Business Brain Food (general)

Summary
Tom Schwab has had a varied life. He’s going to tell us how to get the best out of podcasts and inbound marketing, but his back story is every bit as interesting. He spent time in the navy (and did a neat side hustle exporting custom-made shirts from Singapore!), managed a nuclear power plant, and then eventually became the first person to create an e-commerce business in Hubspot way back in 2007. Nowadays he is the man behind Interview Valet: a podcasting consultancy that helps people find interview guests and generate leads from their content.

See some of Tom’s top tips below:
** [14:55-15:15] Entrepreneurship is work-life integration. It isn’t about the money - it’s about the quality of life.
** [16:20-16:30] Rules are just guidelines. To be a good entrepreneur you need to know when to ignore them.
** [23:45-24:00] To get heard you’re normally going to need to leverage other audiences. Many businesses mistakenly assume that good content on their platform will be enough to get people to notice them.
** [27:10-27:30] The best way to sell something today is not to sell anything but to earn the respect and trust of those who might buy in future.
** [37:30-38:00] The larger the global reach, the more you need a podcast.
** [38:30-38:30] Understand exactly what you want your podcast to do for you before you do it. Is it lead generation? Is it to increase trust from your existing customers? etc.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** Why job security doesn’t mean happiness
** The power of estimation
** How to sell when you’re not a salesman
** Blogs or podcast?
** Are podcasts still booming?
** Should you be a podcast host or a podcast guest?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Check out Tom’s special podcasting guide for BBF listeners: http://www.interviewvalet.com/businessbrain

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell
Call to action:
Podcasts are still a growth area. If you’re scared about starting one, get up to speed with someone like Tom.
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF265_Getting_heard_in_a_noisy_world_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00pm AEDT

Summary
We have a seriously charismatic fella on the show this week. Doug Morneau is an expert email marketer, but he’s also an expert storyteller. His book ‘Three Big Lies: The real truth about renting email lists’ became an international bestseller, and his interview with Ben is absolutely chock-full of brilliant advice and myth-busting about marketing and entrepreneurship. It’s people like Doug that are the reason we do this podcast!

See some of Doug’s top tips below:
** [9:20 - 9:50] You need desire more than you need knowledge. You can hire people with knowledge.
** [10:30-10:40] As an entrepreneur, people are not hiring you to take them 20 steps down the road. They need you to make the next two steps. Don’t avoid challenges just because you can’t see the next 20 steps.
** [13:05 - 13:30] Be aware that when you start to grow your business, your original core team might not be the right team in a few years’ time.
** [14:40-15:30] You don’t know what you don’t know. Make sure you surround yourself with people who have experience at the higher levels you aspire to.
** [20:00-20:30] Be contrary! Do what your competitors wouldn’t think to do.
** [27:55-28:15] It’s easier than ever to do effective marketing. There is so much choice these days.
** [29:30-29:50] Email can still provide far greater reach than social-media marketing.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How to face down imposter syndrome
** How to avoid emotional investment in colleagues
** The importance of successful friends
** Imaginary barriers explained
** How to scale ambitiously
** How marketing has changed
** Are email lists still a viable form of marketing?
** Should you buy email lists?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Go to Doug’s website: http://www.dougmorneau.com (subscribe to Doug’s email list and get a free copy of his book)

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell
Call to action:
Be bold enough to ask for something, and then be quiet and listen! [23:15] This has quite clearly worked for Doug.
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF264_Be_bold_enough_to_ask_with_Doug_Morneau_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
This week we have a special coaching session from Ben where he tells us what separates the best from the rest. No guest, just half an hour of great business advice that he’d normally charge good money for. Ben has worked with some of the very best and very worst in nearly 20 years as a business coach… he certainly knows what it takes to be the best!

See some of Ben’s top tips below:
** [5:40-6:10] We are human beings not human doings. If you want to have something then you have to consider who you need to be.
** [11:40-12:00] Ownership, accountability and responsibility are the key behaviours you need to exhibit if you are to get what you want. Steer clear of blame, excuse and denial.
** [14:10-14:20] Instead of saying “it won’t work” you should say, “how can I make it work?"
** [15:05-15:15] It’s what you say to yourself about yourself when you’re by yourself that matters the most. Get those affirmations right!
** [26:10-26:20] Whatever you say after the words “I am” are the most powerful.
** [37:00-37:20] Your biggest limiting factor is you! Understanding this is what separates the best from the rest.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** The importance of affirmations
** How to take ownership
** Why you should constantly learn
** Where does confidence come from?
** Why the education system is flawed
** The power of NLP
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell
Call to action:
[16:40-16:50] The only failure is the failure to participate. If you really want to be an entrepreneur, give it a go!
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF263_What_seperates_the_best_from_the_rest_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
All the way from Denver Colorado we have Chad Sanderson giving us the lowdown on what “sales” really means. He’s been leading successful sales and marketing teams for over 20 years, and although he his very charismatic and insightful, he’ll tell you that good sales is about so much more than good talking. He goes into more detail about Proven Predictable Value selling and debunks some of the common myths that are tripping up business owners when they build their sales teams.

See some of Chad’s top tips below:
** [5:15 - 5:25] Chad was trained in the value selling framework 18 years ago and it totally transformed his career.
** [6:20 - 6:35] Value isn’t what I think value is. Value is what the other individual I’m talking to thinks.
** [14:45] - [15:10] If you can’t step back then you’ll never get a new perspective. You must make the effort to disengage.
** [16:05] - [16:20] Sales people are always looking for a silver bullet. There isn’t one! The sooner you realise this, the sooner you will create an effective process.
** [36:40] - [37:30] When planning the direction of your business, it should always go back to “why?”. If you don’t know the “why” of what you’re doing, you shouldn’t be doing it. Get out of the way of your own assumptions!
** [40:20] - [41:00] Educate yourselves about what sales really means. You want people who solve problems, rather than push benefits.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** The battle of marketing people V sales people
** How do people end up in sales?
** Commission V permission
** How to plan ahead in a post-COVID world
** Proven predictable value explained
** Where businesses get their sales training wrong
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell
Call to action:
Remember that sales is a long-term thing, not just a short-term sales pitch.
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF262_Removing_the_fluff_from_your_sales_process_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
We often talk about working on your business rather than working in your business, but how do you actually do it? David Jenyns will tell you how. David is the author of the book Systemology; a comprehensive guide on how a business owner can detach themselves from their day-to-day and scale their business properly. He draws from his own extensive experience which includes being the founder of melbourneseoservices.com and would you believe, selling the MCG!

See some of David’s top tips below:
** Business owners can easily get trapped in their own business. If you get too hung up on operating your own specialism every day, you might never get out.
** Create systems for all the mundane stuff. This will free you up to be more creative and will make your working day more fun.
** Don’t let your ego get in the way. Just because you got the business to level one doesn’t mean you have to micro-manage your way up to level two.
** Don’t build the myth that your working day is more important than the rest of your staff. Have a process of delegation and stick to it.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How David “sold the MCG”
** How to scale your business from the beginning
** Debunking the business owners’ To Do list
** How do you get a non-systems person to systemise properly?
** Is it a good idea to copy a big systemised business like McDonalds?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Pre-order David’s book here: http://www.systemology.com/book

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell
Call to action:
Get your business working to a point where it works without you first! That’s David’s message. [42:15 – 43:20]
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF261_How_David_Jenyns_systemised_himself_out_of_his_business_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
What a great character we have on the show this week. Dave Luehr’s story is a truly inspirational one. He had it all with a million-dollar business and then he lost it. For many years later he was disempowered by a fear of failure, but eventually he understood how to use failure to his advantage. Nowadays he travels around the world inspiring small business owners to achieve their full potential.

See some of Dave’s top tips below:
** Don’t lose the 5 year-old child in you. Fear of failure can be totally disempowering. (8:00-8:30)
** You cannot be successful without fear. You have to be willing to get out there and fail brilliantly! (17:15 - 17:45)
** Meditation is simply an awareness of what is going on in your mind. You don’t have to be spiritual about it - it can simply be used as a way to make your mind more efficient. (21:00 - 21:00)
** The secret to success is really no secret. It’s simply a matter of taking small bold steps each day towards your vision of success. (24:30 - 25:00)
** Make sure you have a "north star”. There needs to be a big vision to spur you on every day (32:05 - 32:20)
** If you’re the smartest guy in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Make sure you surround yourself with people who can inspire you. (43:20 - 43:30)
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How a school dropout can turn into a serial entrepreneur
** The other meaning of WTF
** How to reframe failure
** How meditation can make you feel more aware in the moment
** The power of criticism and feedback
** The “Walmart effect” explained
** How to find a Mastermind group
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Dave’s company website: http://www.elitebodyshopsolutions.com

** Dave’s YouTube channel of motivational messages is here

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell
Call to action:
In case you didn’t get it the first or the second time: don’t be ruled by fear! Just look what happened to Dave’s life when he learnt how to reframe 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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF260_The_secret_of_success_is_not_a_secret_at_all.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
This week we give you all the tools you need to consistently perform your best. Our guest Sarah Taylor has truly been there and done it; transforming herself from an obese 40 year-old to a 21-time world-champion bodybuilder by the time she was 49. You’re now going to hear how Sarah applied the same mindset to become a champion in business as COO & CTO of one of Melbourne’s hottest startups.

See some of Sarah’s top tips below:
** Take a habit-based approach. Break everything down in your life and work out how to develop the little things. (11:30 - 12:30)
** Those who achieve the best results are those who are motivated by something inside. Trophies and adulation shouldn’t be the main focus. (13:20 - 13:50)
** Have food that works for your current goal. It is fundamental to your productivity. (18:00 - 18:30)
** Set boundaries. Be brave enough to train the people around you by sticking to your plan. (20:10 - 20:30)
** Make sure your business is running in a regular cycle. If you review your work regularly you won’t veer off course. (24:30 - 25:30)
** Create space for your health! When things get really tough you should focus even more on yourself. (42:00 - 43:00)
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How Sarah used the discipline from bodybuilding in the business world
** What ‘mental toughness’ really means
** How Sarah manages to have a full-time job and coach on the side
** The power of planning and routine
** Sarah’s optimum KPI review cycles
** The benefits of the Agile methodology
** Servant leadership explained
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Find Sarah on Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/sarahtayloragilechampion

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell
Call to action:
As Sarah says, 40% of what we do is unconscious, so make damn sure you get your habits right!
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF259_What_it_takes_to_be_a_21x_world_champion.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
We go really deep in our conversation with Mark: a former AFL player who now empowers people and business to achieve top performance. Mark is trained in western health science and eastern medicine; he is a 3-time bestselling author and just for good measure, he is CEO of the Australian branch of the David Lynch Foundation of Transcendental Meditation. Importantly for us, Mark is a master at deconstructing complex theory and giving simple advice that we can all benefit from.

See some of Mark’s top tips below:
** There is so much information going around the globe at the moment… we all have access to it, but it’s what people do differently in their mindspace that distinguishes the high achievers from the also-rans. (4:50 – 6:00)
** Science is telling us that the leading edge of business today is meditation and the ability to transcend and develop consciousness. (6:30 - 7:40)
** Sleep and food are very simple things you can improve to achieve top-level performance. The time that you eat and sleep can make all the difference. (12:30 to 14:00)
** Pay attention to nature’s cycles. Living in tune with the cycles of nature will improve your business performance. (15:50 - 17:00)
** Sunlight improves our mood and sets up our sleep/wake cycle. Getting good sleep isn’t just about what you do in the evenings. (19:45 - 20:30)
** Write things down! The extra commitment of putting something on paper makes you more likely to develop good habits. What separates the high performers from the rest is simple daily habits. (25:40 - 26:10)
** The same respect for the world around you should apply to business as well as your personal life. Hire the people with the right skills for the right roles. If it’s not a natural fit then don’t do it! (31:00 - 32:00)
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** The "genius lounge” of our minds
** The importance of rest
** Physiological cycles explained
** An introduction to ayurvedan medicine
** Has the Covid-19 crisis benefited the wellbeing of employees?
** How AFL applied holistic thinking to team management
** How to make a positive thought your natural default
** The basic concepts of transcendental meditation
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Go to Mark’s website: http://www.markbunn.com.au

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell
Call to action:
We’ll end with a particularly salient quote from Mark: “The best ideas come in the shower, not when you’re in the office.” Make sure you rest properly and respect what nature is telling 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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF258_Health_happiness_and_high_performance_in_business_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

TITLE
BBF257 Selling is not a numbers game with Samantha Pickering
Summary
Strap yourselves in for a very insightful chat about marketing and sales with Samantha Pickering. She believes that compassion and creativity are the two key ingredients - not numbers and statistics. It was refreshing to hear such a human take on a process that is so often misunderstood.

See some of Samantha’s top tips below:
** Some of the best sales training comes from learning about complaints. Once you understand what not to do, you can sell more effectively.
** Learn your touchpoints. What do they feel like from your customers’ point of view rather than from your point of viewl?
** Consider marketing to be a sales conversation without you being present.
** People are not numbers! KPIs are all very well, but don’t ever forget that you are selling to people.
** Earn the right to progress your sales journey. You should get to the point where you can ask your lead “what would you like to do next?” and they reply “I’d like to buy”.
** Remove the focus from yourself and make the conversation about your lead/customer.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How to use systems to create empathy
** The value of customers who bought elsewhere
** The differences between sales and marketing
** The art of connective conversation
** The exploratory phase of sales
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Find Samantha on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sales-leadership-growth-coach-queensland/

** Samantha’s website: http://www.passionatesalesconsulting.com

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell
Call to action:
Samantha is living proof of what can be achieved if you approach your sales and marketing like a human being rather than like a robot. Empathy is the key!
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF257_Selling_is_not_a_numbers_game_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary

Remote working has never been more popular but how do you manage it properly?
Anne and Mark Lackey certainly know how. Their company HireSmart Virtual Assistants has been transforming the productivity of their clients for years, saving them up to 75% on their payroll costs and saving them the headache of finding the right VAs.

See some of Anne and Mark’s top tips below:
** 80% of the work you’re doing you probably shouldn’t be doing. Free yourself up!
** Too many people hire someone because they like them, rather than because they can actually do the job.
** Make your virtual assistants feel like they are ‘normal’ employees. You should measure their performance in the same way.
** Providing healthcare to your virtual assistants can be a game changer. It can make a massive difference.
** Consider adding an extra layer of vetting. Anne and Mark have a 40-hour certification process after they’ve selected their candidate.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** The 7 repetitive questions and how to avoid them
** How to integrate virtual assistants
** Should you use time-tracker software?
** How to use KPIs to manage virtual assistants
** How to save 50 - 75% on your payroll costs
** What you can and can’t give virtual assistants

Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Find out more about what your business can take off their plate at: http://www.hiresmartvas.com/tasks

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell
Call to action:
This is a model that is only going to grow in the post-Covid era, so listen up and get on board!
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF256_Hire_a_Virtual_Assistant_the_smart_way_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
We’re speaking to a great character on this week’s show. Ben Wyhatt tells us his crazy story of leaving the UK and pitching up to Australia on a whim. After working as a personal trainer he branched out into nutritional supplements, but he didn’t stop there. One day he thought to himself, ‘what if I took the best bits from these and gave them to dogs?’, and then thought ‘what if I built up a brand that was fronted up by my own dog?’. We tell his inspirational story and we also get some great insights into how he was able to balance an ambitious side hustle with a full-time job and family life.

See some of Ben’s top tips below:
** The more you can jump out of your comfort zone, the better! Listen to how Ben has done that in his life.
** Use your commute to learn. This could be two hours of the day to develop yourself. Read a book or listen to a podcast.
** Make sure you have a proper night’s sleep. It is still possible to work long hours and have a side hustle, but be sure you give yourself a rest.
** See a side hustle as a part-time job. To really get something going you should be doing 10 - 15 hours a week.
** If you’re pitching a product to a retailer you’ve got to think about margins as a priority. Don’t just assume that a “good product” will be enough.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** Effective goal setting and evaluation
** How to set a viable action plan for your life
** How Ben used a dog as a frontman for his company
** How Ben translated human holistic health into dog treats
** How to build a disruptive brand
** How much time you should dedicate to a side hustle
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Buy Ben/Dobby’s dog treats at http://www.doggylicious.com.au

** Find Ben’s podcast on itunes. Search for “Retail Ready”

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
Ben’s story is a great reminder of what can happen when you get out of your comfort zone and just do it. Look at where he ended up!
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF255_Can_a_business_be_owned_by_a_dog_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
Recruiting salespeople is one of the biggest challenges that a business owner can face, and to make matters worse, most of what we thought we knew about recruitment has been disproven as myth! Luckily we have someone on the show who can debunk the whole process and give you all the tools you need to hire the right salespeople. James Michael is CEO of Justified Talent; a specialist recruitment for salespeople. James’ background in behavioural psychology and in the military gives him the edge over a lot of other recruiters. He definitely does things differently.

See some of James’ top tips below:
** Know the difference between a good candidate and a good storyteller. You’ve got to look beyond the facade in an interview.
** You must have a tight sales & marketing process before you go out and hire somebody. You can’t simply expect a salesperson to deliver great results if your own business doesn’t really know what it is selling.
** Instead of getting your sales candidate to waffle on about themselves, why not watch them actually trying to make a sale? This is the best possible proof you could have.
** Don’t get hung up on “active” or “passive” candidates. One is not better than the other.
** If you’re reaching out to candidates on Linkedin, use a video. The open rates are far better than if you just send a standard written message.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How to find salespeople a different way
** How to avoid subconscious bias when you’re recruiting
** Where lead generation fits into the process
** How to advertise your job for free
** How to write the right ad
** Should you hire an optimist or a pessimist?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Go to James’ company website here: http://www.justifiedtalent.com

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
Forget all the brainwashing you’ve had about the recruitment process. James’ methods show that times have really changed.
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF254_how_to_recruit_your_next_sales_superstar_with_James_Michael_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
On-demand media has never been more popular… it’s time to get onboard. Drew Blackman tells us all you need to know about how to start a podcast and just how much they can do for your business. Drew is a particularly good man to speak to on this, given that it was this very podcast that inspired him to do a podcast in the first place!

See some of Drew’s top tips below:
** Consider all the ego marketing you might be doing. What are you sponsoring and does it give you the ROI that a podcast would?
** When you meet customers who have heard you on a podcast they feel like they already know you.
** Think of presenting a podcast as like a first date. Let the guest talk about themselves and feel comfortable.
** A podcast doesn’t have to just be audio content. You can repurpose a podcast into articles and books.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** Can anyone really do a podcast?
** The equipment you need for a podcast
** How much time it takes to produce a podcast
** How to use Libsyn to distribute your podcast
** How to plan and script a podcast
** Headliner app explained
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Check out Drew’s podcast here: http://www.krgsdoors.com

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
If Drew can do it then you can do it. It’s time to get with the program!
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

Direct download: BBF253_Why_now_is_the_perfect_time_to_podcast_with_Drew_Blackman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
So many people don’t want to think about tax until it’s too late, but once you’ve listened to Brian Goodridge you’ll be positively inspired to do something about your tax situation! Brian is a different kind of accountant. He’s great at explaining the various different angles you can exploit to make yourself tax efficient and profitable in the long term.

See some of Brian’s top tips below:
** Don’t get too hung up on avoiding tax. You can cost yourself money in the process.
** Tax planning is much more than just something you do in April and May. You should work it into your whole year.
** Beware of using savings indefinitely. Be honest with yourself with when you want to use the money.
** Don’t think about tax as a one-year thing. So many people do everything they can to save tax in year one, but they end up paying more in year two as a result.
** Do you really have a ‘tax problem’ or do you have a ‘cashflow problem’? Don’t blame it all on the tax!
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** The difference between tax minimisation and tax avoidance
** How to manage your accountant properly
** The right length for your goals
** How to manage your super balance
** Tax-efficient investments
** Instant asset write-offs explained
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Brian is offering a free 15-minute strategy session exclusively to BBF listeners. Contact him through his website: https://goodridgeadvisory.com.au/

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
DON’T LEAVE YOUR TAX PLANNING TO THE LAST MINUTE!!! People like Brian can help you get on top of your tax the whole year round.
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF252_Tax_minimisation_tips_and_traps_with_Brian_Goodridge_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
One of our favourite guests returns for a truly inspirational conversation. Steve Brossman is a serious high achiever… what hasn’t this man done? When a terrible accident put an end to his career as a professional sprinter, he dug deep to become a serial entrepreneur and eminent media figure. He’s had three hugely successful multi-national businesses and found fame when he hosted and produced his own show on Channel 9. If this man says you can succeed in a recession, then you can succeed in a recession!

See some of Steve’s top tips below:
** Steve learnt his best lessons during recessions and managed to grow businesses through all of them.
** Write down your champions list, i.e. all the good things you can remember doing and how you did them.
** Set momentum goals. The wining feeling you get when you hit goals makes you more likely to hit the next one.
** When you set your goals, picture yourself at the top of the mountain rather than the bottom. Then divide the rest of the mountain into small attainable goals.
** Put yourself out there! The natural reaction at a time like this is to reduce marketing activity, but you should do the opposite.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How to increase your momentum
** How to set goals properly
** What kind of opportunities to look for in a recession
** How to conquer your business anxiety
** How to discover your “you”
** How to make endorphins work for you
Resources mentioned in this episode: https://bit.ly/ExceedGift 
** Talk to the team at MaxMyProfit to help you build the business you imagined: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/contact.html

** Check out Steve’s website here: http://www.stevebrossman.com

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
We’ll end with this takeaway from Steve: “Personality and passion produces profit, NOT perfection”
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF251_The_Corona_Slingshot_with_Steve_Brossman_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Summary
In a BBF-special, our main man Ben shares his 6-part plan for repurposing content to keep your customers engaged with the minimum of fuss. Ben is an entrepreneur just like you, so he can deliver these pearls of wisdom in a simple form that you can easily copy for yourself. No technical jargon here! Just straightforward, tried-and-tested methods that you’ll be able to use immediately.

See some of Ben’s top tips below:
** The more content you create, the more engagement you are likely to get
** Don’t be afraid to share personal info in a business context. Humanising what you do is a great way of engaging an audience.
** When you have content that didn’t quite work, don’t despair and throw it in the bin forever. Revisiting the content in the future and revamping it is likely to take less time than starting afresh, but it could be just as effective.
** Top tens are your friends! Listing the top ten of anything it is a great excuse to create a blog post but without having to write very much beyond an opening paragraph.
** Think seriously about the wording of your headlines. Avoid using a phrase that people only understand AFTER they have consumed the content. Your target audience should dictate which key words you use in the headline.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How to create content on a regular basis
** How to repurpose existing content
** The benefits of using the apps If This Then That, Zapier and Repurpose.io
** How to use excerpts
** How to convert video into an audio podcast
** How to make a simple timeline set your content strategy on its own
** How to “curate” rather than “create”
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** Talk to the team at MaxMyProfit to help you build the business you imagined: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/contact.html

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

Direct download: BBF250_How_to_create_valuable_and_consistent_content_for_Social_Media_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

TITLE
BBF249 Some ideas and Coronavirus Stimulus explained
Summary
In this special edition of BBF, our leader Ben Fewtrell outlines the potential opportunities for small business in these chaotic times. He calls it “Business as unusual”. Nobody has said that you can’t work, so if you have been frozen by this crisis it’s time to listen up and start doing some business!

See some of Ben’s top tips below:
** You haven’t lost your brain - you can still innovate.
** You are allowed to go to work so if you still want to, go for it!
** Look at how the collision repair industry has adapted. They’re making hand sanitiser and using their spray paint to paint coffins.
** Make sure you adapt your cashflow forecasting to take in the government help that is currently available.
** Some of the money available from the government isn’t simply “free money” and may end up costing you more if you don’t actually need it. Make sure you seek financial advice before you make big decisions.
** Although there is plenty of money available to borrow at the moment, make sure you don’t borrow just to delay the inevitable. Be sure that what you’re borrowing is going to empower your business to succeed.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** The stimulus packages available
** The importance of a customer database
** How to deal with the anxiety of low cashflow
** Are you entitled to tax relief from your usual PAYG activity?
** When the relief money will actually hit your account
** How JobKeeper can allow you to keep your employees
** What help is out there for sole traders
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** Get a free cashflow forecast tool from Max My Profit. Go to our contact page and send us a message saying that Ben sent you! https://maxmyprofit.com.au/contact.html

** All fact sheets for government crisis funding can be found here: https://treasury.gov.au/

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
Remember: it’s up to you whether you are completely disempowered because of uncertainty. Look as hard as you can for opportunity!
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF249_Some_ideas_and_Coronavirus_Stimulus_explained_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Isn’t it nice when someone has a big idea and backs themself to make it happen? Kelly Lavery tells Ben her truly inspirational story - a story that took her to the financial brink but out the other side as a famous inventor and successful businesswoman. Her invention, the Strucket, is now on sale at some massive retailers and you may have even seen it featured on TV.

See some of Kelly’s top tips below:
** A failed business can set you up to succeed with the next one. Failing once really worked for Kelly.
** Make sure you know exactly how much money you can afford to lose when you’re starting your business. Plan your worst-case financials in advance and stick to them.
** If you are developing something that nobody has done before, be prepared to spend a huge amount on marketing. You will need to do a lot to educate your market.
** Think seriously about getting a business partner if you don’t have one. It was this one decision that made Kelly’s business.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How to get your invention to market
** How a prototype can become a viable product
** The true cost of producing a new invention
** How it’s possible for a mother to raise kids and be a successful entrepreneur
** The value of partnership in business
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** See the Strucket in action: http://www.strucket.com

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
We’ll end with a great quote from Kelly: “Every problem has a solution, but sometimes our emotions make that solution a little bit hazy.”
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 8808 5500


This week we have an enlightening chat about freelancing and company branding with and absolute authority on the matter, Alexandra Watkins. As CEO of her own creative agency, Alexandra has worked with some very impressive clients such as Google, Amazon and Dunkin’ Donuts. She has also written the brilliantly titled Amazon-besteller, “Hello, my name is awesome!”

See some of Alexandra’s top tips below:
** Be proactive. Don’t be afraid to find people on Linkedin who work for companies you like and offer up your services.
** Consider using virtual teams with employees based around the world. You can cut your overheads significantly
** Think seriously about your brand name. No other investment in your business will be used as much as your name
** Think about joining professional groups where you could meet potential future clients
** When naming your business, use a name that will mean something to your customers, not just you.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How Alexandra has remained relevant for 15 years
** How to name your business
** The pros and cons of freelancing
** The dangers of too much automation
** How to make virtual teams work for your business
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Alexandra’s agency website: http://www.eatmywords.com

** Find Alexandra on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrawatkins/

** Buy Alexandra’s book on Amazon with this link

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
We’ll end with Alexandra’s favourite quote: “To fail once is a lesson, twice is stupidity”.
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 8808 5500

Direct download: bbf247_making_money_making_people_smile_with_alexandra_watkins_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we get some great marketing takeaways from someone who’s really been there and done it. Cham Tang is the head of marketing and co-founder of Authentic Education; a BRW Fast100-company no less. He is also a great friend of MaxMyProfit - we’ve done a lot of work with him in the past and we know just how good he is. Can you believe that Cham has spent over two million AUD of his own money on marketing? This is the kind of guy you want to be giving you marketing advice!

See some of Trent’s top tips below:
** Most marketing skills can be taught. Don’t assume you can’t do it.
** It’s okay for people not to like you sometimes. One negative shouldn’t skew your instinctive way of doing things.
** Beware of developing negative belief systems. Often the most negative beliefs become subconscious and very difficult to shift.
** People are generally more happy with the progress during the journey than they are with the outcome of the journey. This means that getting out of your comfort zone to learn something new can be more enjoyable than you think.
** Think of your perfect customer/client avatar. Zone in on that instead of watering down your offering to please too many people.
** Just because ‘no one else is doing it’ doesn’t make it a good business idea.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** The work of Authentic Education
** How to transition from back office to becoming a front man
** How to develop winning beliefs
** The myth of the passive-income goal
** The cost of acquiring a new client V appealing to existing ones
** The three Ps explained
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Cham will be hosting a series of events across Australia in the new year. Go to http://www.authentic.com.au for more info

** Go here an exclusive offer for BBF listeners: Cham’s webinar of the 7 Best Marketing Strategies for Small Business

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
We’ll end with a great quote from Henry Ford that Cham shared with us during the show. “Nothing is terribly difficult if you break it into small pieces.”
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 8808 5500


Trent Dyrsmid is a serial entrepreneur who knows all there is to know about process. He hasn’t got this far by being a dreamer - he’s got to where he is today by understanding every last detail. His Flowster app is designed to help other businesses get to the same level, so we talked to him about how he has used the development of his own ventures as a template to help other businesses. Trent is a thoughtful and fascinating man: listen up folks!


See some of Trent’s top tips below:
** If you’re young and in business, make sure you have a mentor figure that can be your sounding board.
** Everything takes longer than you think and you’re always going to spend more money than you think getting there. Be patient!
** Document your processes! Make sure you are not a point of failure for your entire business.
** If you want cheap labour from overseas, you must put in the legwork beforehand to make sure you delegate properly.
** Be strong on the numbers from the beginning. You can define everything you do in numbers and set yourself attainable targets as you go.
** If you do marketing correctly, you’re building an asset.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How Trent got out of the trap of the corporate treadmill
** The importance of mentorship
** How to make offshore workers deliver genuine value
** The difference between an employee mindset and a business owner’s mindset
** Is ‘failure’ really a thing?
** ‘Cost of acquisition’ explained
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Trent’s business growth site: http://www.brightideas.co

** Go to www.flowster.co and take advantage of an exclusive offer to BBF listeners. Trent has kindly made his SOP packs available for anyone who wants to transform their business process.

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
Wise words from Trent to end with: “The best way to succeed in business is to be in 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 8808 5500


This week we have our very own Ben from start to finish. Ben is on a mission to reduce the fatality rate of small businesses, so it’s time for some free business advice from someone who has been inspiring business owners for decades. The main focus of Ben’s advice today is goal setting: one of the most important aspects of business and life. By the end of the show you will understand how high you need to aim and what you need to do to get there.

 

See some of Ben’s top tips below:
** Think about calendar-year planning rather than financial-year planning. If you line up your financial goals with your life goals then you might find them more useful.
** When you review your goals, ask yourself 'what did I achieve?' and 'what didn’t I achieve?’. But then make sure you ask why.
** When your ‘why’ becomes clear the ‘how’ becomes easy.
** Don’t set goals to impress other people. Do them for yourself!
** Think about how your business can give to your community. It doesn’t have to be money, it can be time.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** The business Excellerator explained
** How to set the right goals
** Keith Abraham’s goal-setting technique
** The importance of community/charity work
** How to fulfil your purpose
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Find Keith Abraham’s goal-setting technique here: https://keithabraham.com/tag/100-lifetime-goals/

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
Take your time out do a plan for 2020, because Ben said so!
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF244_Achieving_your_goals_in_2020_with_Ben_Fewtrell_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We loved John Livesay the last time he came on the show so it’s great to have him back talking about one of the most important things in business: the elevator pitch. Known as “the pitch whisperer”, John has travelled the world as a keynote speaker wowing Fortune 500 companies with tips and tricks on how they can use their story to get ahead of the competition. His TedX talk has over a million views, so this guy really knows what he’s talking about.

See some of John’s top tips below:
** Be a storyteller. If you have a good product you will only beat your competition if you tell better stories. Stories make us memorable and magnetic.
** Don’t worry what the future’s going to look like. Live in the now.
** Think about writing a book to separate yourself from your competitors. Remember: “Author” means “authority”.
** Do not underestimate the importance of the end of the story. What are the takeaways for your audience?
** Focus on your own business and making your story better. Don’t agonise too much on how good the stories are of your competition.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How to become a storyteller
** The power of TED talks
** Larry King’s amazing Frank Sinatra story
** How to handle rejection
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Get more from the ever-engaging John on his website here: http://www.johnlivesay.com

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
If you can’t tell a good story about your business then you’re doing something wrong. Always remember this!
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF243_soft_skills_make_you_strong_with_john_livesay_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Andrew Roso gives us an insight into how to run a business with tight KPIs. Presiding over one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in Australia, he won the B&T Under 30 Entrepreneur award in April. He certainly knows what he’s talking about! Listen up for how you can use a marketing mindset to drive your business.

See some of Andrew’s top tips below:
** Don’t try too hard to change the world. Just do something well.
** Don’t be afraid to give some of your services for free. If you can add value to your client from the beginning, they’re more likely to trust you enough to buy from you.
** Hire the right people for the right role. It sounds obvious but if you don’t spend the time and the money to get this right, it will bring down your business.
** You can’t afford not to do marketing. Find the money!!
** Don’t get too excited by the next shiny object. If you’re going to get excited, get excited about a venture that relates to what you’ve already started.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** The true value of transparency
** How a retainer model can give your business security
** Who in a business should be measured with KPIs
** How to grow internationally
** The power of mentorship
** How to price up your services properly
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Get a free audit and a load of info to get you started on Andrew’s website: http://www.onlinemarketinggurus.com.au

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
Andrew has a quite simple message for us to end on: “Marketing is the bread & butter 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 8808 5500

Direct download: bbf242_sales_and_marketing_is_your_bread_and_butter_with_andrew_raso_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Julie Ockerby tells us a great story of how she saw a problem in everyday life and created a successful business that solved it. When her father got ill she was disgusted at the standard of elderly accommodation she saw. Having worked with luxury hotel groups and having been a nurse herself, she built up Meli Studio and became an award-winning designer for residential and commercial homes for aged care.

See some of Julie’s top tips below:
** Understand if your an extrovert or an introvert. Build your business to suit your strengths, i.e. if you're an extrovert make sure you surround yourself with many different voices.
** Delegate! Your business will never excel if you don’t take the time to build a team and delegate.
** Have a pier group of like-minded business people who you can lean on for support. It certainly worked for Julie. One monthly meeting can make all the difference.
** Don’t let things slide. If something doesn’t look right to your clients/customers take action on their timetable, not yours.
** Get out there and meet as many people as you can. Think about going to conferences outside of your own industry and learning a different angle.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How to acquire and existing business and take it forwards
** How Julie grew her business exponentially
** How to delegate properly
** Is international travel worth it?
** How Julie went from aged care to pioneering her own fabrics?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Check out Julie’s interiors company: http://www.melistudio.com.au

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
We’ll end with a great piece of advice from Julie: “I don’t think anyone can appreciate success unless they have failed a few 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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF241_failure_is_the_mother_of_success_with_Julie_Ockerby_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

What an interesting character we have on this week’s episode. Brent Grundy has actually been branded “The Man Who Tried Everything” and as you will hear from the interview, it’s a title he richly deserves! Brent’s most successful venture is Flip Out International: a global children’s play business that spread from Sydney to 87 locations worldwide in just 6 years. Brent keeps going back to the point that failure is something to be cherished and used to empower your next move - he has a very interesting take on things.

See some of Brent’s top tips below:
** To get ahead you’ve got to find a problem and create a solution.
** You don’t need to be the smartest guy in the room - you just have to hire that guy.
** If something doesn’t work, stop doing it! Don’t dwell - move onto the next thing.
** Every time you lose you still gain something. You may lose money in the short term but this loss may empower you to make big money in future.
** Cheap lawyers can cost you the most! Invest in your legal team to make sure you are properly protected.
** Work out what your skills are and play to them. If you’re and entrepreneurial risk-taker, don’t assume that you’ll be a good manager of the day to day.
** You don’t learn a lesson until it becomes really painful, i.e. losing money.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** How Brent overcame ADD to succeed
** The power of failure
** How Brent became the man who tried everything
** How a concept can snowball internationally if you get it right
** The different types of person in business
** What you need on the ground overseas to make an international business work
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

** Check out Brent’s new venture: http://www.outbackescape.com.au

** Find Brent on Linkedin here

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/
** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

Call to action:
“If it doesn’t work when you turn right, just turn left,” says Brent. Just keep rolling that dice!
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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF240_Fail_fast_to_learn_fast_with_Brent_Grundy_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Bridget Carmady lost her dad and her sister to skin cancer and then went on a mission to empower others to look after their skin. She started by making a cream to help her Dad alleviate the pain from his cancer treatment and eventually built up a highly successful international business, Clemence Organics. Bridget’s story is both poignant and inspiring… what an amazing woman!

 

See some of Bridget’s top tips below:

**  There’s a lot to be said for the theory of “if you can’t find it, do it yourself.” This certainly worked for Bridget.

**  Don’t waste time doing something you don’t want to do. Life is too short!

**  Never forget that the purpose of a product is to serve a particular need. Testing to prove this need is just as important as the conceptual phase.

**  Be careful to not make all of your products for ‘everybody’. It’s better to fully serve the need of fewer people than it is to water down your concept in order to reach a wider audience.

 

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to find the balance between learning and doing

**  How the modern diet is ruining our skin

**  The best way to test products and bring them to market

**  How to grow a business internationally

**  Asian commerce for Aussie companies

**  Aus Trade explained

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 

** Go to Bridget’s website: http://www.clemenceorganics.com

 

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

 

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

Call to action:

 

Wise words from Bridget if you’re procrastinating about starting a business: “Start before you’re 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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF239_Start_Before_youre_ready_with_Bridget_Carmady_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Tim West tells us all we need to know about how to successfully franchise a business in double-quick time. In just three years his 12 Round Fitness concept has grown to over 80 clubs and is officially the fastest-growing boxing and fitness concept in the world. This amazing success story has come thanks to Tim’s understanding of company/brand culture, and also the backing of 4-times boxing champion Danny Green.

 

See some of Tim’s top tips below:

**  Sales is fundamental to everything in business. There is a negative stigma attached to it but if you think about it, you’re selling yourself everyday.

**  Find the right tech partners. If you’re not expert on technology, make sure you have trustworthy people who are.

**  If you have a business idea, tell EVERYONE. Not only does this give you multiple sounding boards, it helps sharpen up your pitch.

**  Understand whether you’re a strategist or if you’re an operator. If you’re better at strategy then make sure you surround yourself with people who can execute that strategy.

**  Make sure you know your regulatory environment. Although there can be circumstances out of your control, if you are already aware of what the worst-case scenarios might be you can ride them out.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to get franchising right

**  Cultural fear explained

**  How your business can be broadsided by a regulatory environment

**  How to translate your vision to hundreds of franchisees

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 

**  Tim’s fitness website: http://www12rnd.com.au

 

**  Tim’s book recommendation, Eric Ries – The Lean Startup can be bought here

 

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

 

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

Tim is a shining example of what can be achieved if you understand your company culture well enough to explain it to others. Get this right and you can grow exponentially.

 

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF238_Growth_is_driven_by_advocacy_with_Tim_West_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Andrew Henderson is a prolific globetrotter who has now made a highly successful business out of it. Using his experience of traveling and doing business in over 100 countries, he has some great advice for people who wish to change their lives and become global citizens. Andrew has a refreshingly different but pragmatic take on commerce and on life – he is well worth listening to.

 

See some of Andrew’s top tips below:

**  Are you a hustler or are you a builder? Understand where you sit in the market.

**  Follow your intuition and don’t let people get in your way. As Andrew says: “Steve Jobs didn’t create the iPhone by being reasonable”.

**  There is value in longevity. Although many people succeed by moving from venture to venture, if you stick at something then people will come to you.

**  Offshore living can be legal and legitimate - it isn’t all smoke and mirrors.

**  Invest in yourself if your business is working. Don’t waste time on semantic cost cutting.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The myth of the “wantrepreneur”

**  How to be more tax efficient by being a nomad

**  How Andrew used his knowledge of travel and successfully monetised it

**  How social media propelled Andrew’s business

**  The concept of financial porn

**  The difference between blogging and journaling

**  How to become a truly global citizen

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 

**  Buy Andrew’s book ‘Nomad Capitalist: How to reclaim your freedom’ here

 

**  Andrew’s website: http://www.nomadcapitalist.com

 

**  Andrew’s youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/nomadcapitalist/featured

 

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

 

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

Andrew has a great take on money and the wider meaning of it that we can all learn from: “Being too stingy normally causes more problems than being too abundant”

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF237_be_willing_to_do_what_other_people_arent_with_andrew_henderson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We have a great friend of MaxMyProfit on the show today who is a shining example of what can be achieved in business with the right coaching.

Nicole Clarke-Baines has built up and sold multiple businesses and nowadays she fronts up a weight-loss programme that serves 8 countries and has a team of 2,500 people around the world.

In fact our very own Ben has lost a lot of weight on this programme, so we can say categorically that Nicole knows what she’s doing!

 

See some of Nicole’s top tips below:

**  Make your business build people rather than using people to build the business.

**  Be careful about staying too long in a failing business. It isn’t a child, it is a business! Sometimes the investment isn’t worth it.

**  Don’t set up a business without a plan. Even something that looks like the opportunity of a lifetime needs the planning to make it right. Is there really a business case for it?

**  Surround yourself with intelligent and caring people who are brave enough to have a difficult conversation with you when it needs to be had.

**  Get healthy!! If you’re in business and you’re not looking after yourself, your work will suffer.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  What motivated Nicole

**  How to leverage income for your services

**  The power of mentorship

**  How Nicole manages such a large team across so many locations

**  The importance of a clear vision

**  How Nicole has managed to never sack anybody

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 

**  Find Nicole’s nbActive programme on Facebook here

 

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

 

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

As Ben sagely said during the episode “nothing great was ever achieved alone.” Nicole is living proof of what you can achieve in business if you remember this simple statement.

 

 

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF236_Using_your_business_to_build_people_with_Nicole_Clarke_Baines_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we speak to someone whose company is number one in BRW’s list of the 50 best places to work. Tristan White really knows how to build a winning culture in his business.

 

He is the founder and CEO of Physio Co and tells us the story of how he has managed to keep his 100+ employees happy for so long.

 

 

See some of Tristan’s top tips below:

**  Don’t be afraid to change direction. If you reach the summit of something and in the end it doesn’t feel right, do something else.

**  There’s nothing good about comfortable. If you play too safe your career will go stale.

**  Make sure your employees have core values in common. Not too many, but something between 3 and 5 core values is about right.

**  To find the right employee, meet them in different circumstances. What are they like in an interview compared to what they are like over dinner?

**  Always have a "north star” to follow. In Tristan’s case it was a 10-year target of consultations.

**  Don’t give people too many chances. It’s hard to get rid of people who aren’t performing but for the sake of the rest of your team, it has to be done.

 

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How Tristan learnt from the culture of team-building in sports

**  How Tristan built a culture that made him listed in the top 50 organisations

**  Top grading recruitment explained

**  The importance of core values

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 

**  Go to Tristan’s website to download a free chapter of his book and check out his podcast: http://www.tristanwhite.com.au

 

**  As recommended by Tristan, Born To Lead by Brene Brown can be bought here

 

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

 

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

Tristan is absolutely right: we spend so much of our lives at work so it needs to be fun and fulfilling. In the long run it is better for your company to focus on creating a happy culture than it is to work your employees to the bone in pursuit of short-term gains.

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: bbf235_culture_is_everything_with_tristan_white_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Dean Evans tells us how he managed to turn a successful career as a soccer player for Perth Glory into a successful business career afterwards. Nowadays Dean runs Western Australia’s leading soccer coaching centre, which is inspiring youth and adult players of all standards. In only two years of operation, their elite youth coaching program has been good enough to attract the attention of EPL big boys Aston Villa who are taking on their hot young talent.

 

See some of Dean’s top tips below:

**  If you’re surrounded by entrepreneurs, make use of it and do it yourself.

**  Don’t fill your life with naysayers. Their negative energy will rub off on you.

**  It took Dean a year of planning before setting up his business. There is something to be said for being patient and making sure you’re geared-up for success.

**  Localise your social media targeting. Facebook ads is great for this.

 

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to succeed with self funding

**  What business can learn from sport

**  How to manage social media successfully

**  The power of a mentor

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 **  Go to Dean’s website: http://www.footballcentre.com.au

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

 **  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

Call to action:

If you’re in doubt about whether to follow your dream to become an entrepreneur, have a listen to this from Dean: “Take the risk, but if you believe in what you do you’ll go a long way with 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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF234_kicking_goals_in_business_with_Dean_Evans_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Todd Palmer wouldn’t be where he is today without the help of others, so he has made it his business to help people. He tells the inspirational story of how a business coach single-handedly saved his business and spurred him on to save other people’s. Todd is now a leading business coach, supporting individuals and organisations to achieve corporate growth and manage their talent. Any business owner can learn something from Todd.

 

See some of Todd’s top tips below:

**  Most successful entrepreneurs didn’t go to university. If you didn’t succeed academically, don’t worry!

**  Learn your numbers. If you’re running a business you need a base-level of understanding of business finance.

**  There is a difference between compiling your numbers and understanding your numbers. Don’t be intimidated with the difficulty of compiling.

**  Get a business coach! Just listen to how one coach turned around Todd’s business completely.

**  Employers sometimes find it as difficult to quit as bosses find it to fire. Do what you can to set up a working relationship with your employees that isn’t dragged down by co-dependency.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How Todd started out

**  How entrepreneurship can earn you freedom

**  How Todd got over his phobia of numbers

**  The power of KPIs for employer’s performance

**  The analogies between baseball and business

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 

**  Go to http://www.extraordinaryadvisors.com and book a free 40-minute conversation with Todd.

 

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

 

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

Call to action:

We’ll end with some great words from Todd which can help anyone in a crisis who has to make tough decisions: “Realise you’re not alone – there is always help 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!

Direct download: BBF233_How_hiring_a_business_coach_saved_todd_palmers_business_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We’ve got a bit of a celebrity on the show today. If you don’t know the name Jim Penman then you might know his face from billboards and trailers all over Australia. Having started as a part-time gardener, Jim eventually built up Jim’s Mowing to become the largest franchise chain in the whole of Australia and the largest lawn-mowing business in the world. With 3,800 franchisees across the globe, this guy really knows his stuff about how to keep franchisees happy and how to keep an international business fresh.

 

See some of Jim’s top tips below:

**  Don’t assume there is a magic bullet that will suddenly make your business successful. It’s the thousand small things that will give you the edge.

**  Never put your short-term interests ahead of the needs of your franchisees.

**  Pay attention to your complaints. They are free advice to help you get better.

**  Do what you can to be sympathetic towards franchisees.

**  Even though Jim is a smart businessman, he couldn’t be without his business tutor.

**  Don’t get too hung up on revenue targets. Just look after your customers properly and you won’t go far wrong.

 

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How Jim built the largest global company in his field

**  How to look after franchisees

**  How being an entrepreneur can be a lifestyle choice

**  Jim’s crusade to change humanity

**  Why McDonalds is a great example of a franchise

**  The value of audiobooks

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 

**  Go to http://www.jims.net to see what Jim has to offer

 

**  Buy The Reckoning by David Halberstam as recommended by Jim here

 

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

 

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

 

Call to action:

You won’t go far wrong if you take this away from what Jim said today: “Look at everything you do every day and work out how you can do it better”

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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF232_Jim_Penman_shares_why_success_is_about_character_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

What hasn’t Julian Mather done? Army sniper, international cameraman, professional speaker and now he empowers small business to film professional-quality videos using only their smart phones. It was great to talk to such a well-travelled man who has followed his heart and never taken the obvious route.

 

 

See some of Julian’s top tips below:

**  There’s a big difference between being taught something and learning something. There is more information out there than ever before, so utilise it!

**  Don’t be afraid to leave an industry at the top of your game. If you have a burning desire to do something else, follow your heart.

**  Everybody needs a coach. Human beings cannot see their own blind spots, but other people can.

**  Always have an exit plan for your business. That doesn’t mean you should quit tomorrow - it just means that you should focus your planning.

**  Don’t underestimate what your phone can do to shoot video. The power of computation is beginning to overtake the power of optical photography.

 

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to keep yourself fresh through learning

**  The difference between individualism and team play

**  The importance of video to modern business

**  How to simplify video

**  How Linkedin is prioritising video

**  How to overcome imposter syndrome

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 

**  Go to http://www.julianmather.com, sign up and get a free book.

 

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

 

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

And a last piece of insight from Julian to finish with: “If an opportunity comes up that you’re not sure about, just take 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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: bbf231_1852_little_changes_with_Julian_Mather_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Isn’t it great when someone sees a problem and has the balls to set up a business to solve it?

Our man Julian Leach did just that, and he tells us all about how you could do it too. It all started back in 2011 when Julian wasn’t at home for the delivery of a book he’d ordered from the USA.

He was so angry that the book was sent back to the USA that he set about creating a company (now called Parcelpoint) which now does a fine job in making sure Australians don’t have to endure a parcel-delivery nightmare like that ever again.

 

See some of Julian’s top tips below:

**  Capture your inspiration! Julian carried a notebook so he could brainstorm ways to solve numerous problems and one day he built a business out of it.

**  Understand your competition. Can you really compete with them? If you can’t, how about a merger?

**  See your shareholders as more than just money raisers. If you make yourself properly accountable to them then that will focus your mind and your business.

**  If you’re a growing business but you don’t experience growing pains, you’re either just not looking hard enough or your business ain’t really growing at all! Expect a bumpy ride on the path to growth and success.

**  If you’re serious about raising capital, make sure you have a sound proof of concept and significant data to back it up.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The sharing economy

**  The benefits of merging with your competition

**  How shareholders can contribute more than just money

**  How Parcelpoint raised AUD 4.5m

**  How Parcelpoint landed a place on the websites of mega brands

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 **  Go to http://www.parcelpoint.com.au to find your nearest parcel point

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

 **  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

Wise words from Julian to keep you and your business on track: “It’s impossible to do too many things well”.

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF230_from_startup_to_over_1_million_customers_with_julian_leach_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we speak to a man who made that all-important step from being an expert in his field to being a successful businessman.

As Ben joked in the episode, Jeremy Streten is one of the few lawyers that he actually likes! As well as being likeable, Jeremy has written a book that pioneers the groundbreaking methodology, ‘The Business Legal Lifecycle’. Jeremy also hosts his own podcast, so he certainly knows how to get his message across. Listen up!

 

See some of Jeremy’s top tips below:

**  You might be an expert in your field like Jeremy, but do you really know how to run a business? Get that business coaching!!

**  Set your goals and don’t be afraid to be ambitious. Jeremy’s goal was to make legal advice accessible to SMEs around the WORLD!

**  Write down your goals and review them, ideally with members of a peer group or with a mentor.

**  Be honest and transparent with your senior members of staff. This is a surefire way to make sure you have people around you who share your vision.

**  Surround yourself with good people who are as ambitious as you are. The shared energy can really make things happen.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to step away from the madness of day-to-day business

**  The power of business coaching

**  The benefits of being a published author

**  How Jeremy found the right people

**  The importance of failure

**  Why you need to get your onboarding right

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 **  Go to Jeremy’s website for a special offer for BBF listeners: a free copy of a chapter of his book + a 50% discount on Jeremy’s pioneering Placement Test: http:// businesslegallifecycle.com.au/brainfood

 ** Buy Jeremy’s book, The Business Legal Lifecycle here

**  As recommended by both Jeremy and Ben, Profit First by Mike Michalowicz can be bought here

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

 **  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

A short and sweet ending from Jeremy, but so true: “You only fail if you give up.”

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF229_mindset_mastermind_and_mentoring_with_jeremy_streten_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

It’s always nice to speak to a young entrepreneur who backed themselves and made a roaring success of it. This week we speak to Conor Reynolds; a millennial who saw the bad eating habits engrained into the workplace and went and did something about it. In just three years his Snackwize business has swept across Australia and New Zealand, supplying healthy snacks directly to the workplaces of people who simply don’t have the time to leave the office and eat healthily.

 

See some of Conor’s top tips below:

**  If you really believe in your idea, don’t be afraid to quit your day job, but only do this when your new venture has revenue coming in. It sure as hell worked for Conor!

**  Millennials will make up three-quarters of the Australian workforce in six years. Make sure you’re moving with the times.

**  Be conscious of the food your workforce is eating. Snacking on junk food will reduce the productivity of your employees. Have you thought about encouraging healthy eating?

**  Control the growth of your business and don’t get greedy. Make sure your processes are in place so you are always ready for the next phase of growth.

**  An investor can also be a mentor. Don’t just take people’s money - there is often so much more you can get from them.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How Conor happened upon his business idea

**  How Conor found a point of difference in an established marketplace

**  The benefits of a subscription model

**  What motivates Conor

**  How to approach new business

**  The importance of good SEO

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 **  The Entrepreneur Rollercoaster by Darren Hardy can be found here

 **  Find Snackwize at http://www.snackwize.com

 **  Snackwize on Facebook & Linkedin

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

 **  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

We’ll end with a word from Ben to help you solve the age-old dilemma of whether you should take the plunge with your business idea or not: “If you were a racehorse, would you back yourself in the race?”

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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF228_How_Conor_built_a_business_watching_people_eat_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we are given a fine lesson in teamwork and business success from Ben Lucas. Starting out playing Rugby League for the Cronulla Sharks, Ben went on to build up and sell six seven-figure businesses in the fitness sector, and as if that wasn’t enough he decided to run 40 marathons just for good measure! This guy certainly isn’t messing about, but his secret to success is so brilliantly simple: just keep learning.

 

See some of Ben’s top tips below:

**  Franchising can help you learn but it can also form a cage that can stop you growing. Be aware of this.

**  Travel the world to make sure you keep learning. Don’t just get bogged down in your day-to-day.

**  Get your business and human values nailed down in your organisation. If you don’t do this properly, you’ll struggle with recruitment.

**  Don’t be afraid to copy other good businesses. What makes them good? Why are they successful?

**  Always have a personal development plan. If you can have a physical exercise plan then surely you should have a plan for your mind?

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Why-power versus willpower

**  Why Ben jacked-in professional sport in favour of business

**  Successful franchising

**  How Ben keeps innovating

**  The importance of business values to building the right team

**  How a business can help its local community

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

**  Email Ben: ben@flowathletic.com

**  Find Ben on instagram: ben_lucas1

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

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

A final word from Ben on learning: “All the information ever created is in the palm of your hands… you just need to put in the time and effort to learn 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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF227_From_footy_Shark_to_business_shark_with_Ben_Lucas_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we speak to someone who saw a gap in the market and absolutely went for it. Adala Bolto created a fitness concept aimed squarely at young women that she felt were being marginalised by the big boys in the marketplace. She did so well that now the major market players are working with her to grow the ZADI brand. Adala also has some great insight about how franchising can help you learn the ropes as an entrepreneur.

 

See some of Adala’s top tips below:

**  Franchising can be a good first step into entrepreneurship. There is a lot you can learn.

**  Understand your why. If you only want to make money then franchising is probably not for you.

**  How long do you intend to franchise for? Make sure you establish this from the outset, because it can be a long-term commitment.

**  A good definition of success is when you’ve built your business to such a point that you don’t need to work on it day-to-day.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The logic of naming a business

**  Franchising V own business

**  How to gear-up a business to franchise it out

**  How to select the right franchisees

**  How to organise your time when you’re at the top of a business

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

**  Check out ZADI Training on instagram here

**  ZADI’s website: http://www.zadi.com.au

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

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

We’ll end it with a quick tip from Adala on the art of doing a deal. “If a deal makes sense for both parties then get the deal done!”. Although this sounds like stating the obvious, there is a lot to be said for Adala’s attitude of thinking about the big picture and how best to move forwards, rather than wasting time debating trivial matters.

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF226_How_ZADI_is_seizing_a_gap_in_the_marketplace_with_Adala_Bolto.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we speak to a serial entrepreneur who’s really been there and done it. Amber Renae went from building bridges as a civil engineer to building up three six-figure businesses, including a fashion label supported by none other than Paris Hilton. But this certainly isn’t a story of serene progress and overnight success. Amber was refershnighly open about how she recovered from bankruptcy and bad money management to become the inspirational entrepreneur she is today, delivering e-courses and building sales funnels.

 

See some of Amber’s top tips below:

**  Don’t call yourself an entrepreneur unless you actually have a proper business!

**  You can still be successful in business if you’re bad at managing money, but make sure you delegate to someone who is a specialist in this area.

**  Don’t be afraid to say no to new clients and growth. If you can’t manage it properly then don’t do it.

**  Pay people for the knowledge you don’t have. The amount of time you save by doing this is nearly always worth it.

**  If you’re a good learner then you’re probably good at business. The day-to-day work of an entrepreneur is all about learning and problem solving.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  What motivates an internationally successful entrepreneur

**  What it was like to be an entrepreneur before it was fashionable

**  How Amber came back from bankruptcy

**  The power of learning

**  The challenges of selling a product versus selling a service

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Enter our competition to win a 17,000 AUD coaching program. Winners will be entitled to free entry to events and workshops, quarterly Business Excellerator Conferences, access to the online resource centre, and over 20 experts on hand to answer your questions. Just click this link here to sign up: http://winbusinesscoaching.com.au/bbf/

 

**  Go to http://www.amberrenae.com/ for free marketing and funnel courses.

 

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

 

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

Call to action:

According to Amber, persistence is the key. “The only reason I am where I am is that I’ve failed more than everybody else.”

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 8808 5500

 


Emma Lovell had a flash of inspiration on the plane one day that led her on the most incredible journey of entrepreneurship and TV fame, and she managed to do all this while being the mother of two small children. It was her children who inspired her to pioneer the Cozi Go: a canopy that protects babies from light and noise to enable them to sleep more easily in public places. Her idea was so good that she was invited onto the very first series of Shark Tank and walked away with the investment she needed to get the business off the ground and dominate the marketplace.

 

See some of Emma’s top tips below:

**  When you’re designing and developing something new, always assume it’s going to take a lot longer than you originally planned. Pick a figure and double it!

**  Be prepared for there to be a big difference between the quality of a prototype and the first mass-produced batch of products. Make sure you have external quality control to check this.

**  If you’re letting someone down, make damn sure you have a clear plan to resolve the situation.

**  If you’re getting a business off the ground, have a mentor in place that you can be accountable to. This could be a director, investor, or even someone from a pier group.

**  Do things at your own pace. Make sure you can actually handle the consequences of business growth.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How Emma brought an invention to market with no design experience

**  The pros and cons of manufacturing in China

**  What it was like to be there at the very beginning of Shark Tank

**  How to play it when you’re on Shark Tank

**  What Emma did to solve the problem of dead stock

**  Influencer marketing explained

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Enter our competition to win a 17,000 AUD coaching program. Winners will be entitled to free entry to events and workshops, quarterly Business Excellerator Conferences, access to the online resource centre, and over 20 experts on hand to answer your questions. Just click this link here to sign up: http://winbusinesscoaching.com.au/bbf/

 **  Check out the Cozi Go here: http://www.cozigo.com

 **  Email Emma: emma@cozigo.com

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

 **  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

As Emma says, if you want to bring a new product to market, do your market research and get yourself a mentor. Simple but effective!

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 8808 5500

 


Ben Kooyman is a fine example of what you can achieve with good planning and hard work. His Endeavour Brewing Company turns over 7 million AUD per year and can count our very own Ben as a super fan of their Amber Ale!

Any new company can learn from the Endeavour story, especially how they have managed to gather over 600 investors and keep them happy.

 

See some of Ben’s top tips below:

**  Don’t blame challenges in a changing industry. If there are challenges then there will also be opportunities.

**  Do a proper business plan! It sounds obvious, but so many businesses fail because they don’t do this properly.

**  Don’t be scared to give away a share of your business to raise money. If the value of your shares is rising then there are more slices of the pie to go around.

**  Be up-front with your shareholders. Is it a yield investment or is it more about capital growth? What are the challenges you face and what are you doing about them?

**  Remember that shareholders can offer skills and insight. There is no shame in asking their advice. Engaged shareholders are happy shareholders.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  What inspired Ben to start a brewery

**  The power of local produce

**  How Ben raised 250,000 AUD from nothing

**  How to emerge from ‘the tunnel of death’

**  How Ben developed a winning mindset

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Enter our competition to win a 17,000 AUD coaching program. Winners will be entitled to free entry to events and workshops, quarterly Business Exceleration® Conferences, access to the online resource centre, and over 20 experts on hand to answer your questions. Just click this link here to sign up: http://winbusinesscoaching.com.au/bbf/

 **  Endeavour’s website: https://endeavourbeer.com/

 **  Check out Endeavour’s own bar in Sydney: 39/43 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000

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

 **  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

Ben’s favourite inspirational quote is “get shit done!”, and we certainly can’t argue with that as a motto!

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF223_There_is_light_at_the_end_of_the_tunnel_with_Ben_Kooyman_02.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we speak to a woman who took her business global from the most humble of beginnings. Fabienne Costa had an idea when sitting at her high school desk that she was going to make and sell her own jewelry, so eventually she went out and did it. Now she presides over YCL Jewels and distributes to 85 countries around the world. The story of how she overcame adversity along the way to build up a global business with zero outside investment is a great lesson to any entrepreneur.

 

See some of Fabienne’s top tips below:

**  Cultivate a positive relationship with yourself. Once you manage this, it will be a lot easier to succeed in business.

**  Being young and inexperienced can be a blessing in business. You’ll make mistakes but you’ll be malleable enough to learn from them.

**  See your business as something that exists in the context of a wider lifestyle. If you don’t you run the risk of being consumed by stress and negativity.

**  Define your ideal customer. You can’t focus your marketing properly without this.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to overcome self doubt in marketing

**  How to run a company without working long hours

**  Influencer marketing explained

**  Recruiting on Instagram

**  How to get a company off the ground with no investors

**  How Fabienne went from selling on Etsy to a worldwide operation

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Enter our competition to win a $17,000 (AUD) Business Coaching program. Just click this link here to sign up: http://winbusinesscoaching.com.au/bbf/

 

**  Fabienne’s company website: http://www.ycljewels.com

 

**  YCL Jewels Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ycljewels/?hl=en

 

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

 

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Fabienne’s motto rings true for all of us: “Take one small step every single day”.

 

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 8808 5500

 


 

This week we talk to someone who truly understands the humanity of entrepreneurship.

Although Stella Petrou Concha has been named as one of Australia’s Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs, she insists that failure was one of the main things that helped her get there.

Today she presides over the REO Group: a dynamic management consultancy and recruitment agency, but the most interesting part of her story is how she coped with her turbulent life in business before it.

 

See some of Stella’s top tips below:

**  If you have too much energy for the corporate world then you should probably be an entrepreneur!

**  Remember that an entrepreneurial mindset might not always be the best for setting up structure. If you’re more of a visionary, don’t be afraid to delegate.

**  Don’t be scared to change direction. Every decision Stella took was to take an opportunity to be her own best self.

**  Be willing to put yourself out there and give it a go. The best way to learn is to fail first!

**  If you’re a small business you have a great opportunity to sell an experience beyond just your product and give something back while you’re doing it, i.e. a B1G1 initiative.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How CBT and NLP relate to business

**  How to name your business

**  How to scale

**  The questions you should ask of yourself as an entrepreneur

**  How you can give back

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator® at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 

**  Stella’s personal website: http://www.stellapetrouconcha.com.au

 

**  REO Group website: http://www.reogroup.com.au

 

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

 

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

Call to action:

A final nugget of advice from Stella: “Fall in love with the success in business just as much as you fall in love with the failure.”

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 8808 5500

 


Like many of us, our guest this week started out as a reluctant marketeer. Allan Dib is living proof that you can start from a very low base and make yourself a marketing guru if you follow the right  advice. From being a self-confessed IT geek obsessed with his product, Allan used his newly acquired marketing knowledge to grow his business exponentially to the point that it was named by BRW as one of Australia’s fastest-growing companies.

 

See some of Michael’s top tips below:

**  Before someone buys from you they only know how good your marketing is, not how good your product is. Never forget this!

**  Always capture your clients’ details. Make sure you build that critical mass of an audience to spread your message to.

**  The best way to get new business is to speak to old business.

**  Lay your foundations properly. Get your marketing plan right and get the help of an expert.

**  Trust your managers to hire the right people. If your managers have made the hiring decisions then they’re going to be more invested in making the team work.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Direct-response marketing

**  How to convert your leads

**  The benefits of mentoring

**  How to find the right marketing advice

**  The importance of skills versus attitude in an employee

**  How too much experience can be a bad thing in a manager

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator® at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

**  Go to Allan’s website for a free marketing plan: https://successwise.com/

**  Allan’s book, “The 1-Page Marketing Plan” can be bought here

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

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

Call to action:

 

If Allan can learn the ropes to become a marketing guru, so can 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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: bbf220_how_a_marketing_mindset_will_help_you_business_growth_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we have a frank and inspiring discussion with Michael Laps: co-founder and strategy director at Yoghurt Digital. An expert in user-behaviour research and customer-data analysis, Michael also knows a thing or two about building a business from the bottom up.

 

See some of Michael’s top tips below:

**  Surround yourself with good people. If you want to be an entrepreneur, make sure you’re around them.

**  It’s easy to set up an agency - you just need your skills and a laptop!

**  Don’t underestimate the power of brand recall. Calling a digital agency ‘Yoghurt’ has certainly worked for Michael.

**  Understand the customers of your customers. That will give you an edge as an agency.

**  If you don’t love the challenge of business then you quite simply shouldn’t be in business.

**  Don’t glorify the concept of entrepreneurship - there is no such thing as an overnight success!

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to make your way in the digital marketplace

**  What makes the perfect partnership

**  How to develop the winning mindset

**  The benefits of putting it out there

**  How to make bootstrapping work

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator® at Max My Profit?
Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

**  Check out Michael’s agency here: www.yoghurtdigital.com.au

**  The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster by Darren Hardy can be bought here

**  The Lean Startup by Eric Ries can be bought here

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

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

Call to action:

Remember what Michael said about perfection? “Perfection doesn’t exist in entrepreneurship. Speed of execution and the ability to learn from mistakes is more important.” If you’re thinking about doing something, just do 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 8808 5500

 


There is a massive gap between how businesses think they are serving their customers and how customers actually feel about the service they receive.

 

This week we learn from someone who has made it his business to close that gap. Damian Kernahan is the main man at Proto Partners: a company that helps organisations actually deliver what they promise. He talks a lot of sense about the customer journey that we could all learn from, so listen up!

 

See some of Damian’s top tips below:

 

**  70% of Australia’s GDP is service based… service is where the money is!

 

**  67% of people don’t buy from business because of perceived indifference about their service.

 

**  Everyone says they’re busy, but that is not the same thing as being in tune with your customers. Make sure you are busy in the right areas.

 

**  “Predictable” and “consistent” are under-rated words. Do not underestimate the importance of them in your business.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The theory of the customer journey

 

**  How Damian built up his business but stayed small

 

**  How large businesses are letting down their employees

 

**  The dangers of being too busy for your customers

 

**  The gap between customer perception and the reality of their customer-service experience

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator® at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 

 **  Damian’s company website: http://www.protopartners.com.au

 

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

 

 **  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

 

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

 

Call to action:

Remember the study that showed 80% of organisations thought they provided a good service, but only 8% of the public agreed with them? Don’t be one of those deluded organisations!

 

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: bbf218_celebrating_11_years_of_business_success_with_damien_kernahan_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we find out the secret to growing a business quickly and successfully with Julie Castle: the inspirational founder of Struber. Struber is an engagement consultancy business that specialises in the infrastructure sector, and as we will find out, they also specialise in growing a happy team and creating a great workplace culture.

 

See some of Julie’s top tips below:

**  There is never just one management style that can get the best out of every member of your team. Be flexible.

**  Outsourcing can work if you manage it properly. The process-driven nature of Julie’s team in the Philippines has been a godsend for her business.

**  A quick and dirty strategy can get you a quick and dirty result. Don’t be lazy when you’re implementing something fundamental i.e. an outsourcing strategy.

**  Don’t take it personally when your employees leave. It normally won’t be your fault.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How Julie achieved such phenomenal growth with Struber

**  The key to good leadership

**  How to grow a business with only self-funding

**  Outsourcing to the Philippines

**  The top skills you need to be a successful entrepreneur

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator® at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

**  Struber’s website: http://www.struber.com.au

**  Find Julie on Linkedin here

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

**  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

 

Call to action:

As Julie says, don’t be scared of failing in business. The key is to own it and learn from it when you do.

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF217_From_2_to_a_team_of_30_in_just_5_years_with_Julie_Castle_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

It’s not often we get to speak to a neuro-branding specialist, so it was a privilege to speak to one of the best in the business, Lauren Clemett.

Lauren has 25 years of experience in the game, having worked for some leading agencies and nowadays with her own agency, The Business Propellor. She is also the author of the branding guidebook ‘Selling You’, so it was a great opportunity to discuss how being an author has helped her career.

 

See some of Lauren’s top tips below:

**  Networking is king. Get yourself out there and make sure people know who you are and what you do.

**  You can grow your business much more quickly with good collaboration. Don’t assume you should do it all yourself.

**  Make sure you have fun! If you enjoy your working days, you stand a much better chance of success.

**  If you’re thinking about starting a business just go ahead and do it! Don’t wait about and let the fear take over.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to pick the right business partner

**  How to manage failure in business

**  The best way to manage a partnership agreement

**  The importance of being an author

**  How to develop a winning mindset

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 **  Check out Lauren’s agency: https://ultimatebusinesspropellor.com/

 **  Join Lauren’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RocketLaunchYourBusiness/

 **  Buy Lauren’s book here

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

 **  Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

Call to action:

Remember what Lauren said about how to validate your business idea… “Where is the gap that you can fill?”

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 8808 5500

 


Summary

If your business can’t scale then there’s probably something wrong with it.

This week we speak to Ben Goodman about the dos and don’ts of scaling. Ben is the cofounder of Pod & Parcel: a business that delivers high-quality instant coffee in biodegradable pods. In just three years Ben has scaled up his business to generate 10K in revenue every day, and just for good measure he’s also appeared on Shark Tank.

 

See some of Ben’s top tips below:

 

**  Don’t underestimate people’s guilt about the environment. An eco-friendly product could absolutely fly if you get it right.

**  You don’t always need to pay for PR and advertising in the beginning. If you are a decent writer and you can convey the story of your product, you can gain traction.

**  Test your product as quickly and cheaply as possible.

**  If your product works, scale very quickly! You should throw your money into advertising and production the moment you feel traction, otherwise competitors will muscle in.

**  Don’t do everything yourself. Your time has a value, so make sure you use it in the right areas.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The pros and cons of self-financing

**  The power of Facebook marketing

**  How Ben scaled to 10K worth of business per day

**  The unreliability of prospective investors

**  In house V outsourcing

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html

 

**  Order some of Ben’s coffee here: http://www.podandparcel.com.au

 

**  Find Ben on Linkedin here

 

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

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

 

Call to action:

The over-riding message from Ben is to act quickly and scale, but only after you’ve ironed out your mistakes.

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: bbf215_why_you_need_to_hurry_up_and_scale_with_ben_goodman_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we bring you the global success story of Troy Douglas: Co-Founder and CEO of Nexba. Sold in 3,000 outlets across Australia, Nexba are the country’s leading natural sugar-free drinks brand, and now they are gaining a foothold in the UK and US. Troy’s story is proof that a strong moral purpose can bring unbelievable success.

 

See some of Troy’s top tips below:

**  Don’t be afraid to reach out to highly successful people. It worked for Troy.

**  Make sure you have a quality advisory network. You don’t necessarily have to give away a share of your business in order to have a fully functioning board of directors.

**  If you have a business that has a wider moral purpose than simply making money, you can attract very supportive investors.

**  Work harder on yourself than you do on your job. If you’re in charge of a business, you can only make it work if you work properly yourself.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to scale a global business

**  The power of a moral purpose in a business

**  How to raise significant capital

**  How to avoid burnout

**  How to keep reinventing your strategy to stay ahead

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at Max My Profit? Visit: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

**  Find out more about Nexba at http://www.nexba.com

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

** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/

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

 

Call to action:

We’ll end with a final quote from Troy: “Money is a bi-product of doing business right”. Listen to Troy, and make sure you don’t lose sight of the right stuff when you’re building your 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 8808 5500
Email: ben@maxmyprofit.com.au

 

Direct download: bbf214_the_nine_year_overnight_success_with_troy_douglas_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

What an inspirational man we have on the show this week. From being a corporate high flyer, Matt Burns now dedicates all of his efforts towards helping others. But this is no ordinary charity. The Global HR Collective is funded by all of Matt’s real-world work - he simply won’t accept donations. Before starting the collective, Matt was an award-winning HR porfessional, so we talk to him about how to innovate in the HR world as well as how to create and run a global not-for-profit enterprise.

 

See some of Matt’s top tips below:

 

**  There’s a difference between activity and productivity. Don’t assume that just being busy is going to make you successful.

**  Don’t spend all your time working in your business. Work on your business.

**  Be patient with your content marketing. Throw away your instant gratification!

**  HR is similar to marketing. In HR you are projecting a message and you need buy-in from your internal audience.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

 

**  How Matt pioneered new technology to revolutionise HR

**  Finding work/life balance as an entrepreneur

**  How Linkedin worked for Matt

**  The art of collaboration

**  How to attract the right people to your business

**  The benefits of failed content

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excelerator™ at MaxMyProfit? Visit: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

 

**  Matt’s cause: http://www.globalhrcollective.org

 

**  Find Matt on LinkedIn here

 

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

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

 

 

Call to action:

Matt is living proof that if you want to do good with your entrepreneurship, you CAN.

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 8808 5500

Direct download: bbf213_why_Matt_Burns_is_giving_most_of_revenue_away_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

This week we tell the story of a prolific entrepreneur. Phillip Kouch had the vision to turn one doughnut stall into a Melbourne doughnut empire that may be soon expanding to a city near you. He also pioneered an online giftbox delivery service, giving him a serious edge on his competitors.

 

See some of Phillip’s top tips below:

**  Try and do something that your competitors are not doing. That’s what worked for Phillip.

**  Do everything you can to get onside with journalists and bloggers. One or two pieces of coverage can totally transform your business.

**  Create intrigue. A product in your range that people don’t fully understand might be a good thing.

**  Collect information! If a doughnut stall can build a massive database then so can you.

**  Manage your marketing databases properly. If you don’t do this, your marketing is doomed to fail.

 

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Phillip’s incredible story

**  The importance of social media

**  How to franchise effectively

**  What drives Phillip

**  A dossant explained

**  How to court influencers

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excellerator at Max My Profit? Visit: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

 

**  Find Phillip on Instagram @goldelucksdougnuts  

 

**  Order a giftbox from http://www.goldelucksdoughnuts.com.au

 

**  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 end with some sage advice from Phillip: “If you spend too long thinking about an idea then someone else is going to go out and do 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 8808 5500

 


What a great conversation we had this week with Elyse Daniels… no topic too big or too small! Elyse made her fortune from her company Exodus Wear which makes bespoke uniforms and apparel for the education sector and clubs & societies. Elyse has great experience navigating the minefield of Asian manufacturers and she also has some heartwarming tales to tell about being on the brink.

 

See some of Elyse’s top tips below:

**  Nothing can prepare you more for starting a business than being a salesperson.

**  Don’t be too hung up on the grades of your employees. People can get good grades by just memorising words.

**  Samples can seal the deal. A good sample shows your commitment to the client.

**  If you’re successful in business be very careful about changing your fundamentals. It can be tempting to keep innovating, but if you’ve already nailed your formula, don’t ruin it!

**  When it comes to manufacturers, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Always have backup suppliers.

 

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to work with family

**  The importance of sales skills

**  Elyse’s most effective marketing tool

**  Global manufacturing headaches

**  The power of mentorship

**  The dangers of growth

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Become a Business Excelerator with MaxMyProfit here

**  Elyse’s course “How to manufacture your products in China” can be found here

**  Elyse’s company website: https://www.exoduswear.com.au/

**  Elyse’s YouTube channel can be found here

**  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 with this corker of a quote that Elyse suggested we all listen to, courtesy of Linkedin founder Reid Hoffman: “An entrepreneur is someone who jumps off a cliff and builds a plane on the way down.”

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: bbf211_Find_what_works_and_stick_to_it_with_Elyse_Daniels_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Kochie is a household name in Australia, shooting the sh*t about business on Sunrise every morning. As well as being a great talker about business, he’s been there and done it in business himself.

Nowadays, when he’s not on TV he spends his time touring around the country delivering knockout advice at corporate events, but today we have him for free and unedited… what a privilege!

 

See some of Kochie’s top tips below:

**  It’s all very well having a good idea, but how are you going to execute it?

**  Don’t be scared of risk in business - it’s part of the deal!

**  Don’t be too hung up on an idea. If something isn’t meant to be, get the hint! Remember; execution is more important than the idea.

**  If you don’t understand the numbers of your business, make sure you have someone on board who does!

**  Look after yourself at the beginning of the day. Some people meditate, some people dedicate it to learning, some people do exercise. Whatever it is, make sure you start the day with a productive habit.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  The definition of an entrepreneur

**  The skills you need to be an entrepreneur

**  How to fail properly

**  The importance of benchmarking

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Become a Business Excelerator with MaxMyProfit here

**  Buy Kochie’s new book here

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

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

 

 

Call to action:

What an absolutely showstopping quote from Kochie this was:

“Have enough confidence in yourself to give it a go. If it doesn’t work out, have enough confidence in yourself to give something else a go.”

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF210_Kochie_spills_the_beans_on_how_to_succeed_in_business_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

What a pleasure it is to welcome back Paul Dunn… one of the most inspirational and insightful people you could ever wish to meet.

Paul’s a full-time TEDx speaker, travelling over 800,000 miles every year to share his insight around the world. The main focus of the show this week will be on Paul’s B1G1 initiative, which has enabled 173 million giving impacts across the globe.

Paul is all about giving something back, and by the end of the show you will understand how you and your business can give more back too.

 

See some of Paul’s top tips below:

**  Every hour there are 84 new businesses starting in Australia, but there are 79 failing.

**  Governments do not change our world like they used to. The onus is now on business.

**  Differentiation comes from the clarity of ‘why’. This is what will set you apart.

**  If you’re late, it’s better to say “thank you for your patience” than “sorry I’m late”. Similarly, if you name a price as only “X amount of dollars” you have a better chance of selling it if you name the same price but add “this price includes a load of special features”. This will make the respondent more likely to ask questions about the special features and become engaged with your offering.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Paul’s first foray into business

**  The importance of ‘why’

**  Is free content really worth it?

**  How B1G1 came about

**  Shifting the spirit of business

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Go to Paul’s site: http://www.b1g1.com

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

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

 

Call to action:

Entrepreneurs have the power. There has never been an easier time to make an impact, so go ahead and make that impact!

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: bbf209_building_an_on_purpose_business_with_paul_dunn_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Sam Wood’s story is a great reminder of what is possible if you seize the moment. He fought off stiff competition to be a contestant on the Aussie TV show, Bachelor, where not only did he meet the woman who is now his wife, he also built a business off the back of it that attracted 140,000 members in just three years!

 

See some of Sam’s top tips below:

**  Grasp those opportunities. Be aware when an opportunity of a lifetime is staring you in the face.

 

**  Consider doing live videos to promote yourself - they were immensely effective for Sam.

 

**  Be flexible and listen to your customers.

 

**  Ask people’s advice on your new ventures but don’t ask too many. Make sure you trust these people implicitly.

 

**  If you’re running a business, be active in creating content. Even if this doesn’t feel like a strength, your personal touch can go a long way.

 

**  Don’t be too busy working in rather than working on your business.

 

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Sam’s amazing story

 

**  The benefits of working for yourself

 

**  How Sam generates his ideas

 

**  How Sam tests his ideas

 

**  How Sam juggles his many commitments

 

**  How Sam got 5,000 members within 2 months of launching

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Go to Sam’s site and find yourself a new health program: http://www.28bysamwood.com

 

**  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 can’t be inspired by Sam then you can’t be inspired by anyone. If you’re stuck in a rut, get off your ass and make something happen!

 

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 8808 5500

 


We’ve changed it up a bit this week to give you a big dose of uninterrupted Ben! Ben will be talking to you about how you can make competitions your ultimate marketing tool. He also explains how you can try your luck with our great competition and give yourself the chance to win a $6,000 coaching program with MaxMyProfit.

 

See some of Ben's top tips below:

**  Competitions are “interruption” marketing. You need an offer that is exciting enough to stop people in their tracks.

**  The conventional lead magnet is not as effective as it used to be. If you’re going to give something away for free, why not make it into a competition?

**  Competitions create a buzz. They provide ready-made social media material.

**  Think of how many people play the lottery. Even with very long odds, people enjoy the thrill of a game of luck.

**  When people enter your competition, get them to write why they might want the prize. This helps qualify people so you can approach them afterwards.

**  Think of people you already have strategic partnerships with. You could make your prize more attractive if you join forces.

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  Why competitions work

**  How to comply with legislation

**  How to choose a prize

**  How to promote your competition

**  The difference between quality and quantity of entries

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Enter our very own competition here and you might win our top prize worth $6,000: http://winbusinesscoaching.com.au/bbf

 

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

 

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

 

Call to action:

Remember, if you don’t set up a competition so you can communicate effectively with the entrants afterwards, you will have missed a great marketing opportunity. Turning those entrants into leads is the name of the game!

 

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF207_Win_a_6000_Business_Coaching_Program_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

It’s always nice to get a guest back that everyone loved the first time around, so it’s a great pleasure to introduce Robert Gerrish to the show once again. We first spoke to Robert about his Flying Solo group (and accompanying book); a collective that supports people in business who are starting, growing and exiting. Now he’s written another book called the One-Minute Commute, but most importantly he talks absolute sense about business and life. Listen up!

 

See some of Robert’s top tips below:

 

**  Over 70% of Aussie small businesses don’t even have a premises. There is nothing wrong with this…. embrace it!

**  Don’t just picture your material dreams in life. Picture what you’re doing in life.

**  Be agile in business - sometimes you just need to adjust. This doesn’t mean you’re a failure!

**  Don’t be so hung up on being busy with the day to day. Take the time out to understand what you might need to do to future-proof your business.

**  Understand the value of your business, even if you aren’t planning on selling it. Be prepared for everything!

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

 

**  Busting the myths of a “lifestyle business”

**  How Robert ditched the rat race

**  Robert’s history with business coaching

**  How Robert attracted over 100,000 members to Flying Solo

**  The size of the small-business marketplace in Australia

**  How your business can be flexible and move with the times

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

 

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excellerator at Max My Profit? Visit: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

 **  Robert’s book can be purchased here

 **  Listen to Robert’s podcast here

 **  Robert’s webiste: www.robertgerrish.com

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

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

 

Call to action:

 

Robert’s story is a great example of someone who has his priorities right. Always make sure your business fits into your wider objectives in life.

 

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF206_The_art_of_flying_solo_with_Robert_Gerrish_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Listen up for a frank interview about business and about life with our guest Richard Triggs. Not only does Richard have a successful recruitment company - he has absolutely nailed the lifestyle to go with it. His company Arete Executive derives its meaning from the Greek word for fulfilling one’s full potential, “Arete”. Richard has certainly done that, but not in the sense of millions of dollars of revenue. He’s done it his way.

 

 

See some of Richard’s top tips below:

**  Properly assess your life goals. Don’t assume that business goals are the same as life goals.

**  Beware the dangers of running a business with your nearest and dearest! The stakes were just too high for Richard.

**  Don’t underestimate the power of business coaching. Of course we would say that, but it really helped Richard through his tough times.

**  Get your funding in place before you start trading. Don’t start your business too early.

**  Remember there is a difference between being highly skilled in your field and running a business. Some of the skills are interchangeable, but not all of them will be.

 

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How to build a lifestyle business

**  The definition of a lifestyle business

**  The power of personal development

**  The dangers of growth for growth’s sake

**  How business should fit into the wider sphere of life

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excellerator at Max My Profit? Visit: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

 **  Visit Richard’s website here

 **  Find Richard on Linkedin here

 **  Richard’s book, ‘Uncover The Hidden Job Market’ can be bought here

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

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

 

 

Call to action:

Richard’s story is a great reminder that business growth doesn’t necessarily make for happiness outside of business. Make sure you properly understand how your business can help you achieve your OWN success.

 

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF205_Building_a_business_to_fit_your_life_with_richard_triggs_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

It’s always nice to speak to someone who’s truly in it for the love. Anneke van den Broek’s journey as a petcare entrepreneur began when she was just six years old where she bred her own mice and sold them to her local petshop! Now she presides over Rufus & Coco; Australia’s most-awarded petcare brand that now has a presence in nine different countries.

 

See some of Anneke’s top tips below:


** Don’t always assume you know exactly what the customer wants from the beginning. Get out there and meet them.


** Understand your why. You’re more likely to achieve longevity if your motivation is from a purpose higher than money.


** Be present to seize the opportunity. Do not underestimate the importance of trade shows and corporate networking.


** Think about “the airport test”. If you got stuck in an airport with a member of your team, would you enjoy their company? Anneke has nobody work for her that couldn’t pass the airport test!


In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:


** The story of Rufus & Coco spelling??


** How to truly understand your customer base


** The power of business coaching


** The advantages of being a small business


** How Anneke raised capital in order to grow


** How to utilise a team full of entrepreneurs


Resources mentioned in this episode:


** Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excellerator at Max My Profit? Visit: http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

** Visit Rufus & Coco’s website here

** Find Anneke on Linkedin here

** Visit the website of Entrepreneur’s Organization here

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


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

Call to action:


Anneke came out with one of the greatest quotes we’ve ever had on the show, so we will finish on this inspirational note: “Real success is not living forever but creating something that will.”


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 8808 5500

Direct download: BBF204_going_global_in_just_3_years_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Before Daniel Hayes found online fame as the Million Dollar Bogan, he was a record-breaking sales consultant. In his first 12 months of selling Real Estate in Victoria he did something that had never been done before, which was to sell 82 of his own listings. He then went on to break more records when he opened his own office. His 506 property sales netted more than a quarter of a billion dollars and made him the number one office in the area. He now has 5 boutique offices, his Million Dollar Bogan Youtube channel and he proudly says that his businesses could run perfectly well without him.

 

See some of Daniel’s top tips below:

**  Being a leader is not all about “being about me”. It’s about being about the business!

**  Recruitment is your number one priority - it’s all about the people.

**  A leader must inspire with positive energy.

**  Don’t get into the habit of thinking your colleagues aren’t ready. Give them a chance to buy in and make their own mistakes, and then support them.

**  You don’t have a to be a big business to be successful, you’ve just got to be smart.

 

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How Dan sees himself

**  “Animal mode” explained

**  How to build a good team

**  How Dan managed times of crisis

**  How Dan built up his YouTube following

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Do you think you have what it takes to become a Business Excellerator at Max My Profit? Visit:  http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au/about

 

**  Subscribe to Million Dollar Bogan Youtube here

 

**  Buy Dan’s book here

 

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

 

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

 

Call to action:

What Dan said towards the end of the interview is definitely worth thinking about, i.e. “a big business isn’t always a profitable business”. Be careful not to get hung up on growth and make sure you have the right people in place to understand what kind of business is needed to realise your vision.

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 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF203_-_riding_to_the_top_of_everest_with_the_million_dollar_bogan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Steve Brossman is a truly inspirational guy. He turned his hand at many different things and absolutely smashed it, but what is even more admirable is the way he did it. Steve goes against the grain of common thinking but does so in a pragmatic way.

The entrepreneurial streak was in him from a young age. At 15 he set up a surfboard-making business in his Dad’s garage which was to plant the seed for decades of success in business, but first he had to learn the hard way. While training for the LA Olympics as a sprinter he slipped three discs in his back and ended his career, but fortunately he didn’t wallow in excuses for failure and saw his rehab as a great opportunity. This inspired him to build up a successful gym/health club business, and then just for good measure he went on to sell 4 million “Butts out” personal ashtrays that reduced cigarette litter by 70%! There is so much we can all learn from Steve’s approach.

See some of Steve’s top tips below:
** Mentors are vital. Not having one was a big reason why Steve injured himself when training for the Olympics. This has served as an important lesson thoughout his life in business.
** Take full responsibility for your mistakes! We all make them but by fronting up and not blaming people you can move on and learn from them.
** Once you’ve done something well, package up your knowledge and your skills so you can make money by teaching other people them.
** Never assume market leaders are right. Sometimes they can be set in their ways.
** “Don’t sell the pieces, sell the solution”. Steve’s sale of personal ashtrays + marketing campaigns to go with them is proof of the value of selling the 100% solution rather than just one product within that solution.
** Steve has a rule that if by the second meeting he doesn’t feel like he can take somebody home and introduce them to his family, he won’t work with them.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
** What defined Steve as an entrepreneur
** How Steve went against conventional market thinking
** The power of reinvention
** What motivates Steve
** The dangers of listening to convention
** How to sell a solution rather than a product
Resources mentioned in this episode:
** Take your business to the next level and head to http://www.maxmyprofit.com.au

** Steve’s website: http://www.stevebrossman.com

** Email Steve: steve@stevebrossman.com

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

Call to action:
“What got you here is not going to get you the future,” says Steve. Don’t get complacent with your 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 8808 5500


Jon Yeo deconstructed every aspect of business to become a winner. A self-confessed introvert, he worked tirelessly to improve the way he communicated, and now he actually advises professional speakers! Jon is behind TEDx Melbourne so he really knows what it’s like at the cutting edge of business. He is also past chapter president of Professional Speakers Australia.

 

See some of Jon’s top tips below:

**  You can’t grow a business without the right mindset.

**  Have the courage to be wrong. You won’t have all the answers.

**  Never forget the true meaning of value.

**  Understand how you can use numbers to make good business decisions. This is more than understanding how a spreadsheet works - it’s about understanding why each number is useful.

**  Surround yourself with extraordinary people and understand how they think.

**  Knowing yourself can be the difference between success and failure in business.

 

 

In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

**  How mindset helped build Jon’s business

**  What value really means

**  Are you born an entrepreneur?

**  How to utilise ad-hoc support

**  How Jon sees mistakes as good thing

**  The changing face of the events industry

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

**  Find Jon on Linkedin here

**  Keith Cunningham’s ‘Keys To The Vault’ course 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:

As Jon says, “Anyone can be an entrepreneur, but some do it more efficiently than others”. Wise words!

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) 8808 5500

 

Direct download: BBF201-_Curator_of_TEDx_Melbourne_shares_why_the_numbers_are_so_important.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

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