Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode, Troy sits down with Alyona Medelyan, the founder of Thematic, a thriving business with $5 million in revenue. Alyona shares her entrepreneurial journey and offers invaluable advice for small business owners aiming to scale their ventures. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration from Alyona's remarkable success story. 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 Alyona Medelyan, the hardest thing in growing a small business is prioritisation. She emphasises the importance of working on the right things and saying no to the wrong things, as there are many distractions that can divert focus from revenue and growth. 2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Alyona Medelyan's favourite business book that has helped her the most is "Challenger Sale." This book emphasises the importance of creating value for customers during the sales process and highlights the significance of teaching customers something new rather than just selling to them. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Alyona Medelyan recommends several podcasts and online resources to help grow a small business. She suggests listening to "Y Combinator Podcasts," particularly "How to Start a Startup," which emphasises customer-centric approaches. Additionally, "Startups for the Rest of Us" offers insights into bootstrapping. For broader entrepreneurial journeys, she enjoys "How I Built This" with Guy Raz. 4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Alyona Medelyan recommends using a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool to grow a small business. Specifically, she suggests Pipedrive for its simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness in managing sales processes and customer relationships. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Alyona Medelyan would advise herself to hire the best people for the job - the smartest and most knowledgeable individuals available. This emphasises the importance of assembling a talented team to drive the business forward from the outset. 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: Listen to your customers, build, and everything else is a distraction – Alyona Medelyan Building a kickass culture starts with spending time together, fostering empathy – Alyona Medelyan Learn by doing, test things out, and double down on what works – Alyona Medelyan

In this episode, Troy Trewin interviews Eric Recker, the owner of Win the Now. Eric shares his journey from burnout to brilliance, highlighting how he grew his practice from 7 to 18 team members and generated over $3 million in revenue. His insights on self-awareness, communication, and work-life balance offer valuable lessons for small business owners. 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? Eric Recker believes that the toughest challenge in growing a small business is the misconception that you must tackle everything alone, leading to undue pressure and isolation. He emphasises the importance of seeking support from mentors and building a strong network to overcome this hurdle and succeed in the entrepreneurial journey. 2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Eric Recker's favourite business book is "Soundtracks" by Jon Acuff. This book delves into managing repetitive negative thoughts that hinder personal and professional growth, offering strategies to reframe them with positive soundtracks for success. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Eric Recker's top podcasts and learning tools include "Dream, Think, Do with Mitch Matthews" and "All It Takes is a Goal" by Jon Acuff. These resources offer valuable insights, motivation, and practical advice for personal and professional development. 4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Eric Recker recommends a journal as a valuable tool for small business growth. A journal provides flexibility for recording thoughts, setting goals, and reflecting on progress. It helps entrepreneurs stay organised, focused, and accountable on their journey to success. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Eric Recker would advise himself to prioritise self-care. He would emphasise the importance of finding ways to refresh, rest, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Taking time to rest, ensuring adequate sleep, and incorporating moments to breathe throughout the day are essential for long-term success and well-being. 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: Live in the present moment and find the gift in every moment – Eric Recker Be honest about your struggles and seek support; facing burnout head-on is the only way to overcome it – Eric Recker Balance is everything; learn to say no and prioritise what truly matters – Eric Recker

In this episode, Troy Trewin interviews Eric Recker, the owner of Win the Now. Eric shares his journey from burnout to brilliance, highlighting how he grew his practice from 7 to 18 team members and generated over $3 million in revenue. His insights on self-awareness, communication, and work-life balance offer valuable lessons for small business owners. 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? Eric Recker believes that the toughest challenge in growing a small business is the misconception that you must tackle everything alone, leading to undue pressure and isolation. He emphasises the importance of seeking support from mentors and building a strong network to overcome this hurdle and succeed in the entrepreneurial journey. 2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Eric Recker's favourite business book is "Soundtracks" by Jon Acuff. This book delves into managing repetitive negative thoughts that hinder personal and professional growth, offering strategies to reframe them with positive soundtracks for success. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Eric Recker's top podcasts and learning tools include "Dream, Think, Do with Mitch Matthews" and "All It Takes is a Goal" by Jon Acuff. These resources offer valuable insights, motivation, and practical advice for personal and professional development. 4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Eric Recker recommends a journal as a valuable tool for small business growth. A journal provides flexibility for recording thoughts, setting goals, and reflecting on progress. It helps entrepreneurs stay organised, focused, and accountable on their journey to success. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Eric Recker would advise himself to prioritise self-care. He would emphasise the importance of finding ways to refresh, rest, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Taking time to rest, ensuring adequate sleep, and incorporating moments to breathe throughout the day are essential for long-term success and well-being. 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: Live in the present moment and find the gift in every moment – Eric Recker Be honest about your struggles and seek support; facing burnout head-on is the only way to overcome it – Eric Recker Balance is everything; learn to say no and prioritise what truly matters – Eric Recker

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. Welcome to the "Grow a Small Business" podcast with your host, Michael Denehey. In this episode, Michael interviews Paul Roos from Performance by Design, based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. In this episode of the Grow a small business podcast, Paul Roos discusses the critical role of leadership, trust, and vulnerability in building successful teams, drawing from his extensive experience in sports and business. Additionally, host Michael introduces transformative programs aimed at small business owners, including an 80-day Business Transformation program and the Ultimate Recruitment Toolkit, designed to empower managers with essential tools and strategies for team optimization and recruitment excellence. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Leadership Impact: Paul emphasised the significant impact leaders have on shaping organisational culture. Their behaviours set the tone for the entire team, influencing productivity and morale. Culture Code: Defining clear behaviours aligned with organisational values is essential for creating a strong culture. It's not enough to simply state values; they must be actively lived and systemized throughout the organisation. Trust as Action: Trust is built through consistent actions over time. Paul likened it to depositing into a Trust Bank; leaders who consistently demonstrate trustworthiness fill their Trust Banks, fostering stronger relationships and collaboration. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Relationship Building: Building strong relationships within the team fosters trust and enhances collaboration. Paul encouraged leaders to actively engage with team members, getting to know them beyond work-related matters. Vulnerability: Authenticity and openness contribute to building trust and stronger connections within the team. Leaders should be themselves and encourage others to do the same, fostering a culture of honesty and support. Continuous Feedback: Regular, constructive feedback is crucial for personal and organisational growth. Paul emphasised the importance of incorporating feedback into daily interactions rather than waiting for formal reviews. 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: Leadership isn't about titles, it's about actions that inspire – Paul Roos Authenticity breeds trust; be yourself and watch your team thrive – Paul Roos Culture is built on behaviours, not just words on a wall – Paul Roos

In this episode, Michael dives into an inspiring conversation with Olivia Carr, founder of Shhh Silk, the eco-driven entrepreneur behind a $4M revenue silk business. Join the dialogue on growth strategies, mindset mastery, and eco-friendly triumphs as Olivia unveils the keys to her business success. A must-listen for time-poor small business owners seeking actionable insights from a sustainable business leader. 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? Olivia Carr highlights cash flow management as the toughest aspect of growing a small business. She emphasises the need for constant attention to identify and address any leaks or blockages, acknowledging that it's a perpetual challenge in the entrepreneurial journey. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? She mentions "The 4-Hour Workweek" as a pivotal business book that significantly influenced her in the early days of her entrepreneurial journey. The book, authored by Tim Ferriss, offers insights on focus and working efficiently, aligning with Olivia's emphasis on strategic and impactful efforts. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Olivia Carr recommends "Diary of a CEO" as a great podcast for business owners. While not specifically focused on business, the podcast features incredible guests, often delving into mindset-related topics. Olivia highlights the importance of addressing mindset challenges, emphasising the impact on business growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Olivia Carr recommends exploring SMS and email marketing, emphasising the significance of nurturing and retaining current customers. She emphasises the importance of implementing systems to engage with the existing customer base, as retaining customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting a business, Olivia Carr advises embracing the long-term commitment, emphasising that building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to strap in, highlighting the importance of enduring dedication and commitment, akin to a marriage where daily effort is required. Carr stresses the need to align with one's purpose and emphasise the journey's longevity. 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: Control the controllables; focus on what's within your grasp every day – Olivia Carr A morning routine is crucial; start the day intentionally to boost energy and focus – Olivia Carr Mentors provide accountability; you don't have a boss, but a coach keeps you on track – Olivia Carr

In this episode, discover the transformative journey of Alan G. Crone, CEO of Crone Law Firm, achieving a remarkable 4x revenue increase. Gain insights from his seasoned leadership as he shares strategies for small business success. Join host Troy in unlocking the secrets behind Crone Law Firm's extraordinary growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. 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: The hardest thing in growing a small business: The hardest thing about growing a small business, is having the courage and perseverance to push through setbacks. In a world where setbacks are common, it's important to keep the faith and not give up, even when things get tough. Favorite Business Book: Alan's top pick for a business book is "Good to Great" by Jim Collins. She finds the book's emphasis on the importance of hiring the right people particularly valuable and often recommends it to her entrepreneur clients. Top Podcast for Professional Development: Alan enjoys listening to "The Game Changing Attorney" podcast by Michael Mogul. While it focuses on the legal industry, she believes the stories and insights shared are applicable to entrepreneurs across various industries. Recommended Tool for Business Growth : Alan highlights the value of hiring a fractional CFO for small businesses. This move helped her focus her financial planning, develop a solid financial plan, and gain confidence in her decisions. What would you tell yourself on day one of starting out: I would counsel myself to prioritise patience, courage, and humility. Stress the value of building lasting relationships over transactional networking. Understand that enduring connections are the cornerstone of entrepreneurial 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: Define success not just by financial gain but by the impact on clients, team, and community – Alan G Crone Your most powerful asset as an entrepreneur is the quality of relationships you build – Alan G Crone Have the courage to endure setbacks and the faith to keep going, day in and day out – Alan G Crone

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. Welcome to the "Grow a Small Business" podcast with your host, Michael Denehey. In this episode, Michael interviews Nina Christian, a Marketing Mentor and Strategist from ninachristian.com, based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. In this captivating episode, explore the nuances of personal branding with Nina Christian, the esteemed Marketing Mentor and Strategist behind Marketing Meets. With over 30 years of business acumen, Nina shares pivotal insights on authenticity, alignment, and embracing imperfections for small business triumphs. Tune in for expert advice that promises to elevate your brand in a crowded marketplace! Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Authenticity Matters: Nina emphasises the importance of authenticity in personal branding. Small business owners should align their online presence with the reality of their business, building trust through genuine communication. Congruency and Alignment: Building on authenticity, businesses should strive for congruency and alignment in their messages. Find elements that feel right, reflect the business's values, and create an accurate expression both internally and externally. Embrace Imperfections: Sharing the human side of the business, including vulnerabilities and learnings, enhances the connection factor. Small business owners shouldn't fear showcasing some messiness; it makes them relatable and builds stronger connections with their audience. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Impact on Recognition: Nina shares a personal story about her transition to a more authentic personal brand, resulting in unexpected recognition from the Australian Marketing Institute. The acknowledgment wasn't just for professional accomplishments but also for being a relatable voice in the industry. Vulnerability in Personal Branding: Small business owners are encouraged to show vulnerability. In a world saturated with content, being human and relatable becomes a key differentiator, helping businesses stand out and connect with their audience. AI as an Enabler: While AI and technology contribute to information overload, they should be seen as enablers, not replacements for genuine human connection. Balancing technology with authentic content is crucial for success. One action small business owners can take: A concrete action small business owners can take, as suggested by Nina Christian, is to empower their team members to share about the impact of their work. Encourage employees to communicate their experiences, lessons learned, and successes in a way that aligns with the brand. This not only fosters a deeper connection with the audience but also empowers the team, leading to increased staff satisfaction and productivity. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help youc 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: Embrace imperfections, showcase your human side; it's the key to building lasting connections in business – Nina Christian In a crowded marketplace, your energy and vibe are what truly connect with your audience – Nina Christian Authenticity is the secret sauce that turns businesses into relatable brands – Nina Christian

In this episode of the 'Grow Small Business' podcast with host Troy Trewin, Crystalee Beck, the visionary behind Comma Copywriters, shares her inspiring journey from $50K to $1M in just six years. Tune in to discover the keys to success, the art of critical conversations, and insights into building a thriving remote team culture. Essential listening for time-strapped entrepreneurs looking to accelerate their small business growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. 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 Crystalee, the biggest challenge in growing a small business is not letting the business consume your life. Maintaining priorities is crucial to prevent work from overshadowing personal life. She emphasises the importance of building a fulfilling life alongside business success. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Crystalee highly recommends "Traction" by Gino Wickman, a book that has significantly influenced his business strategies. She also mentions "Rocket Fuel" as another must-read for entrepreneurs seeking growth. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Crystalee highlights the free series by the New York Public Library designed for small business owners, featuring renowned authors and speakers. This resource provides valuable insights for business growth and development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Crystalee suggests Basecamp for internal communication and workflow management. Basecamp's affordability and simplicity make it an ideal choice for small businesses seeking effective team collaboration. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Reflecting on his journey, Crystalee emphasises the importance of believing in oneself and maintaining a mindset of limitless possibilities. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big and overcome self-imposed limitations. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success isn't just about the numbers; it's about using your time wisely with those you love – Crystalee Beck Believe big and trust yourself; anything is possible when you remove self-imposed limitations – Crystalee Beck Build a culture where every team member feels seen and valued, even in a remote setting – Crystalee Beck

In this episode, Sofia Lane, co-founder of Samoedra, shares valuable insights on marketing challenges, social media advertising, and engaging with influencers. She discusses the importance of personal development, navigating work-life balance as a mom, and the need to embrace discomfort for business growth. Sofia also highlights recommended books and the significance of incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT for small business success. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. 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? According to Sofia Lane, the most challenging aspect of small business growth is the need to constantly push oneself mentally. Overcoming personal boundaries, finding solutions to various issues, and managing the demands of entrepreneurship pose significant mental challenges. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Sofia Lane cites "Sell Like Crazy" as a life-changing book for marketing strategies. Additionally, she enjoys podcasts like "Diary of a CEO" by Steven Bartlett, "The Mentor" by Mark Bouris, and "The Gold Digger Podcast" by Jenna Kutcher. Another notable book in her recommendation is "Rich Dad Poor Dad," which offers foundational concepts beneficial for small business owners. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Sofia Lane emphasizes continuous learning and professional development for business growth. She invests time in podcasts, clinical trials, and scientific developments. She highly recommends the free 10-day transforming performance online course for small business owners, providing lessons and tools to enhance focus, productivity, and overall control. Additionally, she values a PR course by Odette Barry called "Hack Your PR" and advocates for investing time in self-education, utilizing the readily available information in the digital age. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Sofia Lane recommends leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for business growth, emphasizing its advanced capabilities to run an e-commerce business or enhance marketing strategies. While acknowledging it as a valuable tool, she underscores the importance of using it effectively, combining AI assistance with human input to achieve optimal results in business operations. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting in business? On day one of starting out, Sofia Lane advises herself to take more time, emphasizing the importance of patience in the early stages of the business. Reflecting on their initial rush, she suggests prioritizing a robust marketing campaign before delving into extensive product development, recognizing the value of a well-executed marketing strategy in shaping the trajectory of the 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: Challenge your boundaries; that's where true growth for small businesses happens – Sofia Lane Continuous learning is vital in leadership; consider yourself a perpetual student of life – Sofia Lane Invest time in yourself—read, research, and learn to stay ahead and innovate – Sofia Lane

In this episode, Sofia Lane, co-founder of Samoedra, shares valuable insights on marketing challenges, social media advertising, and engaging with influencers. She discusses the importance of personal development, navigating work-life balance as a mom, and the need to embrace discomfort for business growth. Sofia also highlights recommended books and the significance of incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT for small business success. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. 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? According to Sofia Lane, the most challenging aspect of small business growth is the need to constantly push oneself mentally. Overcoming personal boundaries, finding solutions to various issues, and managing the demands of entrepreneurship pose significant mental challenges. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Sofia Lane cites "Sell Like Crazy" as a life-changing book for marketing strategies. Additionally, she enjoys podcasts like "Diary of a CEO" by Steven Bartlett, "The Mentor" by Mark Bouris, and "The Gold Digger Podcast" by Jenna Kutcher. Another notable book in her recommendation is "Rich Dad Poor Dad," which offers foundational concepts beneficial for small business owners. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Sofia Lane emphasizes continuous learning and professional development for business growth. She invests time in podcasts, clinical trials, and scientific developments. She highly recommends the free 10-day transforming performance online course for small business owners, providing lessons and tools to enhance focus, productivity, and overall control. Additionally, she values a PR course by Odette Barry called "Hack Your PR" and advocates for investing time in self-education, utilizing the readily available information in the digital age. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Sofia Lane recommends leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for business growth, emphasizing its advanced capabilities to run an e-commerce business or enhance marketing strategies. While acknowledging it as a valuable tool, she underscores the importance of using it effectively, combining AI assistance with human input to achieve optimal results in business operations. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting in business? On day one of starting out, Sofia Lane advises herself to take more time, emphasizing the importance of patience in the early stages of the business. Reflecting on their initial rush, she suggests prioritizing a robust marketing campaign before delving into extensive product development, recognizing the value of a well-executed marketing strategy in shaping the trajectory of the 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: Challenge your boundaries; that's where true growth for small businesses happens – Sofia Lane Continuous learning is vital in leadership; consider yourself a perpetual student of life – Sofia Lane Invest time in yourself—read, research, and learn to stay ahead and innovate – Sofia Lane