Grow A Small Business Podcast From $1,500 to a $4.2M Powerhouse: Ryan Hughes of Phil Hughes Office Solutions on Family Legacy, Scaling Smart, Valuing People, and Doing 'Cool Stuff' While Building a Thriving Business in Tasmania. (Episode 757 - Ryan Hughes)
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin speaks with Ryan Hughes, Director of Phil Hughes Office Solutions. They explore the remarkable journey of a family business that scaled a $1,500 investment into a $4.2 million, technology-led enterprise in Tasmania. Ryan details the pivotal move from traditional stationery to digital solutions, the counterintuitive strategy that doubled sales during COVID-19, and the core philosophies of valuing people and fostering a resilient culture. The conversation offers profound insights into navigating family business dynamics, adaptive leadership, and the pursuit of sustainable, innovative growth. 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:
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What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Ryan Hughes shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is finding the right people and then empowering them to act like owners. He believes people are both the biggest challenge and the biggest asset in any business.
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What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Ryan Hughes shares that his favorite business book is "How to Win Friends and Influence People." He says his father gave it to him young, and it shaped how he deals with people and builds strong relationships.
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Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Ryan Hughes shares that he listens to the Grow A Small Business Podcast, especially episodes with people he knows. For relaxation and learning, he also enjoys the Sports Bizarre podcast, which teaches surprising lessons through storytelling.
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What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Ryan Hughes shares that ChatGPT, especially the paid version, is one of the most powerful tools for small business growth. He also recommends Aqua Voice, a voice-to-text tool that speeds up emails, quotes, and documentation.
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What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Ryan Hughes shares that he would tell his younger self to enjoy the journey more, not work nonstop, and understand that the business will bring plenty of good moments — so don't miss them by keeping your head down all the time.
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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Valuing people is the real engine behind every successful business - Ryan Hughes
The most important sale you'll ever make is the next one - Ryan Hughes
Success isn't about growing fast, it's about growing with purpose and balance - Ryan Hughes