Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode, I interview Nikitas Tsoukales, the Founder of Real Top, a digital marketing agency based in Boston, USA. Real Top helps small and even large service businesses owners have a blast off online. The company also helps business owners generate revenue by creating digital marketing campaigns. With more than 15 years of experience growing multiple sales teams, Nikitas founded his own digital marketing agency in 2019. He started the business by himself, added one person after a year, and is now growing into 6 FTEs. In just two years, found growth by 600% and was awarded Inc. 5000 as one of the fast-growing companies in the US. Nikitas says that the key to growing any successful business today is getting in front of as many people online as humanly possible. He has been passionate about helping businesses to grow online and keep new customers lining up to do business with them. This Cast Covers: Helping business owners create, deploy and manage marketing campaigns for hyper-growth. A digital marketing agency, helping small to even large service businesses generate more leads. Generating revenue by creating digital marketing campaigns that outclass the competition. Introducing campaigns into the marketplace to gather data in the most cost-effective manner possible. Providing clients with a collaborative and impactful experience while keeping new customers lining up to do business with their clients. Using Google ads to scale his own business and even clients' businesses. Learning that the key to growing any successful business today is getting in front of as many people online as humanly possible. With more than 15 years of experience growing multiple sales teams. How small businesses can grow online by implementing a digital marketing plan. Has been awarded multiple INC. 5000 Awards for fast-growing private companies in the United States. Additional Resources: Real Top The 10X Rule By Grant Cardone RealTop with Nikitas Tsoukales ____________________ Quotes: "For any small business looking to jump on digital, don't just think of maybe the cost per click and the cost per lead but think of the shock to the business." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Always acknowledge the talents and efforts of the people around your company." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Success for me is doing what I want to do when I want to do it." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Get your referral game on lockdown." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Create a simple workflow, make a roadmap for your business, and later you will see growth." —Nikitas Tsoukales ____________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Hayden Brass, the Founder and Managing Director of Zea, an Australian-based health and wellness company. At Zea, they are committed to unearthing the diverse healing properties of the Kunzea ambigua plant. All Zea products are made with natural, sustainably sourced ingredients. It was all started as a small family project then Hayden has been the driving force behind transforming it into a thriving business. Today, Zea is now a fast-growing business that positively impacts thousands of people throughout the world. With 7 FTEs, a B Corp score of 86, and got $3 million in the most recent financial year. Hayden has been passionate about growing their family business. He has to do something from all the things he learned in the industry and business. He says, "If you don't do anything with the things you're learning, there's no point in doing too much." This Cast Covers: An Australian family business that has developed a natural range of locally-manufactured products for health, wellness, and lifestyle. All products are 100% natural, therapeutic-quality, toxin-free, and cruelty-free. Started as a small family project in Tasmania, now a fast-growing Australian business that positively impacts thousands of people throughout the world. Developing health and wellness products from pain relief cream to soothing products and oils. Made from a unique Tasmanian plant called Kunzea, committed to its healing benefits. Founded on a love for nature and a passion for unearthing the diverse healing benefits of Kunzea and native Australian flora. Got $3.2 million in the most recent financial year with a B corp score of 86. How consistent conversation with the team is a tool to help grow a small business. Learning to make use and do something on what you're learning rather than doing too much with no result. Additional Resources: Zea The E Myth By Michael Gerber The 4-Hour Workweek By Timothy Ferriss __________________________ Quotes: "Success for me is when I can step back and see my team running the business on their own." —Hayden Brass "Move and make decisions fast so you won't get stuck on something." —Hayden Brass "If you don't do anything with the things you're learning, there's no point in doing too much." —Hayden Brass "One tool to grow a small business is having conversations with your team." —Hayden Brass "Focus on more important things, never waste your time." —Hayden Brass __________________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Ari Galper, the Founder and CEO of Unlock The Game, a new sales mindset and approach that overturns the notion of selling as we know it today. The Australian-based consulting company has been helping thousands of sales, entrepreneurs, and business people around the world. Unlock The Game was founded in 2000 and has been available for over two decades. Ari's insights on how to build trust between buyers and sellers continue to break new ground in the sales industry. That's how he became the World's #1 Authority on Trust-Based Selling. He's the author of the popular business book called Unlock The Sales Game. Ari says that the core principle behind his approach is making his clients feel comfortable opening up to them and telling them what they stand for. By this approach, they find it effective in trust-building between buyers and sellers. Aside from its effectiveness in trust-building, they find it more profitable as more people come to trust them. This Cast Covers: Offering a new way of selling through an approach based on integrity and common sense. Learning a language that converts selling into a natural conversation between an entrepreneur and his prospect. Expert on trust-based selling, a new sales mindset, and approach that overturns the notion of selling. Started the movement of trust-based selling after figuring out how to unlock the game of selling and put trust in the sales process. Relating trust-based selling into a patient-doctor relationship. Teaching people how to build deep trust on the initial call with somebody or a zoom or phone call where they start to unpack the issue of their clients. Mapping out and providing different points in his book about trust-based language. Helping clients on how to unpack their issue and help them understand the impact of it, to own their problem for them to move forward. Additional Resources: Unlock The Game Unlock The Sales Game By Ari Galper Stump The Guru ………………………………………… Quotes: "You have to change your approach to match the psychology of the buyer today." —Ari Galper "Be authentic with people, have a model and a framework to focus on." —Ari Galper "It's not about how many contacts you make any more, it's about how deep you go in each conversation and how good you are at trust-building." —Ari Galper "The sale is lost at the beginning of the process, not at the end." —Ari Galper "Rejection is part of the sales game. If you can't take a no, if you're not tough enough, you're not made for success." —Ari Galper ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Kris Ward, the Founder of Win The Hour, Win The Day based in Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is a consulting business and together with her team, they help small business owners with time management and productivity. Crushing clients' demanding schedule is one of their targets to free clients from exhaustion but promising that their business profits remain growing. Win The Hour, Win The Day was founded in 2006. Kris started by herself and had a tough time during the first three years. As she got more clients, she grew her business as well as her team. Kris then has led authority in building a business by creating a team. For over 15 years in consulting, now a six-figure business with 8 FTEs. Kris describes success by saying, "Success is having a business that supports your life instead of consuming." She also added, "Success is really about having a quality of life, being able to take care of yourself, your vitality, and your family while enjoying your work." This Cast Covers: Helping small business owners be more effective with time management and productivity. Crushing clients' demanding schedules yet still growing profits and spending time on what's important in life. Helping clients create the freedom they desire through time management, productivity, outsourcing, and team building. With three proven steps to crush a demanding schedule, focusing on the team, time, and toolkits. Creating a business that supported their life instead of consuming it. Describing success as having a quality of life, taking care of one's self and vitality, having quality time with family while enjoying work. Teaching clients how they can progress and move toward their goal by letting their team manage and assist in propelling the business forward. Emphasizing that being a successful entrepreneur is all about getting ideas to execution. Additional Resources: Win The Hour, Win The Day The E-Myth Revisited By Michael E. Gerber Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly ………………………………………… Quotes: "Success is having a business that supports your life instead of consuming." —Kris Ward "Have a toolkit that allows you to purposely focus on anything you're doing." —Kris Ward "Your team should manage you and propel you forward, just like having a little motor on the back of your rowboat instead of you just paddling by yourself." —Kris Ward "Be more purposeful about going deeper instead of skimming things." —Kris Ward "We all make mistakes, so lighten up on yourself." —Kris Ward ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Raja Pagadala, the Founder and the Managing Director at The Final Step, a UK-based IT company, helping businesses and firms upgrade their IT. The company ensures that its clients' IT is generating growth and success on a daily basis. Raja loves helping professional services firms grow through the use of technology. The Final Step was established in 1987 when Raja was only 22 years old. He started and operated his business by himself, now working with the biggest businesses and companies as well as helping small businesses to grow. And from 1 FTE to around 20 for over 35 years. Raja has been witnessing the success of their clients and most of them still work with The Final Step. Raja said that being honest with their clients makes their business reliable. Clients trust them so much to do a good job. "Be honest. If a client is telling you something that is patently incorrect, you don't have to agree with them," he said. This Cast Covers: Helping small to medium-sized businesses with technology to achieve their business goals. Established in 1987, started by himself to around 20 FTEs now for over 35 years. Services include removing barriers to growth, improving productivity, solving IT problems, and protecting the business against the unexpected. Supporting professional services firms through better use of technology and extending security. Turning businesses around by transforming their IT capabilities. Helping clients to make an informed decision not to make the decision for them. Creating a service that provides the solution thus, the business exists to grow other businesses. The importance of looking for people with core values in the hiring process and their ability to learn is also needed. How being honest with your clients makes your business and company reliable. The importance of methodology in executing and adjusting business plans. Additional Resources: The Final Step Mindset By Carol S. Dweck Grit By Angela Duckworth ………………………………………… Quotes: "Be honest. If a client is telling you something that is patently incorrect, you don't have to agree with them." —Raja Pagadala "Accept feedback and do something about it." —Raja Pagadala "Do what you need to do, learn from the failures, and praise the effort, not the end result." —Raja Pagadala "Get into the habit of planning, executing, reviewing, and adjusting your plan." —Raja Pagadala "Go and find out what the demand is, adjust your offering and be consistent." —Raja Pagadala ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Leanne Haining, the Co-founder and Creative Director at Urban Rituelle, an award-winning manufacturer of bath, body, skincare & home fragrance products based in Sydney, Australia. Urban Rituelle is known for beautiful products, exceptional scents, signature packaging, and quality natural ingredients. Founded in 1999 by Leanne Haining & Scott Kelly, Urban Rituelle grew from its beginnings at the inner-city Sydney Market into a successful international business. Leanne's passion is to create a sustainable business with a philosophy of passion, kindness, care, and unsurpassed quality. Her 20 years of experience in the gift industry makes her the expert when it comes to gifting. Leanne says, "Surround yourself with amazing people who know more than you do and that are willing to help and share advice." If you want your business to grow, make it possible to learn from people who know more than you do. Learning from them is not a bad idea but helps you make better decisions. This Cast Covers: An award-winning manufacturer of bath, body care, home fragrance, and skincare which was established in 1999. Known for its exceptional products, high-quality formulations as well as beautiful packaging. A family-owned business for over 21 years in the gift industry and 100% Australian-made. Creating rituals that make people feel good is the first thing they value. Make sure that the experience with the brand and the company is exceptional. Started at the inner-city Sydney Market into a successful international business. Renowned as one of the market leaders in bath, body & home fragrance luxuries and has established distribution both in Australia and international markets. With the passion of creating a sustainable business with a philosophy of passion, kindness, care, and unsurpassed quality. Helping other businesses create extraordinary experiences with her 20-year experience in the gift industry. Additional Resources: Urban Rituelle Everything Is Figureoutable By Marie Forloe One Wild Ride ………………………………………… Quotes: "Make it unique and authentic, then you'll stand out from the crowd." —Leanne Haining "Allow the leadership team to thrive, make decisions, and do what they do best." —Leanne Haining "Set targets and goals with timelines and deadlines." —Leanne Haining "Surround yourself with amazing people who know more than you do and that are willing to help and share advice." —Leanne Haining "If you don't address the problems, they won't go away." —Leanne Haining ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Angela Henderson, a Business Consultant and Coach at Angela Henderson Consulting based in Brisbane, Australia. They help women entrepreneurs and small business owners build a successful lifestyle business, creating 5-figure months & then onto 6/7- figure years without burning out. In 2016, Angela jumped out from being a mental health clinician to starting business consulting and coaching. They are now working with women all around the world and passionate about getting more wealth into the hands of women. When she became a business coach for women, she had 0 people in the online community but now has grown to over 10,000 people. Angela says that what she loves the most in growing a small business is seeing everyone grow. It doesn't necessarily just mean growing from a financial point of view but growing their confidence and that they have the ability to do what they want and create something for themselves. This Cast Covers: A business consultant and coach, helping entrepreneurs and business owners fast track their business success. Working with women all around the world and passionate about getting more wealth into the hands of women. Helping women get all the pieces in place to help them hit four and five-figure months, and then on six and seven-plus figure years without burning out. Working together to build strong foundations with startups and small businesses that are ready to grow. Building strong foundations through marketing and sales activities, systems, and mindset. The importance of working with a business consultant who has run a successful business dealt with and made mistakes. Guiding aspiring female entrepreneurs to have the courage, mindset, and foundations to build a successful business. A former mental health clinician, explaining the importance of checking individuals' mental health. Learning a long-term strategy in business is learning to get to know people as conversations lead to connections. Additional Resources: Angela Henderson Consulting The Go-Giver By Bob Burg Chill & Proper with Denise Duffield Thomas ………………………………………… Quotes: "You don't have to work hard, you just have to work smart." —Angela Henderson "It's important to know about hiring the right people for the right jobs and getting the right people on the bus." —Angela Henderson "At the end of the day, you are responsible for the outcomes in your life." —Angela Henderson "Learn to have conversations, conversations lead to connections." —Angela Henderson "There's more to business than just strategy." —Angela Henderson ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Shannon Ferguson, the Co-founder and CEO at FanSaves, a digital platform based in Ottawa, Canada that offers fans discounts and deals from sponsors of their favorite teams and organizations. Shannon grew up playing competitive hockey so her experience has grown her skills and allowed her to lead with authority and credibility. The social couponing platform serves as the bridge that connects fans to their favorite teams, organizations, and team sponsors. This was launched in 2017 together with Shannon's life partner, Chris McCarthy. They are currently working with 45 teams and organizations across North America and have surpassed 600 businesses and brands offering deals on the digital platform. Shannon says that success is waking up happy every day and loving what you do. She added, "The happier you are in life, the more tangible things like money, fame or anything that usually equate with success find you." This Cast Covers: A digital platform that offers discounts and deals to fans from the sponsors of their favorite teams. Features discounts and deals from the sponsors and affiliated brands of sports teams, organizations, schools, events, influencers, media, and more. The platform also helps organizations increase their sponsorship and engagement while giving both the organization and sponsors a way to track ROI. Started a small business in 2016 which was about marketing and events and later started managing the sponsorship sales and marketing for professional hockey teams. Has launched a digital way to activate and engage fans. Grew up playing competitive hockey and her experience has grown her skills and allowed her to lead with authority and credibility. The first to be connecting fans to their favorite teams, organizations, and team sponsors. Currently working with 45 teams and organizations across North America. Recently surpassed 600 businesses and brands offering deals on the digital platform. Won a Best Ottawa Business Award for best leaders for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additional Resources: FanSaves Overcome Your Villains By Heather Monahan Untamed By Glennon Doyle How to Build a Goddamn Empire By Ali Kriegsman ………………………………………… Quotes: "Success waking up happy every day and loving what you do." —Shannon Ferguson "The key to marketing is having a community around because at the end of the day, marketing comes down to people and people need to be happy." —Shannon Ferguson "What you manifest can actually become real." —Shannon Ferguson "Never let your fears overcome your potential." —Shannon Ferguson "Believe that every tiny little step that you make adds up to really big changes in the end." —Shannon Ferguson ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Riley Oickle, the CEO and Founder of Riley Oickle Investments based in Toronto, Canada. Riley is a Real Estate Investor and Mentor and he is passionate about helping people buy their first income property and manage it profitably. His business offers opportunities such as joint ventures, private lending, and sustainability. Riley started multiple businesses from the age of 19 to his early 20s including home maintenance and business consulting. He still operates his businesses from afar but he is more focused now on Real Estate Investing, helping people take their first step toward financial freedom through the investment vehicle of Real Estate. According to Riley, the challenge of a business that's growing too fast is making sure that the business has something to land on. It's a tough job ensuring that there must be growth and innovating the business according to trends and world change. However, embracing technology would be one of the best choices to make every business alive. This Cast Covers: A Real Estate Investor who is passionate about helping people take their first step toward financial freedom through investment. Started multiple businesses at a young age and now focuses his career on Real Estate Investing. Offering opportunities such as joint ventures, private lending, and sustainability. Helping clients to be able to effectively manage their time so they can perform better at running their business. Became the best choice of his clients through his knowledge and understanding of real estate investing. With a coaching program that would essentially help clients and students to learn more about consulting and investing. How treating clients right and spending more time with them can build trust in one another. How embracing technology could help the business grow in this constantly changing world. Learning to manifest good habits in order to put everything in business align. The importance of making your own way and not minding what other people would think. Additional Resources: Riley Oickle The 4-Hour Workweek By Timothy Ferriss TED Podcasts The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck By Mark Manson ………………………………………… Quotes: "Embrace technology if you want to grow your business." —Riley Oickle "The advantage of having a small number of people is that we can really get to know them." —Riley Oickle "Not worrying about what other people think must be the big mindset shift that we needed to look at." —Riley Oickle "Stay consistent." —Riley Oickle "Don't be a pessimist, be happy and enjoy life." —Riley Oickle ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Tara Howell, the Founder and Director at Blue Derby Pods Ride based in Launceston, Australia. Blue Derby Pods Ride is a luxury adventure mountain biking experience with a three-day itinerary. Tara Howell is living her values by showcasing just how special the offerings Tasmania has available really are. Blue Derby Pods Ride is the first and only five-star mountain biking experience in Australia. With a strong background in the space of Brand and Marketing, Tara started finding what she was good at and what she was interested in which was tourism and mountain biking. She started pushing the idea of a luxury adventure mountain biking experience in 2017, aged 27. Tara says she grew her business by ensuring their guests have the most incredible time. Guest focus or guest first is the number one mantra of their business. She says, "I absolutely love the way to get to be on our guests' highlight when they look back on their life." This Cast Covers: An exclusive accommodation Pods in Derby, Tasmania with a luxury adventure mountain biking experience. Get to experience the world-class mountain biking trails and indulge in beautiful Tasmanian food and wine. Captivating and perspective-altering experiences in the Tasmanian landscape. Allowing visitors to be captivated by the beauty of North East Tasmania. Incorporated her love for mountain biking and launched exciting activities and accommodation. How business owners and entrepreneurs learn from mentors who are younger than them. Ensuring every guest had an incredible time and enjoyed the activities provided for them. From running one trip per week through peak season, now running all year round with back-to-back trips. Pushing the idea of a luxury mountain and manifesting its business' mantra which is guest a focus. Additional Resources: Blue Derby Pods Ride The Courage to Be Disliked By Ichiro Kishimi Wild with Sarah Wilson ………………………………………… Quotes: "Success isn't about hitting a certain amount of money or a certain title but is really about being happy every day in what I'm doing." —Tara Howell "The way you behave and the way you act around your team, the energy you put off will be how your tech team is." —Tara Howell "Mentorship doesn't have to be someone older." —Tara Howell "You have to read to be able to run your business really well." —Tara Howell "Just keep your feet on the ground while shooting some stars." —Tara Howell ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0