Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode, I interview Ryan Limb, the General Manager at Vibestown, an event management & production company based in Tasmania, Australia. Vibestown organizes music, art, and cultural festivals to bring joy and excitement to the people of Tasmania. Due to his passion for attending music festivals, Ryan joined the organization in 2015. Prior to Ryan's involvement in Vibestown in 2015, the festival had yielded a total revenue of $300,000. Starting from 1,200 to 10,000 people on site with gross revenue of $3.5 million in 2020 which was eightfold higher than in 2015. They have a mission to keep the organization expanding in terms of people coming into the events. With the onset of the current pandemic, they have continued innovating to tackle covid restrictions being one of the few event organizers. Regardless of what Vibestown provides to the people of Tasmania, Ryan has a piece of advice to everyone: "Make sure you make decisions not on excitement but on strategy." This means you have to make time and assess the situation before giving out your decision. This Cast Covers: Organizing music, art, and cultural festivals to bring excitement to the people of Tasmania. Nationally renowned Party in the Paddock, attracting the people in the country. From 1,200 people came in 2015 to 10,000 people on site in 2020. Joined the event management team in 2015 after attending the music festival in the same year. From $300,000 total revenue in 2015 to $3.5 million gross revenue in 2020 despite the hit of the pandemic. Marketing is all about how people will feel and the feeling they will get. Expanding in terms of how many people will come to the events and innovating the quality they will impart to them. A quality every leader should have, allowing the team to express their thoughts and opinions. Emphasizing the importance of doing things not sooner or later but now. Success is keeping the people through the journey and enjoying what's provided for them. Additional Resources: Vibestown Productions The Art of the Start By Guy Kawasaki Rework By Jason Fried ………………………………………… Quotes: "As long as we're keeping the people in this journey and enjoying what we're providing for them. I see that as a success." —Ryan Limb "Whenever we're marketing, whatever we're doing, it's about how people will feel and the feeling they will get." —Ryan Limb "Make sure you make decisions not on excitement but on strategy." —Ryan Limb "Always be across the figures." —Ryan Limb "Giving everyone a platform to be able to express their ideas and giving them time to actually express them is really important." —Ryan Limb ………………………………………… 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 Thomas Jeffs, the Founder and Director of Lucidica, an IT support and consulting company based in London, United Kingdom. They make small businesses more effective and efficient by giving advice on new technology and helping them implement it. Thomas started the company by combining his two passions which are small business and technology. Lucidica was founded in 1999 and later on a friend of Thomas joined him in the business. In 2015, they expanded to Ukraine which greatly increased the scope of services that they provide to their clients. The company is growing and constantly expanding, from 3 to 50 FTEs, 22 in the UK and 28 FTEs in Ukraine. They even got a net promoter score of 63 for over 22 years in service. Thomas says the hardest thing in growing a small business is customer acquisition. According to him, bringing in new customers is the one that everyone generally struggles with. He says, "As we get bigger, obviously clients individually become more challenging because we need to win more of them." This Cast Covers: Helping businesses in London with computer support and empowering businesses through technology. Turning his passion into a business that is growing and constantly expanding. Making small companies more effective by providing excellent service. Advising customers on new technology and helping them implement it. Providing the highest standard of IT support for businesses all over London. Extended services in Ukraine in 2015 with a total of 28 FTEs now. Learning to enjoy the journey of growing a small business until it reaches more people. Able to differentiate improvements in growth through processes and see a big change as accomplishments. Make sure to recover from challenges by recording what works and what doesn't. Have handled balance better now and still trying to switch off from working more in the business. Additional Resources: Lucidica The E-Myth Revisited By Michael E. Gerber Traction By Gino Wickman ………………………………………… Quotes: "Businesses change along the way and have different directions." —Thomas Jeffs "Success is definitely the ability to work on the business and be able to change and improve." —Thomas Jeffs "Once you find something that works, repeat it, but evaluation must continue as the world changes." —Thomas Jeffs "Have a look at where your time goes." —Thomas Jeffs "Getting people to be part of the journey is the most important foundation." —Thomas Jeffs ………………………………………… 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 Andy Miller, the Co-founder, and CEO at Heaps Normal, an independent non-alcohol beer company based in Canberra, Australia, changing the drinking culture to a new drink standard. Heaps Normal was co-founded by four mates, each with their reasons for wanting to reduce their alcohol consumption. Aged 39 in 2020, Andy and his mates started the company. With some investigations, they were able to create and brew beer that tasted so good. The brewing process was completely redesigned and developed their approach based on biological methods so there's no trace amount of alcohol in the beer. In just a year after launching their first brand, they got approximately 1,500 customers nationally and progressed into exporting their products to some other countries. This year alone, revenue grew by almost 200% and is currently going through the process of becoming a B Corp. Andy sees marketing as an opportunity to tell authentic stories that are real so businesses can make a difference and have a positive impact in the world. He says, "It's really easy to market something that you genuinely believe in." This Cast Covers: A non-alcoholic beer company, changing the drinking culture to a new drink standard. Backing everyone to create their own normal when it comes to mindful drinking. Started after meeting a friend who's also fond of beer and wanted to reduce alcohol consumption. With some investigations, create and brew something reflecting on what works on people which is now their products and available in the market. Developed their approach based on biological methods so there's no trace amount of alcohol in the beer. Define success as making a difference in the world and not wanting to be anywhere else. Running a business that allows getting out of bed and makes a product that they truly enjoy at the same time. Creating a product that has a positive impact on Australian drinking culture. Learning that should be normal for all businesses to contribute back to the community. Growing volume and revenue by almost 200% in a year, having approximately 1,500 customers nationally and started exporting to some other countries. Contributing 2% of their revenue to the community, breaking it up into 1% for the planet and 1% for the people. Additional Resources: Heaps Normal Legacy By James Kerr Influence By Robert B. Cialdini Eleven Rings By Phil Jackson ………………………………………… Quotes: "It's more about reflecting on what's working for you." —Andy Miller "Success is not wanting to be anywhere else but making a difference in the world." —Andy Miller "It's easy to market something that you genuinely believe in." —Andy Miller "The clearer you are in your audience, the better you are at connecting with them." —Andy Miller "I feel grateful to have that opportunity to do something that contributes back to our community." —Andy Miller ………………………………………… 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 Michael Denehey, an adviser at Collins SBA based in Hobart, Australia. Collins SBA is a financial advice and accounting service for Australian businesses. They work with small and medium business owners and assist them in growing and scaling their business. Michael is an adviser who specializes in providing proactive, focused, and strategic advice to manage strategic business succession and exit planning for Australian business owners. After working with a number of large accounting firms for over 25 years, Michael has been able to use that experience to help more people on their growth journey. Clients he has been working with have achieved an increase of 37% in net profit. Michael also assists business owners by connecting them to other businesses or individuals who can help them with specific needs or projects. Michael says that what he loves the most in growing a small business is meeting new people and helping them through their journey. That becomes his objective each day, helping his clients achieve their business and personal goals. This Cast Covers: Supporting business owners through guiding them to achieve their business and personal goals. Building remarkable futures for their clients, staff, and stakeholders. Achieving their clients' dreams by investing in products and services that are designed to help business clients and individuals grow their wealth. Helping with business strategy and planning as well as cash flow management. How confidence in what you provide to customers greatly affects the sales process. Learning that selling products or increasing business sales doesn't come naturally but determination and understanding the value of what you provide is what helps the process. The importance of doing some pieces of training to learn different approaches that could help level up sales. Part of the coaching role is to keep business owners accountable for working on the business. The importance of being specific on what you want to achieve, the length of time needed, and building specific strategies to get there. The need of having systems and processes in place, and making sure you have the appropriate data to actually measure how you're tracking. Additional Resources: Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business By Gino Wickman Blue Ocean Strategy By W. Chan Kim Good to Great By Jim Collins How I Built This with Guy Raz Podcast At The Table with Patrick Lencioni ………………………………………… Quotes: "Be clear on your target." —Michael Denehey "It's important for any of the people in the business to be aligned and on the same page as far as where the business is going." —Michael Denehey "Confidence in what you provide your customers and focusing on the value helps in the sales process." —Michael Denehey "Part of growing a business is being able to delegate and make sure you have the right people in the right roles and are accountable." —Michael Denehey "Be very clear on what you want to achieve over a period of time and build a strategy to get there." —Michael Denehey ………………………………………… 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 Jennifer Seeno Tucker, a Real Estate Associate Broker at eXp Realty, one of the world's fastest-growing real estate brokerages. Services include offering unique tools to help agents and clients buy and sell stress-free and ensuring the highest quality standards throughout the transaction. Jennifer came to real estate from an educational background. She jumped out from teaching to build a brokerage in New York. She got her license in real estate in 2012, and she used her advanced degree in education to understand how to communicate the benefits and features of the property. According to Jennifer, the covid year was the best year for their business after she sold over $18 million through 30 transactions which were 3x greater than their usual transactions. She says the hardest thing in growing a small business is always taking the leap to start something new. It's always hard to do something that's different from what we normally do. However, taking that leap is an opportunity to try and receive something bigger than what we normally obtained. This Cast Covers: A former educator jumped out from teaching to build a brokerage in New York. Used her advanced degree in education to understand how to best communicate the benefits and features of the property. Ensuring the highest quality standards throughout the real estate transaction. Helping people transition from being paycheck employees to high-earning real estate transactions. Offering unique tools to help agents and clients buy and sell stress-free. How an organized and systematic business makes work less. How a holistic approach to business encompasses personal growth and well-being. The importance of the holistic approach to treating the minds by consuming what's needed to support wellness and get rid of negative thoughts and people. The habit a small business owner needs to develop is scheduling and block planning his/her day. Sold over $18 million through 30 transactions during covid. Additional Resources: eXp Realty Calendly Become a Rock Star Real Estate Agent By Jennifer Seeno Tucker Make 'Em Beg to Be Your Client By Dr. Angela E. Lauria ………………………………………… Quotes: "Success to me is having an automated business where things just naturally roll." —Jennifer Seeno Tucker "Find a blend that works best for you." —Jennifer Seeno Tucker "We come across deals every day and we just have to be ready." —Jennifer Seeno Tucker "Having more of a holistic approach to business encompasses personal growth and well-being." —Jennifer Seeno Tucker "Having an intimate relationship with our creator has helped my business as well." —Jennifer Seeno Tucker ………………………………………… 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 Punit Dhillon, the President, CEO & Chair of Skye Bioscience Inc. based in San Diego, California, USA, a public pharmaceutical company with a leading program in ophthalmology, developing a drug for glaucoma. Punit is a biotech and life sciences entrepreneur passionate about helping the community. He's also an author of the book Catapult wherein he shares 10 principles for a purpose-driven life and career, linking together the athletic strengths that will help people succeed in the business world. With his extensive experience in biotechnology and life science space, he's leading Skye Bioscience for a year now with phenomenal growth in market cap from less than $10 million to over $16 million and from 2 to 24 FTEs. Punit was the former CEO and Director of OncoSec, a San Diego-based biotechnology company pioneering new technologies to stimulate the body's immune system to target and attack cancer. Punit says the two hardest things in growing a small business based on his experience were learning to step aside and speaking to people with brevity to drive clarity in terms of decision-making. These were challenging for him throughout his career because these were the certain expectations of many toward leaders in an organization. This Cast Covers: A unique company developing novel first-class molecules that focused on a whole range of different therapeutic areas. The life science space-focused business with a leading program in ophthalmology. Particularly developing a drug for glaucoma using synthetically derived molecules known as cannabinoids. Through extensive experience co-founded and served as President and CEO of OncoSec Medical Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering new technologies to fight cancer. Tackles about the role of a leader in growing a small business which is to enable growth by getting rid of obstacles that restrict it. How can working together with the team and having effective decision-making help get through challenges. An inspiring biotech and life sciences entrepreneur who is focused on serving the community. The importance of working with outside experts in achieving good purposes. The significance of listening to what the team needs and understanding their purpose to accommodate the company needs to succeed. Figuring out an individual's purpose alongside the roles and responsibilities is the best way in order to really foster growth. For over a year in a public pharmaceutical company, the market cap grew from less than $10 million to over $16 million and from 2 to 24 FTEs. Additional Resources: Skye Bioscience Catapult By Punit Dhillon The Second Mountain By David Brooks Atomic Habits By James Clear ………………………………………… Quotes: "The measure of success is when you can enable growth not only in the company but also for the individuals who are part of that success." —Punit Dhillon "The leader's job is to help get rid of obstacles and enable growth to not be restricted." —Punit Dhillon "We can be visionary, if you're not having that mindset, you're not having that support and driving purpose, then you're not doing a great job." —Punit Dhillon "We're living in a profound era and we have an opportunity to aspire 10 times higher than where we are, and just do the best we can to outline a plan so you can actually execute." —Punit Dhillon "Planning and establishing a set of tools that helps you hold accountability to yourself and allow you to hold accountability with your team is a habit that must be developed." —Punit Dhillon ………………………………………… 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 Kristi Soomer, the Founder, and CEO of Encircled, a slow fashion brand based in Toronto, Canada, which makes workwear perfect for active individuals that embrace everyday adventure in style, and in comfort. Encircled is a Certified B Corporation, as sustainability and ethics are the core of everything they do. A former strategy consultant and no fashion background, Kristi bravely launched a fashion brand that was initially a travel-inspired clothing brand in 2012. It took her six months to refine her first product while working full-time. After 2 years, he left her full-time job and focused her attention on growing her small business which is now a seven-figure business with 30 FTEs, and grew last year's sales up to 70%. Kristi says that what she loves the most in growing a small business is having the ability to impact. She always wants to create a product that gives impact to those who will be wearing it. It has been her favorite thing seeing people loving their products by wearing and tagging them. This Cast Covers: A slow fashion brand that makes workwear that embraces everyday adventure in style, and in comfort. Creating versatile, stylish, and ethically designs that work well with active individuals. A Certified B Corporation, as sustainability and ethics are at the core of everything they do. Started as a travel clothing brand where the idea was to travel more with less. A former strategy consultant with no background in fashion but got inspired by a garment while packing for a yoga retreat. Passionate about helping purpose-driven female founders. Define success as a fulfillment of building a business aligned with the values. Encouraging entrepreneurs to look at their profit and loss statements to really understand the key drivers in the business. Described the biggest mindset shift throughout the small business journey that people can do anything if they work hard enough even without a background of it. Emphasizing the power of gratitude and how this affects the people behind the business's success. Additional Resources: Encircled The E Myth By Michael E. Gerber The E-Myth Revisited By Michael E. Gerber StoryBrand DigitalMarketer Podcast ………………………………………… Quotes: "Success always leaves clues and you can't see those clues unless you really look at the data." —Kristi Soomer "I always encourage people to look at the profit and loss statements to really understand those key drivers." —Kristi Soomer "There's never going to be no work to be done if you have effective prioritization skills." —Kristi Soomer "Never underestimate the power of acknowledging people and their work." —Kristi Soomer "People make mistakes and there's no problem with that, as long as they take accountability for their mistake and learn from it." —Kristi Soomer ………………………………………… 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 Ieuan Williams, the Co-founder and Director of Mane Consulting, Sydney-based recruitment and workforce solutions consultancy, specializing in the Finance, Digital, and Data space. They deliver talent solutions and provide the right resourcing strategy for their clients. Ieuan had been working in accounting and finance talent acquisition within boutique and global organizations. At the age of 31 in 2016, Ieuan and his colleague founded a workforce solutions provider, helping businesses and organizations to find the right people for the right role and project. They started with just the two of them and in their first year in the business, they got a revenue growth of $400k. Now, over five years, from 2 FTEs to 35 with a near eight-figure turnover. Ieuan says the hardest thing in growing a small business is being consistent each day. He can see the importance of consistency in business, but it was challenging to him, especially starting out the business doing basic and simple things every single day. In his perception, a lot of people want to do things differently each day, however, he understands the significance of it after a long period of being in the industry. This Cast Covers: Predominantly focusing on workforce solutions, recruitment, and talent acquisition, within the digital, finance, and analytics industries. Helping clients in finding the right people to work on their projects. A boutique consultancy with established networks and expertise within the Australian and International financial markets. Delivering workforce solutions and providing the right resourcing strategy for their client's business. Providing tangible results through understanding and knowledge of the industry. The importance of making a good business plan as a strategic tool for entrepreneurs. Emphasizing the actions to be taken when given advice regarding ways to grow a business. Having a hard time manifesting consistency in growing a small business. How employers find the right people to take the job. Grown revenue from $400k to the upper seven figures with 35 FTEs in 5 years. Additional Resources: Mane Consulting Legacy By James Kerr The Bottom of the Pool By Andy Andrews ………………………………………… Quotes: "Be careful who you listen to, and what you listen to." —Ieuan Williams "If you think it's good and it makes sense to you, there's no need to listen to others." —Ieuan Williams "Have convictions in your decision-making." —Ieuan Williams "As a business owner, you set the heartbeat of a business and the person who starts the rhythm of the business." —Ieuan Williams "Have a business plan, break it down, strategize, and make priorities." —Ieuan Williams ………………………………………… 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 Bianca Welsh, the Co-owner of Stillwater Restaurant, and Founder of From Experience, a mental health service based in Launceston, Tasmania. Bianca Welsh is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor who aims to equip business owners with the tools they need to help identify mental illness in the workplace, understand it from a psychological perspective, and guide how to offer the right support. At just 21, she has over a decade's experience in professional building and development. She spent 7 years studying part-time and graduated with a Bachelor of Behavioral Science in 2018. There she found it helpful in building a restaurant culture that strives for mental illness. Now she is heavily involved in her community as a mental health advocate. Bianca has a piece of advice for those starting a small business. She says, "Prioritize yourself and your relationships. Don't make it about making money. Make genuine connections and the business may work on those relationships." This Cast Covers: Helping hospitality workers identify mental health warning signs. Emphasizing the impact of changes in the environment that contribute to anxiety and mental illness. Due to fear of losing workers from her workplace, initiated a project to help aid mental health challenges. Passionate and driven restaurateur and mental health advocate who is heavily involved in her community. Spent years studying psychology and found it helpful in building a restaurant culture that strives for mental health. The importance of every small business owner to take mental health a real thing and must be count significant to make the workplace safer and more efficient. Stating the rapid growth of suicide rate and severe depression each year. How mental health professionals can help those mentally challenged individuals through designed interventions for character improvement and efficiency. How powerful mental health in the workplace can be for business. The ultimate goal of improving mental health is to make people better and happier in life despite facing challenges. Additional Resources: Stillwater From Experience The Resilience Project By Hugh van Cuylenburg The Body Keeps the Score By Bessel van der Kolk M.D Lost Connections By Johann Hari The Happiness Trap By Russ Harris ………………………………………… Quotes: "It can be toxic when mental health is not recognized as being a real issue." —Bianca Welsh "By implementing a mentally healthy workplace truly an attribute to success." —Bianca Welsh "Support system is very needed to help you get through." —Bianca Welsh "Leaders should know when their cup is full and know what their support networks are." —Bianca Welsh "Once you educate yourself, you can empathize rather than sympathize." —Bianca Welsh ………………………………………… 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 Arjun Rai, the founder, and CEO of HelloWoofy based in New York, USA, a social media and blog management platform, driven by artificial intelligence that helps small to medium-sized businesses with smart marketing for the digital age. Arjun is always passionate about social media and he's full of ideas on how it helps startups. From a virtual collaboration space, Arjun set out to modernize another industry related to his former passion of social media. Re-launching a social media management platform in 2019. Initially got 1,520 customers and now has 11,000 users in two years. He started just by himself to a team of 12 FTEs. Arjun shares what he learned from the moment he started as an entrepreneur. It is making better decisions and we can only do that if we keep on learning because achieving something doesn't mean we know everything. This Cast Covers: Building a platform that allows small businesses to do smart marketing. Helping clients schedule social media posts ahead of time. Helps with writing and autocompleting entire blog posts. Supporting small to medium-sized businesses with digital marketing. Started with a mission of wanting to build a bigger company to help smaller ones. Expanded customer base by 21,900% in two years. Directed a team of software engineers, designers, and legal/finance professionals. The importance of getting the right people and being part of the success. The relevance of thinking ahead of time to sort things more easily. Emphasizing the need for small business owners to have the mindset of positioning themselves in certain situations. Additional Resources: HelloWoffy Traffic Secrets By Russell Brunson Expert Secrets By Russell Brunson ………………………………………… Quotes: "We're always thinking ahead, we're always pushing the limits." —Arjun Rai "Once you find the right people and you get to know them, they just become family to you." —Arjun Rai "Those little things we worked on can create moments of delight." —Arjun Rai "There's always light at the end of the tunnel." —Arjun Rai "You are completely in ownership of your destiny." —Arjun Rai ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0