Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Serene Lim, the founder of Gellae, a successful 8-figure business renowned for its innovative approach to content-driven growth. Serene shares her inspiring journey from a part-time entrepreneur to leading a dedicated team of four. She discusses the pivotal strategies that fueled Gellae's remarkable success and the lessons learned along the way. Join us to uncover the secrets behind Serene's achievements and how she's transforming the beauty industry! 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? Serene Lim believes that the hardest thing in growing a small business is navigating the transition from generating zero to seven figures in revenue. While the initial phase may be challenging, she finds the next stage particularly tough, as it requires building and managing a larger team. This involves learning how to lead effectively and manage the complexities that come with growth, making it a significant challenge for entrepreneurs. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Serene Lim mentions that she doesn't have a specific favorite business book to reference. Instead, she highlights her admiration for podcasts and online learning tools, particularly those by successful entrepreneurs like Britney Saunders, who has built an eight-figure clothing business. She emphasizes the value of learning through content and real-world experiences rather than relying solely on books. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Serene Lim recommends the podcast by Britney Saunders, founder of the successful eight-figure clothing brand Fate, for valuable insights on content-driven business growth. She also highlights repurpose.io, an automation tool that simplifies social media posting across platforms, as a vital resource for small businesses. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Serene Lim recommends repurpose.io as a valuable tool for small businesses. This platform allows users to sync and automate posting across various social media accounts, streamlining content distribution and saving time on manual posting. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Serene Lim would tell herself on day one to embrace the limitless possibilities ahead and to not set boundaries on her potential. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, continuous improvement, and the belief that things will get better with dedication and effort. 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: The journey of business growth is filled with learning and improvement — Serene Lim Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow; it will pay off in the long run — Serene Lim Building a strong team is crucial for overcoming the challenges of growth — Serene Lim

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Igor Vainshtein, founder of Golf Trak, shares his remarkable journey of scaling his business and achieving multiple successful exits. He opens up about the ups and downs, the power of persistence, and how embracing challenges helped him grow. Igor also highlights the importance of building a strong team and finding happiness in the process rather than just the destination. 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? Igor Vainshtein believes that one of the hardest things in growing a small business is embracing and enduring the constant challenges and uncertainties along the way. He highlights the importance of finding joy in the process, especially in dealing with the pain and setbacks that come with building a business. According to Igor, learning to accept and thrive through these difficulties, rather than focusing solely on the end result, is crucial for long-term success and personal growth. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Igor Vainshtein's favorite business book is "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz. He appreciates its candid insights into the challenges of running a business, especially the tough decisions and obstacles entrepreneurs face. The book resonates with Igor because it emphasizes the reality of entrepreneurship, offering practical advice and encouragement for those navigating the complexities of building and leading a company. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Igor Vainshtein recommends several resources for small business growth, including "How I Built This" with Guy Raz, "The Tim Ferriss Show", MasterClass, Harvard Business Review Podcasts, and LinkedIn Learning. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Igor Vainshtein recommends utilizing SaaS tools like HubSpot for customer relationship management (CRM), Trello for project management, and Mailchimp for email marketing to help streamline operations and enhance growth for small businesses. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Igor Vainshtein would advise himself on day one of starting a business to embrace uncertainty and understand that failure is part of the journey. He emphasises the importance of building a strong network and seeking mentorship, as well as staying open to learning and adapting as challenges arise. Focusing on customer feedback and iterating based on that can also significantly enhance the chances of 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: Embrace uncertainty; it's the catalyst for innovation and growth in business — Igor Vainshtein Listen to your customers; their feedback is the roadmap to improvement and success — Igor Vainshtein Build a strong network; the right connections can propel your business to new heights — Igor Vainshtein

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 Kira Leskew, founder of The Eagle Institute Ltd, which has successfully thrived her business. Kira shares innovative strategies for overcoming business challenges and emphasizes the importance of eliminating stress to enhance decision-making. She highlights the transformative power of 5 practices to eliminate stress in 7-12 minutes per day, and high performance meditation for leadership problem-solving which also fosters a positive mindset and achieving sustainable growth. Tune in for actionable insights that can help elevate your business to new heights. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Transform Mindset for Success: Recognize the power of mindset in business. Overcoming mental blocks can significantly impact your ability to see opportunities and make strategic decisions. Implement Stress Elimination Techniques: Utilize specific practices to go from overwhelm or stress to healthy in 7-12 minutes before attempting meditation. This foundational work prepares you for deeper clarity and awareness. Leverage Team Strengths: With a small team, foster collaboration by leveraging each member's strengths. Empowerment can lead to innovative solutions and enhanced performance. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Focus on Practical Decision-Making: When faced with important decisions, ensure you are in a low-stress state to enhance your perspective and judgment, allowing for clearer thinking. Adopt Holistic Practices: Embrace a holistic approach to well-being that integrates physical, emotional, and mental health practices to support overall business performance. Explore Innovative Strategies: Stay open to exploring new strategies and techniques to navigate challenges. Continuous learning and adaptability are key to sustainable growth and success. One action small business owners can take: One actionable step small business owners can take, as suggested by Kira Leskew, is to prioritize daily stress management practices. This could include setting aside just a few minutes each day for mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, or even light physical activity. By creating a routine that helps reduce stress, owners can improve their clarity of thought, enhance decision-making, and ultimately lead their teams more effectively. 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: Success in business starts with a clear mind and a focused heart – Kira Leskew Your perspective shapes your reality; choose clarity over clutter – Kira Leskew In the journey of entrepreneurship, taking a moment to breathe can lead to breakthrough insights – Kira Leskew

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Bradley Hamner, the founder of BlueprintOS, as he shares insights into achieving impressive 40% annual growth with his 5 member team. Discover the power of peer advisory boards and how they foster strategic conversations that elevate business performance. Bradley also reveals the importance of a well-implemented CRM system and its transformative effects on small businesses. Join us to learn practical strategies that can help you take your business to the next level. 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? Bradley Hamner identifies that the hardest thing in growing a small business is recognizing that you can't do it all by yourself. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging your ability to drive results through others, rather than solely relying on your own hard work. This mindset shift is crucial for sustainable growth, as successful business development often hinges on collaboration and effective delegation. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Bradley Hamner's favorite business book that has significantly influenced him is The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham. He values its insights on making better decisions and avoiding common pitfalls in business. This book has provided him with valuable guidance in his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and reflection in achieving success. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Bradley Hamner highlights Built to Sell as an exceptional podcast for small business growth, providing valuable insights into effective strategies and exit planning. He stresses the importance of continuous learning, noting that he listens to several episodes of John's podcasts weekly to enhance his business knowledge. These resources have significantly contributed to his professional development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Bradley Hamner stresses the need for a robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to foster small business growth, recommending that businesses invest in a well-structured CRM built by professionals. He also advocates for using communication tools like Slack to facilitate clear and organized communication among team members. This approach can significantly enhance collaboration and productivity. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Bradley Hamner's advice for himself on day one of starting his business would be: "You can't do it all yourself. You're talented and work hard, but it's not just about how hard you work; it's about what you work on. Your success in business will come from your ability to drive results through other people, not just from your own efforts." This highlights the importance of collaboration, delegation, and focusing on impactful work. 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 is driven by your ability to empower others, not just your own hard work – Bradley Hamner Always remember, it's not about doing everything yourself; it's about leading those around you – Bradley Hamner The best growth strategies come from a deep understanding of who you serve and what they need – Bradley Hamner

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jenna Biancavilla, from Pearl Capital Management, about her journey from starting solo to leading a team of 12 in wealth management. She emphasizes personal development, financial transparency, and job security through building reserves. A special takeaway: Jenna's top book recommendation is Atomic Habits, a guide to building effective systems. 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? Jenna Biancavilla highlights that one of the hardest things in growing a small business is managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. She emphasizes the need for resilience, as challenges and setbacks are inevitable. Additionally, she points out the importance of maintaining a focus on personal development and continually learning to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Jenna Biancavilla's favorite business book is Atomic Habits by James Clear. She frequently recommends it for its emphasis on establishing small, effective habits and systems that can lead to significant improvements over time. Jenna appreciates how the book provides a solid foundation for developing good practices and avoiding overwhelm in business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jenna Biancavilla recommends the Advisor Success Podcast, which features industry-specific insights from others in the wealth management and financial planning space. She finds it valuable for learning from those who have faced similar challenges and sharing experiences. Additionally, she suggests The Perfect RA podcast, which offers trade secrets on how to enhance business practices and deliver more value to clients. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jenna Biancavilla emphasizes the importance of personal development as a key resource for growing a small business. She encourages entrepreneurs to drop their egos and adopt a mindset of being a constant learner. By recognizing that they don't know everything and being open to learning, business owners can cultivate the skills and insights necessary for growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Jenna Biancavilla would advise herself to acknowledge that "it's going to be hard, but it's worth it." This advice serves as a reminder that while the journey may be challenging, the effort and dedication put into building the business will ultimately lead to rewarding experiences and 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: You have to drop your ego and learn; being a constant student is key to growth – Jenna Biancavilla It's not just about the numbers; it's about creating a stable environment for your team – Jenna Biancavilla In the face of challenges, remember: it's going to be hard, but it's worth it – Jenna Biancavilla

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 Julia Ewert, founder of Julia Ewert Pty Ltd, shares her insights on transforming client relationships through effective follow-up strategies. With her 5-member team, Julia emphasises the critical role of CRMs in optimising sales processes and enhancing client engagement. She highlights the importance of adding value in follow-ups rather than simply chasing proposals, providing actionable tips for small business owners looking to build trust and drive growth. Tune in to learn how meaningful connections can lead to significant business success. Other Resources: FROM PITCH TO PROFIT — HOW TO BUILD GENUINE TRUST AND ACHIEVE BUSINESS SUCCESS WITH THE INFINITE SALES SYSTEM® Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Implement Value-Driven Follow-Ups: Transition your follow-up strategy from simple check-ins to value-added interactions. Offer resources, insights, or introductions that genuinely help your prospects. Leverage a CRM System: Utilise a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to manage leads and client interactions effectively. A good CRM ensures that no opportunities are missed and helps track your follow-up efforts. Be Prepared for Long Sales Cycles: Recognise that securing larger clients often takes time. Expect to have multiple meaningful interactions—typically between 5 and 12—before closing a deal. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Build Trust and Relationships: Focus on nurturing relationships with clients rather than just closing sales. People prefer to do business with those they trust, so aim to become a valuable resource in their network. Customize Your Approach: Understand that every business is different. Tailor your sales process, CRM choices, and follow-up strategies to fit the specific needs and goals of your business. Prioritize Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on best practices and new tools in sales and client management. Regularly evaluate and refine your strategies to adapt to changing market conditions and client expectations. One action small business owners can take: One action small business owners can take is to implement a structured follow-up system using a CRM. By consistently reaching out with value-added communications—such as sharing relevant resources or insights—business owners can nurture relationships, stay top of mind with prospects, and ultimately increase their chances of closing larger deals. This systematic approach ensures that no opportunity is overlooked and fosters trust and engagement with clients. 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: People do not like to be sold to, but they love to buy – Julia Ewert Follow-up is not just about checking in; it's about adding value to the relationship – Julia Ewert Building trust in business is about serving others more than yourself – Julia Ewert

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Kelly Brown, co-founder and CFO of The Working Party, who shares her journey in building a thriving e-commerce agency with 25 team members. She highlights the critical mindset shift from structured corporate life to the freedom and responsibility o f entrepreneurship. Kelly reveals how aligning team values and fostering open communication have been key to their success. This episode offers valuable insights for small business owners looking to create a strong company culture while navigating growth challenges. 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 Kelly Brown, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing the pace of growth. She notes that for fast-growing businesses, it can feel like there's a constant need to work around the clock, which makes it essential to distinguish between what's important and what can wait. This challenge requires a balance of urgency and strategic prioritization to ensure sustainable growth. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Kelly Brown doesn't have a specific favorite business book that has helped her the most. She mentions that her business partner, Cal, has a substantial collection of books and often refers to them for insights. While she appreciates the value of reading and learning, her approach leans more toward seeking knowledge in specific areas as needed rather than following a particular book. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Kelly Brown highly recommends the podcast series that Sam created, particularly the influencer series, which includes insightful episodes featuring various guests, like chefs. She enjoys learning from others' business experiences and strategies. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of tools like Xero and spreadsheets for managing and growing a small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Kelly Brown recommends using Xero and spreadsheets as essential tools for growing a small business. Xero is particularly valuable for managing finances and accounting, while spreadsheets are useful for tracking data and analyzing business performance. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Kelly Brown advises that on day one of starting out in business, it's crucial to be steadfast in your confidence. She emphasizes believing in yourself and your abilities, and to simply go for it, recognizing that you have what it takes to succeed. 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: In business, embracing the unknown is an opportunity for growth – Kelly Brown Hiring for values rather than just skills creates a cohesive team – Kelly Brown Trust in your journey and have confidence in your abilities – Kelly Brown

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Damien Cantelo, co-founder of Apollo Secure, shares his journey leading an 8-member team while navigating the challenges of a failed GPS deal. He discusses the importance of resilience and strategic cash flow management in protecting small businesses from cyber threats. Damien also emphasizes the value of learning from setbacks and how adaptability is crucial for long-term success. Tune in for insights on fostering a secure business environment and the lessons learned along the way. Other Resources: Discover expert cybersecurity strategies to safeguard your business and achieve peace of mind, featuring insights from Damien Cantelo. Discover how Andrew Miller scaled his solo startup to a $500K annual revenue powerhouse with 7 team members, sharing key strategies for transforming early-stage companies and achieving work-life balance. Andrew Miller. 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? Damien Cantelo identified that one of the hardest things in growing a small business is listening to customers and ensuring that your product or service aligns with their needs. He mentioned that entrepreneurs often become too attached to their original ideas and may struggle to let go of their initial concepts. Instead, they must be disciplined enough to adapt based on what customers actually want, even if it differs from their original vision. This can be a continuous challenge as business owners navigate their growth journey. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Damien Cantelo highlighted "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries as a significant book that serves as a Bible for tech startups. Additionally, he recommended "Crossing the Chasm" by Geoffrey Moore, which he considers timeless and still relevant today, especially for understanding market dynamics in various business contexts. These books have greatly influenced his approach to business and product development. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Damien Cantelo recommends the "Built to Sell" podcast for valuable insights on building and selling businesses. He also appreciates John Warrillow's podcast, which complements his books, along with April Dunford's resources on marketing and positioning for effective business differentiation. Additionally, he suggests exploring cybersecurity podcasts for niche industry insights. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Damien Cantelo recommends cash flow forecasting in Excel as an essential tool for growing a small business, highlighting the importance of understanding cash inflows and outflows. He emphasizes that, despite the availability of various sales and marketing automation tools, effective cash management remains critical for business sustainability. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Damien Cantelo advises that on day one of starting out in business, one should "stick with it" and be prepared for a long and challenging journey. He echoes Winston Churchill's sentiment that if you're going through hell, you should keep going, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles. 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: Listening to your customers is the key to evolving your business – Damien Cantelo Perseverance is essential; if you're going through hell, keep going – Damien Cantelo Don't be afraid to pivot; the market knows what it wants – Damien Cantelo

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 David C Barnett, from Business and Asset Values. David shares key insights on buying, selling, and valuing businesses, drawing from his extensive experience. He discusses how his firm helps entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of mergers and acquisitions with a unique approach that simplifies the process. Discover how David's tailored strategies can help you maximize business growth and make smarter decisions in challenging markets Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Understanding Valuation: Knowing the true value of your business is crucial for both buyers and sellers. Proper valuation involves assessing market trends and financial performance. Identifying Business Characteristics: Potential buyers should clarify the specific characteristics they desire in a business, such as industry type, capital intensity, and service offerings, to make informed decisions. Navigating Market Challenges: In tough economic climates, having a solid strategy for buying or selling can help mitigate risks and enhance profitability. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Importance of Preparation: Sellers need to be well-prepared before entering the market, including understanding realistic pricing and potential financing structures to attract serious buyers. Leveraging Industry Insights: Using industry benchmarks and financial modeling can help business owners identify areas for improvement and optimize their operations. Recognizing Growth Opportunities: Many business owners are unaware of hidden growth potential within their operations, such as adjusting pricing strategies or refining service offerings to enhance profitability. One action small business owners can take: One actionable step small business owners can take, as highlighted by David C Barnett, is to regularly assess and understand their business's valuation. By conducting periodic valuations, owners can identify their company's worth in the current market, recognize areas for improvement, and make informed decisions regarding future growth strategies or potential sales. This proactive approach can enhance financial planning and prepare them for unexpected opportunities or challenges. 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: Selling a business is not just about listing it; it's about presenting its true value to the right buyer – David C Barnett A business that thrives is built on strong systems, not just the hours of its owner – David C Barnett The key to a successful business sale is preparing not just the numbers, but the narrative of your business journey – David C Barnett

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Hillary Walsh, founder of New Frontier Immigration Law, shares her journey of building a successful immigration law firm with over 115 employees. Emphasizing the power of transparency and core values, she reflects on how significant investments in professional development have driven both personal and business success. Hillary's unique perspective on work-life balance and her commitment to coaching others highlight her mission to help a million people through her services. Other Resources: Ultimate Recruitment Toolkit 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? Hillary Walsh believes that the hardest thing in growing a small business is having faith. She emphasizes that while many people want to see results before believing in their vision, true growth requires the ability to create and develop that vision first, which can be challenging without immediate evidence of success. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Hillary Walsh's favorite business book is The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. She finds it particularly helpful because it distills goals down to actionable steps, allowing individuals to focus on what truly needs to be accomplished each day. This approach has significantly aided her in navigating the growth of her business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Hillary Walsh recommends the podcast The Successful Mind by David Nagle as a valuable resource for small business growth. She highlights that it challenges common belief systems, which can greatly impact how businesses are run. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of setting core values for both personal and business development as a foundational tool for success. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Hillary Walsh recommends setting your core values as a crucial tool for growing a small business. She emphasizes that understanding both personal and business core values helps in making hiring and firing decisions, guiding interactions with team members and clients, and maintaining alignment within the organization. This framework allows for clearer communication and decision-making, ensuring that everyone is working towards the same principles. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Hillary Walsh advises her past self on day one of starting her business to "buckle up." She reflects that, at the beginning, she had no idea about the challenges ahead, including the need for personal development and the significant changes that growth would bring. She emphasizes that the journey would transform her into a different person, highlighting the unexpected and rewarding experiences that come with building a 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: Transparency in leadership allows people to choose their own path and creates a culture of accountability – Hillary Walsh Balance isn't about equal time; it's about being present where you are – Hillary Walsh The hardest part of growing a business is having faith and creating the vision before you can see it – Hillary Walsh