Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode, I interview Mariae Leckie, the Interim CEO, and Senior Consultant of The Project Lab, a consulting and advisory firm based in Hobart, Tasmania. They are experts on cyber security and they work with small to large organizations to ensure the safety and security of their assets. Mariae Leckie was also the former CEO of Crime Stoppers Tasmania. Together with the team, they help their clients build and grow; understand; and change their organizations to ensure their high-performing businesses and keep their sustainability. Managing outsourced business processes and cyber risk is services they offer to their clients. These services not only avoid cybercrime but mainly for the growth and success of the organizations. Marie Leckie says that the hardest thing when it comes to cyber security for small businesses is the low level of digital literacy. It is for this reason that people don't quite know where to start or who to ask. Small businesses are the most frequent targets of cyber-attacks so it is a must for them to practice good basic cyber hygiene. This Cast Covers: A consulting and advisory firm experts on cyber security. Services are based on management consulting principles. Helping clients build and grow; understand; and change their organizations to ensure their high-performing business. Helping people perform at their best. Managing outsourced business processes. Delivering the change essential for the growth of their client's business. The importance of cyber security when growing a small business. How cyber security manages cyber risk to businesses by shutting digital doors to cyber-attacks or online criminals. Delivering projects that bring a meaningful impact to every entrepreneur. How setting one's self for success influences the progress of their career and business. Additional Resources: The Project Lab Cyber Risk Management By Christopher J Hodson CyberStrong By Ajay Singh ………………………………………… Quotes: "Small businesses should practice good basic cyber hygiene." —Mariae Leckie "Be careful what you put in your social media, don't ever put your real personal information." —Mariae Leckie "Set yourself up for success." —Mariae Leckie "Look for your business at 360 degrees and make sure it is safe and secure." —Mariae Leckie "Don't lose your good ideas and don't lose your reputation." —Mariae Leckie ………………………………………… 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 Simon Davies, the Founder, and CEO of Bastion Brands, a Melbourne-based healthcare marketing agency specializing in health marketing, advertising, and medical communications. They work with pharmaceutical companies, medical devices, and consumer health businesses. Simon is passionate about innovating and pioneering the healthcare marketing space by encouraging the adoption of new techniques combined with traditional methods. After 5 years of working in different advertising and marketing companies, Simon gained experience and helped a friend in marketing a funeral business. He gets clients for his friend and gets a percentage in revenue. Later, he decided to start his own business in 2012, aged 32, and that's how Bastion Brands was born. He has grown the revenue from 20% to 60% and from just by himself to the current 40 FTEs for over 9 years. Simon says that what he loves the most in growing a small business is the teamwork and camaraderie his great team has possessed. He finds it fantastic how it evolves the business and says, "Having a great team who works together is just so amazing." This Cast Covers: An advertising and marketing agency focusing on health in the industry. Working with pharmaceutical companies, consumer health, and medical device businesses. They do the marketing as well as the medical education. Had a big drop in revenue during the first few months of the pandemic but over time still was able to find more clients and never subside. Grown revenue from 20% to 60% despite the hit of the pandemic. Running the business for 9 years and growing the team from just himself to the current 40 FTEs. How setting an environment that allows people to flourish is a factor for the small business to flourish as well. The importance of discipline, to focus on activities that drive the success of the business. How getting the right people provides efficiency in implementing the values of the business for its reputation to flourish. How teamwork and camaraderie of a great team influence the growth of the small business. Additional Resources: Bastion Brands Principles By Ray Dalio Shoe Dog By Phil Knight ………………………………………… Quotes: "Set an environment which allows people to flourish." —Simon Davies "Focus on activities that drive the success of your business." —Simon Davies "If you get the right people, you're more likely to have success." —Simon Davies "Have a lot of passion and enthusiasm for what you're doing." —Simon Davies "Believe in yourself." —Simon Davies ………………………………………… 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 Annemarie Hayek, the Founder of Global Mosaic, a Chicago-based cultural consultancy that helps clients deeply understand the culture and organically grow corporate or brand initiatives that connect. Annemarie Hayek is a cultural consultant, generational expert, and social agitator who deeply understands society's evolutions. She used her passion for creativity and founded a cultural consultancy in 2002 at the age of 31. In her first project, she hit a $14,000 profit, and within three years in the business, she got over a million-dollar revenue and has been growing since then. Now the company is running for over 19 years and with a total of 10 FTEs. Annemarie is the author of the book "Generation We: The Power and Promise of Gen Z." This book is all about generation Z, the roots of their power, and the impact that they'll have in taking a leadership role. Annemarie says, "What had mostly been written about them was fairly superficial and maybe we hear about their canceled culture, which is criticized. But there is a much deeper story about them." This Cast Covers: Helping entities understand the culture, cultural movements, cultural trends and understand how people's lives are evolving. Organically grow corporate by helping clients understand the cultural insights, movements, and tensions. Generational expert, and social agitator who deeply understands society's evolutions. Describing Generation Z as the power generation coming on the scene now. Emphasizing some misconceptions about generation Z. Publishing a book that empowers generation Z emphasizing that this generation is far ahead and has so much power to make things move. Hitting $14,000 of profit in her first project and over a million dollars of revenue within three years after starting the business. Have been growing the business since then, and are now in their 19th year in the industry. How passion and creativity are more important than skills. The importance of every small business owner learning to remain true to their initial vision and intention. The importance of every small business owner learning to chase every opportunity. Additional Resources: Global Mosaic Generation We: The Power and Promise of Gen Z By Annemarie Hayek A Whole New Mind By Daniel H. Pink ………………………………………… Quotes: "It doesn't matter how successful we are at work, we're still like students who kept on learning." —Annemarie Hayek "Skill can be learned but the attitudinal disposition toward passion and creativity can't be taught to anyone." —Annemarie Hayek "You need to think about where your passion is and engage with it." —Annemarie Hayek "Remain true to your initial vision and intention in whatever way that makes sense to you." —Annemarie Hayek "You are bigger than you think you are so don't be afraid to be big in the world." —Annemarie Hayek ………………………………………… 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 Earp, the co-founder at Earp Distilling Co, a distilling company based in Newcastle, Australia, with a vision to demystify the world of spirits and offer premium spirits together with food events, education, and some great little experiences. Michael together with his brother decided to open a distillery as the next evolution of their family business. Earp Distilling Co opened in December 2019 after almost a year of planning and completing the equipment to use. It was a vast beginning but when the pandemic happened, they lost production from March to September. Later in that year, sold 1000 cases and boosted sales, obtaining half a million through events, tasting experience, and bar area, growing the team from 3 FTEs to the current 16. Michael says that what he loves the most in growing a small business is being part of the team. He enjoyed working with people who work hard and push things to attain their goals. He said, "it's really great to see the team just wanting to go harder, try new things and push things." This Cast Covers: Evolving a generational family business from supplying quality goods to offering a high-quality spirit to fellow spirit lovers. The family business which was established in 1883 has been adapted to the needs of many generations of Australians. They have achieved many titles throughout their long history. Opening a distillery to have innovation and further expand the family-run business experience. Growing it from 3 FTEs to the current 16 and sold 1000 cases in the late months of 2020. Obtaining half a million sales in the bar area, events, and tasting experiences. The importance of every small business owner learning the process of leadership. Constantly struggling with trying to achieve some form of work-life balance. The importance of every small business owner, to have the courage to take the right risks so they can be successful. How leading the team by example effectively drives them to act in any circumstances. Additional Resources: Earp Distilling Co TED Talks The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People By Stephen R. Covey The E-Myth Revisited By Michael E. Gerber ………………………………………… Quotes: "It's really great to see the team just wanting to go harder, try new things, and push things." —Michael Earp "Try to lead the team by example." —Michael Earp "We don't tolerate this sort of laziness and poor attitudes." —Michael Earp "We all make mistakes but make sure not repeating them over and over again." —Michael Earp "Think clearly, live differently. Fight fiercely and stand courageously." —Michael Earp ………………………………………… 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 Pauleanna Reid, the founder and celebrity ghostwriter at WritersBlok, a full-service ghostwriting agency based in Toronto, Canada that helps high-profile leaders and doers turn their personal stories into brand assets. Pauleanna is widely known as a journalist and she's also a freelance reporter at Forbes Business Insider. Aged 27 in 2017, Pauleanna founded a full-service ghostwriting agency. She started out as a side hustler and she came across a really interesting article about a ghostwriter and that's when she transitioned into a celebrity ghostwriter focusing on their clients' stories. Now her agency is composed of 10 FTEs, a team of content experts responsible for some of the most talked-about pop culture moments, books, and noteworthy speeches. This year, they're around the bend of hitting $500,000 in revenue. Pauleanna defines success as servant leadership. She loves it when people hear the real stories of their clients. She always makes sure that they are using the right language, right culture, and right approach for their clients. This Cast Covers: From a side hustler to founding a full-service ghostwriting agency. Helping the world's leaders and doers turn their personal stories into brand assets. Allow clients to be able to articulate what they're most passionate about, what they believe, and what they're fighting for. Help clients who were wrongfully accused of something they didn't do. Help clients to regain their reputations by hearing their sides through stories. The importance of allowing people's dreams to evolve in order to make a real difference. Hitting around the bend of $500,000 in revenue with a total of 10 FTEs. A well-known person despite being a ghostwriter for her clients. Define success as servant leadership by making sure that they can navigate certain sensitivities, right cultural societal generational, and right language. A freelance reporter at Forbes Business Insider, creating expert content related to the business growth of world-class performers. Additional Resources: WritersBlok Blockbusters By Anita Elberse Mixed Emotions By Andrew Nguyen & Pauleanna Reid ………………………………………… Quotes: "Activism is very important." —Pauleanna Reid "Trust and price yourself as you weather the storms." —Pauleanna Reid "It's really important to allow your dreams to evolve." —Pauleanna Reid "We give our clients a safe space to be able to articulate what they're most passionate about." —Pauleanna Reid "Having a passion project on the side, everyone is capable of evolving over time." —Pauleanna Reid ………………………………………… 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 Chris "Mercer" Mercer, co-founder of MeasurementMarketing.io based in Austin, Texas, USA, a marketing and advertising company that helps marketing teams and agencies build measurement marketing systems to increase their sales and produce scalable results. Chris has more than two decades of experience in sales and marketing and now he trains larger organizations of marketers. Started a marketing company in 2011 that initially produced online courses to teach people how to use WordPress to create websites. Many people liked it and they pivoted into marketing through optimization of what they have started so far. They began doing measurement setups, got their clients through referrals. For over 10 years, they got an average of 20% revenue growth and a total of 9 FTEs. Chris says that what he loves the most in growing a small business is the result produced by their systems. It is how the system works for the business and at the same time being able to see what works for the business. This Cast Covers: Help marketers, marketing teams, and agencies figure out how they measure their marketing. Helping marketers know their numbers in an easy-to-understand manner. Teach them how to use tools like analytics, tag manager, and data studio so they can grow their numbers. Offers training for larger organizations to expose them to measurement marketing culture. Training helps marketers implement the measurement systems set for them to know what to do with their numbers. How measurement marketing systems help marketers see exactly what's happening in their business. The power of analytics in implementing the system and how the system works for the business and at the same time monitor the progress. The importance of hiring rightful individuals who want to help grow the company, and learn how to grow up in a company. How the platform of measurement marketing produced scalable results by means of the system implemented. Additional Resources: MeasurementMarketing.io Blueprint to Business By Michael Alden Inside Strategic Coach Podcast ………………………………………… Quotes: "You don't hire to hire somebody, you hire to not hire everybody." —Chris Mercer "Look for somebody who wants to grow the company, and wants to learn how to grow in a company." —Chris Mercer "My biggest lesson growing an organization was being aware of that self-sabotage." —Chris Mercer "Success is being able to produce a scalable result." —Chris Mercer "To marketing a fast-growing business, you have to measure it to have visibility on what is working and not working." —Chris Mercer ………………………………………… 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 Danielle Allen, a business leader and co-founder of Two Birds Brewing, a brewing company based in Melbourne, Australia, developing and manufacturing craft beers for retail and on-premise sales in venues across Australia. This is Australia's first female-owned brewing company. Danielle, together with her friend Jayne Lewis began their journey in the Craft Beer industry after their two-week trip in the West Coast of the US in 2010 where they visited breweries, wineries and dined at some world-renowned restaurants. Jayne was originally a winemaker by trade but transitioned into brewing while Danielle had been in product development and marketing for 10 years. With their complementary skills, Two Birds Brewing was born. According to Danielle, the hardest thing in growing a small business is the commitment to work. Commitment to work involves many things for the excellence of the business. This is why every business owner must develop the self-discipline to execute the tasks needed to be done. This Cast Covers: Started their own brewing company after their two-week tour on the West Coast of the US in 2010. Visited breweries, wineries, and dined at some world-renowned restaurants during the trip, and shared love for the finer delights. Gave up their full-time jobs and began their journey in the Craft Beer industry. Their skills were complementary and it made total sense for them to team up. Launched their first beer together in 2011 and have been growing and building the business every year since then. Developing and manufacturing craft beers for retail and on-premise sales in venues across Australia. Making well-balanced and approachable beers and find impressive by their consumers. The importance of originality when it comes to making their products and how being firm to the vision made them successful. How commitment is crucial yet important in growing a small business. How understanding each other's role results in growth and development which are essential in growing a small business. Additional Resources: Two Birds Brewing Brewing Up a Business By Sam Calagione The Microbrewery Handbook By DC Reeves ………………………………………… Quotes: "Stay true to yourself, don't copy other people, have a firm view of your vision, and just stick to it." —Danielle Allen "You can drive the business forward by making sure that the connection between sales and marketing continuously works." —Danielle Allen "It is worth getting people that share the same values that you have." —Danielle Allen "Understand each other on a personal level, and understand each other's roles as well. That's important." —Danielle Allen "I'm a big believer in data integrity, it gives us the ability to have information at the fingertips" – Danielle Allen ………………………………………… 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 Yaro Starak, the Co-founder at InboxDone, a company that offers email assistants for busy entrepreneurs. This email management service is based in Montreal, Canada, an expert in organizing messages and creating follow-up systems to direct representation of their client's business. Before launching InboxDone in 2017, Yaro was a business coach who profited from his blog, podcast, and courses. He found incredible growth in just six months after he launched the company by managing 10 clients and profited $10,000 in a particular month. By 2020 to early 2021, they skyrocketed to 15-50 clients and scales to $50,000 in revenue per month. Yaro says that what he loves the most in growing a small business is releasing a happy hormone–endorphin after completing a job. "There's nothing greater than making a sale," he added. This Cast Covers: Focuses on simplifying people's lives by taking over their email, replying to messages, organizing messages, and completing that start the email loop. The system allows clients to focus on the important things that grow their business or enjoy some of the time for themselves. Offers assistance to business owners and entrepreneurs by outsourcing their inbox thus enhancing customer service. Responds to incoming emails and creates follow-up systems to direct the representation of the business. How massive does the internet contribute to businesses today and how fast it is an effective tool for selling and building a business around. The importance of pairing the junior member to an experienced member to work better. How building the team and making them well motivated signify the growth of the business. Technology plays a big part in high-growth companies in marketing, sales, and services. Emphasizes that running a business involves loss of customers and potential crisis yet riding on them can be a way out. Additional Resources: InboxDone Podcast Connection Think & Grow Rich By Napoleon Hill Losing My Virginity By Richard Branson ………………………………………… Quotes: "We like to have our words read and heard by others and influence people, teach people and help people through content." —Yaro Starak "Pairing the junior member to the experienced one works better." —Yaro Starak "Success is about exploring what you can do with your resources." —Yaro Starak "Growth is not just acquiring more customers and making more money but, building a team, and making sure the team's well rewarded and motivated." —Yaro Starak "Consistency is important but it can be risky if you're consistently doing the wrong thing." —Yaro Starak ………………………………………… 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 Shauna Armitage, the Chief Marketing Strategist at Shauna Armitage-Moxie, LLC, a marketing and advertising company based in Denver, Colorado, USA, guiding early-stage startups in building a marketing strategy that gets results. They teach founders how to own their brand, reach their audience and scale their startups through a holistic growth strategy. Shauna was a freelance writer and director of digital content for a digital marketing agency. Unfortunately, she was fired for acting as an advocate for clients and staff. After several months of no work, she decided to start her own marketing and advertising company that is more ethical and aligned with her mission. Shauna decided to create custom marketing plans that are catered to a company's unique vision and goals. Starting the business was tough for Shauna, in her first year, she had a few clients but couldn't make a profit. However, it motivated her to do better and ended up growing her team members due to the increase of clients, so her company is now a six-figure business and definitely will grow much more. This Cast Covers: Guides small business owners and entrepreneurs in building a marketing strategy that gets results. Bridges the gap between freelancers and agencies by coming in and looking at marketing from a very high-level perspective. Emphasizes building strategy rather than picking one strategy at a time which doesn't get the company closer to its growth goals. How fractional marketing is a big step in propelling the business involving people who work across marketing channels and events. The role of a fractional marketing director is designed for early-stage startups that were not yet big enough for a full-time hire but wanted a dedicated team member to bring all the pieces together and drive brand growth. The importance of work-life balance and how it makes people more successful. How personal development is a great growth experience. The importance of consistency in all aspects of the business to establish awareness and build trust. Making the largest impact possible with big ideas and small budgets. Additional Resources: Shauna Armitage- Making Moxie, LLC Building a StoryBrand By Donald Miller How I Built This with Guy Raz Podcast ………………………………………… Quotes: "Success is being able to actually have a work-life balance." – Shauna Armitage "You should be investing in advertising to help yourself go farther, and go faster." – Shauna Armitage "You need to focus on the activities that are going to move the needle now." – Shauna Armitage "A great growth experience is able to grow the team and develop as a person." – Shauna Armitage "Showing up consistently in all aspects of your business is really the key." – Shauna Armitage ………………………………………… 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 Rocco Carriero, a private wealth advisor and founder of Rocco A. Carriero Wealth Partners, a private wealth advisory practice based in Southampton, New York. This wealth management is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals through truly personalized experience and from planning to developing strategies. Rocco has nearly two decades of experience working with successful business owners implementing the Three Cords Approach to life planning. He made a book of that approach to help business owners have a balance between their business and their lives. He believes that there is higher success in addressing both personal and professional aspirations. From no clients to creating more successful clients, grow the team with 13 FTEs, and with revenue growth exceeding 20% for over two decades in the industry. Rocco says he has been through a lot growing his business but he never quits which led him to what he is today. This Cast Covers: Provides personalized financial advice to help clients achieve their financial goals. Expert in wealth management and advanced planning space. Written a book on financial advice and comprehensive planning and has been implementing the principles to business owners. The Three Cords Approach book emphasizes how to balance the business and at the same time the lives of every business owner. A best-selling book expertly matching financial resources to business owners' personal, family, and business goals. Passionate about creating financial plans that help clients achieve their individual, professional, and familial aspirations. Emphasizes the importance of mental fitness for business owners. How business owners take good care of themselves achieves a higher success rate and balance. How referrals and recommendations led them to become one of the most successful financial advisory practices. Additional Resources: Rocco A. Carriero Wealth Partners Three Cords Approach By Rocco Carriero Who Not How by Dan Sullivan ………………………………………… Quotes: "Real leadership is about transferring your skill, it's about leading, and helping people get what they want for themselves." – Rocco Carriero "If business owners can't develop a team, they are going to have a tough time growing." – Rocco Carriero "Our team is a purpose-driven team, not a paycheck-driven team." – Rocco Carriero "If business owners are not doing coaching, personal development reading, they are missing out." – Rocco Carriero "No matter how bad it gets, never quit." – Rocco Carriero ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0