Grow A Small Business Podcast
Troy Trewin
Our weekly 30 minute podcast helps you, a small business owner with 5 to 30 team members, take your company to the next level. The Grow A Small Business community, weekly cast, blog and leadership email supports leaders get through the pain of growth.
With insights, lessons learned, books and tools as well as habits these experienced small business owners suggest you develop, our interviews unearth tremendous value for anyone wanting to grow their business with less stress.
With insights, lessons learned, books and tools as well as habits these experienced small business owners suggest you develop, our interviews unearth tremendous value for anyone wanting to grow their business with less stress.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 12, 2024 • 20min
QFF: Founder of The Future Organization, on Growing a Successful Global Business with a Team of 20 Experts, Leading with Vulnerability, Innovation, and Leadership to Drive Success in the Future of Work and Employee Experience. (Episode 565 - Jacob Morgan)
In less than 20 minutes a week, we'll introduce you to an expert or business owner with deep experience in what they do. Grow you, grow your team, grow a small business. In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey interviews Jacob Morgan, 5x best-selling author, professionally trained futurist, and keynote speaker. He shares how he built a successful global business with a team of 20 experts. Jacob discusses the importance of leading with vulnerability, fostering innovation, and creating future-ready leaders. His insights reveal how embracing challenges and focusing on employee experience have driven his company's success in the ever-evolving world of work. Jacob mentioned his book, Leading with Vulnerability, which can be accessed here. Listeners are also encouraged to subscribe to his Future Ready Leadership Newsletter for more insights. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Lead with Vulnerability: Acknowledge mistakes, but always show how you're working to fix them. Vulnerability combined with leadership builds trust and fosters growth. Foster a Learning Culture: Encourage your team to embrace challenges and gaps in skills as opportunities for learning, driving both personal and business growth. Model Leadership: As a business owner, lead by example. Show your team it's okay to be vulnerable, but also demonstrate competence and solutions. 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 Through Openness: Vulnerability plays a key role in building trust within teams. Openly sharing challenges strengthens relationships and drives collaboration. Adapt to Change: In a rapidly evolving business environment, continually assess your gaps and adapt your strategies to stay ahead in your industry. Encourage Team Development: Empower your team to identify their own areas for improvement and take proactive steps One action small business owners can take: One actionable step small business owners can take, according to Jacob Morgan, is to lead by example. By demonstrating vulnerability themselves, business owners can set a precedent for their teams, showing that it is acceptable and encouraged within the organization. This approach helps create a culture where vulnerability is viewed as a strength rather than a weakness. 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: Vulnerability is not about exposing weakness; it's about demonstrating growth and learning – Jacob Morgan The key to cultivating a culture of vulnerability is for leaders to first model it themselves – Jacob Morgan Vulnerability without leadership can be misinterpreted; always pair it with a plan and purpose – Jacob Morgan

Sep 10, 2024 • 59min
From Startup to Success: Barratt Kennett on Growing EFCOMM Group to a 50 — Member Team, Embracing Profit Sharing, and Overcoming Leadership Challenges with Vision and Resilience. (Episode 564 - Barratt Kennett)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Barratt Kennett, Director of EFCOMM Sales and Marketing Solutions, Kennett shares his journey from a small startup to a thriving business with 50 employees. He talks about the benefits of profit sharing, his leadership style, and the significance of having a clear vision. Kennett also explores the challenges of scaling a business, offering practical advice on overcoming them with resilience and determination. 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 Barratt Kennett, the hardest thing in growing a small business is "acclimating to the pressure" and learning to handle repeated challenges, or "eating crap sandwiches." He emphasizes that tolerating and overcoming difficulties is crucial, and advises embracing failures and taking on more challenges as a way to build resilience and improve. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Barratt Kennett's favorite business books that have helped him the most are "Next Five Moves" and "Choose Your Enemies Wisely" by Patrick Bet-David, "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, and "Maximum Achievement" by Brian Tracy. He finds these books particularly valuable for both business and personal development. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Barratt Kennett recommends focusing on podcasts with impactful guests, such as those featuring Daniel Priestley, Lewis Howes, and Joe Rogan. He suggests following these guests on social media to catch promotional clips and dive deeper into their insights. For online learning, Kennett emphasizes the importance of exploring various podcasts and utilizing them to expand knowledge and skills relevant to business growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Barratt Kennett recommends having a crystal clear vision of how to improve a specific aspect of your business. He emphasizes the importance of defining what needs to be better, why it should be improved, and how to achieve that. This clear vision helps in rallying support and creating a focused strategy for business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Barratt Kennett advises to "buckle up" and be prepared for the challenges. He emphasizes that while people warn you about the difficulties, they don't fully convey the isolation and pressure you might face. Understanding that you'll have to endure hardships alone, but will ultimately be fine, can help in navigating the journey with resilience and determination. 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: Eat crap sandwiches, and your tolerance for pressure will grow — Barratt Kennett A crystal clear vision on how to make things better is your best business weapon — Barratt Kennett The world stands aside for the man who knows where he's going — Barratt Kennett

Sep 8, 2024 • 48min
Inside Security National Mortgage: Aaron Chapman Reveals How He Achieved in excess of $100M in Production, Built a High-Performing Team, and Navigated Business Growth. Learn from His Journey to Success. (Episode 563 - Aaron Chapman)
In this episode of the Grow a Small Business podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Aaron Chapman of Security National Mortgage company. Aaron shares insights into growing his business to $100M in production and building a high-performing team. He discusses the challenges and strategies behind his success, including his key achievements and the role of his dedicated team members. Tune in for valuable lessons on navigating business growth and leadership. 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: 1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Aaron Chapman, the hardest thing in growing a small business is "getting your ass up and keep going when it seems as though everything is against you." He emphasizes that persistence and overcoming challenges are crucial, noting that the painful experiences often stick with you more than the wins. He advises using these difficulties as learning opportunities and not letting them deter you from continuing your efforts. 2 .What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Aaron Chapman's favorite business book that has helped him the most is "The Master Key System" by Charles F. Haanel. He also mentions "Outwitting the Devil" by Napoleon Hill as another highly impactful book. Both works focus on personal development and success principles. 3 .Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Aaron Chapman suggests leveraging a few key resources for small business growth. He highlights Darren Hardy's business philosophy for its practical and in-depth advice. He also recommends Napoleon Hill's Master Key Series available on YouTube, which provides timeless lessons on success habits. Additionally, Chapman stresses the importance of CRM tools for managing contacts and maintaining personal connections, noting their critical role in fostering business relationships. 4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Aaron Chapman recommends using a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool to grow a small business. He emphasizes its importance for managing contacts, tracking interactions, and maintaining detailed records about clients. This helps keep connections personal and organized, which is crucial for nurturing relationships and driving business success. 5 .What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Aaron Chapman advises his day-one self to heed the advice of experienced mentors rather than assuming he knows everything. He underscores the importance of embracing Napoleon Hill's belief in the power of belief and applying knowledge from influential books. This approach is crucial for achieving 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: Surround yourself with great people and mentors; they'll help you see and achieve what you couldn't alone – Aaron Chapman A good business book is more than just words; it's a tool to reshape your thinking and drive your success – Aaron Chapman Remember, you're the sum of the five people you spend the most time with; choose wisely – Aaron Chapman

Sep 5, 2024 • 23min
QFF: Mastering Content Marketing with Marcus Sheridan: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market, Embrace AI, and Build Trust by Addressing What Others Avoid—Success Stories and Practical Tips for Small Business Owners. (Episode 562 - Marcus Sheridan)
In less than 20 minutes a week, we'll introduce you to an expert or business owner with deep experience in what they do. Grow you, grow your team, grow a small business. In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey interviews Marcus Sheridan from Impact plus discusses the importance of understanding not just who your business serves, but who it doesn't. He emphasizes the value of clarity in operations and the growing impact of AI on content creation, urging small businesses to embrace AI tools to scale their efforts. Sheridan also shares a success story of Opus Partners, a New Zealand company that has thrived by being transparent and consistent in its approach. Marcus discussed his book, They Ask, You Answer: A Revolutionary Approach to Inbound Sales, Content Marketing, and Today's Digital Consumer. This book offers a clear guide to revamping your current marketing strategy. Learn more about Marcus at Opes Partners. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Know Who You're Not: Clarity on who your business does not serve is as crucial as knowing who you do serve. This helps you confidently say no to opportunities that don't align with your expertise. Focus on Your Strengths: Concentrate your efforts on what you do best. This not only optimizes your resources but also enhances customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality services. Embrace AI for Content Creation: AI can significantly boost your content production, allowing small businesses to create high-quality, human-like content at scale without additional staffing. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Be Transparent and Honest: Openness about your limitations and the true benefits of your offerings builds trust with customers, leading to stronger relationships and long-term success. Stand Out by Doing What Others Won't: Differentiate your business by taking bold steps in your sales process and content strategy that your competitors aren't willing to take. Consistency is Key: Success in content marketing and business growth comes from consistent efforts over time. Stay committed to your strategies, even when results aren't immediate. One action small business owners can take: One action small business owners can take, according to Marcus Sheridan, is to embrace and implement AI tools for content creation. By leveraging AI, they can produce high-quality, human-like content at scale, enhancing their online presence without needing to hire additional staff. This can help them stay competitive and stand out in their industry. 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: The greatest day in business is when you figure out who you're not – Marcus Sheridan If you're not pushing the envelope, you're not doing enough – Marcus Sheridan- Bad AI content gets penalized, just like bad human content – Marcus Sheridan

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 3min
Creating a Successful Business: Barbara Wardell & Ernesto Cullari on Authentic Content, Strategic Partnerships, and Navy SEAL Lessons for Overcoming Challenges & Achieving Success in Geofencing. (Episode 561 - Barbara Wardell & Ernesto Cullari)
In this episode of the GASB Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Barbara Wardell and Ernesto Cullari, founders of cwadagency, to discuss their journey to success. They delve into the importance of authentic content, the value of strategic partnerships, and how lessons from Navy SEALs have influenced their approach to overcoming entrepreneurial challenges. Barbara and Ernesto also share their insights on maintaining a thriving business and the revenue impact of their innovative strategies. 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: 1 .What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Barbara Wardell and Ernesto Cullari believe the hardest part of growing a small business is having the right team. They stress that without the right people, growth is extremely challenging. They also highlight the frustration of limited understanding in their niche, underscoring the need for effective communication and education. 2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Barbara Wardell's favorite business book is The Wasabi Love, which focuses on appreciating every moment and being present. Ernesto Cullari prefers Confessions of an Ad Man for its engaging style and the Growth Hacking book, which introduced him to concepts like minimal viable products. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Barbara Wardell and Ernesto Cullari recommend the Sean Ryan Show for its insights into managing stress and challenges through the experiences of former Navy SEALs. They also emphasize creating genuine, original content—such as photography or videos—to showcase expertise and enhance visibility. This approach helps build engagement and a stronger connection with potential customers. 4.What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Barbara Wardell and Ernesto Cullari recommend using original content as a key tool for growing a small business. They suggest that business owners should create and share authentic content, such as photography or videos, to showcase their expertise. Genuine content enhances visibility, engages the audience, and builds a stronger connection with potential customers. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Barbara Wardell and Ernesto Cullari advise against trying to do everything yourself when starting a business. Instead, surround yourself with skilled, trustworthy people who excel where you might not. Building and staying loyal to a strong, capable team will help you navigate both challenges and successes. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Don't do it all alone; build a team with skills that complement yours – Barbara Wardell & Ernesto Cullari Find people who are smarter than you in areas where you lack expertise, and they will help you succeed – Barbara Wardell & Ernesto Cullari Success comes from balancing your strengths with others' weaknesses, creating a complementary team." – Barbara Wardell & Ernesto Cullari

Sep 1, 2024 • 44min
Unlocking Growth: Jim Stevenson's Journey with Bletchley Group, scaling a client by £6M with an 6-Person Team in 8 weeks. Unveils Proven Strategies for Team Building, Cultural Transformation, and Business Breakthroughs. (Episode 560 - Jim Stevenson)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jim Stevenson, founder of Bletchley Group, reveals how he turned his consultancy into a leading digital firm, generating $6 million in revenue for a client, in eight weeks, with a team of six. He discusses the power of a growth mindset, shaping effective teams, and the importance of balance in business relationships. Tune in for actionable insights from his 24-year journey in the 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, being a learner again when moving into a new industry, 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? Jim Stevenson highlights that the hardest part of growing a small business is maintaining motivation during tough times. He emphasizes that staying driven through challenging days, weekends, and even months is crucial for long-term success. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Jim Stevenson's favorite business book is not a book but the movie "The Martian" starring Matt Damon. He finds it valuable for its lessons on prioritization and focusing on immediate problems that need solving to ensure business survival and success. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jim Stevenson didn't recommend specific podcasts but emphasized using audio books and Get Abstract for book summaries. He also finds Notion useful for organizing tasks and values Atomic Habits by James Clear for insights on habit formation and growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jim Stevenson recommends investing in a CRM for managing customer relationships, and using Notion for organizational tasks. He emphasizes that a CRM is essential for any business, and Notion helps streamline operations efficiently. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Jim Stevenson would advise himself to focus on being the "McKinsey for the digital age," aiming for high-quality work and a strong reputation. He would also remind himself to build a small, capable team in key financial hubs to manage workload and achieve global reach. 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 growth mindset turns mediocre strategies into exceptional companies – Jim Stevenson Focus on what will kill you today, so you get to play again tomorrow – Jim Stevenson Shaping teams is about fitting the right skills and culture to the challenge – Jim Stevenson

Aug 29, 2024 • 23min
QFF: Resilience & Success: Jacqui Louder on Managing Ego, Embracing Failure, and Building Winning Team Culture. Insights on Burnout, Self-Awareness, and Sustained Success for Small Business Owners in Business and Sports. (Episode 559 - Jacqui Louder)
In less than 20 minutes a week, we'll introduce you to an expert or business owner with deep experience in what they do. Grow you, grow your team, grow a small business. In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey interviews Jacqui Louder a Psychologist at Performe Sports Medicine. Discusses the parallels between sports and business, focusing on resilience, managing ego, and embracing failure as keys to success. She offers insights on building a winning team culture and practical tips for avoiding burnout, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and continual growth for small business owners. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Resilience Through Setbacks: Success in both sports and business often comes from learning through setbacks and embracing failure as a growth opportunity. Managing Ego: Regularly challenge ego in business to avoid stagnation and encourage continuous improvement. Importance of Small Wins: Just like in sports, recognizing and rewarding small achievements in business contributes to long-term success. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Preventing Burnout: Self-awareness, good time management, proper sleep, and nutrition are crucial to avoiding burnout and maintaining peak performance. Creating a Positive Team Culture: Build a strong team culture by highlighting strengths before discussing areas for improvement, fostering a growth mindset, and treating everyone fairly. Sustained Success: Focus on process-oriented goals rather than just outcomes to ensure consistent progress and long-term success. One action small business owners can take: One action small business owners can take, according to Jacqui Louder, is to regularly acknowledge and celebrate small achievements within their teams. This practice not only boosts morale but also builds momentum toward achieving larger business goals. 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, like in sports, comes from embracing failure and learning from it – Jacqui Louder A strong team culture is built by valuing character over personality – Jacqui Louder Mindfulness is keeping your head and heart in the same place, fully present in the moment – Jacqui Louder

Aug 27, 2024 • 27min
Discover Cath McDowell's journey scaling Howrah Plumbing to $12M revenue and a team of 47 over 29 years. Learn how her leadership turned a small business into a thriving enterprise with a robust company culture. (Episode 558 - Cath McDowell)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Cath McDowell, the driving force behind Howrah Plumbing. Cath reveals her journey from managing a small business to scaling it to $12M in revenue with a team of 47 over 29 years. She shares insights on building a strong company culture and the challenges of growth. Tune in to learn how dedication and strategic leadership transformed her enterprise into a thriving success. Other Resources: Marketing Funding Flywheel Ebook Mark Ritson, ex-Business School Professor, now heads the CPD-accredited Mini MBA in Marketing with 20,000 alumni in 60 countries and a team of 8 FTEs. Craig West on how ESOPs can boost productivity by 7%-23%, triple team engagement, and double retention, plus insights on benefits, costs, and timelines. Tom Lewin on Employee Share Plans: boost staff retention, transparency. 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, being a learner again when moving into a new industry, 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? Cath McDowell believes the hardest part of growing a small business is maintaining a strong company culture while scaling. Balancing growth with the personal touch that built the business initially can be a significant challenge. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Cath McDowell mentions that she doesn't have a favorite business book, as she primarily focused on training courses and practical skills for her professional development. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Cath McDowell doesn't have specific recommendations for podcasts or online learning resources for growing a small business. She prefers practical training and hands-on learning over online resources. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Cath McDowell recommends having strong support around you as a key tool for growing a small business. She emphasizes the importance of a good team and supportive people who can help with daily tasks, job reviews, and equipment decisions. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Cath McDowell would advise herself to take holidays whenever possible and enjoy time off. She reflects that she never expected to stay at the same company for her entire career, and encourages balancing work with personal time. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Being committed to your business is a long-term dedication; it's not a short-term project — Cath McDowell Feedback from employees who've worked elsewhere can be incredibly valuable and reaffirming — Cath McDowell Creating a strong company culture means valuing what happens outside of work and rewarding your team — Cath McDowell

Aug 25, 2024 • 46min
David Gaz From The Bureau of Small Projects: How He Built a Successful Business with $3.5M in Revenue, a 40-Person Team, Embraced Path-Oriented Growth, and Achieved Balance Through Zen Practices and Mentorship. (Episode 557 - David Gaz)
In this episode of the Grow a Small Business podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews David Gaz of The Bureau of Small Projects shares his journey to building a successful business with $3.5 million in revenue and a 40-person team. He discusses embracing a path-oriented approach to growth, the importance of resilience, and how Zen practices and mentorship have helped him maintain balance. 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 David Gaz, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing people. He emphasises that dealing with the complexities of team dynamics and maintaining a positive, productive culture can be particularly challenging. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? David Gaz's favourite business book that has helped him the most is "Antifragile" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. He finds it valuable for its insights into thriving amid change and uncertainty, which he believes is crucial for navigating today's rapidly evolving business environment. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? David Gaz recommends the Grow a Small Business podcast as a great resource for growing a small business. He appreciates the podcast for its engaging content and valuable insights, making it a useful tool for entrepreneurs looking to expand their knowledge and skills. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? David Gaz suggests that tools or resources that help you stay centred and resilient are essential for growing a small business. He specifically mentions meditation and fly fishing as practices that help him maintain balance and mental clarity, which can be crucial for business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? David Gaz advises that on day one of starting a business, focus less on having a detailed business plan and more on simply starting. He emphasises that luck plays a significant role in business success, and likens it to getting hit by a freight train—it only happens if you're on the tracks. 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 only thing that guarantees success in business is to never give up – David Gaz Luck is like getting hit by a freight train; it only happens if you're on the track. – David Gaz Zen practices and resilience are key tools for thriving in a fast-changing world –David Gaz

Aug 22, 2024 • 22min
QFF: Lean Marketing's Managing Director reveals how he transformed small business marketing, driving millions in revenue with a 25-member team. Uncover his secrets to creating successful strategies, metrics, and messages. (Episode 556 - Allan Dib)
In less than 20 minutes a week, we'll introduce you to an expert or business owner with deep experience in what they do. Grow you, grow your team, grow a small business. In this episode of Grow A Small Business, host Michael Denehey interviews Allan Dib, Managing Director of Lean Marketing, about his journey to creating successful marketing strategies that have generated millions in revenue. Allan shares insights on essential metrics like lifetime value and cost of acquisition, and discusses how clear messaging and understanding your target market can transform your business. Tune in for actionable tips to enhance your marketing plan and drive business growth. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Define Your Target Market Clearly: Identify and understand your ideal clients in detail to tailor your marketing efforts effectively. Aim to be so specific that you can recognize your target audience in daily interactions. Focus on Lifetime Value and Cost of Acquisition: Calculate the lifetime value of your clients and the cost of acquiring them. Aim for a cost of acquisition that is a fraction of the client's lifetime value to ensure profitability. Develop a Solid Marketing Strategy: Before diving into tactics like ads or website changes, build a comprehensive marketing plan. Use it as a blueprint to guide your actions and ensure alignment with your business goals. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Craft a Compelling Message: Your marketing message must resonate with your target audience. Avoid amplifying a weak message – ensure it's clear and appealing before investing in widespread promotion. Leverage Data and Metrics: Regularly track and analyze key metrics such as click-through rates, bounce rates, and conversion rates. Focus on metrics that reflect business outcomes, like lifetime value and cost of acquisition. Continuous Improvement: Regularly revisit and refine your marketing plan based on performance data and client feedback. Adapting and improving over time will help you stay relevant and competitive. One action small business owners can take: One action small business owners can take is to download and complete the "One Page Marketing Plan" available on Allan Dib's website. This simple, single-page framework helps clarify your target market, message, and strategy, providing a focused approach to guide your marketing efforts and improve business results. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximise 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: Marketing is not about throwing random tactics against the wall; it's about having a clear strategy and plan – Allan Dib The most important metrics to track are lifetime value and cost of acquisition; everything else is secondary – Allan Dib Your marketing message should be so compelling that your ideal clients feel like you're speaking directly to them – Allan Dib


