Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Tim Calise, the driving force behind Business Tim Calise Consulting & Investing. Tim shares his journey from founding innovative startups in college to scaling Gym Launch into a $35M success. He provides valuable insights into financial education, business strategy, and how his consulting and investing ventures help entrepreneurs build scalable, efficient businesses. Don't miss his expert advice on growth, resilience, and making bold decisions! Other Resources: An easy way to measure if your customers love you in 21 minutes – use the Net Promoter Score (NPS). And it's FREE. 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 Tim Calise, the hardest thing in growing a small business is maintaining focus. He emphasizes the importance of staying in your lane and building capacity by hiring the right people. This ensures sustained growth and avoids distractions that can derail progress. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Tim Calise cites "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell as one of his favorite business books, offering actionable insights on optimizing time and leveraging resources effectively. He also recommends "Ready, Fire, Aim" by Michael Masterson (Mark Ford) for its practical strategies to grow businesses at different stages. These books have significantly influenced his entrepreneurial journey. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Tim Calise recommends The Business School Podcast by Shaan Puri and The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes for actionable business and personal growth insights. He also highlights Dan Bolton's YouTube channel for coaching and consulting professionals. Additionally, he suggests Nicholas Cole's book, "The Art and Business of Online Writing," to enhance communication and brand-building skills. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Tim Calise emphasizes the power of leveraging AI tools to grow a small business. He recommends using tools like ChatGPT for automation and content generation, Zapier for workflow automation, and other AI-driven platforms to streamline operations and improve efficiency. He encourages teams to aim for replacing 50% of their output with automation to maximize productivity and scalability. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Tim Calise advises his day-one self to stay focused, make lots of offers, and play the long game. He emphasizes building a strong network of people who support your journey and giving generously without expecting immediate reciprocity. His key message is, "It's going to be okay; stay committed and consistent." 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 building capability, not just capacity, to achieve sustainable success — Tim Calise To win in business, build a vision big enough for others to fit their dreams inside — Tim Calise The best investment you can make is in yourself—collapse decades into days through learning — Tim Calise

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 Lesley Van Tuil, General Manager of Brewlab Hobart, shares her journey of transforming a small brewpub into a thriving community hub. She discusses mastering delegation, leveraging destination marketing, and fostering unique customer experiences. Lesley reveals how these strategies have driven Brewlab's growth and created a welcoming space that embodies Tasmanian hospitality. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Master Delegation: Effectively delegate tasks to focus on high-impact areas like marketing and strategy. Leverage Email Marketing: Build and segment an email list to directly engage with customers, promote events, and drive business growth. Foster Community Engagement: Collaborate with local businesses and listen to your community's needs to create meaningful connections and organic growth opportunities. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Adapt and Evolve Roles: Reassess team roles regularly to ensure they align with your business's current needs and growth stage. Create a Unique Experience: Focus on exceptional, personalized customer service to differentiate your business and build loyalty. Be Open to Learning: Invest in training and transformation programs to gain fresh insights and refine your business approach. Focus on the Long Game: Build a business that supports not just financial growth but also work-life balance, enabling owners to take breaks without disruption. One action small business owners can take: Lesley Van Tuil advises small business owners to begin building and segmenting their email lists by utilizing booking platforms, QR codes, and partnerships with local businesses to gather customer data, enabling personalized marketing efforts that boost customer engagement and sales, as effectively implemented at Brew Lab. 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: Delegation is the key to unlocking your business's true potential — Lesley Van Tuil Balance is the secret ingredient to both business success and personal happiness — Lesley Van Tuil A welcoming environment is what turns customers into lifelong fans — Lesley Van Tuil

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Kat Piachaud, Managing Director of Katalyse Consulting, shares her inspiring journey of growing her business from zero to $500,000 in revenue in just three years. Specializing in bookkeeping and CFO consulting, Kat reveals how she built a high-performing team across Australia and the Philippines while streamlining operations to achieve remarkable efficiency. She opens up about the challenges of rapid growth, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned from scaling back to prioritize quality and sustainability. Kat's story is a testament to resilience, integrity, and the power of discipline in achieving 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 Kat Piachaud, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing yourself. This includes maintaining work-life balance, overcoming mental and emotional struggles, handling pressure, and staying disciplined and aligned with integrity. She emphasizes that personal growth and self-management are critical to business success, as challenges often stem from within the entrepreneur themselves. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Kat Piachaud's favorite business book that has helped her the most is The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life. She found it to be very insightful, offering valuable lessons and principles applicable to both personal growth and business success. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Kat Piachaud recommends Layla and Alex Hormozi's podcasts for actionable insights and strategies to grow a small business. She also emphasizes the value of engaging with entrepreneurial podcasts to learn from the experiences of others. Networking with fellow entrepreneurs and leveraging their knowledge is another key resource she highlights, along with continuous exploration of business-focused online content to stay updated and inspired. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Kat Piachaud strongly recommends working with a coach or mentor as a key resource for growing a small business. She advises finding someone who has achieved the level of success you aspire to, ensuring they understand your challenges and can provide tailored guidance. This relationship can offer valuable insights, accountability, and strategies to help navigate the complexities of business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Kat Piachaud would advise herself to "Give everything a go. Say, Yes, there's no failure. There's just lessons." This reflects her belief in embracing opportunities, learning from mistakes, and maintaining a growth mindset throughout the entrepreneurial journey. 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: There's no such thing as failure, only lessons to fuel growth — Kat Piachaud Discipline bridges the gap between burnout and sustainable success — Kat Piachaud Integrity is the backbone of business; it defines who you are — Kat Piachaud

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Callum Laing, founder of the Veblen Director Program, a global initiative helping individuals secure their first board seats and add value to businesses worldwide. Callum shares insights from his storied career in mergers and acquisitions, scaling businesses, and promoting diversity in boardrooms. Learn how Veblen grew to include over 200 members serving on 300+ boards and why he believes every entrepreneur should leverage advisory boards. Visit Callum Laing's website to explore his books, insights, and more about his mission to connect and empower future board leaders. 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 Callum Laing, one of the hardest things in growing a small business is finding the right team and keeping them aligned and motivated. He emphasizes that when you have the right people working together effectively, the journey becomes much easier. However, ensuring that team members remain engaged, focused, and inspired throughout the growth process is a key challenge many business owners face. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Callum Laing's favorite business book that has helped him the most is "Legacy" by James Steven Cook. This book resonates with his focus on building and maintaining strong company cultures, particularly in the context of resilience and long-term success, which are central themes in his work with boards and M&A. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Callum Laing emphasizes reading and learning through books and networks over podcasts but highlights the value of mentorship and professional communities for growth. He recommends leveraging online courses and platforms like LinkedIn to connect with peers and gain insights. For actionable advice, his books "Progressive Partnerships" and "Boardroom Blueprint" are great resources. Explore more of his insights and tools for business growth at callumlaing.com. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Callum Laing recommends leveraging advisory boards as a key resource for growing a small business. He highlights how having a group of experienced advisors can provide strategic guidance, accountability, and access to valuable networks. This tool is especially impactful for small businesses aiming to scale effectively while benefiting from diverse perspectives and expertise. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Callum Laing reflects that the advice he would give his younger self is to listen more to the great advice from mentors and apply it. He admits that, in his early days, he either lacked the context to fully understand the advice or dismissed it with overconfidence. His key takeaway is to remain open, humble, and coachable, as following sound advice could have made his journey smoother and more successful. 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: A strong board is the compass that guides your business through uncharted waters — Callum Laing Partnerships are the rocket fuel that propels businesses to new heights — Callum Laing Challenges are not obstacles, but opportunities in disguise — Callum Laing

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 Rob Cameron interviews Christian Jack, founder of The Sales Dojo, about mastering sales strategies to drive business growth. Christian shares how his team helped a client scale from $180K to $780K in monthly cash flow and reach over $1.2M in monthly revenue. Learn actionable tips on optimizing sales teams, closing deals, and building systems that unlock hidden revenue potential for both B2B and B2C businesses. Don't miss Christian's expert insights into creating sustainable success in sales! Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Invest in a Well-Trained and Carefully Hired Sales Team: Build a high-performing sales team through meticulous hiring and continuous training to maximize revenue potential. Engage Directly with Customers: Regularly participate in sales calls and direct customer interactions to gain insights and strengthen relationships. Implement and Optimize Sales Processes: Develop and continuously refine robust sales processes and systems to manage human variability and ensure consistent performance. 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 Strengths and Delegate Effectively: Assess your skills and strategically delegate tasks, including sales, to focus on high-impact activities and scale your business. Leverage External Expertise: Seek and utilize external expertise, such as sales training and management consultants, to address specific challenges and accelerate growth. Track and Analyze Sales Data: Implement data tracking and analysis tools to monitor sales performance, identify bottlenecks, and make informed, data-driven decisions for optimization. One action small business owners can take: Christian Jack suggests that small business owners should commit to making at least three strategic sales calls each week. By preparing ahead—reviewing customer data, identifying potential pain points, and tracking the results—business owners can gain valuable insights. This proactive approach aligns with Jack's focus on direct customer engagement, building relationships, and using informed, purposeful interactions to drive 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: Direct customer interaction is key to unlocking business growth — Christian Jack Data is the compass that guides effective sales strategies — Christian Jack Sales is as much an art as it is a science, requiring both strategy and intuition — Christian Jack

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Julie Bee, founder of Julie Bee Consulting. Julie shares her journey of starting a marketing agency in 2008, growing it to a 15-member team with 7-figure revenue, and her eventual exit. She discusses her book Burned, which helps business owners navigate burnout, and provides insights on leadership, financial strategy, and redefining success. Tune in to learn actionable strategies from Julie's inspiring career. In her book Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and Fuel Success, she addresses the widespread issue of burnout among business owners, emphasizing that traditional advice—such as taking vacations, exercising more, and practicing meditation—does not provide the real solutions they need to overcome this challenge. 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? Julie Bee believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is delegating effectively, particularly sales, which is often challenging for small business owners to let go of. She emphasizes the importance of training others and building systems to enable growth without micromanagement. This includes creating processes, empowering teams, and resisting the urge to fix every problem personally, which can hinder scalability and efficiency. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Julie Bee's favorite business book is The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber, which she finds invaluable for its insights on building systems and processes to scale a small business. She also highly recommends The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack, appreciating its practical advice on financial transparency and employee engagement, which are crucial for sustainable growth. Both books have significantly influenced her entrepreneurial journey. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Julie Bee recommends several podcasts and online learning resources to help grow a small business, including Jay Klaus's Creator Lab, which focuses on helping creators and entrepreneurs, Speaker Lab, a podcast she frequently listens to, especially as speaking engagements are part of her career, and Don't Write That Book, a fantastic resource for aspiring authors that she wishes she had discovered earlier. These resources cover a range of topics, from general entrepreneurship to specific skills like public speaking and writing, making them valuable tools for business growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Julie Bee recommends using project management software like Asana right from the start to help grow a small business. She emphasizes that getting used to such tools early on can make it easier to scale and manage your team as your business grows. By adopting project management software, you can streamline workflows, improve organization, and facilitate collaboration, which are essential for sustainable business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Julie Bee would advise herself on day one of starting out in business that success and goals are not the same thing. She emphasizes the importance of defining success outside of just achieving goals because, as a business owner and high achiever, you often move on to the next goal immediately after reaching one, leaving little time to feel successful. She would tell herself to create a definition of success that goes beyond goal achievement, such as enjoying personal relationships, flexibility, and well-being, to truly feel fulfilled in both business and life. 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 just about achieving goals; it's about defining what truly matters to you beyond the numbers — Julie Bee Measure your well-being like you measure your business KPIs—what gets measured gets managed — Julie Bee Leadership isn't about fixing problems for others; it's about teaching them how to solve them — Julie Bee

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 Rob Cameron interviews Tamara Simon from TamaraSimon.com.au shares her expertise in helping small businesses simplify systems, manage growth, and build profitable teams. Known as the "Bob the Builder" for small business, she introduces practical strategies from her book, Five Little Business Pigs. Tamara highlights how addressing time management and aligning teams can transform overwhelmed owners into confident leaders. Tune in to gain actionable insights for creating a business you truly love! Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Simplifying Systems is Key: Tamara emphasizes the importance of simplifying systems to help small businesses manage growth and avoid overwhelm. Clear, structured processes can drastically improve team dynamics and overall efficiency. Time Management Matters: Allocating just 15 minutes daily to focus on critical systems or tasks can lead to significant progress over time. Tamara stresses starting small and building consistent habits to optimize productivity. Align Teams for Success: Addressing frustrations and miscommunications within teams through open dialogue and clear role definitions can enhance collaboration and reduce workplace tension. 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 Ideal Client: Avoid a scattergun approach to marketing by identifying and targeting your ideal customer. This focused strategy helps businesses attract the right clients and improve growth sustainably. The 'Five Little Business Pigs' Framework: Inspired by the classic fairy tale, Tamara's book highlights five stages of business building (from straw to stick to brick) and provides actionable steps to create a strong foundation for success. Start with the Business Owner: Tamara believes that improving the owner's time and focus is the first step to solving larger team and business challenges. Addressing personal productivity creates a ripple effect on the entire business. 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: Simplify your systems, and you'll amplify your success — Tamara Simon Systems are the foundation for growth, even if the business is just you — Tamara Simon In 15 minutes a day, you can build systems that last a lifetime — Tamara Simon

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Helen Paas and Helen Maidre, the founders of H2 Resolve, a consultancy based in Estonia. They share their innovative approach to scaling businesses, avoiding over-hiring, and leveraging automation for efficiency. With a unique blend of expertise, they provide tailored solutions to help companies achieve sustainable growth. 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 Helen Paas and Helen Maidre, the hardest thing in growing a small business is starting. They emphasize that taking the initial leap requires embracing uncertainty and stepping out of the safety of a stable environment, which can be daunting. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Helen Paas's favorite business book is "Powerful" by Patty McCord, which provides insights into building effective workplace cultures. Helen Maidre finds inspiration in "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, a timeless guide to leadership and personal resilience. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Helen Paas and Helen Maidre suggest focusing on specific topics of interest rather than following particular podcasts. They recommend delving into topics relevant to your business growth and exploring targeted resources. For professional tools, they emphasize moving to structured email tools like Zendesk or Intercom for customer communication, which offer better insights and scalability compared to general platforms like Gmail. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Helen Paas and Helen Maidre did not specifically recommend any particular podcasts or online learning resources but emphasized a practical and focused approach to learning. Helen Maidre prefers diving into specific topics of interest rather than following particular podcasts, while Helen Paas has shifted her focus from consuming content to creating it, which helps her process ideas more effectively. They also highlighted their website, h2resolve.com, which offers free resources and blog posts about tools and strategies for small business growth, encouraging users to reach out with questions to tailor future content. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Helen Paas and Helen Maidre emphasized two essential pieces of advice they would give themselves on day one of starting a business: first, to seek help faster rather than trying to do everything alone, as leveraging support and expertise can streamline growth and reduce challenges; and second, to practice patience, understanding that success takes time and consistent effort to achieve. 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: Make your product so good that your customers don't need to contact you — Helen Paas and Helen Maidre Hire for brains, not just hands, to maximize potential — Helen Paas and Helen Maidre Learn to say no to the wrong clients, even if the money is tempting — Helen Paas and Helen Maidre

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey interviews Mike McHenry, founder of Seamless SMSF, shares his inspiring journey of scaling from a solo venture with one team member to a thriving business with 50 staff. Based in Gold Coast, Australia, Seamless SMSF audits over 30,000 funds for 360 firms, emphasizing a people-first culture. Mike reveals key lessons on building processes, maintaining strong relationships, and fostering team development. His insights offer valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs navigating growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. 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? Mike McHenry believes the hardest part of growing a small business is managing people. He emphasizes that while people are the greatest asset, they can also be the biggest challenge. Success comes from hiring for cultural fit over skill alone, fostering trust, and building a supportive and aligned team culture. He stresses that having the right people who follow effective processes is essential for delivering outcomes and sustaining growth. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Mike McHenry's favorite business book is "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber. He appreciates its focus on the importance of systems and processes in creating scalable and successful businesses. Mike considers it a foundational read for anyone starting or running a business, highlighting how it teaches entrepreneurs to understand their customers deeply and build businesses that feel personal and supportive. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Mike McHenry recommends exploring sales-focused podcasts and resources like Simon Sinek's insightful YouTube content, which emphasizes people and leadership challenges in the modern era. While he doesn't follow specific podcasts regularly, he values recommendations from trusted contacts and seeks out learning opportunities that align with his interests. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Mike McHenry highlights culture as the most critical "tool" for growing a small business. He emphasizes creating a people-first environment where empathy, respect, and collaboration are central. Building strong relationships with employees and customers fosters trust and engagement. Additionally, he recommends developing clear systems and processes to deliver consistent outcomes. McHenry advises asking, "What do I want people to say about my business when I'm not in the room?" and aligning your actions to achieve that reputation. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Mike McHenry's advice to himself on day one of starting out in business is: "Don't panic. It's going to be okay." He stresses the importance of staying calm, focusing on the bigger picture, and forgiving yourself for mistakes, as they are part of the journey. He encourages new entrepreneurs to approach business as a game, focus on their intent, and trust that things will work out with perseverance and a people-first mindset. 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 in business starts with giving a genuine care about people and their needs — Mike McHenry Outstanding culture drives outstanding results; never compromise on it — Mike McHenry True business growth happens when you leave your ego at the door — Mike McHenry

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 Rob Cameron interviews Ral West shares her entrepreneurial journey, from co-owning an 8-figure annual revenue business sold to Alaska Airlines to investing in over 6,000 apartment units across five states. She outlines six key principles for business success, including systems, leverage, team building, and customer service. Ral emphasizes the importance of working on your business instead of being trapped in it, empowering owners to scale and achieve true freedom. Tune in for actionable insights on transforming operations, fostering culture, and creating a sustainable business model. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: The Importance of Systems: Establishing detailed systems and processes enables smoother operations, empowers team members, and allows business owners to step back from daily tasks. Track Key Metrics: Identifying and regularly measuring critical performance data helps entrepreneurs stay informed and make strategic decisions to drive growth. Leverage for Efficiency: Using automation, tools, and proper delegation allows business owners to duplicate themselves, ensuring the business operates seamlessly without their constant involvement. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Team Building is Crucial: Whether it's a small team or a larger organization, having the right people in clearly defined roles is essential for scaling and long-term success. Define and Foster Company Culture: A strong, intentional culture rooted in core values ensures consistency and alignment across the organization, benefiting employees and customers alike. Focus on Customer Service: Exceptional customer service is non-negotiable for repeat business, positive reputation, and sustainable growth. One action small business owners can take: According to Ral West, one crucial action small business owners can take is to focus on working on their business rather than being stuck in it. This involves implementing robust systems, delegating tasks effectively, and empowering team members, allowing the owner to step back, strategize, and scale the business. This shift is essential for transitioning from a business operator to a true business owner. 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: You can't scale a business unless you master the art of working on it, not in it — Ral West The transition from operator to owner begins with delegation and leveraging your resources — Ral West A strong business culture rooted in your values will echo through your team and your customers — Ral West