Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode, I interview Mikey Moran, the CEO of the Private Label Extensions in Atlanta, Georgia, a hair business that helps entrepreneurs start their own by providing them with wholesale hair extensions, branding, and websites. Mikey Moran is the best-selling author of the book Fearless Beauty: The Hair Business Blueprint. Started the hair and beauty business in 2014 and has been running it for seven years. Mikey has expanded his original idea into 10 different brands, 5 retail locations, and a partnership with Shopify. He has grown the business by reaching over $10 million in revenue and his consistency in optimizing marketing strategy yields the biggest impact. The number one thing Mikey has recommended for marketing and fast-growing business is making use of the right platform and technology to conform to the fast-changing world where a lot of people rely on websites or social media. He believed that social media is now the most powerful tool in marketing. This Cast Covers: Helping entrepreneurs to make their hair business successful by providing wholesale hair extensions, branding, and websites. A business with the largest hair dropshipping system through available applications. With a platform that basically works with any type of website and technology. A business that invested a lot in technology has increased the quality of service over the years. In partnership with other brands that could help with wholesale supply to their clients. Started out a small business while working full-time but displayed hard work in wanting to grow the business big enough. Never thought he'd be in the beauty industry and now the author of one of the best-selling books called Fearless Beauty. Within seven years in business, they've reached over $10 million in revenue. How the whole shift in the mindset & business enables them to scale up to beyond the range. How being on the right platform & the right technology is definitely the most powerful solution in marketing. Additional Resources: Private Label Extensions Fearless Beauty By Mikey Moran The 4-Hour Workweek By Timothy Ferriss ………………………………………… Quotes: "You have to have a whole shift in your mindset, a whole shift in your business to be able to scale up to beyond range." – Mikey Moran "Keep investing in the business because that's how it's going to grow." – Mikey Moran "Even if you're going to outsource some of the marketing, it's important for you to learn marketing yourself." – Mikey Moran "Growing a small business is all about creating new opportunities for others so they can succeed." – Mikey Moran "You have to be consistent day in, day out for your business." – Mikey Moran ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Kalynn Crump, the Founder of ReBLOOM, Canada's first flower recycling company that helps corporations by repurposing events and fundraising florals, converting waste into bouquets for charities, non-profits, and hospices across Canada. A distinctive company handling the best for the environment and for the people who have thought they were forgotten. Rebloom was founded by Kalynn Crump in 2014. She has witnessed how flowers were thrown in the dumpster after an event and didn't even enjoy the beauty of it. Then, she decided to find a better solution for people to enjoy the beautiful flowers for a week or more depending on how they take care of them. She started the business thinking this would not work but, she felt success in 2018 by gaining 125% growth following a 300% growth in 2019. They have diverted 93 tons of floral waste from landfills and delivered 150,000 bouquets since 2014. Crump says the hardest thing in growing a small business is exercising patience. "You have to have patience. It's like watering a plant" she said. Therefore, in order to grow a plant and for it to bear fruits, patience is very important and so in the business. This Cast Covers: A distinctive flower business that handles the best for the environment by recycling flower events. How the smallest ideas impacted the lives and souls of people who have thought they were forgotten. Bringing happiness to everyone while giving flowers a second life and without damaging the environment. Partnerships with everyone wanting to make a difference such as corporate clients, global conferences, fundraisers, and hotels. Employing a lot of people but everybody gets paid by the company that hires them. The basis of the business is enjoying the flowers for a week or more depending on how well people take care of them. Started finding a better solution for flowers not to be thrown in the dumpster to reduce the worsening of health problems. The idea of bringing back a natural product into the community by creating more beauty. How flowers are making a positive impact within the community. Flowers undergo composting to complete the organic life cycle. Additional Resources: ReBLOOM The Secret Handshake By Kathleen Kelly Reardon Start With Why By Simon Sinek ………………………………………… Quotes: "The whole point of being an entrepreneurial business owner is sharing your wins and your losses and in my opinion, that is what it should be." – Kalynn Crump "I don't pretend to be the genius of all things, we hire that out. I know my limits and I play within it." – Kalynn Crump "Success for me is definitely giving back to the community that has given me so much." – Kalynn Crump "At the end of the day, you have to be doing good in order to give back to your community and feel good about yourself." – Kalynn Crump "Because as long as we give back to people, create joy and the environment, you've got a home run, every corporation will sign up for it in a heartbeat." – Kalynn Crump ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Eddie Brook, the CEO of Cape Byron Distillery. This family-owned business is specializing in premium spirits inspired by the region of the Northern Rivers. The distillery and distillation are situated in the hinterland of Byron Bay, Australia. Eddie Brook is passionate about nurturing the tradition and art of distillation he learned from his family. Eddie's family has been regenerating rainforest planting and where the inspiration for their first product comes from, a balanced combination of the finest traditional and local botanicals. This unique distillation introduced an interesting story of a good distillery in town and most of their products are distributed domestically where 98% of their revenue is obtained. Cape Byron Distillery has grown members into 29 FTE. "Establishing and defining the values and purpose, and having that clear are some things recommended to build a sustainable and superb culture," says Eddie. Their success is primarily because they value the tradition of their business by preserving it. This Cast Covers: A passion for creating and working on new products and projects. Products are primarily distributed around Australia where 98% of their revenue is obtained. Considering opening up a few export markets to expand the growth of the business. How the team continues to look at ways to innovate and create new and interesting products. Creating spirits that capture to experience their unique terroir. Preserving the traditions and art of distillation of their family-owned business. Started the business with only family members in the team and then fluctuates into 29 FTE. How sustainability made their business strategy and has always been the core of the business. How sustainability goes through all levels of the business and helps frame their decision-making. Additional Resources: Cape Byron Distillery Start With Why By Simon Sinek ………………………………………… Quotes: "It is always good to set a goal and a direction in place." – Eddie Brook "Success for me is growing a sustainable business." – Eddie Brook "Become a storyteller and don't undervalue the power of it." – Eddie Brook "For the greatest value, I'd say. Building a team." – Eddie Brook "I think a sense of accomplishment is what I love the most in growing a small business." – Eddie Brook ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Vicky Stothard of Luxury Staycations in London, UK. Luxury Staycations help their clients save time and money over a vacation by providing the best accommodation, at the best price. What's more exciting is they also offer Dog-Friendly staycations. Vicky was a victim of embezzlement. In her previous business, she appointed a general manager whom she trusted to manage the business on her behalf because at that time she was diagnosed with cancer, so she needed a rest and she must focus on her treatment. Unfortunately, she lost the business by trusting somebody. However, together with her husband, they started a staycations business and they were very lucky to make it grow. For Vicky, the number one habit a small business owner needs to develop and maintain is being organized. Social media, as well as downloaded apps, really help Vicky to quickly organized tasks and also a great marketing strategy. This Cast Covers: Started planning the business of wanting to try and bridge the gap between hotel and self-catering. How luxury combined with self-catering makes a difference. A creative and organized woman who let go of all her feminity just to be a successful woman in the country. The importance of real skill to do the job such as talking to people about a lot of stuff. Lost the previous business she runs for 12 years due to health problems, and because of a thief general manager whom she trusted to run the business on her behalf. Running at a 95% capacity by working really hard in marketing strategy. Enhancing marketing by introducing a Dog-Friendly environment, providing them with a luxury home. Exploring marketing strategies while the business is ongoing during the pandemic. Providing free accommodation and food for 3 months to those fleeing domestic abuse. How social media become the source of most of their bookings. Additional Resources: Luxury Staycations First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham ………………………………………… Quotes: "You have to be talented and you also have to be willing to talk to people all day, every day about a lot of stuff." – Vicky Stothard "Success to me is feeling about content, being proud of our business, brand and of what we do." – Vicky Stothard "We have to deliver a product we promise. It's essential." – Vicky Stothard "I'm a great believer in communication and leading by example." – Vicky Stothard "Just because you're a business owner, doesn't necessarily mean that you're great at what you do." – Vicky Stothard ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Matt Cunliffe, the Managing Director of Mortgage Choice in Brisbane, a mortgage broking firm involving award-winning Mortgage Brokers that can help with home loans, car or personal loans, business lending, and financial advice. Matt Cunliffe and the team strive to ensure that all of their clients have the most fulfilling interactions. Property and finance have been a passion of Matt's. He started his career working in ANZ Bank as a teller and was there for almost 2 years. He joined the team at Mortgage Choice in 2008 and since then he became the General Manager in May 2011. In July 2015, he bought the Franchise which has been established for 15 years. He settled $274 million in loans in 2012 then boosted up to $408 million after a year of his term as the General Manager. Matt shares that the hardest thing in growing a business is keeping the drive and passion in those trying times. He says, "You had the passion from on day one, making sure that you can sustain that passion and keep it there. I think it is a hard thing to do. But you've got to trust your own instincts." This Cast Covers: Helping customers buy property, refinance their home loans and review financial arrangements. Builds relationships and provides a fair incentive to ensure client satisfaction. From finance as a bank teller and then transitioned over to being a mortgage broker. Settled $274 million in loans in 2012 then boosted up to $408 million after a year of his term. Brought the number of support staff and their capacity that cause a massive jump in settled loans. Found an opportunity in the non-resident lending space and loaded it up from a staffing point of view and not just brokers. Being able to provide a comfortable lifestyle and strong financial position to all members of the team. How social media management works and helps in marketing a growing business. Offers professional advice for the right home loans and financial services. Additional Resources: Mortgage Choice Principles By Ray Dalio The Intelligent Investor By Benjamin Graham ………………………………………… Quotes: "If you drop the ball for two seconds, and someone else can step in there, then your income is at risk." – Matt Cunliffe "So treat your members as part of the team, then you get a significantly better outcome." – Matt Cunliffe "Success for me is freedom in what I want to do whilst being able to provide a comfortable lifestyle for not just my family but also my staff." – Matt Cunliffe "I've got a sense to pull myself out of the dark depths of fearing the unknown." – Matt Cunliffe "I think communication is a significantly important point and that's what we do." – Matt Cunliffe ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Dr. Louise Mahler, a body language and voice expert and one of the best motivational leadership speakers in her area in Australia. One of the areas of Dr. Mahler's expertise is helping business leaders stand and develop skills to make people listen that would help for the growth of their business. Dr. Louise Mahler actually has a Ph.D. in business, and degrees, and masters in organizational psychology as well as an opera-singing career. Her skills from these experiences give her a unique perspective on what presence and authority entail. She provides highly practical methods emphasizing the study of the mind-body relationship and business applications for the improvement of global leaders. "Our life is a presentation," Dr. Mahler said. She points out that people's lives are similar to giving presentations. "It's how you present yourself in life and bring yourself forward," she added. This Cast Covers: How body language makes people better & brings the best of them to their work. How a life of a person similar to a presentation. The relevance of skills in every form of work. Overcoming the fear of public speaking. The importance of body language & confidence to business owners & in growing a small business. How facial expressions bring positivity even in a virtual environment. The importance of non-verbal communication in giving presentations. Helping business owners get better in body language & communication by development resources. The relevance of increasing professional development in the area of communication for business leaders. Additional Resources: The Mahler Method Business Communication for Success By University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing Building Rapport in Business By Christopher J. Kaspar ………………………………………… Quotes: "Our life is a presentation. It's how you present in life, bring yourself forward, and the skill is highly relevant in every form." – Dr. Louise Mahler "I believe in the mind-body voice connection. Fear starts with the mind, and the mind reflects in the body." – Dr. Louise Mahler "He who presents wins. It's just the way to get through." – Dr. Louise Mahler "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing in this world." – Dr. Louise Mahler "Language is the perception of others." – Dr. Louise Mahler ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Edward Rocha, the founder and President of Rola Corporation and the Rola Languages, and CEO of The Morning Goals. Rola Languages is now a part of Rola Corporation, an international education company providing services, such as management consulting and business training. Furthermore, Edward launched his third business, The Morning Goals to help entrepreneurs, creatives, and aspiring reach their full potential. Edward is a passionate entrepreneur, language and communications specialist. That's when he came up with an idea to formalize his teaching method and founded Rola Languages in 2008 which became a part of Rola Corporation, which was also founded by Ed in 2015. Five years later, The Morning Goals was born and during the afflict of the pandemic, Ed pivoted to coaching. "Getting your first client and then your 10th client is the hardest thing in growing a small business," says Edward. But, he also mentions that he likes to see things grow because he finds himself creative just like an artist and at the same time an entrepreneur. This Cast Covers: Started coaching business during the exploitation of the pandemic. Saw an opportunity to lean in his business experience with an entrepreneurial spirit. To help entrepreneurs sort of in crisis both professional and personal. From banking and finance to a language coach. Replicating the system of teaching languages from a quality control perspective. Taking advantage of the opportunities that exist leads to high leverage. Looking for possible ways to cope with business circumstances. Spent a year creating content in social media. The importance of feeling the best a person possibly can to be an effective marketer. Keeping everyone happy and building a community in a business. Defined success as maintaining the reputation and continuing the innovation of growth. Additional Resources: The Morning Goals The Future Breakup The 4-Hour Workweek By Timothy Ferriss Basecamp ………………………………………… Quotes: "I think sometimes there's this push that people see the excitement." – Edward Rocha "As small business owners, we sometimes grow without planning and only grow from our passion in our hearts." – Edward Rocha "As a chief marketer of your company, you need to feel the best you possibly can, from a motivational perspective, from a visionary perspective, from an innovation perspective." – Edward Rocha "Success is defined as maintaining our reputation, and continuing the innovation of growth that we've done." – Edward Rocha "So for me, as long as we can keep everybody happy, I believe in building communities in my businesses." – Edward Rocha ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Diane Rae, the CEO of Ewenique Enterprises based in Tasmania, Australia- known for its sheep-making cheese expertise and best vodka. Ewenique Enterprises is the incorporation of Grandvewe Cheeses- a farmhouse cheesery that uses sheep milk to make exceptional cheese and Hartshorn Distillery- a micro-distillery that makes vodka and gin from their own sheep whey. Diane Rae's career didn't start as a cheesemaker, she was a psychologist and a financial planner. She doesn't have an idea she would fall as a cheesemaker and a famous dairy sheep breeding consultant. They started as a dairy sheep enterprise, evolved into incorporating a distillery, and even won Best Vodka in 2018 at the World Vodka Awards in London. Through the innovation of strategies and use of digital marketing, they made significant growth with a 40% annual return. Grew 2 FTE to the current 20 in 19 years in the business. It is amazing to know how a small business grows through innovations and a great attitude in spite of challenges. Diane Rae has shown a great attitude toward the challenges her business had faced which helped the business to become more successful. "The challenges in growing a small business is such a wonderful field for creativity and thinking outside the square."- Diane Rae This Cast Covers: How a particular passion in business leads to success. How challenges in growing a small business become pieces for innovation. Leading the team members to do the right things in order for the business to survive. How making a profit means having fun in business. The importance of understanding differences and being the key to a successful business. How hard work means a lot in growing a business. Getting the most amazing rewards in return for fulfilling the things needed by the business. How digital marketing helps small business owners communicate their products to people. Motivating each team member to do the right thing. Being innovative for significant growth and development. Additional Resources: Ewenique Enterprises Food Business News Make It Tasmania Building Community Food Webs By Ken Meter ………………………………………… Quotes: "If you are not making a profit, you're not actually having fun in your business." – Diane Rae "It is important to know your whys because it drives you." – Diane Rae "Success means hard work." – Diane Rae "Learn to respect each other and understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, understanding the differences is the key to a successful business." – Diane Rae "The challenges in growing a small business is such a wonderful field for creativity and thinking outside the square." – Diane Rae ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Brett Steel, the Founding Director and General Manager of Spirit Thief Distilling Co, an independent bottling company based in Tasmania, Australia, and was established in 2015. Brett is defined for his passion for brewing and distilling and found an opportunity to work with other distilleries. Spirit Thief transitions from brewing into maturing their own whisky, and now has a variety of casks ready for future releases around the world. For their initial pilot casks, they distilled approximately 120L, grew it every year, and now produce 12,000L annually. Before Spirit Thief, Brett was the founder of Tasmanian Whisky Tours in 2013 which became Drink Tasmania Premium Tours which was then sold in 2019. Brett says that the number one habit a small business owner needs to develop and maintain is discipline and this is the habit he's still working on every day. Though it is quite challenging, it really helps sustain the business in the long-term duration. This Cast Covers: Providing an overview and knowledge about distilling. Creating and building a brand as part of marketing in a distilling business. Product planning and determining scale. How independent bottling became an opportunity to work with other distilleries. How the business brought it through a pandemic period. Moving from a small bar concept into a tourism venture. The importance of discipline in running a business. How knowing the numbers & understanding that marketing is a return on investment is a key to grow the business quickly. Additional Resources: Spirit Thief Distilling Co Sell Like Crazy By Sabri Suby Enough By Jack C. Bogle ………………………………………… Quotes: "Success for me is work lifestyle balance, in a way that we can grow it in a sustainable direction towards those numbers." – Brett Steel "I feel like knowing your numbers, and understanding that marketing is a return on investment is key to growing that business quickly." – Brett Steel "Learning to respect that each staff member has different priorities and different needs and different ways of leading and managing their role was a really great learning lesson for me." – Brett Steel "Trust that those decisions that you're making, are the right ones." – Brett Steel "Discipline is really important to sustain your business in a longer-term." – Brett Steel ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Sadhana Smiles, the director of Harcourts Move, a property management company based in Melbourne, Australia. Harcourts Move's mission is to help investors grow their property portfolio by managing properties and making sure that clients get the right tenants. Starting a property management company has been a long-time dream of Sadhana. She started Harcourts Move in July 2017 in her early 50s. She has seen many different markets and understands how this industry works. The company started by purchasing a rent roll of 200 properties and now sits on 420 properties for 3 and a half years with a current net promoter score of 40. Sadhana wants a business that creates a culture that people want to belong to. "My biggest focus is making sure that my people work in an environment that's going to keep them there for as long as I possibly can." – Sadhana Smiles This Cast Covers: Managing properties and making sure that clients get the right tenants. Getting continued capital growth through investment properties. From a receptionist in a real estate firm to a Director of her own company. Building an asset by practicing what a corporate person tells business owners how to run their businesses. The work of building better connections between the industry and clients. Learning a lot of lessons while running a business, from making money to what systems to use in order to alleviate the loss. How relying on technology makes the business profitable. Providing high levels of transparency to clients. Additional Resources: Harcourts Move The Invisible Entrepreneur By Louise Woodbury The Book on Managing Rental Properties By Brandon Turner ………………………………………… Quotes: "Relying on technology is one of the lessons I learned for the business to become profitable." – Sadhana Smiles "If you have happy people in your business, you're going to have happy clients." – Sadhana Smiles "Success for me looks like building a place where people want to be." – Sadhana Smiles "So be really clear on your target market, then go after them hard and be transparent with clients." – Sadhana Smiles "Take the time to hire the right people." – Sadhana Smiles ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0