Grow A Small Business Podcast

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 Linda Manaena, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of LeaderLab, a consultancy dedicated to helping leaders create psychologically safe and high-performing workplaces. Linda discusses how LeaderLab uses neuroscience and practical, evidence-based tools to support leaders in shifting from command and control to leading with clarity, courage, and connection. She emphasizes the importance of moving beyond compliance to foster genuine trust, inclusion, and well-being within teams. Linda also shares common ways leaders unintentionally undermine safety and the mindset shifts needed to build resilient cultures. A special highlight of the episode is Linda announcing her upcoming podcast, Meno Mojo, which blends sass, science, and shenanigans to explore the often-overlooked topic of menopause. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Psychological Safety is Not Optional — Even for Small Teams: Linda debunks the myth that small businesses are "too small" to worry about psychological safety. Regardless of team size, creating a culture where people feel safe, heard, and valued is essential for productivity and well-being. Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast: Taking the time to build trust and safety within your team may feel slow initially, but it leads to smoother operations and faster results over time. Investing upfront in people yields long-term gains. Avoid the "Toughen Up" Trap: Old leadership mindsets like "just toughen up" are no longer effective. These attitudes can unintentionally harm team morale. Instead, leaders should focus on empathy, curiosity, and adapting to individual team member needs. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Compliance and Culture Go Hand-in-Hand: Safety isn't just a compliance checklist—it's about culture. Leaders must balance legal responsibilities with a human-centered approach that empowers teams to thrive emotionally and psychologically. Leaders Can Undermine Safety Unintentionally: Common behaviors like micromanaging, rushing decisions, or dismissing ideas can quietly erode psychological safety. Awareness and better communication—like asking "What can I do differently to help you do your best work?"—go a long way. Leadership Starts With Self-Awareness: One of Linda's strongest messages is about personal responsibility: leaders must look inward and understand their own behaviors and triggers to lead with courage and connection. Unlearning outdated habits is key to better leadership. One action small business owners can take: According to Linda Manaena, one action a small business owner should take is to ask their team, "What can I do differently to make it easier for you to do your best work?" and then simply listen. Creating space for open, honest dialogue builds psychological safety and trust. This small yet powerful step helps leaders better understand their people and improve overall team performance. 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: Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast—especially when it comes to leadership — Linda Manaena The real work of leadership is making people feel seen, heard, and safe — Linda Manaena Leaders don't need to have all the answers—they need to ask better questions — Linda Manaena

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Tiffany Alexander, Fund Manager and Owner of Aspen Sage Fund, about her 20-year journey from aspiring astronaut to successful real estate investor. Tiffany shares how she built a 30-person team, scaled to 17 rental doors, and transitioned into note investing to reclaim her time and boost returns. She explains how Aspen Sage Fund specializes in acquiring and restructuring distressed mortgage debt, helping families stay in their homes. Her story highlights the power of mindset, growth, and adapting to market shifts. This episode is packed with insights for anyone in real estate or looking to scale a small business. 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 Tiffany Alexander, the hardest part of growing a small business is facing moments of financial uncertainty—when you feel like you can't keep going and don't know where the next penny will come from. Especially in real estate, she highlights the challenge of being "property rich and cash poor," where assets are tied up but liquid funds are lacking. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Tiffany Alexander's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Multiply Your God-Given Potential by John Bevere. She appreciates how the book challenges business owners to go beyond personal success by using their talents to give back, grow further, and make a greater impact rather than settling after reaching initial goals. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Tiffany Alexander recommends the Lucky Titan podcast by Josh Tapp as a great resource. She values it for its strong focus on marketing, which she believes is essential for business growth. She also emphasizes the power of referrals and using a CRM to track them as key tools for small business success. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Tiffany Alexander recommends using a white-labeled version of Pantheon Connect, a tool that helps manage and leverage LinkedIn connections for referrals. She values it for enabling her to build trust, request introductions, and expand her network effectively—crucial for growing a small business through relationships. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Tiffany Alexander's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be: "Ask more people. Don't be afraid to ask a dumb question. Ask. Don't quit on asking." She believes staying quiet slows down progress and that growth comes from seeking help and information early and often. 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: Ask more people—growth begins the moment you stop being afraid to ask – Tiffany Alexander The master has failed more than the beginner has ever tried—keep going – Tiffany Alexander Being property rich and cash poor taught me the true cost of holding assets – Tiffany Alexander

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jay Patey, founder of Pigeon Whole Bakers, who shares his journey from launching a small Hobart café in 2008 to building an $8M bakery with over 50 staff. Jay dives into the power of word-of-mouth marketing, the decision to expand into wholesale, and creating a beloved Tasmanian brand that now supplies major outlets like MONA and Hill Street stores. He opens up about the challenges of fast growth, how shifting to daylight production transformed team wellbeing, and why a people-first culture is key to long-term success. Jay also reflects on lessons learned from nearly two decades in business and offers valuable advice for other small business owners. It's a raw, honest, and inspiring story of resilience, purpose, and sustainable growth. Other Resources: The Ultimate Recruitment Toolkit Online Short Course 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 Jay Patey, the hardest thing in growing a small business is dealing with the unknown and the lack of control over unexpected challenges. Despite careful planning, unforeseen issues can arise that test resilience and patience. He highlights that growth is a long-term journey requiring adaptability and the ability to navigate uncertainty. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Jay Patey mentioned that the business book which helped him the most was "2 Second Lean" by Paul Akers. He appreciated its focus on improving workflow efficiency, organization, and lean manufacturing principles—particularly relevant as he set up their new bakery production space to be streamlined and future-proofed. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jay Patey specifically recommended the Grow A Small Business Podcast as a valuable resource. He mentioned that he listens to it religiously and finds it insightful for learning from other business owners' growth journeys and challenges. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jay Patey recommends using subscription-based software tools to grow a small business, particularly those that streamline operations. He highlights tools like Xero for accounting, a robust time and attendance system integrated with payroll, and Square for point of sale (POS), which also connects with their website. These tools have helped improve efficiency and reduce administrative overhead What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Jay Patey would advise himself on day one to "strap in for the ride" and recognize that he had no real idea of what lay ahead. He reflects that he was quite naïve at the start and never imagined the business would grow as much as it has, emphasizing the importance of being mentally prepared for a long, challenging, and evolving journey. 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: If you're playing in the A-League, you need A-League players every day – Jay Patey Patience and resilience are the real fuel behind sustainable growth – Jay Patey Growing a business isn't a sprint; it's a marathon with hills, storms, and surprises – Jay Patey

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 Michael Preece, the Connector in Chief at Business Networking Advantage Australia. Michael shares how he built a thriving statewide network of six groups across Tasmania over the past 11 years. Starting as a photographer, he leveraged his passion for genuine relationships into a powerful business referral system. Michael offers practical tips on networking, building trust, and the importance of making one meaningful new connection each week. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Focus on Relationships Over Sales: Networking is not about pitching—it's about building genuine, value-driven relationships that lead to long-term business opportunities. Set Realistic Networking Goals: Don't aim to meet everyone in the room. Instead, target 3–4 meaningful conversations at each event to build quality connections. Consistently Grow Your Network: Make it a weekly habit to meet at least one new person in business. Over time, this compounds into powerful referral and support networks. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Never Underestimate Who People Know: A contact may not become a client—but they might introduce you to someone who is. Treat every connection as a gateway to broader networks. Use Simple Tools Effectively: A well-organized contact system (like Outlook synced to your phone) can act as a lightweight CRM to manage relationships and follow-ups. Track and Show the Value of Networking: Leverage tools or systems that give transparency into referrals and business growth so you can clearly measure the ROI of your networking efforts. One action small business owners can take: According to Michael Preece, one action a small business owner should take is to meet one new business contact each week with the genuine intent to build a relationship—because you never know who they know or where that connection might lead. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: You don't know who people know—every connection holds untapped potential – Michael Preece Success in business starts with showing a sincere interest in others – Michael Preece One meaningful conversation is more powerful than fifty business cards – Michael Preece

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Felicity Zadro, founder of Zadro Agency, a strategic communications firm in Sydney. Felicity shares how she built her business from just $5K and a heavy laptop named "Bruce" into a $2M agency with 10 team members. She discusses overcoming major challenges, including the GFC and losing 85% of revenue during COVID, and how she rebuilt with a strong retainer model. We dive into her focus on team culture, the shift from founder to CEO mindset, and balancing leadership with motherhood. It's a powerful story of resilience, clarity of purpose, and long-term growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Felicity Zadro, the hardest thing in growing a small business is juggling priorities and deciding where to focus your time. She emphasised that time is finite, so making the right decisions, learning how to delegate effectively, and focusing only on what the business owner can uniquely do—especially the tasks they might not always want to—are essential and challenging parts of growth. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Felicity Zadro's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Start With Why by Simon Sinek. She shared that it's been critical for Zadro Agency, particularly in shaping their brand and strategic planning process. It resonated deeply with her approach to purpose-driven business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Felicity Zadro emphasises her involvement in a CEO group, noting that while it requires a substantial commitment, she finds it incredibly valuable for gaining insights and building connections with key people and suppliers. She describes the group as a continuous, structured learning environment that has profoundly influenced her and reshaped how she manages her business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Felicity Zadro recommends developing a robust business plan as a critical tool for growing a small business. A clear plan focuses efforts, sets achievable goals, and ensures team alignment, creating momentum and long-term direction for success. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Felicity Zadro's advice to her day-oneself is to trust her instincts and embrace the journey, knowing it will challenge and transform her into a better leader. She highlights the importance of listening to your inner voice as it reflects accumulated experience. 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: Culture isn't created overnight; it's a daily commitment to values and people – Felicity Zadro Success is a balance of ambition, focus, and adaptability – Felicity Zadro Resilience is the key to thriving through challenges and change – Felicity Zadro

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Hayden Crack, founder of HC Electrical, shares his inspiring business journey. Starting as a one-man operation, he scaled his electrical contracting business from a £300k turnover to over £4M in just six years, growing his team to 13 full-time equivalents. Based in Hobart, Australia, HC Electrical specializes in residential, insurance, and commercial electrical work, as well as air conditioning and solar installations. Hayden emphasizes the value of delegation, cultivating a robust network, and nurturing team culture as key strategies for managing rapid growth. Other Resources: The Ultimate Recruitment Toolkit Online Short Course 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 Hayden Crack, the hardest thing in growing a small business is: "Wearing all the hats — knowing when to let go, when to hire, and balancing reactive versus proactive decisions. It's tough to get the timing right, especially when transitioning roles and responsibilities." What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Hayden Crack mentioned he's not a massive reader, but he does regularly read the Australian Financial Review and finds value in that. He hasn't read many business books but was recommended The E-Myth during the episode. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Hayden Crack recommends a few valuable podcasts and learning resources for small business growth. He regularly listens to the Grow A Small Business Podcast for insights from fellow entrepreneurs, and enjoys 15 Minutes with the Boss by the Australian Financial Review for quick, impactful business tips. He also found the Lifestyle Tradie Podcast particularly inspiring, especially a story about a plumbing business that scaled to 17 team members and was eventually sold, highlighting the power of strong systems and minimal owner involvement. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Hayden Crack recommends that the most important tool for growing a small business is yourself—specifically, your mindset and willingness to learn. He highlights the value of investing in personal development, building a strong network, and surrounding yourself with experts like a great accountant or digital strategist. For Hayden, continuous learning, listening to podcasts, and having a trusted support network are key resources that drive sustainable growth. As he puts it, "You are the biggest tool—that's why it's your business." What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Hayden Crack's advice to his day-one self would be: "Just keep going." He emphasizes the power of visualizing where you want to be, setting clear goals, and believing in your own capability. Early in his journey, he didn't think he could achieve what he has today, so he'd remind himself that everything is achievable with determination and the right mindset. Believing in himself sooner would have made a big difference. 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: You are the biggest tool—that's why it's your business. Invest in yourself and your network – Hayden Crack Delegating isn't just about trust—it's about growth. Let go and empower others to step up – Hayden Crack Success is not one big moment—it's made of small wins, proud teams, and time with the people you love – Hayden Crack

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 Dr. Linda Sands, innovation coach and founder of Adaptology. Linda shares how small business owners can harness the power of curiosity, experimentation, and structured thinking to stay agile and customer-focused. She busts common innovation myths and explains why small businesses are better positioned than large corporates to test, adapt, and create value. She also recommends "The Little Black Book of Innovation by Scott D. Anthony" as a must-read for anyone looking to better understand and apply innovation. 📚 Want to keep growing your mindset and innovation skills? Don't miss Dr. Linda Sands' Free Book Club — a handpicked selection of powerful reads to fuel your business growth and creative thinking. Join now at adaptology.com.au/book-club. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Innovation Isn't Just About Tech: True innovation means creating something different that adds value, not necessarily using the latest technology like AI. Small Businesses Have a Superpower: Their close proximity to customers gives them a huge advantage in testing ideas, gathering real feedback, and iterating quickly. Scientific Thinking Drives Better Decisions: Applying structured, research-based methods from science can improve clarity and reduce risk when making business decisions. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Write It Down, Step Back, Reassess: Linda recommends journaling and using "incubation time" to gain clarity on business challenges and unlock fresh solutions. Confirmation Bias is a Hidden Trap: Don't just look for feedback that validates your ideas—actively seek out what's not working, especially from customers who've left. A Coach Can Unlock Growth: Even experienced coaches need coaches. Having someone objective to challenge your thinking can drive real business breakthroughs. One action small business owners can take: According to Dr. Linda Sands one action a small business owner who is struggling can take is to be aware and look at other organizations and other industries. Keeping your eyes open to how other people do things is important because that is where really fresh ideas can come from. 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: Innovation is something different that creates value – Dr. Linda Sands Your first idea is just a draft—expect to refine, not to be right – Dr. Linda Sands Don't fear feedback; it's the fastest route to growth – Dr. Linda Sands

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Dr. Tiffany Slater, founder of HR TailorMade, a U.S.-based fractional HR agency focused on supporting nonprofits and small professional service businesses. With 30 years in HR, Tiffany started her business in 2018 and has grown it to a team of five, emphasizing joyful work and a strict "no-asshole" client rule. A special highlight from the conversation was Tiffany's vision of success: collecting checks while traveling the world and experiencing a different spa every week. She also shares her biggest mindset shift—realizing she doesn't need to be perfect or the smartest in the room to lead effectively. Other Resources: Stop 'Winging' the Onboarding Process: 8-step Onboarding Checklist to make things easy on you…and better for the whole team https://hrtailormade.com/#:~:text=Stop%20%E2%80%98Winging%E2%80%99%20the%20Onboarding%20Process 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? Dr. Tiffany Slater believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is trusting yourself and your ability to create something bigger than yourself and bigger than you could ever even imagine. This mindset challenge often outweighs operational hurdles, as it requires deep personal belief and resilience. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Dr. Tiffany Slater's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell. She appreciates its simplicity and practicality, noting that it offers common-sense advice that's easy to apply but not always common practice. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Yes, Dr. Tiffany Slater recommends the "Promote Yourself to CEO" podcast by Racheal Cook. She finds it practical and has taken a lot from Racheal's teachings, making it a valuable resource for small business owners seeking actionable guidance and professional growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Dr. Tiffany Slater recommends Gusto as a key tool to help grow a small business. As an HR professional, she highlights its affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive features for handling payroll and basic HR functions—making it especially valuable for small business owners with limited HR experience. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Dr. Tiffany Slater would remind herself of the advice she's lived by from the beginning "Let your faith be bigger than your fear." This guiding principle has anchored her throughout her entrepreneurial journey, helping her push through uncertainty and challenges with confidence. 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: Let your faith be bigger than your fear—it's the fuel for every entrepreneur's journey – Dr. Tiffany Slater You don't need to be perfect to lead—you just need to be present and learning.– Dr. Tiffany Slater Grace is the most important habit a small business owner can practice daily." – Dr. Tiffany Slater

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Karl Schwantes, Founder of Reputable and Managing Director of Xenox Diamonds. Karl shares how he built a six-figure reputation marketing business through the power of Google reviews. He also dives into growing Xenox Diamonds over three decades into a leading jewelry brand. Karl reveals key strategies on creating an outstanding client experience and scaling sustainably. Tune in to learn how you can build a million-dollar lead machine without spending a dollar on ads! 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: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Karl Schwantes, the hardest thing when growing a small business is to work between being on the business and in the business. He explains that many small business owners are excellent practitioners who may have started their own business after feeling they could do better than a previous employer. The challenge lies in transitioning from working in the day-to-day operations to working on the strategic development and growth of the business. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Karl Schwantes favorite business book is "The Road Less Stupid" by Keith Cunningham. He values its focus on asking smart questions to solve problems and avoid costly mistakes. Karl believes it's a powerful tool for strategic thinking and smarter decision-making in business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Karl Schwantes recommends the podcast Near Memo for staying updated on local search trends and Google's ever-changing algorithm, as it provides insights from industry experts. He emphasizes learning from professionals deeply engaged in specific fields for effective business growth. This aligns with his focus on leveraging Google reviews as a powerful tool to enhance online reputation and SEO impact. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Karl Schwantes highly recommends leveraging Google Reviews as a powerful tool for small business growth. He highlights that investing in online reputation through Google Reviews yields exceptional returns, with every dollar spent generating $326 in value. Additionally, Google Reviews significantly enhance local SEO, accounting for nearly 50% of its effectiveness, making it an essential strategy for visibility and growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Karl Schwantes advises focusing on building your online reputation from day one, particularly through tools like Google Reviews. He reflects that if he had started earlier, he could have achieved thousands of reviews, making his business the clear choice in the industry. He emphasizes starting small, as consistent actions over time lead to significant long-term advantages in both attracting customers and key talent. 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: Consistency in the client experience is the benchmark of excellence – Karl Schwantes Reputation marketing isn't built overnight; it's crafted through relentless consistency – Karl Schwantes Online reviews are not just testimonials; they're your digital currency – Karl Schwantes

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 Nathan McGrath, founder of Outside The Square Accounting, Nathan shares his experience as a small business owner and highlights the importance of anticipating future needs and automating finances for success. He advises businesses to seek the right advice early and focus on forward planning rather than dwelling on past issues. McGrath also touches upon key financial documents like the balance sheet and forecast, and the value of open communication with an accountant without fear of judgement. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Don't Delay, Get Advice Early: Successful businesses seek the right advice before making decisions—not after. Engage your accountant early to help you anticipate challenges and opportunities. Automate Your Finances: Save time and reduce errors by automating financial reporting and processes. Let important insights land in your inbox without lifting a finger. Know Your Numbers Weekly: Spend at least 15 minutes a week reviewing your financials—especially actuals vs. forecasts. This keeps you aligned and helps you catch issues before they escalate. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Financial Documents That Matter: Focus on the balance sheet (your GPS), a forecast (your roadmap), and track ATO and super obligations. These provide clarity and prevent future surprises. Your Financial Data is Just Facts – No Shame: Don't fear judgment over debt or messy records. A great accountant sees these as facts to work with—not flaws to criticize. The goal is solutions, not shame. Use Tools That Talk to Each Other: When choosing software, ensure it integrates well with your existing systems. Time-saving connections—like syncing customer info across tools—can be game-changers. One action small business owners can take: One action small business owners can take, according to Nathan McGrath, is to start forecasting now. Rather than only reflecting on past performance, looking ahead with a simple financial forecast helps anticipate tax obligations, manage cash flow, and make smarter business decisions with confidence. 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: The best business moves come from understanding your financial forecast – Nathan McGrath Your numbers aren't scary—they're just facts that guide better decisions – Nathan McGrath Automation is the accountant's shortcut to smarter business – Nathan McGrath