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 22, 2024 • 50min
John Lenker & Assaf Arie on Scaling Their Consulting Firm from 4 to 14 Members, Achieving 10x Revenue Growth, and Helping Clients Save Millions with Strategic Marketing & Business Innovation Over 22 Years. (Episode 569 - John Lenker & Assaf Arie)
In this episode of the GASB Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews John Lenker and Assaf Arie from Lenker Consulting, a firm specializing in strategic marketing and business growth. They share insights on scaling their business from 4 to 14 team members, achieving 10x revenue growth, and helping clients save millions. With over 22 years of experience, they discuss the challenges and successes of building a value-driven company. 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? John Lenker and Assaf Arie believe the hardest part of growing a small business is managing emotional and practical challenges, staying resilient after setbacks, and understanding the industry. Balancing growth with payroll and hiring adds stress, especially when taking risks on new hires. They emphasize patience in building client relationships at the right pace to avoid overwhelming them. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? John Lenker and Assaf Arie often reference The Toyota Way as their favorite business book. They appreciate how it showcases a mindset shift in the automotive industry, demonstrating more efficient, profitable methods of production. The book's lessons on optimizing processes and continuous improvement resonate with them and have influenced their approach to business growth and innovation. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? John Lenker and Assaf Arie recommend using Active Campaign for CRM and marketing automation and Webflow for building websites and landing pages. They also mention enjoying the Joe Rogan podcast for a break from business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? John Lenker and Assaf Arie recommend using Active Campaign for CRM and marketing automation and Webflow for building digital environments like websites and landing pages. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? John Lenker and Assaf Arie advise that starting a business will be much harder than anticipated. They suggest being prepared for significant challenges and understanding that things will get tougher before they get easier. 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 second you run out of problems, you're out of business – be grateful for them – John Lenker & Assaf Arie Create a culture from your values, not just what the crowd is doing – John Lenker & Assaf Arie Get excited about what a new hire can do for you, and trust them to do their job – John Lenker & Assaf Arie

Sep 19, 2024 • 19min
QFF: Unlocking Sales Success with Benjamin Dennehy: Discover how the UK's Most Hated Sales Trainer builds a thriving sales training business, leads a dynamic team, and uses expert techniques to boost small business growth. (Episode 568 - Benjamin Dennehy)
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 Benjamin Dennehy, founder of The UK's Most Hated Sales Trainer. With over a decade of experience in sales training, Benjamin shares how he's helped countless businesses improve their sales techniques and performance. He also discusses building a successful team and the strategies that have led to his business growth. Tune in for expert advice on transforming your sales approach. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Master the Art of Asking Questions: Sales success is rooted in asking the right questions. It's not just about what you ask but how you ask it, to uncover true client needs. Embrace Discomfort in Sales: Being direct and upfront in sales can be uncomfortable, but it's essential to build trust and gain respect from potential clients. Understand Rejection: Rejection is part of the process. Learning how to handle and grow from rejection will make you a stronger and more resilient salesperson. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Be Prepared to Challenge Prospects: Don't be afraid to challenge prospects' assumptions. This can differentiate you from competitors and position you as a trusted advisor. Focus on Process, Not Outcome: Focusing too much on the end goal can lead to failure. Prioritize following a strong sales process, and the results will naturally follow. Build a Strong Sales Team Culture: Investing in your team's sales training and fostering a culture of accountability will improve overall performance and business success. One action small business owners can take: One action small business owners can take is to revamp their sales approach by incorporating Socratic questioning. This technique involves asking insightful questions to guide prospects toward recognizing their own needs and challenges, rather than directly pitching your solutions. It helps in uncovering deeper insights and building stronger, more trust-based relationships with potential 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: Sales isn't about being liked; it's about being effective – Benjamin Dennehy Rejection is just a step in the sales process, not the end – Benjamin Dennehy In sales, your goal is to make prospects feel something, not just hear something – Benjamin Dennehy

Sep 17, 2024 • 26min
A Success Story from the Founder of Happy Self Publishing: Growing from Startup to a 20+ Member Team, Generating $1M+ in Revenue, Tackling Hiring Challenges, and Creating a Thriving Company Culture Over 9 Years. (Episode 567 - Jyotsna Ramachandran)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jyotsna Ramachandran, founder of Happy Self Publishing, shares her journey to success. She discusses how focusing on team development and refining business strategies transformed her company's growth. Jyotsna details the importance of authentic storytelling in publishing and reveals the impact of building a strong company culture. Tune in to learn from her experiences and the strategies that propelled Happy Self Publishing forward. Other Resources: When should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors? Get a return from an effective Chairperson of a Board 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 Jyotsna Ramachandran, the hardest thing in growing a small business is overcoming the entrepreneur's mindset of viewing their business as "small." She emphasizes that this mindset can hinder growth, suggesting that shifting to a mindset of scalability and possibility is crucial for reaching the next level of success What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Jyotsna Ramachandran's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. She found it particularly valuable for understanding the importance of prioritizing profits before covering other expenses, which shifted her perspective on managing her business finances. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jyotsna Ramachandran recommends the Mel Robbins Show for personal development and business growth. Mel Robbins, known for her "Five Second Rule," offers practical advice and motivation that Jyotsna finds resonant and actionable. For online learning, she suggests leveraging such podcasts and resources to enhance both personal and professional skills. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jyotsna Ramachandran recommends using a simple spreadsheet to track expenses and income. Despite its basic nature, she finds it crucial for managing finances and ensuring clarity on cash flow, especially for small business owners who may initially overlook the importance of detailed financial tracking. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Jyotsna Ramachandran would advise herself that "you can grow your business the way you want. There is no one rule or metric to define success. Each person's life circumstances and goals are unique, so set your own rules and grow your business according to your vision. 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 not about speed, but about steady, intentional growth – Jyotsna Ramachandran Your business should serve your vision, not society's expectations – Jyotsna Ramachandran True entrepreneurship is about designing freedom, not just earning profits – Jyotsna Ramachandran

Sep 15, 2024 • 46min
Unveiling the Triumph of D'Angelo's Restaurant: How a Hobart Business Achieved $4 Million Revenue and Built a Dedicated Team of 20 Over 40 Years. Explore the Secrets Behind Their Long-Lasting Success and Industry Impact. (Episode 566 - Angelo Fraraccio)
In this episode of the GASB Podcast, host Michael Denehey interviews Angelo Fraraccio, founder of D'Angelo's Restaurant in Hobart, Tasmania, shares his 40-year journey in the restaurant business. He highlights the importance of community engagement, maintaining quality, and building a strong team. Angelo also discusses how he has balanced personal life while continuing to grow D'Angelo's into a beloved local institution. 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? Angelo Fraraccio identified the hardest aspect of growing a small business as dealing with staff. He explained that attracting and retaining good staff is challenging, especially when competing with other industries. The difficulty is compounded by the need for staff to work irregular hours and weekends, which can deter younger workers. Angelo emphasized the importance of having a strong team, noting that good people are essential for the success and sustainability of a business. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Angelo Fraraccio mentioned that he hasn't read any business books that significantly impacted him. Instead, he relies on practical experience, financial readings, and advice from accountants and business people. He emphasized the value of hands-on learning and real-world insights over formal business literature. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Angelo Fraraccio didn't specifically recommend any podcasts or online learning resources. He mentioned that he reads financial updates and seeks advice from accountants and business people. His advice for those looking to start a small business includes using online resources to get information and talking to experienced professionals in the field. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Angelo Fraraccio recommends utilizing online resources and talking to professionals like accountants and bank managers. He emphasizes the importance of having all your "ducks lined up" and gathering information from various sources to ensure business success. He also suggests consulting with experienced business people to get valuable insights and advice. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Angelo Fraraccio advises that on day one of starting out in business, you should be 100% positive, trust your gut feeling, and have no fear. He stresses the importance of diving into the business with confidence and not letting hesitation hold you back. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Be 100% positive, trust your gut, and never let fear hold you back — Angelo Fraraccio Good news travels slow, but bad news spreads quickly—so always deliver excellence — Angelo Fraraccio In business, if it ain't broke, don't fix it—just keep doing what works and improve where you can — Angelo Fraraccio

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


