Business Brain Food

Happy 200th birthday to us! And what a treat we have for you this week: a free coaching session from one of our top dogs, David Carlin. It was David who first persuaded Ben to form the partnership that eventually became MaxMyProfit, so it was great to hear them have a chinwag about the fundamentals of business.

 

See some of David’s top tips below:

**  Be careful not to eat your house. If you can’t pay yourself in your business for an extended period, then you should think about getting out.

**  Make sure you live to your plan. Don’t become a hamster in the wheel.

**  Communication is key. If you’re in a partnership, be truthful in the bad times.

**  Playing to your strengths is understandable, but be careful to not ignore the aspects of your business that you aren’t naturally good at.

**  Don’t fall into the trap of trying to save money by devaluing your own time. Not investing can sometimes cost you “more” in real terms.

**  Remember to stop and look at what you’re doing from an outsiders’ perspective.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  David’s ups and downs in business

**  How to exit business gracefully

**  How to approach CRMs and systems

**  The definition of success

**  SOCMO explained

**  The difference between people who succeed and people who don't

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  The classic book that inspired David: Think & Grow Rich! (Napoleon Hill)

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Take note of what Dave says in this episode: “if you’re down in the mud pit, you’ll only make mud pies”. Remember to look at yourself from outside of the “pit” and be prepared to make bold decisions.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF200_Building_the_business_you_imagined_with_David_Carlin_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We’ve got a full-on BBF love-in this week as we welcome one of our own to the BBF chair. Jess Colusso is our excellent new Digital Excelerator, so we thought we’d pick her brains and tap into her immense knowledge of digital marketing. What you’re getting in this episode is free advice that she would normally charge for, so listen up and take note!

 

See some of Jess’ top tips below:

**  Social media is good for more than just sales. See it as communication with your public.

**  Remember that no social media is designed for sales. They are designed for connectivity.

**  Don’t assume that investing heavily in social media will always be the answer. It must be part of a wider marketing strategy.

**  Define how much you want to invest per customer at the beginning of your strategy. Without this, your social media strategy will have no focus.

**  Be careful to not be too ‘salesy’ with your organic social media output. The algorithms are sophisticated enough to mark you down.

**  Social media advertising can be useful for all businesses, not just e-commerce stores.

**  You don’t need to be on every social media platform. Be on the platform your target market is on and make sure you engage properly with them.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to use social media to sell

**  Why businesses struggle to sell on social media

**  How to understand analytics

**  Brand awareness

**  How to target your audience

**  Facebook Store Visits explained

**  Retargeting explained

**  Likes V engagement

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Find Jess’ Digital Exceleration program on our site here: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/digital-exceleration-program

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

If you want more of this no-nonsense advice to get your business up to speed in the digital space, get in touch!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF199_Turn_your_Social_Media_into_Sales_with_Jess_Colusso.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We have a truly inspiring guest on the show this week. Angela Henderson started her first business from scratch whilst working full-time and raising children. She is an author, entrepreneur and business consultant, while her previous career as a mental health clinician has enabled her to be insightful about the human meaning of the business journey.

 

See some of Angela’s top tips below:

**  Strive not be the smartest person in the room. You can learn so much from others.

**  Websites don’t need to be pretty, they need to WORK. An e-commerce specialist is more valuable than a designer.

**  Selling is just like picking someone up in a bar. You don’t immediately jump in bed with them! You have to nurture that relationship.

**  When it comes to content, think quality not quantity. Two good articles per month is better than four rushed articles.

**  If you can’t take care of yourself then you can’t take care of your business, your kids etc. Look after number one!

**  It’s okay to fail, but fail fast. Don’t waste too much time on products that don’t work.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The power of networking

**  How to refine your sales process

**  The importance of blogging

**  The power of chatbots

**  How Angela balanced motherhood with business

**  How to spot mental health problems in yourself

**  Angela’s three top business tips

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

** Angela’s website: http://www.angelahenderson.com

**  Join Angela’s Facebook group, The Australian Business Collaborative. Link here

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Angela is living proof that you can be successful at business without it affecting your home life. Take note!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF198_Baby_means_Business_with_Andela_Henderson_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

In this week’s episode we speak to one of the world’s leading lifestyle entrepreneurs. Having run a chain of gyms in Australia, Craig decided it would be better for his wellbeing to create a global business that meant he didn’t have to leave his front room. Now he makes a profit of over a million dollars per year. His business: network marketing. Read on for how he did it…

 

See some of Craig’s top tips below:

**  Find something to do in your daily commute. See this as learning/development time.

**  80% of people fail on their journeys because of their mindset.

**  Everyone is their own business. 90% of people who join network marketing actually want to buy the product for themselves.

**  If you hate your job, do something about it! Modern technology can empower you to build a global business.

**  Have a different approach for ‘online’ and ‘offline’ marketing.

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to get your mind right for business

**  How Craig has managed to get away with not setting his alarm for years

**  How to crack network marketing

**  The benefits of an email database

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Craig’s website: http://www.wealthynetworkmarketer.com

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Never has a guest delivered an immortal line like this one: “If you listen to podcasts like this, you will always win!”

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF197_building_a_lifestyle_business_with_Craig_Schulze_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Is your sub-conscious holding you back? Few people will admit it, but sub-conscious insecurity is often the reason why businesses fail. This week we speak to a man who can help you find that winning habit.

Johnnie Cass is an international keynote speaker and transformational coach with 20 years of experience in human behaviour. He is quite simply obsessed with the minds of people!

 

See some of Johnnie’s top tips below:

**  See a mid-life crisis as a mid-life awakening. A sharp focus on where you’re going can make you more effective.

**  Most people wake up in the morning and remember who they are. But you can do more than that - you can create who you want to be.

**  Beware of negative intimacy. If you’re around unsuccessful people they may hold you back.

**  Are you having solution-focused conversations? Or are you just reinforcing your own negativity?

**  Look for reasons why you can overcome your challenges rather than the reasons to keep you stuck where you are.

**  “Being busy” is over-rated. Work smart!

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Why businesses fail

**  How to deal with negative family members

**  The benefits of meditation

**  How to plan your day

**  How many hours should you work?

**  Procrastination = fear

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Go to http://www.johnniecass.com and sign up for his “7 ways in 7 days to be my more confident you” program

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

We’ll leave you this week with a quote from Charlie ‘Tremendous’ Jones: “The only difference now between you now and you in five years will be the books you read and the people you meet”

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF196_Why_being_busy_is_holding_you_back_with_Johnnie_Cass.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we speak to James Polidoros, founder of a novel marketing concept called ‘The Compilator’. They specialise in digital transformation for their clients. Rather than focusing on individual media channels, they see all parts of the marketing mix as an entire eco system. James 360-degree approach has delivered some great results for his clients.

 

See some of James’s top tips below:

**  Don’t focus on a marketing channel until you’ve cracked your overall strategy. Strategy first, messaging second.

**  Don’t underestimate Bing. Bing can be good for B2B marketing because a lot of businesses have Microsoft/Bing preinstalled on their systems.

**  Video is more engaging than any other piece of content you can produce.

**  Post content regularly. Anything less than twice a week on Facebook will get you nowhere.

**  A common mistake clients make is to spread themselves too thinly across the different social media channels. Make sure you master one channel before you move onto others.

**  Understand the nuances of each social channel. Your copy should be more formal on Linkedin than Facebook, for example.

**  Beware of a marketing agency that pitches you on one single channel.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Affordable social media ad options

**  The pitfalls of Adwords

**  Bid adjustments explained

**  Bing V Adwords

**  UTMs explained

**  How to convert good content into sales

**  Is Twitter still useful for business?

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  James’ company site: http://www.thecompilator.com

**  James’ email address: enquiry@thecompilator.com

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Remember to see all of your possible marketing outlets as an ecosystem. Don’t lose sight of the big picture.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF195_Generating_leads_online_with_a_tight_budget_with_James_Polidoras.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we have some straight-talking advice on how to play the game of social media. Corinna Essa has really been there and done it, having used social media to save her skin after she was made redundant FIVE consecutive times! She miraculously managed to replace her income by marketing products on twitter, and now she runs a business helping people around the world use social media to boost their sales.

 

See some of Corinna’s top tips below:

**  People think social media is an ATM machine, but it really isn’t. Think of it as a long-term opportunity to add value to people.

**  Forget about asking things in return from people. Your social following will improve if you are not so blatant.

**  Be careful not to spread yourself too thinly. You don’t have to be on all social networks. It’s better to do one social network well than a wide range poorly.

**  Beware of automating your social media posts. The algorithms will mark down your reach.

**  Don’t try and sell products on social media. Entertain them and educate them, and then drive them elsewhere to make a purchase.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How long it should take for a campaign to become effective

**  Corinna’s incredible success story

**  Organic reach V pay-per-click

**  Which social media platform should I use?

**  The lifespan of a tweet

**  How to turn likes into sales

**  The sales funnel explained

**  The do’s and don’ts of Youtube

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Subscribe to Corinna’s Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/socialmediaworldwide 

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood 

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

There is so much you can learn for Corinna, but if there’s just one thing you act on, you should remember to not try too hard to be all over social media. Your priority should be to smash it out of the park on one social channel, and then take it from there.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF194_How_to_profit_on_Social_Media_with_Corinna_Essa.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we talk financial planning with a man who has a great take on life. As an obsessive marathon runner himself, David Hazlewood specialises in empowering athletes and adventurers live life to the full but still retain their financial security. He is the founder of Knightswood House, an author and a speaker on all-things financial, but he is also a fun-loving guy who doesn’t believe you should sacrifice your day-to-day fun in order to save for a rainy day.

 

See some of David’s top tips below:

**  Financial planning doesn’t have to mean you sacrifice what you enjoy in life.

**  Make the time to plan properly. It’s easy to put off long-term financial planning until tomorrow, but if you don’t get around to it, you could put yourself in trouble.

**  It’s hard to make rational decisions when you’re emotionally involved. An impartial 3rd party can be a great help to your financial future.

**  Be patient. A series of small, low-risk investments in a portfolio is normally better than putting all your eggs in one basket.

**  There’s almost no such thing as an overnight success. Nearly all of the richest people in the world took a very long time to get there.

**  Remember that a financial strategy for protecting cash is going to be totally different to a strategy for building it up. “A good investment” will always depend on your individual circumstances.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How good financial advice can change your life

**  How to find the right expert

**  Are shares a safe investment?

**  What to do with a chunk of cash

**  When to find the right time to invest

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  David’s company site: http://www.knightswood.com.au

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Remember David’s philosophy: plan well, but don’t forget to celebrate your wins on the way!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF193_Building_wealth_is_a_marathon_with_David_Hazlewood.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

On the show this week we have one of the leading copywriters in Australia on the show. Alexi Neocleous has generated hundreds of millions in sales and has tutored a whole host of rockstar writers down the years. It was great to hear from someone with such a no-nonsense approach – anyone in business can take something from what Alexi said to Ben.

 

See some of Alexi’s top tips below:

**  Every business needs more ‘copy thinkers’, i.e. thinking about the audience, thinking about the market, thinking about the clients.

**  Consider the individual. You will only convert if your copy can relate to the pain points/aspirations of the individual.

**  Find an individual that you know really well that falls into your market and then imagine you are crafting your message to that individual.

**  Start with the AIDA formula. Attention, Interest, Desire, Action.

**  When writing headlines, relevance to the reader is more important than length and wit.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  When do you need copywriting?

**  Avatars explained

**  Long form V short form copy

**  Is direct mail still relevant?

**  The right length of headlines in 2018

**  The worth of headline generators

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Alexi’s content agency: http://www.fubbi.co 

**  Alexi’s copywriting bible, Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene M. Schwartz

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood 

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

70% of Alexi’s campaigns in his agency involve storytelling. Do not underestimate the power of good copy that can tell your story!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 


How do you make email marketing a relevant part of your marketing mix? We find out from Aweber’s head of overall strategy, Erik Harbison. With 20 years of experience in marketing and advertising behind him, Erik really knows his way around. Although we hear horror stories of open rates down below 10%, Erik shows us what you can do to engage your email lists and achieve open rates of up to 80%.

 

See some of Erik’s top tips below:

**  Don’t be scared of email marketing. It’s a lot more simple than people think.

**  If you are sending the right email to a targeted segment of your database, you can achieve up to 80% open rates. Segmentation is key!

**  The deliverability of your emails is driven by many different factors. A key factor is the history of engagement on your email lists. Always make sure EVERY email is relevant, or you’ll be marked down.

**  Always think about the end action you want your readers to take once they read your email. Don’t just stop at open rates.

**  Set the expectations of your users from the beginning, i.e. “you’re signing up to a monthly email”

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Where is email marketing right now?

**  The fear factor of email marketing

**  Open rates

**  Good ‘signals’ and bad

**  When to use a CRM

**  How best to place images in emails

**  How to monetise your subscribers

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

** Go to http://www.aweber.com for a fully functional 30-day free trial

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

As Erik says, “begin with the end in mind”. Each email and each campaign behind it will only work if you focus hard on the end goal.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF191_How_to_increase_Email_Deliverability_with_Erik_Harbison_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We were very lucky to be able to pick the brains of a leading inbound-marketing guru in this week’s episode. James Gilbert is the Marketing Director of Hubspot in the Asia/Pacific region, so he certainly knows a thing or two about inbound marketing. He spoke to us about some of the great success stories he’s seen in his time at Hubspot and the tricks of the trade you can use to your advantage.

 

See some of James’ top tips below:

**  You don’t want to advertise to people who don’t want to see your product. Allocate your resources properly!

**  For any marketing effort, make sure your reporting is accurate. If you can’t measure what works and what doesn’t then you will waste time and money.

**  Don’t be scared to give away your insight with good content. It’s so important to give your audience value with your content in order to build a strong relationship.

**  Tracking your marketing doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of free tools out there.

**  Do not underestimate the power of Facebook messenger. There are many active users but very little competition because most businesses simply aren’t onto it.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The inner workings of Hubspot

**  The meaning of inbound marketing

**  How to track phone calls

**  Which types of content work

**  Content clusters explained

**  The power of marketing automation

**  Chatbots and messenger marketing

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Marcus Sheridan’s incredible content success story: https://blog.hubspot.com/opinion/uattr/marcus-sheridan-hubspot-inbound-conference-2013-bold-talk

**  Connect with James on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jatgilbert/

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Give as much value as you can with your content… look what it did for Marcus Sheridan!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF190_what_is_inbound_mareketing_with_James_Gilbert_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

 


In this episode we talk about the all-important concept of looking after number one. Rik Schnabel has been coaching people for 15 years, empowering them to throw away their baggage and achieve their ambitions. Rik has authored four books and is a certified life coach, so he certainly knows what he’s talking about.

 

See some of Rik’s top tips below:

**  We all need to be better sales people because all of us are basically selling something.

**  Beliefs are your on and your off switch. They can totally define your future.

**  It takes a lot of courage to believe in something that is difficult to prove. But you must keep believing!

**  Reasons get results. When you have a good reason you will do what you can to succeed.

**  Books and videos can help, but coaching is the ultimate for turning yourself around. Even Rik is coached by somebody else.

**  Time and money are basically used as the biggest excuses for not getting more time and more money.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Rik’s amazing story

**  How to avoid negative believers

**  How to invest in your why

**  Is it possible to change your mindset on your own?

**  The seven beliefs that hold people back

**  Imposter syndrome

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Rik’s website: http://www.lifebeyondlimits.com.au

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

As Rik says, “the best ROi in life will come from training with a coach”. Don’t forget the importance of your own mindset!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF188_Why_you_need_to_untrain_your_brain_with_Rik_Schnabel_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We had a really insightful conversation with Lee Martin Seymour about how to define yourself in a crowded marketplace, and how his company X Ref is revolutionising employee references. Martin’s company began as an idea scribbled on the back of a napkin, but now he has a global business that recently raised AUD 20m from a flotation.

See some of Lee’s top tips below:

**  Successful entrepreneurs love risk and have the ability to make a decision. If you’ve got a good idea, make that decision and run with it!

**  People normally complain about a product/process if they know there is an alternative, but often they won’t complain if there is no obvious alternative way of doing things. Just because you can’t see a public demand for something doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your idea forwards.

**  When recruiting, make data-driven decisions, not gut-driven decisions.

**  When hiring new employees, ALWAYS do a reference check!

**  When making big business decisions, i.e. listing as a PLC, try and get unbiased advice from people who don’t stand to gain from the ultimate decision.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The importance of culture over KPI

**  What questions to ask when taking a reference

**  How to focus on one problem

**  How long a reference should be

**  Listing companies explained

**  The benefits of hands-on company ownership

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you have what it takes to be a Business Excelerator at Max My Profit? Find out more here: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Lee’s company site: http://www.xref.com

**  Lee’s email address: lee@xref.com

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Lee keeps going back to the point of “Culture over KPI”. Creating a happy team is absolutely fundamental to the success of any business.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 


We have a viral internet legend on the show today, and who knows, maybe he can help you become one too! Max Lanman shot to fame when a humourous advert he created to help sell his girlfriend’s second-hand car went viral (the original Youtube clip is at 6.7m viewers and counting!). Max also has a business that creates video content for clients around the world, so he’s a very good man to speak to about how to maximise the impact of your video campaigns.

 

See some of Max’s top tips below:

**  Find an emotional background for everything that you do. Understand what you want your audience to feel.

**  Be careful to not place too much of an emphasis of AB testing. If you’re too systematic, your output will lack humanity.

**  Think of your video output as a multi-pronged attack. These days, the best campaigns are normally spread over multiple short videos rather than one long one.

**  If you genuinely connect with the video you’re shooting, there’s a good chance the audience will too.

**  Don’t get too hung up on expensive equipment. How you use it is so much more important.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Max’s incredible story

**  What Max has learnt about video from his journey

**  The value of TV commercials in 2018

**  “The emotional north star"

**  Entertaining V educating in adverts

**  Explainer videos

**  Setting the right budget

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Learn more about our Business Excelerator program: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Watch Max’s legendary viral advert here

**  Max’s personal website: http://www.maxlanman.com

**  Max’s creative agency: http://www.leao.tv

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

You can never guarantee that a video will “go viral”, but if you follow Max’s lead and concentrate on every last detail, you will give yourself every chance.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000


This week you will learn from a LinkedIn superstar about how to win on LinkedIn without needing to spend a cent on advertising. Adam Houlahan is a world-renowned social media guru, having authored two Amazon bestselling books on the matter. He is also in great demand as a keynote speaker. At the latest count, Adam has helped 13,500 people fulfil their potential on LinkedIn.

 

See some of Adam’s top tips below:

**  Don’t be afraid to reach out to gurus. You might be surprised at how generous people can be with their time.

**  The preparation for your campaign is everything. Get your content right!

**  Be prepared to invest an hour per day on LinkedIn.

**  85% of videos are watched without sound.

**  Mix up your content on LinkedIn, otherwise you will be marked down by the algorithm.

**  Be careful about over-selling yourself. Only two articles per month should be directly promotional content.

**  Don’t accept connection requests from anybody. Make sure your connections are genuinely useful to you.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How LinkedIn can work for you

**  Should you be on LinkedIn?

**  LinkedIn searching

**  The amount of content you need each month

**  LinkedIn videos

**  How to capitalise on leads on LinkedIn

**  Where Linkedin fits into the sales funnel

**  How to approach connecting with people

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Learn more about our Business Excelerator program: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Adam’s free LinkedIn profile optimisation course: http://www.adamhoulahan.com

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

There is no magic bullet towards becoming a marketable prospect on LinkedIn, but if you follow some of Adam’s simple rules, you won’t go far wrong.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Direct download: bbf185_how_to_use_linked_in_to_grow_your_business_with_adam_houlahan_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we will gain an amazing insight into the new world of disruption, with the founder of an app that completely redefines the way people apply for jobs. Andrew Joyce is the co-founder of Found Careers: the only job platofrm where prospects can instantly apply for multiple jobs from one tap on their phone. Starting in 2015, Andrew is now presiding over a multi-million dollar business, and has raised AUD 4.5m in funding along the way.

 

See some of Andrew’s top tips below:

**  Take action when you can. Don’t agonise too much on your plan and stop yourself innovating.

**  Once you make a short-term plan (i.e. 6 months), don’t be afraid to review it and change your stance early on.

**  Over half of website traffic comes from mobiles. There is no sign of this upward curve stopping.

**  Do what you can to prove some early traction for your project before going to investors.

**  Always remember that anything you are developing needs to solve a problem.

**  Marketing is king. If you’re starting an app and you put it on the app store with no marketing, you’ll get no downloads whatsoever.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The story of Found Careers

**  The future of job advertising

**  How best to court investors

**  How to build a big business in the long term

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Download our free business-planning template: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Andrew’s job site: http://www.found.careers

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood 

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Listen to Andrew: everything is going mobile. If you aren’t ready for this, you will lose!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 


Alex Baro really is not your average CEO. He’s only 28 and he’s never even had a full-time job! The trials and tribulations of his online fashion retailer Black Swallow serve as a great lesson for all of us. He built up his company from zero to 10m AUD annual turnover in year two, so how did he do it?

 

See some of Alex’s top tips below:

**  Price is the biggest differentiator in online retailing.

**  Suppliers need to genuinely like you. If there is no rapport you won’t get a good deal.

**  Do not underestimate the power of video. If you’re selling a product that you believe in, create a video that demonstrates how good it is.

**  Get your online advertising right. Alex spends 10% of his annual turnover on Facebook advertising (over a million dollars!).

**  Be persistent. One of Alex’s biggest-selling product came after multiple refusals from the supplier.

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The fast-fashion marketplace explained

**  The pitfalls of an importation business

**  How Alex recovered from being hacked

**  The potential cost of outdoor advertising

**  How Alex risked everything and made his own luck

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Would you like to join MaxMyProfit as a Business Excellerator? Visit us here for more information: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

**  Alex’s company website: http://www.blackswallow.com.au

**  Black Swallow’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/blackswallowboutique/

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Alex’s story is a lesson in persistence. To build that multi-million dollar business you always dreamed of, you need to take some big risks and be prepared to ride out some rough times.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 


If you listen to our guest Isaac Tolpin, you will totally change the way you train your staff! Isaac is an EdTech disruptor and an expert in the relationship between human behaviour, technology and business. He knows exactly how to tap into millennials to get the best out of them in the workplace.

 

See some of Isaac’s top tips below:

**  Micro learning has been proven as the most effective form of learning in business. Bitesized content is the way to go.

**  If you’re doing anything digital, don’t break learner trust. They need to learn something, feedback, complete it and get recognised for it within 5 minutes.

**  Be careful when training your team. Long, extensive courses can become outdated quickly. If your audience sees something irrelevant they will not engage with the rest of the content.

**  Learning should never be an event. Only if it’s constant can it actually change a culture.

**  You can create courses yourself for a tiny percentage of the cost of conventional training courses.

**  48% of millennials will not use a PC for any digital media. Take note of this! You can’t assume you can teach people using long and detailed resources that require a computer.

**  To be a successful entrepreneur, you need to be selective with whose opinion you listen to. Make sure they don’t have a vested interest!

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The definition of an EdTech disruptor

**  The inner workings of conveyour.com

**  The benefits of micro learning

**  How a leaderboard can encourage learning and achievement

**  Decision-tree mechanisms explained

**  Training via SMS

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Would you like to join MaxMyProfit as a Business Excellerator? Visit us here for more information: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

**  Isaac’s training business: http://www.conveyour.com

**  Isaac's Microlearning Webinar and 19 Page E-Book: https://events.genndi.com/register/818182175026316034/f813fa2f1f

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Listen to Isaac and modernise your training! Don’t assume millennials will have the patience for long, formal courses.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF182_How_to_create_online_training_that_is_fun_with_Isaac_Tolpin_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

A common tale among business owners is how difficult it is to find the right people. Thankfully our guest this week knows all of the tricks of the trade to help you make the right hiring choices.

Natasha Hawker is an old hand in the recruitment game. Her company, Emloyee Matters, works with clients across Australia, the UK, US and Asia to find the best candidates. She’s also written the highly acclaimed book, “From Hire to fire”.

 

See some of Natasha’s top tips below:

**  Your employees are your greatest assets, but they’re also your greatest liability.

**  Do what you can to avoid using agencies. If you’ve focused your role and offering well enough, you should find the right candidates.

**  Get your job advert right. No spelling mistakes!

**  Don’t get stuck on the idea of just one interview. You should do a phone screen first, then an interview specific to the role, and then an interview to understand the values of the candidate.

**  Don’t go over the top when selling your own organisation. If you give too much away to your candidate then you won’t get a true understanding of their preparation.

**  Even if you’re a small business, think long and hard about your extra offerings for a job, i.e. working from home, healthcare etc.

**  Don’t assume your future employees will come by simply replying to your adverts. Natasha finds 50% of her candidates by approaching them cold.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  What makes people nervous about recruitment

**  The pros and cons of recruitment agencies

**  The different sourcing channels available

**  The active V passive market

**  What makes a great job description

**  The flexibility needed to attract good employees

**  Talent banking explained

**  How to structure your interviews

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Would you like to join MaxMyProfit as a Business Excellerator? Visit us here for more information: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

**  Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” methodology can be found here

**  Natasha’s website with a load of free recruitment resources, including a free employee metrics tool, can be found here

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

When you’re recruiting, don’t forget you’re in 2018. BE FLEXIBLE!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: bbf181_how_to_hire_in_a_tight_applicant_market_with_natasha_hawker_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Today we hear the amazing story of Dean Taylor; a man who started selling wine as a side hustle but who ultimately cashed in his business for 8m AUD! Since then he has etablished seven other successful businesses. Dean’s story really is an inspiration to all of us.

 

See some of Dean’s top tips below:

**  Find good people to run your business. If you are a serial entrepreneur, you can’t get bogged down in the detail.

**  Hire long, fire fast. Don’t be shy about moving on if it isn’t working out with an employee.

**  Keep your head clear. Do exercise and spend time with your family.

**  Don’t get too hung up on the numbers. There’s more to life than money!

**  You must embrace technology if you are to be successful in business. Scott Farquhar of Atlessian says: “these days you’re either a tech company, or you’re being disrupted by a tech company”

**  Try and avoid purely competing on price. The mass buying power of the likes of Amazon makes it nigh-on impossible for a small business to compete on price.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Dean’s amazing story

**  How to provide a first-class service to your customers

**  How to stay on top of seven businesses

**  How Dean rode out the GFC

**  The changing dynamics of the online marketplace

**  The potential for Amazon Australia

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Would you like to join MaxMyProfit as a Business Excellerator? Visit us here for more information: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

**  Dean’s company website: http://www.crackawines.com.au

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Dean is an example of a man who made is fortune by taking his chance. If you find yourself in the right place at the right time, be ready!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 


This week we have some straightforward SEO advice from a man who calls himself “just a regular guy”. Like most of us entrepreneurs, Greg Jeffries has done his time trying to master SEO and has wasted a lot of money. But last year was Greg’s first year where he made a 6-figure sum, purely off the back of affiliate marketing using SEO.

 

See some of Greg’s top tips below:

**  Target the longer key-phrase suggestions using a tool like keywordtool.io. These tend to have lower competition than the shorter, more obvious phrases.

**  Location can be your friend. If you have a business that is based in a specific location, you can add this to the end of a long-tail phrase so you can have even less competition.

**  Don’t forget about Youtube. It’s easy to think of SEO in terms of written content in blog posts, but a Youtube video with the right title and description can be worth its weight in gold.

**  Keyword density isn’t everything. Search engine algorithms are a lot more intelligent than simply counting up the instances of keywords.

**  Create a content schedule and stick to it. Discipline and consistency are fundamental to SEO success.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Affiliate marketing explained

**  How Greg has achieved substantial passive income

**  How to generate leads with SEO marketing

**  When to outsource your blog writing

**  Backlinks explained

**  Is it worth buying social media shares?

**  The optimum length of a blog post

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Would you like to join MaxMyProfit as a Business Excellerator? Visit us here for more information: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

**  Greg’s no-nonsense SEO course can be found here: http://www.seoaffiliatedomination.com

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

The message that Greg keeps going back to is that there is no dark art to SEO anymore. Create good content, and do it regularly!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF179_Simple_Scalale_Sustainable_SEO_with_greg_jeffries.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We’re tackling some deep ideology this week with our very esteemed guest, Anne Bahr Thompson.

Anne has been named America’s top thought-leader for 2018, having published a hugely successful book called “Do Good” which explains how modern-day business can do good for the world and still make profit at the same time.

You will have to listen to the show to hear exactly what Anne’s five rules of contientious business are, but keep reading for some additional insight from the show.

 

See some of the conversation points below:

**  Nowadays people want businesses to solve problems with social issues and the environment; not just their own specific customer ‘problem’.

**  Think of how you build trust with your closest friends… this is the way you should shape the relationship with your customer base.

**  Make sure you build a good ethos in your company. If you obviously stand for something, you can relate to your audience.

**  Responsibility begins with how you treat your employees.

**  Business is a social organism - never forget this! It exists in the same society we spend our everyday lives in.

**  Foster a sense of community in your organisation. Shared values amongst employees can be very powerful indeed.

**  Don’t be scared of making mistakes when you run a company. If you are sincere enough in learning from the mistakes, your marketplace will trust you.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Examples of good corporate citizenship

**  How Apple built trust with its customers

**  How to be clear about your values and culture

**  Why the banks lost trust

**  The ‘stakeholder view’ versus the ‘shareholder view’

**  Social entrepreneurialism explained

**  Courage in business

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Work with one of our business Excellerators: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Buy Anne’s book, “Do Good: Embarcing Brand Citizenship to Fuel Both Purpose and Profit” here

**  Anne’s website: http://www.brandcitizenship.com

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Remember what Anne said about creating virtuous circles. Now more than ever it is possible for businesses to connect with causes for the sake of the wider good.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot/ of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF178_The_5_new_rules_of_business.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week our host Ben will share some absolute gold about facebook marketing.

This is the down-to-earth advice of a business owner who’s learnt the hard way, having wasted time and money on it for years.

Now, MaxMyProfit makes millions of dollars from Facebook advertising, but it wasn’t always the case. You’ll have to listen to the show for all 9 tips, but you can read on for a few highlights.

 

See some of the conversation points below:

**  Be wary of agencies. They won’t know your business like you do.

**  Understand the nature of the marketing you’re doing. Is it ‘solution marketing’ or ‘interruption marketing’? With solution marketing, you're dealing with people who know they have a problem and your job as a marketeer is to prove that you can solve their problem. With interruption marketing, the person you’re targeting is not looking for a solution, so your job is to shock them into action. Facebook advertising is interruption marketing.

**  If you’re searching for leads, make sure the information you gather is definitely useful to your sales process. You should be thinking things like, “will I need a phone number, or can I get by with just an email address?”

**  Do A/B testing! Facebook has a multitude of data to help you understand why something works and why something else doesn’t, so make sure you use it!

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The two types of marketing campaigns

**  How your sales process links with your FB advertising

**  Facebook pixels explained

**  When to use lead ads

**  How best to use images for FB advertising

**  The 80/20 marketing

**  Advertising for different genders

**  What is an appropriate advertising spend?

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Work with one of our business Excellerators: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  80/20 Marketing by Perry Marshall can be bought here

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

As Ben says, “Facebook marketing is a way for most businesses to make money”. So don’t delay… get on top of it!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot/ of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF177_9_tips_for_generating_leads_with_facebook_ads.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We’ve got a real winner on the show this week, so listen up! Tom Kulzer shares with us some great insight on how to build, grow and maintain a large business. Tom is the founder and CEO of AWeber: one of the leading small-business email marketing packages. Originally founded in 1998, AWeber now has over 100,000 customers around the world and a team of 120 people. Another remarkable part of the story is that Tom built up the business entirely from his own funding. Not one dollar of investment has come from an external source.

Read on for Tom’s top tips for business longevity:

**  Really understand the problems your customers have. You may have many different types of customers, so take the time to understand as many different groups as you can.

**  If you’re going to raise funds, make absolutely sure you have a focus on how to spend it.

**  Take away the things that keep people up at night. Look after your team!

**  The majority of AWeber’s money is spent on R & D. It’s a constant battle to stay relevant with your products.

**  If your company is growing, don’t assume you can do it all yourself. Hiring people might seem difficult, but it won’t be as difficult as running an entire business day-to-day.

**  Hire people who are smarter than you. Put your ego aside… you need these people to grow!

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Tom’s amazing story

**  How to build a business without external funding

**  The business growth stool

**  Hiring the perfect management team

**  How Tom kept his tech company relevant

**  What Tom likes about being an entrepreneur

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  We’re looking for franchise partners. Do you have what it takes to become one of our Business Excelerators? Go to: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

**  Go to http://www.aweber.com for a free trial. This software comes highly recommended from us!

**  Go to http://www.aweber.com/connect for free email marketing bundles.

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

As Tom says, “if you’re not trying, you’re not growing!”. Don’t get complacent!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot/ of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000


This week we’re going to hear a masterclass from Matt Motil in how you can invest in property using hardly any of your own money. Matt will also share with us the mindset you need to take the plunge and make property investment a career choice.

Matt worked for 20 years in the construction industry, but it was only once he got into teaching that he realised he should leave the rat race behind and become his own boss as a property investor. In his words, he was merely “helping people become employees”, so he strived to find a better way.

Now Matt has a vast property portfolio and a highly successful company that has helped hundreds of property investors around the world. He is also a 3-times bestselling author and hosts the excellent Cashflow King and American Entrepreneur podcasts. He clearly knows his stuff!

 

Read on for Matt’s top tips:

**  When people try and persuade you to stay as an unhappy employee and say things like “keep at it, it’ll get better”, don’t assume this is true.

**  Don’t worry about letting people down. If you want to break out of the system, go for it.

**  Don’t wait for the perfect time to make a big move. Life will pass you by otherwise.

**  The same applies to property. Don’t be so afraid of making that first investment. If you wait for the ‘perfect' property, you won’t find it.

**  There is no secret formula for what makes a successful property entrepreneur. In Matt’s study of property entrepreneurs, the common theme among them is as simple as “getting out of their own way”, i.e. having an abundant mindset where they take assertive action.

**  It is possible to buy property with no money in the bank, i.e. for tax purposes, some owners don’t want the short-term revenue from the sale. They’ll retain a mortgage instead, and you can arrange a payment plan with them privately. As long as the revenue you generate from the property equals or exceeds the payments, you’ll be doing good business.

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How you can enter the game with minimal cash

**  Matt’s story of how he left the rat race earned himself freedom

**  When is the right time?

**  The value of mistakes

**  How much money you really need to get started in real estate investment

**  The length of time it can take to do a deal

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Work with one of our business Excellerators: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Go to Matt’s website and receive a free bestselling book + a load of other great resources to help get you started in property investment: http://www.mattmotil.com

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

As Matt says quite simply, if you’re thinking about investing in property, “take action”!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot/ of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF175_How_to_start_as_a_real_estate_investor_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

It sounds like pure makebelieve, but this week we hear from a guy who has made his fortune by selling fresh air! Troy Paquette is the co-founder and COO of Vanity Air, a company born out of Troy’s desire for the world to breathe the same fresh air as he could in his native Banff in Canada.

From humble beginnings selling zip-lock bags full of air on eBay, Troy has built up Vanity Air to become a global phenomenon. Troy shared some interesting insight about what you need to take an unusual product to market, and how you should approach partnership in business.

 

Read on for Troy’s top tips:

** If you have a truly unique product, your presence can multiply quickly if the right media gets hold of it.

**  Be careful if your business grows organically. Without a business plan from the beginning, you may hit the wall.

** Do what you can to self fund. Doing so keeps a tight discipline on the finances when you’re starting out.

**  Don’t be afraid of working in partnership with a friend. If you both complement each other’s skills then it can work great.

**  Choose your investors wisely. Be careful of investors who will clip your wings.

**  Passion is the absolute key to being a great entrepreneur. Although luck is always a factor, without passion, you will not make your own luck.

**  Don’t worry about the haters and naysayers. If you have a groundbreaking product there will always be negativity. Keep the faith and ride it out!

**  The people who make it are the people who push hard when they’re at rock bottom.

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How Troy took a leap of faith and started out

**  What motivates an entrepreneur

**  The secrets of a successful global business

**  How Troy courted international investors

**  The importance of intellectual property

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Work wih one of our business Excellerators: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Troy’s website: http://www.vitalityair.com

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Let’s end this with some sage advice from Ben. If you’re struggling to keep the faith with a unique product, consider this: “…we wouldn’t have flight if it wasn’t for the Wright Brothers!”

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot/ of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF174_How_to_build_a_business_selling_nothing_but_air_with_Troy_Paquette.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Tara Shelton has made it her business to empower people to tell the right story with their branding. Her company, Dream & Do has the motto “if you can dream it, you can become it” and down the years has helped hundreds of businesses sell themselves to their marketplace. Even if your business and your brand is well-established, you can still benefit greatly from the no-nonsense advice from Tara.

 

Read on for Tara’s top tips:

**  A logo isn’t a brand - there is so much more to it than that.

**  You don’t get a second chance at a first impression!

**  Don’t worry about offending people. Be different and go for it!

**  All successful brands define the USP.

**  Think deeply about every interaction you have with your customers and inject this into your branding.

**  Google yourself and manage your own personal brand. Make sure your headshot is always the same across all different social mediums.

**  Look at what everyone else in your market is doing… what if you did the opposite?

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How branding is more than simply design

**  How branding can create an experience

**  Branding on a budget

**  When to rebrand

**  Branding success stories

**  Can you get away with cheap logo services?

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Book yourself in for a complimentary business assessment at http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Special offer for BBF listeners: Tara’s eBook “42 branding tips for startups”, normally 12 AUD, free giveaway if you email tara@dreamanddo.com.au and put BBF in the subject header.

**  Tara’s website: http://www.dreamanddo.com.au

**  Tara’s instagram: _dreamanddo_

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Let’s go back to Tara’s advice from before. If you want one thing that sums up her approach to branding, read this and take note: “Look at what everyone else is doing… what if you did the opposite?”

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot/ of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: bbf173_branding_your_business_for_success.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

What a pleasure it is to talk about a monumental Aussie success story. As the founder of Canva.com, Cameron Adams has flown the flag for Aussie entrepreneurs the world over by creating a collaborative online design platform that has literally changed the lives of millions.

The basic premise of Canva was to empower people who were not naturally gifted in the area of design to get creative. Canva succeeded in spades and is now worth over $1bn! As well as telling the story of their meteoric rise, Cameron gave us some brilliant insight that all entrerpreneurs could benefit from.

 

Read on for Cameron’s top tips:

**  Understand what your strength is in business. If you are an expert on product/invention then you need to make sure you have someone alongside you who is more focused on process and management.

**  Get your onboarding right. Don’t subject your employees to too many ‘sink or swim’ situations.

**  When trying to raise investment you should really focus on getting your first investor over the line. Then others will follow.

**  Get your content right. Do that and you won’t need to spend big money on conventional marketing.

**  Creating a great product is your best form of marketing.

**  When doing your marketing campaigns, always work to a KPI, i.e. "cost per new lead”

Think properly about the product you’re building. Stay faithful to your vision by not pandering to fads and investor agendas.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The sensational rise of Canva

**  The best uses of Canva as a design tool

**  How Cameron raised funding in the early days

**  Is there a formula for being a successful entrepreneur?

**  How Canva gathered intelligence from its customers

**  The best ‘kind’ of investor

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Book yourself in for a complimentary business assessment at http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Go to http://www.canva.com for design inspiration.

**  Cameron says that Canva is always looking to hire fresh new talent. Simply google “canva jobs” to see what’s out there at the moment.

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Cameron’s success is based on many positive factors, but the quote that really hit home is this one: “Create a culture in your company where your workers are encouraged to be a good human and to empower others."

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot/ of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF172_How_an_Aussie_built_a_US1b_company_in_6_years_with_Cameron_Adams.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we talk to someone who has used adversity in business to do things a different way. John Abbott lost six businesses during the GFC and went off to Bali with only a backpack to his name, but soon he found a winning formula in business by using giveaways.

John is an inspirational man who has worked with some truly inspirational people, such as Richard Branson, Roger Hamilton and Paul Dunn. As the founder of the Results Platform Foundation and Global Enterprise, John has truly practiced what he has preached and has the results to prove it.

 

Read on for John’s top tips on work/life balance and the power of giveaways:

**  Swift action is the best. It’s tempting to hold onto a failing business for the sake of your staff, but it might actually be better for them to make a change sooner rather than later.

**  Do not hide! Front up to people if you owe them money – then you stand a better chance of  successful negotiation.

**  In Bali, John saw “extraordinarily wealthy people” living with almost no money. Whatever you are doing in business, remember that it is possible to be happy without massive monetary wealth.

**  Giving is a good way of turning what would normally be a sales conversation into something easier.

**  If you offer real value for free and someone makes a commitment to receive it, they are more likely to commit to buying something further down the line.

**  You can offer a giveaway for a limited number of people. Think of all of the people who apply for the giveaway who don’t make it… you can then contact them and make them a special offer.

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How John coped with losing everything

**  When to let go of a failing business

**  How to use giving to benefit your business and everyone

**  How to manage the demand for giveaways

**  The power of “human to human” marketing

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Book yourself in for a complimentary business assessment at http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  John’s personal website: http://www.johnabbott.me

**  Further detail on John’s pioneering giving model can be found at: http://www.givingmodel.com

**  John’s book, Freedom By Design can be bought here

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

 

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

There is a lot you can learn from John. First, that it is possible to come back from a dire financial situation as both a person and a businessman, and second, that giving is an immensely powerful sales/marketing tool.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

Direct download: bbf171_how_to_grow_your_business_by_giving_products_away_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Every business needs good systems. It might not seem like the most glamorous thing on the desk of an entrepreneur, but once you hear Scott Gellatly talk about systems, you’ll start to appreciate their magic!

Scott has an extensive background in large-scale IT and project management, having founded his hugely successful company, Scale My Empire. He’s built an easy-to-use framework that can help any business owner, and he’s been kind enough to share it with us on the show.

Read on for Scott’s top tips:

**  Developments in technology should be seen as an opportunity for leverage and empowerment. If you think back to olden times, a farmer who took the plunge and started to use a horse & cart would be more empowered than a farmer who stuck to what he knew and merely continued to use a hoe.

**  Technology helps you work on the business rather than work in it.

**  Think of the high divorce rate among business owners. Creating systems that take you away from the stress of the coalface can literally change your life.

**  You must give your employees a process, a platform and a way of measuring it. The right system will do this.

**  A system can allow a low-paid employee to do tasks that would previously have been done by a higher-paid employee. This directly increases your margin.

**  Business owners consistently struggle to delegate. Systems are a great opportunity to change this.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Why people avoid systems

**  The ‘triangle’ of systems

**  Futureproofing your business

**  Where you should start when systemising

**  How systems can help recruitment

**  What the newest technology will do for the human race

**  AI’s potential to assign work across a business

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Book yourself in for a complimentary business assessment at http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Scott’s Scale My Empire website is here

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

There is beauty and empowerment in systems! Just listen to Scott and think of what you can do to empower your business and your employees.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF170_How_to_easily_systemise_your_business_with_Scott_Gellatly.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Books can be a very powerful way for an entrepreneur to arrive in their marketplace, as well as a brilliant journey of self discovery. Every entrepreneur should consider writing a book, but how do you go about doing it?

On the show this week we have Joanne Fedler to walk us through the process. Joanne is an international bestelling auther of 10 books (selling over 650,000), one of which even outsold Harry Potter for a short time to top the Amazon bestseller chart. Joanne is now a specialist writing tutor, so it really was a privilege to get her practical advice for free.

Read on for Joanne’s top tips:

**  Don’t wait to be chosen by a publisher, choose yourself! Self publishing has never been more possible.

**  Don’t rush the writing of a book. For something that will have long-lasting value, you should expect to be spending 1 - 2 years from beginning to end.

**  Get the best editor you can afford. Most of the best creativity comes from teamwork.

**  Understand your why. If you don’t establish why you care so much about an issue to write a book about it, you will never focus properly.

**  Create a routine for writing. Break down your big idea into digestible chunks.

**  You don’t need to write your book in chronological order. Write what comes naturally and decide on the order right at the end.

**  Publishing a book is as simple as buying an ISBN number from Bowker and spending a couple of hundred dollars with Ingram Spark who will upload your book to Amazon and all of their distributors.

**  Books can be printed on demand. You will never have to gamble with a big initial outlay.

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How long it takes to write a book that has substance

**  What stops people writing

**  The power of deadlines

**  How to use your defining moment in life to empower your writing

**  How to find a publisher

**  The optimum routine for writing a book

**  How to get an ISBN number

**  Affordable self-publishing options

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Maxmyprofit is looking for Business Excelerators. Could you step up to the plate to help business owners build the business they imagine? Find out more here.

**  Joanne’s personal website is here

**  Other sites mentioned in the episode: IngramSpark, Bowker, Createspace, 99designs, Upwork

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

As Joanne says, “everyone’s got a book in them”. Now you know how to write it and publish it, what’s stopping you?

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000


We all want our business to be featured in the media, right? But there inlies the problem. Because everybody wants the same thing, a journalist’s inbox is absolutely inundated every day, so how do you stand out from the crowd and get that coverage for your business?

We get the answers from Jason Feifer – a man who has spent most of his career being courted by people wanting him to write about them. Jason has previously been the editor of Men’s Health, Maxim and Boston, and is the current editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine, so he knows better than anyone what it takes for an entrepreneur to be featured in the publications that matter to them.

See below for some of Jason’s top tips:

**  A lot of people think they should get press “just because”. This really isn’t the attitude. You must try and get press with a focus.

**  You are never doing a journalist a favour. Don’t adopt that attitude!

**  Understand the audience of each publication and tailor your pitch accordingly. You shouldn’t just copy and paste your pitch and click 'send'.

**  What makes your story unique? Starting a business is not unique and being successful at business is not unique; but maybe a stunt that you pulled is unique.

**  Don’t assume a PR person will be able to make your story fit for a publication. You still need to have that focus yourself.

**  Approach the people in an organisation who are empowered enough to make decisions, but not so powerful as to be too busy.

**  Think about following a journalist on twitter and reading their previous work. That way you can engage them from the beginning of your correspondence with your views on what they’ve done in the past.

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to get into the media for free

**  The value (or not) of PR

**  Does Linkedin work for getting coverage?

**  Who you should contact in a media organisation

**  Do we need press releases any more?

**  How to send the right emails

**  Elevator pitches for journalists

**  How much you should follow up

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Maxmyprofit is looking for Business Excelerators. Could you step up to the plate to help business owners build the business they imagine? Find out more here.

**  Find Jason’s excellent podcasts, “Problem Solvers” and “Pessimists Archive” here.

**  Check out Jason’s own website: http://www.jasonfeifer.com

**  Jason’s article: Pitching your business to a journalist

**  Jason’s article: 5 ways to stand out from the crowd

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

 

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Don’t forget Jason’s immortal words, “press releases suck”. If you want to get coverage, you must think laterally and do something different!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF168_Why_press_releases_dont_work_with_Jason_Feifer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:42am AEDT

This week on BBF we will share some great advice that EVERY business owner could benefit from. With us on the show is Bernadette Schwerdt, who offers us an excellent insight into the online sphere thanks in no small part to her experience writing her book “Secrets of Online Entrepreneurs”. For the book she interviewed 100 of the most disruptive online marketers in the world, so she certainly knows from the best how a business can stand out in a crowded marketplace.

A copywriter by trade, Bernadette has created campaigns for the likes of Apple, American Express and BHP and is the founder of the Australian School Of Copywriting. And what’s more, Bernadette has actually appeared on Neighbours a total of four times!

See below for some of Bernadette’s top online-marketing insight:

**  60% of small businesses in Australia don’t have a website. This seems incredible, but if your business is part of that 60% then it’s time to get with it!!

**  Retailers who already have an offline presence actually are in the best possible position to succeed online.

**  Think offline before you go online. Make that product, make that sale. Don’t try and reach out to a thousand customers if you don’t even have one customer.

**  Understand your metrics. You may not be an SEO expert but you may need to manage one, so you have to know enough to be able to measure the performance of marketing professionals effectively.

**  Make your content sharable. If you make your content good enough to share then you won’t need to pay silly money for advertising.

**  The best way to shape your content is to ‘answer' the questions your customers/clients ask most regularly.

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Ways to create lead magnets

**  The concept of purchase cycles

**  The importance of content

**  SEO explained

**  How to stand out in a flooded online market

**  Income goals V global disruption

**  The power of A/B testing software

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Build the business you imagined with coaching from Maxmyprofit

**  Check out Bernadette’s website here

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Getting noticed in a flooded online marketplace might seem daunting, but if you follow Bernadette’s simple advice you cannot fail to make progress!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF167_How_to_build_an_online_business_with_Bernadette_Shwerdt.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Bob Burg has a refreshingly different take on giving. He draws the distinction between sacrifice and giving in a way that achieves mutual value for a business and its customers. Bob certainly knows what he’s talking about, having sold over 1.5 million books worldwide on the topic. His mantra is that the amount of money you make is directly proportional to the number of people you serve.

See below for more of Bob’s take on giving:

**  You can always give to others before you do business with them, i.e. information, introductions etc.

**  No one is doing business with you for your benefit – they’re doing it for their benefit.

**  Giving doesn’t necessarily mean being a martyr. You can be a good giver but also receive at the same time.

**  Always ask questions of your customers. Only then can you properly measure the value you are giving.

**  Remember: what we find valuable about our service might not be the same as what your customers think is valuable.

**  Think of the goals of your customers. How do they align with what you’re selling them?

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  More about Bob’s book, The Go-Giver

**  The law of value

**  The difference between price and value

**  The five elements of value

**  How to balance “self interest”

**  How to become influential in your space

**  Should you pay attention to your competitors?

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Become a business Excellerator at Maxmyprofit: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

**  Bob’s website: http://www.thegogiver.com

**  Bob’s most famous book, ‘The Go-Giver’ can be bought here

**  One of Bob’s go-to books mentioned in the episode, ‘The Power of Why’ by C. Richard Welyman can be bought here

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

If you are to take one message from this episode it is that value is a two-way thing. Think long and hard about what value you can give, and then what value you can receive in return.

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 

Direct download: BBF166_Why_giving_is_the_best_way_to_receive_with_Bob_Burg.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We’ve all heard horror stories of successful businesses who get completely taken down by legal action. If you take the advice of our guest this week, you can make sure your business isn’t one of them. Joanna Oakey will go through all of the main pitfalls your business may be exposed to, and we promise; there isn’t a hint of legal jargon! This is all to-the-point advice that any business owner can benefit from hearing.

Joanna is a commercial lawyer with a passion for business, having worked across a large portfolio of sales, mergers, acquisitions, commercial law and intellectual property. She has been a keynote speaker in events across Australia, and we like her even more because she hosts her own podcast!

See below for some great legal tips from Joanna:

**  If your business is growing quickly then you are probably the most exposed to a legal challenge.

**  Not having a registered trademark is very dangerous. You are exposed to attack from two different angles. Firstly, an organisation with a brand similar to yours could bring a case; and secondly you are open to other competitors sprouting up and copying your brand.

**  With intellectual property the only thing you can protect is the expression of the idea, not the idea itself.

**  Don’t forget your clients. Have a strong client engagement agreement to cover yourself.

**  You should only think of your terms and conditions as something to fall back on when your legal team fights another legal team. You should really do what you can to avoid this scenario, so make sure you are explicit with the most important parts of your Ts & Cs during the buyer journey.

**  Make sure you protect yourself against unfair dismissal claims. Are your employee agreements what they should be?

**  The key is to have all of these things in place BEFORE you need them.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How litigation really works

**  The definition of intellectual property

**  The definition of copyright

**  The definition of patents

**  How to apply for a trademark

**  Is clicking a box accepting terms & conditions legally binding?

**  What protection an employee probationary period actually offers

**  How to restrain ex-employees

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Free business advice and tools from Ben: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  If any listeners have a business and want to know more about their legal coverage, you can have a FREE 40-minute consultation with Joanna. Simply go to http://www.aspectlegal.com.au/contact and type in “I want my free 40-minute session, I’m a Business Brain Food listener" in the enquiry field.

**  Joanna’s Podcast is called Talking Law. If you type that into itunes or google you will easily be able to find it and subscribe.

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

 

Call to action:

Remember what Joanne kept going back to: have your legal frameworks in place BEFORE you have a problem. You could save yourself a lot of time, money, and maybe even your entire business!

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000

 


What a tremendous character we have on the show this week. It really is difficult to know where to start with Akbar Sheikh. From being homeless and taking refuge in a San Francisco utility cupboard, he’s gone on to conquer the world of business, and even better, he’s now giving something back.

His epiphany came on a day when his network marketing business brought in $25,000, but he realised he felt so much more enjoyment from the free consultancy he’d given a not-for-profit business on that same day. He now works with a charity in Africa that cures children from blindness, as well as a charity in San Francisco that provides mattresses for the homeless.

See below for some Akbar’s amazing tips on life and marketing:

**  Most people fail at the fundamentals. They’re always looking for the next big thing, but if you have a foundation you can scale to seven figures.

**  Stop what you’re doing if you hate it. Remember Einstein’s famous quote: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

**  You won’t have a successful business unless you stop your bad life habits.

**  Think about scaling and growth every day. Don’t stand still or you will become bitter.

**  Do organic marketing before paid marketing - it helps prove the concept.

**  Make your content regular - keep feeding the machine.

**  It isn’t difficult to create content - it’s just documenting your everyday reality.

**  You are who you spend your time with. Hang with the right people and you will take the right path.

**  Find a ‘why’ in life that makes you cry. Motivation becomes completely automatic once you do.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The definition of a funnel

**  The ethical 7 principles of sales

**  The tools you need for a successful online business

**  The value of organic marketing

**  How to make producing content easy

**  How Akbar got 8 million in traffic without paying for any online advertising

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Free business advice and tools from Ben: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

**  Get Akbar’s international bestselling book (normally $47) for FREE here

**  Akbar’s Facebook group: The 2 comma club

**  The Business Brain Food Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

**  All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au

**  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:

This is an unarguably insightful quote from a man who’s lived one heck of a life: “As business people we are artists. We need a clean and clear canvas in our mind.”

Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!

Until next time, have a profitable day!

Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000


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