Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin speaks with Ryan Hughes, Director of Phil Hughes Office Solutions. They explore the remarkable journey of a family business that scaled a $1,500 investment into a $4.2 million, technology-led enterprise in Tasmania. Ryan details the pivotal move from traditional stationery to digital solutions, the counterintuitive strategy that doubled sales during COVID-19, and the core philosophies of valuing people and fostering a resilient culture. The conversation offers profound insights into navigating family business dynamics, adaptive leadership, and the pursuit of sustainable, innovative 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? Ryan Hughes shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is finding the right people and then empowering them to act like owners. He believes people are both the biggest challenge and the biggest asset in any business. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Ryan Hughes shares that his favorite business book is "How to Win Friends and Influence People." He says his father gave it to him young, and it shaped how he deals with people and builds strong relationships. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Ryan Hughes shares that he listens to the Grow A Small Business Podcast, especially episodes with people he knows. For relaxation and learning, he also enjoys the Sports Bizarre podcast, which teaches surprising lessons through storytelling. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Ryan Hughes shares that ChatGPT, especially the paid version, is one of the most powerful tools for small business growth. He also recommends Aqua Voice, a voice-to-text tool that speeds up emails, quotes, and documentation. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Ryan Hughes shares that he would tell his younger self to enjoy the journey more, not work nonstop, and understand that the business will bring plenty of good moments — so don't miss them by keeping your head down all the time. 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: Valuing people is the real engine behind every successful business - Ryan Hughes The most important sale you'll ever make is the next one - Ryan Hughes Success isn't about growing fast, it's about growing with purpose and balance - Ryan Hughes      

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Vance Morris, the founder of Deliver Service Now institute, joins the podcast to share his journey from a decade at Disney to building and scaling multiple successful home service businesses. He talks about creating premium customer experiences, growing his companies to a point where he now works only 90 minutes a week on operations, and the strategies he uses to retain loyal clients. Vance also explains how he transitioned from employee to entrepreneur, overcame major financial challenges, and built a strong team culture. His story highlights resilience, smart marketing, and the power of systems in business 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: 1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Vance Morris has shared that the hardest thing is simply sticking with it. Most people give up too early when they hit financial pressure, setbacks, or slow periods, but long-term success comes from pushing through those tough moments. 2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Vance Morris has shared that his most valuable business book is "The Ultimate Sales Letter" by Dan Kennedy, which transformed how he approaches marketing and communication with customers. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Vance Morris has shared that he regularly uses MasterClass for high-level learning from experts, and finds it extremely useful for expanding mindset and gaining inspiration from top performers in different fields. 4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Vance Morris has shared that every small business must have a CRM (Customer Relationship Management system) to track clients, marketing, and follow-ups — it becomes essential once your customer base grows. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Vance Morris has shared that he would tell himself "Don't give up." There were many moments when quitting seemed easier, but staying persistent through financial challenges is what led to 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: Deliver an experience your competitors can't copy and your customers won't forget — Vance Morris You can't grow a business you're not measuring every single day — Vance Morris Freedom in business comes from systems, not from working more hours — Vance Morris      

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 Rob Cameron interviews Mike Goldman, leadership team coach and founder of The Better Leadership Team. Mike shares why most business growth problems are actually people problems — and how strong leadership teams fix them. They discuss stalled growth, rapid scaling challenges, and how to build teams that execute without constant micromanagement. Mike breaks down practical ways leaders can set clear expectations, coach effectively, and hold people accountable. A must-listen for business owners who want sustainable growth, higher profits, and a company that runs smoothly without burnout. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: People problems cause most growth problems — when progress stalls, the issue is usually leadership, structure, or talent, not strategy.   Strong leadership teams drive everything — as the leadership team performs, the rest of the business follows.   Clear expectations prevent poor results — unclear roles, behaviors, and success metrics always lead to disappointment. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?   Right people matter more than perfect strategy — even an average plan succeeds with the right team, while a great plan fails with the wrong one.   Growth requires structure, not hustle — fast-growing businesses collapse without clear roles, accountability, and discipline.   Great leaders coach, not just manage — consistent coaching and talent development turn average performers into top contributors. You Will Lose Some Clients — and That's Good: Raising prices naturally filters out low-value customers, making room for clients who appreciate and pay for quality.   One action small business owners can take: According to Mike Goldman, one action small business owners can take is to clearly define and document specific expectations and measures of success for each team member, then align on those expectations through open conversation so accountability, performance, and growth are no longer left to assumption. 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: Unclear expectations always lead to unacceptable results – Mike Goldman As the leadership team goes so goes the rest of the company – Mike Goldman If leaders do not prioritize developing people they should not be surprised when growth stalls – Mike Goldman      

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Bobby DeMars, founder of Blind Barrels, shares how a simple blind whiskey tasting turned into a fast-growing membership business. He talks about scaling from a small idea to 4,000+ members with strong community and experience-driven branding. Bobby breaks down the challenges of regulations, marketing, and cash flow in the alcohol industry. He also shares mindset lessons on resilience, meditation, and long-term thinking as an entrepreneur. A real, honest conversation about growth, risk-taking, and building something meaningful from scratch. 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? Bobby DeMars believes the hardest part of growing a small business is constantly balancing present-day problems while still thinking ahead to the future, because founders are forced to solve immediate challenges without losing sight of long-term direction, and if they become too focused on today's fires, they risk drifting off course and missing what's coming next. 2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Bobby DeMars says his favorite business book is The Power of Now, explaining that while it isn't a traditional business book, it helped him the most by teaching him how to stay present, manage stress, and build resilience, which he believes is essential for handling the emotional highs and lows of growing a business. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Bobby DeMars recommends a few go-to resources for growing a small business—he's a fan of the Smart Passive Income podcast for practical marketing and monetization tactics, How I Built This for storytelling and founder lessons, The Tim Ferriss Show for deep dives into productivity and mindset, and online platforms like Coursera and Udemy for skills training in everything from sales to operations.   4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Bobby DeMars says one of the most helpful tools for growing a small business is Notion, because it lets you centralize your workflows, plan goals, track tasks, organize content and data, and collaborate with your team all in one flexible workspace without needing a bunch of separate apps. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Bobby DeMars says that if he could give himself advice on day one, it would be to be patient, trust the process, and not let fear or panic drive decisions, reminding himself that growth takes time, mistakes are part of the journey, and learning to understand the numbers, delegate earlier, and stay mentally resilient would save a lot of unnecessary stress along the way. 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 choosing to keep going even when your brain tells you to panic – Bobby DeMars   Entrepreneurship is turning a thought into a thing and being grateful for every step of the journey – Bobby DeMars   Meditation isn't silence, it's learning to observe your thoughts so you can stay resilient through chaos – Bobby DeMars

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 Andrew Griffiths on the Grow A Small Business Podcast to dive into Andrew's book Someone Has to Be the Most Expensive. In this episode, they explore why embracing premium pricing can transform a business from the ground up, strengthen financial resilience, and attract higher-quality clients. Andrew shares insights on shifting from a poverty mindset, building real value beyond price, and developing the courage to charge what you're truly worth. The conversation also highlights practical steps for business owners to reposition themselves, elevate their brand, and create long-term sustainability. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Stop Competing on Price: Competing as the cheapest is a race to the bottom — it attracts the wrong customers and limits growth. Value Is More Than Money: Customers pay for experience, expertise, reliability, energy, and creativity — not just the product. Premium Pricing Builds Stronger Businesses: Being the most expensive helps you attract better clients, improve financial resilience, and survive tough times. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Mindset Is Everything: Breaking free from a poverty mindset and believing in your worth is essential to charging higher prices. Reposition Before Raising Prices: You can't "put lipstick on a wombat." Rebrand, refine services, and improve the experience before increasing prices. You Will Lose Some Clients — and That's Good: Raising prices naturally filters out low-value customers, making room for clients who appreciate and pay for quality. One action small business owners can take: According to Andrew Griffiths, one action small business owners can take is to courageously raise their prices to reflect their true value — starting with a clear plan, improving their offering, and confidently communicating the change to their customers. 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: Someone has to be the most expensive — it may as well be you — Andrew Griffiths If you don't charge what you're worth, you'll always work harder than you should — Andrew Griffiths Cheap attracts cheap; value attracts the clients you actually want — Andrew Griffiths    

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Nando Barnett shares how he transformed Sell in Style from a small home-staging side hustle into a fast-growing multi-million-dollar company. After leaving a 10-year corporate career, he and his wife Sarah started flipping houses, which eventually led real estate agents to request their staging help. They went all-in during 2020, reinvesting everything, scaling from just the two of them to a team of 47. Nando explains how adapting as a leader, understanding clients deeply, and taking fast action fueled their growth to more than 1,400 jobs a year. He also highlights the importance of systems, mentorship, and building a strong team culture. The journey shows how clarity, bold risks, and a client-first mindset can turn a simple idea into a highly successful 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 Nando Barnett, the hardest part of growing a small business is mental attitude — staying strong when things go wrong, handling pressure, and quickly shifting from problems to solutions without getting stuck emotionally. He says you have to absorb the stress, process it, and then move forward with clear action, because your mindset determines how well you lead the business through tough moments. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Nando Barnett says the business books that helped him the most are Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell, Atomic Habits by James Clear, and several leadership-focused books like Leaders Eat Last, which have all influenced his mindset, productivity, and approach to leading a fast-growing business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Nando Barnett, he doesn't follow a long list of podcasts, but he focuses heavily on online learning by surrounding himself with mentors and expert content; he even redesigned his entire Instagram feed so that whenever he opens it, he only sees business leaders, coaches, and people he admires, allowing him to constantly learn, stay motivated, and absorb practical insights that help him grow his business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Nando Barnett, the best tool to grow a small business is mentors, as he believes they dramatically shorten the learning curve, help business owners avoid costly mistakes, provide clarity during difficult decisions, strengthen mental resilience, and guide both day-to-day operations and long-term strategy, which is why he personally works with multiple mentors and invests heavily in ongoing coaching and advisory support. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Nando Barnett, the advice he would give himself on day one of starting in business is to strengthen his mental attitude, stay positive, push through the difficult weeks, and always support his team, because maintaining resilience and backing the people around him are what ultimately drive 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: Take action every day, even when it feels uncomfortable – Nando Barnett Success grows when you adapt yourself and lift the people around you – Nando Barnett Mental attitude is the engine that pushes your business forward – Nando Barnett      

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 Taylor Victoria, founder of Level Up Outsourcing and host of the "She's Making Millions" podcast. Taylor shares how she built a 7-figure outsourcing agency after struggling to find a job at 22. She explains how outsourcing transforms lives in the Philippines and why business owners must embrace AI as a co-pilot rather than fear it. Taylor highlights the power of personal development, time audits, and team alignment for high performance. She encourages business owners to explore AI tools and automate tasks to create freedom and grow their business. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Embrace AI as a Co-Pilot, Not a Threat: AI won't replace your business — but business owners using AI will. Stay proactive and learn new tools weekly. Audit Your Time to Find What to Automate: Track your tasks for 1–2 weeks and use AI to identify what can be automated or delegated to free up your energy. Invest in Personal Development: Your business grows when you grow. Events, learning, and self-reflection directly impact performance and results. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Build High-Performing Teams With Clear Systems: Review your team's workflows, improve efficiency, and let people focus on high-ROI work by pairing them with AI tools. Use Outsourcing to Scale Smarter: Global talent can transform your operations and create life-changing opportunities for others, especially in the Philippines. Prepare Your Business to Be an Asset, Not a Job:  Automating processes and reducing dependency on you increases business value — making it easier to scale or eventually sell. One action small business owners can take: According to Taylor Victoria, one action small business owners can take is to upload their weekly tasks into ChatGPT and ask which processes can be automated with AI, then commit to implementing one automation within the next seven days. 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 won't replace you, but the business owner using AI will replace your business — Taylor Victoria Replace yourself with better systems, and you'll earn a promotion in your own company — Taylor Victoria Your business grows the moment you decide to grow yourself first — Taylor Victoria      

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Mitch McGinley, founder of Boutique Fitness Broker, joins the podcast to share how he transformed a struggling yoga studio into a 5× exit and went on to help over 70 owners sell their businesses. He talks about growing his brokerage to $20M in annual deals, the emotional ups and downs of exiting, and the common mistakes owners make when preparing for a sale. Mitch opens up about navigating COVID, learning disciplined focus, and building a business that now supports his dream life in Spain. His journey blends resilience, smart strategy, and deep passion for helping small business owners achieve life-changing exits. 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? Mitch McGinley says the hardest thing in growing a small business is learning how to say no. He explains that owners constantly get pulled in different directions — ideas, opportunities, people, problems — and without the discipline to say no, you end up overwhelmed and unfocused. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Mitch McGinley says his favorite business book is "Built to Sell" because it clearly explains how to shape a business into a scalable, well-structured operation that can run without the owner and eventually be sold for strong value, making it one of the most useful guides he's ever read. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Mitch McGinley says there are many great podcasts and online learning resources to help grow a small business, but instead of naming just one, he recommends continuously listening to a wide variety of shows and learning platforms because each one offers unique perspectives, lessons, and insights that can help business owners improve their skills, sharpen their thinking, and stay adaptable as their business grows. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Mitch McGinley says that the number one tool or resource he recommends for growing a small business is artificial intelligence, because owners who don't embrace AI right now risk falling behind, while those who use it can save time, make smarter decisions, improve marketing, and operate far more efficiently. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Mitch McGinley says the advice he would give himself on day one of starting out in business is simply "It's gonna be okay." He explains that the journey is full of stress, doubt, and unexpected challenges, but looking back, he realizes that things always work out when you stay consistent, keep learning, and push through the hard moments. 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 don't owe anybody anything, so focus on the few things that truly matter each day – Mitch McGinley Sell your business when everything is perfect, not when you're going through chaos –  Mitch McGinley Discipline is the habit that keeps small business owners moving forward when everything feels overwhelming – Mitch McGinley  

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 Brian Proctor shares his unique upbringing as the son of legendary personal development teacher Bob Proctor and how he now continues his father's legacy through books, programs and coaching. He reflects on authenticity, daily small actions and reconnecting with joy as essential tools for overwhelmed small business owners. Brian emphasizes the importance of clarity, worthy goals, using imagination and eliminating procrastination through simple daily practices. He also discusses lessons from his upcoming book, encouraging listeners to "quit screwing around" and bet on themselves. This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, practical strategies, and powerful reminders to take small steps every day toward a life and business you truly want. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Small daily actions create big transformations — Brian emphasizes that most people look for a massive breakthrough but overlook the power of doing one small meaningful task every single day.   Clarity is everything — Overwhelm often comes from a lack of direction; Brian urges business owners to step back, find quiet time, and define a clear, worthy goal for their life and business.   Reconnect with joy — Instead of grinding endlessly, he encourages finding joy in daily life, taking breaks, and doing activities that refill your energy and creativity. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?   Eliminate procrastination through simplicity — Brian shares his father's powerful habit: write down five things to accomplish the next day, then focus on completing them one at a time.   Use imagination to think beyond current circumstances — Exercises like imagining how you'd spend $5 million help shift mindset from limitations to possibility, sparking vision and motivation.   Bet on yourself — The strongest message of the episode: stop letting others' opinions shape your path. Get clear on what you want, write a letter from your future self, and take action toward the life you truly want. One action small business owners can take: According to Brian Proctor, one action small business owners can take is to write down five things tonight that they want to accomplish tomorrow, then focus solely on completing the first task before moving to the next. This creates clarity, reduces overwhelm, and builds consistent daily momentum. 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: Stay authentic, speak from your heart, and do the little things every day – Brian Proctor Bet on yourself and never let others' opinions dictate your direction – Brian Proctor Clarity of purpose turns overwhelm into powerful forward momentum – Brian Proctor  

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Andrew Griffiths as he shares his journey from a rough childhood to buying a dive shop at 17, making major mistakes, and eventually mastering business growth. He built a marketing company to multimillion-dollar success, survived partner betrayals, and later found his true passion in writing and speaking. With 14 bestselling books and over a thousand presentations in 25 countries worldwide, he focuses on helping small business owners build financial resilience and charge what they're worth. Andrew's focus is helping business owners to redefine success on their own terms, embrace what makes them truly unique, master the art of strategic storytelling and get as close as you can to your customers. His story is an inspiring example of resilience, reinvention, and long-term entrepreneurial thinking. Andrew's latest bestselling book "Someone has to be the most expensive why not make it you?" is transforming businesses across every industry, in every corner of the planet. 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 Andrew Griffiths, the hardest part of growing a small business is managing cash and money. He explained that in his early years, dealing with financial pressure and cash flow was the toughest challenge he faced while scaling his business. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Andrew Griffiths' favorite business book—the one that helped him the most — is "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Andrew Griffiths, while he consumes a wide range of learning material, one of the online learning resources he personally values is the work of Brendan Burchard, whose programs and coaching have influenced his professional development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Andrew Griffiths, a simple but powerful tool he recommends for growing a small business is your phone, using it to regularly record videos and communicate directly with customers to build stronger engagement and visibility. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Andrew Griffiths says that if he could give advice to himself on day one of starting his business, he would tell himself to trust his intuition, because many of the business mistakes he made over the years were situations where his gut was right, but he ignored it and let logic overrule 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: Constant learning makes business owners more resilient and ready for constant reinvention – Andrew Griffiths Customer proximity is the ultimate strategy because loyal customers can sustain your business through anything – Andrew Griffiths Trust your intuition in business, because it will guide you more accurately than logic alone – Andrew Griffiths  

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 Rob Cameron interviews Sarah Williams from Leading Culture Limited shares how improving workplace culture can dramatically lift business performance, explaining how communication gaps and unclear direction create major problems inside teams. She outlines her diagnostic approach to uncover culture issues, backed by a real case study where clarity and engagement led to higher productivity and lower staff turnover. The conversation highlights how business owners often underestimate the financial impact of team morale, showing that people and numbers are directly connected in driving meaningful growth. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Strong culture boosts performance – when communication and expectations are clear, productivity rises and problems shrink. People drive the numbers – financial results are a reflection of how well teams are supported, aligned, and motivated. Communication is almost always the core issue – when facts are missing, myths and harmful assumptions fill the gap. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Small and midsize companies can change faster – they are more agile and can act on advice without slow bureaucracy. Diagnosing the problem comes first – interviews, observations, and listening reveal what's actually happening inside the culture. Fixing culture saves real money – reducing turnover, improving engagement, and aligning goals can deliver huge financial returns. One action small business owners can take: According to Sarah Williams, one action small business owners can take is to communicate more clearly and more often, making sure every team member understands the direction of the business, what's expected of them, and how their role contributes to the bigger goals. 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 numbers are just a reflection of what your people are doing every day – Sarah Williams When communication lacks facts, people will fill the gaps with stories – Sarah Williams If you want faster progress, support and accountability will always get you there – Sarah Williams  

n this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Casey Berman, founder of Leave Law Behind Casey joins Troy to share his journey from a law career he found unfulfilling to building a thriving business helping lawyers transition into new careers. Starting with blogging in 2010, Casey turned his personal story into a coaching business, later scaling it with online courses. He and his business partner now run a lean, lifestyle-driven company with five team members, generating around half a million USD annually. Casey reflects on the importance of discipline, alignment, and emotional connection in entrepreneurship, while emphasizing the value of balance, automation, and continuous learning in sustaining 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 Casey Berman, the hardest thing in growing a small business is feeling worthy of success. He explains that as the business starts making good money, many entrepreneurs struggle internally with questions about whether they deserve it or how success might change them. Casey admits he once worried about becoming greedy or losing his values but learned that money itself isn't the issue—it's the love of money that causes problems. Over time, he realized that maintaining generosity, reinvesting in the business, and focusing on helping others allowed him to embrace success without guilt. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Casey Berman's favorite business book that has helped him the most is The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business by Elaine Pofeldt. He found it inspiring because it showed that it's possible to build a lean, highly profitable business without a large team — something that aligns closely with how he runs Leave Law Behind. He also mentioned Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki as another influential read, especially early in his career, because it opened his eyes to the difference between being an employee and becoming an entrepreneur. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Casey Berman recommends several great podcasts and online resources for small business growth, including the Work From The Inside Out podcast episode "Discover Your Unique Genius to Build Meaningful Work," where he shares how to align your strengths with meaningful entrepreneurship, and the Digital Marketing Success Stories episode with West Kraemer, where he discusses strategies for building a niche audience and online following. He also shares practical business insights on his own website, www.caseyberman.com, focusing on growth, purpose, mindset, and transitioning from employee to entrepreneur. These resources emphasize discovering your unique value, mastering marketing in your niche, and developing the mindset needed to confidently grow and sustain a successful small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Casey Berman shared that the most crucial tool for growing a small business is a robust CRM platform, which he credits as the central nervous system for managing all customer interactions and streamlining operations. He specifically highlighted the value of a CRM with integrated texting capabilities, like Salesmate.io, for enabling effective and personalized outreach to clients. This system allows a business to consolidate contacts, automate key processes, and handle payments seamlessly from one unified hub. By implementing such a foundational tool, companies can achieve greater efficiency and scalability without needing a large team. Ultimately, he champions a powerful CRM as the key to systematizing sales and marketing for sustainable growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Casey Berman would advise his day-one self that the entrepreneurial journey is an ongoing process of personal growth, not a destination to be reached. He would emphasize the critical importance of learning to enjoy the entire slog, with all its inherent ups and downs, rather than just chasing a future moment of "success." He'd stress that true happiness is found in the process of becoming your ideal self through the challenges of building a business. Finally, he would encourage himself to see and appreciate his own development, recognizing that the person behind the business is the most important project of all. 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: Find power in discipline by mastering the work when inspiration is absent - Casey Berman Elevate your marketing by aligning your energy with your purpose - Casey Berman Unlock success by falling in love with the process, not the prize - Casey Berman      

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 Rob Cameron interviews Gail Eaton-Briggs, founder of Every When Solutions, shares how her concept of Conscious Grit helps small business owners move from burnout and self-doubt to clarity and purpose. Drawing on her background in leadership and neuroscience, Gail explains how awareness, mindset shifts, and deliberate action can transform both individuals and teams. She highlights the importance of recognizing tipping points, building resilience, and surrounding yourself with supportive people. Through her coaching and online programs, Gail empowers business owners to grow with confidence and authenticity. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Shift from Unconscious to Conscious Grit – Success requires more than hard work; it's about being aware, intentional, and strategic in your actions. Mindset Matters Most – Regularly check in with your thoughts and beliefs; developing a growth mindset can completely transform your business outlook. Recognize Your Tipping Point – Pay attention to pivotal moments or advice that can spark meaningful change and move you toward conscious growth. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Invest in Deep Development – Growth doesn't happen in a single session or workshop; it takes consistent reflection, learning, and practice over time. Choose Your Circle Wisely – Surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up, not "emotional vampires" who drain your energy and confidence. Value Your Worth – Don't undervalue your services; believe in the quality of what you offer and price it accordingly—your clients will respect it. One action small business owners can take: According to Gail Eaton-Briggs, one action small business owners can take is to consciously check in with their mindset. If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, assess your internal dialogue and actively work to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset. She recommends seeking out resources on achieving a growth mindset to help reframe challenges as solvable opportunities. This practice is essential for moving from a state of exhausting "unconscious grit" to a powerful and deliberate "conscious grit," where you can start making tangible progress. 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: To move from exhausted to empowered, you must shift from unconscious grit to conscious grit - Gail Eaton-Briggs Your tipping point is often just one piece of trusted advice away from changing your entire trajectory - Gail Eaton-Briggs Be mindful of the emotional vampires in your life, the people you allow to influence you will either sustain or drain your energy - Gail Eaton-Briggs  

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews John D. Marvin, former President and CEO of Texas State Optical, shares his 25-year journey leading one of America's most iconic optical brands. He talks about growing the company from 100 to 130 locations and over $130 million in annual revenue, adapting to major industry disruptions, and mentoring the next generation of optometrists. John also dives into lessons on leadership, faith over fear, and the power of listening to customers. His story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and building purpose-driven growth in a changing marketplace. 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 John D. Marvin, the hardest thing about growing a small business is implementing change. He explains that it's easy to keep doing what's familiar, but real growth requires the courage to challenge old habits and adapt to new realities. Marvin points out that while individuals struggle with personal change, organizational change is even tougher—because it involves employees, resistance, and the fear of losing people. Yet, without embracing change, he says, a business risks becoming irrelevant. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? John D. Marvin's favorite business book is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. He says it has helped him the most because it lays out the 13 core principles of success, not just for making money but for living a rich and meaningful life. For Marvin, the biggest lesson from the book is that success begins with mastering your thoughts — what you focus on and believe ultimately shapes the results you achieve. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? John D. Marvin, former President and CEO of Texas State Optical, recommends continuously learning from great resources to grow a small business. He often listens to John Maxwell's Leadership Podcast for insights on personal and team development, and explores podcasts or materials by authors whose books he's currently reading to deepen his understanding. Marvin emphasizes the value of ongoing education through audiobooks and practical leadership content, believing that consistent learning, reflection, and application are key to adapting and thriving in business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? John D. Marvin recommends using strong time management and scheduling tools to grow a small business. He believes that success often comes down to discipline — keeping promises, managing priorities, and staying organized. Marvin emphasizes using a reliable calendar or planner, whether digital (like Apple Calendar) or traditional (such as Franklin Covey or Day-Timer systems), to plan ahead and follow through on commitments. For him, effective scheduling isn't just about productivity — it's about building trust, consistency, and professionalism, which are the real foundations of sustainable business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? John D. Marvin says the advice he'd give himself on day one of starting out in business is simple but powerful — just start. He admits that in his early years, he often delayed taking action because he felt he needed to study more or perfect his plan first. Over time, he realized that true learning and progress only happen through doing, not waiting. Marvin compares it to climbing mountains — you build the skills and confidence to tackle bigger challenges by starting with smaller ones. His message to new entrepreneurs: don't wait for perfect conditions — take the first step, learn along the way, and keep climbing. 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: Replace fear with faith, and you'll start seeing opportunities where others see obstacles — John D. Marvin The only way to learn how to climb mountains is by climbing mountains — start small, but start now — John D. Marvin Success begins with mastering your thoughts; what you focus on is what you create — John D. Marvin  

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 Rob Cameron interviews Etinosa Agbonlahor, CEO of Decision Alpha, about how behavioral economics can transform pricing strategies for small businesses. Etinosa explains how confident pricing decisions not only increase revenue but also strengthen customer retention and long-term growth. She shares insights into using psychology to frame prices effectively and highlights the importance of reviewing pricing regularly. The conversation also touches on overcoming the fear of raising prices and building confidence as a business owner. Etinosa's Behavioral Pricing Playbook explains how to create pricing that scales, sticks, and prevents revenue leaks. Around 80% of businesses undervalue their offerings—and it shows. Most pricing decisions are reactive, based on gut feelings, competitor comparisons, or fear of losing clients. Many business owners postpone pricing optimization until much later, missing out on the powerful compounding effect it could have early on. Studies reveal that improving pricing delivers 2–4 times greater revenue impact than focusing solely on customer acquisition. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Review Your Pricing Regularly – Treat pricing as a business feature, not a one-time task. Revisit it quarterly to ensure it reflects your current value and market position. Confidence is Key – Most pricing problems come from mindset, not the market. Believe in the value you provide before setting or adjusting prices. Use Psychology in Pricing – How you frame your prices matters as much as the numbers themselves. Smart positioning can make your offers more appealing. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Simplify the Customer's Choice – Structure pricing tiers so customers naturally choose your ideal package. Most buyers lean toward the middle option when presented clearly. Reduce the "Pain of Paying" – For low-cost products, consider annual payments over monthly ones to lessen customer resistance and reduce churn. Retain Before You Acquire – Focus on keeping existing customers happy and increasing their spending rather than constantly chasing new ones. One action small business owners can take: According to Etinosa Agbonlahor, one action small business owners can take is to review their pricing strategy regularly—analyzing whether it truly reflects the value they offer and aligns with customer perception. By treating pricing as an ongoing process rather than a one-time setup, business owners can boost profitability, strengthen confidence, and ensure sustainable growth. 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: Pricing isn't just about numbers, it's about confidence and the value you believe you deliver – Etinosa Agbonlahor The biggest pricing challenge often lives between your ears, not in the market – Etinosa Agbonlahor Treat your pricing like a living feature of your business, not a set-and-forget decision – Etinosa Agbonlahor      

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews John Ferguson, founder of Hobart Gutter Guard Co., shares his journey from working in community services to building a $500K lifestyle business. Starting as a side hustle in 2018, he grew the company through smart systems, clear SOPs, and delegation. By hiring a virtual assistant and automating operations, John reduced his workload to just two hours a week. After selling half the business, he now focuses on expanding the model across Australia. His story is a powerful example of how vision, structure, and marketing mastery can turn a small local business into a scalable success. 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 John Ferguson, the hardest thing in growing a small business is the isolation and loneliness that come with being a solopreneur. He explained that working alone – especially on tasks like marketing, sales copy, and SEO—can feel isolating because there's no one to share wins or frustrations with. That lack of daily collaboration makes it challenging to stay motivated and balanced while managing all aspects of the business. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? John Ferguson mentioned that his favorite business book that helped him the most is "Sell Like Crazy" by Sabri Suby. He said it's the best sales book he's ever read, providing powerful insights into marketing, sales psychology, and conversion strategies. The book helped him sharpen his approach to attracting and converting customers, which played a key role in growing Hobart Gutter Guard Co. into a highly profitable business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? John Ferguson recommends listening to SEO and Google Ads podcasts to stay sharp on digital marketing, as these have been key in his business growth. He also listens to the Grow a Small Business Podcast and other interview-style shows to learn from real entrepreneurs' journeys. For learning, he prefers YouTube tutorials and audiobooks over formal courses, as they allow him to study while working or driving. Ferguson believes that consistent self-learning through podcasts and online resources is essential for any small business owner wanting to improve marketing, systems, and overall growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? John Ferguson recommends using a CRM and pipeline management tool as the most powerful resource for growing a small business. He believes having an all-in-one platform that combines lead tracking, automation, and communication can completely transform operations. Instead of juggling multiple apps, a single integrated system helps manage customers, streamline workflows, and improve response times, especially for service-based businesses. Ferguson credits this approach for saving him hours of manual work each week and making his business more efficient, scalable, and profitable. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? John Ferguson's advice to his day-one self would be to keep everything simple — from the business model and offer to the systems and operations. He believes simplicity creates clarity, reduces stress, and makes scaling easier. Ferguson explained that many entrepreneurs overcomplicate their processes with unnecessary tools and jargon, which slows growth. His biggest lesson is that a simple, repeatable system and a clear vision are far more powerful than a complex setup, and that focusing on doing the basics exceptionally well is the real key to 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: Keep your business simple, repeatable, and clear to create real growth — John Ferguson Freedom in business comes from systems, not endless hours of work — John Ferguson Success isn't about doing everything yourself, it's about building a process that runs without you — John Ferguson  

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 Dylan Pargiter-Green, founder of Bold Wealth, to explore how courage, clarity, and purpose can reshape the way we think about money and success. Dylan shares his journey from financial advisor to business owner, revealing how "Be Better, Be Well, Be Bold" became more than a tagline—it's a philosophy for life and growth. He opens up about helping clients find balance between building wealth and truly living well, while also reflecting on lessons from running a service-based business. From setting meaningful goals to rewarding yourself along the way, Dylan's insights remind entrepreneurs that real success isn't just about numbers—it's about fulfillment. Whether you're building a business or redefining your relationship with money, this conversation is a must-listen. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Reward Yourself Along the Way – Don't wait until retirement to enjoy your hard work. Pay yourself fairly and appreciate the small milestones as your business grows. Set Clear Goals and Review Them Often – Reflect on your progress every few months. Identify what's working, fix what isn't, and keep your goals practical and measurable. Align Business and Personal Wealth – Your business should support your lifestyle and long-term wellbeing. Make financial choices that strengthen both areas together. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Build Genuine Relationships – Success in business comes from understanding people. Take time to know your clients' values, dreams, and priorities to create lasting trust. Embrace Change and the Unknown – You can't predict everything. Learn quickly from challenges, adapt with a positive mindset, and keep improving with every experience. Activity Breeds Success – Stay active and engaged. Say yes to opportunities, meet new people, and always keep learning—the more you do, the more success will follow. One action small business owners can take: According to Dylan Pargiter-Green, one action small business owners can take is to set aside dedicated time every six months to review both their business and personal goals. This reflection helps identify what's working, where improvements are needed, and ensures their business growth aligns with their personal wellbeing and financial security. 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: Activity breeds success—say yes to opportunities, keep learning, and growth will follow — Dylan Pargiter-Green Being bold means pushing yourself a little further every day to become better and live well — Dylan Pargiter-Green Real wealth isn't just about numbers; it's about living a life that feels truly meaningful — Dylan Pargiter-Green      

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Andy Gwynn, founder of Three Degrees Social, based in Málaga, Spain. Andy shares his inspiring journey from being a business coach to becoming a LinkedIn marketing expert, helping small business owners generate consistent leads and engagement through powerful digital strategies. He discusses how consistency, mindset, and leveraging technology have been key to his success, along with valuable lessons learned from franchising, scaling, and adapting to change. Andy's story is a great example of resilience, innovation, and the power of building meaningful connections online. 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 Andy Gwynn, the hardest thing in growing a small business is mastering sales and marketing. Many business owners struggle to effectively promote and sell their products or services, even when they offer great value. Andy believes that consistent marketing, clear systems, and the ability to adapt quickly are essential for sustainable growth. He also emphasizes that as a business scales, systemizing operations becomes one of the biggest challenges, requiring strong processes to support rapid expansion and maintain quality.  What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? According to Andy Gwynn, the business book that has helped him the most is "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber. He explains that it taught him the importance of systemizing a business so it can run efficiently without relying solely on the owner. Andy also recommends "The Business Coach" by Brad Sugars, which aligns with his coaching background, and "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki, for shifting the mindset from simply working in a business to building one that creates long-term wealth and investment opportunities. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Andy Gwynn, some of the best online learning resources for growing a small business include ChatGPT, YouTube, and the teachings of Russell Brunson, especially for improving webinars and sales strategies. He also values using platforms like LinkedIn for continuous learning and networking with experts in different industries. While Andy doesn't host his own dedicated podcast, he frequently shares insights through interviews and training content under his company, Three Degrees Social, helping business owners master LinkedIn marketing and digital growth strategies. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Andy Gwynn, one of the best tools to help grow a small business is LinkedIn, especially when used strategically for sales and relationship building. He recommends using advanced LinkedIn features like Sales Navigator to identify ideal clients, automate outreach, and maintain consistent engagement. Andy also highlights the value of tools such as ChatGPT, Xero for bookkeeping, Dashlane for password management, and GoHighLevel for CRM and marketing automation. Together, these tools help small business owners save time, stay organized, and build meaningful connections that drive sustainable growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Andy Gwynn, the advice he would give himself on day one of starting out in business is to follow the system and get out of his own way. He admits that in the early days, he often let overconfidence and complacency lead to missed sales opportunities or inconsistent results. Andy emphasizes the importance of learning proven systems, sticking to them, and maintaining focus instead of constantly trying to reinvent the process. His key message is that success comes from discipline, structure, and trusting the process rather than relying solely on natural talent or intuition. 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: Massive action times the right stuff times consistency equals results — Andy Gwynn Be militant with your time because discipline creates success — Andy Gwynn If you're totally honest with yourself and truly happy, that's real success — Andy Gwynn      

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 Rob Cameron interviews Trent Morgan, founder of Motivision, shares how he helps businesses overcome burnout, poor accountability, and misaligned teams through leadership alignment and cultural transformation. He explains the importance of clarity, communication, and regular team check-ins to build trust and improve performance. Trent discusses real-world examples of companies that reduced turnover and reignited motivation by aligning people with purpose. He also highlights the impact of systems and structure in sustaining growth. His insights reveal why most business issues stem from a lack of clarity, not performance. Listeners will learn practical steps to create more connected and purpose-driven workplaces. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Clarity is the foundation of success – Teams perform better when everyone knows their role, purpose, and what's expected of them. Alignment beats effort – Hard work alone doesn't guarantee results; aligning people, purpose, and systems creates real progress. Regular check-ins build strong culture – Simple habits like weekly huddles and monthly reviews keep teams connected and supported. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Leadership must focus on vision, not firefighting – Great leaders work on the business, not just in it, ensuring long-term stability. Reducing burnout increases productivity – When teams feel heard and supported, engagement rises and burnout drops significantly. Systems sustain performance – Businesses don't rise to goals—they fall to the level of their systems, so structure and rhythm are essential. One action small business owners can take: According to Trent Morgan, one action small business owners can take is to hold regular team check-ins or huddles to ensure everyone is aligned on goals, clear about their roles, and supported in their work — fostering stronger communication, trust, and accountability. 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 rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems — Trent Morgan When a team is misaligned, it's not a performance issue, it's a clarity issue — Trent Morgan Alignment turns chaos into clarity and teams into purpose-driven performers — Trent Morgan  

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Dmitriy Peregudov, founder of Gift Baskets Overseas, shares his inspiring 28-year journey from sending flowers to loved ones in Russia to leading an $11M global gifting company with 120+ team members. He talks about building a business rooted in patience, perseverance, and people-first values. Dmitriy discusses how focusing on customer experience and team culture fueled long-term success. He also explains the role of SEO and AI in modern marketing and why brand trust matters more than ever. From overcoming fraud challenges to achieving a 64% Net Promoter Score, his story highlights sustainable growth and resilience. A must-listen for entrepreneurs who believe slow, steady, and thoughtful growth wins the race. Other Resources: An easy way to measure if your customers love you in 21 minutes – use the Net Promoter Score (NPS). And it's FREE. 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 Dmitriy Peregudov, the hardest thing in growing a small business is having the patience and perseverance to push through the early, slow stages while learning things outside your comfort zone. He explains that growth often requires focusing on areas you don't enjoy, making tough decisions, and knowing when to let go and replace yourself in certain roles. Understanding every part of the business—even the ones you're not good at—is essential, because only then can you hire the right people and build a strong foundation for long-term success. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Dmitriy Peregudov's favorite business books include Further, Faster by Bill Flynn, which provides clear frameworks for business growth, and Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh, which inspired him to build a people-first company culture. He also recommends The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom for understanding balance in life and business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Dmitriy recommends the Harvard Business Review (HBR) Podcast for case studies and expert discussions, and Lex Fridman's Podcast for deep, thought-provoking conversations that go beyond business into leadership and innovation. He also appreciates podcasts like Built to Sell Radio for real-world entrepreneurship lessons. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? He highly recommends HubSpot, calling it a game-changer for small businesses. From marketing automation to CRM and workflow management, it helped his team streamline communication, improve sales processes, and enhance customer relationships. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Dmitriy Peregudov, the advice he would give himself on day one of starting out in business is simple yet powerful — "Just do it." He believes that too many entrepreneurs hesitate, overthink, or wait for the perfect moment, but real growth happens only through action. Taking the first step, learning from mistakes, and adapting along the way are far more valuable than waiting for ideal conditions that may never come. 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 in business comes from patience, perseverance, and focusing on what truly matters — Dmitriy Peregudov Growth isn't always about getting bigger, it's about getting better with every challenge — Dmitriy Peregudov The best way to build a loyal customer is to fix their problem so well they never forget you — Dmitriy Peregudov