Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Eric Jorgenson from Scribe Media, who shares his remarkable journey from author to CEO after the company faced bankruptcy. Eric successfully rallied investors to acquire Scribe Media and is now leading its impressive turnaround, projecting growth from $6 million to $9 million. Beyond his leadership at Scribe Media, Eric is also a successful author with over 1.5 million books sold. This conversation delves into his strategies for business revival and leadership insights at Scribe Media. Other Resources: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness. The Anthology of Balaji: A Guide to Technology, Truth, and Building the Future An easy way to measure if your customers love you in 21 minutes – use the Net Promoter Score (NPS). And it's FREE. Boost productivity by 7–23%, triple team engagement, and double retention with ESOPs! Expert Craig West reveals benefits, costs, and timelines. (Episode 55 - Craig West) The Great Game of Business, Expanded and Updated: The Only Sensible Way to Run a Company by Jack Stack 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? Eric Jorgenson said the hardest thing in growing a small business is dealing with entropy, alignment, and constant surprises. He emphasized that it's not for the faint of heart and requires continuous effort to manage these dynamic challenges. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Eric Jorgenson's favorite business book that has helped him the most is Poor Charlie's Almanack. He also mentioned Zero to One by Peter Thiel as an exceptional book for understanding the foundational principles of business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Eric Jorgenson highly recommends Founders Podcast by David Senra. He described it as the most important and impactful podcast, where David dives deep into biographies of the greatest founders in history, extracting powerful lessons and patterns for business growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Eric Jorgenson recommends using ChatGPT as a powerful tool to grow a small business. He emphasized that everyone just became 2–10x more productive with it—if they learn to use it well—highlighting its potential to dramatically boost efficiency and innovation. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Eric Jorgenson's advice to himself on day one of starting out in business would be: "Spend a lot more energy figuring out what to focus on and then focus — build the discipline to reorient quickly and follow through on the most important things." He emphasized the importance of filtering noise, closing loops, and trusting your instincts through repetition and outcomes. 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: Writing a great book can change your life—and your business – Eric Jorgenson A small business flourishes when everyone rows in the same direction – Eric Jorgenson You're always one great hire away from transforming your company – Eric Jorgenson

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 Julie Holmes, founder of The Smarter HQ, who provides valuable insights on achieving success in business through the strategic use of AI. Julie explains how AI can help small businesses become more efficient and effective, enabling them to scale and compete with larger organisations. She introduces the 20-60-20 framework for utilising generative AI and emphasises the importance of human oversight in the process. Key takeaways include treating AI like an intern and practical first steps for small business owners to start experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT. Ultimately, the podcast underscores that embracing AI is crucial for small businesses to avoid falling behind their competitors. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Start with Your To-Do List to Apply AI: AI enables small businesses to scale and compete with larger organisations in ways they couldn't before. Julie states that AI can help businesses "sell smarter, serve better and save time" . To get started with AI, small business: Owners should look at their "to do list" for tasks that are not in their "zone of genius" or are time-consuming, such as emails, social media, and writing proposals. Julie notes that AI can help overcome the difficulty of starting these tasks. Use the 20-60-20 Framework: Julie Holmes introduces the 20-60-20 framework, also known as "you do you", for using generative AI. The first 20% is on the owner for strategy and prompting, the AI does 60% of the work, and the final 20% is crucial for personalisation and ensuring the output aligns with the brand. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Treat AI Like an Intern, Not a Magic Wand: AI isn't magic—it needs context. Train it like you would a new hire: giv.e it background, examples, and feedback to get the best outcomes. Solve Real Problems First—Then Choose the Tool: Don't start by exploring tools. Start with a problem (e.g., note-taking, content creation, or customer personalization) and then find the best AI tool to solve it. Enhance Customer Experience with Smart Personalization: AI can help tailor messages, proposals, and services by researching customer details and needs, letting small businesses deliver big-brand experiences. One action small business owners can take: One immediate action small business owners can take is to identify tasks on their "to-do list" that are not in their "zone of genius" or that are time-consuming, such as emails, social media, and writing proposals, and consider how AI could assist with these. 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: AI is like electricity—it powers everything, but only if you plug it in — Julie Holmes Small businesses don't need more arms, they need smarter tools—and that's AI — Julie Holmes You don't need to be tech-savvy to use AI, but you must be technique-savvy — Julie Holmes

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger, founder of DS Bellinger Consulting, specializes in helping business owners and sales teams enhance their sales performance by mastering revenue-generating conversations. She launched the business part-time nine years ago, growing it into a thriving enterprise with a team of five and multiple six-figure revenues. Dr. Bellinger also brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience, including successfully exiting a tech company. In this discussion, she shares her journey, the challenges she faced as a woman and a person of color, the critical role of financial literacy, the art of delegation, and the importance of fostering a strong business culture. Other Resources: Sales Is Not About Wait And See: Do You Want To Get Paid Now or Eventually? by Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger (Author) You Lost Me @ Hello: Actionable principles that move you beyond "Networking." by Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger (Author) 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 Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger, the hardest thing about growing a small business is understanding your value statement. She emphasises not trying to be all things to all people within your area of expertise. You simply cannot please everyone, so it is best to focus on what you do best and excel at that. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? According to Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger, her favourite business book that has helped her the most is The E Myth. However, she also mentions that The Purpose Driven Life, while not a business book, was very important to her. Therefore, she highlights two books as being particularly impactful. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger, doesn't recommend specific podcasts or online learning tools. Instead, she emphasises the importance of tailored research within the specific industry of a new client to remain relevant. She takes "a little bit of everything" for her own professional development. The host, Troy Trewin, suggests the Grow Small Business podcast itself as a helpful resource. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? She recommends the most direct tool recommendation for growing a small business is to have a good, robust CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. She states that the days of just using a spreadsheet are over. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Her advice for herself on day one of starting out in business would be straightforward: "If you can't laugh at it, don't do it" 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: Confidence is your most powerful sales strategy—own it before you pitch it – Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger Revenue generation starts with a mindset, not a marketing plan – Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger Stop asking for permission to succeed—just go get it – Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Stefan Di Benedetto from SolBevi. Stefan discussed the phenomenal growth of his limoncello brand, including more than doubling sales and expanding into New Zealand. He shared insights into the challenges of starting solo and the importance of team building. The conversation also touched upon key marketing strategies like "liquid on lips" and the complexities of funding rapid growth in the FMCG industry. Stefan offered valuable lessons learned during his entrepreneurial 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? Stefan Di Benedetto believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is having to do everything yourself, especially at the start. Stefan recounted his experience of managing cross-functional tasks such as marketing, finance, and sales simultaneously. He described physically going from venue to venue during the day and then working until midnight on administrative tasks like paying invoices and cash flow forecasting What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Stefan Di Benedetto stated that his favorite business book that has helped him the most is "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight. He mentioned that the book reminds him of similar situations he has gone through in his business, such as taking risks and experiencing financial difficulties, and it provides him with a lot of motivation. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Stefan Di Benedetto mentioned that he doesn't really use any online tools for his professional development. Instead, he listens to a lot of business-related podcasts. He specifically enjoys podcasts where he can learn from people who have exited businesses and built successful companies. He also listens to podcasts that discuss marketing and marketing strategies, including what's current and how to be strategic. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Stefan Di Benedetto recommends using Xero as a key tool to grow a small business. He emphasizes its value in helping business owners understand their numbers, which he believes is crucial for making informed decisions and sustaining growth. He also highlights the importance of working with a good bookkeeper or accountant who can help interpret those numbers, rather than just recording them. This combination, according to Stefan, provides clarity and supports smarter business decisions. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one, Stefan Di Benedetto would tell himself, "It's going to be hard." He admits he was likely naive about the challenges of his new industry, especially compared to his previous experience in consultancy and construction, where he felt more confident. The unexpected difficulties taught him that persistence and resilience are essential. His core advice to himself would be: "It's going to be hard, but just don't back down." 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: Back yourself, because no one else will believe in your vision like you do – Stefan Di Benedetto The wins feel amazing, but the lessons come from the hard days – Stefan Di Benedetto Understanding your numbers isn't optional—it's essential for growth – Stefan Di Benedetto

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 Amanda Jones interviews Simone de Haas, founder of Simone de Haas International. Simone shares her journey from performing on stage to coaching business leaders in storytelling and powerful communication. She discusses the importance of "business theatre", blending performance skills with leadership to create impactful presentations. Tune in to hear how Simone helps professionals master stage presence and craft compelling business narratives. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Storytelling is a Business Superpower – A compelling story can captivate clients, build trust, and make your brand memorable. Learn how to craft narratives that resonate with your audience. Business is Theatre in Motion – Like skilled performers who captivate audiences, effective business leaders orchestrate their presence with purpose, balancing authentic expression with strategic delivery to inspire and influence. Leadership Requires Authentic Presence – Whether commanding a boardroom, rallying a team, or captivating an audience, leaders who blend powerful communication with genuine authenticity don't just convey messages—they ignite action, forge lasting connections, and transform ordinary interactions into defining moments that propel their vision forward. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Creativity Drives Innovation – Thinking outside the box, as in theatre, helps business owners stay ahead in a competitive market. Encourage creativity in problem-solving and branding. Emotional Connection Wins Clients – People buy based on emotion and justify with logic. Engaging storytelling and expressive communication foster deeper client relationships. Adaptability is Key – Just as actors adjust to different roles, small business owners must embrace change, pivot when needed, and stay agile in their industries. One action small business owners can take: According to Simone de Haas, one action small business owners can take is to master their signature story. Crafting a compelling and authentic narrative that reflects their brand, values, and mission helps build deeper connections with clients, enhances credibility, and makes their business more memorable in a crowded market. 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 power—use it to inspire, influence, and impact – Simone de Haas Confidence on stage and in business starts with owning your story – Simone de Haas Great storytelling turns ordinary businesses into unforgettable brands. – Simone de Haas

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Marissa Seeley, co-founder of By Design Physio, a physiotherapy business based in Hobart, Australia, providing high-quality physiotherapy services with an emphasis on personalised care, injury rehabilitation, and ongoing physical wellness built around consistency in team culture and service delivery, ensuring that every client receives a top-tier experience. Other Resources: Marketing Funding Flywheel eBook 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? One of the hardest things in growing a small business is scaling without losing quality or company culture. Finding and retaining the right people is a major challenge, as is managing cash flow during rapid growth. Additionally, the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship can be difficult to navigate. 2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? One of Marissa's favorite business book is The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani. It talks about the 12 elements of life. And if you can fill all of the buckets, then you'll feel whole, which is really nice. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Marissa says "Build with Leila Hormozi"is always in her ears all the time. She says it is very helpful to anyone that has staff because she simplifies all concepts into manageable, bite sized pieces that you can apply literally that day, so that you're not just listening, you're actually applying. 4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? One of the most effective tools for growing a small business is leveraging Google Reviews and SEO to improve online visibility. Customer relationship management (CRM) software like HubSpot or ActiveCampaign can help manage customer interactions and automate marketing. Automation tools like Zapier can streamline operations and save time by connecting different apps and services. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? If I could give myself advice on day one, I would emphasize the importance of focusing on building systems rather than just working hard. Patience is key—success doesn't happen overnight, and consistent effort pays off in the long run. Networking and building relationships early on can open doors to new opportunities. Lastly, keeping a close eye on finances from the beginning can prevent many future challenges. 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: "Growth isn't just about numbers—it's about building a team and culture that delivers consistently, every single day." - Marissa Seeley "Google Reviews became one of our biggest game-changers. We didn't just rely on word of mouth; we made sure potential clients could see real results before they even walked through the door." - Marissa Seeley "The best investment we made wasn't just in marketing or operations—it was in ourselves. Learning from mentors and refining our leadership changed everything." - Marissa Seeley

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Maxwell Nee, the mastermind behind ScoreApp, a platform revolutionizing lead generation for small businesses. Maxwell shares innovative strategies to boost customer engagement and drive growth. Discover how ScoreApp helps businesses gain unmatched insights into their audience, turning data into actionable results. Tune in to learn game-changing approaches to thrive in today's competitive market! 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 Maxwell Nee, the hardest thing in growing a small business is finding the right people. He illustrates this by pointing to well-known success stories, noting that these achievements were often the result of small, effective teams or "pods". He gives examples like Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak of Apple, Sergey Brin and Larry Page of Google, and Eduardo Saverin and Mark Zuckerberg as the initial forces behind Facebook. While acknowledging that some individuals within these teams might have been more influential than others, Maxwell emphasizes that the contribution of two, three, or four individuals working together was crucial to realizing their success. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Maxwell Nee credited two transformative books for shaping his entrepreneurial approach: "OverSUBSCRIBED" by Daniel Priestley, which revolutionized his mindset on creating unstoppable demand by making businesses "must-haves," and "The Outsiders" by William N. Thorndike, which revealed how unconventional CEOs achieved outsized returns through radical capital discipline and independent thinking. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Maxwell Nee mentioned that he doesn't really have specific great podcasts or online learning tools to recommend for professional development. While he listens to podcasts like "Diary of a CEO" and the one he was being interviewed on, his preferred approach is to become deeply engaged with specific individuals who align with his learning objectives at a particular time. He typically spends around three months focusing on one person, thoroughly reading their books and listening to their podcasts multiple times before moving on to someone else. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Maxwell Nee suggests that small business owners can benefit from using time blocking to manage their many responsibilities more effectively by pre-planning their schedules. He also highlights Score App, a lead generation software that uses quiz marketing to gamify the process and significantly increase conversion rates while filtering out unsuitable leads, as a valuable resource. In terms of professional development, Maxwell prefers to deeply immerse himself in the work of specific individuals for extended periods rather than broadly following podcasts or online learning. Two influential books he recommends are Oversubscribe by Daniel Priestley and Outsiders, which offers insights from unconventional CEOs. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Maxwell Nee would tell his younger self on day one of starting out to have a deliberate conversation about the learning curve . He wishes he had the awareness to work for free with someone he admired in a cool industry for about six months to "sponge it all up". He believes this approach would have been faster than his initial self-funded journey, where he paid for his own learning and personal expenses 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 harder; it's about working smarter with the right people – Maxwell Nee Entrepreneurship is a mindset—adapt, innovate, and keep moving forward – Maxwell Nee Growth happens when you stop thinking small and start acting bold – Maxwell Nee

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 Amanda Jones interviews Marcus Bendall, Creative Director at Wally, who shares 17 years of branding and design expertise. He discusses common branding mistakes, such as imitation, and emphasizes the importance of originality to stand out. Marcus highlights how small businesses can effectively create a strong brand identity on a budget. He provides practical tips for developing consistent visuals and tone to establish trust and professionalism. Tune in for actionable insights on crafting a brand that resonates and leaves a lasting impression. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Brand as First and Last Impression: A brand starts with visual identity but is ultimately defined by how customers feel and talk about your business after interacting with it. Importance of Originality: Avoid imitating competitors. Instead, use inspiration from other industries and regions to create a unique and memorable brand. Consistency Builds Trust: Ensure consistency in colors, fonts, and overall style to establish a recognizable and professional brand presence. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Start Simple, Scale Later: For businesses with limited budgets, simple logos and consistent visuals can work effectively until resources allow for professional branding. Practical DIY Tips: Use free tools to explore fonts and colors that align with your brand's personality, and seek honest feedback to refine your choices. Adapt and Future-Proof: A strong brand identity evolves over time and must be designed to grow with the business while maintaining its core values. One action small business owners can take: Marcus Bendall suggests that small business owners focus on creating a consistent visual identity as a starting point. Choose a font, color, and style that represent your business, and use them consistently across all materials. This builds recognition and trust while ensuring your brand looks professional and cohesive. 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: A brand is not just a logo; it's how people feel about your business after every interaction – Marcus Bendall Your brand should communicate who you are, not just what you do – Marcus Bendall Great design evokes emotion and creates lasting connections with your audience – Marcus Bendall

In this episode, Troy Trewin interviews Anya Cheng, founder of Taylor.Style, an AI-powered men's fashion startup. Anya shares how she scaled the business from 2 founders to over 20 team members, achieving 10x growth and generating millions in revenue. She discusses how AI-driven clothing subscriptions provide a hassle-free shopping experience while promoting sustainability. With insights from her leadership roles at Meta, eBay, and McDonald's, Anya offers valuable lessons on innovation and scaling a fast-growing startup. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on building a tech-driven, customer-focused business. Anya Cheng, CEO of Taylor.Style, is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur recognized in "Girls in Tech 40 Under 40" for her expertise in AI, product management, and marketing. She played a key role in launching Facebook and Instagram Shopping, led new business at eBay, and advanced McDonald's global delivery. A best-selling author, TED speaker, and professor, she teaches at Northwestern University and 500 Global. Taelor has won top awards, including Draper University's Startup Competition and a "Startup to Watch" title. Mention code "PODCAST" for 25% off your first order! 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? Anya Cheng believes the hardest part of growing a small business is balancing priorities amidst an overwhelming workload. As a startup founder, everything feels important, making it challenging to focus. She emphasizes the value of seeking guidance from investors and external perspectives to step back, reassess, and make strategic decisions effectively. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Anya Cheng's favorite business book is "Get to Aha!" by Andy Cunningham. She appreciates how the book emphasizes the importance of clear positioning, using examples like Disney's "Happiest Place on Earth" and Amazon's "Most Customer-Centric Company." It has guided her in maintaining focus and defining her company's unique value proposition. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Anya Cheng recommends leveraging founder meetups and networking events, such as those hosted by Startup Grind and Open Future Forums in the Bay Area. She finds these opportunities invaluable for gaining insights, sharing experiences, and learning directly from other entrepreneurs in the small business and startup ecosystem. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Anya Cheng emphasizes the importance of leveraging tools that enhance emotional well-being for small business growth. She recommends the "How We Feel" app, which helps track and manage emotions, fostering mental clarity and resilience. According to Anya, a healthy and focused mindset is vital for effective leadership and team success. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one, Anya Cheng would advise herself to prioritize building relationships and engaging with the community early. She emphasizes that success in business requires strong connections and collaboration, not just focusing on executing tasks. By networking and integrating into the business ecosystem sooner, she believes she could have accelerated growth and created more opportunities for her startup. 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 not about doing everything; it's about focusing on what truly matters – Anya Cheng The key to scaling a business is leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and customer experience – Anya Cheng True impact comes when you step out of your bubble and see the world through others' eyes – Anya Cheng

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Ian Myers, founder of Oceans, shares his journey of scaling from 2 to 50+ team members in just three years. By leveraging Sri Lanka-based operational outsourcing and referral marketing, Ian achieved remarkable global growth. He reveals how Oceans thrived with minimal marketing spend of less than $100k. Ian also discusses overcoming challenges, maintaining team culture, and his unique approach to recruitment. Discover actionable insights on scaling effectively and sustainably. 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? Ian Myers believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is acquiring customers. He highlights the challenges of standing out in a crowded market, dealing with fragmented attention, and the rising costs of customer acquisition, such as skyrocketing ad expenses on platforms like Facebook. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Ian Myers does not read business books. As a literature major, he prefers reading fiction and historical biographies. However, he emphasizes learning from advisors, team members, and personal experiences rather than relying on traditional business literature. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Ian Myers recommends Morning Brew podcasts and newsletters as excellent resources for business insights and updates. He also mentioned Troy Trewin's podcast, Grow Small Business, as a valuable source for learning about business growth and overcoming challenges. Additionally, Ian values real-world experiences, networking, and seeking guidance from advisors and peers for tailored learning and support. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Ian Myers recommends using Google Workspace (G Suite) as a powerful and versatile tool for growing a small business. He highlights its simplicity and effectiveness, particularly Google Sheets, which he believes can handle most business needs during the early stages. He advises avoiding overly complex tools and focusing on practical, user-friendly solutions. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Ian Myers advises himself to avoid being too hard on himself or his team. He emphasizes the importance of not overthinking small mistakes, recognizing that they often don't matter in the long run. Ian highlights the value of patience, self-compassion, and focusing on building a resilient mindset for 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: Real businesses should be able to grow on the strength of referrals alone – Ian Myers Recruitment is where everything begins; it's the foundation of success – Ian Myers Growing quickly is as challenging as not growing at all—it comes with its own set of pains – Ian Myers