Go Beyond Busy: From Chaos to Calm — Grow Your Business, Not Your To-Do List

Branding is more than a logo.In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela speaks with Katie Smetherman, founder of Brand Studio Creative in Dallas, Texas, about what business owners often misunderstand about branding.Contact Katie: https://www.brandstudiocreative.com/Katie shares why asking for help early in business can prevent costly mistakes, especially around financial foundations. She explains what she means by “heart purpose” and how aligning strategy, messaging and design creates confidence and clarity.From large corporate energy clients to small local businesses, this conversation highlights how strong branding supports growth at every stage.If your brand or website no longer reflects who you are, this episode will give you practical insight into what to fix first.Transcript, show notes and contact Christine: https://christine.oxygen8.co.nz/go-beyond-busy/season-3/branding/Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Go Beyond Busy + Meet Katie Smetherman00:50 Big lesson: Ask for help early (especially finances)03:02 What Brand Studio Creative does (strategy, design, websites)03:50 Heart & purpose: the ‘why’ behind your business04:40 Branding isn’t just a logo: visuals + messaging + mission07:05 Client stories: corporate energy to a luxury florist rebrand10:03 Websites & packages: custom scopes, refreshes, and support13:49 Website training so clients can update fast (even in emergencies)14:56 Wrap-up: free strategy session + where to find Katie

Commercial cleaning staff training is often informal, inconsistent, and delivered to people working alone at night.In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela speaks with Clifford Wilson, a commercial cleaner based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. With more than 10 years of experience, Clifford shares what training really looks like in practice.The conversation covers:• Working night shifts between 5pm and 6am• The isolation many cleaners experience• Communication gaps between staff and management• Literacy challenges in the industry• Why simple video demonstrations could improve training consistencyThis discussion goes beyond cleaning. Any business employing remote teams, after-hours workers, or distributed staff can learn from these insights.Clifford can be contacted through https://www.linkedin.com/in/clifford-wilson-0a269950/If you would like support reviewing your own training systems or business structure, you can book a free Business Strategy Session at https://GoBeyondBusy.comChapters:00:00 Welcome to Go Beyond Busy + Meet Clifford (Commercial Cleaner, Hawke’s Bay)01:02 The Lonely Reality of After-Hours Cleaning & Feeling Invisible to Management01:59 Communication Barriers: Small Issues, Literacy Challenges & Starting the Conversation03:12 Night Shifts & Split Schedules: When Cleaning Actually Happens04:27 Training on the Job: High Turnover, Limited Supervision & Becoming the ‘Leader’05:41 A Better Way to Train: Using Video to Standardise Expectations06:48 Clifford’s YouTube Habit: Travel Shorts, Sharing, and Why Video Works07:43 Industry Call-to-Action: YouTube Process Videos for Cleaners (Big Players Lead)09:59 Wrap-Up, Contact Details & Free Business Strategy Session

In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela sits down with Dan Lewis from Financial Wellness Group to talk about how values, habits, and relationships shape better business decisions.The conversation centres on Dan’s practical “life triangle” approach, where values sit at the core, supported by habits and discipline, and strengthened through intentional relationships. The discussion examines how this framework applies to business owners who feel pressured, are juggling too many opportunities, or are working hard without seeing the progress they expected.Topics covered in this episode include values-based decision-making in business, building habits that support long-term results, being more selective aboutdecisiongnikam- opportunities and relationships, and how financial advice can start with people rather than spreadsheets. Dan also explains how Financial Wellness Group works with both individuals and business owners in New Zealand and overseas, including KiwiSaver education and coaching-based financial support.This episode is aimed at business owners who want clearer thinking, calmer decision making, and a more sustainable way to run their business.Dan can be contacted at https://fwg.nzShow notes and more information at https://christine.oxygen8.co.nz/go-beyond-busy/season-3/dan-lewis/Book a free Business Strategy Session with Christine at https://GoBeyondBusy.comChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:49 Dan's Business Philosophy: The Life Triangle04:19 Applying the Life Triangle in Business07:56 Financial Wellness Group: Services and Approach10:29 Global Reach and Future Plans12:18 Advice for Potential Clients13:15 KiwiSaver Insights14:55 Conclusion and Contact Information

John Anderton has spent more than 25 years building and scaling businesses across manufacturing, software, and global team models. In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, he shares what he wishes he had understood earlier about running a business without carrying everything himself.The conversation looks at the balance between working in the business and stepping back to put structure in place. John explains how offshore teams can support small businesses, what roles work well remotely, and why access to global talent is no longer just for large organisations.This episode is for business owners who feel stretched, are doing too much themselves, or are considering how to grow without burning out.More episodes, plus the option to book a free business Strategy Session with Christine Abela, are available at GoBeyondBusy.com.John can be contacted via https://ClarkePoint.comChapters:00:00 Introduction to Go Beyond Busy00:41 Meet John Anderton: Business Journey and Insights01:32 Diverse Business Ventures: From Muffins to Software02:25 Clarke Point: Revolutionizing Offshore Staffing03:34 Success Stories and Strategic Offshore Hiring05:11 Practical Advice for Small Businesses09:05 Specialized Talent and Clarke Point's Unique Approach12:36 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela speaks with James McGovern, founder of Candoo Property Services.James reflects on more than twenty years in business and shares what he wishes he had understood earlier, particularly around systems, structure, and focus. The conversation examines why unfocused meetings slow progress, how long-term goals translate into practical weekly action, and what changes when a business puts clear structure around work.The episode also covers franchising from several angles, including when it works well, when independence can be the better option, and how customers benefit from consistency and accountability. James discusses Candoo’s broader property services model and touches on future growth plans.This episode is for business owners who feel busy but want clearer direction and steadier progress.Here is how to contact James:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mcgovern-australia/Company LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/candoo-crew/Website https://candoocrew.comShow notes and transcript at https://christine.oxygen8.co.nz/go-beyond-busy/season-3/james-mcgovern/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Go Beyond Busy00:02 Meet James McGovern: Founder of Candoo Property Services00:49 Lessons Learned in Business01:04 The Importance of Systems and Structure01:51 Breaking Down the Vision into Actionable Steps02:34 Expanding Beyond Cleaning: Candoo Property Services04:11 The Franchise Model: Benefits and Challenges11:51 International Expansion and Future Plans13:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

Client attraction often breaks down when business owners feel they need to convince, chase, or over explain. The result is plenty of activity, but too many conversations that feel uncomfortable or misaligned.In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela speaks with Tommi Murshed-Parrish from Convert More, Chase Less about why confidence changes how clients respond, and how real client stories do far more than traditional sales messaging.The conversation looks at how client attraction improves when business owners stop auditioning for work and become clearer about who they want to work with. Tommi explains why many testimonials fail to influence buying decisions, how in-depth client interviews create trust more quickly, and where testimonial content should be used to support better conversations.This episode is especially relevant for service-based businesses that rely on trust, expertise, and long-term relationships, and for anyone feeling busy but frustrated with the quality of enquiries they receive.Tommi Murshed-Parish can be contacted at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommi-murshed-parish-conversions-chief/Christine also offers a free business strategy session for listeners who would like a practical conversation about what feels stuck and what could change next. Details are available at GoBeyondBusy.com.More episodes and resources can be found on the website.

Cash flow issues often appear later than expected, even in businesses that look well organised on paper.In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela speaks with Nick Hau from Moneta Insurance in Christchurch about what running his own business taught him the hard way. The conversation covers why annual forecasts are not enough, how weekly cash flow tracking changed decision-making, and what business owners often miss when planning for risk.Nick also explains how personal insurance fits into business continuity, shares real claim experiences, and talks through why planning for the “what if” can reduce pressure when life takes an unexpected turn.This episode is suited to business owners who want clearer financial visibility and fewer surprises.Find out more about Nick and his work athttps://moneta.co.nzMore episodes and business resources are available athttps://gobeyondbusy.com

Running a small business is hard enough without the stress of messy accounts. In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela chats with Corinna Bogenrieder from CB Solutions https://CBSolutions.nz , a New Zealand-based bookkeeper who brings a rare blend of structure, empathy, and experience to the numbers side of business.Corinna shares how she supports tradespeople, retailers, and professionals with everything from GST returns to setting up better systems. With a background in coaching and tech, she understands the emotional and practical challenges small business owners face.Learn how solid bookkeeping can reduce stress, improve cashflow, and help owners get back to doing what they love.Listen to more episodes or book a Business Strategy Session at https://GoBeyondBusy.comChapters:00:00 Introduction to Go Beyond Busy Podcast00:28 Meet Corinna Bogenrieder: The Bookkeeper00:45 Starting a Business: Key Insights01:13 Balancing Passion and Market Demand01:47 Supporting Startups and Established Businesses02:23 The Role of a Modern Bookkeeper03:40 Remote Bookkeeping Across New Zealand08:39 Choosing the Right Accounting Software10:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

James and Angela Mitchell from Love Intentionally work with married entrepreneur couples to help them grow stronger relationships and stronger businesses. In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, they share what they wish they had known earlier, the power of marriage meetings, and why a solid home life is good business strategy.Listen now or go to https://GoBeyondBusy.com to get your free Business Strategy Session with Christine Abela.Get their book: Married and Magnetic on AmazonOr visit their free Skool community: https://skool.com/loveintentionally Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Go Beyond Busy00:07 Meet James and Angela Mitchell00:39 Lessons Learned in Business02:35 About Love Intentionally03:11 Unique Challenges for Entrepreneurial Couples04:03 Working with Clients04:54 Married and Magnetic: The Book06:43 Masterminds and Coaching Services11:45 Tools for Couples in Business13:41 How to Connect with Love Intentionally14:27 Conclusion and Thankshttps://christine.oxygen8.co.nz/go-beyond-busy/season-2/entrepreneur-couples

In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine chats with Mari Wuellner, founder of The Crew and owner of a successful insurance agency, she’s learned to step away from. Mari shares what it really means to trust your team, embrace the messy side of business, and build a company that supports your lifestyle.They discuss leadership, letting go of perfection, and what happens when you disconnect from social media to reconnect with your business.If you're a woman in business or a leader wanting to create more freedom and authenticity in your work, this one's for you.Listen to more at: https://GoBeyondBusy.comTo contact Mari, please go to https://linktr.ee/mariwuellnerChapters:00:00 Introduction to Go Beyond Busy00:31 Meet Mari Wuellner: Entrepreneur and Coach00:44 Embracing Imperfection in Business02:26 The Crew: A Supportive Coaching Collective04:34 Running an Insurance Business07:00 Stepping Away from Social Media08:59 Invitation to Connect and Final Thoughtshttps://christine.oxygen8.co.nz/go-beyond-busy/season-2/mari-wuellner/

In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, host Christine Abela talks with Alston D'Silva, founder of 42Voice in Auckland, New Zealand. Alston shares how small businesses can use AI-powered voice assistants to handle incoming and outgoing calls, improve response times, and reduce stress for busy teams.From tradies and doctors to property managers and car rentals, 42Voice provides tailored, human-like automation that sounds friendly, works 24/7, and integrates with your own systems – without handing your data over to third parties.Listen now and find out how this clever Kiwi-built solution is transforming how businesses communicate.Watch the full episode now and book your free Business Strategy Session at https://GoBeyondBusy.comGet in touch with Alston at https://42Voice.com Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Go Beyond Busy00:45 Meet Alston D'Silva and 42Voice01:00 The Journey of Building 42Voice02:19 What is 42Voice?03:09 AI-Powered Solutions for Businesses05:15 Global Reach and Multilingual Capabilities08:00 AI in Customer Support and Beyond09:20 Data Security and Customization10:42 Real-World Applications and Benefits15:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughtshttps://christine.oxygen8.co.nz/go-beyond-busy/season-2/ai-powered-voice-assistants

In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela interviews Lukas Liedtke, co-founder of Heat It, the innovative medical device that uses heat to stop the itch and pain from insect bites.Lukas explains how Heat It started as a university project and grew into a product now sold across Europe, the United States, and New Zealand. He shares the science behind the device, the challenges of producing a Class 2a medical device, and the reality of scaling a hardware product worldwide.You will hear how the Heat It team expanded internationally, the role of local partners in new regions, and why building a strong team early made all the difference. If you are interested in product development, global distribution, or growing a business from scratch, this episode gives you practical insights and real world advice.To learn more about Heat It, visit https://heatit.de or the New Zealand distributor at https://heat-it.co.nz/To book a free Business Strategy Session with Christine Abela, visit https://GoBeyondBusy.comhttps://christine.oxygen8.co.nz/go-beyond-busy/season-2/lukas-liedtke/ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Go Beyond Busy00:34 Meet Lukas Liedtke and Heat It00:48 The Journey from University Project to Global Business02:16 How Heat It Works06:02 Global Expansion and Market Reach08:37 Challenges and Future Plans11:02 Conclusion and Contact Information

Alex Frew is no stranger to the rollercoaster of business ownership. In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela speaks with Alex about the realities of building, scaling, and leading multiple businesses in different countries, including the lessons learned when things didn’t go to plan.Alex opens up about the tough stuff: navigating co-founder dynamics, dealing with legal challenges, and learning the difference between working in the business and building a company that can grow without constant firefighting. He also shares what most leadership advice gets wrong, how to get more out of your team, and why clarity and accountability matter more than you think.You’ll hear why Alex believes business is 90% people, how he used a whiteboard to fix a fractured partnership, and what founders need to stop doing if they want to scale sustainably.Whether you're running a team of five or fifty, or thinking about taking your next step in business, this episode is packed with grounded, practical advice. No fluff – just real talk from someone who’s been through the trenches and come out the other side a little wiser.What you’ll hear in this episode:What Alex learned from building businesses in Australia, the Philippines and New ZealandHow to set clear expectations with partners and team membersThe surprising cause of most team breakdowns and how to fix itWhat makes a business founder-ready (and how to step back without things falling over)Why systems, structure and communication are at the heart of healthy growthHow Alex re-centres himself when business life gets messyIf you're a business owner, founder, or leader who wants more time, better systems, and a business that runs without you having to do everything yourself – this one's for you.To see more episodes or register as a guest, visit GoBeyondBusy.comWant to talk about how to improve your own business? You may be eligible for a complimentary Strategy Session with Christine. Check the link on the website to apply.To connect with Alex, go to https://FireYourDigitalAgency.com.au Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Go Beyond Busy00:27 Meet Alex Frew from 3P Digital01:31 Lessons Learned: Legal Challenges03:23 Money Matters: Insights and Reflections05:43 Hiring and Delegation Pitfalls07:59 Understanding People in Business09:22 About 3P Digital10:42 Conclusion and Contact Information10:59 The Mystery Noise Revealedhttps://christine.oxygen8.co.nz/go-beyond-busy/season-2/alex-frew/

Boosting Business Success Through Customer Reviews and Dynamic SEO: Insights from Dr. Jürgen KolbVisit Jürgen's site: https://HibiscusJetSkiHire.co.nzIn this episode of 'Go Beyond Busy,' host Christine Abela concludes her interview with Dr. Jürgen Kolb from Hibiscus Jet Ski Hire in Auckland, New Zealand. Dr. Kolb shares critical insights on using targeted advertising, maximizing the impact of customer reviews, and leveraging dynamic SEO and AI-driven search platforms to attract and retain customers. He emphasizes the importance of peer reviews and social proof in marketing strategies and highlights the role of authentic customer experiences in generating positive feedback. Dr. Kolb also discusses his future plans to expand into ecotourism and sustainable fishing activities, providing unique marine experiences anchored by his background in marine science.Visit https://GoBeyondBusy.com for more episodes, and to apply for your free Business Strategy Session with Christine Abela.00:00 Introduction to Go Beyond Busy00:22 Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses01:05 The Power of Customer Reviews03:34 Leveraging AI and SEO for Business Growth06:17 Future Plans and Ecotourism12:07 How to Find Hibiscus Jet Ski Hire12:44 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode of 'Go Beyond Busy,' host Christine Abela engages with Dr. Jürgen Kolb, owner of Hibiscus Jet Ski Hire in Auckland, New Zealand. https://HibiscusJetSkiHire.co.nzThey discuss Jürgen's experiences and insights from running his jet ski hire business. Jürgen shares the challenges he faced, such as initial customer hesitation and safety concerns, and how he navigates these obstacles. The episode also covers business strategies for improving lead generation, emphasizing the importance of active listening to customer needs, providing thorough safety briefings, and leveraging technology like GPS tracking for safety compliance. Christine and Jürgen underline the value of creating memorable customer experiences to foster repeat business and upsell opportunities. Tune in to discover practical approaches to transform business chaos into calm and support a life-enriching business journey.Visit https://GoBeyondBusy.com for more episodes, and to apply for your free Business Strategy Session with Christine Abela.00:00 Introduction to Go Beyond Busy00:26 Meet Dr. Jürgen Kolb: Jet Ski Business Owner01:06 Challenges and Insights in Running a Jet Ski Business01:36 Customer Experience and Safety Measures05:07 Navigating Cultural Differences and Language Barriers07:59 Lead Generation and Marketing Strategies11:43 The Importance of Repeat Customers and Upselling13:23 Conclusion and Upcoming Episode Teaser

In this first episode of Season 2, Christine Abela talks with Geoff Brokenshire from Rangiriri Consultants about networking for business growth. They discuss how genuine relationships, consistent effort, and community involvement can strengthen a small business far more than quick marketing fixes.Learn how to build trust, connect with purpose, and grow your business through calm, steady action.Become a guest or get your free Strategy Session at GoBeyondBusy.comContact Geoff Brokenshire via Rangiriri Consultants

If your mornings feel rushed, reactive, or downright chaotic, this episode of Go Beyond Busy is your chance to reset. Christine Abela walks you through a science-backed morning routine designed to enhance your focus, energy, and mindset - all before the workday even begins.You’ll learn how to:- Set up your physical and mental space the night before for a smoother start- Manage tech habits and environmental triggers to reduce stress- Align your morning routine with your business and life goals- Build a flexible 4-phase system covering sleep, movement, nutrition, and mental clarity- Create lasting habits using a routine variation strategy and habit loop psychologyThis isn’t about rigid self-discipline. It’s about practical adjustments that make your mornings easier and your days more productive.Included with this episode are these downloads to help you build your own morning system:- Essential Morning Mindfulness Practice – Checklist- Evening Preparation for Mindful Mornings – Checklist- Optimizing First Morning 90 Minutes – Guide- The 7-Step Morning Mindfulness Routine – Guide- The Evening Preparation Protocol – Guide- The Power of Mindful Mornings – EbookTo get the downloads or to contact Christine, go to https://GoBeyondBusy.comSome content was created with the assistance of AI tools, but all insights are grounded in real-world consulting experience.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:39 Mindful Mornings02:35 Evening prep05:01 Physical Environment Setup05:52 Mental Preparation06:16 Technology Management06:37 Sleep Environment07:04 Morning Activation07:29 Physiology of the first 90 minutes09:55 Building a routine10:26 Phase 1: Awakening11:05 Phase 2: Activation11:43 Phase 3: Nourishment12:28 Phase 4: Mental activation14:02 Environmental Optimisation14:34 Technology Management14:51 The Habit Loop15:24 Tracking Progress, with Flexibility15:56 Facing Challenges16:55 Resistance17:40 Benefits the whole day19:28 Final thought

If you’ve been pouring hours into writing blogs or building content only to see no results in search rankings, this episode is for you.In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, business consultant Christine Abela unpacks a structured, real-world system to plan and create SEO content that not only ranks but also drives leads and sales. With a focus on small business owners turning over $1M–$10M, you’ll learn how to skip the guesswork and build a content machine that delivers.You’ll discover:The real reason 96% of content gets no Google trafficHow to find topics your audience actually searches forA proven system for structuring articles using SEO best practicesKeyword validation techniques that don’t require you to be a techieStep-by-step instructions for building a content flywheel for long-term visibility and growthTips for improving your SEO content without relying on AI-generated fluffThis episode includes access to a full suite of downloadable tools to support your content strategy:Strategic SEO Content Creation – PromptsLong-Form Blog Posts That Rank – EbookThe Strategic Content Architecture – GuideKeyword Validation Blueprint – GuideTechnical On-Page SEO – ChecklistContent Structure Optimization – ChecklistSEO Content Helper – ToolstackDownload them now at https://GoBeyondBusy.comSome content in this podcast is created using AI tools, but all insights are based on real-world consulting experience.

In this episode of the Go Beyond Busy podcast, Christine Abela helps you nail down your brand voice so it sounds like you across every channel—email, social, your website, even sales scripts. If you've ever felt like your business communication is all over the place, this episode is for you.You’ll learn how to find your authentic brand voice, why consistency matters more than clever copy, and how to make sure your message lands with the right people. From defining your mission and values to creating a voice guide your whole team can follow—this is practical advice you can put into action straight away.Included with this episode are valuable downloadable resources to help you take the next step:- Brand Voice Architect – Prompts- Brand Voice Breakthrough – Ebook- Build a Voice that Connects – Mini-Course (delivered via emails)- Cross-Platform Brand Voice Consistency – Checklist- The 7-Step Brand Voice System – Guide- The Brand Voice Discovery – Checklist- The Cross-Channel Voice Adaptation System – GuideTo access the downloads and other tools, head to https://GoBeyondBusy.comThis podcast was produced with the help of AI tools, but all insights are grounded in real-world business experience.

Customer Retention is one of the most powerful (and cost-effective) growth levers in any business. In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, business consultant Christine Abela walks you through how to keep customers coming back - and how to build systems that make retention easier to manage and measure.Whether you're trying to reduce churn, boost customer loyalty, or improve your after-sales experience, this episode gives you a practical, no-jargon framework to work from. Perfect for businesses with $1M–$10M in annual revenue that are looking to scale more sustainably.🗂️ Downloads for this episode include:- Keep Them Coming Back - Ebook- Customer Retention Excellence - Prompts- Customer Data Foundation Blueprint - Guide- Loyalty Program Launch - Checklist- The Loyalty Program Launch Playbook - Guide- Proactive Customer Service Implementation - Checklist- Preventing Customer Churn - Guide- Customer Data Collection and Analysis - Checklist- Building Thriving Communities - ChecklistAll are available by subscribing to the mailing list at https://GoBeyondBusy.com . Also included is an email course.If you're serious about building long-term value and customer loyalty, this is the episode for you.This podcast may use AI-assisted tools to enhance content, but all insights are based on Christine’s real-world consulting experience.