Grow A Small Business Podcast
Troy Trewin
Our weekly 30 minute podcast helps you, a small business owner with 5 to 30 team members, take your company to the next level. The Grow A Small Business community, weekly cast, blog and leadership email supports leaders get through the pain of growth.
With insights, lessons learned, books and tools as well as habits these experienced small business owners suggest you develop, our interviews unearth tremendous value for anyone wanting to grow their business with less stress.
With insights, lessons learned, books and tools as well as habits these experienced small business owners suggest you develop, our interviews unearth tremendous value for anyone wanting to grow their business with less stress.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2025 • 22min
QFF: Secrets to Business Success: Amanda Jones of Grow Small Business Reveals How to Master Marketing ROI, Brand Building, and Customer Acquisition with Practical Tips and Real Metrics to Drive Growth. (Episode 622 - Amanda Jones)
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews Rob Cameron sits down with Amanda Jones from Grow A Small Business to explore the secrets to marketing success for small businesses. Amanda shares her expertise on measuring ROI, the importance of brand building, and actionable strategies for customer acquisition. With practical insights and real-world examples, she highlights how small businesses can make confident marketing investments. Whether you're looking to improve your metrics or scale your growth, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Don't miss Amanda's expert tips on unlocking your business's potential! Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Know Your Numbers: Track essential metrics like customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV) to evaluate your marketing ROI effectively and make informed investment decisions. Balance Brand Building and Lead Generation: Allocate your marketing budget wisely, with around 50-60% focused on long-term brand building and the rest on short-term lead acquisition efforts. Test and Monitor Continuously: Success in marketing comes from testing, monitoring, and refining. Experiment with different channels, content, and campaigns to find what works best for your audience. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Leverage Low-Cost, High-Impact Channels: Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective tools, offering both brand-building and lead-generation opportunities with an impressive ROI. Start Small, Scale Smart: When trying new marketing channels or campaigns, begin with a modest budget and scale up gradually based on measurable results and trends. Tailor Strategies to Your Audience: Understand your target audience's needs and behaviors. Personalize your messaging and use storytelling to connect authentically and build trust. One action small business owners can take: According to Amanda Jones, small business owners should prioritize tracking essential metrics like Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV). This foundational step helps evaluate marketing efforts, optimize budget allocation, and identify opportunities for growth. By understanding these numbers, you can confidently make data-driven decisions to drive success. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Marketing is about testing, monitoring, and refining to find what truly works for your business — Amanda Jones Know your numbers – metrics like CAC and LTV are the compass for smart marketing investments — Amanda Jones Confident marketing decisions come from understanding your audience and your data — Amanda Jones

Jan 21, 2025 • 56min
How Susan Toft Built The Laundry Lady: From a One-Woman Startup to $6M Revenue, 300+ Contractors, and Expanding to New Zealand – A Journey of Bootstrapping, Empowering Families, and Revolutionizing the Laundry Service Industry. (Episode 621 - Susan Toft
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Susan Toft, founder of The Laundry Lady, shares her journey from starting solo in 2012 to growing her business to $6 million in annual revenue. The company now boasts over 300 contractors and operates across Australia and New Zealand. Susan highlights the unique flexibility her platform offers, empowering families and communities. She discusses scaling challenges, bootstrapping success, and plans for further growth with investments. A must-listen for anyone inspired by innovative, customer-focused business models! Other Resources: From $50K to 8 Figures: Kristi Herold on Building JAM's 450-Person Team, 11 Acquisitions & a Culture of Play From Teen Lawn Mower to $20M App: Bryan Clayton's Journey to 200K Customers & 22 FTE 30 Years of Expertise: Matt Raad's Strategies to Skyrocket Your Business Success Angel Investment Secrets: Liz Raad's Blueprint for Million-Dollar Business Succes The "Marketing Funding Flywheel" eBook outlines how to strategically align marketing investments with funding metrics like CLV and CAC to create a self-sustaining cycle of growth for small businesses. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Susan Toft highlights cash flow management as the hardest aspect of growing a small business. She explains that consistent challenges with managing finances, especially in the early stages, can lead to moments of doubt about whether the effort is worth it. Understanding financials is critical, but even with that knowledge, limited resources and reinvestment needs can make the journey especially tough. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Susan Toft's favorite business book is "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, the memoir of Nike's co-founder. She finds it particularly impactful because it candidly portrays the realities of business growth, especially challenges like managing cash flow during different stages of the business. She appreciates its honesty about the struggles and successes of building a business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Susan Toft prefers listening to a variety of podcasts that focus on the journeys and stories of entrepreneurs. She values learning from real-life challenges and successes shared by others, as these stories can be motivating and relatable. While she doesn't follow specific podcasts exclusively, she enjoys exploring diverse options to gain insights and inspiration for growing a small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Susan Toft highlights the importance of having an accounting system that provides clear insights into your financials. She specifically values tools that allow access via mobile devices, enabling her to manage business operations effectively while balancing personal responsibilities. This flexibility helps her stay informed and in control of cash flow and finances, which she considers critical for business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Susan Toft's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be to "just keep going." She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, acknowledging that there will be tough days filled with doubt, but persistence eventually leads to achieving goals and seeing rewards. Her message reflects the resilience needed to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Understanding your numbers is critical—your business success depends on it — Susan Toft Balance in business and life is about integration, not perfection — Susan Toft Stay true to your values — they are the foundation of sustainable success — Susan Toft

Jan 19, 2025 • 52min
From College Startup to $35M Success: Tim Calise on Building Gym Launch, Leading Financial Education, and Growing Tim Calise Consulting & Investing – Insights on Scaling, Strategy, and Entrepreneurial Excellence. (Episode 620 - Tim Calise)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Tim Calise, the driving force behind Business Tim Calise Consulting & Investing. Tim shares his journey from founding innovative startups in college to scaling Gym Launch into a $35M success. He provides valuable insights into financial education, business strategy, and how his consulting and investing ventures help entrepreneurs build scalable, efficient businesses. Don't miss his expert advice on growth, resilience, and making bold decisions! Other Resources: An easy way to measure if your customers love you in 21 minutes – use the Net Promoter Score (NPS). And it's FREE. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Tim Calise, the hardest thing in growing a small business is maintaining focus. He emphasizes the importance of staying in your lane and building capacity by hiring the right people. This ensures sustained growth and avoids distractions that can derail progress. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Tim Calise cites "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell as one of his favorite business books, offering actionable insights on optimizing time and leveraging resources effectively. He also recommends "Ready, Fire, Aim" by Michael Masterson (Mark Ford) for its practical strategies to grow businesses at different stages. These books have significantly influenced his entrepreneurial journey. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Tim Calise recommends The Business School Podcast by Shaan Puri and The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes for actionable business and personal growth insights. He also highlights Dan Bolton's YouTube channel for coaching and consulting professionals. Additionally, he suggests Nicholas Cole's book, "The Art and Business of Online Writing," to enhance communication and brand-building skills. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Tim Calise emphasizes the power of leveraging AI tools to grow a small business. He recommends using tools like ChatGPT for automation and content generation, Zapier for workflow automation, and other AI-driven platforms to streamline operations and improve efficiency. He encourages teams to aim for replacing 50% of their output with automation to maximize productivity and scalability. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Tim Calise advises his day-one self to stay focused, make lots of offers, and play the long game. He emphasizes building a strong network of people who support your journey and giving generously without expecting immediate reciprocity. His key message is, "It's going to be okay; stay committed and consistent." Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Focus on building capability, not just capacity, to achieve sustainable success — Tim Calise To win in business, build a vision big enough for others to fit their dreams inside — Tim Calise The best investment you can make is in yourself—collapse decades into days through learning — Tim Calise

Jan 16, 2025 • 20min
QFF: Transforming Brewlab Hobart: Lesley Van Tuil on Destination Marketing, Delegation Mastery, and Building a Thriving Community Hub with Personalized Customer Experiences and Unmatched Tasmanian Hospitality. (Episode 619 - Lesley Van Tuil)
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey interviews Lesley Van Tuil, General Manager of Brewlab Hobart, shares her journey of transforming a small brewpub into a thriving community hub. She discusses mastering delegation, leveraging destination marketing, and fostering unique customer experiences. Lesley reveals how these strategies have driven Brewlab's growth and created a welcoming space that embodies Tasmanian hospitality. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Master Delegation: Effectively delegate tasks to focus on high-impact areas like marketing and strategy. Leverage Email Marketing: Build and segment an email list to directly engage with customers, promote events, and drive business growth. Foster Community Engagement: Collaborate with local businesses and listen to your community's needs to create meaningful connections and organic growth opportunities. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Adapt and Evolve Roles: Reassess team roles regularly to ensure they align with your business's current needs and growth stage. Create a Unique Experience: Focus on exceptional, personalized customer service to differentiate your business and build loyalty. Be Open to Learning: Invest in training and transformation programs to gain fresh insights and refine your business approach. Focus on the Long Game: Build a business that supports not just financial growth but also work-life balance, enabling owners to take breaks without disruption. One action small business owners can take: Lesley Van Tuil advises small business owners to begin building and segmenting their email lists by utilizing booking platforms, QR codes, and partnerships with local businesses to gather customer data, enabling personalized marketing efforts that boost customer engagement and sales, as effectively implemented at Brew Lab. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Delegation is the key to unlocking your business's true potential — Lesley Van Tuil Balance is the secret ingredient to both business success and personal happiness — Lesley Van Tuil A welcoming environment is what turns customers into lifelong fans — Lesley Van Tuil

Jan 14, 2025 • 42min
From $0 to $500K: How Kat Piachaud of Katalyse Consulting Scaled Her Business, Built a Dream Team Across Australia and the Philippines, Mastered Work-Life Balance, and Turned Challenges into Opportunities in Just 3 Years. (Episode 618 - Kat Piachaud)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Kat Piachaud, Managing Director of Katalyse Consulting, shares her inspiring journey of growing her business from zero to $500,000 in revenue in just three years. Specializing in bookkeeping and CFO consulting, Kat reveals how she built a high-performing team across Australia and the Philippines while streamlining operations to achieve remarkable efficiency. She opens up about the challenges of rapid growth, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned from scaling back to prioritize quality and sustainability. Kat's story is a testament to resilience, integrity, and the power of discipline in achieving business success. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Kat Piachaud, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing yourself. This includes maintaining work-life balance, overcoming mental and emotional struggles, handling pressure, and staying disciplined and aligned with integrity. She emphasizes that personal growth and self-management are critical to business success, as challenges often stem from within the entrepreneur themselves. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Kat Piachaud's favorite business book that has helped her the most is The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life. She found it to be very insightful, offering valuable lessons and principles applicable to both personal growth and business success. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Kat Piachaud recommends Layla and Alex Hormozi's podcasts for actionable insights and strategies to grow a small business. She also emphasizes the value of engaging with entrepreneurial podcasts to learn from the experiences of others. Networking with fellow entrepreneurs and leveraging their knowledge is another key resource she highlights, along with continuous exploration of business-focused online content to stay updated and inspired. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Kat Piachaud strongly recommends working with a coach or mentor as a key resource for growing a small business. She advises finding someone who has achieved the level of success you aspire to, ensuring they understand your challenges and can provide tailored guidance. This relationship can offer valuable insights, accountability, and strategies to help navigate the complexities of business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Kat Piachaud would advise herself to "Give everything a go. Say, Yes, there's no failure. There's just lessons." This reflects her belief in embracing opportunities, learning from mistakes, and maintaining a growth mindset throughout the entrepreneurial journey. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: There's no such thing as failure, only lessons to fuel growth — Kat Piachaud Discipline bridges the gap between burnout and sustainable success — Kat Piachaud Integrity is the backbone of business; it defines who you are — Kat Piachaud

Jan 12, 2025 • 50min
Veblen Director Program: Callum Laing's Journey from M&A Expert to Building a Global Network with 200+ Members on 300+ Boards, Scaling from 1 to 7 Team Members, and Breaking Barriers in Diversity. (Episode 617 - Callum Laing)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Callum Laing, founder of the Veblen Director Program, a global initiative helping individuals secure their first board seats and add value to businesses worldwide. Callum shares insights from his storied career in mergers and acquisitions, scaling businesses, and promoting diversity in boardrooms. Learn how Veblen grew to include over 200 members serving on 300+ boards and why he believes every entrepreneur should leverage advisory boards. Visit Callum Laing's website to explore his books, insights, and more about his mission to connect and empower future board leaders. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Callum Laing, one of the hardest things in growing a small business is finding the right team and keeping them aligned and motivated. He emphasizes that when you have the right people working together effectively, the journey becomes much easier. However, ensuring that team members remain engaged, focused, and inspired throughout the growth process is a key challenge many business owners face. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Callum Laing's favorite business book that has helped him the most is "Legacy" by James Steven Cook. This book resonates with his focus on building and maintaining strong company cultures, particularly in the context of resilience and long-term success, which are central themes in his work with boards and M&A. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Callum Laing emphasizes reading and learning through books and networks over podcasts but highlights the value of mentorship and professional communities for growth. He recommends leveraging online courses and platforms like LinkedIn to connect with peers and gain insights. For actionable advice, his books "Progressive Partnerships" and "Boardroom Blueprint" are great resources. Explore more of his insights and tools for business growth at callumlaing.com. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Callum Laing recommends leveraging advisory boards as a key resource for growing a small business. He highlights how having a group of experienced advisors can provide strategic guidance, accountability, and access to valuable networks. This tool is especially impactful for small businesses aiming to scale effectively while benefiting from diverse perspectives and expertise. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Callum Laing reflects that the advice he would give his younger self is to listen more to the great advice from mentors and apply it. He admits that, in his early days, he either lacked the context to fully understand the advice or dismissed it with overconfidence. His key takeaway is to remain open, humble, and coachable, as following sound advice could have made his journey smoother and more successful. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: A strong board is the compass that guides your business through uncharted waters — Callum Laing Partnerships are the rocket fuel that propels businesses to new heights — Callum Laing Challenges are not obstacles, but opportunities in disguise — Callum Laing

Jan 9, 2025 • 21min
QFF: From $180K to $780K Monthly Cash Flow: Christian Jack of The Sales Dojo Shares Secrets to Optimizing Sales Teams, Boosting Revenue, and Scaling Businesses to $1.2M+ Monthly Revenue - Proven Strategies for Success. (Episode 616 - Christian Jack)
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews Christian Jack, founder of The Sales Dojo, about mastering sales strategies to drive business growth. Christian shares how his team helped a client scale from $180K to $780K in monthly cash flow and reach over $1.2M in monthly revenue. Learn actionable tips on optimizing sales teams, closing deals, and building systems that unlock hidden revenue potential for both B2B and B2C businesses. Don't miss Christian's expert insights into creating sustainable success in sales! Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Invest in a Well-Trained and Carefully Hired Sales Team: Build a high-performing sales team through meticulous hiring and continuous training to maximize revenue potential. Engage Directly with Customers: Regularly participate in sales calls and direct customer interactions to gain insights and strengthen relationships. Implement and Optimize Sales Processes: Develop and continuously refine robust sales processes and systems to manage human variability and ensure consistent performance. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Know Your Strengths and Delegate Effectively: Assess your skills and strategically delegate tasks, including sales, to focus on high-impact activities and scale your business. Leverage External Expertise: Seek and utilize external expertise, such as sales training and management consultants, to address specific challenges and accelerate growth. Track and Analyze Sales Data: Implement data tracking and analysis tools to monitor sales performance, identify bottlenecks, and make informed, data-driven decisions for optimization. One action small business owners can take: Christian Jack suggests that small business owners should commit to making at least three strategic sales calls each week. By preparing ahead—reviewing customer data, identifying potential pain points, and tracking the results—business owners can gain valuable insights. This proactive approach aligns with Jack's focus on direct customer engagement, building relationships, and using informed, purposeful interactions to drive business growth. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Direct customer interaction is key to unlocking business growth — Christian Jack Data is the compass that guides effective sales strategies — Christian Jack Sales is as much an art as it is a science, requiring both strategy and intuition — Christian Jack

Jan 7, 2025 • 23min
Julie Bee Consulting: From a Humble Start in 2008 to a Thriving 15-Member Team and 7-Figure Success. Unlock Leadership Gems, Exit Strategies & the Inspiring Journey Behind 'Burned' by Author Julie Bee. (Episode 615 - Julie Bee)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Julie Bee, founder of Julie Bee Consulting. Julie shares her journey of starting a marketing agency in 2008, growing it to a 15-member team with 7-figure revenue, and her eventual exit. She discusses her book Burned, which helps business owners navigate burnout, and provides insights on leadership, financial strategy, and redefining success. Tune in to learn actionable strategies from Julie's inspiring career. In her book Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and Fuel Success, she addresses the widespread issue of burnout among business owners, emphasizing that traditional advice—such as taking vacations, exercising more, and practicing meditation—does not provide the real solutions they need to overcome this challenge. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Julie Bee believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is delegating effectively, particularly sales, which is often challenging for small business owners to let go of. She emphasizes the importance of training others and building systems to enable growth without micromanagement. This includes creating processes, empowering teams, and resisting the urge to fix every problem personally, which can hinder scalability and efficiency. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Julie Bee's favorite business book is The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber, which she finds invaluable for its insights on building systems and processes to scale a small business. She also highly recommends The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack, appreciating its practical advice on financial transparency and employee engagement, which are crucial for sustainable growth. Both books have significantly influenced her entrepreneurial journey. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Julie Bee recommends several podcasts and online learning resources to help grow a small business, including Jay Klaus's Creator Lab, which focuses on helping creators and entrepreneurs, Speaker Lab, a podcast she frequently listens to, especially as speaking engagements are part of her career, and Don't Write That Book, a fantastic resource for aspiring authors that she wishes she had discovered earlier. These resources cover a range of topics, from general entrepreneurship to specific skills like public speaking and writing, making them valuable tools for business growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Julie Bee recommends using project management software like Asana right from the start to help grow a small business. She emphasizes that getting used to such tools early on can make it easier to scale and manage your team as your business grows. By adopting project management software, you can streamline workflows, improve organization, and facilitate collaboration, which are essential for sustainable business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Julie Bee would advise herself on day one of starting out in business that success and goals are not the same thing. She emphasizes the importance of defining success outside of just achieving goals because, as a business owner and high achiever, you often move on to the next goal immediately after reaching one, leaving little time to feel successful. She would tell herself to create a definition of success that goes beyond goal achievement, such as enjoying personal relationships, flexibility, and well-being, to truly feel fulfilled in both business and life. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success isn't just about achieving goals; it's about defining what truly matters to you beyond the numbers — Julie Bee Measure your well-being like you measure your business KPIs—what gets measured gets managed — Julie Bee Leadership isn't about fixing problems for others; it's about teaching them how to solve them — Julie Bee

Jan 2, 2025 • 20min
How TamaraSimon.com.au Helps Small Businesses Build Profitable Teams, Simplify Systems, and Navigate Growth with Unique Strategies Inspired by the 'Five Little Business Pigs' Book and a Creative 'Bob the Builder' Approach. (Episode 613 - Tamara Simon)
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews Tamara Simon from TamaraSimon.com.au shares her expertise in helping small businesses simplify systems, manage growth, and build profitable teams. Known as the "Bob the Builder" for small business, she introduces practical strategies from her book, Five Little Business Pigs. Tamara highlights how addressing time management and aligning teams can transform overwhelmed owners into confident leaders. Tune in to gain actionable insights for creating a business you truly love! Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Simplifying Systems is Key: Tamara emphasizes the importance of simplifying systems to help small businesses manage growth and avoid overwhelm. Clear, structured processes can drastically improve team dynamics and overall efficiency. Time Management Matters: Allocating just 15 minutes daily to focus on critical systems or tasks can lead to significant progress over time. Tamara stresses starting small and building consistent habits to optimize productivity. Align Teams for Success: Addressing frustrations and miscommunications within teams through open dialogue and clear role definitions can enhance collaboration and reduce workplace tension. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Know Your Ideal Client: Avoid a scattergun approach to marketing by identifying and targeting your ideal customer. This focused strategy helps businesses attract the right clients and improve growth sustainably. The 'Five Little Business Pigs' Framework: Inspired by the classic fairy tale, Tamara's book highlights five stages of business building (from straw to stick to brick) and provides actionable steps to create a strong foundation for success. Start with the Business Owner: Tamara believes that improving the owner's time and focus is the first step to solving larger team and business challenges. Addressing personal productivity creates a ripple effect on the entire business. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Simplify your systems, and you'll amplify your success — Tamara Simon Systems are the foundation for growth, even if the business is just you — Tamara Simon In 15 minutes a day, you can build systems that last a lifetime — Tamara Simon

Dec 31, 2024 • 49min
Driving Growth with H2 Resolve: This Estonia-based consultancy boosts success by optimizing scaling strategies, preventing over-hiring, and using automation to maximize efficiency and support sustainable growth. (Episode 612 - Helen Paas & Helen Maidre)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Helen Paas and Helen Maidre, the founders of H2 Resolve, a consultancy based in Estonia. They share their innovative approach to scaling businesses, avoiding over-hiring, and leveraging automation for efficiency. With a unique blend of expertise, they provide tailored solutions to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Listen in to gain valuable insights from their inspiring journey. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Helen Paas and Helen Maidre, the hardest thing in growing a small business is starting. They emphasize that taking the initial leap requires embracing uncertainty and stepping out of the safety of a stable environment, which can be daunting. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Helen Paas's favorite business book is "Powerful" by Patty McCord, which provides insights into building effective workplace cultures. Helen Maidre finds inspiration in "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, a timeless guide to leadership and personal resilience. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Helen Paas and Helen Maidre suggest focusing on specific topics of interest rather than following particular podcasts. They recommend delving into topics relevant to your business growth and exploring targeted resources. For professional tools, they emphasize moving to structured email tools like Zendesk or Intercom for customer communication, which offer better insights and scalability compared to general platforms like Gmail. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Helen Paas and Helen Maidre did not specifically recommend any particular podcasts or online learning resources but emphasized a practical and focused approach to learning. Helen Maidre prefers diving into specific topics of interest rather than following particular podcasts, while Helen Paas has shifted her focus from consuming content to creating it, which helps her process ideas more effectively. They also highlighted their website, h2resolve.com, which offers free resources and blog posts about tools and strategies for small business growth, encouraging users to reach out with questions to tailor future content. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Helen Paas and Helen Maidre emphasized two essential pieces of advice they would give themselves on day one of starting a business: first, to seek help faster rather than trying to do everything alone, as leveraging support and expertise can streamline growth and reduce challenges; and second, to practice patience, understanding that success takes time and consistent effort to achieve. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Make your product so good that your customers don't need to contact you — Helen Paas and Helen Maidre Hire for brains, not just hands, to maximize potential — Helen Paas and Helen Maidre Learn to say no to the wrong clients, even if the money is tempting — Helen Paas and Helen Maidre


