational vision that aligns teams, fosters engagement, and drives business growth.
If you’re a business owner, leader, or manager looking for practical strategies to keep your employees motivated and connected, this episode is a must-listen. With real-world examples and practical tips, this conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders looking to prevent burnout, improve team performance, and cultivate resilience. Tune in to discover how you can stop quiet quitting before it starts and build a culture where employees thrive.
Get the book here: The Vision Advantage: How to Curb Quiet Quitting, Build Resilience, and Create Growth
Dr Aaron Bazin *From the tribal regions of Pakistan to the capitals of Europe, Dr Aaron Bazin has been at the forefront of strategic decision-making for almost twenty years, overseeing the development of sixteen high-level visionary documents for large global organizations and numerous start-ups and nonprofits. His unwavering passion lies in crafting forward-thinking visions that empower organizations to achieve sustained, positive growth.
With a portfolio of over thirty publications, his expertise ranges from organizational psychology to strategic mindset and vision. His achievements include orchestrating the 2010 withdrawal of 100,000 services members from Irag and spearheading long-range visionary initiatives for NATO, the US Army, and US Special Operations Command. As an accomplished strategist with a remarkable track record, he has navigated over 400 combat missions, including the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing in Islamabad, earning the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.
Email aabazin@gmail.comLinkedIn Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.*
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Are you a small business owner worried about cash flow, rising tax debt, or financial uncertainty? You’re not alone. Many SMEs struggle with these challenges, but the good news is that there are practical strategies to help you navigate them. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we sit down with insolvency expert Bruce Gleeson from Jones Partners to discuss the critical financial risks facing SMEs and how to proactively manage them.
Bruce shares essential insights on avoiding insolvency, understanding tax obligations, and improving cash flow. You'll learn how to assess your true business costs, why managing accounts receivable is key to survival, and the importance of separating personal and business finances. Whether you're looking to safeguard your business from financial distress or simply improve your financial planning, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help your SME thrive. Tune in now to take control of your business’s financial future!
Check out these other episodes featuring Bruce Gleeson, plus resources to assist your business:
Ep 116 - Director Penalty Notices & the ATO
Ep 50 - 10 Essential Steps to Take Now if Your Business is in Crisis
Ep 47 - What Should I Be Doing When My Business is Impacted by Crisis?
Ep 10 - Signs You Need to Monitor to Avoid Financial Distress
Get the free guide 10 Crisis Management Steps for Businesses in Financial Distress
Bruce Gleeson is a Director and Owner in Jones Partners, a Firm that provides tailored solutions to companies (particularly small to medium enterprises) and individuals in financial difficulty or that require restructuring assistance, exit planning advice or general strategic advice.
He has in excess of 25 years in corporate insolvency, restructuring, exit planning and bankruptcy experience. Bruce has also held roles in commerce with several Top 100 Companies (James Hardie and AMP) to further add to his professional skills in areas such as compliance and project management.
Bruce is a Registered Liquidator, Registered Trustee in Bankruptcy and a Justice of the Peace (NSW).www.jonespartners.net.au
https://www.jonespartners.net.au/resources/
https://www.jonespartners.net.au/director-penalty-notices-2/
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In this reflective episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney recaps key insights from 2024 and provides actionable advice for setting your business up for success in 2025. Paul emphasizes the importance of revisiting your business's purpose and strategy, systemizing operations, leveraging technology like AI, and empowering your team to achieve their best. With highlights from discussions on avoiding burnout, improving team accountability, and aligning efforts with a crystal-clear strategy, this episode is packed with practical tips to make the new year your best one yet.
Check out some of the 2024 episodes here:
153 - From Strategy to Sales: Weekly Sprints for Business Growth
152 - From Burnout to Brilliance: Transforming Workplace Culture
151 - Breaking Free from Day-to-Day Operations: Systemise Your Business
150 - Building Wealth Beyond Business: Property Strategies for Business Owners
149 - Cracking the Code: Quality Certification Simplified
148 - Why 80% of Marketing Fails: The Strategic Missteps Businesses Make
147 - Scaling with Structure: Garrett Delph on Fixing Chaos in Business
146 - From Overworked to Architect: Bradley Hamner’s Blueprint for Business Freedom
145 - Using AI for Business Success
143 - Spotting Employee Red Flags: Navigating Employment Challenges in SMEs
141 - The Great Wealth Transfer
139 - Mastering Business Storytelling with Video Marketing
137 - Adapt or Vanish: Navigating Business Disruption in the Age of AI
136 - Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating Business in Uncertain Times
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In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney welcomes Simon Severino, founder of Strategy Sprints, to discuss actionable sales strategies for small and medium-sized businesses. Simon shares insights from his 22 years of experience in sales strategy, including methods he used to generate over $2 billion in additional sales for his clients. Key topics include identifying your ideal client, the importance of clear strategies, and breaking down goals into manageable weekly sprints to achieve sustainable growth. Simon also highlights common mistakes in sales, the value of inbound marketing, and the need for consistent execution to achieve lasting success.
Simon Severino has created +2B in additional sales for his clients over the last 21 years. As an advisor who became CEO, he had to learn the importance of working ON the business more than IN it. Now, he shares his proven templates with high-ticket entrepreneurs. They reclaim 14 hours per week using the Strategy Sprints™ Method and enjoy sales that soar. Author of "Strategy Sprints", Podcast Host Ranking Top 2,5%, TEDx speaker, Forbes contributor, Triathlete. Has appeared on over 1300 podcasts. When he is not supercharging sales, you'll find him swimming, biking, running and tricking his 3 kids into outdoor activities so they can't escape his annoying shrinky questions.www.strategysprints.comFacebookTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInYouTubePodcastBook - Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth in an Agile Business
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In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney discusses the pervasive issue of burnout with leadership expert Trudy MacDonald of Talent Code HR. Together, they unpack how COVID-19 transformed workplace dynamics, fostering exhaustion and disengagement among employees and leaders alike. Trudy identifies the root causes of burnout, including lack of role clarity, inadequate connection in hybrid work settings, and imbalances between empathy and accountability.
She shares actionable strategies to mitigate burnout, from conducting team "resets" to redefining accountability as a team-oriented practice. Trudy also highlights the evolving role of leaders, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and fostering high-performance cultures. Packed with insights and practical tips, this episode empowers leaders to create sustainable, connected, and high-performing workplaces.
Trudy MacDonald has worked extensively with Boards, leaders and leadership teams over the past 20 years and is a sought-after coach to leaders across industries.
She is an experienced CEO, an established business leader and thought leader in the areas of strategy, people, and culture. She specialises in empowering organisations to become great by maximising the performance and productivity of their people.
*She is a multi-award-winning speaker having been honoured as “Speaker of the Year” by the world’s largest CEO network – The Executive Connection (TEC). Trudy is a regular speaker to Leaders and Boards and regularly presents on the topics of strategy, high performance organisations and leadership at Industry Associations, Conferences and Corporate Events. Her career is founded on an education in Organisational Psychology and spans Australia, New Zealand, the USA and parts of Asia.
Website: https://www.talentcodehr.com.au/LinkedInInstagram*
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In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with James Brown, a certified systemologist and business operations expert, about the transformative power of systemology in small and medium-sized businesses. They explore how business owners can move from working in their business to on their business by implementing structured systems. James outlines the four stages of systemisation—Survival, Stationary, Scalable, and Saleable—and emphasises the role of a systems champion to drive sustainable growth. Listeners will gain practical insights into creating efficient processes and reducing dependency on key individuals.
Get the book by Dave Jenyns here: SYSTEMology
James Brown stands at the forefront of business operation simplification, with a rich 20-year history spanning manufacturing to tourism.
Through his venture, BizTech Guru, he introduces business owners to SYSTEMology and has worked closely with Dave Jenyns, the founder of systemHUB and the SYSTEMology movement, in building out course curriculums as a Certified SYSTEMologist.
James has presented to over a thousand people about SYSTEMology and has worked directly with over a hundred business owners himself to implement this methodology.LinkedIn Ph +61 8 8119 0909hello@biztechguru.com.aubiztechguru.com.au Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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In this episode, Paul Sweeney talks with Charles Zerafa, a finance expert specialising in wealth creation strategies for business owners. Charles explains how investing in commercial property can help business owners build wealth outside of their primary business, while also minimising risks and leveraging tax benefits. They discuss strategies like using superannuation for property investments, buying properties with room for business growth, and working with buyer's agents for better market insights. Charles emphasises the importance of strategic planning, understanding cash flow impact, and using experts for financing and property acquisition. This episode offers valuable guidance for business owners looking to diversify their assets and grow long-term wealth.
Charles Zerafa *With over 25 years of experience in Business and Corporate Banking, Charles Zerafa is a seasoned finance broker renowned for his ability to tailor finance solutions to meet the unique needs of each client.
His career has spanned across various roles as a Relationship Manager and Finance Analyst, amassing a remarkable track record of handling lending applications exceeding $1.0 billion, encompassing diverse industries from small businesses to multinational corporations.Connect with Charlescharleszerafa.com.au*
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In this episode of "The Business Behind Your Business," host Paul Sweeney talks with John Mason from QualityIQ about the importance of quality certification and how it impacts businesses of all sizes. They explore the evolution of quality standards, particularly ISO 9001, and how they have shifted from being overly prescriptive to more flexible, allowing businesses to tailor their processes to their specific needs.
John shares valuable insights from his 30+ years in the industry, explaining the differences between quality control, quality assurance, and total quality management. He emphasizes the importance of having one source of truth in your business processes to ensure efficiency, confidence, and continuous improvement. They also discuss the benefits of quality certification, particularly for businesses seeking to work with larger corporations or government contracts, and the potential pitfalls to avoid.
John also offers practical advice on how businesses can approach quality certification, including options for trial and error, hiring subject matter experts, or outsourcing the process.
John Mason *is the founder, managing director, author and managing consultant with Oberon NSW Pty Limited, trading as QualityIQ. They are a team of management system consultants specialising in ISO certifications, who are quality, environmental, safety and information security certified themselves proving they can walk the talk. John and his team, guarantee ISO quality certification (and ongoing support) via a proven 5 step, fixed fee, 10 week program. With 32 plus years in business, John developed his own 24/7 virtual quality management platform, with a 100% certification first time track record. QualityIQ’s client list includes Comsol, Data Tools, Sydney Hills Business Chamber, Volkswagen, Monash University and Hyundai. They are currently the virtual quality manages for 82 clients many of whom are 2~50 employees. On a personal note, John is an author of two books, the non-executive director of three other organisations, married with three adult daughters, and enjoys physical fitness, personal development, ballroom dancing and travel.
Contact details: john.mason@qualityiq.com.au Ph 1300 899 443
Mobile 0418 462 311 www.qualityiq.com.auLinkedInFacebook*
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In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with marketing expert Kerim El Gabaili to explore why 80% of marketing efforts fail for small and medium-sized businesses. Drawing on his experience as the Managing Director of a leading marketing agency, Kerim discusses how businesses often skip vital strategic steps, leading to poor outcomes. He emphasizes that marketing should focus on delivering commercial results, not just using trendy tools like SEO or Google Ads. The key lies in starting with a solid plan, much like calling an architect before building a house.
Kerim shares practical advice on understanding customer profiles, retention strategies, and building effective marketing foundations. He highlights the importance of measuring results—such as cost per acquisition—and tailoring marketing channels to align with business goals. Throughout the conversation, both Paul and Kerim stress the significance of putting customers at the centre of your business strategy and why businesses must invest in long-term marketing plans to achieve sustainable growth.
Kerim El Gabaili Kerim's key achievements include: Managing Director at OnePoint: Kerim has consistently driven innovation and transformative strategies, resulting in multifaceted value for clients and a plethora of prestigious accolades, including two AMIA Awards.
Global Financial Crisis Leadership: Amidst the 2009 Global Financial Crisis, Kerim led OnePoint to clinch the Deloitte Fastest FBA Growing Business award in NSW and ACT for businesses under 15 staff.
Pioneering Marketing Strategies: Under the Prografica brand, Kerim spearheaded Australia's pioneering adoption of Multi-Channel Cross Media strategies with PURLs.
- 4 years on the B2B Expert Panel at ADMA
- 6 years Advisory Board at IBSA and PwC
- 3 years Chair of Sydney Digital Co-op $130M group turnover
- Podi Award winner for an international campaign in California, USA
- 2 AMI Awards for Subaru & Accor
- 2 Terms as Board Member of ICCI (Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
- President, Vice President, and Board Member of AABC (Australian Arab Business Council)
- Board Member at SHBCC (Sydney Hills Business Chamber of Commerce)
- CPM & Fellow of the AMI (Australian Marketing Institute)
- Australian Marketing Institute Awards judge in 2023/2022
- External marketing manager for 6 companies responsible for $250M in sales.
- Football coach of the year 2024 at Epping FC
Website 1pt.com.au
Email kerim@1pt.com.au
Phone 0414 442 217
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In this insightful episode, Paul Sweeney speaks with Garrett Delph, founder of Clarity Ops, about a common challenge many business owners face—micromanagement and its detrimental effects on scaling a business. Garrett explains how micromanagement stems from a lack of organizational infrastructure and accountability structures, often leading to stress, poor performance, and high employee turnover.
Garrett introduces the concept of organizational infrastructure, emphasizing that businesses need clear, defined processes and expectations to avoid the chaos that leads to micromanagement. He shares practical strategies for building effective accountability systems that foster independence and high performance. This includes clearly defining roles, measurable outcomes, and providing the right training and support for employees to succeed. By shifting focus from controlling individuals to improving processes, businesses can reduce conflict, improve culture, and increase efficiency.
Throughout the conversation, Garrett and Paul highlight the importance of investing time in building the right structure for a sustainable, scalable business, and why seeking outside expertise can be crucial for transformation. This episode is a must-listen for any business leader looking to reduce chaos and improve accountability in their organization.
Garrett Delph stands at the forefront of business transformational solutions for the new generation of leaders. He is the Founder and Chief Clarity Officer of Clarity Ops, LLC. A serial entrepreneur, he has established a track record of founding three successful international businesses that have collectively generated over $50 million in revenue. Garrett's new generation business solutions are created for leaders who need faster, easier, and more profitable step-by-step ways for scaling businesses.
Website: www.clarityops.coBlog: https://blog.clarityops.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettdelph/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@garrett_delphMedium: https://medium.com/@garrett_delph
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In this episode of "The Business Behind Your Business," host Paul Sweeney sits down with Bradley Hamner, a seasoned business growth coach and founder of Blueprint OS. Bradley shares his personal journey from being overwhelmed by the day-to-day grind of running a business to becoming the "architect" of a thriving, scalable company. They dive into the importance of systems, processes, and mindset shifts that allow business owners to build enterprises that can run independently of them. Bradley's insights are particularly valuable for entrepreneurs feeling the strain of trying to do it all themselves, offering practical steps to regain control, reduce stress, and ultimately achieve the freedom and flexibility that inspired them to start their businesses in the first place. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to move from the role of a "rainmaker" to that of a true business architect.
Bradley Hamner started his first business in 2009 with no customers, no leads, and very little cash but he did have a desire to win and succeed.
After working around the clock for 5 years, Bradley had a health scare in his 30s. Knowing something had to change, he focused on building his leadership first, and then he began “architecting” his business to work for him.
This led him to designing the ultimate operating system for business owners - BlueprintOS. This framework has empowered business owners to move successfully from rainmaker to architect in their business.
Now, Bradley is a Business Growth Coach, certified Value Builder, and host of the Above The Business Podcast. Each week, he shows other entrepreneurs & business owners how to install the systems, processes, and routines their business needs to grow and scale. The ultimate outcome? Business owners have a successful business that creates the freedom and flexibility they desired from the start.
Connect Online:
BlueprintOS: www.blueprintos.com BlueprintOS Starter Kit: blueprintos.com/assets/
Rainmaker To Architect Assessment: www.blueprintos.com/assessment
Above The Business Podcast: www.abovethebusiness.co
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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) with industry expert Josh Thomas, co-founder of Anabots AI. With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, Josh shares practical insights on how small and medium-sized business owners can harness the power of AI to boost efficiency, improve decision-making, and drive business growth. We debunk common AI myths and explore real-world strategies that you can implement today to stay ahead of the competition. Tune in to discover how AI can transform your business and help you thrive in a rapidly evolving market! Don't miss out on these game-changing tips and strategies.
Josh Thomas *is a 15-year grizzled veteran entrepreneur who has worked with more than 5,000 entrepreneurs across 30 different industries over the last 15 years. Many of his top clients have been able to 2X, 3X, and even 5X their sales in less than 90 days by following his proven sales systems and guidance.
A long-time business consultant, he is the Co-Founder of Anabots AI as well as host of “The Do Zone” and “Basic Business AI” podcast. Austin, Texas is currently home although he’s originally a Kentucky boy.
Josh's LinkedIn Website: anabots.ai*
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Discover proven cost-cutting strategies that can significantly increase your business profits without sacrificing quality. In this episode of 'The Business Behind Your Business,' we dive deep into practical tips and techniques to streamline your operations, reduce overheads, and drive sustainable growth.
Some of the strategies include:
- Assess Current Expenses
- Negotiate with Suppliers
- Optimize Operational Efficiency
- Reduce Fixed Costs
- Outsource Non-Core Functions
- Implement Energy-Saving Measures
- Review and Adjust Pricing Strategy
- Improve Inventory Management
- Leverage Technology
- Monitor and Adjust Regularly
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
*For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.*
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
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Employee issues can drain time, resources, and morale from your business. By addressing these red flags early and effectively, you can maintain a positive workplace environment and ensure your business thrives.
Our experts James Frank and Raj Nathoo discuss the common issues that arise with employees in small and medium-sized businesses.
From legal compliance and the importance of clear communication to the impact of company culture and proper induction processes, get practical advice and actionable insights to help business owners address potential problems before they escalate.
Protect your business and create a positive, productive work environment.
Raj Nathoo is a Learning and Development Consultant and Specialist at Keystone Consulting Group Pty Ltd. He has a passion for learning and helping businesses realise their true potential through better skilled and trained employees. As a L&D Specialist his focus is on helping SME’s provide a better employee experience by developing onboarding and learning frameworks customised for their business.
As a learning and development consultant, he has worked with businesses to help them identify skill gaps within their organisations and the steps that need to be taken to close these gaps.
At Keystone, the focus is on:
- Enhancing the onboarding process
- Assessing training needs
- Developing customised training programs
- Helping organisations improve employee performance
- Creating a culture of continuous learning
- Implementation of a customised Learning Management System
Contact Raj at raj.nathoo@keyactlearn.com
James Frank is an experienced and innovative Corporate Lawyer specialising in Governance, Advisory, Restructuring, and Litigation matters. He holds an Advanced Certificate in Insolvency from the Australian Restructuring, Insolvency and Turnaround Association, showcasing his deep expertise in navigating complex financial situations.
James is not only passionate about law but also about innovation and technology. His background includes significant experience in building and scaling startups, making him a valuable partner for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses strategically.
*As the Chief Executive Partner at Frank Law + Advisory, integrates his legal expertise with a forward-thinking approach to support SMEs in achieving their goals. He spearheads the firm's @Work Service Model and Advisory Team, ensuring businesses receive tailored, proactive advice to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Additionally, James founded through Brolly Capital, which has a vision to provide growth capital and buyout solutions to SME founders. Brolly Capital currently holds investments in technology, professional services, ecommerce, and hospitality ventures.
Website: franklaw.com.au*
Frank Law social media links:
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In this episode of "The Business Behind Your Business," host Paul Sweeney dives into the common excuses that hold business owners back from achieving profitable growth.
What is stopping your business from achieving "Better Business Profits than 70% of Your Competition"?
Paul explores actionable strategies to overcome these barriers. Discover how to move beyond the typical reasons for stagnation and implement practical steps to ensure your business thrives. Join us as we provide insights and solutions to help you unlock your business's full potential and achieve greater profitability.
Paul discusses key excuses such as:
"I'm already doing everything possible."
"I know everything about my business."
"There's no point in trying."
He shares effective strategies to counter these excuses, focusing on the importance of strategic action, seeking objective advice, and maintaining a positive outlook even in challenging times. Tune in to learn how to break free from limiting beliefs and take your business to new heights.
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In this episode of "The Business Behind Your Business," host Paul Sweeney discusses the concept of "The Great Wealth Transfer" with his guest, Inbam Devadason, a seasoned financial advisor with over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Paul and Inbam look at the significant demographic shift in business ownership in Australia, where over 50% of small business owners are over the age of 50, and only 8% are under the age of 30. This trend emphasizes the importance of effective succession planning and wealth transfer strategies.
Inbam highlights the importance of several key strategies in transferring business and personal wealth including:
- Succession planning
- Engaging younger generations in financial planning early on
- Having a financial planner with a client-centric approach involving establishing a relationship not only with clients, but with their families
Discover some valuable insights and actionable advice for business owners looking to navigate the complexities of wealth transfer and succession planning, ensuring the longevity and success of their businesses across generations.
This episode is a must-listen for small and medium business owners, financial planners, and anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of transferring wealth and business ownership in today's economic landscape.
Inbam Devadason - Our podcast guest Inbam Devadason is an author, father of 4 and the owner of Sydney the labradoodle. Inbam has over 30 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry.
Inbam loves to travel and has visited 30 countries around the world. His aim is to get to 50 by 2035.
Inbam loves variety and has lived in 7 cities. Melbourne, where he lives now is his second favourite place.
Inbam loves adventure and has conquered Mount Killimanjaro (Height 6,000).
Inbam is passionate about providing financial education to anyone who will listen and tries to help clients and friends to make wise financial decisions that will give them financial flexibility in the future.
Inbam is the Responsible Manager at Precision Financial and has overseen the business for 18 years.
As a way to give back to the community Inbam has:
- Run financial planning courses in community colleges
- Worked on a volunteer basis with people stuck in personal debt to assist them with a path out.
Contact Inbam at LinkedIn or advice@precisionfinancial.com.auwww.precisionfinancial.com.au
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In this episode of "The Business Behind Your Business," we discuss the critical importance of understanding your financial figures as the year comes to a close. With tax season approaching, maximising your returns and profits is crucial, but many business owners often overlook the need to stay on top of their financial data. We highlight the necessity of maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records to make informed decisions and improve your business's performance.
Our host, Paul Sweeney, a seasoned chartered accountant and business advisor, outlines five key financial metrics every business owner should focus on: profit, revenue, net cashflow, inventory, and debtors. These metrics help track your business's health and ensure you can make strategic adjustments as needed.
Additionally, we revisit the essential tools every business should utilise, such as accounting software and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, to streamline financial tracking and improve overall efficiency. Tune in to learn how staying informed about your numbers can empower you to make smarter decisions and drive your business forward.
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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In this episode of "The Business Behind Your Business" podcast, host Paul Sweeney interviews Dave Power, the founder of Power Creative, to explore the transformative power of video storytelling for business owners. With over 25 years of experience, Dave shares his insights on how to effectively use video to promote and grow your business by capturing the audience's attention and building trust.
Dave emphasizes the importance of planning and strategy in video production, explaining how a well-thought-out plan can save time and resources. He discusses the significance of collaborating with professional writers and interviewers to capture the right message and avoid common pitfalls. Dave also highlights the balance between self-generated content and professionally produced videos, offering practical advice on when to use each approach.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the different types of video content, including testimonials, case studies, and product demonstrations. Dave provides guidance on setting budgets and expectations, discussing various pricing models and the importance of aligning your budget with your goals and project complexity. He stresses that investing in professional video production can enhance your brand's credibility and reach.
Tune in to learn from Dave Power's extensive experience and discover how to effectively use video to tell your business story, connect with your audience, and drive success. Visit Power Creative to learn more about Dave and his team's work, and explore the resources and examples available on their website.
Dave Power Power Creative are producers of video content for brands and businesses, globally & locally.
With an in-depth industry experience since 2001, the company founded by Dave Power has led to clients ranging from the individual looking to produce philanthropist media content, a family heritage documentary through to commercial and scalable internal corporate comms video content.
Their portfolio covers a range of sizes in business, from a smaller business through to clients such as Wesfarmers, Mirvac and Rare Cancers Australia.
You can view their portfolio of work here: powercreative.com.auFacebookXInstagramTikTokLinkedIn
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Do you feel confused about what you should be doing for your business at the end of the financial year? Do you feel pressure to buy, buy, buy with the EOFY sales?
Or do any of these concerns around business taxes sound familiar?
- Scrambling to find the cash to make your tax payments
- Withholding spending on your business to free up money to pay your taxes
- Confusion and worry over taxes
You aren't alone! These are common feelings of many business owners. As we head to the end of the financial year in Australia, there is a critical opportunity for business owners, but one that is often missed...Tax Planning.
In this episode, Paul Sweeney is going to explain what key activities you need to be doing to pave the way for a great year ahead for your business. Paul will shine a spotlight on tax planning plus show you why you shouldn't get caught up in the pressure of EOFY sales.
So you haven't bothered with Tax Planning before - why should you start now?The seasons are changing constantly and so is the environment we operate in. If you're a business owner, you are going to be affected.
Tax planning is all about managing your tax obligations smartly and legally. While we can’t avoid taxes, we can reduce the amount you owe. Careful planning and using available incentives and concessions can significantly improve your position.
Here’s why tax planning is important:
- Reduce stress over tax payments: Know what to expect and avoid surprises
- Lower your tax bill: Use deductions, exemptions and credits to pay less
- Understand your financial position: Get a clear picture of your business's finances so you can make informed decisions
- Better financial stability: Improve your cash flow and financial health
- Improve your tax position for the following financial year: Plan now to save more next year
So if you are thinking of giving tax planning a go this year, make sure you act fast. Contact your accountant today and don't let another year slip by with poor tax outcomes and shaky cash flow.
And remember, don't fall into the trap of buying something simply to get the tax deduction for it! Only buy it if you need it. Use your time and energy to focus on tax planning rather than chasing EOFY sales.
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
*For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.*
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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What should business owners do when new technology threatens to derail their business? Close down or find a new path?
This was the dilemma experienced by professional copywriter Leanne Shelton (Write Time Marketing). With the avalanche of artificial intelligence taking over much of content creation, Leanne made the challenging decision to pivot her business and embrace AI by becoming an expert on ChatGPT and AI. Now, Leanne is using her writing expertise to help other businesses navigate the treacherous waters of 'bad content' as they jump onto AI to create their own marketing messages. By being adaptable, new avenues have opened up for Leanne.
Find out how your mindset can help you be flexible in your business planning and in dealing with challenges. Your ability to pivot your business can determine your future success.
Leanne Shelton is an international ChatGPT trainer, keynote speaker, and human copywriter.
With her 9-year-old SEO copywriting agency, Write Time Marketing, struggling to convert in a tough economic climate, Leanne made the ultimate business pivot in May 2023. She decided to embrace (not escape) her shiny, new, and free competitor, ChatGPT.
Leanne quickly became a sought-after keynote speaker for summits and conferences, with multiple requests to run webinars, workshops, one-on-one sessions, and in-house organisational training. She now runs ‘The AI DIY Club’ membership, offering small business owners a safe space to explore and experiment with AI tools and prompts every week.
Featured in The Australian, ABC News, 6PR Perth Radio, Disrupt Radio, and various podcasts, she’s recognised as an AI Expert by LinkedIn Australia editors and Kate Toon’s Digital Marketing Collective Membership. In addition, Leanne hosts ‘The AI Train’ Podcast (formerly co-hosted with Tim King).
Outside of work life, Leanne is a newly converted running enthusiast, lover of dance, occasional yogi and meditator, engrossed reader of business books and psychological thrillers, a dedicated wife, and frazzled mum to two daughters.
Links:
leanne@writetimemarketing.com.au
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanneshelton/
@leanneshelton247 (Instagram)
‘The Leanne Shelton podcast’ – https://podkite.link/marketing-and-me
‘The AI Train’ podcast - https://shows.acast.com/the-ai-train
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There's so much uncertainty in the world and it can feel hard to confidently lead your small business when the path ahead is unclear.
Today we're joined by Jim Mills, the managing director of Merit Planning Hills, to look at some strategies to help guide businesses during difficult times.
Jim looks at some of the factors that affect businesses, including:
- Economic fluctuations
- Interest rates
- Government policies
- Global events
We uncover strategies that businesses can use at any point to offer greater clarity and increase chances of success, including:
- Regular collaboration between business owners and their trusted advisers, like financial planners and accountants
- Focus on maximising wealth accumulation and tax efficiency
- Attention to superannuation contributions and investment diversification
Jim also reminds business owners to think outside of the day-to-day success of their business and look at accumulating personal wealth throughout their time of running a business. This is key to enjoying the fruits of your labour during retirement.
Jim Mills *is the Principle Advisor and Managing Director of Merit Planning Hills Pty Ltd, established in 2008. The Merit Planning team are financial strategy and wealth advisors, with a focus on working with small to medium business owners. They are passionate about ensuring Australian business owners see the benefit of their hard work in the form of significant personal wealth accumulation. In this ever changing economic and legislative landscape it is important to have a partner with a focus on active strategies that align with your strategic goals - both from a business and personal perspective.
Jim is well known across the financial service industry with over 29 years experience, previously holding executive positions in large financial institutions. He is backed by a team of qualified advisors and outstanding service personnel focussed on seeing
Australian businesses thrive. Jim holds a Bachelor of Business, Diploma of Financial Planning - RG146, Stock Broking, Estate Planning, SMSF specialist & Tax Financial Planning qualified.*www.meritfp.com.au
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As a small business owner, do you fall back on your business credit card for everything? While using these credit cards is very popular, it's important to recognise when there are better solutions.
We are joined by Jason Smith (Capital Plus Finance) for a frank discussion on how credit cards can be misused by businesses, plus learn about some useful options for your funding needs such as non-bank business loans and overdrafts.
Jason will also share key points in selecting a lender for your business funding.
Jason Smith *has a passion for business, which started for him at the tender age of 24, when he bought his first business, a real estate franchise with a business partner.
Selling the business 9 years later, Jason founded a Debtor Finance company (CashFlow Advantage) and discovered his love of finance and assisting small business owners with their cash flow. After successfully selling his debtor finance company to a publicly listed company in 2016, Jason took a well-deserved sabbatical to recharge and explore new interests.
This break only fuelled his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to found Capital Plus Finance, an asset finance broking firm in March 2018. Leading a team of 10, Jason and his team are committed to exceptional customer service, ensuring a smooth and successful journey for every client.
Jason's LinkedIn*https://capitalplusfinance.com.au/
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Does your business struggle with a constant turnover in employees? This is an issue for many businesses and the cost of hiring and onboarding new employees is high.
Or perhaps you have some amazing employees and you want to learn more about how to retain them?
We are joined by Paul Cripps from PK People Solutions to look at these issues and more.
Paul highlights some of the Key Takeaways from the 2024 HR Industry Benchmark Report. This latest report published by ELMO highlights the emerging and alarming trends, challenges, and opportunities in the realm of human resources.
Paul also shares effective strategies for you to develop high levels of employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
Some examples of how to do this are as follows:
- Implement effective feedback mechanisms
- Promote work-life balance
- Create career development opportunities
Key points for employers:
- Why Engagement matters and what should be measured
- Learn the five most common actions a business can take to enhance Employee Engagement
- How improved Employee Engagement aids retention
Paul Cripps*, founder of PK People Solutions, provides operational and strategic HR solutions in collaboration with business leaders and key stakeholders He helps businesses to align the activity of their workforce to the business strategy to improve performance and profitability Paul is a licensed member of the HR Coach Network – the largest independent HR Coaching Network in Australia. His HR corporate career has spanned over 20 years (in Australia and the UK) for QBE Insurance, GE, Allianz, Willis Towers Watson and BNY Mellon.
Contact Paul Cripps at paul@pkpeoplesolutions.com.au*https://www.pkpeoplesolutions.com.au/
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In this episode we'll be exploring the transformative power of Three-Way Forecasting and how it can revolutionize your approach to financial planning and decision-making.
Understanding Three-Way Forecasting:
- What exactly is Three-Way Forecasting? We break down this concept into digestible pieces, explaining how it integrates income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
- Learn why this holistic approach to financial forecasting is crucial for small business owners to gain a comprehensive view of their financial health.
Advantages for Small Businesses:
- Discover the numerous benefits that Three-Way Forecasting offers to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- From comprehensive financial planning to improved risk management and enhanced stakeholder communication, understand how this strategy can drive your business forward.
Forecasting is an essential tool for business owners who want to gain a clear picture of what is happening in their business. It helps with planning and allows you to be financially prepared for the highs and lows of running a business.
Learn about the tools and resources available to simplify the forecasting process, and understand the importance of regular reviews and updates.
By embracing Three-Way Forecasting and integrating it into your business strategy, you can unlock new opportunities and navigate challenges with confidence.
Connect with us on social media and share your thoughts on today's episode. We love hearing from our listeners!
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
*For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.*
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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If you watched our last episode, you will have learned that it is never too late to make a business plan. You can also download our Simple Business Plan Template to get started.
In this episode, we look at some of the common mistakes business owners make when creating and using business plans.
So look out for these 5 common business plan fails:
- Not actually making a plan
- Lack specific goals
- Plan isn't implemented
- No accountability
- Nothing is measured
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
*For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.*
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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What are your business and personal goals for the year? What plans have you made? How will you implement these plans? How will you assess if your goals are being met? If these questions leave you feeling overwhelmed, never fear!
It's NEVER too late to make a business plan.
Find out the benefits of making a business plan, plus some simple tips to get you started.
- Learn about the simple framework for assessing your starting point - where you are now so you know the base for where your plan starts
- Help you pinpoint where you want to be in 1 year, 3 years and 5 years
- Help you identify the big issues you need to deal with to achieve your goals
- Help you identify the actions you need to take and the resources you will need to achieve your goals
- Provide a framework for determining where to start - what are the priorities for you right now and what can wait?
- Learn how to capture your goals in a simple business plan
- The 90 day review - why you must review your actions and results and check on your progress regularly!
- How to avoid the 5 most common reasons business plans fail
Download our Simple Business Plan Template to get started.
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
*For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.*
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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The 2023 calendar year has drawn to a close. For many, it was still a year of hangover effects from covid and poorer economic conditions. For many others, it was a year of substantial growth and increased profits.
So what set those businesses apart?
In this episode, our host Paul Sweeney reflects on some of the key takeaways from conversations with our guests and business owners.
From all of the team at The Business Behind Your Business, wishing you a safe holiday season and a prosperous 2024.
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
*For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.*
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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What do you need to consider when choosing an accountant for your business? It's an important decision - getting the right accountant for your needs can help you build a profitable and healthy business.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- What services does your business need?
- What are your values?
- What are the qualifications and experience of the accountant?
Benefits of using an accountant:
- Improved systems and processes
- Stay up-to-date with your compliance obligations
- Take advantage of business opportunities
- Save time and money
Useful links for when you are choosing an accountant for your business:
Search for your accountant and check their qualifications here - Tax Practitioners Board https://www.tpb.gov.au/home
Blogs on choosing an accountant
- Do you have the right accountant for your business?
- Is your business missing out by not using an accountant?
- What do you need to consider when choosing an accountant?
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
*For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.*
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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One of the accepted risks of running a business is being audited by the tax department. Nowadays, there are multiple government agencies that you and your business may need to deal with, apart from just the Australian Tax Office and possible income tax audits. With increased data sharing between government organisations, it has become much more common to have audit activity triggered for things like payroll tax issues or not paying superannuation to employees.
To help us understand what is happening with audits, and how you can best prepare for them, we are joined by Rod Spicer from Accountancy Insurance. We'll also learn about their Audit Shield service, a useful safeguard against the financial implications of an ATO audit.
If you would like more information on Audit Shield and how it can safeguard your financial well-being, contact Pretium Solutions at info@pretiumsolutions.com.au
Rod Spicer is a qualified Chartered Accountant with more than 30 years’ experience in the accounting profession. He has held various roles senior management and Associate Director positions at an international accounting network.
Rod has worked at Accountancy Insurance since 2013 and is the Associate Director of Claims and Underwriting. In this role, Rod is responsible for the operations of the Claims Department, policy wording development and the management of large and complex claims.
Rod can be contacted on rod@accountancyinsurance.com.au or by calling 1300 797 231.
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What can you do to give yourself the best chance of success in your business? Following on from our last episode on business health checks, Paul Sweeney shares the 7 steps you need to take to create some positive changes in your business.
What kinds of outcomes can you expect? Your business will be more profitable, you'll be less stressed, and you'll feel more in control.
It's very normal for small business owners to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and to lose sight of the bigger picture. But take a moment and think about this:
What are the consequences of doing nothing?
- Financial uncertainty and stress
- Missed opportunities
- Poor business outcomes
It's time to do that business health check and plan for a better future.
You'll get a free, no obligation report sent to you. It will highlight what is working well in your business, and areas that need improvement. It's a valuable jumping off point for every business.
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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In general, small businesses are not healthy. Here are some alarming statistics - Australian Small Business and Family Enterprises Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has found that 49% of small business owners make less than average wages, and two out of 5 micro and small businesses are not profitable.
Interestingly, there are also businesses who are thriving in the current conditions, at the same time these other businesses are failing. And these differences can be seen within the same industries. So what can be done to make more businesses into profitable, successful ventures? If you are concerned about the health of your business, what can you do to improve it?
The first step is to understand what is going on in the business and identify any problems. Seeking help from your business adviser is key.
Start the process today with a Business Health Check Quiz. You'll get a free, no obligation report sent to you. It will highlight what is working well in your business, and areas that need improvement.
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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Events have long been a go-to strategy for businesses aiming to showcase their products or services. However, it's not uncommon for these efforts to fall flat despite the considerable investments of time, effort, and money.
In this episode we address the questions of:
- How can we turn the tide and make our events successful?
- How do we extract real value from hosting these gatherings?
- And most importantly, how can we use events as part of our business growth strategy?
We are joined by Celia Wouters, Managing Director of Events Outsourced. Celia looks at what makes a successful event, plus some common mistakes small businesses make. Celia offers some great strategies to help businesses make the most out of their events.
How do we make the event worth the time, effort and cost that we put into it?
Celia Wouters is an event management professional who has worked in the events industry for 16 years. Her prior positions have seen her employed on all sides of events – Events Agency, “In-house” company Events Manager and Venue side – which gives her a well rounded view of all aspects of events and enables her to further assist her clients.
Celia founded Events Outsourced in 2016 from her passion to create engaging and polished events. In the early days Events Outsourced was a “one-woman band” but has grown throughout the years. We now employ a team of events professionals who all share Celia's passion for events.Providing a flexible and personalised service to our clients, we aim to ensure that the events process is strategic yet stress free.
At the heart of it, Events Outsourced is a corporate event planning agency who care for our clients and our environment. Partnering with us will provide you with a strategic approach to events. With the additional bonus of knowing you are supporting a small business to succeed. Ensure your next event is both strategically driven and planned to perfection.
Links:www.eventsoutsourced.com.au/FacebookInstagramLinkedIn - CeliaLinkedIn - Events Outsourced
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Knowing your business and providing amazing products or services is only part of running a successful venture. Another crucial aspect of business success is building positive relationships. From fostering business-to-business ties, to encouraging return customers, to keeping fantastic staff - how you manage relationships is integral to your business.
We are joined by Jason Owen, the Managing Director of D2N Technology Solutions. Jason shares his fascinating business journey in the technology and communications industry. He looks at the importance of developing positive relationships in business and he offers some great tips for start-ups.
Jason Owen *is a RF & Electronics Engineer who has the in-depth knowledge to revolutionise the way industries & businesses communicate. With over 30 years’ experience in Broadcast Television, Radio and Event Production, Jason brings to the table a world of experience, insight, and knowledge. A passionate leader who loves a challenge!
From humble beginnings as a DJ at high school to working with the Seven Network, Austereo, Olympic Broadcasting Services, Gravity Media, NEP and Riedel Communications. Jason is now the Managing Director of D2N – Technology Solutions based in the Hawkesbury NSW. Jason holds a Bachelor of Electronics & Communications Engineering, and a Double BA in Political Science and Modern History.
Offering both off the shelf and bespoke technical solutions D2N – Technology Solutions covers the audio, video and communications space with the ethos of, ‘premium brands, premium solutions, and premium customers.’
Email Jason at jason.owen@d2n.com.au Jason's LinkedIn D2D Technology Solutions LinkedInlinktr.ee/D2NTechnologywww.d2n.com.au*
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Business owners - here's an important question to ask yourselves, "Do my customers actually know what I do for them?"
We are joined again by Nathan Williams (Customer Return) to look at this crucial issue - and how the use of storytelling can help bridge the gap in understanding and build your relationship.
You can spend a lot of time and energy providing amazing services or products for your customers, but if your customers don't actually know and understand what you are doing, how can they properly value it?
It's important to have systems set up to communicate what you are doing (and the value of what you are doing) to your customers. This will have a positive flow on to getting great referrals from your customers.
Find out how adding stories to your sales conversations can improve connections with your customers and add a greater understanding of your services.
So don't be a duck paddling hard under the water - let your customers know about the hard work you are putting in that produces your quality service or product that they love.
Interested in learning more about storytelling and sales? Email Nathan and he'll send you a storytelling example. nathan@customerreturn.com.au
Nathan Williams has won, coached clients to win and judged ‘Pitch Competitions’…while also presenting regularly for industry groups, associations and CEO networks on Pitching, Sales and Referrals.
Founder and Managing Director of a Sales Consulting company called Customer Return…Nathan holds a Master of Management from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management and has helped over 100 businesses from start-ups to Westpac and NAB to attract more of their ideal clients, faster.
Nathan’s content is practical and tactical…so you can best communicate your value and attract more of the ideal clients you deserve when you’re next in a Sales conversation and get asked…”So, what do you do?”
Contact Nathan at nathan@customerreturn.com.au
Perfect Pitch Self Evaluation – Customer Return
Free Pitch Review – Customer Return
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We hosted The Business Behind Your Business Meet Up – a fun celebration for our podcast community. All of our podcast guests and listeners have been a special part of our podcast and we wanted to say thank you, plus hear from everyone about their business journeys. It was a great opportunity to network and build our small business community. We also enjoyed morning tea and gave away some podcast merch! (Bonus – you can get your very own podcast tshirts and mugs right here.)
The highlight of the day was our special panel discussion, where we heard some great tips on ‘spring cleaning’ your business – an essential task for business owners after several challenging years. On the panel was our podcast host, Paul Sweeney, along with Luke Iacovelli from UNITECH Solutions and Dave Ferris from DavelCorp Insurance Brokers. We recorded the panel discussion for this very special podcast episode.
Find out some key tips for revitalising your business after several difficult years:
- Why it's essential to regularly audit your business and take stock of what services you engage, what tools you use, and assess what their value is to you
- The importance of simplifying systems to save you time and money
- Learn how you can reduce risk by updating your cyber security measures
- Find out why every business needs to take cyber security seriously
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One of the biggest issues for business owners is managing cash flow. Healthy cash flow is crucial for the success of any business. Cash flow is a term that is often confused with profit. Business owners often say, "My business is busy and profitable, so why don't I have any money in the bank?" Find out why it is so important to understand your financial reports and learn some simple steps to improve cash flow.
We are joined by Amy Bett, a Profit First Professional and host of the Lady Without Limits podcast. Learn about Amy's journey as a business owner and find out how Amy simplifies and demystifies cash flow. Her proven steps help business owners gain control of their cash flow and improve their business's health.
Amy Bett is a Profit First Professional and the host of the Lady Without Limits Podcast. As an expert in the Profit First Method, she helps business owners take control of their cash flow and reach financial stability.https://amybett.com/Masterclass RegistrationLady Without Limits Podcast Get the Profit First book here Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine Contact Amy at:Instagram Phone # 0434 007 715
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We are joined by Anna Ruth from Freedom for Humanity for an eye-opening chat about modern slavery. Freedom for Humanity is an organisation committed to creating a world where human rights are upheld, and all individuals can flourish and thrive.
In this conversation we delve into Anna's profound insights, her passion for human rights, and the incredible work being done by Freedom for Humanity to make a positive impact on our global community.
You may be surprised to know what activities fall under the umbrella of modern slavery and how prevalent it is. Learn about restrictions and monitoring being placed on large businesses to help combat slavery.
And if you are a small business owner and think, "What does this have to do with my business?" then listen in. Find out how small businesses need to manage tendering and supply chains to help stamp out modern slavery.
For more information, or to get involved in the fight against modern slavery, check out Freedom for Humanity's website.
Anna Ruth *has degrees from Monash University and The University of Queensland, and has worked and travelled around the world. After learning of Modern Slavery destroying the lives of millions of people worldwide every day and being one of the largest and most lucrative criminal enterprises on the planet, she was compelled to act and founded Freedom for Humanity to help end this terrible scourge. Anna has dedicated much of her time over the past 6+ years to building Freedom for Humanity Ltd., leading a team of dedicated and passionate volunteers and the Board of Directors, with the aim to raise funds and awareness to fight Modern Slavery both in Australia and overseas.
Contact Anna at anna@freedomforhumanity.org.au*https://freedomforhumanity.org.au/
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As a small business owner, have you ever thought about doing business with large companies and decided it was never going to happen because it was just 'too hard' or the differences between your business and theirs were just too great?
Find out how to successfully bridge the gap between small businesses and larger businesses. Learn about why small business owners can struggle to get contracts with larger businesses - and how to overcome these issues.
We are joined by Bronwyn Reid, from Small Company, Big Business. Bronwyn has a wealth of experience helping the business community work together better. From looking at winning contracts to understanding the mindset of big business, Bronwyn helps small business owners develop the skills to work successfully with larger companies. And Bronwyn also helps those larger companies gain insight into the benefits of working with small companies.
Learn more about Bronwyn's strategies in her book, 'Small Company Big Business: How to find, keep and win big customers.'
Bronwyn is also the author of 'Small Company, Big Crisis'. Find out what you need to do to prepare your business for the next big crisis, and how to come out even stronger. https://bronwynreid.com.au/books/
Bronwyn Reid is a successful business owner, bestselling author of two books, and winner of multiple business awards. Her books have been dubbed THE textbooks for Small Company – Big Business relationships.
Now, as organisations become more aware of their ESG obligations, Bronwyn’s expertise and experience are critical to business success.
https://bronwynreid.com.au/programs-training/
Bronwyn's books are also available on Amazon:
Small Company Big Business: How to find, keep and win big customers
Small Company, Big Crisis
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We are joined by our special guest, The Honourable Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO).
Bruce explains the role of ASBFEO and the different programs and services available to assist small businesses.
- Helping small businesses with dispute resolution
- A policy and advocacy space to help small businesses deal with governments and regulators
- Sharing the stories of small businesses and highlighting their importance to the wider community
Bruce and Paul discuss World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day (MSME Day) and why it is an important opportunity to thank our small and family businesses.
The theme for 2023 is ‘small business matters’.
Small and family-run businesses matter by being the lifeblood of our communities and essential to our economy. We depend on them.
- 97.5% of Australian Businesses are small businesses (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
- Over 5 Million people were employed by small businesses in 2020-21 (ASBFEO)
- Small business contributed 33% of Australia’s total GDP in 2020-21 (ASBFEO)
Head to the ASBFEO website and don't forget to ask "One thing ASBFEO can do for me"
Bruce Billson commenced his role as Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) in March 2021. Bruce brings experience and knowledge to the role of Ombudsman, and an understanding of the issues facing small business, having started his own advisory business in 2016. Bruce’s political career spans 30 years, including his role as Cabinet Minister for Small Business from 2013-2015. Bruce has shown his dedication to small business through being a founding Director of Judo Bank and various board appointments, including the Franchise Council of Australia, Deakin University Business School and Australian Property Institute.
The mission of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman is to help ensure Australia is the best place to start, grow and transform a small business and family enterprise.
The Ombudsman is an independent advocate for small and family businesses. ASBFEO understands the challenges facing small and family business and provides advice and research to improve policies, access to dispute resolution services and mental health support should the need arise.https://www.asbfeo.gov.au/
Contact ASBFEO on theInfoLine: 1300 650 460
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The end of the financial year is swiftly approaching - so what does that mean for you as a business owner? What activities do you need to do to set your business up for the best start in the new financial year?
There are two types of essential business planning that you should be doing at this time of year. First of all, there is tax planning and secondly, there is strategic planning.
Tax planning helps you identify and implement strategies that can minimise your tax liability. This includes taking advantage of tax deductions, credits, and exemptions that are available to you based on your financial situation. By being proactive, you can optimise your tax efficiency and potentially reduce the amount of taxes you owe. Tax planning helps you to better manage the cash flow in your business. You can also download our handy tax planning guide.
And remember it's crucial to do some strategic planning at this time of year. What are your goals for your business? Where do you want to be in 12 months time? What actions do you need to take to make those goals a reality? What resources will you need?
By answering these important questions you are paving the way to a successful year ahead. Add in some cash flow forecasting and you are on your way.
And don't forget to put systems in place to hold yourself accountable to your action plan and measure your results!
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
www.pretiumsolutions.com.au
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If you have a business in Australia, you may have noticed that the Australian Tax Office (ATO) is putting a lot of effort into recovering debt from businesses.
This is because over the last few years, debt collection had been halted because of Covid and it's many issues like lock downs.
We are joined by Bruce Gleeson (Jones Partners Insolvency) to look at ways that businesses can better engage with the ATO and deal with outstanding debt BEFORE it gets to the point of director penalty notices being issued.
Find out some key strategies to manage your business debt better.
Bruce Gleeson *is a Director and Owner in Jones Partners, a firm that provides tailored solutions to companies (particularly small to medium enterprises) and individuals in financial difficulty or that require restructuring assistance, exit planning advice or general strategic advice.
He has in excess of twenty five years in corporate insolvency, restructuring, exit planning and bankruptcy experience. Bruce has also held roles in commerce with several Top 100 Companies (James Hardie and AMP) to further add to his professional skills in areas such as compliance and project management.
Bruce is a Registered Liquidator, Registered Trustee in Bankruptcy and a Justice of the Peace (NSW).*
https://www.jonespartners.net.au/
https://www.jonespartners.net.au/director-penalty-notices-2/
https://www.ato.gov.au/business/engaging-a-worker/in-detail/director-penalty-regime/
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The Melissa Caddick Ponzi scheme rocked the investment world when it came to light a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, this kind of fraudulent behaviour is nothing new or unusual and we all need to guard against it.
Our special guest, Bruce Gleeson (Jones Partners), is the liquidator for Melissa Caddick and has been very busy working on this case. Bruce shares some advice to help investors protect themselves from Ponzi schemes. He also explores how business owners can use this information to assess new clients, customers, suppliers or business partners and (hopefully) stay clear of fraudulent activity.
Bruce Gleeson *is a Director and Owner in Jones Partners, a firm that provides tailored solutions to companies (particularly small to medium enterprises) and individuals in financial difficulty or that require restructuring assistance, exit planning advice or general strategic advice.
He has in excess of twenty five years in corporate insolvency, restructuring, exit planning and bankruptcy experience. Bruce has also held roles in commerce with several Top 100 Companies (James Hardie and AMP) to further add to his professional skills in areas such as compliance and project management.
Bruce is a Registered Liquidator, Registered Trustee in Bankruptcy and a Justice of the Peace (NSW).*
https://www.jonespartners.net.au/
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Are you curious about starting a business? Do you want to learn more about the SaaS industry?
Maybe you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur yourself? Listen in and gain some insight from our special guest, Stuart McLeod, co-founder of Karbon.
Stuart has had many experiences as an entrepreneur. He started off in his early days with creating a tool to solve his own business problem, and luckily found a greater market for it. Jump ahead to Karbon, where Stuart has purposely planned, developed, launched and scaled a successful business. Stuart has done it all.
Learn more about the entrepreneurial world as Stuart discusses his journey - from developing a successful payroll system that was sold to Xero to co-founding a company creating time-saving practice management tools for accountants.
Stuart McLeod *started his first business 13 years ago and has had many successful ventures, including Paycycle, founded in 2009, which he sold to Xero in 2011. He then built the global Xero Payroll team that delivers payroll software across the US, AU, UK and NZ markets. In 2015, Stuart co-founded Karbon, and served as CEO until 2023. He lives in Incline Village, Lake Tahoe with his beautiful wife and three kids.
Connect with Stuart on LinkedIn or Twitter*https://karbonhq.com/
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Did you know that a series of changes to industrial relations laws have been happening in Australia? Some have come into effect in Dec 2022 and others are happening throughout 2023. Many business owners are not aware of these changes.
It is necessary for business owners to keep on top of this information - ignorance is no excuse. Penalties will apply to businesses not following the new rules, once a law comes into effect.
Here's a brief summary of the changes most likely to affect small and medium businesses:
- Introduction of paid domestic violence leave
- Changes to pay secrecy/confidentiality laws
- Changes to discrimination laws (there are three new protected attributes - breastfeeding, gender identity and intersex status)
- Changes to sexual harassment laws (comes into effect 6 March 2023)
- Changes to the right to request flexible working arrangements (comes into effect 6 June 2023)
- Changes to unpaid parental leave (comes into effect 6 June 2023)
- Changes around the use of fixed-term contracts (comes into effect 7 December 2023)
To help you understand these IR changes and what it will mean to your business, we are joined by Paul Cripps (PK People Solutions) and Kylie Maxwell (Frank Law).
Paul Cripps, founder of PK People Solutions, provides operational and strategic HR solutions in collaboration with business leaders and key stakeholders He helps businesses to align the activity of their workforce to the business strategy to improve performance and profitability Paul is a licensed member of the HR Coach Network – the largest independent HR Coaching Network in Australia. His HR corporate career has spanned over 20 years (in Australia and the UK) for QBE Insurance, GE, Allianz, Willis Towers Watson and BNY Mellon.
Contact Paul Cripps at paul@pkpeoplesolutions.com.auhttps://www.pkpeoplesolutions.com.au/
Kylie Maxwell, is a lawyer with Frank Law. Kylie specialises in Employment Law, Not-for-Profit Law and Occupational Health and Safety Law, with 9 years corporate experience through Allens and having worked in-house for a Telco subsidiary. Kylie has advised on disciplinary and termination issues of a shrinking 400 staff to minimise risk to the business; drafted executive contracts for Catholic church entities; settled discrimination dispute (carer responsibilities) for large aged-care facility; settled adverse action claim for an importer. Kylie has extensive experience in setting up and managing employer contractual frameworks.
Contact Kylie Maxwell on her LinkedIn or by phone +61 2 8607 7032 or email kmaxwell@franklaw.com.auhttps://www.franklaw.com.au/
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Do you feel like you are stuck in a rut making the same goals for your business every year because these goals are never achieved?
Maybe it's time to take a closer look at how you are setting your goals.
Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) explores how goals are developed - and asks the all-important question of what lies underneath your goals, the why.
Find out how you can create a plan for your business that will actually work, with goals that are achievable.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
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Business owners spend a lot of time thinking about the things they should be doing. What are the latest trends to get on top of? What are the newest tools you need to be using? What are your goals and targets for the year ahead?
But few business owners take the time to think about what they need to stop doing. We all pick up habits, some good, some not so productive. And sometimes it's useful to take a moment and evaluate what you are doing that could be making your work harder and less efficient.
Stopping these 5 activities will free up time and energy that can be better spent on making your business a success:
- Working with bad clients
- Checking your email constantly
- Taking on work you aren't engaged to do
- Storing knowledge in the business owner's head
- Mixing personal and business expenses
Join Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) as he explores some strategies for stopping these unhelpful behaviours and improve your business as a result.
Learn the fine art of saying 'no', and see where your business takes you.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
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Are you feeling stuck in the day to day routines of your corporate job? Have you ever dreamed of running your own business? You are not alone! Many people take the plunge into the SME waters - but is it worth it? And is it the right decision for you?
If you are thinking about making a move, then this is the episode for you!
We are joined by Wendy Minne from Nova Mentis, an accredited business coaching organisation. Wendy took that exciting leap from the corporate world to running her own successful business.
Find out what it's like to make this move and discover what skills and knowledge you'll need to run your own business. Learn how to avoid some common pitfalls. Wendy shares her valuable insights to make it a smoother transition for others thinking of making this journey.
Wendy Minne *is accredited in Organisational Coaching and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation. Her activities include coaching senior manager initiatives as well as young leader development. Wendy benefitted from coaching during her corporate career, and she is passionate about coaching for success at all levels.
Wendy's area of specialisation in coaching is supporting leaders and potential leaders, particularly engineers, through change and transitions. It can be confronting when engineers transition from being the expert to leading others. They step back even further from their area of expertise when they are leading leaders.
Wendy has a corporate background that includes extensive experience in leading teams through change and transition. With her understanding of the business environment and her coaching skills, Wendy supports clients through a journey of self-discovery to find strengths-based solutions and develop as leaders. www.novamentis.com.au
Contact Wendy via her LinkedIn , email wendy.minne2@gmail.com or phone 0413 433 808.*
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Paul Sweeney, the host of The Business Behind Your Business, is back and ready for another exciting year of delving into the world of small business.
We are settling into 2023 now with the Australian summer holidays fading into memory and busy routines returning. We are also seeing a push from many businesses to have staff back in the office after the last few years with many of us working from home. It's a period of adjustment and assessment, both personally and for our businesses.
At this time of year, there is often a rush to set goals.
Yes, that's important, but it is equally important to reflect on your business and ask yourself these vital questions:
- How am I feeling as a business owner? Exhausted? Stressed? Energised? Optimistic? Something completely different?
- Why did I go into business in the first place?
- What am I passionate about? What gives me energy?
- What's happening in my business that I don't enjoy? What saps my energy?
Time away from your business (on holidays or even just stepping out of the office and finding a quiet space) is a great time to touch base with how you as the business owner are going, both personally and in relation to your business. Are you on the same path? The right path?
Join Paul Sweeney for some important reflection in this episode. Paul also talks about the book 'Your Oxygen Mask First' by Kevin Lawrence, which has some amazing insights on leadership and keeping a good balance in life.
And remember...
You can listen any time to our past episodes on our website.
This podcast is about you, our listeners.
What advice, what solutions would make a difference to your business as it stands now? We want to be there for you, bringing you quality information from industry experts. And because this is a podcast, you can listen whenever, wherever it suits you.
So please, get in touch with us and let us know what questions YOU want answered. podcast@thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com
And remember, you can also leave us a message on Speakpipe - we'd love to hear from you and learn more about what you want to hear in this podcast.
Please note: the book listed is an affiliate link, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We really appreciate it when you use our links to check out and purchase some of the tools we use. It helps cover our costs.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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Maybe you've been wondering how this podcast came about?
A bunch of factors coming together resulted in Paul Sweeney wanting to create a podcast focused on content to help small business owners.
First of all, Paul comes from a small town where he saw first hand the implications of local businesses succeeding or failing and how this affected the whole community. This background inspired Paul to want to help businesses and communities professionally and led to Paul becoming a chartered accountant and certified business advisor.
Throughout Paul's career, he has built on this deep understanding and commitment to the wellbeing and success of small businesses. Paul recognised the importance of education for business owners and the difficulties many face in finding high quality advice that is also easily accessible and free.
You throw in Covid lockdowns and even more pressure on small businesses, and The Business Behind Your Business was born.
We hope you gain some inspiration from this podcast and maybe even feel motivated to continue your learning. Your small business will benefit from the time and energy you put into education, and the 'trickle down effect' of business success will ultimately benefit your family and your community.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
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Are you guilty of mindless spending at work? Maybe you have cash leaking from your business and you don't even realise it!
Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) explores some of the most common areas where money is wasted:
- Unused or under-used subscriptions
- Unnecessary licences
- Old subscriptions from past employees
- Automatic renewals
These areas are often overlooked by business owners.
Take control of your 'zombie spending' and and improve your cash flow today.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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Standard operating procedures (or SOPs) are about making things simpler at work and saving time.
The work day is full of so many tasks and it makes sense to keep things as easy as possible. SOPs help you organise and streamline your activities to make the best use of your time.
This is especially important for small business owners who may be wearing many hats and having to carry out a variety of jobs throughout the day!
Amanda Primrose, founder of Streamlined Organising, shares her knowledge on standard operating procedures and the best ways to write and use these organisational tools.
Amanda explores the different types of SOPs available and shares many tips and examples for how businesses can be improved.
Amanda Primrose has been working with small business owners for over 15 years to help clear the chaos and help them create a systemised approach for their business support functions.
Amanda created Streamlined Organising as a Virtual Assistant service to support businesses with their day to day admin.
Amanda has spent decades working in Administration with expertise in Office Management, Executive Admin and all types of general office administration tasks. She has worked with large corporate, medical, real estate, and also many years in the government sector but her passion is to work alongside Small Business Owners to support their passion for their business.
*The team at Streamlined Organising loves to systemise a business including writing Standard Operating Procedures hence our discussion on this topic.
Contact Amanda at amanda@streamlinedorganising.com.auwww.streamlinedorganising.com.au Writing Procedures – A Blog: https://streamlinedorganising.com.au/writing-procedures/ Systemology method, by David Jenyns, which Amanda refers to in the podcast: www.systemology.com Or get the book Systemology Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.*
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We assume accuracy is beneficial all of the time, but perhaps not always necessary. You can think of situations where accuracy might be sacrificed for speed perhaps, creativity, or just to get the ball moving on a project. Remember the saying by Catherine Carrigan, 'Perfect is the enemy of done.'
But when is accuracy essential in business?
Accuracy is required in your business' financial reports. This kind of information is used to make decisions for the future, to steer your business in new directions, to assess outcomes and determine fresh solutions.That is why it is so important to keep your business records up-to-date.
It's also useful to think about the opposite of accuracy, which is an error. And if your business is full of errors, that just means a lot of wastage - in time and resources.
Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) looks at these issues around accuracy, including the best ways of determining when being accurate is essential to your business, and when its not.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
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Running a successful business is all about the profit, right?
While being profitable is the ultimate goal of a business, one of the most important factors (and one of the biggest pain points) is management of cash flow.
So what can you do to improve your cash flow?
Paul Sweeney from Pretium Solutions explores some crucial aspects of cash flow:
- Understand what cash flow is - and how it is different to profit
- Identify problems with cash flow - what is the cause?
- How does good cash flow help make a healthy business?
For more information, download this cash flow eBook.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
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Running your own business is amazing, right? The freedom, the power, the money - more like, the STRESS!
Stress is something that everyone experiences, but for small business owners, it can feel extreme as you try to grapple with every problem imaginable and find solutions to please everyone. It's an uphill battle that can leave you feeling very much alone.
There are strategies to help you deal with this common issue. Fiona Kane, from Informed Health, explores some ways that business owners can better manage stress. She also takes a closer look at the links between stress and eating.
Find out what tools should be in your mental health toolkit. Learn ways to better support yourself and your team. Know the signs for when you need extra help.
Fiona Kane *is an experienced and award winning Nutritional Medicine Practitioner, Holistic Counsellor and Mind Body Eating Coach. Fiona does one-on-one nutrition and coaching consultations with individuals via Telehealth video and in person at her Kurmond clinic and also runs online group health programs. Fiona is also a speaker on health and nutrition, doing workplace wellbeing and supporting gym health challenges - with appearances on 2GB, Ticker TV, 6PR, ABC Radio and Triple M.
Website:https://informedhealth.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionakane/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/InformedHealth/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/informed_health/Food and Mood ebook:https://informedhealth.com.au/can-food-improve-your-mood Strategies for Managing Emotional Eating ebook:https://informedhealth.com.au/emotional-eating-ebook-download Read our newsletters and/or join our mailing list:https://informedhealth.com.au/about-us/newsletters Linktree:*https://linktr.ee/informedhealthnutrition
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Sales is commonly listed as a problem area for businesses. But where to begin with fixing things? What can you do to improve your sales?
Nathan Williams, founder of Customer Return, joins us to look at some of the biggest sales issues faced by businesses including:
- Developing the right pitch
- Creating a sales process that works
- How you can target your 'ideal' client
- Getting repeat sales
- Making referrals work for you
Nathan Williams has won, coached clients to win and judged ‘Pitch Competitions’…while also presenting regularly for industry groups, associations and CEO networks on Pitching, Sales and Referrals.
Founder and Managing Director of a Sales Consulting company called Customer Return…Nathan holds a Master of Management from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management and has helped over 100 businesses from start - ups to Westpac and NAB to attract more of their ideal clients, faster.
Nathan’s content is practical and tactical…so you can best communicate your value and attract more of the ideal clients you deserve when you’re next in a Sales conversation and get asked…”So, what do you do?”
Contact Nathan at nathan@customerreturn.com.au
Perfect Pitch Self Evaluation – Customer Return
Free Pitch Review – Customer Return
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It's something that all businesses (and individuals) dread - a data breach. We all know by now how important it is to protect our data. But despite the tools and education available, these data breaches still happen. And sometimes, like the recent Optus breach, they are massive.
This incident has led to many important questions being asked:
- How did it happen and how can we keep it from happening again?
- What sorts of data should be kept by companies and for how long?
- Do our laws adequately govern and protect us in these circumstances?
- Where to from here?
Luke Iacovelli from UNITECH Solutions joins us for an indepth discussion of the Optus debacle, as well as general data security issues.
Find out how you can protect both your business and yourself from the uncertainty, fear and extra work caused by a data breach.
Listen to our past episodes on cyber security here:
Ep 31 - Understanding Why Cyber Security is an Issue for Your Business
Ep 32 - Steps You Can Take to Strengthen Your Business Cyber Security
Ep 33 - How Does Cyber Insurance Work?
Ep 34 - What Happens When I Have a Cyber Security Breach?
Luke Iacovelli *is the Sales Manager for UNITECH Solutions. He is responsible for a team of sales personnel and helps drive corporate selling of technology solutions to suit the many different clients under his portfolio. Working within the technology industry also requires constant training & personal development across the many changes faced within this sector.
Luke has industry qualifications from key vendors such as Microsoft, HP, VMware & Citrix (just to name a few). He prides himself on keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies, so that he is able to communicate these solutions to his clients. As the Sales Manager, Luke works closely with his Sales Team on ensuring they convey quality product knowledge and the delivery of efficient, cost effective Smart Solutions for their wide range of clients.*
https://www.unitech.com.au/
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As part of our celebration of our 100th episode, we asked our listeners what topic they would like covered. The consensus was to do a compilation of the best business advice from listeners.
So that is what you will find in this jam-packed episode!
We heard from business owners and professionals about the strategies that have made a positive difference in their businesses. From human resources tips, to the best mindset for business and cybersecurity must-dos, plus everything in between, we're sure you'll find some inspiration and support for your business.
Thanks again to our listeners and to all of our special guests, including our regular contributors!
Our guests in this episode include:
Paul Cripps is the founder of PK People Solutions and provides operational and strategic HR solutions in collaboration with business leaders and key stakeholders. Contact Paul Cripps at paul@pkpeoplesolutions.com.au
Paul Sweeney is the host of The Business Behind Your Business podcast and the managing director of Pretium Solutions Chartered Accountant & Business Advisory. Contact Paul at www.pretiumsolutions.com.auRaj Nathoo is a Business Growth Facilitator & Coach at Keystone Active Learning. Contact Raj at raj.nathoo@keyactlearn.comJason Smith is the founder of Capital Plus Finance, a commercial finance broking company. Contact Jason at www.capitalplusfinance.com.auLuke Iacovelli is the Sales Manager for UNITECH Solutions, who provides IT and technology solutions for businesses. Contact Luke at www.unitech.com.au
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Delegation can be a great tool for business owners to use - but only if used correctly! Otherwise, employees can feel resentful ("I'm getting the jobs no one else wants!") or overwhelmed ("This isn't my job, why am I doing it? I have no idea what to do!")
Raj Nathoo from Keystone Active Learning shares some helpful tips on using delegation successfully.
Find out why it's important to understand your employees' strengths and abilities before you start delegating tasks. When done properly, staff feel empowered and the business runs more efficiently.
Contact Raj for more information or assistance at raj.nathoo@keyactlearn.com
Raj Nathoo *is a Business Growth Facilitator & Coach at Keystone Active Learning. He is driven by wanting to make a positive difference by working with individuals and organisations in their endeavor to succeed and grow. Raj has a multitude of skills and experiences as an entrepreneur, and understands the stresses and indecision faced when trying to grow a business.
As a learning and development consultant, he has worked with managers and staff in identifying needs and how they can be incorporated into a strategic learning plan to help grow an organisation. Raj has a passion for working with SMEs that are keen to grow and implement new world thinking and concepts.
As an entrepreneur, Raj understands the stresses and indecisions that entrepreneurs face in the desire to grow their business and deliver a positive return on their investment. Raj’s accounting background, coupled with practical know-how, has helped him to identify key constraints in small businesses and advise clients on the best possible methods of overcoming challenges.*
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Do you need to know more about your customers or competition? What about trends affecting your industry? Or generational shifts in society?
Successful businesses are all about providing great solutions to difficult problems faced by your customers. To make sure you are on the right path, it is crucial to have the right information to build your business.
Access to data can help your business grow and thrive. It can help you make evidence-based, informed decisions for your business.
And there's also changes in the workforce to keep tabs on! Generation Alpha are our future workers.
So how can you have your finger on the pulse of what is happening in the world around you? By accessing data and advice from researchers!
Ashley Fell from McCrindle joins us to show how they turn complicated data into useful and engaging insights that can help businesses make key decisions.
Ashley Fell is a social researcher, author and TEDx speaker. She is the Director of Advisory at McCrindle and the author of two books, Generation Alpha and Work Wellbeing. In addition to delivering keynote presentations at conferences, Ashley is booked to conduct training days, facilitate panels and deliver workshops across an array of industries. From generational change to the impact of technology, from key demographic transformations to social trends, Ashley delivers research-based presentations analysing global megatrends.
https://mccrindle.com.au/https://analyseaustralia.com/https://generationalpha.com/
Check out these books by Ashley Fell & Mark McCrindle:Work Well Being: Leading thriving teams in rapidly changing times
Generation Alpha
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We really appreciate it when you use our links to check out and purchase some of the tools we use. It helps cover our costs.
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We'll be back after a short break - there's more podcast episodes to come
It's been a busy year! Between running a small business, sharing business information in this podcast and keeping up with family, we are always hopping! We have decided to take a short break from producing weekly podcast episodes, but rest assured, we'll be back with more content to help you run a successful business!
Upcoming episodes include a focus on market research and how it can help you grow your business, delegation tips, plus more legal expertise from our friends at Frank Law!
If there is a topic that you want to know more about, please send in your ideas and questions here: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheBusinessBehindYourBusiness
In the meantime, check out all of our episodes at https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/category/podcasts/
We'll be back 11th Oct so listen out for us then.
Does your business rely on labour?
An aging population and falling immigration rates already reduced our labour market and then COVID-19 made staffing challenges that much harder.
So how can your business grow and prosper during these challenging times?
Paul Cripps from PK People Solutions explores the issues around labour shortages and provides some ideas for how businesses can successfully navigate these problems.
Key insights include the importance of the following:
- Better planning and problem solving in businesses to deal with labour shortages, supply chain issues and customer needs
- Getting employees aligned to the business - every business needs a solid team
- Retention of key employees through:
- Improved communication between employers and employees
- Check in with your employees - why did you join the business and what makes you stay?
- Suitable pay and flexible working conditions for employees
Check out the resources discussed by Paul here: Standing Tall Through Labour Shortages
Paul Cripps, founder of PK People Solutions, provides operational and strategic HR solutions in collaboration with business leaders and key stakeholders He helps businesses to align the activity of their workforce to the business strategy to improve performance and profitability Paul is a licensed member of the HR Coach Network – the largest independent HR Coaching Network in Australia. His HR corporate career has spanned over 20 years (in Australia and the UK) for QBE Insurance, GE, Allianz, Willis Towers Watson and BNY Mellon.
Contact Paul Cripps at paul@pkpeoplesolutions.com.au
https://www.pkpeoplesolutions.com.au/
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Getting a tax refund is good, right? Everyone loves a tax refund!
But, if this tax refund is for your business, then it may be a sign of trouble! It's time for a closer look at what is happening in your business.
Find out why tax refunds are bad for business in this episode with Paul Sweeney, from Pretium Solutions.
Hint: it's all about the cash flow!
Luckily, there are things you can do to improve your business and avoid any future anxiety at tax time. It's important to find out what is really going on in your business and get to the heart of any issues before they grow.
Here are some of the key things you need to do:
- Have a good understanding of your financial figures and keep them up-to-date and accurate
- Talk to your accountant regularly (not just at tax time!) and get their advice - make sure you understand how taxation works with your business and how it fits with your financial figures
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
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The premise of 'keep it simple' has been widely used and helpful for many people in many scenarios. It's about not overcomplicating things which can leave room for problems to develop.
'Keeping it simple' also applies to business. As a business owner, the more complicated you make things, the more steps that you add in a process, the more errors you may be introducing into your business.
Just like the children's game of 'telephone' where a secret message is whispered from one child to the next until the end result is nothing like the original message, the more steps your business processes have, the greater the chance of an error developing.
The key to keeping it simple at work is elimination. Look at all of the steps in a particular task and ask yourself these important questions:
- Is it really necessary to do this step?
- Does it assist me in achieving my goals?
If yes, then carry on!
If the answer is no, then remove the step and shorten the process.
Unnecessary complexity costs your business time and money, so remember to simplify whenever you can. Your time, energy and money can be better spent somewhere else in your business.
Join Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) for this exploration of how you can simplify processes in your business to develop better outcomes, as well as free up your own time.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
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You may have heard that Australia is adopting eInvoicing, a new standard and network to help businesses with their invoicing needs.
Larissa Walker, the ATO's eInvoicing Business Adoption Lead, joins us to raise awareness of eInvoicing and to share information on the many benefits to businesses.
When we're talking about eInvoicing, this isn't just the act of emailing your invoice to another business and expecting payment. eInvoicing is a new method to exchange invoices that is revolutionising invoicing.
Small businesses will be able to access eInvoicing through their cloud accounting systems. eInvoices are sent to businesses directly through the accounting software via the eInvoicing network by using a business's ABN as an address. It is very simple to set up and use.
Everything is online and more secure than email.
It means there is no more data entry and you'll get more accurate invoices, fewer mistakes and no more lost invoices.
It also reduces the risk of invoice fraud and scams.
The 15-21 August 2022 is eInvoicing Week in Australia. There are many free events to help you learn more about eInvoicing.
Register and get started with eInvoicing today!
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Following on from our episode on the benefits of automation, Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) takes a closer look at how you can get started using automations.
First of all, it's important to decide what would benefit from automation. Some of the key things to look for in tasks are as follows:
- Is it a repetitive task? (Those boring tasks like data entry)
- Is it a fragile tasks? (Easily affected by human error like missed steps and typos)
- Is it a recurring task? (Things like reminders)
Your time is precious and as a business owner, you may be juggling many roles and feel even more time pressure.
Make your worklife easier by automating some of your business processes. Take a close look at your apps and systems. How is work being done? What can be streamlined?
And remember, start small! Just automating one process can make a difference and it will help get you into an automation mindset. From there, you will start to notice other systems that can be improved and simplified.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
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Are you feeling time-poor in your business?
Maybe you're looking for ways to free up time in your busy days?
Automation is the key! Learn how some simple strategies and tools can help you make better use of your time. Your business will be more productive and efficient.
Some of these time-saving strategies include:
- Develop business systems - plus document, review and update them regularly
- Automate processes where possible
- Simplify processes - remove unnecessary steps
- Learn to delegate where appropriate
Join Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) for this detailed look at how you can use automation and other strategies to improve your business and make better use of your time.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
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Are you ready to grow your start-up but not sure how to attract funding?
It is important to have your business ready before you try to gain investors.
Roshan Sidhu from Frank Law looks at some important things you need to do to make your business investment ready:
- Make sure your business structure, documentation and processes are clear
- Have good cash flow and all systems running as efficiently as possible
- Have a clear end goal or commercial objective for your business
- Get professional advice early on
Being investment ready is a holistic process that involves the whole business. It's a process, not a one-off event.
Roshan Sidhu Roshan is a lawyer at Frank Law where he specialises in start-up and tech. He has extensive experience across fields including banking & finance, legal, corporate & public sector advisory, and has prior working experience at Citibank and BCG. Roshan is passionate about growing the broader tech and start-up ecosystem and he is always happy to help founders with legal questions and needs. Some fun facts about Roshan: He's a cat dad, a coffee snob and a long suffering Manchester United fan.
Connect with Roshan here: LinkedIn or via email rsidhu@franklaw.com.au
Resources mentioned by Roshan: https://hubs.ly/Q01fsRbR0Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
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Do you struggle to forecast the right amount of stock to order?
Are your manual systems and processes letting you down?
Find out how ERP (enterprise resource planning) software, like Jiwa, can help your business be more efficient and profitable. It combines inventory management, accounting and other tools in one complete package. Getting the right business tools can make a world of difference. David Fisk, the business development manager from Jiwa, showcases their ERP solutions.
Jiwa has developed an all-encompassing ERP software with the goal to streamline your business processes, bringing you savings of time and money across the board.
Here are some of the ways that Jiwa can help your business:
- Targeted at small to medium enterprises
- Inventory management
- Getting the Cost of Goods right
- Managing comprehensive warehousing
- Reporting that makes sense
- Managing different pricing structures
- All accounting processes
Jiwa is a robust, scalable and well-priced ERP solution that has the potential of reducing your costs and increasing your efficiencies and profit.
First implemented in 1995, Jiwa's ERP System has continually evolved in its functionality to meet customer requirements and to take advantage of the latest technologies. Offering exceptional data integrity and software performance, it is used extensively in the import, distribution, manufacturing, warehousing and service industries.
David Fisk David is the Business Development Manager at Jiwa Financials. He likes helping companies manage their inventory and organisation more effectively through Jiwa’s innovative ERP software solution.
David has been employed with Jiwa Financials since December 2017.
https://www.jiwa.com.au/JIWA-7-overview-2020.pdf
https://www.jiwa.com.au/tour-jiwa-features/
https://www.jiwa.com.au/Jiwa-Definitive-Guide-Business-System-Transition.pdf
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiskdavid/
https://www.facebook.com/ERPisme
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Do you have trouble keeping track of what is going on in your business?
Does the idea of business planning leave you feeling overwhelmed?
Are you ready to grow your business, but not sure where to start?
If any of this sounds familiar, maybe you need an 'all-in-one' business tool!
Chris Palmer, from Maus Software, shares how their cloud-based management system can help you create a successful business. Maus provide a complete set of financial analysis and strategic planning tools that create a clear path to growth. It's everything you need to confidently run your business!
More about Maus: Maus revolutionized the world of strategic planning with the release of the first digitized business planning tool 3 decades ago. Today, Maus leads the industry – providing an all-in-one platform for strategic, business, financial, and exit planning. Our award-winning innovative business management software is the roadmap that will guide small-medium businesses and advisors towards better strategies and practices. We connect with leading financial software providers including Xero & QuickBooks allowing users to automatically create powerful, meaningful, actionable reports in minutes.
Chris Palmer, Director of Maus Software, has worked in the B2B Saas industry for over 7 years, supporting small-medium businesses to systemise & simplify the way they run their business. With a focus on product management and sales, Chris understands the role SaaS needs to play in ensuring business owners can effectively plan, implement, execute and monitor their business & strategic goals.https://maus.com/business-owners/ Connect with MAUS:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maus-business-systems Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mausbusinesssystemsSign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
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Do you have a business that buys and sells products? Or do you manufacture products to sell?
Or, maybe you are looking at starting a business that will have stock?
If your business has inventory, then you need a tool to help you manage your stock and grow your business.
If you don't already have an inventory management system, then this is a tool that your business needs. Know where your stock is and what your stock levels are in real-time. Keep track of ordering and manage multiple pricing levels.
Matt Green, from Unleashed Inventory, explains how using a cloud-based inventory management system can help you run a successful business.
Matt looks at some important times to consider adding in an inventory management system:
- If your business has multiple locations
- When you are looking at expanding your business interstate or overseas
Matt Green’s career has spanned 18 years in Software, working as an analyst and project manager at FMCG companies Fosters Brewing Group and Carlton United Breweries. He also founded a consulting firm to help SMEs with systems and processes for efficiency and delivering business growth, and is currently working with consultants and advisors whose business clients use inventory management software, Unleashed.
Get in touch with Matt
Matt Green on LinkedIn
Matt Green on Twitter
Unleashed Software is the world’s easiest inventory management solution for your business. A powerful, cloud-based inventory management solution that gives your business real-time visibility of accurate inventory information. Take advantage of accurate, real-time stock visibility. Maximise your control and make data-driven decisions based on accurate reports.What is Unleashed? It’s a cloud app that gives businesses full visibility and control over their inventory. Unleashed solves the problems caused by poorly managed stock — including stockouts, stagnating margins and more — by enabling users to easily track their goods across suppliers, warehouses, production and sales.https://www.unleashedsoftware.com/
Find out more about Unleashed WET Solution here.
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What can you do to gain a competitive advantage over other businesses?
Raj Nathoo from Keystone Active Learning discusses how business owners can use the knowledge within their business to its greatest capacity.
Some important points that Raj discusses include the following:
- Identify training needs within your organisation
- Offer staff training - this helps keep skills and knowledge within your organisation, plus it offers greater opportunities for career progression
- Build systems for sharing knowledge into your business
- Don't let all knowledge and skills reside in one key person (Eg. the business owner) - develop systems to reduce this reliance
Contact Raj for more information or assistance at raj.nathoo@keyactlearn.com
Raj Nathoo *is a Business Growth Facilitator & Coach at Keystone Active Learning. He is driven by wanting to make a positive difference by working with individuals and organisations in their endeavor to succeed and grow. Raj has a multitude of skills and experiences as an entrepreneur, and understands the stresses and indecision faced when trying to grow a business.
As a learning and development consultant, he has worked with managers and staff in identifying needs and how they can be incorporated into a strategic learning plan to help grow an organisation. Raj has a passion for working with SMEs that are keen to grow and implement new world thinking and concepts.
As an entrepreneur, Raj understands the stresses and indecisions that entrepreneurs face in the desire to grow their business and deliver a positive return on their investment. Raj’s accounting background, coupled with practical know-how, has helped him to identify key constraints in small businesses and advise clients on the best possible methods of overcoming challenges.*
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https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
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What traps do you need to avoid this end of financial year?
What is the simple strategy behind tax planning?
End of Financial Year (EOFY) activities should include, but not be limited to taxation planning. There are some traps that every business owner should avoid at this time of year. So what do you need to look out for this EOFY?
What tips and tricks will make the next year better?
Join Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) for this detailed look at what you can do to make the end of financial year better for your business.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
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Intellectual property (IP) is frequently overlooked by businesses. But by looking at your IP issues early, when you are setting up your business, you are both protecting your business, as well as adding value to it.
André Meyer, founder of Meyer West IP, joins us to take a closer look at intellectual property and the issues facing business owners when they are setting up their businesses.
André explores some important aspects of IP for new businesses including:
- Correctly adopting a name for your new business
- Identifying your IP
- Identifying risks to your IP
- Protecting your IP with patents
Here is a link that André refers to in the podcast:
https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/
André Meyer *is the founder of Meyer West IP and has over 15 years’ experience in the field of
Intellectual Property Law, both in Australia and abroad.
He entered the IP profession in 2000 when he joined Spoor & Fisher in South Africa. He was admitted as a partner of that firm in 2007. In 2008 André and his wife decided to spread their wings and moved to Australia where André joined Wrays.
After a stint of 2 years with Wrays, André succumbed to the lure of the east coast of Australia and the family Meyer pulled anchor and relocated to Sydney in 2010. Here he joined Spruson & Ferguson. Enthused by the audaciousness of the many SME owners whom he had acted for over the years André decided in 2015 to establish an IP firm which would provide top tier experience but the personal touch associated with a small firm.
Having worked for three leading firms André has been exposed to the full gamut of IP services. He has also worked across a broad range of technologies including mining, medical devices, consumer goods, building products and agricultural implements.
In his free time André loves to read on a range of topics, play golf, challenge his twin boys at backyard cricket or football and to play the card game UNO with his daughter.
Contact André at andre@meyerwestip.com.au*https://www.meyerwestip.com.au/Sign-up for our monthly newsletter so you don't miss an episode (plus get access to extra resources).
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So you have just started your business - why would you want to look at exit planning?
Well, the more you focus on having a great exit plan, the more profitable and successful your business will be. A good business plan is a long-term plan, with both a start and a finish. By planning your business exit strategy before you begin (or at least early!) your journey will be more rewarding, and your business better equipped to deal with future challenges. You will be building value into your business right from the start.
Peter Hickey, the President of The Institute of Advisors and founder of MAUS Business Systems, shares his wealth of knowledge on business planning and exit planning.
Peter asks business owners to answer some important questions like:
- Is your business reliant on one key person?
- Do you have your business systems and processes written down?
- Do you have a business plan that includes regular check ins and accountability?
Here are the links to services and tools mentioned by Peter:
Professional business advisors - The Institute of Advisors
Exit Readiness Attractiveness Diagnostic
Personal Exit Readiness Diagnostic
Pretium Solutions' Exit Readiness services
Blog Before you start your new business, think about your exit strategy
Blog Thinking of selling? Maximise the value of your small business with an exit plan
Peter Hickey *is the President of the Institute of Advisors, an organisation that runs certification courses for business advisors and accountants in 10 countries around the world. Peter was the original founder of MAUS Business Systems, a global Saas business software company and built an international consulting partner network.
He is a bestselling author and creator of a wide range of business tools that have been used in over 60,000 businesses around the world. He is a pioneer and SME thought leader continually innovating and producing simplified management content. As a business owner, Peter founded and successfully built MAUS from a one-man business to a multi-million dollar concern and sold it a multibillion dollar publisher….he then re-acquired the business 7 years later, consolidated the platform in a Saas platform and sold it to a private equity firm.
He wrote a number of bestselling books on Business Planning, Exit & Succession Planning and even a Mini MBA program. Peter has consulted with or trained thousands of businesses over 3 continents. He won the Ernst & Young NSW “Entrepreneur of the Year” award in 1999 and his company has won numerous business awards. His works have been recommended or used by over 30 tertiary educational institutions. He has been active in buying and selling businesses and has a passion for helping business owners and advisors achieve what he has achieved.*
Sign-up for our monthly newsletter so you don't miss an episode (plus get access to extra resources).
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What's the difference between a 'start-up' and 'starting a business'? A start-up is all about scale, it's about creating a business that is built to grow quickly.
We are joined by Meryl Johnston from Bean Ninjas. Meryl looks at start-ups and ways you can scale your business. She also looks at supports for businesses such as mentors and strategies for determining if your business idea would even make a successful business.
Links to the books referred to by Meryl:
Company of One by Paul Jarvis
Built to Sell by John Warrillow
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
The 7 Day Startup by Dan Norris
Meryl Johnston *is a Chartered Accountant who specialises in cloud accounting software Xero. She founded Bean Ninjas in July 2015 with $1,000 following 7 Day Startup methodology.
Bean Ninjas has been operating for 5+ years and they have 20+ staff.
Meryl is also a mentor at Rob Walling's accelerator Tiny Seed and has been featured in articles by Xero, Chartered Accountants ANZ as well as popular podcasts including TMBA, SuperfastBusiness and Pat Flynn's Ask Pat2.0.
Meryl believes in people over profit, the power of buildling systems, remote work and being a coach rather than a manager.
When not out transforming how services businesses operate, Meryl can be found surfing at a local Gold Coast beach or hanging out with her partner and baby daughter.www.beanninjas.comLinkedIn in/meryljohnstonTwitter @johnston_merylPodcast beanninjas.com/podcast*Sign-up for our monthly newsletter so you don't miss an episode (plus get access to extra resources).
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Do you understand your employer obligations under the National Employment Standards? Whether you have one employee (even if it's just you, the business owner) or many, these are rules you must follow, including understanding changes in the past couple of years.
Paul Cripps (PK People Solutions) gives an overview of the eleven points of the National Employment Standards, including the newest changes around casual employment. Paul also highlights some of the areas of greatest confusion for business owners, as well as where to find more detail on the policy.
You can access the resources mentioned by Paul right here:
National Employment Standards
Long Service Leave Calculator
Paul Cripps, founder of PK People Solutions, provides operational and strategic HR solutions in collaboration with business leaders and key stakeholders He helps businesses to align the activity of their workforce to the business strategy to improve performance and profitability Paul is a licensed member of the HR Coach Network – the largest independent HR Coaching Network in Australia. His HR corporate career has spanned over 20 years (in Australia and the UK) for QBE Insurance, GE, Allianz, Willis Towers Watson and BNY Mellon.
Contact Paul Cripps at paul@pkpeoplesolutions.com.au
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Are you ready to turn your passion into a business? Sister2Sister pop duo did exactly that when they opened the popular Sister2Sister School of Singing in 2004. They successfully moved from a performance career to balancing running a singing school with being professional freelance, session vocalists. So how did they do it?
Learn about the exciting journey of Sharon and Christine Muscat and find out why profitable, thriving businesses require more than just passion.
Sharon and Christine Muscat are bonafide industry veterans beginning their music careers as a recording artists and signing deals worldwide with Mushroom, Sony and Columbia Records in their early teens. They toured extensively over 25 countries to promote the release of their self-penned music. Along with thousands of performances and promotional appearances, their multi-platinum releases won for them an ARIA Award and took them on the road with Britney Spears on her ‘Oops I Did It Again’ world tour in 2000. Together, the sisters graced some of the world’s biggest stages including London’s Wembley, New York’s Madison Square Garden and Sydney’s Entertainment Centre.
As freelance, session vocalists based in Sydney, both sisters lend their voices to television and film and regularly provide backing vocals to international and local recording artists. They have featured on countless recordings, tours and live performances for the likes of Boy George, Guy Sebastian, Macklemore, Vance Joy, Jessica Mauboy, Ben Lee, Leo Sayer, Human Nature, Anthony Callea, Michael Bolton and just recently wrapped up an Australian wide arena tour with Delta Goodrem.
As formidable vocal educators both Christine and Sharon have over 20 years experience. Vocal certifications include Level II Instructors with the Institute for Vocal Advancement and Seth Riggs’ Speech Level Singing Technique as well as completion of Levels 1 & 2 of the Estill Voice Method and Estill Advanced Workshop and continue their professional development as teachers and performers.
In 2004, the sisters founded the Sister2Sister School of Singing - a specialised singing school offering singing lessons, music lessons, drama, musical theatre and non-competitive, recreational dance classes along with varied workshops and ample performance opportunities. Classes are delivered face-to-face from their Sydney studios and online, worldwide. The business has won many local business awards over the years along with Christine and Sharon being named Young Entrepreneurs of the Year at the NSW Business Awards. As a natural extension to their business, Christine and Sharon have have formed alliances with labels and managers across the country developing their artists in readiness for the world stage. Both sisters are fiercely passionate about nurturing up-and-coming artists and working with established vocalists to maintain vocal health under commercial demands.
www.sister2sister.com.au
Instagram@sister2sisterschoolofsinging @christinemuscat81 @sharonmuscat @sister2sisterofficial
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Sister2sisterSchoolofSinging
TikTok @s2sschoolofsinging
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
Is being passionate about your product or service enough to warrant starting a business? What about skill or quality - if your product or service is 'the best', does that mean you should start a business selling it?
A successful business requires more than just passion, skill and an amazing product or service.
Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) looks at what you need to do before you start a business. How can you make sure you will have customers who will buy your product or service? Who will your customers be? How will you reach them?
The key here is to make sure you do your research, first.
Here are links to the books Paul mentions in the podcast:
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
Sell or Be Sold by Grant Cardone
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We really appreciate it when you use our links to check out and purchase some of the books and tools we use. It helps cover our costs.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Business*resources, extras and behind the scenes features.
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Do you have a great business idea, but not sure where to start?
Are you confused about what you need to do first?
If this is you (too many questions and not enough answers) then you are in the right place!
Paul Sweeney, chartered accountant and business advisor, explores what you need to know before you launch your new business.
This episode is the first in a series focusing on starting a business.
And don't worry - for those listeners who already have a business - this is a great opportunity to look at the foundations of your business. It is so important to reflect on what is working and what isn't.
Listen in and you'll learn about all of the tools you need to start-up and grow a successful business.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.*
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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As a business owner, have you ever avoided getting advice because it was too expensive, then had to fix up a legal problem which cost even more money? Have you turned down opportunities because getting advice was too hard and too expensive? Do you worry about being appropriately covered for risk but not sure who to turn to?
Running a successful business means staying up-to-date with your responsibilities and setting things up correctly to minimise risk. And many of these important details and tasks are legal requirements of your business.
James Frank from Frank Law shares information on their legal advice subscription service, Law @ Work, and how this type of service can simplify your legal obligations, help you minimise risk, and keep your business on track. Learn how getting proactive legal advice rather than reactive legal advice will help you build a better business.
James Frank from Frank Law is an experienced and innovative Corporate Lawyer dealing primarily in Governance, Advisory, Restructuring and Litigation matters. He also holds an Advanced Certificate in Insolvency from the Australian Restructuring, Insolvency and Turnaround Association. James has a passion for innovation and technology, and is experienced in building and scaling starts ups.https://www.franklaw.com.au/work
Frank Law social media links:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
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As an employer, what are you doing to look after your employees?
These days, employers are investing more into employee wellbeing than ever before.
Employee relations and getting the most out of your employees is one of the most critical things for any business, but it's particularly important for small businesses.
Paul Cripps from PK People Solutions has some practical tips to improve the wellbeing of your employees, including their physical and mental health. Taking care of your people helps your whole business prosper. By taking some extra time to support employees, as well as develop and maintain great team relationships, everyone benefits.
We'll explore examples of programs and services other businesses are using and look at ways you can make improvements in your organisation.
Plus, we'll gain a better understanding of the link between employee wellbeing and overall business success.
For more information about the 5 most important aspects of a high performing culture that Paul talks about in the podcast, then check out this blog:
https://www.pkpeoplesolutions.com.au/2021/08/08/harnessing-employee-culture/
Paul Cripps, founder of PK People Solutions, provides operational and strategic HR solutions in collaboration with business leaders and key stakeholders He helps businesses to align the activity of their workforce to the business strategy to improve performance and profitability Paul is a licensed member of the HR Coach Network – the largest independent HR Coaching Network in Australia. His HR corporate career has spanned over 20 years (in Australia and the UK) for QBE Insurance, GE, Allianz, Willis Towers Watson and BNY Mellon.
Contact Paul Cripps at paul@pkpeoplesolutions.com.au
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How can we support better mental health in our communities and workplaces?
What training is available to help workplaces promote mental health and recognise when someone needs help?
Who can you turn to if you are worried about the mental health of someone at work or at home?
Michael van Dyk from The Black Dog Institute shares some of the key things that the Black Dog Institute does, including:
- raising awareness and breaking down the stigma around mental illness
- helping people find support
- suicide prevention
- training businesses and professionals to recognise the signs that someone needs help and how to get them that help
- what supports are out there for small and medium businesses
Register here for FREE workplace mental health programs (NSW Businesses):
https://www.nsw.gov.au/mental-health-at-work/free-training-and-coaching/register
For more information on the Black Dog Institute and their other programs, check out their website here:
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-services/workplaces/
Michael van Dyk – Black Dog InstituteMichael is a Workplace Engagement Manager at the Black Dog Institute where he has worked for the last 7 years. Over the last three years Michael has been responsible for the successful roll out of Manager and Staff training to NSW businesses as part of the NSW Governments' Mentally Healthy Workplaces strategy. These programs have become a key response by the NSW Government to COVID-19 to support businesses during this difficult time. Michael also delivers lived experience presentations, where he shares his own personal mental health story to help educate audiences about mental health and illness, and to break down the stigma associated with mental illness.
Michael's LinkedIn
Black Dog Institute LinkedIn
Instagram @blackddoginst
Facebook
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Do you feel like your days are spent running from one thing to another and never getting anything done?
Do you look at those 5 and 10 minute gaps between speaking to this client and invoicing that client and picking the kids up from school and think, "That's not enough time to do anything, why bother?"
Is your business suffering from not enough of your attention because there just isn't time?
The disruptions of modern life are many and the quiet moments too few. If this all feels very familiar to you, don't worry, you aren't alone. But, that shouldn't mean we just throw our hands up in the air in despair that nothing will change.
In the busy-ness of life, it is very easy to say, "I don't have time to work on my business" and put off tasks that really need to be done. Well, it's time to give your business the attention it needs!
This week on The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney looks at how you can work effectively on your business, even when you feel time-poor and the disruptions are many.
View the books Paul mentions here.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.*
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
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What is revenue and why is it so important?
Let's start with looking at profit. Profit is the outcome; the end result. It’s quite simply what’s left over from your revenue when you deduct your expenses.
Profit is the final score. Just looking at the final result and saying how much you want it to increase won’t make any difference.
By focusing on the four factors that will create more profit, the end result improves naturally.
So, with profit being what’s left after deducting expenses from revenue, it should be no surprise that increasing revenue is an important factor in growing a business profitably.
Revenue is the number of customers you have, multiplied by the number of times they buy from you and how much they buy each time.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.*
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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How do you determine what your business strategy and plan should be?
How do you identify what your successful business should look like? What goals and targets should you set for your business this year?
The first question you should be asking is 'why?'
Asking 'Why'? Has become a key process for business owners, made popular by Simon Sinek’s book “Start with Why”.
With a strong WHY you will be able to decide whether the next big idea will move your business in the right direction and fit with its overall purpose.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.*
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
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Did you know there are many grants and incentives to help fund early stage innovation companies? And small and medium businesses can access them - they are not just for the large companies.
Peter Towers from ESS BizTools explains what opportunities are available around research and development.
Find out about the application process and steps you will need to take to gain early stage innovation company status.
Peter Towers Peter has many years of business experience including working as a principal of an accounting firm, as a CFO and as a business consultant. He is currently the managing director of Enterprise Support Systems P/L which is the developer of the ESS BIZTOOLS, a web-based advice package for accountants and business advisers. As well, Peter is the managing director of Towers Business Development P/L, a management consulting firm who works with many businesses. Peter has worked as a Consultant for various Australian and Queensland Government Departments and he was previously a Consultant and Business Advisor for Commercialising Emerging Technology (COMET) for AusIndustry. Peter has had direct involvement as an accountant, shareholder and director in a wide range of industries.Connect with Peter and ESS BIZTOOLS here:
LinkedIn Facebook Twitter
Peter's podcasts on Research and Development:
· Grants are a great diversification service –
https://accountantsminute.libsyn.com/grants-are-a-great-diversification-service
· Differentiation – Can be Very Rewarding Offering Research and Development Services - https://accountantsminute.libsyn.com/differentiation-can-be-very-rewarding-offering-research-development-services-helps
· Converting Research and Development To Return on Investment - https://accountantsminute.libsyn.com/converting-research-development-to-return-on-investment
To obtain details of Research and Development Products, follow the links below:
https://www.essbiztools.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2353&Itemid=1549
https://www.essbiztools.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2046&Itemid=1214
Also, Peter is presenting a webinar on Wednesday, 2 March 2022 on Research and Development Process and the benefits of assisting your clients with Government Grants.
Register here https://essbiztools-au.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jSR1zqdZQZiOr_l8BnQmVw
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Planning for your retirement? Or do you look at retirement as something to think of 'down the track'?
Many business owners don't plan properly for their retirement. And many rely on selling their business to fund their retirement. But will that provide the lifestyle that you've been dreaming of?
Find out what else you should be doing.
In this episode, Jim Mills from Merit Planning Hills looks at superannuation and why you should be investing in your super as a business owner. We also look at why many business owners ignore their super.
Find out some key strategies for maximising your retirement funding.
*Jim Mills is the Principle Advisor and Managing Director of Merit Planning Hills Pty Ltd, established in 2008. The Merit Planning team are financial strategy and wealth advisors, with a focus on working with small to medium business owners. They are passionate about ensuring Australian business owners see the benefit of their hard work in the form of significant personal wealth accumulation. In this ever changing economic and legislative landscape it is important to have a partner with a focus on active strategies that align with your strategic goals - both from a business and personal perspective.
Jim is well known across the financial service industry with over 25 years experience, previously holding executive positions in large financial institutions. He is backed by a team of qualified advisors and outstanding service personnel focused on seeing Australian businesses thrive. Jim holds a Bachelor of Business, Diploma of Financial Planning - RG146, Stock Broking, Estate Planning, SMSF specialist & Tax Financial Planning qualified.*
Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
https://www.meritfp.com.au/
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Is your business losing profits to expensive and unnecessary FX conversions? These costs are often 'hidden' but can go up to 5% each time you bring money back, or pay global expenses.
In this episode we talk to Henry Broad from Airwallex who have developed a solution to this problem. Essentially, Airwallex provide a cheaper and easier way to manage money globally.
We discuss how Airwallex solutions have made it possible for businesses to save 3 - 5% on their international imports, shipping and staff expenses by using Airwallex - money they have been able to reinvest back into their business.
●Pay your global supplier and staff faster, in-full, with 10x better rates than major banks
●Save on global SaaS subscriptions like Shopify, AWS or Slack with 0% international transaction fee virtual cards
●Automate your recurring payroll or supplier payments with batch payments
Henry Broad
Henry Broad is a Partnerships Manager, responsible for growing Airwallex to Accountants and Bookkeepers across Australia. He is passionate about equipping the next generation of accounting and finance leaders to seize the emerging opportunities created by FinTech. Prior to Airwallex, Henry was part of the Growth team at LinkedIn and a Finance Broker at Corporate Financial Services. He holds a Bachelor of Business - Majoring in Finance, from the University of Technology Sydney. When he's not at work, you can frequently find him down at the beach or watching Australia roll over England in the Ashes.
Airwallex
Established in Melbourne in 2015, Airwallex is a global payments fintech that enables businesses to operate anywhere, anytime. In today’s fast-changing digital era, Airwallex' s purpose is to empower businesses of all sizes to grow without borders, and by doing so, contribute to the global economy. With technology at its core, Airwallex built a proprietary global financial infrastructure platform to help businesses transact, collect and pay in any foreign currency across 130+ countries and 50+ currencies, without the constraints of the traditional global financial system.
Find out how to get started with Airwallex
Airwallex LinkedIn Company Page
Henry Broad LinkedIn Profile
The Role of Fintech in Modernizing Businesses
Airwallex Facebook Page
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We hope you got some inspiration from last week's 'kick-start your business' podcast. We have another dose ready for you this week on The Business Behind Your Business.
While we have all been experiencing many challenges over the past couple of years, we want to see businesses flourishing, despite the bumpy road. That is why we are working hard to get resources and support out to businesses.
Paul Sweeney shares 10 more of his favourite tips to help make 2022 a great year for your business.
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Have you been reflecting on your business over the holidays? Maybe you have found some things that aren't working well, things that you want to do differently. Or perhaps you aren't even sure where to start.
Don't worry, we have some inspiration to help you kick-start your business this year.
Paul Sweeney shares some of his favourite tips to help make 2022 a great year for your business.
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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Raj Nathoo from Keystone Active Learning explores how your business can manage change in this constantly evolving business environment. It all starts with your personal mindset. Raj discusses why it's important to reduce negative thoughts and stop punishing or blaming yourself for circumstances beyond your control. You need to accept change as being inevitable - change will happen whether you accept it or not.
Raj has provided a tool to aid you on your journey of personal & business growth.
Power Hacks - The Carnegie Triangle
Contact Raj for more information or assistance. raj.nathoo@keyactlearn.com
*Raj is a Business Growth Facilitator & Coach at Keystone Active Learning. He is driven by wanting to make a positive difference by working with individuals and organisations in their endeavor to succeed and grow. Raj has a multitude of skills and experiences as an entrepreneur, and understands the stresses and indecision faced when trying to grow a business.
As a learning and development consultant, he has worked with managers and staff in identifying needs and how they can be incorporated into a strategic learning plan to help grow an organisation. Raj has a passion for working with SMEs that are keen to grow and implement new world thinking and concepts.
As an entrepreneur, Raj understands the stresses and indecisions that entrepreneurs face in the desire to grow their business and deliver a positive return on their investment. Raj’s accounting background, coupled with practical know-how, has helped him to identify key constraints in small businesses and advise clients on the best possible methods of overcoming challenges.*
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https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
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Why is documenting your business systems important? Mitch Kenny from MAUS Software explores the benefits around having your business processes documented.
Some of the benefits include:
- Less reliance on a single business owner/manager
- Opportunities for scale and growth
- Improved overall efficiency
Mitch discusses barriers that often prevent business owners from documenting their systems.
The myths and barriers include the following beliefs:
- "It all has to be done by the business owner/manager"
- "It’s too hard to start from scratch"
- "I don’t want to re-invent the wheel"
Mitch looks at some great ways to get your business started in documenting your policies and procedures.
- If a question needs to be asked, there needs to be a procedure written about it
- Platform like MAUS/SafeWrite to help (templates – 70-90% of content already written)
Get a free trial of the MAUS tools: https://www.maus.com.au/landing/free-trial/
Mitch Kenny:
Mitch has been head of the ISO and Compliance tools at MAUS for the past 4 and a half years, helping business owners and managers improve their systems and processes to better comply with their compliance obligations.
Throughout this time, he has helped businesses of all sizes unlock new opportunities through ISO compliance and has learnt about the importance and benefits of documenting internal processes across all businesses.
Now, as Director of SafeWrite, a new brand under MAUS Software, he is targeting his focus to helping more SME’s develop and control these process and documents in a way that is efficient, manageable and easy to use.https://www.facebook.com/mausbusinesssystems/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/maus-business-systems/
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Technology is wonderful for business, make no mistake. It helps you deliver a more efficient, consistent and effective outcome.
For instance, using technology to improve efficiency with compliance and administrative activities gives you more time and resources to apply to value-producing activities like marketing and sales.
But we can also fall into the trap of spending money on software and technology that we don't really need.
You’re in business to make a profit. And you should use technology to help you increase profit.
Some points to think about:
- Using free or paid apps?
- Using what you've already paid for
- Hiring the right expertise
- Getting the right hardware
- Know what you want to achieve
If you have reviewed your software and computer hardware needs and are looking for deals, check out some of the best deals on Amazon here.
Note: Some of the resources shown may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We really appreciate it when you use our links to check out and purchase some of the tools we use. It helps cover our costs.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
*Luke is the Sales Manager for UNITECH Solutions. He is responsible for a team of sales personnel and helps drive corporate selling of technology solutions to suit the many different clients under his portfolio. Working within the technology industry also requires constant training & personal development across the many changes faced within this sector.
Luke has industry qualifications from key vendors such as Microsoft, HP, VMware & Citrix (just to name a few). He prides himself on keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies, so that he is able to communicate these solutions to his clients. As the Sales Manager, Luke works closely with his Sales Team on ensuring they convey quality product knowledge and the delivery of efficient, cost effective Smart Solutions for their wide range of clients.*
https://www.unitech.com.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/services/strategy-and-advisory/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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How will your business be affected by the events happening in the domestic and global economies?
What can you do to prepare your business to take advantage of the opportunities and minimize risk from adverse conditions?
Jim Mills from Merit Planning Hills talks about what is happening in the markets and in the economy and what small business owners need to know.
There's a bigger picture at play that impacts us all.
Here is the link for the Australian Bureau of Statistics report that Jim refers to in the podcast.
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/business-indicators/business-conditions-and-sentiments/latest-release
*Jim Mills is the Principle Adviser and Managing Director of Merit Planning Hills Pty Ltd, established in 2008. The Merit Planning team are financial strategy and wealth advisers, with a focus on working with small to medium business owners. They are passionate about ensuring Australian business owners see the benefit of their hard work in the form of significant personal wealth accumulation. In this ever changing economic and legislative landscape it is important to have a partner with a focus on active strategies that align with your strategic goals - both from a business and personal perspective.
Jim is well known across the financial service industry with over 25 years experience, previously holding executive positions in large financial institutions. He is backed by a team of qualified advisers and outstanding service personnel focused on seeing Australian businesses thrive. Jim holds a Bachelor of Business, Diploma of Financial Planning - RG146, Stock Broking, Estate Planning, SMSF specialist & Tax Financial Planning qualified.*
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https://www.meritfp.com.au/
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The introduction of director ID will create a fairer business environment by helping prevent the use of false and fraudulent director identities. This will go a long way to better identifying and eliminating director involvement in unlawful activity.
Shareholders, employees, creditors, consumers, external administrators and regulators are entitled to know the names and certain details of the directors of a company. All directors are required by law to verify their identity with us before receiving a director ID. This is important because it will help to:
- Prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities
- Make it easier for external administrators and regulators to trace directors’ relationships with companies over time
- Identify and eliminate director involvement in unlawful activity, such as illegal phoenix activity
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.*
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
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Part 2 of our Future of Work series with Harry Nathoo from Keystone Active Learning.
What skills will you need to successfully navigate the future of work?
The future of work is characterised by rapid and large-scale changes that will affect all industries, in how work gets done over the next decade. This will be influenced by technological, generational, and social shifts. For example, the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in the workplace and the adoption of a more flexible workplace and workforce.
While technology is the biggest influencer driving the future of work, organisations will also need to change and shift in how they are going to operate, by not only adopting a flexible workplace, but also taking the following into consideration:
- Whether they are going to adopt a flexible working environment? For example, adopting a hybrid working model.
- How are they going to humanise the workplace? By this I mean, how are they going to change the current status quo of an employee being a worker in the organisation, to an employee being a person of value and integrity in the organisation?
- How are they going to clearly define goals and expectations, and then inspiring, energising, and empowering their employees?
- How are they going to give their employees the opportunity to learn and develop new skills?
Harry Nathoo (Keystone Active Learning)
Harry has a proven track record of success in sales and marketing, strategic partnerships and business planning and start-ups. Harry has worked closely with top ASX companies, SME's, NFP's and within the Public sector. Through his legal background, Harry has the expertise to advise clients and draws from a wide range of solid business skills to assist him in guiding his clients to build a road map to higher levels of personal achievement and business growth.
You can contact Harry at harry.nathoo@keyactlearn.com
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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This week, we're excited to have Paul Cripps (PK People Solutions) back to shed some light on The Great Resignation Race that we've been hearing about in the media - and how it will impact Australia. Some reports indicate that between 25% and 40% of people are considering moving on in their jobs. Find out what it all means and what you can do to prepare your business. The key will be to act now. You can start by thinking about what motivated your employees to join your business and what motivates them to stay?
Paul Cripps, founder of PK People Solutions, provides operational and strategic HR solutions in collaboration with business leaders and key stakeholders He helps businesses to align the activity of their workforce to the business strategy to improve performance and profitability Paul is a licensed member of the HR Coach Network – the largest independent HR Coaching Network in Australia. His HR corporate career has spanned over 20 years (in Australia and the UK) for QBE Insurance, GE, Allianz, Willis Towers Watson and BNY Mellon.
https://www.pkpeoplesolutions.com.au/2021/10/12/act-now-to-get-ahead-of-the-great-resignation-race/
Paul Cripps paul@pkpeoplesolutions.com.au
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Harry Nathoo from Keystone Active Learning talks about the future of work.
The future of work is characterised by rapid and large-scale changes that will affect all industries, in how work gets done over the next decade. This will be influenced by technological, generational, and social shifts. For example, the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in the workplace and the adoption of a more flexible workplace and workforce.
While technology is the biggest influencer driving the future of work, organisations will also need to change and shift in how they are going to operate, by not only adopting a flexible workplace, but also taking the following into consideration:
- Whether they are going to adopt a flexible working environment? For example, adopting a hybrid working model.
- How are they going to humanise the workplace? By this I mean, how are they going to change the current status quo of an employee being a worker in the organisation, to an employee being a person of value and integrity in the organisation?
- How are they going to clearly define goals and expectations, and then inspiring, energising, and empowering their employees?
- How are they going to give their employees the opportunity to learn and develop new skills?
Harry Nathoo (Keystone Active Learning)
Harry has a proven track record of success in sales and marketing, strategic partnerships and business planning and start-ups. Harry has worked closely with top ASX companies, SME's, NFP's and within the Public sector. Through his legal background, Harry has the expertise to advise clients and draws from a wide range of solid business skills to assist him in guiding his clients to build a road map to higher levels of personal achievement and business growth.
You can contact Harry at harry.nathoo@keyactlearn.com
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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As businesses begin opening up, there is the added responsibility of enforcing the government's mandate on restricted access to the unvaccinated. Some important questions need to be asked:
- Are you confident about dealing with potentially aggressive confrontations at work?
- What training do you or your staff have in handling conflict?
- What are the benefits and what are the repercussions if you don't?
Former British Police Bodyguard and Personal Safety expert, Steve Curtis, talks us through effective de-escalation strategy, the importance of integrating awareness and training into your customer service and the things you can do now to prepare yourself.
The HeadFirst Personal Safety De-Escalation Guide is available here.
Steve Curtis is a former London Police Officer, who recently moved to Australia with his family in 2019. During a 22 year career, he worked in a number of specialist roles including, Emergency Response, Specialist Firearms, Counter Terrorism, Hostage Rescue and Close Protection. Before leaving, he was bodyguard to Prime Ministers Theresa May and Boris Johnson, and upon arriving here he set about putting together a Personal Safety Course that now teaches people the same high level skills he used to protect others, allowing them to protect themselves.
https://www.theheadfirst.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/TheHeadFirst/
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The challenges facing businesses just keep piling up. But by being adaptable in your thinking, you can create a better path forward for you and your business. Avoid that sense of deja vu with some solid business planning (and implementation!)
Paul Sweeney explores how you can keep your business moving forward once lockdowns end and businesses start opening up. We'll all be dealing with a changed environment - and business owners can't afford to keep doing things the way they did before and expect to get the same or improved results. We need to adapt our thinking and our ways of working to meet the new challenges facing our businesses.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.*
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
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https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 30th Anniversary Edition - Stephen Covey
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We are joined by Daniel Munday, the host of Small Business Dads podcast and the owner and manager of DPM Performance, who specialise in supporting the fitness needs of people who are 40+ years old.
We talk about some of the tools and strategies we use in creating a podcast, plus we discuss the challenges and triumphs of running a business and balancing that with family life.
Check out our Behind the Scenes blog for more information on the podcasting tools we love to use.
Other resources mentioned in the podcast:
R U OK?
Beyond Blue
Black Dog Institute
Daniel Munday has been in the fitness industry since 2000 and running DPM Performance since 2005. He helps busy 40 plus women and men feel more energised, less stressed and be more active with personal and small group training options.
The DPM philosophy is customising short, effective workouts to maximise results and minimise the time needed to accomplish them, all without fad diets, vomit inducing workouts, sit ups or burpees.
He is also the host of the Small Business Dads podcast which aims to go deeper than the usual business podcasts by focusing more on the guest, what makes them tick and of course finding out about their passion for being a dad. He is married with 2 young girls (7 and 3).https://dpmtransformation.com/https://smallbusinessdads.com.au/
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.*
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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This week we're looking at a topic that is very relevant in today's business climate. Paul Sweeney explores the question: If you are going to survive in small business, it will be necessary to know what your cash needs are going to be, both cash in and cash out.
What do you need to consider when working out how much cash to keep on hand?
Cash flow is the life of any business and its management is one of the most important factors in any business. The ability to collect funds from Debtors, deal with cash tied up in stock and dealing with Income Tax and Goods and Services Tax (GST) is essential.
Find out more about cash flow here in this free guide.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.*
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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How do you succeed in small business? Paul Sweeney shares some of the key steps and tools all business owners should have in place to help them succeed in business. In this episode, we explore how using each of these contributes to running a successful business.
Get advice before starting:
- Business Plan
- Budget and Cashflow Forecast
- Accounting records
- Regular financial reports
- Review Budgets and Cashflow Forecasts
- Conduct market surveys
- Hire and keep good staff
- Use financial data for managing the business
- Know your customer
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.*
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
Sign up here for additional The Business Behind Your Businessresources, extras and behind the scenes features.
Ask us a question at www.speakpipe.com/thebusinessbehindyourbusiness
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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How do you manage talent when everyone is working remotely?
It's a question being asked by many business owners and managers during these current periods of uncertainty and continued COVID lockdowns.
So how do we manage our employees who are working virtually?
Harry Nathoo and Paul Cripps discuss how we can achieve this. They suggest that we need to move beyond traditional viewpoints on managing employees. Traditionally input based and time based management are not effective.
COVID has provided a requirement for business to change the way they do work, and what that means for employees and their managers.
Harry and Paul discuss the need for Trust, Transparency, Communication and Flexibility as being essential in managing your employees for the best possible outcomes, not solely for your business but also for your employees well being.
Paul CrippsPaul Cripps, founder of PK People Solutions, provides operational and strategic HR solutions in collaboration with business leaders and key stakeholders He helps businesses to align the activity of their workforce to the business strategy to improve performance and profitability Paul is a licensed member of the HR Coach Network – the largest independent HR Coaching Network in Australia. His HR corporate career has spanned over 20 years (in Australia and the UK) for QBE Insurance, GE, Allianz, Willis Towers Watson and BNY Mellon.
Get in touch with Paul Cripps paul@pkpeoplesolutions.com.au
Harry Nathoo (Keystone Active Learning)
Harry has a proven track record of success in sales and marketing, strategic partnerships and business planning and start-ups. Harry has worked closely with top ASX companies, SME's, NFP's and within the Public sector. Through his legal background, Harry has the expertise to advise clients and draws from a wide range of solid business skills to assist him in guiding his clients to build a road map to higher levels of personal achievement and business growth.
To learn more about how you can improve your teams effectiveness, contact Harry Nathoo at harry.nathoo@keyactlearn.com
Links to some of the resources discussed in the podcast:
https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/9-tips-for-managing-remote-employees/
Gartner also have a free eBook available Prepare for a Hybrid Future of Work
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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Paul Sweeney and Paul Cripps discuss three essential tools that every business needs.
- Accounting software – accounting (including payroll), bookkeeping, taxation
- CRM Software - Customer Relationship Management Software
- Sales Tools - the process where a prospect commits to buying from you
Accounting Software
Accounting is, as everyone knows, an integral part of operating any business. Accounting software helps you to make more efficient use of your time and facilitates the monitoring of cash flow, expenditure, tax filing and other essential business data. Keeping your books accurate and up-to-date is integral to smooth business operation.
Customer Relationship Management Software
One of the best ways to better understand your relationship with customers and to drive business growth is to use a CRM software tool in order to better analyse the ways in which your business interacts with its customer base. Small businesses are able to successfully manage customer relationships through the best CRM for small businesses.
Sales Tools
A sales process refers to a series of repeatable steps a sales team takes to move a prospect from an early-stage lead to a closed customer.
Links to some of the resources discussed in the podcast:
ConvertKit
Accounting Software for Businesses
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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Paul Murray, founder of AccountKit, shares his experience of the start-up process from an idea, to a minimum viable product, to now having an established business that recently celebrated it's 5th Anniversary. Paul Murray shares some key lessons for anyone contemplating starting a business or for anyone who has already launched their business.
Key points raised by Paul include:
•Importance of identifying a product where there is an existing need and customer base
•Starting with a minimum viable product
•Listening to your customers before adding new features
•Realistic time frames for break-even - how long should you expect to fund your business before it generates positive cash flow?
•What you can do to overcome “fear of failure”?
*Paul Murray is the co-founder of AccountKit, co-director of his own accounting firm with his wife, father of three and an avid gamer harking back to his days prior to accounting.
AccountKit is the Swiss Army Knife for accountants and bookkeepers, providing a variety of cloud-based tools to streamline and automate day-to-day tasks, giving them the Power to Perform at their absolute best!*
https://www.account-kit.com/
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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In our 50th Episode, Bruce Gleeson is back to share his 10 Essential Steps to Take Now If Your Business is in Crisis.
After our last conversation with Bruce, which is only a couple of weeks ago, we discussed "What you should be doing when your business is in trouble". Some of the feedback we received was, "Thank you. That's great advice. Can we get some practical steps on what we should be doing?"
Bruce Gleeson is back to share his tips to help businesses, particularly family businesses, through what is an ongoing difficult period.
Crisis management is the design of strategies to help a business deal with a sudden and significant negative or “black swan” event. Many small to medium enterprises (“SME’s”) typically do not have the kind of detailed plan that larger businesses and emergency response organisations have. Given the Covid 19 delta variant has led to a 2nd round of lockdowns across various states within Australia, here are 10 steps to help SME’s both now and in the short term.
Get the free guide 10 Crisis Management Steps for Businesses in Financial Distress
https://www.jonespartners.net.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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How do you manage employee leave during a COVID lockdown?
If your employees are unable to take leave, how do you as an employer manage the increasing liability for annual leave accruals? Can you force an employee to use their annual leave while your business is in lockdown? Can an employee cash out some of their annual leave?
Paul Cripps and Ben Baumgarten take a deep dive into these questions.
Ben Baumgarten is a Senior Associate Lawyer and has practised exclusively in the area of workplace relations. Ben has experience advising and representing clients, in both the public and private sector, on all aspects of employment law and industrial relations.
*Prior to joining Frank Law, Ben has worked for national firms in both Sydney and Melbourne.
Paul Cripps, founder of PK People Solutions, provides operational and strategic HR solutions in collaboration with business leaders and key stakeholders He helps businesses to align the activity of their workforce to the business strategy to improve performance and profitability Paul is a licensed member of the HR Coach Network – the largest independent HR Coaching Network in Australia. His HR corporate career has spanned over 20 years (in Australia and the UK) for QBE Insurance, GE, Allianz, Willis Towers Watson and BNY Mellon.*
Ben Baumgarten bbaumgarten@franklaw.com.au Ph+61 2 9688 6023
Paul Cripps paul@pkpeoplesolutions.com.au
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Learn all about how content marketing can help you grow your business.
Join Leanne Shelton from Write Time Marketing as she explores these issues.
As a business owner, you may be an expert in your field, but are you also an expert in describing your business, services or products? And how they are going to solve the problems faced by your customers? Probably not!
That's where a professional copywriter comes in. A copywriter will 'get into your head' and gain a deep understanding of both your business and your customers.
With content marketing, you have your website, blog and social media all working together to lead customers to you.
Leanne Shelton has over 15 years of professional writing experience – with additional skills in sales, marketing, PR, and events.
She’s worked in not-for-profit, corporate, and government roles, but her passion for health and wellness has driven her towards that particular niche.
This includes writing high-quality and engaging content – as well as running a relevant meet up group and podcast ‘Marketing & Me’.
In recent years, Leanne has used her breadth of content marketing knowledge to teach business owners how to enhance their brand and authority within their industry.
As a result, she now has a split offering in her services – outsourced copywriting and DIY training, giving her clients the option to choose the best path in their current journey.
Links:
leanne@writetimemarketing.com.au
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanneshelton/
@leanneshelton247 (Instagram)
‘Marketing & Me’ podcast - https://podkite.link/marketing-and-me
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A lot of these family businesses haven't properly recovered from the impact of the first round of COVID-19 lockdowns during 2020. What should you be focusing on as a business owner especially during a second and subsequent periods of COVID lockdown?
Bruce Gleeson shares with us what all business owners in crisis or financial difficulty should be doing. In fact, the strategy Bruce shares is recommended for all business owners.
Bruce actively encourages business owners and individuals to seek professional assistance at the earliest time when they may be facing insolvency or bankruptcy. This optimises the range of options available and can quite often enable an informal restructuring or turnaround solution.
Irrespective of the nature of the insolvency, restructuring or bankruptcy matter, Bruce believes that effective communication with all parties including business owners, employees, creditors and other stakeholders not only reduces anxiety levels for those concerned, but also enables financial hardship to be appropriately dealt with, as well as enhancing the possibility of recovery for creditors.
*Bruce Gleeson is a Director and Owner in Jones Partners, a firm that provides tailored solutions to companies (particularly small to medium enterprises) and individuals in financial difficulty or that require restructuring assistance, exit planning advice or general strategic advice.
He has in excess of twenty (25) years in corporate insolvency, restructuring, exit planning and bankruptcy experience. Bruce has also held roles in commerce with several Top 100 Companies (James Hardie and AMP) to further add to his professional skills in areas such as compliance and project management.
Bruce is a Registered Liquidator, Registered Trustee in Bankruptcy and a Justice of the Peace (NSW).*
https://www.jonespartners.net.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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Declining or flat-lining profits (or even profits that aren’t increasing as quickly as you’d like) could be a major red flag for a small business. However, many business owners fall into the trap of doing the same things that worked in the past and hoping to achieve the same or better results – despite the evidence from what the numbers say. It’s important to work out how to increase profits for a small business so that the numbers come back a little kinder next time.
Join Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions – Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers) and Paul Cripps (PK People Solutions) as they explore the 5 things you can do to increase profit in your business.
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The 2021 Financial Year has just finished. For many the results will not be great. We all want it to have a better year coming forward. So, what do we need to do now?
In this episode, Paul Sweeney outlines 7 steps to take now to make your next financial year better.
Paul Sweeney *Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life.
For Paul, the driving force behind The Business Behind Your Business was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.*
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.
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Casual Employment Changes - A Good News Story for Employers
Recent amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act) change the workplace entitlements and obligations for casual employees.
These changes came into effect on 27 March 2021.
In February 2021 (episode 24) Paul Cripps and Philip van den Heever discussed the changes that were in the pipeline for casual employment.
Paul Cripps from PK People Solutions and Ben Baumgarten from Frank Law unpack what the changes are and how they affect your business.
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media-releases/website-news/reforms#casual-employment-information-statement
Ben Baumgarten bbaumgarten@franklaw.com.au Ph+61 2 9688 6023
Paul Cripps paul@pkpeoplesolutions.com.au
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You might be surprised to find out just how many different government grants and assistance programs are on offer. Depending on your specific business and the markets you supply to, different grants might be applicable.
Is your business leaving cash on the table? By not taking advantage of government grants and incentives which may be available to your business, are you turning your back on financial assistance that Federal and State governments are offering?
However, many people would argue that the availability of and access to these grants are a well-kept secret.
Join Paul Sweeney as he takes a closer look at grants and find out how YOUR business might benefit.
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When selecting a business structure for a small business, there is a cheap way and an expensive way.
The cheap way is to do it right first time – by getting advice from an experienced professional. But the expensive way is commonly disguised as the ‘low-cost’ method.
Make sure you consider the real costs of setting a business up – selecting the wrong structure through poor advice can become a costly mistake.
When you try to cut corners with your business structure by choosing the ’low-cost’ method, it can actually get very expensive.
Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a FREE download of our Business Start-Up Checklist (Great tips on everything you need to consider before launching your big idea!) Download the Business Start-Up Checklist
Structuring Ownership For Your New Business. Paul Sweeney from Pretium Solutions explains how in this Business Structures e-book. Get Your Copy
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Landing pages are often dismissed as a cheap alternative to websites. Phil Wendell from Click Click Media explains how every business can use landing pages as part of their marketing strategy to target new customers. By using landing pages, you can quickly and easily test your market and get feedback. How much did I invest in marketing this landing page? What were the results? How many leads did I get? And what was the quality of the leads? It's a good way to get information to further grow a business.
Phil joined Click Click Media in 2010 founding their SEO and Website Departments. Now as Managing Director he spearheads the innovation, growth and strategic partnerships for the business.
https://clickclick.media/
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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What is RegTech? How does it affect my business? What should I be doing?
According to Deloitte, "RegTech (Regulatory Technology) is more than a buzzword, it is a very real movement that is already having an impact on regulatory compliance."
Deborah Young, CEO of the RegTech Association explains what RegTech is, and how RegTech is used every day by businesses everywhere.
The RegTech Association is a global non-profit industry member body focused on accelerating adoption of RegTech solutions and creating a global centre of excellence.
The association brings together government, regulators, regulated entities, professional services and founder-led RegTech companies to ensure collaboration between all of the parties, promoting the RegTech industry as widely as possible, resulting in action in the uptake of RegTech proof of concepts and deployed RegTech solutions across the eco-system.
Membership of the RegTech Association has grown to180 organisations including 125 RegTech firms. The cohort also includes top tier banks, global technology companies and consulting firms. Deborah has advocated for the industry with Government, regulators, investors and trade agencies. She has led the recognition of Australia as the third highest concentration of RegTech producers in the world.
Deborah sits on the Australian Federal Government FinTech Advisory Committee, NSW Government ICT Procurement Task Force, The National Blockchain Roadmap RegTech Committee and is a member of ASIC’s Digital Committee and a regular speaker, presenter and designer of RegTech programs for the association and its partners and with regulators in Australia and overseas.
Deborah is an accomplished chief executive, non-executive director, mentor and strategic business consultant. She has over 20 years' experience as a senior executive across financial services, including investment banking, private equity, venture capital, superannuation and insurance spectrums. Deborah holds an Executive MBA (Global) from UTS Business School and was named as the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence in 2019 for Innovation.
Find out more about the RegTech Association
LinkedIn
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Tax planning is a legitimate strategy all business owners can take advantage of to minimise tax.
Tax planning is not just for big business. Every business can take advantage of some simple strategies to reduce tax this financial year.
Paul Sweeney, Chartered Accountant and Registered Tax Agent, explains some simple strategies to reduce tax this financial year for your business.
Connect with Paul Sweeny on Linkedin
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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The Australian economy's recovery from COVID-19 is well underway. The Federal Budget is focused on securing Australia's recovery and rebuilding. It is a plan to invest rather than reform.
Many have argued that it is a bland budget, missing the opportunity to deliver more tax cuts to help business owners.
So how do the measures announced in the budget help your business? Where are the opportunities for growth and how can you take advantage of these?
Paul Sweeney from Pretium Solutions Chartered Accountants discusses how the incentives can benefit your business and what the growth areas being targeted by the budget spending are.
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https://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com
What is unfair dismissal? Who can apply for it? How does the Commission consider cases before it?
For many employers, unfair dismissal can be a roadblock that prevents them from hiring because they don't have a good understanding of unfair dismissal and it's associated risks. It's useful for businesses to understand which employees can apply for unfair dismissal and what types of things the Commission considers when they hear these applications. If you have a business, it's important for you to get all of the facts.
Join Philip van den Heever as he explores these important issues around unfair dismissal.
*Philip is Frank Law’s Business Development Manager and Special Counsel of the Corporate and Commercial Advisory division. He has over 18 years of commercial litigation and employment law experience in both South Africa and Australia.
His deep understanding of corporate and employment law allows him to wisely direct his clients to succeed in their business development.*
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employee-entitlements/national-employment-standards/fair-work-information-statement
@work by Frank Law
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
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Are you struggling to engage your employees who are working from home? Do you want better ways to support your remote team? Find out more about emotional intelligence and how a greater understanding of this skill can affect your business and help you all work as a cohesive team.
Managing remote workforces has its challenges. Given how common this situation is, it's worth learning the skills to help make remote work a success. Help support your employees so that they can continue to give the best to your business.
Raj Nathoo from Keystone Business Advisory explores the topic of emotional intelligence and how you can use it to meet the challenges of supporting a remote workforce. Emotional intelligence is seen as an important skill for workplace success.
Resource referred to in the podcast:
https://store.hbr.org/product/hbr-s-10-must-reads-on-emotional-intelligence-with-featured-article-what-makes-a-leader-by-daniel-goleman/15036?from=quickSearch
*Raj is a Business Growth Facilitator & Coach at Keystone Business Advisory. He is driven by wanting to make a positive difference by working with individuals and organisations in their endeavor to succeed and grow. Raj has a multitude of skills and experiences as an entrepreneur, and understands the stresses and indecision faced when trying to grow a business.
As a learning and development consultant, he has worked with managers and staff in identifying needs and how they can be incorporated into a strategic learning plan to help grow an organisation. Raj has a passion for working with SMEs that are keen to grow and implement new world thinking and concepts.
As an entrepreneur, Raj understands the stresses and indecisions that entrepreneurs face in the desire to grow their business and deliver a positive return on their investment. Raj’s accounting background, coupled with practical know-how, has helped him to identify key constraints in small businesses and advise clients on the best possible methods of overcoming challenges.*
Raj Nathoo raj.nathoo@keyactlearn.com
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Have you thought about trying networking but not sure where to start? Maybe you're not sure what you'll get out of it or if it will be worthwhile? Sandra Zalud from Liberty Network Services shares her experiences with business networking as a small business owner.
Sandra found one important benefit that she received from business chambers and other networking groups was education on how to run your business. Plus, there was opportunity to discuss any problems you were facing and talk about solutions with other business owners. Another important aspect of networking was building relationships with other business people in the community. When you run a business, you need other people.
Each networking group has a different sort of purpose and what you get out of it will be different from group to group.
If you are ready to give networking a go, keep these things in mind:
- Networking takes effort
- Decide how much time you can allocate to networking activities and don't go over it (remember - you still have a business to run!)
- What do you want to achieve from networking? Have some concrete goals and make sure you take the time to review how it's going.
Sandra has been a representative of Liberty Network Services for over 5 years and has over 25 years of banking & finance experience. Sandra has a passion for creating finance solutions for her clients and ensuring those solutions align with her clients' goals & financial circumstances. She prides herself on offering exceptional customer service. As a Liberty Advisor, Sandra offers diverse lending ranging from Commercial Finance, Self-Managed Super Funds, Residential Mortgages, Business and Personal Loans, Car Finance with Liberty and a panel of lenders. After hours, Sandra enjoys spending time with family and going out to restaurants, dancing and meeting new people at networking events.
https://www.liberty.com.au/sandra-zalud
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/how-we-help/
Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Networking Resources in the Hills Shire
https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Business/Grow-your-Business-in-The-Sydney-Hills/Business-Networking-Groups
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PART 2 of our look at cyber security and the insurance you need to protect your business.
In this episode, we look at what happens if there's a cyber attack and I have to make a claim? What's the process?
Join Dave Ferris (Davelcorp Insurance Brokers) and Luke Iacovelli (UNITECH Solutions) as they dive into the issues around cyber crime and how best to protect your business from cyber attacks.
If your business experiences a cyber attack and you have insurance, then the first step is to contact your insurance broker and they will work with you and your IT support. If you don't have cyber security insurance, you will go straight to your cyber security provider. There is a process to find out what's happened, what damage has been done and what are the next steps.
It's important to remember that cyber-risk is just one risk that's inherent in a business. We recommend that you take a proactive approach to risk management and look at all of your business risks. You need to work with your IT professionals and say, "How can we protect ourselves using your expertise to manage the risks by the way we do our business?"
You need to have your risk management, cyber-risk strategies in place to service your business and then the insurance becomes a simple fallback. You won't get insurance, if you don't have those measures in place anyway. And so the insurance is just a fallback, it's not the solution.
Explore these issues and more and get your business' cyber security on track.
*Dave Ferris:
Dave is the Senior Client Broker & Division Head (Enterprise Division) at DavelCorp Insurance Brokers. He has diverse insurance industry experience spanning over 35 years, that has included roles in Risk Management, General Insurance underwriting, Facultative reinsurance, Underwriting Agency Management and Insurance Broking.
Dave's qualifications and experience well equip him to add significant value to his clients as a risk consulting insurance broker with a proven track record in tailoring unique risk transfer solutions for larger clients, groups and associations. https://www.riskybusiness.com.au/ Luke Iacovelli:
Luke is the Sales Manager for UNITECH Solutions. He is responsible for a team of sales personnel and helps drive corporate selling of technology solutions to suit the many different clients under his portfolio. Working within the technology industry also requires constant training & personal development across the many changes faced within this sector. As the Sales Manager, Luke works closely with his Sales Team on ensuring they convey quality product knowledge and the delivery of efficient, cost effective Smart Solutions for their wide range of clients. https://www.unitech.com.au/*
To learn more about cyber crime and how to protect your business, check out this book:
Surviving the Rise of Cybercrime: A non-technical executive guide (Australia) by Craig McDonald
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https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/services/strategy-and-advisory/
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Is your business appropriately protected from cyber crime? Do you have specific cyber insurance coverage? Many small and medium businesses don't understand the issues involved and are at risk of costly cyber attacks.
In the past, it was the mega companies that were being hacked and they had teams of cyber loss control staff trying to prevent this by designing good security systems. Now, the cyber criminals have moved to targeting smaller enterprises with less robust security. While the cyber criminals may no longer get one large ransom amount from a mega company, they may get many smaller amounts from these other businesses.
Many of these small to medium businesses don't spend enough money on cyber security, therefore are more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Business insurance has changed over time to include cyber insurance. Cyber security is identified as a risk to businesses. It's just one of the many risk profiles in a business. So when your business applies for a cyber insurance policy, the insurance company will look at your IT security and this will impact your premiums. If it's determined that you haven't put appropriate controls in place for your risk profile, you may not qualify for insurance.
The cyber insurance policies have grown to meet the greater needs of businesses. They're an extremely valuable policy coverage to have in your arsenal against a business risk.
The cyber security strategy for your business involves working with your IT professionals and getting appropriate cyber insurance coverage. There are many issues involved with setting up and maintaining IT systems and in determining your cyber security risk profile. It's important to get professional IT support and to use an insurance broker so that you can get the most effective cyber security for your business.
Explore these issues and more and get your business' cyber security on track.
*Dave Ferris:
Dave is the Senior Client Broker & Division Head (Enterprise Division) at DavelCorp Insurance Brokers. He has diverse insurance industry experience spanning over 35 years, that has included roles in Risk Management, General Insurance underwriting, Facultative reinsurance, Underwriting Agency Management and Insurance Broking.
Dave's qualifications and experience well equip him to add significant value to his clients as a risk consulting insurance broker with a proven track record in tailoring unique risk transfer solutions for larger clients, groups and associations. https://www.riskybusiness.com.au/ Luke Iacovelli:
Luke is the Sales Manager for UNITECH Solutions. He is responsible for a team of sales personnel and helps drive corporate selling of technology solutions to suit the many different clients under his portfolio. Working within the technology industry also requires constant training & personal development across the many changes faced within this sector. As the Sales Manager, Luke works closely with his Sales Team on ensuring they convey quality product knowledge and the delivery of efficient, cost effective Smart Solutions for their wide range of clients. https://www.unitech.com.au/*Sign-up for our monthly newsletter so you don't miss an episode (plus get access to extra resources).
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/services/strategy-and-advisory/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
In this episode, we're going to delve into some of the practical steps that you can take to reduce your exposure to cyber crime. Luke Iacovelli (UNITECH Solutions) returns to help your business identify some of the practical steps you can take to reduce your cyber security risk and exposure.
Many businesses are experiencing the following situation - their IT systems at the office are up-to-date and working fine, but the home computer systems that many staff are using are at risk of a cyber attack. This has become an even bigger issue over the past year due to COVID, with more people working from home than ever before.
Explore these issues and more and get your business' cyber security on track.
*Luke is the Sales Manager for UNITECH Solutions. He is responsible for a team of sales personnel and helps drive corporate selling of technology solutions to suit the many different clients under his portfolio. Working within the technology industry also requires constant training & personal development across the many changes faced within this sector.
Luke has industry qualifications from key vendors such as Microsoft, HP, VMware & Citrix (just to name a few). He prides himself on keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies, so that he is able to communicate these solutions to his clients. As the Sales Manager, Luke works closely with his Sales Team on ensuring they convey quality product knowledge and the delivery of efficient, cost effective Smart Solutions for their wide range of clients.*
https://www.unitech.com.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/services/strategy-and-advisory/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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When it comes to cyber security, the weakest link is the user - the actual human being behind the computer. You could have the best systems in the world doing what they do best, but if someone clicks on something or does something at a user level, then you can potentially compromise a lot of the work.
The common misconception is that cyber security and cyber crime is an IT issue. It is, but it's also a management and business issue. So everything from the user right through to the systems in the backend, everyone is responsible for being aware of security issues and everyone is responsible for trying to mitigate and avoid problems as much as possible. So it's not just your IT supplier, or manager, or team that's responsible for this - everyone across the organization needs to be. And it really starts with end user awareness.
Cyber crime is a professional business that exists. Not many people are aware of this, but cyber criminals have access to exactly the same systems that everyone else has. They've got development, they've got a black market, they've got everything that they need to be able to professionally attack your business and get that information.
*Luke is the Sales Manager for UNITECH Solutions. He is responsible for a team of sales personnel and helps drive corporate selling of technology solutions to suit the many different clients under his portfolio. Working within the technology industry also requires constant training & personal development across the many changes faced within this sector.
Luke has industry qualifications from key vendors such as Microsoft, HP, VMware & Citrix (just to name a few). He prides himself on keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies, so that he is able to communicate these solutions to his clients. As the Sales Manager, Luke works closely with his Sales Team on ensuring they convey quality product knowledge and the delivery of efficient, cost effective Smart Solutions for their wide range of clients.*
https://www.unitech.com.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/services/strategy-and-advisory/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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With the end of Jobkeeper approaching in March for those businesses still meeting eligibility criteria, and other tax concessions being phased out, business owners need to look beyond March.
The COVID-19 crisis has provided some indirect beneficial outcomes. It has in many ways been a catalyst for businesses to closely examine how they operate, who they transact with, and the efficiency and profitability of their businesses.
There has been a greater focus on planning, strategy, active management of production and sales, marketing & sales, and a re-imagining of business. While cash flow is always key – business resilience will have as much to do with recovering after coronavirus as it has in how businesses manage temporary setbacks.
For businesses that have not, or will not adapt, the end of concessions and cash flow lifelines may be terminal.
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What are the traps businesses fall into with digital marketing? Where does your website fit in with your marketing strategy? Claire Wendell from Click Click Media discusses the problems many businesses face when trying to get started with digital marketing. Claire states, "You really want to try with your online marketing to showcase who you are as a business. The behavior of consumers online - and your competitor - is just one click away. As opposed to retail where you might be the only shop in the vicinity and if customers want to go to somewhere else, they've got to walk - with the internet, it's very easy for people to compare you with other businesses online."
Good digital marketing is the difference between your advertising working or not working. If you get the website wrong and the website message wrong, and then go to Google ads or Facebook, you're not going to get any inquiries. If businesses are saying, "Well, Google doesn't work or Facebook doesn't work," there's a reason the businesses are getting those results.
It really is focusing on what your key services are, your unique selling propositions, and the core values of your business. If you can display that as soon as someone looks at your website, in an instant, that's what you need to do in an online way.
*Claire Wendell founded Click Click Media in 2008. She felt there was a great need for a personalised service that offered education and support to businesses in the online marketing field.
In recent years, Click Click Media has evolved to provide complete digital solutions to compete in a fast-paced digital world. They combine software engineers, business architects and marketing experts to create next level and innovative solutions for their clients' changing needs.*
https://clickclick.media/
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
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Sandra Zalud shares some of the lessons learned from her experience of starting a business and provides some key advice for anyone getting started in business.
Even with 25 years' experience with lending and assisting a mortgage broker, there were lessons to be learnt when Sandra started her own mortgage broking business.
Sandra has been a representative of Liberty Network Services for over 5 years and has over 25 years of banking & finance experience. Sandra has a passion for creating finance solutions for her clients and ensuring those solutions align with her clients' goals & financial circumstances. She prides herself on offering exceptional customer service. As a Liberty Advisor, Sandra offers diverse lending ranging from Commercial Finance, Self-Managed Super Funds, Residential Mortgages, Business and Personal Loans, Car Finance with Liberty and a panel of lenders. After hours, Sandra enjoys spending time with family and going out to restaurants, dancing and meeting new people at networking events.
https://www.liberty.com.au/sandra-zalud
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/how-we-help/
Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Hills Shire for Business
https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Business/Grow-your-Business-in-The-Sydney-Hills
Networking
https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Business/Grow-your-Business-in-The-Sydney-Hills/Business-Networking-Groups
Demographics Resource Centre
https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Economic-Development/Business-Support-in-The-Sydney-Hills/Demographics-Resource-Centre
Business start-up blog: So, you want to start a business?
For more information on starting a business, download this free business start-up guide
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When processes and procedures aren’t documented…
- A customer’s issue may be handled incorrectly
- Customer service won’t meet customer expectations
- Errors will be made
- How much time is wasted by other employees learning how to do someone else's job (badly) on the fly?
- How much of their own work do they not get done while they are covering for someone else?
Paul Sweeney from Pretium Solutions Chartered Accountants and Certified Business Advisors explores the reasons why all businesses, no matter how small or big, need to have systems and strategies in place for all employees.
Typically, most Small and Medium Business organisations do not have a clear set of policies and procedures that cover the major areas of the business. The important outcomes for your business from getting this right are:
- Improved productivity
- Improved quality
- Improved customer satisfaction
- Increased profit and revenue
- Reduced risk of legal liability
The complete Small Business Cloud Management System MAUS Cloud software includes an ‘all-in-one’ suite of cloud-based business apps which can be fully customized to be unique to your individual business. MAUS Business Planning & HR Pack
Only $97/month - Save over 50%
Read this blog Document processes & procedures - so it won't matter when Joe doesn't turn up for work
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
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https://www.loom.com/
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Every business has risks. Identifying the cost to your business from losing one of your key people is the first step in protecting your business from loss.
Jim Mills from Merit Wealth identifies the major risks to your business from losing a key person. How do you identify the impact? How do you create a plan to financially protect your business from the loss resulting from death, disablement or trauma?
Explore these issues around risk management and learn how you can protect your business.
*Jim Mills is the Principle Advisor and Managing Director of Merit Planning Hills Pty Ltd, established in 2008. The Merit Planning team are financial strategy and wealth advisors, with a focus on working with small to medium business owners. They are passionate about ensuring Australian business owners see the benefit of their hard work in the form of significant personal wealth accumulation. In this ever changing economic and legislative landscape it is important to have a partner with a focus on active strategies that align with your strategic goals - both from a business and personal perspective.
Jim is well known across the financial service industry with over 25 years experience, previously holding executive positions in large financial institutions. He is backed by a team of qualified advisors and outstanding service personnel focused on seeing Australian businesses thrive. Jim holds a Bachelor of Business, Diploma of Financial Planning - RG146, Stock Broking, Estate Planning, SMSF specialist & Tax Financial Planning qualified.*
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://www.meritfp.com.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
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Jason Smith, from Capital Plus Finance, shares his lessons learned from creating and successfully selling his business Cash Flow Advantage.
Jason didn't start his business with a plan of selling. But the decisions he made and the systems he implemented transformed his business into a profitable business that ran independently of him.
When the time came to sell, Jason had a very saleable business that sold quickly at a good price.
"I was working more on strategy and systems and processes, and obviously making sure we had good credit policy because we were in the lending business. And it just dawned on me that you build businesses to have something that's saleable at a point in the future. And you don't necessarily have to sell it, but you really do want to have it so that it is a saleable business," says Jason.
*Jason Smith has a passion for business, which started for him in 1996 when he bought his first business, a real estate franchise with a business partner.
After selling the business in 2007 Jason started a Debtor Finance company in 2008 (CashFlow Advantage) and discovered his love of finance and assisting small business owners with their cash flow.
In March 2018, Jason started Capital Plus Finance, a commercial finance broking company, and he is back doing what he loves most, helping small businesses succeed by making sure they get the very best finance deal available and offering a great customer experience.*
Contact Jason Smith:
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Books mentioned by Jason and Paul:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Good to Great by Jim Collins
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed by Brian Tracy
Exit strategy blog: Before you start your new business, think about your exit strategy
For more information on exit planning, download this free Business Exit & Succession eBook
Capital Plus Finance
https://capitalplusfinance.com.au/
The Business Behind Your Business podcast website
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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Employers now have a new issue that has come to the forefront that's to do with a case concerning casual employment, and it has the potential to significantly change the way that employers look at casual employment.
Before we actually look at this issue, it's important to understand what is meant by casual employment and the reasons why we have casual employment.
Casual employment is there to help businesses employ people on an ad hoc basis. So it shouldn't be regular hours or regular days. The idea is that there is no commitment to ongoing work.
The reality is that many people are working in full-time roles with consistent hours and consistent days in an ongoing basis. These casual employees are actually filling permanent roles.
This idea of having a casual employee was not to have the long-term commitment. In other words, the employee doesn't have this expectation of ongoing employment, which also meant that the employee didn't have a recourse to unfair dismissal and some other entitlements.
And employers then hired people on that basis, on the presumption that the employer had certain protections and that they could terminate the employment at any time and relatively more easily than that of a permanent employee.
But the law has caught up with this type of conduct over time and that has basically resulted in the situation we now have. In a recent case the court agreed that, despite the fact that there's a casual employee agreement in place, if you look at the nature of the relationship, the way he was rostered and used in the business, the employee is entitled to be a permanent employee, and those protections, which the employer thought he had, did not exist. So that has caused problems, from a legal perspective.
Download the Casual Employee Contract
*Philip van den Heever is Frank Law’s Business Development Manager and Special Counsel of the Corporate and Commercial Advisory division. He has over 18 years of commercial litigation and employment law experience in both South Africa and Australia. His deep understanding of corporate and employment law allows him to wisely direct his clients to succeed in their business development.
Contact Philip van den Heever at Frank Lawhttps://www.franklaw.com.au/ Paul Cripps provides operational and strategic HR solutions in collaboration with business leaders and key stakeholders. He helps businesses to align the activity of their workforce to the business strategy to improve performance and profitability. Paul is a licensed member of the HR Coach Network – the largest independent HR Coaching Network in Australia. His HR corporate career has spanned over 20 years (in Australia and the UK) for QBE Insurance, GE, Allianz, Willis Towers Watson and BNY Mellon.
Contact Paul Cripps at PK People Solutions*https://www.pkpeoplesolutions.com.au/Sign-up for our monthly newsletter so you don't miss an episode (plus get access to extra resources).
Rita Morar from Keystone Business Advisory provides Part 2 of our discussion of the five pillars of success. In Part 1 (Last Episode) we dived deeply into this discussion of what is a primary motivator and why people need to understand what motivates them to have a really successful personal life and business life. In this episode Rita Morar unpacks the next four pillars of success.
*Rita is a Relationships Manager and Trainer. She passionately works with individuals and micro-businesses in helping them implement proven practical strategies and methodologies that helps them grow personally and professionally. In her previous role at Commonwealth Bank over the past 10 years, Rita mentored and coached Retail Banking staff on customer service skills, sales and compliance.
Rita has extensive experience in business growth and performance and the learning and development space and have helped turn businesses around and help grow businesses from inception.*
Contact Rita on:
rita.j.morar@keyactlearn.com
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Rita Morar from Keystone Business Advisory explains the five pillars of success. In Part 1 of this two part discussion Rita discusses the first and most important pillar of success which is our primary motivation. A foundation of success is to identify and utilize your primary motivators. Find out how understanding your primary motivators can help you grow your business.
*Rita is a Relationships Manager and Trainer. She passionately works with individuals and micro-businesses in helping them implement proven practical strategies and methodologies that helps them grow personally and professionally. In her previous role at Commonwealth Bank over the past 10 years, Rita mentored and coached Retail Banking staff on customer service skills, sales and compliance.
Rita has extensive experience in business growth and performance and the learning and development space and have helped turn businesses around and help grow businesses from inception.*
Contact Rita on:
rita.j.morar@keyactlearn.com
Facebook
LinkedIn
Sign-up for our monthly newsletter so you don't miss an episode (plus get access to extra resources).
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
We are hearing from business owners about opportunities that now exist. Many are planning on how they will capitalise on these opportunities.
“Creating opportunity is about more than just thriving in an unstable, sometimes scary world. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself, and creating the life where you have all the opportunities you need to reach your full potential. To increase the quality and quantity of opportunity available, it’s important to take on a series of mindsets that will positively change how you see yourself, how others see you, and how you see opportunity.”
- Eben Pagan author of “Opportunity: How to Win in Business and Create a Life You Love”
Google says that opportunity is, “A set of circumstances that make it possible to do something.”
Right now, we are faced with many opportunities. It is up to us to choose our mindset and how we approach these opportunities. To capitalise on these circumstances it is necessary to have the right mindset. It is also important to equip ourselves with the tools and resources we need to give ourselves the best chance of success.
*Paul Sweeney launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life. For Paul, the driving force behind the creation of Pretium Solutions was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business adviser at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.*
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/how-we-help/
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com
Connect with Paul on his socials:
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Buy Opportunity: How to Win in Business and Create a Life You Love on Amazon
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It's important to have contingency plans as part of your risk management strategy. What plans do you have in place, right now, to deal with scenarios where your business isn't able to function for a period of time? From there, it is then essential to think about how your insurance can help you make these contingency plans happen.
Dave Ferris, from DavelCorp Insurance Brokers, looks at business interruption insurance and how it works. Many people don't really think about this kind of insurance, until an event happens and they want to make a claim.
*Dave is the Senior Client Broker & Division Head (Enterprise Division) at DavelCorp Insurance Brokers. He has diverse insurance industry experience spanning over 35 years, that has included roles in Risk Management, General Insurance underwriting, Facultative reinsurance, Underwriting Agency Management and Insurance Broking.
Dave's qualifications and experience well equip him to add significant value to his clients as a risk consulting insurance broker with a proven track record in tailoring unique risk transfer solutions for larger clients, groups and associations.*
https://www.riskybusiness.com.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/how-we-help/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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Personal Goals play a valuable part in defining your business goals and the specific actions you need to take.
A major cause of stress and anxiety for business owners is the failure of their business to enable their personal goals to be met.
In this episode we explore why personal goals are very important in defining your business goals. How do your personal goals shape the goals and targets for your business?
By setting SMART goals, we can create a manageable business plan, with clearly defined actions for how we are going to achieve our goals.
*Paul Sweeney launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday life. For Paul, the driving force behind the creation of Pretium Solutions was to make high end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses.
Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business adviser at every level of business. Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.*
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/blog/3-steps-to-ensure-your-new-year-business-resolutions-stay-on-track/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/how-we-help/
https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com
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What's the point of a business plan? My business is already up and running. Are business plans and goals the same thing? What do you need to include in your business plan? Are there any tools to help me create a business plan?
Paul Sweeney, from Pretium Solutions (Chartered Accountant & Business Advisory) discusses why creating and reviewing your business plans are important activities for all businesses. He talks about the steps involved in setting up a business plan and how often you need to review it. Paul also looks at how having an external advisor can assist with this process.
Remember - a goal without a plan is just a wish!
If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of business planning, check out this article.
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What kind of funding does your business need? What do you need to do before you seek funding? What are the steps involved in preparing and submitting your finance application? Are there alternatives to borrowing? Jason Smith, from Capital Plus Finance, discusses these issues and more. Your finance needs to be part of your overall business strategy, so it's important to get it right. Find out from the experts the best ways to fund your business.
https://capitalplusfinance.com.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
For more information on becoming 'finance fit', check out the guide, 'FitsMe - Essential Guide to Business Funding' developed by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), in partnership with Scottish Pacific Business Finance. It is full of tips that every small business owner needs. Download the guide here ASBFEO Finance Fit Guide
Jason Smith has a passion for business, which started for him in 1996 when he bought his first business, a real estate franchise with a business partner. After selling the business in 2007 Jason started a Debtor Finance company in 2008 (CashFlow Advantage) and discovered his love of finance and assisting small business owners with their cash flow. In March 2018, Jason started Capital Plus Finance, a commercial finance broking company and he is back doing what he loves most, helping small businesses succeed by making sure they get the very best finance deal available and offering a great customer experience.
Sign-up for our monthly newsletter so you don't miss an episode (plus get access to extra resources).
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You may be an expert in your business - but do you know much about protecting your business? How about risk management? Most business owners don't know very much about insurance and they don't understand exactly what insurances they will need.
Dave Ferris, from DavelCorp Insurance Brokers, discusses why it's so important for business owners to have the right types of insurance and he looks at the role of a broker.
The first step an insurance broker takes is to get an understanding of your business, so that they can assess your needs or potential needs and work out what your risk profile is.
One of the main benefits of using an insurance broker is that you get advice on what insurance is best going to suit your business and your needs. Those who get their own insurance directly miss out on the advice and often get products that aren't suitable.
*Dave Ferris is the Senior Client Broker & Division Head (Enterprise Division) at DavelCorp Insurance Brokers. He has diverse insurance industry experience spanning over 35 years, that has included roles in Risk Management, General Insurance underwriting, Facultative reinsurance, Underwriting Agency Management and Insurance Broking.
Dave's qualifications and experience well equip him to add significant value to his clients as a risk consulting insurance broker with a proven track record in tailoring unique risk transfer solutions for larger clients, groups and associations.*
https://www.riskybusiness.com.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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Cloud solutions aren't just for large businesses. Small businesses can also benefit from using tools that are cloud-based. Having data in the cloud allows users to access information quickly, which enables small businesses to make decisions and react to change effectively.
Luke Iacovelli, from UNITECH Solutions, discusses the importance of having your business IT in the cloud environment. He talks about the many advantages of using cloud solutions, in terms of data management, version control, ease of use, collaboration opportunities and security.
Luke looks at issues around migrating your data to the cloud environment. He talks about the importance of understanding how businesses use their IT systems to make the migration to the cloud as easy as possible.
Luke Iacovelli is the Sales Manager for UNITECH Solutions. He is responsible for a team of sales personnel and helps drive corporate selling of technology solutions to suit the
many different clients under his portfolio. Working within the technology industry also requires constant training & personal development across the many changes faced within this
sector. Luke has industry qualifications from key vendors such as Microsoft, HP, VMware & Citrix (just to name a few). He prides himself on keeping up-to-date with the latest
technologies, so that he is able to communicate these solutions to his clients. As the Sales Manager, Luke works closely with his Sales Team on ensuring they convey quality product knowledge and the delivery of efficient, cost effective Smart Solutions for their wide range of clients.
https://www.unitech.com.au/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/how-we-help/
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Sandra Zalud, from Liberty Network Services, discusses the ways that businesses can use business loans. While funding is always an issue when starting a business, a business loan isn't available until a business has been trading profitably for 2 or more years.
There are many other ways that a business loan can be used. For example, businesses can use a business loan to pay off tax debt or to purchase equipment. A business might also get a loan to help with cash flow.
Sandra also discusses what is involved in the application process.
Sandra has been a representative of Liberty Network Services for over 5 years and has over 25 years of banking & finance experience. Sandra has a passion for creating finance solutions
for her clients and ensuring those solutions align with her clients' goals & financial circumstances. She prides herself on offering exceptional customer service. As a Liberty Advisor, Sandra offers diverse lending ranging from Commercial Finance, Self-Managed Super Funds, Residential Mortgages, Business and Personal Loans, Car Finance with Liberty and a
panel of lenders. After hours, Sandra enjoys spending time with family and going out to restaurants, dancing and meeting new people at networking events.
https://www.liberty.com.au/sandra-zalud
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/how-we-help/
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Our guest speaker, Harry Nathoo from Keystone Business Advisory, explores the topic of making great sales in difficult, changing times.
Some key areas include:
- developing an overall strategy for marketing and sales
- targeting your sales efforts to make the most out of the marketing budgets of small businesses
- the importance of training sales staff
No sales means no business, so this is an area of importance for all business owners.
Harry has a proven track record of success in sales and marketing, strategic partnerships and business planning and start-ups. Harry has worked closely with top ASX companies, SME's, NFP's and within the Public sector. Through his legal background, Harry has the expertise to advise clients and draws from a wide range of solid business skills to assist him in guiding his clients to build a road map to higher levels of personal achievement and business growth.
To learn more about how you can improve sales for your business, contact Harry at harry.nathoo@keyactlearn.com
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/how-we-help/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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When we start a business, we do so because we want freedom. Then we become slaves to that business, and unless we grow by using scale to grow our business, we are not going to enjoy the freedom we want.
Jim Mills, Financial Advisor with Merit Planning Hills, discusses this dilemma that faces most business owners.
If you don't scale, if you don't build your resources and your processes around bringing in good people, then you end up with much more stress. We don't think that anyone will ever be as good as ourselves, but when we accept that and get over it and start building our businesses with the appropriate systems and processes in place, that's freedom.
If a business owner or founder is the only revenue raiser, when they do come to a point of selling, there is nothing to sell. This is because when you take them out of the business there is nothing left. That's a situation you want to avoid. And that's why you have to have a plan and you have to scale your business.
*Jim Mills is the Principle Advisor and Managing Director of Merit Planning Hills Pty Ltd, established in 2008. The Merit Planning team are financial strategy and wealth advisors, with a focus on working with small to medium business owners. They are passionate about ensuring Australian business owners see the benefit of their hard work in the form of significant personal wealth accumulation. In this ever changing economic and legislative landscape it is important to have a partner with a focus on active strategies that align with your strategic goals - both from a business and personal perspective.
Jim is well known across the financial service industry with over 25 years experience, previously holding executive positions in large financial institutions. He is backed by a team of qualified advisors and outstanding service personnel focused on seeing Australian businesses thrive.*
https://www.meritfp.com.au/your-business
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/how-we-help/time-to-scale-up/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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It can be easy to stay motivated when your business is going well - but what about when things are hard? What do you do to keep yourself on track and maintain that passion for your business?
Raj Nathoo, from Keystone Business Advisory, suggests we need to do two things. Firstly, he suggests we need to be open to change because what's going on around us is forcing us to adapt and adopt what's happening. Secondly, we need to stop listening to the negativity around us.
*Raj is a Business Growth Facilitator & Coach at Keystone Business Advisory. He is driven by wanting to make a positive difference by working with individuals and organisations in their endeavor to succeed and grow. Raj has a multitude of skills and experiences as an entrepreneur, and understands the stresses and indecision faced when trying to grow a business.
As a learning and development consultant, he has worked with managers and staff in identifying needs and how they can be incorporated into a strategic learning plan to help grow an organisation. Raj has a passion for working with SMEs that are keen to grow and implement new world thinking and concepts.
As an entrepreneur, Raj understands the stresses and indecisions that entrepreneurs face in the desire to grow their business and deliver a positive return on their investment. Raj’s accounting background, coupled with practical know-how, has helped him to identify key constraints in small businesses and advise clients on the best possible methods of overcoming challenges.*
Contact Raj at raj.nathoo@keyactlearn.com
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http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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There are some very common tell-tale signs of when a business is under financial distress and heading for trouble. As a business owner there are some key aspects to running your business that you must proactively manage.
Bruce Gleeson from Jones Partners explains why managing cash flow and your compliance obligations are fundamental in avoiding business failure.
A key is to "get more business to really engage with trusted advisors and make the most of their business opportunity. Because quite often, outside of them buying a home, operating a business is the biggest other investment, both emotionally and financially that they're going to make."
In general business owners leave it way too long before they seek help. With 80% of corporate insolvencies in Australia involving businesses that employ less than 20 employees, there is a lot of opportunity to educate and equip small business owners to avoid the common causes of business failure.
*Bruce Gleeson is a Director and Owner in Jones Partners, a Firm that provides tailored solutions to companies (particularly small to medium enterprises) and individuals in financial difficulty or that require restructuring assistance, exit planning advice or general strategic advice.
He has in excess of twenty (25) years in corporate insolvency, restructuring, exit planning and bankruptcy experience. Bruce has also held roles in commerce with several Top 100 Companies (James Hardie and AMP) to further add to his professional skills in areas such as compliance and project management.
Bruce is a Registered Liquidator, Registered Trustee in Bankruptcy and a Justice of the Peace (NSW).
Bruce actively encourages business owners and individuals to seek professional assistance at the earliest time when they may be facing insolvency or bankruptcy. This optimises the range of options available and can quite often enable an informal restructuring or turnaround solution.
Irrespective of the nature of the insolvency, restructuring or bankruptcy matter, Bruce believes that effective communication with all parties including business owners, employees, creditors and other stakeholders not only reduces anxiety levels for those concerned, but also enables financial hardship to be appropriately dealt with, as well as enhancing the possibility of recovery for creditors.*
https://www.jonespartners.net.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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What are the common IT requirements for any business ? How you can avoid costly mistakes with your purchasing?
Computers and Information Technology have become essential for businesses. A new computer, usually on sale, is often one of the first purchases made for a new business.
However, there is a danger that on-sale and free versions of software can add up to a costly, inefficient and risky way of managing your business Information Technology (IT) risks and resources.
Luke Iacovelli, from UNITECH Solutions, discusses some of the common traps owners face when setting up IT and managing IT for their business. Luke provides some wise advice on the right way to structure your business IT resources and how you can save time, save money and have a more effective IT resource available to support your business processes.
Luke Iacovelli - UNITECH Solutions *Luke is the Sales Manager for UNITECH Solutions. He is responsible for a team of sales personnel and helps drive corporate selling of technology solutions to suit the many different clients under his portfolio. Working within the technology industry also requires constant training & personal development across the many changes faced within this sector.
Luke has industry qualifications from key vendors such as Microsoft, HP, VMware & Citrix (just to name a few). He prides himself on keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies, so that he is able to communicate these solutions to his clients. As the Sales Manager, Luke works closely with his Sales Team on ensuring they convey quality product knowledge and the delivery of efficient, cost effective Smart Solutions for their wide range of clients.*
https://www.unitech.com.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/services/strategy-and-advisory/
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
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Why do business owners feel stuck, and fail in achieving their personal and business goals?
In this episode, Harry Nathoo from Keystone Business Advisory explains how a mindset of resilience can help you the business owner to not only survive, but thrive as we navigate through this crisis and beyond.
Harry has a proven track record of success in sales and marketing, strategic partnerships and business planning and start-ups. Harry has worked closely with top ASX companies, SME's, NFP's and within the Public sector. Through his legal background, Harry has the expertise to advise clients and draws from a wide range of solid business skills to assist him in guiding his clients to build a road map to higher levels of personal achievement and business growth.
Contact Harry at harry.nathoo@keyactlearn.com
Sign-up for our monthly newsletter so you don't miss an episode (plus get access to extra resources).
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/how-we-help/
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In this episode we’re grateful to be able to share with you an interview from Alive 90.5’s Grow the Business - People Edition.
Paul Sweeney is talking with Alive 90.5 hosts Paul Cripps and Kylie Thomas about 4 key areas to managing your business through and beyond the current crisis.
These four areas as being key to managing a business through and beyond the current crisis.
Cash Flow management - review, improve, measure, monitor and forecast. Cash flow management is always critical for your business.
Planning - create and implement your action plan for the next 90 days and beyond. Include specific actionable and measurable tasks broken down into simple steps.
Taxation - ensure continued compliance, take advantage of concessions, and reduce cash leakage to tax.
Team of advisors - use the experience and knowledge of a team of highly qualified professional advisors to build a high-performance business.
Knowing exactly where you are is important. Getting to know your numbers is critical. Particularly around cash flow
You can’t plan to move forward or prepare your business for when Government assistance gets scaled back, if you don’t know accurately where you are starting from.
*Paul Sweeney launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. For Paul, the driving force behind the creation of Pretium Solutions was to make high-end, proactive, directed and value-based advisory services available to small to medium businesses. Paul brings to the table decades of experience as a highly qualified accountant and business advisor at every level of business.
Through consulting, coaching and on-the-ground training and operations, his focus is on unlocking the untapped potential for greater profitability. Paul’s qualifications allow him to pair strategic advice with an advanced understanding of taxation and compliance matters.*
http://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
https://www.alive905.com.au/listenlive/
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Understanding your rights and obligations and making sure you have essential legal agreements in place is crucial for every business. Start off on the right track when your relationships with business partners are still in the honeymoon phase.
Law ultimately is about relationships. It's about managing relationships between people.
Philip van den Heever from Frank Law shares his thoughts on the legal advice and agreements essential for every business owner.
Many business owners don't use a business lawyer. It's often not thought to be necessary until something goes wrong. Like many situations for businesses, getting the right legal advice for your business should be an integral part of your initial business start up activities. If we engage a business lawyer early in the process of establishing a business generally we're going to achieve a better outcome.
In this episode Philip explains some of the essential legal agreements every business needs. What they are? Why they are necessary? How do they provide protection? When should agreements be made? What is a shareholder's agreement? How do you provide for equitable share of profit? What happens if one person wants to leave the business? What assets does the business need to protect?
*Philip van den Heever is Frank Law’s Business Development Manager and Special Counsel of the Corporate and Commercial Advisory division. He has over 18 years of commercial litigation and employment law experience in both South Africa and Australia.
His deep understanding of corporate and employment law allows him to wisely direct his clients to succeed in their business development.*
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://www.franklaw.com.au/work
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
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Jason Smith from Capital Plus Finance discusses why being prepared is crucial for a successful finance application.
Why do finance applications get rejected? Why won't my bank lend to me? How can a broker help me find the right type and source of finance for me?
Jason Smith answers these questions and more. What does a business need to do to prepare for a finance application and what are banks and other lenders looking for? How does your credit score affect your finance application and how can you look after your credit score?
As finance brokers, what we do have is the expertise and passion for getting the right result for our clients. And that not only means getting an approval but getting the very best solution the market has to offer.
There are many different types of equipment financing products and scenarios out there, and it can be hard to work out which one is best. An equipment finance broker uses their expertise to compare, source and process the best deals for your unique scenario, no matter what line of business you’re in.
There comes a time in almost every business’s journey where external financing is required to continue growing. Finance is therefore often seen as an accepted, yet complex part of running a small to medium enterprise (SME). Managing the operations of any business is challenging enough as it is, leading many SME owners to seek assistance in understanding the wide range of financing options and lenders available to them. When requesting support, your best port of call is a business finance broker.
Jason Smith
Jason Smith has a passion for business, which started for him in 1996 when he bought his first business, a real estate franchise with a business partner. After selling the business in 2007 Jason started a Debtor Finance company in 2008 (CashFlow Advantage) and discovered his love of finance and assisting small business owners with their cash flow. In March 2018, Jason started Capital Plus Finance, a commercial finance broking company and he is back doing what he loves most, helping small businesses succeed by making sure they get the very best finance deal available and offering a great customer experience.
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://capitalplusfinance.com.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
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When business goals are not being achieved, it generally means that there are two or three key issues that haven’t been solved satisfactorily. Long term solutions are required to prevent the business owner from ‘putting out the same fires’ over and over again. It’s accepted that every business will have a dozen or more issues, but in general there are three or four ‘make or break’ problems that stop a business owner reaching their goals.
The biggest issue of course is that ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’. In other words, while there are proven solutions to business problems, the business owner may not know the right questions to ask to find them. Instead, business owners will often resort to guess work and ‘band-aid’ solutions. A team of advisors in the form of a Client Advisory Board brings together information and advice from qualified, experienced business professionals.
A group of interconnected disciplines in a collaborative Board of Advisors help you, the business owner, work on the common goal of building a valuable business.
Discover how your business can benefit by using a team of external advisors.
Hear from Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions Chartered Accountants and Certified Business Advisers); Bruce Gleeson (Jones Partners Insolvency & Business Recovery); Jason Smith (CapitalPlus Finance); Dave Ferris (Davelcorp Insurance Brokers); Luke Iacovelli (Unitech IT Solutions); Harry Nathoo (Keystone Business Advisory); and Paul Cripps (PK People Solutions).
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http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com
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Paul Cripps, founder of PK People Solutions discusses how there is often more than one aspect to a business human resources issues, and how an "advisor team" approach can deliver more effective outcomes in terms of employee motivation, effectiveness and profitability.
Paul provides operational and strategic HR solutions in collaboration with business leaders and key stakeholders He helps businesses to align the activity of their workforce to the business strategy to improve performance and profitability Paul is a licensed member of the HR Coach Network – the largest independent HR Coaching Network in Australia. His HR corporate career has spanned over 20 years (in Australia and the UK) for QBE Insurance, GE, Allianz, Willis Towers Watson and BNY Mellon.
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://www.pkpeoplesolutions.com.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
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In this episode we're discussing why it's important to extract wealth from your business. Jim Mills is the principle adviser and managing director of Merit Planning Hills.
Jim shares from his experience why it is so important for business owners to create and extract wealth from their business.
One of the key reasons we go into business is to create wealth and fund the lifestyle we want. It's important to have a clear goal of what this looks like. And, you should always keep that end goal in mind and work towards achieving that goal.
You need to extract wealth from your business throughout the life of your business. The day will come when you are no longer in business. Don't wait for that day to come to extract wealth. You may be disappointed!
http://www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/
https://www.meritfp.com.au/
https://pretiumsolutions.com.au/
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Welcome to The Business Behind Your Business podcast
Conversations to help your business grow and thrive. It's like having your own board of expert advisers in your pocket.
Join your host Paul Sweeney and our team of expert advisers as we take a deep dive into the problems, and solutions for issues faced by business owners.
In our 15-20 minute podcasts we’ll discuss information and advice from qualified, experienced professionals to help you create a great business.
Running a business is hard. And no matter how experienced you are in your business you’ll run into unexpected issues. Whatever is happening to your business now, it has likely happened to plenty of business owners before.
The Business Behind Your Business will be bringing the team of expert advisers to you, sharing their experience, tips and case studies to help you run a great business.
Sign-up for our monthly newsletter so you don't miss an episode (plus get access to extra resources).
www.thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com
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