Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Owen Tilbury, founder of Clip Consulting who shares his remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Owen sold his first venture, a historic Tasmanian restaurant, for 2.45 times more than he paid for it, only three years after launching. He then built a consulting firm from a standing start in 1983, growing it into a systemized operation that sold for nearly $1 million in 2008, all through a 25-year bootstrap journey. Owen also discusses his philosophy on business as a means to a fulfilling life, community-led initiatives, and the power of systemization for sustainable 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. 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? Owen Tilbury believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is finding and managing the right people. He explains that poor hiring choices can severely harm a business, and even well-qualified candidates on paper may not perform as expected. Letting staff go is never easy, but it's sometimes necessary when they aren't a good fit. He highlights the importance of setting clear goals, documenting performance, and being honest during the process. While he also discusses the challenges of systemizing operations, he makes it clear that people management is the toughest part of the growth journey. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Owen Tilbury's favorite business book that helped him the most is The E-Myth by Michael Gerber. He credits it with fundamentally shifting his mindset about entrepreneurship, particularly the importance of systemizing a business rather than relying solely on personal effort. The book helped him move beyond the "myth" of the natural entrepreneur and focus on building scalable systems that could operate without him, which became a key factor in the long-term success and eventual sale of his consulting business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Owen Tilbury didn't specifically mention any particular podcasts or online learning resources by name in the interview. However, he emphasized the value of lived experience over theory, suggesting that small business owners should learn directly from others who have actually built businesses. He praised initiatives like the Grow a Small Business podcast itself for featuring real-world stories and practical insights, rather than purely academic advice. His approach to learning leans toward practical, experience-based sharing, community engagement, and learning by doing rather than relying heavily on formal online resources. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Owen Tilbury recommends systemization as the most powerful tool to grow a small business. He highlights the importance of creating structured processes that allow the business to operate smoothly without relying solely on the owner. Specifically, he developed a systemized consulting framework called the Profit and Growth Process, which included custom software, manuals, surveys, and templates to streamline business planning and improvement. This approach not only enhanced consistency and scalability but also made his business valuable enough to sell for 15× EBITDA. For Owen, systemizing operations is the key resource every small business should invest in. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Owen Tilbury's advice to himself on day one of starting out in business would be to focus early on systemizing everything and to build the business around the life you want—not the other way around. He emphasizes that business should serve your life goals, not consume them. He also suggests being clear on what success looks like personally, not just financially, and to celebrate small wins along the way. Most importantly, he would remind himself to create a product or service with a clear competitive advantage (USP) and to not be afraid of failing small while learning fast. 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: Business should serve your life, not become your life — Owen Tilbury You don't need permission to make your community better — just start — Owen Tilbury Celebrate early and often—small wins build great journeys — Owen Tilbury

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey interviews Joey Coleman, Chief Experience Composer at Design Symphony, shares insights on how business owners can design their first 100 days to foster momentum, clarity, and joy. He highlights the value of taking extended breaks, recommending at least two weeks to recharge and prevent burnout. Advocating for personal growth, Coleman encourages reading fiction and scheduling time for self-care to prioritize well-being. Additionally, he emphasizes celebrating achievements and maintaining a balance between work and personal life as key strategies for sustaining long-term success. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Design Your Own First 100 Days: Apply the same strategic thinking you use for customers and employees to yourself—plan your first 100 days of any new business phase with intention and clarity. Take True Time Off to Reset: Even a 10+ day break (ideally more) away from work and tech can dramatically reset your energy, creativity, and focus. You're not just resting—you're recharging your leadership capacity. Celebrate Small Wins Regularly: Don't wait for big milestones to celebrate—acknowledge small victories to boost motivation and prevent burnout. Even a solo movie or walk can be a powerful reward. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Grow Yourself, Not Just the Business: Set personal growth goals with the same focus you give business metrics. A stronger, wiser version of you is needed to lead the next stage of your company. Protect Appointments with Yourself: Treat time with yourself as sacred. If you wouldn't cancel a client meeting, don't cancel on yourself. Your well-being directly impacts your business health. Rediscover Joy Through Non-Business Activities: Read fiction, take a dance class, explore hobbies—doing things that have no direct business ROI can reignite creativity and emotional resilience. One action small business owners can take: According to Joey Coleman, one action a small business owner should take is a 10-day (or longer) true break from work—completely unplugged from emails, calls, and business tasks—to reset, gain clarity, and return with renewed energy. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: If your business can't run without you, you don't have a business—you have an expensive job – Joey Coleman Design your first 100 days with intention, or you risk running on autopilot – Joey Coleman Time away from work isn't a luxury—it's a leadership strategy – Joey Coleman

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Cathy Yoder, founder of Empowered Cooks, who shares her inspiring journey from starting a simple blog in 2008 to building a thriving business with seven full-time equivalent team members. Her popular YouTube channel, which focuses on air fryer recipes, has garnered over 752,000 subscribers and has been a key driver of her success. Cathy has sold more than 50,000 cookbooks, achieved over $70,000 in monthly sales, and generates significant revenue from both digital and physical product sales. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the importance of staying authentic, continuously learning, and balancing the demands of family life with entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, Cathy plans to sell her product line and retire, marking the next chapter of her remarkable 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. 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 Cathy Yoder, the hardest thing in growing a small business is "the grind of working hard without seeing immediate returns." She emphasized the challenge of staying committed during the early phases when results are slow, especially in a culture that expects instant success. Her advice is to trust your gut, keep at it, and be okay with delayed rewards. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Cathy Yoder's favorite business book that helped her the most is Essentialism by Greg McKeown. She shared that it taught her to cut out the fluff, focus on what truly matters, and work more efficiently, especially after experiencing overwhelm from trying to do everything in her earlier business partnerships. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Cathy Yoder recommends several great podcasts and online learning resources to help grow a small business, including the Ed Mylett Podcast and Brendon Burchard for motivation and performance, and Jody Moore's "Better Than Happy" podcast and life coaching membership for mindset and personal development. She also emphasizes the value of joining mastermind groups and hiring business coaches early on, even if it's a small investment, as they helped her build systems and accountability that supported her business growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Cathy Yoder recommends YouTube as a powerful tool to grow a small business. She highlights that, while it's a long game and not an instant win, it's a fantastic way to build trust, generate leads, and get paid while doing it. By being authentic and consistently creating content, she was able to grow a loyal audience and convert that engagement into substantial revenue through product sales and memberships. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Cathy Yoder's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be: "Trust the process. Keep going." She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, especially during the early stages when progress feels slow, and believes that staying consistent and trusting your instincts is key to long-term 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: Being okay with being uncomfortable is the key to building habits that lead to success — Cathy Yoder Success is not either family or business—it's being present and impactful in both — Cathy Yoder Authenticity will always set you apart in a world full of automation — Cathy Yoder

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Dean Mathews, the founder of On The Clock. Dean shares his evolution from a solo software developer in 2004 to leading a team of 23 professionals, supporting 170,000 to 280,000 active users. Originally launched as a time-tracking app, On The Clock has expanded to include employee scheduling and payroll services, with ambitious goals of reaching $10 million in revenue and one million monthly active users. Dean discusses the critical role of consistency, hiring the right talent, and leveraging tools like Asana for effective project management. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and fostering a culture that prioritizes growth and team development. Other Resources: When should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors? Get a return from an effective Chairperson of a Board An easy way to measure if your customers love you in 21 minutes – use the Net Promoter Score (NPS). And it's FREE. 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 Dean Mathews, the hardest thing in growing a small business is shifting from doing everything yourself to empowering others by building systems and trusting your team. He highlights the importance of moving from working in the business to working on the business, emphasizing that true growth comes from hiring the right people, clearly defining roles, and creating an operating structure that allows others to thrive. You can't scale alone, and recognizing that earlier can make a significant difference. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Dean Mathews' favorite business book that has helped him the most is Scaling People by Claire Hughes Johnson. He found it especially valuable because it offers practical frameworks and structures for growing teams and building an internal operating system. The book resonated with him as it closely aligned with the challenges he faced while scaling OnTheClock, particularly around leadership, processes, and team development. He even conducted a book club at work based on it, applying its lessons to enhance how his company operates. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Dean Mathews recommends several great podcasts and online learning resources to help grow a small business, especially in the SaaS space. His top pick is the SaaStr Podcast, which features insights from successful SaaS founders and is packed with growth strategies. He also expressed strong interest in exploring content by Alex Hormozi, particularly his books $100M Offers and $100M Leads, and his podcast focused on data-driven business scaling. Additionally, Built to Sell Radio by John Warrillow was recommended for its focus on recurring revenue and building sellable businesses, while Nathan Latka's Podcast was noted for its sharp focus on SaaS metrics like ARR, MRR, CAC, and churn—making it a valuable listen for any growth-minded founder. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Dean Mathews recommends using a project management tool like Asana to grow a small business, as it helps teams stay organized, track progress, and manage both projects and processes effectively. He believes every business boils down to three core elements—people, projects, and processes—and Asana helps align them in a structured way. Additionally, he highlights creating an internal operating system (built in tools like Google Slides), which outlines company values, goals, job roles, meeting structures, and key metrics. Together, these tools support scalable growth and team alignment. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Dean Mathews' advice to himself on day one of starting out in business would be to "buckle in, you're in for a ride" and to understand early on that scaling a business is all about people. He emphasizes that success doesn't come from doing everything yourself, but from hiring the right people, trusting them, and building systems that empower them to thrive. He reflects that if he had learned earlier how to let go of control and focus on developing others, his business could have grown even faster. Surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you in their areas is key to building something truly sustainable. 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: Trusting others with your vision is the first step to real growth — Dean Mathews A strong culture starts with clearly defined and lived values — Dean Mathews Leadership is less about control and more about enabling success — Dean Mathews

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey interviews David Dilger, co-founder of Edge Legal, to explore the critical topic of psychosocial safety for small business owners. Drawing on over 30 years of legal and leadership experience, Dilger highlights the significant impact of unmanaged mental health risks in the workplace—emphasizing that mental health injuries cost three times more and take four times longer to resolve than physical injuries. He identifies key psychosocial hazards such as interpersonal conflict, inappropriate behavior, resistance to change, and mismatched expectations. Dilger underscores the importance of self-aware leadership, cultivating a respectful workplace culture, and conducting regular one-on-one meetings with team members. He also stresses the need for up-to-date policies, comprehensive training, and proactive risk assessments to effectively manage psychosocial risks and ensure legal compliance. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Mental Health Risks Are Costly: Mental health injuries cost businesses three times more and take four times longer to resolve than physical injuries—making prevention and early action essential. Know Yourself as a Leader: The way leaders behave significantly influences workplace culture. Self-awareness and empathy are crucial for building trust and psychological safety. Interpersonal Issues Are the Core Hazards: Most psychosocial risks stem from interpersonal conflict, inappropriate behaviors, resistance to change, and unmet expectations—addressing these proactively reduces harm. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? One-on-One Meetings Are Powerful Tools: Regular 10–15 minute one-on-one meetings between managers and team members help detect issues early, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. Update Policies and Train Your People: Outdated policies won't protect your business. Regularly revise them to reflect current expectations, and ensure all staff are trained and understand them. Risk Management Is Not Optional: Conducting proper risk assessments, applying reasonable controls, and reviewing them over time is essential for compliance and maintaining a healthy work environment. One action small business owners can take: According to David Dilger, one action a small business owner should take is to implement regular one-on-one meetings with employees, as this fosters open communication, builds trust, and helps identify and address psychosocial risks early. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: You get the culture you deserve—leaders shape it every day – David Dilger The most powerful tool in management is a regular one-on-one – David Dilger If you don't understand people, you don't understand business – David Dilger

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin engages in an insightful conversation with Sari Davidson, founder of Fractional Founders. Sari shares her entrepreneurial journey, beginning with the establishment of Boogan Head, a baby products company, in 2007, through to its successful acquisition in 2024. Boogan Head's product line, which included pacifier clips, was distributed through major retailers such as Walmart and Target, achieving annual revenues between $5 and $10 million with a team of nine full-time employees. During the discussion, Sari underscores the significance of authenticity in marketing and addresses the complexities of scaling a business, particularly the challenges posed by Walmart's markdown policies. She also stresses the critical need for small business owners to maintain a strong grasp of financial management and highlights the value of mentorship and continuous professional development in driving long-term 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. 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 Sari Davidson, the hardest aspects of growing a small business are time and money. Limited resources make it challenging to fund people, marketing, production, and essential activities like trade shows. Additionally, when owners try to do everything themselves, it often leads to burnout. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Sari Davidson finds "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss impactful. She has implemented principles from the book to create balance and efficiency in both her past and current businesses. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Sari Davidson highly values in-person learning opportunities, such as regional conferences and events from organizations like EO (Entrepreneur Organization). While she isn't a fan of online courses, she loves podcasts and incorporates them into her daily routine to gain insights on business and health. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Sari Davidson emphasizes the power of AI tools like Canva and Adobe, especially for small businesses. These tools help create professional-quality outputs at a low cost, enabling businesses to compete effectively. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Sari Davidson advises her younger self to trust that everything will work out in the end. She believes the challenges faced will lead to accomplishments and experiences that allow you to impact others significantly. Additionally, seeing her children admire her work ethic has been a gratifying outcome. 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: Authenticity paired with the right marketing takes you farther than anything else – Sari Davidson Every small business owner should know where every single dollar is going – Sari Davidson Being an entrepreneur is like a sickness—you can't not do it – Sari Davidson

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin speaks with Matthew Whyatt, Managing Director of Tech Torque Systems. Matthew shares his entrepreneurial journey, scaling a previous business to 70 employees before intentionally transitioning to a leaner, more focused team of six at Tech Talk, specializing in B2B marketing for SaaS and tech companies. He discusses the power of long-term strategy, the impact of personal branding, and the growing effectiveness of hyper-personalized marketing. With revenue projected to exceed $1 million, Matthew attributes much of the company's success to a disciplined marketing approach, robust systems, and clearly defined processes. He also opens up about the realities of cash flow management, the importance of professional development, and the enduring value of mentorship in sustaining 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 Matthew Whyatt, the hardest part of growing a small business is avoiding distractions and staying focused on what truly drives long-term success. He stresses the temptation of chasing "shiny objects"—the latest tools, trends, or business ideas—that can derail progress. Instead, he believes in the importance of discipline, consistency, and nurturing the core business strategy. Using the metaphor of letting the oak tree grow from the acorn you planted, he emphasizes the need to water, tend, and build structure and systems around the business rather than relying on short-term tactics or quick wins. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Matthew Whyatt mentions several impactful business books, but one of his favorites that has helped him the most is The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino. He appreciates it for its powerful lessons wrapped in a fable format. He also highlights The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt, which offers valuable insights into process thinking and business systems, and says that thinking of a business like a manufacturing process can significantly improve throughput and efficiency. These books have deeply influenced his approach to sales, systems, and business strategy. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Matthew Whyatt recommends several valuable podcasts and online learning resources for growing a small business. He highlights Dale Beaumont's Business Blueprint as particularly impactful, noting its structured, systems-focused approach and strong community of business owners. He also mentions learning a lot from thought leaders like Alex Hormozi and Neil Patel, especially around marketing and personal branding. In terms of podcasts, he recommends checking out Nathan Latka's podcast, which focuses on SaaS businesses and digs deep into financials and growth strategies—ideal for those in the tech and software space. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Matthew Whyatt recommends your calendar as the most powerful tool for growing a small business. He emphasizes the importance of scheduling tasks with discipline and structure to maintain consistency and productivity. In addition, he suggests exploring AppSumo to find lifetime deals on useful business tools, helping reduce the burden of monthly subscriptions while still accessing high-quality software for marketing, automation, and operations. These resources, combined with disciplined execution, can significantly enhance small business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Matthew Whyatt's advice to his younger self on day one of starting out in business would be: "It's all going to be okay." This simple yet powerful message reflects his belief in trusting the journey, staying resilient through challenges, and focusing on long-term growth rather than immediate outcomes. It encapsulates the importance of patience, perspective, and perseverance in entrepreneurship. 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 is planting the acorn, nurturing it, and letting the oak tree thrive with systems and structure — Matthew Whyatt True success is the freedom to wake up and do what you love every single day — Matthew Whyatt Avoid the short-term sugar hit; long-term success is built on consistency and discipline — Matthew Whyatt

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews Trang Nova, a renowned speaker and speaking coach, who shares her inspiring journey from physiotherapy to empowering entrepreneurs and business owners to harness the power of effective communication. Trang discusses common challenges her clients face—including public speaking anxiety, team leadership, and building personal brands—and emphasizes that 93% of a message's impact lies in its delivery rather than just words. She outlines her approach to mindset, articulation, and vocal presence, and offers compelling case studies of clients who have achieved remarkable business growth through improved speaking skills. Trang also shares a practical tip: record and review your own speaking to uncover opportunities for impactful improvement. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Your Voice Is a Business Asset: Effective communication isn't just a soft skill—it directly impacts your ability to lead, sell, and influence. Learning to use your voice with clarity and confidence can elevate your brand and business. 93% of Communication Is Non-Verbal: Trang emphasizes that how you say something—your tone, pace, body language, and energy—has a far greater impact than the words themselves. Delivery drives trust, authority, and connection. Mindset Shapes Your Message: Many entrepreneurs struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Building the confidence to be seen and heard is foundational to becoming a compelling communicator and leader. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Tailor Your Speaking Style: There's no one-size-fits-all solution. Trang works with clients individually to help them refine their unique speaking style—whether that means slowing down, speaking up, or pausing more intentionally. Leadership Requires Clear Communication: Business owners who lead small teams must learn to communicate with a balance of warmth and authority. Mastering hard conversations and motivational messaging is crucial for team growth. Practice with Purpose: Trang recommends a simple but powerful exercise: record a 2-minute video of yourself speaking and review it after a day. This builds self-awareness and helps you identify key areas to improve delivery and presence. One action small business owners can take: According to Trang Nova, one action a small business owner should take is to record a 2-minute video of themselves speaking—whether introducing their business or sharing a story — and watch it the next day to identify areas for improving clarity, confidence, and delivery. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Your voice is your most powerful tool — it can move people long before your product does – Trang Nova The way you say something speaks louder than the words themselves – Trang Nova Confidence isn't built by knowing more; it's built by believing you're already enough – Trang Nova

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Francesca Moi, founder of Empowering Virtual Solutions. Francesca shares her journey from starting a business 15 years ago to pivoting three years ago to focus solely on virtual assistants (VAs). Since then, she has grown the company from 1 to 78 full-time equivalent team members, serving over 1,500 clients and generating $1.8 million in revenue. Her business connects Australian companies with skilled VAs from the Philippines, offering services in admin, customer service, and marketing. Francesca highlights the benefits of offshore teams, including better wages and work-life balance for her staff. She also discusses the importance of leadership, time blocking, and continuous professional development, while reflecting on the challenges and lessons of managing fast growth. Other Resources: When should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors? Get a return from an effective Chairperson of a Board Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: 1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Francesca Moi believes the hardest part of growing a small business is managing people during fast growth. As her team expanded rapidly, she found herself in a managerial role she didn't enjoy. Balancing leadership with structured team management became a challenge. She emphasizes the importance of building the right support to complement your strengths. 2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Francesca Moi's favorite business book that has helped her the most is "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell. She values it for its practical strategies on delegation and reclaiming time as a business owner. The book deeply resonated with her as she scaled her VA business. It reinforced her belief in building systems and freeing herself from daily operations. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Francesca Moi recommends listening to Alex Hormozi's podcast and reading his book "\$100M Offers", which she found incredibly helpful for refining offers and sales strategies. She also enjoys mindset-focused podcasts like those by Brooke Castillo from The Life Coach School. Francesca believes combining business tactics with personal development is key to sustainable growth. 4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Francesca Moi strongly recommends hiring a virtual assistant (VA) as a key tool to grow a small business. She believes VAs help business owners delegate repetitive tasks, free up time, and focus on high-value activities. By building the right support team, entrepreneurs can scale faster and more sustainably. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Francesca Moi would tell herself on day one: "It's possible." She emphasizes that in the beginning, she doubted her ability to succeed or even make a single dollar. Her advice is to keep moving forward, trust the process, and believe in your potential—because success comes with persistence. 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 about working more—it's about working smarter with the right team – Francesca Moi Leadership is knowing your strengths and building support where you're weak – Francesca Moi Don't fear pivoting—sometimes the detour becomes the main road to success – Francesca Moi

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews John Abrams, founder of South Mountain Company, shared his remarkable journey from launching a small six-person architectural construction firm in 1973 to growing it into a thriving 40-employee solar business generating $20 million in annual revenue. A strong advocate for employee ownership, Abrams highlighted the advantages of worker cooperatives and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), emphasizing their positive impact on productivity and employee retention. In his new book, From Founder to Future: A Business Roadmap to Impact, Longevity, and Employee Ownership, John Abrams explores the critical topic of succession planning for aging business owners, offering insights on preserving company values, fostering effective communication, and achieving a sustainable work-life balance. He also reflected on navigating challenges like the 2008 financial crisis and underscored the importance of community engagement in building a resilient and purpose-driven business. Other Resources: Companies We Keep: Employee Ownership and the Business of Community and Place, 2nd Edition by John Abrams The Company We Keep: Reinventing Small Business for People, Community, and Place by John Abrams 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 John Abrams, the hardest thing in growing a small business is getting everyone aligned behind a single mission—what he describes as "getting all the wood behind a single arrow"—while also maintaining core values in the face of numerous external temptations. He emphasizes that as a business grows, staying true to its founding principles becomes increasingly difficult, yet it's essential for long-term success and integrity. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? John Abrams' favorite business book that has helped him the most is Managing Transitions by William Bridges. He values it for its insights on how to effectively move from one stage of business to another, emphasizing that it offers guidance on navigating all kinds of changes within a company. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? John Abrams recommends several alternative sources of learning rather than traditional business media. He highlights The Ink and The Contrarian as valuable platforms, along with communicator Anat Shenker-Osorio for her insights on messaging and influence. While not all are strictly business-focused, he finds them powerful for understanding communication, leadership, and societal context—all of which he sees as essential to growing a meaningful small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? John Abrams recommends strong communication tools—both written and spoken—as the most important resource for growing a small business. He believes that clear, effective communication is the key to building relationships, aligning teams, and driving a business forward successfully. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? John Abrams would advise himself on day one of starting out in business to recognize that it's going to be an incredible ride, to enjoy every minute of it, and to stay conscious and aware of how he builds relationships with people, as they are the true key to success. He reflects that in his early years, he focused too much on product quality and not enough on the importance of people, which he later realized is what small business is really about. 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: When people are truly part of something, they give it everything they've got – John Abrams Growth is overrated and often the cause of trouble rather than triumph – John Abrams Communication is the key to small business — writing, speaking, and being transparent – John Abrams