Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Maxwell Nee, the mastermind behind ScoreApp, a platform revolutionizing lead generation for small businesses. Maxwell shares innovative strategies to boost customer engagement and drive growth. Discover how ScoreApp helps businesses gain unmatched insights into their audience, turning data into actionable results. Tune in to learn game-changing approaches to thrive in today's competitive market! 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 Maxwell Nee, the hardest thing in growing a small business is finding the right people. He illustrates this by pointing to well-known success stories, noting that these achievements were often the result of small, effective teams or "pods". He gives examples like Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak of Apple, Sergey Brin and Larry Page of Google, and Eduardo Saverin and Mark Zuckerberg as the initial forces behind Facebook. While acknowledging that some individuals within these teams might have been more influential than others, Maxwell emphasizes that the contribution of two, three, or four individuals working together was crucial to realizing their success. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Maxwell Nee credited two transformative books for shaping his entrepreneurial approach: "OverSUBSCRIBED" by Daniel Priestley, which revolutionized his mindset on creating unstoppable demand by making businesses "must-haves," and "The Outsiders" by William N. Thorndike, which revealed how unconventional CEOs achieved outsized returns through radical capital discipline and independent thinking. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Maxwell Nee mentioned that he doesn't really have specific great podcasts or online learning tools to recommend for professional development. While he listens to podcasts like "Diary of a CEO" and the one he was being interviewed on, his preferred approach is to become deeply engaged with specific individuals who align with his learning objectives at a particular time. He typically spends around three months focusing on one person, thoroughly reading their books and listening to their podcasts multiple times before moving on to someone else. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Maxwell Nee suggests that small business owners can benefit from using time blocking to manage their many responsibilities more effectively by pre-planning their schedules. He also highlights Score App, a lead generation software that uses quiz marketing to gamify the process and significantly increase conversion rates while filtering out unsuitable leads, as a valuable resource. In terms of professional development, Maxwell prefers to deeply immerse himself in the work of specific individuals for extended periods rather than broadly following podcasts or online learning. Two influential books he recommends are Oversubscribe by Daniel Priestley and Outsiders, which offers insights from unconventional CEOs. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Maxwell Nee would tell his younger self on day one of starting out to have a deliberate conversation about the learning curve . He wishes he had the awareness to work for free with someone he admired in a cool industry for about six months to "sponge it all up". He believes this approach would have been faster than his initial self-funded journey, where he paid for his own learning and personal expenses 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 about working harder; it's about working smarter with the right people – Maxwell Nee Entrepreneurship is a mindset—adapt, innovate, and keep moving forward – Maxwell Nee Growth happens when you stop thinking small and start acting bold – Maxwell Nee

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 Amanda Jones interviews Marcus Bendall, Creative Director at Wally, who shares 17 years of branding and design expertise. He discusses common branding mistakes, such as imitation, and emphasizes the importance of originality to stand out. Marcus highlights how small businesses can effectively create a strong brand identity on a budget. He provides practical tips for developing consistent visuals and tone to establish trust and professionalism. Tune in for actionable insights on crafting a brand that resonates and leaves a lasting impression. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Brand as First and Last Impression: A brand starts with visual identity but is ultimately defined by how customers feel and talk about your business after interacting with it. Importance of Originality: Avoid imitating competitors. Instead, use inspiration from other industries and regions to create a unique and memorable brand. Consistency Builds Trust: Ensure consistency in colors, fonts, and overall style to establish a recognizable and professional brand presence. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Start Simple, Scale Later: For businesses with limited budgets, simple logos and consistent visuals can work effectively until resources allow for professional branding. Practical DIY Tips: Use free tools to explore fonts and colors that align with your brand's personality, and seek honest feedback to refine your choices. Adapt and Future-Proof: A strong brand identity evolves over time and must be designed to grow with the business while maintaining its core values. One action small business owners can take: Marcus Bendall suggests that small business owners focus on creating a consistent visual identity as a starting point. Choose a font, color, and style that represent your business, and use them consistently across all materials. This builds recognition and trust while ensuring your brand looks professional and cohesive. 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: A brand is not just a logo; it's how people feel about your business after every interaction – Marcus Bendall Your brand should communicate who you are, not just what you do – Marcus Bendall Great design evokes emotion and creates lasting connections with your audience – Marcus Bendall

In this episode, Troy Trewin interviews Anya Cheng, founder of Taylor.Style, an AI-powered men's fashion startup. Anya shares how she scaled the business from 2 founders to over 20 team members, achieving 10x growth and generating millions in revenue. She discusses how AI-driven clothing subscriptions provide a hassle-free shopping experience while promoting sustainability. With insights from her leadership roles at Meta, eBay, and McDonald's, Anya offers valuable lessons on innovation and scaling a fast-growing startup. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on building a tech-driven, customer-focused business. Anya Cheng, CEO of Taylor.Style, is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur recognized in "Girls in Tech 40 Under 40" for her expertise in AI, product management, and marketing. She played a key role in launching Facebook and Instagram Shopping, led new business at eBay, and advanced McDonald's global delivery. A best-selling author, TED speaker, and professor, she teaches at Northwestern University and 500 Global. Taelor has won top awards, including Draper University's Startup Competition and a "Startup to Watch" title. Mention code "PODCAST" for 25% off your first order! 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? Anya Cheng believes the hardest part of growing a small business is balancing priorities amidst an overwhelming workload. As a startup founder, everything feels important, making it challenging to focus. She emphasizes the value of seeking guidance from investors and external perspectives to step back, reassess, and make strategic decisions effectively. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Anya Cheng's favorite business book is "Get to Aha!" by Andy Cunningham. She appreciates how the book emphasizes the importance of clear positioning, using examples like Disney's "Happiest Place on Earth" and Amazon's "Most Customer-Centric Company." It has guided her in maintaining focus and defining her company's unique value proposition. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Anya Cheng recommends leveraging founder meetups and networking events, such as those hosted by Startup Grind and Open Future Forums in the Bay Area. She finds these opportunities invaluable for gaining insights, sharing experiences, and learning directly from other entrepreneurs in the small business and startup ecosystem. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Anya Cheng emphasizes the importance of leveraging tools that enhance emotional well-being for small business growth. She recommends the "How We Feel" app, which helps track and manage emotions, fostering mental clarity and resilience. According to Anya, a healthy and focused mindset is vital for effective leadership and team success. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one, Anya Cheng would advise herself to prioritize building relationships and engaging with the community early. She emphasizes that success in business requires strong connections and collaboration, not just focusing on executing tasks. By networking and integrating into the business ecosystem sooner, she believes she could have accelerated growth and created more opportunities for her startup. 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 is not about doing everything; it's about focusing on what truly matters – Anya Cheng The key to scaling a business is leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and customer experience – Anya Cheng True impact comes when you step out of your bubble and see the world through others' eyes – Anya Cheng

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Ian Myers, founder of Oceans, shares his journey of scaling from 2 to 50+ team members in just three years. By leveraging Sri Lanka-based operational outsourcing and referral marketing, Ian achieved remarkable global growth. He reveals how Oceans thrived with minimal marketing spend of less than $100k. Ian also discusses overcoming challenges, maintaining team culture, and his unique approach to recruitment. Discover actionable insights on scaling effectively and sustainably. 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? Ian Myers believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is acquiring customers. He highlights the challenges of standing out in a crowded market, dealing with fragmented attention, and the rising costs of customer acquisition, such as skyrocketing ad expenses on platforms like Facebook. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Ian Myers does not read business books. As a literature major, he prefers reading fiction and historical biographies. However, he emphasizes learning from advisors, team members, and personal experiences rather than relying on traditional business literature. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Ian Myers recommends Morning Brew podcasts and newsletters as excellent resources for business insights and updates. He also mentioned Troy Trewin's podcast, Grow Small Business, as a valuable source for learning about business growth and overcoming challenges. Additionally, Ian values real-world experiences, networking, and seeking guidance from advisors and peers for tailored learning and support. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Ian Myers recommends using Google Workspace (G Suite) as a powerful and versatile tool for growing a small business. He highlights its simplicity and effectiveness, particularly Google Sheets, which he believes can handle most business needs during the early stages. He advises avoiding overly complex tools and focusing on practical, user-friendly solutions. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Ian Myers advises himself to avoid being too hard on himself or his team. He emphasizes the importance of not overthinking small mistakes, recognizing that they often don't matter in the long run. Ian highlights the value of patience, self-compassion, and focusing on building a resilient mindset for long-term success. 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: Real businesses should be able to grow on the strength of referrals alone – Ian Myers Recruitment is where everything begins; it's the foundation of success – Ian Myers Growing quickly is as challenging as not growing at all—it comes with its own set of pains – Ian Myers

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 Amanda Jones interviews Scott Ko of The Curiosity Mindset and explores how radical curiosity fuels innovation and business success. He shares strategies to balance creativity with operational efficiency and adapt systems for modern challenges. Scott emphasises questioning norms to stay relevant in a fast-changing market. His insights on leadership, innovation, and growth offer actionable advice for entrepreneurs. Discover how a mindset of curiosity can transform your approach to business. Dive into thought-provoking content and subscribe for fresh perspectives via Scott's Substack newsletter, a hub of powerful insights on business, leadership, education, systems-thinking, and personal growth. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Question Your Status Quo: Regularly ask why you do things the way you do. Put your business under the microscope with the classic 5 Whys. This practice can uncover outdated methods, inefficiencies, and create opportunities for innovation. Shorten Business Planning Cycles: Business lifecycles are drastically shortening. Trends can come and go within a quarter. Keep an eye on your destination, but hold your operational business planning lightly so you can adapt to change nimbly. This isn't about constantly redesigning your business; it's about a mindset that keeps you open to change. Before You Scale Your Business, Know Your Business: Scaling your business isn't just about 10x-ing your clients. If you don't understand how your business is put together and how it can adapt to growth, adding more clients can be a recipe for disaster; like adding jet fuel to a car engine. Understand your business and how it fits together, then you'll be ready to tackle growth in a genuine, sustainable way. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Curiosity Will Be Your Competitive Edge: Curiosity isn't about asking more questions or just taking an interest in new things; it's an ongoing practice of thinking differently, of thinking better. Curiosity is about deeply understanding what you know, why, and how you integrate new information into your business. Businesses don't transform until leaders transform their thinking first. Reassess Regularly And Holistically: Look at both your business and your people. Your business is nothing without your people, and your people work together because your business. So take time to check-in on both, to see if your efforts are aligned with your goals, ensuring they are both meaningful and sustainable for long-term success. One action small business owners can take: According to Scott Ko, one action small business owners should take is simply to question a key process in their business. Ask, "Why do we do it this way? Is it still effective or relevant?" Whenever you feel stuck, unclear, or frustrated, this simple act of curiosity can empower you to uncover opportunities for improvement and drive meaningful change. 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: Curiosity is the key to unlocking new possibilities in business and leadership – Scott Ko The pace of change demands new thinking. Your competitive advantage will be a mindset of curiosity. – Scott Ko To thrive, hold your assumptions lightly and your vision firmly – Scott Ko

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Amanda Lemmage, the visionary behind Skinevity Med Spa, shares her inspiring journey of transforming a traditional spa into a thriving wellness clinic. Starting solo in 2013, she achieved 300% revenue growth and built a team of four. Amanda discusses her passion for community involvement, leveraging patient satisfaction, and innovative treatments to create a wellness destination. She also reveals how she self-funded her business and earned accolades like Vanity Fair and Vogue features. Tune in for insights on leadership, resilience, and balancing professional growth with personal well-being. 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 Amanda Lemmage, the hardest thing in growing a small business is having patience and persevering through struggles. She emphasizes that success doesn't happen overnight and requires years of experience, learning from failures, and maintaining a positive mindset to overcome challenges. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Amanda Lemmage mentioned "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey as her favorite business book that has helped her the most. She also expressed appreciation for "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill as another impactful read. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Amanda Lemmage recommends two great podcasts for small business growth: The Office Hours Podcast by David Meltzer, offering valuable business insights and discussions on gratitude, and The Ray C Show from Singapore, featuring diverse and inspiring business topics. These resources help expand horizons through impactful interviews and discussions. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Amanda Lemmage highly recommends finding a mentor as a key tool for growing a small business. She emphasizes that mentors provide invaluable guidance by sharing their experiences, successes, and lessons learned, helping business owners avoid pitfalls and make informed decisions. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Amanda Lemmage's advice to her day-one self in business would be to stay open-minded and aware of everything around her. She stresses the importance of not limiting oneself to preconceived ideas, being receptive to new opportunities, learning from people encountered along the journey, and recognizing the value they bring. 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: Being a great leader starts with setting the example you want others to follow – Amanda Lemmage Staying true to your goals while embracing change is essential for lasting success – Amanda Lemmage Your energy as a leader impacts not just your team but everyone who walks through your door – Amanda Lemmage

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Terence Tam, founder of Radical Marketing, a leading agency specializing in helping educators and coaches fill webinars through strategic funnels. Terence shares his journey of scaling his business to 10 team members and achieving 10x revenue growth to $700K AUD annually. He highlights the importance of embracing failure, building strong team values, and maintaining work-life balance. Terence also discusses his favorite business books and strategies for success in the competitive marketing space. Tune in for insights into growing a global agency and thriving as an entrepreneur. 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 Terence Tam, the hardest thing in growing a small business is the feeling of being alone and misunderstood. He explained that even close loved ones and friends often don't fully understand the challenges entrepreneurs face, which can make the journey isolating. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Terence Tam's favorite business book that has helped him the most is Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. He shared that the book emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks to others to free up time and focus on growing the business​. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Terence Tam recommends several resources to help small business owners grow. Key podcasts include Digital Marketer (for digital marketing insights), Ad Leaks (focused on ad management), and Dan Sullivan's Mastermind Group (for strategic advice and networking). For courses, he suggests Digital Marketer and Dan Sullivan's Mastermind. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Terence Tam highly recommends Go High Level, a powerful all-in-one marketing tool for small businesses. It includes features like landing pages, email and SMS marketing, AI integration, and CRM capabilities—all for an affordable price of around $99/month. He highlights its value for businesses looking to automate and scale their marketing efforts efficiently. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Terence Tam's advice to his younger self on day one of starting a business is: "Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and just fail forward fast." He believes the key is to embrace failure as a learning process, take risks, and focus on living a fulfilling life without regrets, rather than settling for comfort​. 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: Don't be afraid to fail—fail forward fast and grow stronger — Terence Tam A great offer and the right message can scale your business to limitless heights — Terence Tam Success isn't about avoiding mistakes, it's about learning from them — Terence Tam

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 Troy Trewin interviews Joe Burrill, founder of Just Website Brokerage, shares how he built a leading online business brokerage specializing in buying and selling digital businesses. Joe discusses navigating Flippa, AI, and SEO challenges, highlighting the impact of Google's Helpful Content Update. He also explains valuation strategies, deal structuring, and his passion for helping clients achieve success through expert deal-making. This episode offers actionable insights for anyone looking to sell or acquire an online business. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Prepare Your Business for Sale: Ensure accurate financial records, a clear profit-and-loss statement, and transparency about your business's operations to attract serious buyers. Timing Matters: Sell your business when it's performing well, as a growing trend in revenue and traffic is more appealing to buyers than a declining one. Understand Valuation: Businesses are often valued using a multiple of Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE). High-quality businesses with stable revenue streams and minimal owner involvement command higher multiples. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Highlight Opportunities: Showcase untapped potential areas like new markets, unactivated revenue streams, or growth strategies to appeal to buyers and maximize your business's value. Be Flexible with Deal Structures: Consider vendor financing or installment plans to make your business more accessible to buyers, especially for higher-value transactions. Leverage Professional Help: Engaging an experienced broker like Just Website Brokerage can streamline the selling process, ensure better deal-making, and provide access to a larger network of potential buyers. One action small business owners can take: According to Joe Burrill, the one action small business owners should take is to organize their financial records and create a clear profit-and-loss statement. This foundational step is crucial for understanding business value and attracting serious buyers. 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: Transparency is key when selling your business; honesty builds trust and attracts the right buyers – Joe Burrill Know your numbers; understanding your profit and loss is the foundation of a successful sale – Joe Burrill The best deals happen when both buyer and seller feel they've won — balance is the art of deal-making – Joe Burrill

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Janelle Jarman, founder of Wells Home Maintenance, shares her inspiring journey from starting with $50K to achieving $2.8M revenue and leading a team of 39. Specializing in home and aged care services, Janelle highlights the power of communication and customer satisfaction in driving growth. She discusses her challenges in managing staff and scaling operations sustainably. Tune in to learn about her innovative marketing strategies and how she created a business that empowers employees and delights clients. 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 Janelle Jarman, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing people. She emphasizes that dealing with staff-related challenges, such as hiring the right individuals and meeting client expectations as the business scales, has been one of the most demanding aspects of her journey. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Janelle Jarman's favorite business book is Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. She appreciates its lessons on accountability, leadership, and taking full responsibility, which have greatly influenced her approach to managing and growing her business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Janelle Jarman recommends using Audible for professional development, as it allows her to listen to books and learn on the go. She values utilizing downtime, such as driving or walking, to invest in continuous learning and growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Janelle Jarman advises focusing on foundational elements like proper HR systems and safety setups. She emphasizes the importance of starting with the right insurance and resources to create a strong and reliable business structure. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Janelle Jarman's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be: "Don't worry about what people think of you. Just do it and follow your gut, because your gut is right." She also wishes she had started her journey 10 years earlier. 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: Communication is the key to any relationship, whether with clients or team members – Janelle Jarman Strong foundations in HR and safety are the backbone of a growing business – Janelle Jarman Success is watching your team grow in confidence and self-worth – Janelle Jarman

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Mark LaScola, founder of On The Mark, a professional services firm specializing in organization design. Mark shares his 35-year journey, growing from a spare bedroom startup to a team of 40, culminating in a 2024 acquisition. He reveals insights on balancing leadership, resilience, and team collaboration. Mark also discusses the importance of documenting processes for scaling success. Don't miss his advice on creating sustainable change and staying agile in business. 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? Mark LaScola believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is perseverance. He highlights the challenges of getting up every day, coping with ambiguity, and consistently putting one foot in front of the other despite setbacks. Mark emphasizes the importance of resilience, maintaining health, and finding ways to handle the psychological and physical demands of running a business over time. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Mark LaScola's favorite business books include "Good to Great" by Jim Collins, "The Learning Organization" by Peter Senge, and Edgar Schein's works on process consultation. He also admires early communication works by Virginia Satir, which have profoundly influenced his approach to leadership and organizational design. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Mark LaScola recommends exploring a variety of podcasts and online learning resources to grow a small business. While he doesn't focus on any single resource, he values content on economics, behavioral science, and creative industries for diverse perspectives. Mark avoids overly popularized shows and prefers podcasts with substance and actionable insights, such as those focusing on behavioral economics, leadership, and business strategy. He believes branching out beyond one's industry can spark valuable ideas and foster innovation. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Mark LaScola emphasizes the importance of listening to your customers and adapting your products or services based on market trends and feedback. While he doesn't highlight a specific tool, he recommends mastering strategic planning and understanding how to anticipate and respond to changes in the marketplace. He believes these skills are essential for staying competitive and fostering sustainable business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Mark LaScola's advice for starting out in business revolves around resilience, passion, and adaptability. He emphasizes following your instincts and staying focused on your vision, even amidst uncertainties. Challenges are inevitable, but they teach resilience and the importance of solving problems early to create options. Building a strong support system is essential for navigating tough times, while celebrating small wins helps maintain momentum. Above all, he encourages staying grounded, planning for the unexpected, and embracing the unpredictable nature 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: Follow your passion, but stay grounded and ready for the unexpected – Mark LaScola Success begins with listening to your customers and adapting to their needs – Mark LaScola Resilience is the key to navigating the inevitable challenges of business – Mark LaScola