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

Mar 21, 2024 • 27min
QFF: Unlocking Success: Dive into the World of Personal Branding with Nina Christian, Renowned Marketing Mentor & Strategist, Pioneering 30 Years of Business Excellence. Gain Insights for Small Business Triumphs (Nina Christian)
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

Mar 19, 2024 • 24min
Accelerate Small Business Growth: Join the Million-Dollar Journey alongside the founder of Comma Copywriters … from $50K to $1M in 6 years. Discover critical conversations, remote team culture, and practical insights. (Crystalee Beck)
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

Mar 17, 2024 • 52min
Unlocking Business Brilliance: Insights from a Trailblazing Entrepreneur Achieving Remarkable Success, Doubling Revenue, and Nurturing a Stellar Team – A Must-Listen for Entrepreneurs on the Rise. (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

Mar 17, 2024 • 52min
Unlocking Business Brilliance: Insights from a Trailblazing Entrepreneur Achieving Remarkable Success, Doubling Revenue, and Nurturing a Stellar Team – A Must-Listen for Entrepreneurs on the Rise. (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

Mar 14, 2024 • 21min
QFF: Driving Success: Seasoned Business Leader with a Rich Portfolio Across Industries, Unveils Proven Strategies for Small Businesses to Excel. Learn from a Visionary CEO, Propelling Companies to New Heights at McGregor and Associates (Barbara McGregor)
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 Barbara McGregor, Managing Director at McGregor + Associates Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. In this episode, delve into business brilliance with Barbara McGregor, Managing Director at McGregor + Associates | Strategy I Communications I Culture, a seasoned leader with a track record spanning diverse industries. Discover her proven strategies, honed through years of success, empowering small businesses to thrive. Learn valuable insights on transparent leadership and cultivating a positive workplace culture for lasting impact. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Transparent Leadership: Barbara highlights the importance of open communication in leadership. CEOs should openly share the strategic plan, fostering trust and keeping employees informed about the business's direction. Strategic Planning for Small Businesses: For small business owners, defining purpose and core priorities is crucial. Implementing a simplified plan-on-a-page approach helps align teams with strategic intentions. Collaborative Approach: Barbara suggests involving key team members in the strategic planning process. Collaborate with the team to ensure everyone understands and resonates with the strategic intent. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Communication is King: Emphasizing the significance of clear messaging, Barbara urges consistent and engaging communication. Keeping messages lively and aligning them with the company's purpose helps build a shared understanding. Aligning Strategies Across Business Aspects: A consistent message across internal, investor relations, market, and customer strategies is crucial. This alignment reinforces integrity and builds trust both internally and externally. Celebrating Success: Barbara advocates for celebrating successes, emphasizing its positive impact on team morale. Recognition for achievements should be integrated into position descriptions and reward systems. One action small business owners can take: Initiate transparent communication within your team. Share your strategic plan openly, aligning every member with the business's purpose. By fostering trust and engagement, you empower your employees to understand and contribute to the journey, creating a positive workplace culture and driving overall success. 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: Transparent communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership –Barbara McGregor A positive workplace culture is built on the foundation of understanding and shared purpose – Barbara McGregor Start small, communicate openly, and watch your business grow with engaged and motivated employees." - Barbara McGregor

Mar 12, 2024 • 37min
From Zero to 7 figures: Migration Unity's Unveiled Growth Secrets. Discover Proven Tactics that Transformed a Small Business into a Revenue Powerhouse. A Guide to Scaling Success – Unlock the Keys to a 10x Boost in Your Business. (Scott Brennan)
In today's episode, host Troy explores the phenomenal success of Scott Brennan, Co-founder of Migration Unity, as he shares how his business achieved a remarkable $2 million in revenue. Gain exclusive insights into the strategies that propelled this growth, offering invaluable lessons for small business owners. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Scott on navigating the path to financial triumph in the immigration industry. Scott mentioned their Net Promoter Score (NPS) is an outstanding 100. Here's an article detailing the steps to compute your NPS on Grow a small business website. 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. In 2024, Grow A Small Business released the Marketing Funding Flywheel eBook, a comprehensive manual on constructing your own revenue-generating marketing mechanism in 2024. Troy briefly discusses the Business Transformation Program, tailored for small business owners with a team of 5 to 30 people. He also mentions another invaluable resource, the Ultimate Recruitment Toolkit - a two week online course to help small business owners and managers become Kick-Ass Recruiters, and only let A-Players on their bus. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: Hardest Challenges in Growing a Small Business: Scott highlights the difficulty of wearing multiple hats and the importance of focusing on tasks that truly move the needle for growth. Favorite Business Books: Scott recommends "The E-Myth" and "100 Million Leads" by Alex Hormozi, emphasizing the importance of continual learning and problem-solving. Top Podcasts and Learning Tools: Scott's go-to podcasts include "Diary of a CEO" and "Grow a small business Podcast" along with regular reading and YouTube for professional development. Recommended Tool for Small Business Growth: Scott suggests using a CRM like Active Campaign to organize data and streamline communication, essential for remote teams. Advice for Starting Out: Scott advises his past self to stay calm, not overthink, and focus on the present, knowing that things will work out along the way. 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: Building a sustainable culture is about celebrating wins, supporting each other, and creating a work environment that feels more like a team than a workplace – Scott Brennan Professional development isn't just about work hours; it's a lifestyle. Consistent learning, whether at the gym or in spare time, fuels personal and business growth – Scott Brennan A key takeaway in recruitment is asking the right behavioral questions; it's essential to understand if a candidate is the right fit beyond what's on their CV – Scott Brennan

Mar 10, 2024 • 1h 4min
Revolutionizing Auto Industry: Founder of Cooper Automotive, Unveils Proven Strategies! Expertise in Data-Driven Growth Led to over $10 million Revenue, 10 Stores, and Remarkable Achievements. Dive into Success Stories Now. (Mark Cooper)
In this episode, join Michael in a conversation with Mark Cooper, the visionary Founder of Cooper Automotive. Mark, with a stellar over $10 million revenue and a proven track record of 10 successful stores, offers invaluable insights into data-driven growth strategies in the auto industry. Uncover the secrets behind his remarkable achievements and gain inspiration for your small business journey. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. 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? The hardest thing in growing a small business is the realization that it becomes a lifestyle, not just a job. The constant 24/7 commitment means you're always immersed in it, even when you're not physically there. Additionally, securing the necessary cash flow to fuel business growth presents a significant challenge, especially in the initial stages. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Mark's top two favorite business books are "Losing My Virginity" by Richard Branson and "The E Myth" by Michael E. Gerber. "Losing My Virginity" was incredibly inspiring and motivated me on my entrepreneurial journey, while "The E Myth" helped me understand the fundamentals of business, especially as someone who ventured into entrepreneurship without prior experience. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? I highly recommend the "Take the Lead" podcast and the "Business Buying Strategy" podcast by Jonathan Jay. Both provide valuable insights and strategies for business growth and development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Utilizing a dashboard of key metrics is essential for monitoring business performance. Whether it's through Power BI or any other program, it's crucial to identify and monitor the key drivers of your business consistently. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Looking back, I would advise myself to invest time in learning about business fundamentals before diving into entrepreneurship. Understanding basic concepts like reconciling bank accounts can save a lot of hassle in the long run. So, my advice would be to read up on business or take some courses before starting a business venture. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Make decisions based on data and facts, not just gut feelings – Mark Cooper Health comes first; without energy and focus, business suffers – Mark Cooper Invest in personal development; it's a key to success in business – Mark Cooper

Mar 7, 2024 • 23min
QFF: Striking the Business Chords: Embark on a journey of success and wisdom with music-driven healing solutions. Discover achievements and expertise, unveiling transformative pathways to well-being. (Susan Mazer)
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, Rob Cameron. In this episode, Rob interviews Susan E. Mazer from Healing Health, based in Reno, Nevada, United States. In this episode, Susan Mazer shares insights from her journey in music-driven healing solutions. Her business focuses on creating harmonious environments in healthcare settings, utilizing music to enhance patients' well-being. Through a mission-driven approach and a commitment to employee satisfaction, Susan's business has achieved success while prioritizing the holistic healing of patients. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Origins of Business: Susan Mazer's journey began unexpectedly, evolving from a successful music career into a unique business. Rather than actively seeking a market gap, she responded to a need presented by nurses and hospitals, aiming to enhance patients' well-being through music. Mission-Driven Approach: The business's foundation is deeply rooted in a mission-driven mindset. Mazer emphasizes the importance of understanding that success stems from fulfilling a purpose, not just chasing monetary gains. This mission-focused approach has guided the business for over two decades. Responsive Business Growth: The business grew organically by responding to identified needs within the healthcare sector. Mazer discusses how they expanded their services based on requests from hospitals, adapting to the unique challenges of each healthcare environment. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Culture and Employee Focus: Mazer highlights the critical role of culture in the company's success. With a clear mission, they built a culture where employees are valued and treated like gold. By providing benefits, secure employment, and ensuring employees felt appreciated, the company fostered a loyal and dedicated team. Learning from Mistakes: Mazer shares an insightful example of a challenge faced during a hospital sound system installation. Despite setbacks, taking responsibility, making it right, and avoiding blame proved crucial. This experience turned into a positive, long-lasting client relationship and contributed to the company's growth. Treating Employees as Assets: In a small business, the owner must recognize the value of highly skilled employees. Offering benefits, paying competitive wages, and prioritizing employee well-being fosters a sense of security and loyalty. One action small business owners can take: Small business owners can prioritize employee satisfaction and well-being, treating them as invaluable assets. By fostering a culture of respect, offering benefits, and providing opportunities for growth, businesses can cultivate a loyal and dedicated team, ultimately contributing to long-term success, as advocated by Susan Mazer. 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: Take responsibility, make it right, and avoid blaming others for challenges in your business journey – Susan Mazer In a small company, treat your employees like gold; they are giving you their best – Susan Mazer Culture is inevitable; either respond to it or design it consciously in your business – Susan Mazer

Mar 5, 2024 • 38min
Small Business Triumphs Unveiled: From Franchise Leader to Solo Venture. Unearth Strategies for a $X Million Revenue, Navigate Entrepreneurship, and Master the Art of Small Business Success. (Pete Kusiak)
In this episode, Troy delves into the 15-year entrepreneurial journey of Pete Kusiak, Founder of The Fun First Strategy. Experience the evolution of a flourishing franchise with 35 team members to author/solo-prenuer. Discover insights on small business triumphs, revenue tactics, and seasoned wisdom from a business growth expert. Additionally, Pete unveils his latest book, "Drop the F-Bomb in Your Business: With The Fun First Strategy," launched in January. 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: Challenges in Growing a Small Business: Pete emphasized the importance of avoiding undercapitalization. He stressed the need for adequate financial resources to achieve business goals effectively. Most Impactful Book: Pete highlighted "Profit First" as a transformative read, especially during challenging times like recessions and pandemics. The book's focus on profitability mindset greatly benefited Pete, particularly as someone not naturally inclined towards numbers. Professional Development Tools: While Pete wished for more resources, he personally finds inspiration and guidance through faith-based devotions, constantly seeking ways to align his actions with his beliefs. Recommended Tool for Business Growth: Pete underscored the necessity of a robust business plan tailored to specific revenue goals and KPIs. He emphasized the need for a practical, actionable plan influenced by organizational culture and individual experiences. Advice to Young Entrepreneurs: Reflecting on his journey, Pete advised prioritizing enjoyment and not stressing over every challenge. He encouraged entrepreneurs to maintain perspective, prioritize laughter, and remember their initial motivations for starting a business. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Prioritize fun and laughter in your entrepreneurial journey – Pete Kusiak Work-life balance is key to workplace happiness and productivity – Pete Kusiak Infuse unique experiences into your interview process to find the right cultural fit – Pete Kusiak

Mar 4, 2024 • 35min
From Zero to a Billion: Explore growth strategies from Fairhaven Wealth Management's founder! Witness small businesses thriving under Fair Haven Wealth Management, now managing $1B+ in assets, a journey of strategic brilliance. (Marc Horner)
In this episode, host Troy engages with Marc Horner, the visionary mind behind Fair Haven Wealth Management, a success story boasting over a billion dollars in assets. Join the conversation to unlock insights on strategic growth, financial mastery, and the invaluable experience of navigating the challenges of small business development. 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 challenges in growing a small business, as described by Marc Horner, include overcoming the initial leap into entrepreneurship, maintaining work-life balance, and navigating the transition from a small team to a larger organization. Additionally, ensuring sustainable growth while retaining a strong company culture and effectively managing sales and client relationships are key challenges faced by small business owners like Marc Horner. Marc Horner's favorite business book, as mentioned in the podcast, is "Grit" by Angela Duckworth. He values the concept of grit and perseverance in achieving success, emphasizing the importance of determination over intelligence or patterns. Marc Horner mentioned in the podcast that he reads a lot for his professional development. Specifically, he highlighted the book "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday, an offshoot of Marcus Aurelius' thinking. This book, along with others in the stoic philosophy space, contributes to his continuous learning and personal growth. Marc Horner emphasizes the pivotal role of effective client relationships and the continual focus on sales as indispensable tools for sustained business growth. Additionally, he highlights the importance of flexibility and freedom in decision-making to foster a thriving small business. On day one of starting out in 2015, Marc Horner would likely tell himself, "Well done. You've embarked on a journey of challenges and triumphs, discovering the unknowns of entrepreneurship. Brace yourself for the ride ahead." Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: In small business, that first jump is a big deal; overcoming the fear of the unknown is the key to success – Marc Horner Don't underestimate the value of freedom and the ability to do what you want when you want in the entrepreneurial journey – Marc Horner Client relationships are with you, not the organization; the logo is a symbol, but personal connections drive business success – Marc Horner


