Grow A Small Business Podcast

Troy Trewin
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Mar 6, 2025 • 20min

QFF: Unpacking Cryptocurrency: Ben Simpson, CEO of Collective Shift, on crypto investing, blockchain trends, and how small businesses use Bitcoin as digital gold, navigate DeFi, and tap tokenization for smarter finances. (Episode 640 - Ben Simpson)

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 Ben Simpson, CEO of Collective Shift, who shares his expertise in crypto investing and blockchain technology. He explains how small businesses can leverage Bitcoin as digital gold to hedge against inflation. Ben discusses the risks of crypto scams and emphasizes the importance of education in navigating the space. He introduces decentralized finance as a tool for loans without banks and highlights future trends like tokenization of real assets. Tune in for actionable insights into harnessing cryptocurrency's potential for business growth. Ben can be reached via his Instagram, Twitter, or through his website. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Bitcoin for Wealth Preservation: Use Bitcoin as digital gold to hedge against inflation and currency devaluation, safeguarding your financial assets. Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Leverage DeFi platforms to access loans, earn interest on crypto holdings, and reduce reliance on traditional banks. Tokenization Opportunities: Tokenize real assets like property or goods to simplify ownership, reduce paperwork, and streamline transactions. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Crypto Education is Essential: Stay informed to navigate the volatile crypto market and avoid scams by utilizing trusted research platforms like Collective Shift. Long-Term Crypto Potential: View Bitcoin as a high-performing long-term investment, with significant growth potential over time. Blockchain Integration: Explore blockchain applications, including tokenization and decentralized systems, to drive innovation and efficiency in your business. One Action Small Business Owners Can Take: According to Ben Simpson, small business owners should allocate a small portion of their cash reserves to Bitcoin as a long-term investment. This strategy helps hedge against inflation and currency devaluation while unlocking the potential of digital gold. 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: Bitcoin is the digital gold of our era, offering a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation — Ben Simpson Decentralized finance is revolutionizing access to loans, eliminating the need for traditional banks — Ben Simpson Investing in Bitcoin offers an unparalleled opportunity with infinite upside and limited downside — Ben Simpson
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Mar 4, 2025 • 43min

Bianca Best on Growing the Bespoke Gift Company to $2M Turnover, Scaling to 5 Team Members, and Launching 'The Burnout Business' to Empower Entrepreneurs with Strategies for Achieving Big Impact Without Burnout. (Episode 639 - Bianca Best)

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Bianca Best, founder of The Burnout Business and former owner of The Bespoke Gift Company. Bianca shares her journey of scaling her first business to a $2M turnover with a small team, balancing family life, and transitioning into corporate consultancy. She discusses strategies to prevent burnout, insights from her new book "Big Impact Without Burnout," and her plans to help entrepreneurs achieve sustainable success. Learn how Bianca combines passion, resilience, and innovation to create lasting impact. A must-listen for business owners seeking growth with balance! Other Resources: Bianca Best's book "BIG IMPACT WITHOUT BURNOUT" is now available for pre-sale! Order now to receive your copy when it launches on March 11, 2025, plus an exclusive bundle of goodies delivered straight to your inbox immediately. 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 Bianca Best, one of the hardest things in growing a small business is managing the "sheer abundance" of options and deciding which direction to prioritize. She emphasizes the importance of focus and avoiding the distraction of pursuing too many opportunities, which can dilute the core proposition and hinder growth. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Bianca Best's favorite business book is The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins. She found it particularly helpful in navigating the corporate world and understanding how to play the "corporate game." Another book she mentioned is The Politics of Promotion by Bonnie Marcus, which she found useful for her professional development in the corporate realm. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Bianca Best recommends Audible for deep dives into subjects that align with professional development and personal interests. While she prefers books for in-depth learning, she emphasizes the importance of selecting resources that are clearly relevant and goal-focused. Additionally, she mentioned Opus AI, a tool for generating impactful marketing content like reels, which can be valuable for growing a small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Bianca Best recommends Opus AI, a tool that automates the creation of engaging video clips and reels from longer content. This resource is particularly useful for businesses looking to enhance their marketing and reach broader audiences efficiently. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Bianca Best's advice to her day-one self is to "follow your heart and stay in integrity." She emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with personal values, as being out of alignment can hinder fulfillment and effectiveness. Staying true to her passions and maintaining integrity are key principles she believes lead to both personal and professional 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: Follow your heart and stay in integrity to create meaningful success — Bianca Best True success is going to bed with peace, knowing you made a positive impact — Bianca Best Never shy away from your triggers—lean in, resolve, and grow stronger — Bianca Best
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Mar 2, 2025 • 40min

John St. Pierre of Rhombus Group on Scaling 6 Businesses to $120M, Leading 150 Team Members, Overcoming Failures in Sports Management, and Embracing Patient Ambition to Build Success in the Competitive Construction Industry. (Episode 638 - John St.Pierre)

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews John St. Pierre, Chairperson of Rhombus Group, a holding company overseeing six businesses with 150 team members and $120M in revenue. John shares insights on scaling sustainably, learning from failures in sports management, and the importance of patient ambition. He discusses building a culture of intrapreneurship, managing cash flow, and aligning business growth with personal life goals. Tune in for actionable advice on overcoming challenges and creating a resilient 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? According to John St. Pierre, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing cash flow. He emphasizes that cash flow challenges persist at every stage of business growth, regardless of size, and developing strong cash management habits is critical for success. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? John St. Pierre's favorite business book that has helped him the most is "Scaling Up" by Verne Harnish. He values its insights on strategic growth and implementing systems for scaling businesses effectively. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? John St. Pierre recommends the "All-In Podcast" as a thought-provoking resource. While not strictly professional development, it features valuable insights from venture capitalists and business leaders. He also highlights the importance of leveraging podcasts and online tools to sharpen business acumen. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? John St. Pierre recommends Alan Miltz's Cash Flow Story as a crucial tool for growing a small business. It helps entrepreneurs understand and optimize cash flow, enabling better financial decisions and sustainable growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? John St. Pierre would advise himself on day one of starting out to "have patient ambition". He emphasizes growing the business at a sustainable pace and not rushing for immediate success, as building a solid foundation takes time and careful planning. 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: Sustainable growth comes from mastering patient ambition, not chasing instant results. – John St. Pierre True leadership is creating opportunities for others to grow beyond your expectations. – John St. Pierre A business without a clear life plan is destined to run you, not the other way around – John St. Pierre
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Feb 27, 2025 • 20min

QFF: Transforming Small Businesses with George Elkhair: 30+ Years of Success, 10 Turnarounds, and Social Impact. Learn Key Lessons on Governance, Employee Respect, Customer Intimacy, and Strategies for Small Business Growth. (Episode 637 - George Elkhair)

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 George Elkhair, a seasoned entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience and 10 successful business turnarounds. George shares insights on fostering employee respect, driving social impact, and mastering governance. He highlights the importance of customer intimacy and aligning vision with strategy for sustainable growth. With a proven track record in transforming struggling businesses, George's expertise offers valuable lessons for small business owners. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about redefining success in business! Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Employee Respect Drives Culture: Prioritize valuing employees and fostering a culture of respect and development to enhance productivity and retention. Align Vision with Strategy: Success stems from ensuring your vision and strategy are in sync. Misalignment can derail growth and management efficiency. Embrace Governance: Effective governance isn't just for large organizations—it provides structure and clarity that drives small business success. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Know Your Customers Intimately: Building deep relationships with your customers helps you understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions. Seek External Expertise: Don't hesitate to reach out for help, advice, or mentorship. Collaboration with experts can provide a competitive edge. Balance Social Impact and Business Growth: Giving back to the community and focusing on social impact can enhance your brand's reputation and long-term sustainability. One action small business owners can take: According to George Elkhair, one actionable step small business owners can take is to align their business values with daily operations. This ensures consistency, strengthens the company culture, and builds trust with both employees and customers. 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: Small businesses thrive when values guide every decision – George Elkhair A strong culture is the foundation of every successful business – George Elkhair Building trust with your customers starts with understanding their needs – George Elkhair
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Feb 25, 2025 • 52min

Ral West's Journey: From Flying 50,000 Alaskans Annually to Hawaii with Hawaiian Vacations to Building Real Estate Empires, Exiting at 8-Figure Revenue, and Teaching 6 Principles to Help Entrepreneurs Build Freedom & Success. (Episode 636 - Ral West)

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
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Feb 23, 2025 • 55min

Matthew Pollard: Empowering Introverts, Leading a Team of 12, Revolutionizing Professional Service Businesses with Rapid Growth Strategies, Securing Six-Figure Revenues, and Building a Profitable Business Model. (Episode 635 - Matthew Pollard)

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
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Feb 20, 2025 • 22min

QFF: Revolutionizing Small Business Hiring with Courtney Pomerenke of Employment Hero: How AI-Powered Smart Match and Wage Transparency Are Driving Success and Saving Time for Small Business Owners. (Episode 634 - Courtney Pomerenke)

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
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Feb 18, 2025 • 33min

From Red Bull to The Mentoring Effect: Alexandra Terrey on 20 Years of Building 4 Global Businesses, $100K Sales Weeks, 20% Growth, Leading a Team of 5, and Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Leadership Coaching. (Episode 633 - Alexandra Terrey)

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
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Feb 16, 2025 • 44min

Doug & Sarah Taylor Journey: How Taylor Chip grew from a wedding cookie idea to a $10M dessert brand with 42 team members, 7 stores, and nationwide expansion through automation, e-commerce, marketing, and overcoming challenges. (Episode 632 - Doug Taylor)

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
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Feb 13, 2025 • 21min

QFF: How Eve Nelson Transformed Redbridge HR into a Thriving Firm: Mastering Workplace Investigations, Leadership Development, and HR Compliance | Success Strategies That Saved Clients Thousands and Boosted Team Performance. (Episode 631 - Eve Nelson)

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

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