Business Unlocked with Marcus Kroek

I've noticed a recurring problem for seven and eight figure business owners. They have a bookkeeper, but they don't have clarity. Most people think bookkeeping is just about data entry and staying compliant with the government, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. If you're only getting reports at the end of the month, you're looking at history instead of shaping your future.In this episode, I break down the four levels of bookkeeping capability. We move from the traditional "office junior" style of entry all the way up to the financial analyst level. I explain why a BAS agent is a legal necessity for your GST, how software integration experts can fix your messy workflows, and why a true financial analyst is the real CFO of your business.I also share some hard truths about why paying $40 an hour for an external bookkeeper is a massive red flag. If you don't understand your margins, your true break-even point (beyond just the profit and loss statement), or the impact of your next hire, you're flying blind. It's time to stop treating your numbers as an expense and start seeing them as a return on investment.If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

Sales often feels “fine” in growing businesses — but fine isn’t scalable.In this episode, Marcus Kroek breaks down a seven-step sales meeting system designed to help business owners inspect, train, and scale sales without relying on instinct or individual talent. Learn where sales conversations quietly leak opportunity, why most teams miss a critical step, and how structure in sales creates leverage, clarity, and freedom.If you’d like to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you! You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

In today's episode, I sit down with Nathan Rigney (Principal of NGR Accounting) to discuss a question that every business owner needs to ask: Does your accountant actually care about you? Nathan's built his entire practice on the idea that they should. He's even got a banner that asks (pretty bluntly) if your accountant gives a s#!t about your success. (I have to censor that so the algorithm will keep showing the episode!)We talk about Nathan's journey from being an employee to starting what he calls an "accidental business." He shares how he used his frustration with the industry to write down exactly what he didn't want his practice to be. We also talk about why tax compliance is just the baseline and how a real advisor acts as a sounding board for your biggest decisions (like whether you should really be leasing that new car).Nathan also explains why pattern recognition is a shortcut to growth and why it's okay to copy the methods of people who've already won. If you've ever felt like talking to your accountant is like being sent to the school principal's office, you're going to want to hear Nathan's perspective on authenticity and emotional intelligence in business.If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

If you've ever felt like your business is stuck despite all your hard work, it's likely because you're focusing on the wrong part of the equation. In this episode, I'm breaking down two fundamental frameworks that determine whether you'll actually hit your goals this year (the Be-Do-Have formula and the Formula for Change).I cover why most business owners start with what they want to "have" but fail because they don't address who they need to "be." We explore the difference between a reactive manager and a strategic CEO, and why your identity is often the biggest bottleneck in your company's growth.I also share the original version of the Formula for Change, which includes a critical element many modern versions leave out (believability). If you don't truly believe the plan will work, you'll never overcome the natural resistance to change that exists in every business. Whether you're looking to reduce weight or triple your profits, these principles are the keys to creating lasting transformation.If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

We all complain that we don't have enough time, but the truth is we all have exactly the same amount. The real difference lies in how we use it to build a life we actually enjoy. In this episode, I explain how small, consistent changes (the Kaizen principle) can compound into massive results for your business and personal life over just 90 days.I also break down the concept of the "Default Diary" or "Ideal Week." It's a system that treats your schedule like a school timetable to ensure you aren't just reacting to urgent tasks but are prioritising the important ones. I discuss the importance of placing your "Big Rocks" first - whether that's getting invoices out or having dinner with your family, so the trivial things don't crowd them out.Finally, I walk you through a realistic schedule of a high-performing CEO, showing you how they balance deep work, team huddles, and personal health while still aiming to finish by 5 PM. If you're tired of running on a hamster wheel, this framework will help you take back control.If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you! You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.au This is a Podvan Media production.

It's the start of 2026, and it's the perfect time to get serious about what lies ahead. I'm joined again by my business partners (Nadia and Felicity) to look at the critical difference between hoping for an outcome and actually planning for it. Most people rely on willpower, but that usually fades by February.In this episode, I explain why you need emotional leverage (pain and pleasure) to make changes stick. We discuss the "Identity Iceberg" and why you can't just change your actions; you have to shift who you are to see lasting results.We also look at the mechanics of growth. Nadia shares a cautionary tale about a client who chased sales while losing money on every transaction. It's a reminder that you need to fix your model before you pour gas on the marketing. We wrap up with how to use a 90-day plan to keep your team focused and profitable.If you'd like to get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

It's time to review the year, so we can understand where we are, what worked - and what we could do better. In this episode, my business partners (Felicity and Nadia) and I discuss the highs and lows of the last 12 months. We look at personal wins and the reality of launching Business Unlocked from scratch.We cover the importance of saying no to the wrong people to protect your business culture, and we break down our financial model - which applied Profit First principles from day one to ensure profitability and tax compliance. If you'd like to get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

Today, I sit down with Kim MacDonald, a money and mindset mentor who I met during our Profit First Mastery days. We look at why logic and strategy only account for 80% of your success and why the other 20% (your mindset) is actually the most critical part.Kim explains why work-life balance is a myth and describes it more as a "dance" where you constantly shift focus. We also look at the "money stories" we inherit from our parents (like feeling guilty about spending on yourself while buying expensive groceries) and how these hidden beliefs stop business growth.Finally, we discuss a road rage incident that perfectly illustrates why "everything is neutral until I give it meaning." If you feel stuck despite having all the right strategies in place, this episode helps you ask the right questions to move forward.You can reach Kim via kimmacdonald.com.au If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

Our logo and our brand are often confused as being the same thing. To clear this up, I am joined by professional graphic designer Amanda Hargraves from Creative Cause. She explains why a logo is merely a trigger while the brand is the actual experience your customer feels.We discuss the psychology behind colour selection (why accounting firms use blue and fast food chains use red) and why picking colours just because they look nice is a mistake. Amanda shares her insights on how industry giants like Apple create tribe-like loyalty through consistent experiences rather than just clever design.We also cover the shift in modern business where personal branding and authentic relationships (even for plumbers and trades) are becoming more valuable than technical skill alone. Amanda shares her background working with major charities and how those lessons in connection apply to every small business owner.If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Rosie Hargraves, a Profit First Professional and tax accountant from AmaRose Accounting on the Gold Coast, to discuss how to get the most out of the relationship with your accountant. Too many business owners treat their accountant as someone they visit once a year just to stay compliant. Rosie explains why this approach costs you money and adds unnecessary stress.We cover the importance of proactive communication. You need to call your accountant before you make big decisions (like buying that new Ford Ranger or planning a lavish staff Christmas party) rather than fixing the mess later. Rosie details why you must understand the financial jargon and why it is okay to switch accountants if you do not feel supported.We also look at the power of building a professional team around you. When your mortgage broker, buyer's agent, and accountant communicate directly, you get better results with less friction. Rosie also shares her personal experience with business burnout and how implementing Profit First provides the clarity you need to succeed.If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

Entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to systemise their business for efficiency. That's why I'm such a raving fan of Profit First. It's theoretically a cash management system, but it's so much more than that. It gives you real-time information that is easy to understand and simple to manage once it's in place.In this episode, I address the 10 most common myths or strange ideas I hear about Profit First (and why they are wrong). I explain why this isn't just another accounting system and why waiting until you are "profitable" to start is a huge mistake. If you have been letting these myths (or your accountant) hold you back, I clarify exactly why you need to put this system in place immediately.If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you! You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.au 4This is a Podvan Media production.

I used to be a police officer in the Highway Patrol. It was a long time ago, but the lessons I learned on the road (and in the station) are incredibly relevant to running a profitable business today.In this episode, I share seven specific insights from my time in the force. I talk about why giving your team the right equipment matters more than you think and why hiring for attitude is usually better than hiring for skill. I also cover the importance of spotting small problems (feeling the taps) before they turn into disasters.We discuss the "no dickheads" policy, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy culture. I explain how I applied customer service principles even when issuing speeding tickets and why understanding your employees' personal goals is the key to getting the best out of them.If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

"How do I get my employees engaged?" This is one of the most common questions I get from founders and CEOs. Research backs up this concern. If you imagine your company as a boat, 20% of your people are rowing hard, 60% are just dipping their oars, and 20% are actively rowing against you.The typical response is to force teamwork, but I believe that approach is flawed. We often say "there's no I in team," but there is an 'I' in 'win'. The focus shouldn't be on how to engage them; it should be on how you engage with them individually.In this episode, I explain my "Start with I" philosophy. It’s about helping your people get what they want first, which in turn helps the business get what it needs.To show you how this works, I use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. I cover the five levels (from basic physiological needs to self-actualisation) and provide practical ways you can apply this framework to your staff. It’s about understanding who they want to become (both inside and outside of work) and helping them get there.If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

Many businesses have developed a culture statement, but too often it ends up as just a sign on the wall or paper in a folder. You think you have it covered, but it's not actually working.In this episode, I explain why most culture statements fail. We often use generic terms like "teamwork" or "honesty," but these are too general and don't define the behaviors that actually support those values. Culture is truly about "this is the way we do things around here," and if you don't define it, one will develop on its own.I introduce the "Identity Iceberg" model to help you connect your values to the observable behaviors and results you want to see. I also share simple examples (like changing a gas cylinder or refilling paper towels) to show how small, seemingly trivial actions are the real proof of your company's culture.I'll give you practical ways to make your culture explicit, check in on it with your team, and ensure it's something you all live by, rather than just a document on a shelf.If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

I just got back from giving a talk to business owners in Narrandera. It struck me that businesses of all sizes (from micro-businesses to 20-million-dollar companies) often struggle with the same core issues.In this episode, I cover the three biggest problems I see. First, not truly knowing your numbers (and why your accounting software might be misleading you). Second, failing to get paid properly..But the biggest issue is why business owners don't fix these things. I explain how our hidden belief systems are often the real barrier to a healthy cash flow.If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you! You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to info@businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

Many business owners think a 'vision' is just a fluffy, airy-fairy statement. In the episode, Marcus Kroek explains why it’s actually the most practical tool for building a real competitive advantage.He covers why most vision statements fail, and how you can fix it immediately. Marcus uses the simple, practical example of 'the best pie shop in town' to demonstrate how a clear vision makes your decision-making easier and helps you build a 'tribe' of loyal customers and staff.This is about turning a simple goal into a powerful unique selling proposition (USP) that makes your business stand out.For more info on this topic, email success@businessunlocked.com.au with the subject "UPS".And for more from Marcus, head to: http://businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

Ever felt like you're just not on the same page as a client or a team member? The problem might not be what you're saying, but how you're saying it.Marcus Kroek explains a powerful communication tool used millions of times worldwide (the DISC profile). He uses a simple story about four people going to dinner to illustrate the four main behavioral types (Dominant, Influence, Steady, and Compliant).Listen to identify your own style and learn how to recognize and adapt to others. This simple shift can improve your sales, teamwork, and overall business relationships.For more from Marcus Kroek, visit http://marcuskroek.com

Many business owners believe they aren't planners, but the plan is always there (usually just stuck in their head). The key is to get that strategy out, onto paper, and into action.In this episode, Marcus explains his proven framework for strategic planning. He covers how to get clear on your personal and business vision, align with your partners, and use that foundation to set meaningful goals. He also shares the four models of thinking that are critical for success and how to reverse engineer your profit targets into a practical 90-day action plan.For more from Marcus Kroek, visit http://businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

Marcus is joined by entrepreneur Lee Krupa (Byron Leather, Verify Faces, Richly Told podcast) to discuss a surprisingly common issue that silently damages small business cash flow: the failure to send invoices on time.Lee shares her personal experience and the unintended negative impact it has on the client's own finances when you hold off on billing. They cover the emotional barriers to asking for money, linking it to issues like imposter syndrome and self-value, and why systemising the process (including taking deposits) is the key to removing this emotional block.You can find Lee's "Richly Told" podcast here, and for more from Marcus, visit businessunlocked.com.auThis is a Podvan Media production.

Is it possible to increase your revenue by 46% and your profit by 61% without massive, stressful changes? It sure is! And it comes down to making small 10% improvements in five key areas of your business.Marcus simplifies his proven profit formula, breaking down the five essential drivers that control your profitability. He not only explains what they are (from leads and conversion to profit margins) but also reveals the correct order to address them for the fastest and most effective results. It's about tuning your business engine, not rebuilding it.To get Marcus's list of the top 50 strategies mentioned in the episode, email success@businessunlocked.com.au with the subject line 'Drivers'.For more from Marcus and the Business Unlocked Team, visit http://businessunlocked.com.au