Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Ral West, founder of Ral West Livin' The Dream, shares his journey of entrepreneurial success. From scaling Hawaiian Vacations to 8-figure revenue and exiting to Alaska Airlines, Ral built an impressive career. He now empowers entrepreneurs with 6 principles to achieve freedom and sustainable growth. His insights on systems, culture, and leveraging automation are game-changers. Don't miss this inspiring episode packed with resilience and lessons for 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. Other Resources: QFF: The #1 Habit a Small Business Owner MUST Develop. (Episode 625 - Troy Trewin, Founder of Grow A Small Business) When should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors? Get a return from an effective Chairperson of a Board 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 Ral West, the hardest thing in growing a small business is sticking with it — having the faith and stamina to persist through discouraging times. Staying committed and pushing forward despite challenges is essential for success. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Ral West's favorite business book is "The E-Myth" by Michael Gerber. She credits it with providing invaluable insights on creating systems and developing a sustainable business, emphasizing its impact on his entrepreneurial journey. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Ral West recommends a range of resources to help grow a small business, including Tony Robbins' Business Mastery, which offers transformative insights into strategy and growth, and Amy Porterfield's Digital Course Academy, ideal for creating and marketing online courses. He also highlights the value of YouTube as a free resource for learning topics like marketing and automation, alongside entrepreneurial podcasts for professional development. These tools underscore Ral's belief in continuous learning and leveraging expert knowledge to drive success. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Ral West emphasizes the importance of systems as the most crucial tool for growing a small business. Whether through automation, apps, or processes, implementing effective systems ensures efficiency, scalability, and the ability to manage details without being overwhelmed. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Ral West advises his day-one self to start without fear of failure, embrace the journey, and be ready to pivot when necessary. He highlights the importance of learning continuously, not striving for perfection, and believing in yourself to navigate the unpredictable path 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: Systems are the backbone of sustainable business growth – Ral West Empower your team with clear values and watch your business thrive – Ral West Success is built on resilience, adaptability, and the courage to pivot – Ral West

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Matthew Pollard, founder of Rapid Growth Academy. Matthew shares how he empowers introverts to thrive in business, scales his team to 12 members, and transforms professional service businesses. Discover his proven rapid growth strategies, focus on passion-driven models, and approach to achieving six-figure revenues. Gain insights into building a profitable and sustainable business while embracing your unique strengths. Tune in for actionable tips to drive 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 Matthew Pollard, the hardest thing in growing a small business is standing still long enough to get the strategy right. He emphasizes the importance of resisting the urge to act on unvalidated ideas or self-importance, as proper strategy is key to sustainable growth. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Matthew Pollard's favorite business book is "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber. He highlights how it taught him the importance of systematizing a business and focusing on what truly matters, rather than trying to do everything himself. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Matthew Pollard recommends the podcast "Smart Passive Income" by Pat Flynn as a valuable resource for growing a small business. He found it helpful for discovering strategies, tools, and insights to build an online business, though he advises being selective to avoid unnecessary expenses What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Matthew Pollard suggests project management software, such as Monday.com, as a valuable tool for growing a small business. He also emphasizes the importance of social media posting tools that automate and optimize content sharing, ensuring efficiency and a consistent online presence. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Matthew Pollard advises his day-one self to "stop taking yourself so seriously." He highlights the importance of focusing on having the best intentions for clients rather than striving for perfection or overthinking outcomes​. 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 comes from creating a business that aligns with your passion and values – Matthew Pollard Building a profitable business starts with putting purpose ahead of profit – Matthew Pollard Introverts thrive when they embrace their unique strengths and work with systems – Matthew Pollard

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 Courtney Pomerenke, Partnerships Manager at Employment Hero, sharing expert insights on transforming small business hiring processes. Learn how Employment Hero's AI-powered tools like Smart Match, wage transparency, and proactive recruitment strategies can save time, cut costs, and attract top talent. Courtney highlights real-world success stories and practical tips for building a stronger employer brand and retaining employees. Sign up before March 30, 2025, and get 3 months FREE on Employment Hero – your all-in-one solution for payroll, HR, and people management. To redeem, email courtney.pomerenke@employmenthero.com and quote "GASB2025". T&Cs Apply. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Streamlining Recruitment with AI: Employment Hero's Smart Match tool uses AI to provide curated candidate lists in seconds, reducing hiring time by two weeks and saving up to 12 hours of administrative work per hire. Wage Transparency Benefits: Transparent salary practices attract aligned candidates, foster trust, and build a culture of fairness, helping small businesses stand out in competitive job markets. Proactive vs. Reactive Hiring: Building a recruitment funnel and creating talent pools ahead of time can prevent last-minute hiring stress and lead to better hiring decisions. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Flexible Work and Career Development: Beyond salaries, employees value flexible working arrangements, career development, and a strong workplace culture. Small businesses can use these to attract and retain talent effectively. Data-Driven Decisions: Employment Hero offers salary benchmarking tools and reports based on real-time data from millions of employees, enabling businesses to set competitive and fair wages. Success in Real-World Applications: Employment Hero's solutions have helped businesses, such as those in the NDIS sector, reduce hiring time, improve onboarding, and achieve higher retention rates, leading to better team performance. One action small business owners can take: According to Courtney Pomerenke one action small business owners can take is to embrace AI-powered recruitment tools like Employment Hero's Smart Match. By leveraging AI, businesses can streamline the hiring process, save valuable time, and attract candidates who are the best fit for their roles and culture. 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: Proactive hiring is about building relationships, not just filling positions – Courtney Pomerenke A strong employer brand is your best tool for attracting top talent – Courtney Pomerenke Flexible work options and career growth are the new priorities for today's workforce – Courtney Pomerenke

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Alexandra Terrey, founder of The Mentoring Effect, shares her 20-year entrepreneurial journey, growing four businesses across the globe. She discusses achieving 20% annual growth, and sometimes big shifts such as generating $100K weekly sales, and leading a team of 5. Alexandra reveals how mindset and emotional shifts and leadership strategies empower entrepreneurs to break through challenges and achieve success. Tune in for valuable insights on sustainable business growth and personal transformation. GROW where listeners get 35% discount for this program: Other Resources: Conscious Leadership with Alex Podcast Empower Yourself with Transformative Resources – The Mentoring Effect Special offer for listeners 30% off from the "Unleash Your Authentic self and Create the Life You Want" program, now only $29 AUD with coupon "GROW" https://leadership-university.mykajabi.com/offers/azL5QofT 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 Alexandra Terrey, the hardest thing in growing a small business is developing patience. She emphasizes that the journey is filled with challenges, including personal growth, overcoming fears, and adapting to various stages of business evolution, all of which require resilience and persistence. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Alexandra Terrey's favorite business book is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. She credits it with helping her view business from a different perspective. Additionally, she finds inspiration in The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer for its insights on mindset and personal growth. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Alexandra Terrey recommends a variety of podcasts and online resources to help grow a small business. She highlights Brene Brown's leadership-focused podcasts, Michael Singer's content on personal growth, and Health Movement Lab for insights on neuroscience and performance. Additionally, she suggests exploring business-related podcasts tailored to your growth area, emphasizing the value of continuously learning from diverse perspectives. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Alexandra Terrey recommends meditation as a powerful tool for growing a small business. She emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from daily stresses, calming the mind, and accessing creativity through practices like mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation. These routines enhance decision-making, resilience, and overall performance, making them invaluable for personal and business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Alexandra Terrey advises focusing on personal growth and maintaining a sense of fun and passion for your work. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, addressing limiting beliefs early, and building a business you truly love. Keeping the initial excitement alive and prioritizing self-improvement can lay a strong foundation 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: Success begins with the courage to face your fears and grow beyond them — Alexandra Terrey Processes drive behavior; great systems create great cultures — Alexandra Terrey Leadership starts with self-awareness and the willingness to evolve — Alexandra Terrey

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Doug Taylor, co-founder of Taylor Chip, a rapidly growing dessert brand. Starting from a wedding cookie idea in 2018, Taylor Chip now has 7 retail stores, 42 employees, and $10M revenue projections. Doug shares insights on expanding beyond Pennsylvania, leveraging automation, e-commerce, and marketing strategies. He also discusses the challenges of scaling, hiring the right team, and overcoming financial hurdles. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey from a small startup to a thriving dessert empire! 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 Doug Taylor, the hardest part of growing a small business is market capture and scaling effectively. He emphasizes that each new level of growth presents unique challenges, especially in a highly competitive industry like desserts. Doug explains that getting people to know about your brand, breaking into new markets, and ensuring consistent quality while scaling are major hurdles. He also highlights the importance of adapting to changing marketing landscapes, staying financially disciplined, and continuously improving operations to sustain growth. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Doug Taylor's favorite business book that has helped him the most is "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. He credits it for unlocking the mindset and strategic thinking needed for business success. However, he also acknowledges the controversies around the author but still finds the psychological principles valuable. Another book he frequently references is "The Paradox of Choice", which explores decision-making and its impact on business and consumer behavior. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Doug Taylor recommends "How I Built This" with Guy Raz for valuable insights from successful entrepreneurs, especially in food and beverage. He found it instrumental in learning about scaling a business. However, he later reduced content consumption to focus on execution, believing that prioritizing action over excessive learning is key to growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Doug Taylor recommends TikTok Shop and Facebook Ads as powerful tools for growing a small business. He emphasizes the importance of organic social media, e-commerce, and influencer marketing to drive sales. He also highlights email marketing as a high-ROI tool for customer retention and business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Doug Taylor's advice to his day-one self would be: "Be patient and invest in automation early." He regrets not adopting automation sooner, which could have saved time and labor costs. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding good debt, scaling efficiently, and staying resilient through challenges. 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: You cannot hire or fire out of fear — your A players are watching – Doug Taylor Success isn't just about money — it's about the impact you make and the lives you change – Doug Taylor Discipline in finances, team building, and operations is the key to sustainable growth – Doug Taylor

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 Eve Nelson, founder of Redbridge HR, shares how her firm helps businesses navigate HR challenges, from workplace investigations to mentoring new managers. She highlights the importance of clear employment contracts, staff performance management, and fostering workplace flexibility. Eve discusses how effective HR practices can prevent costly mistakes and improve team morale. She also emphasizes the power of leadership vulnerability and open communication in building a strong company culture. Lastly, she offers actionable advice for business owners to assess manager performance and create a positive work environment. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: HR Compliance is Critical: Keeping up with employment law changes, fair work regulations, and solid contracts helps businesses avoid costly legal issues. New Managers Need Support: Transitioning from an employee to a manager is challenging; mentoring and training are essential for leadership success. Workplace Investigations Require Expertise: Handling serious staff issues internally can lead to legal risks; using external HR professionals ensures fairness and compliance. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Employee Morale Directly Affects Business Growth: Unhappy employees reduce productivity and engagement, making it crucial for leaders to foster a positive work environment. Flexibility is Key in the Modern Workplace: Offering remote work options and adaptable schedules improves staff retention, performance, and overall job satisfaction. Regular Manager & Employee Check-ins Are Essential: Gathering feedback and conducting stay interviews (not just exit interviews) help businesses retain top talent and build strong teams. One action small business owners can take: According to Eve Nelson, small business owners should regularly check in with employees to assess manager performance and workplace morale. By fostering open communication, they can identify potential issues early and create a more engaged, productive team. 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: Effective leadership starts with vulnerability and a willingness to learn – Eve Nelson Workplace issues don't disappear on their own—proactive HR prevents costly mistakes – Eve Nelson Hiring the right people isn't just about skills; values and culture fit matter just as much – Eve Nelson

In this episode, Troy Trewin interviews Kris Jones, owner of Red Door Designs based in the beautiful Portland, Oregon, in the United States. Red Door Stories started 23 years ago as a design agency focused on branding and websites, but evolved to specialize in helping clients develop and tell their stories more effectively across their marketing and online presence. Over the past 12 months, Kris grew her design agency by an impressive 384%, transitioning from a solo operation to building a team of 5. The key to Kris' success was mastering the art of storytelling. She faced a common challenge - clients struggling to write their own website copy. This led Kris to immerse himself in the power of story, applying storytelling techniques to transform her clients' businesses. By helping her clients craft captivating stories, Kris enabled them to charge 6 times more, avoid burnout and attract higher-paying customers. Other Resources: From Click to Client Podcast by Kris Jones From Clicks to Clients: Proven Sales Strategies for the Digital Era Book by Kris Jones 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. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: 1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Kris says the biggest challenge is figuring out how to talk about your business clearly. Being inside the "bottle", it's hard to read the label from an outside perspective - your customers' point of view. Being immersed in your own business, it's easy to fall into the trap of using industry jargon or assuming too much knowledge from your customers. 2 .What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Kris swears by Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller, as a game-changing resource. He explains how mastering the art of crafting compelling stories transformed his business, allowing him to help clients charge 6 times more, avoid burnout, and attract higher-paying customers. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Kris is a big fan of the Marketing Made Simple podcast, as it provides practical, actionable tips for growing a small business. She also finds inspiration in story-driven shows, like ghost story podcasts to fuel her creativity. 4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Kris emphasises the power of a well-designed website as the centre of your marketing universe, recommending platforms like Wix, Squarespace or Kajabi. She believes your website should be the focal point that you direct all your marketing activities towards, as it's the best way to convert visitors into paying clients in this digital age. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? If Kris could go back in time, she would tell herself to focus solely on the tasks and clients that truly energise and fulfil her. She learned the hard way that saying "yes" to every opportunity, even if it's outside your zone of genius, can lead to a lot of frustration and burnout. Kris emphasises the importance of having the courage to politely decline work that doesn't align with your passions and strengths, as this will allow you to dedicate your time and resources to the areas that will drive the greatest impact for your business. 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 the things that you really enjoy doing and pay attention to the clients that you really enjoy working with, and just say no to all the rest – Kris Jones Story has this beautiful flow to it that helps us engage fully and feel connected in the story and kind of filter out the noise of the world – Kris Jones When you begin to delegate, that's when that freedom, I think, begins to truly kick in – Kris Jones

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey interviews Simon Robustelli, who grew his restaurant business, Solo Pasta, from $5,000 to $50,000 in weekly revenue over 15 years before a successful exit. Simon shares his insights on the challenges of managing rapid growth, including the importance of consistent processes and empowering his team. He reflects on the difficulties of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the need to "work on the business, not just in it". After his successful exit, Simon emphasises the value of having the right mentors and being open to change. 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. Michael 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 Simon Robustelli, the hardest thing in growing a small business is patience and belief in your product or brand. He emphasises the importance of having great people around you who are aligned with your vision, as one person deviating can quickly derail the business. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Simon admits he didn't read many business books, preferring to learn through hands-on experience, mentors, and observing others. He believes his core values and business acumen came more from his father and the network of people he surrounded himself with. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? While Simon didn't have a specific podcast or online resource to recommend, he emphasises the value of being open to learning from a wide range of people, including those in your industry and beyond. He believes the more diverse perspectives you can gain, the better. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Simon's top recommendation is to focus on establishing clear procedures and processes to ensure consistency. He points to the example of McDonald's, where every step is meticulously documented, as a model for small businesses to emulate. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? If he could go back in time, Simon would tell himself to "get ready for a life-changing journey." He reflects that the experience of building and growing his restaurant business was transformative, both professionally and personally, and he wouldn't trade it for anything. 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: Be open to change, and that's something that you know – Simon Robustelli At the end of the day, people are coming for a service, and I need to provide that service, so teaching myself as soon as five o'clock is on, whatever you got going on before? Mate switch it off, because you're on show now – Simon Robustelli I think the biggest driving success for me was the customer satisfaction of creating something, a product which people wanted to enjoy and wanted to be associated with – Simon Robustelli

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 Anna-Daisy, a renowned psychic, emotional healer, and founder of Anna-Daisy. Discover how to harness positive energy, overcome negativity, and cultivate success through vibrational alignment and a warrior mindset. Anna-Daisy shares powerful insights on intuition, authenticity, and creating safe spaces for growth in both life and business. Learn practical tools like self-kindness, the law of attraction, and how to stay grounded in the present moment. Perfect for business owners seeking to elevate their energy and build meaningful, authentic connections. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: The Power of Energy and Mindset: Anna-Daisy emphasizes how energy influences success and happiness. A positive mindset attracts positive outcomes, while negativity creates obstacles. Creating a Safe and Judgment-Free Space: She highlights the importance of providing a non-judgmental, welcoming environment where people feel safe to express themselves. The 15-Minute Rule for Handling Worries: She advises limiting dwelling time on problems to 15 minutes. Writing them down and taking action helps prevent overthinking and anxiety. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Authenticity and Business Success: Anna-Daisy explains that being true to oneself and prioritizing care over profit fosters a genuine connection with customers and leads to business growth. The Contagious Nature of Energy: Surrounding yourself with positive people elevates your energy, while negativity can drain it. Awareness of this helps maintain a healthy and uplifting environment. The Importance of Self-Kindness: She encourages people to speak kindly to themselves and others, as kindness strengthens personal energy and has a ripple effect on the world around them. One action small business owners can take: One action small business owners can take is to create a positive and judgment-free environment for both customers and employees. Foster a space where people feel heard and valued, whether through customer interactions, team meetings, or workplace culture. This builds trust, strengthens relationships, and ultimately drives 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: Your energy is your greatest asset — when you radiate positivity, the universe responds in kind – Anna Daisy Authenticity isn't a strategy—it's the magnet that draws the right people to you – Anna Daisy Trust your intuition — it's your soul's way of guiding you to your truth – Anna-Daisy

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Blima Ehrentreu, co-founder of The Designer Group, discussing the growth of her interior design firm from a two-person team in 2011 to over 30 members today. The firm operates in Toronto, New York, and Miami, focusing on commercial, healthcare, senior living, and educational projects. She emphasized the importance of mindset, delegation, and adaptability in business growth, while highlighting the significance of relationships and quality work in marketing, avoiding traditional advertising. 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 Blima, it's all about maintaining that upward growth mindset every single day. She reckons anyone can start a business, but the real challenge is keeping that momentum going and continuing to innovate to stay ahead of the pack. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Blima is a big fan of "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg and "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight. These books gave her some awesome insights into the journeys and mindsets of successful business leaders. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Blima doesn't have a go-to podcast, but she loves jumping around and learning from different perspectives, especially when it comes to self-improvement. She reckons it's super valuable to hear how other people's journeys have shaped them. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Blima Ehrentreu's top pick is surrounding yourself with amazing people. She believes that having good people in your corner is the key to being able to achieve anything. And the way to attract those people is to be a good person yourself and be willing to help others. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? She'd say, "You don't know what's ahead of you, but it's going to be fun!" Blima is incredibly grateful for the journey she's been on, and she'd encourage her younger self to embrace the adventure. 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: "Your mindset should be that you can do it, and then you'll figure it out. You will put the right people into place, because you cannot say you can do something if you can, so you have to make sure that you will be able to." - Blima Ehrentreu "I believe that the way to get good people in your corner is to be a good person yourself. So if you're there to help others, people will want to help you." - Blima Ehrentreu "You don't know what's ahead of you, but it's going to be fun!" - Blima Ehrentreu