Episodios

  • QFF: Benjamin Dennehy shares how he built a successful sales career by rejecting discounts, insisting on upfront payments, and empowering small business owners with bold, no-nonsense strategies to achieve big wins. (Episode 571 - Benjamin Dennehy)
    Sep 27 2024

    In less than 20 minutes a week, we'll introduce you to an expert or business owner with deep experience in what they do. Grow you, grow your team, grow a small business.

    Welcome to Part Two of Benjamin Dennehy's episode on Grow a Small Business.,In this episode host Michael Denehey interviews Benjamin Dennehy, founder of The UK’s Most Hated Sales Trainer. Benjamin shares powerful strategies for mastering negotiation and sales, emphasizing the importance of demanding upfront payments and overcoming emotional attachment to your business. He also highlights how to handle company policies and the need for confidence in closing deals. Tune in for practical insights to elevate your sales game and business mindset.

    Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:


    Prioritize Upfront Payment: Benjamin Dennehy stresses the importance of securing payment before starting any work. He believes that this approach prevents unnecessary chasing and demonstrates confidence in your value.

    Challenge Company Policies: When faced with conflicting policies, like 60-day payment terms versus a 100% upfront policy, Dennehy showcases how sticking to your own policy can lead to better results and establish clear boundaries.

    Embrace Rejection: Dennehy highlights that rejection is a natural part of sales and emphasizes the importance of not fearing it. He views rejection as a step toward finding quicker yeses.


    Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

    Detach Emotionally: Successful business owners should detach emotionally from their business. Dennehy advises that treating your business objectively helps in handling difficult prospects and avoids being swayed by personal attachments.

    Charge for Consultations: Dennehy advises charging for initial consultation calls to filter out less serious prospects and avoid giving away valuable advice for free.

    Consistent Prospecting: To improve sales outcomes, Dennehy emphasizes the need for consistent prospecting. Meeting a larger number of prospects reduces the pressure on each individual sale and improves overall performance.

    One action small business owners can take:

    One actionable tip from Benjamin Dennehy for small business owners is to stop being emotionally attached to their business. Dennehy advises business owners to treat their business as just another entity, not as their personal life. By doing so, they can better handle tough questions from prospects and avoid letting personal feelings impact business decisions.

    Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

    Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

    Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

    Stop acting like you are important, you're just another business – Benjamin Dennehy

    The moment you get out of your own way, success comes a lot faster – Benjamin Dennehy

    Stop giving anything away for free; make them pay to talk to you – Benjamin Dennehy

    Más Menos
    22 m
  • Esther Rupenovic of Jack & Chelo on Scaling to $1.2M Revenue: From Solo Founder to a Team of 5, Doubling Sales, and Leveraging Shopify for Success. Insights on Business Growth, Team Expansion, and Financial Milestones. (Episode 570 - Esther Rupenovic)
    Sep 24 2024
    In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Esther Rupenovic of Jack & Chelo shares her journey of scaling the business to an impressive $1.2 million in revenue. From starting as a solo founder, Esther expanded her team to five and doubled sales, thanks to strategic use of Shopify. Discover her insights on driving business growth, building a successful team, and achieving remarkable financial milestones. Other Resources: Starting with $10k in 2004, losing it all, now $27M in sales and 55 staff selling fitness products. (Ben Crowley) Mastering team growth, hiring top talent, and building a thriving culture for success. (Lesley van Tuil) Are you based in Tasmania? We have a regular small business meet-up in Hobart and Launceston, leave your email here to get the invite. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Esther Rupenovic says the hardest part of growing a small business is being a solo founder and having to handle everything. From marketing and customer service to managing staff and systems, the sheer number of tasks can be overwhelming. She started with a passion for cooking but now juggles many different responsibilities. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Esther Rupenovic's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Winging It by Emma Isaacs. It was the first business book she read, and it resonated with her early in her journey. She also enjoys reading The E-Myth and has Shoe Dog by Phil Knight on her reading list. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Esther Rupenovic recommends three main podcasts that she listens to on repeat for growing a small business: Grow A Small Business by Troy Trewin, Hammersley Brothers E-commerce podcast, and Add to Cart by Nathan Bush. She highlights Add to Cart for its focus on e-commerce and its valuable insights for Shopify users. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Esther Rupenovic recommends using Shopify POS (Point of Sale) linked with a Shopify store for growing a small business. She finds it extremely handy for tracking inventory, customer data, and creating loyalty systems. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of using a detailed scorecard to track numbers daily, which provides valuable insights for business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Esther Rupenovic would advise herself on day one to "just enjoy the ride" and dream bigger than initially imagined. She believes that setting higher goals allows you to achieve success more quickly than expected. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Embrace the journey and dream bigger than you think – Esther Rupenovic Professional development is a key to expanding your mind and knowledge – Esther Rupenovic Regularly carving out time for professional growth is incredibly powerful – Esther Rupenovic
    Más Menos
    34 m
  • John Lenker & Assaf Arie on Scaling Their Consulting Firm from 4 to 14 Members, Achieving 10x Revenue Growth, and Helping Clients Save Millions with Strategic Marketing & Business Innovation Over 22 Years. (Episode 569 - John Lenker & Assaf Arie)
    Sep 22 2024

    In this episode of the GASB Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews John Lenker and Assaf Arie from Lenker Consulting, a firm specializing in strategic marketing and business growth. They share insights on scaling their business from 4 to 14 team members, achieving 10x revenue growth, and helping clients save millions. With over 22 years of experience, they discuss the challenges and successes of building a value-driven company.

    Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here.

    Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

    And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

    1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?

      John Lenker and Assaf Arie believe the hardest part of growing a small business is managing emotional and practical challenges, staying resilient after setbacks, and understanding the industry. Balancing growth with payroll and hiring adds stress, especially when taking risks on new hires. They emphasize patience in building client relationships at the right pace to avoid overwhelming them.

    2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?

      John Lenker and Assaf Arie often reference The Toyota Way as their favorite business book. They appreciate how it showcases a mindset shift in the automotive industry, demonstrating more efficient, profitable methods of production. The book's lessons on optimizing processes and continuous improvement resonate with them and have influenced their approach to business growth and innovation.

    3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?

      John Lenker and Assaf Arie recommend using Active Campaign for CRM and marketing automation and Webflow for building websites and landing pages. They also mention enjoying the Joe Rogan podcast for a break from business.

    4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?

      John Lenker and Assaf Arie recommend using Active Campaign for CRM and marketing automation and Webflow for building digital environments like websites and landing pages.

    5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?

      John Lenker and Assaf Arie advise that starting a business will be much harder than anticipated. They suggest being prepared for significant challenges and understanding that things will get tougher before they get easier.

    Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

    Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

    Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

    The second you run out of problems, you're out of business – be grateful for them – John Lenker & Assaf Arie

    Create a culture from your values, not just what the crowd is doing – John Lenker & Assaf Arie

    Get excited about what a new hire can do for you, and trust them to do their job – John Lenker & Assaf Arie

    Más Menos
    50 m
  • QFF: Unlocking Sales Success with Benjamin Dennehy: Discover how the UK's Most Hated Sales Trainer builds a thriving sales training business, leads a dynamic team, and uses expert techniques to boost small business growth. (Episode 568 - Benjamin Dennehy)
    Sep 19 2024

    In less than 20 minutes a week, we'll introduce you to an expert or business owner with deep experience in what they do. Grow you, grow your team, grow a small business.

    In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey interviews Benjamin Dennehy, founder of The UK’s Most Hated Sales Trainer. With over a decade of experience in sales training, Benjamin shares how he's helped countless businesses improve their sales techniques and performance. He also discusses building a successful team and the strategies that have led to his business growth. Tune in for expert advice on transforming your sales approach.

    Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:


    Master the Art of Asking Questions: Sales success is rooted in asking the right questions. It's not just about what you ask but how you ask it, to uncover true client needs.

    Embrace Discomfort in Sales: Being direct and upfront in sales can be uncomfortable, but it's essential to build trust and gain respect from potential clients.

    Understand Rejection: Rejection is part of the process. Learning how to handle and grow from rejection will make you a stronger and more resilient salesperson.

    Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

    Be Prepared to Challenge Prospects: Don’t be afraid to challenge prospects’ assumptions. This can differentiate you from competitors and position you as a trusted advisor.

    Focus on Process, Not Outcome: Focusing too much on the end goal can lead to failure. Prioritize following a strong sales process, and the results will naturally follow.

    Build a Strong Sales Team Culture: Investing in your team’s sales training and fostering a culture of accountability will improve overall performance and business success.

    One action small business owners can take:

    One action small business owners can take is to revamp their sales approach by incorporating Socratic questioning. This technique involves asking insightful questions to guide prospects toward recognizing their own needs and challenges, rather than directly pitching your solutions. It helps in uncovering deeper insights and building stronger, more trust-based relationships with potential clients.

    Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

    Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

    Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

    Sales isn’t about being liked; it’s about being effective – Benjamin Dennehy

    Rejection is just a step in the sales process, not the end – Benjamin Dennehy

    In sales, your goal is to make prospects feel something, not just hear something – Benjamin Dennehy

    Más Menos
    19 m
  • A Success Story from the Founder of Happy Self Publishing: Growing from Startup to a 20+ Member Team, Generating $1M+ in Revenue, Tackling Hiring Challenges, and Creating a Thriving Company Culture Over 9 Years. (Episode 567 - Jyotsna Ramachandran)
    Sep 17 2024
    In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jyotsna Ramachandran, founder of Happy Self Publishing, shares her journey to success. She discusses how focusing on team development and refining business strategies transformed her company’s growth. Jyotsna details the importance of authentic storytelling in publishing and reveals the impact of building a strong company culture. Tune in to learn from her experiences and the strategies that propelled Happy Self Publishing forward. Other Resources: When should a growing small business have a Board of Directors or Advisors? Get a return from an effective Chairperson of a Board Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Jyotsna Ramachandran, the hardest thing in growing a small business is overcoming the entrepreneur's mindset of viewing their business as "small." She emphasizes that this mindset can hinder growth, suggesting that shifting to a mindset of scalability and possibility is crucial for reaching the next level of success What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Jyotsna Ramachandran's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. She found it particularly valuable for understanding the importance of prioritizing profits before covering other expenses, which shifted her perspective on managing her business finances. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jyotsna Ramachandran recommends the Mel Robbins Show for personal development and business growth. Mel Robbins, known for her "Five Second Rule," offers practical advice and motivation that Jyotsna finds resonant and actionable. For online learning, she suggests leveraging such podcasts and resources to enhance both personal and professional skills. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jyotsna Ramachandran recommends using a simple spreadsheet to track expenses and income. Despite its basic nature, she finds it crucial for managing finances and ensuring clarity on cash flow, especially for small business owners who may initially overlook the importance of detailed financial tracking. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Jyotsna Ramachandran would advise herself that "you can grow your business the way you want. There is no one rule or metric to define success. Each person’s life circumstances and goals are unique, so set your own rules and grow your business according to your vision. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success in business is not about speed, but about steady, intentional growth – Jyotsna Ramachandran Your business should serve your vision, not society's expectations – Jyotsna Ramachandran True entrepreneurship is about designing freedom, not just earning profits – Jyotsna Ramachandran
    Más Menos
    26 m
  • Unveiling the Triumph of D'Angelo's Restaurant: How a Hobart Business Achieved $4 Million Revenue and Built a Dedicated Team of 20 Over 40 Years. Explore the Secrets Behind Their Long-Lasting Success and Industry Impact. (Episode 566 - Angelo Fraraccio)
    Sep 15 2024
    In this episode of the GASB Podcast, host Michael Denehey interviews Angelo Fraraccio, founder of D'Angelo's Restaurant in Hobart, Tasmania, shares his 40-year journey in the restaurant business. He highlights the importance of community engagement, maintaining quality, and building a strong team. Angelo also discusses how he has balanced personal life while continuing to grow D'Angelo's into a beloved local institution. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here. Michael delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Angelo Fraraccio identified the hardest aspect of growing a small business as dealing with staff. He explained that attracting and retaining good staff is challenging, especially when competing with other industries. The difficulty is compounded by the need for staff to work irregular hours and weekends, which can deter younger workers. Angelo emphasized the importance of having a strong team, noting that good people are essential for the success and sustainability of a business. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Angelo Fraraccio mentioned that he hasn't read any business books that significantly impacted him. Instead, he relies on practical experience, financial readings, and advice from accountants and business people. He emphasized the value of hands-on learning and real-world insights over formal business literature. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Angelo Fraraccio didn’t specifically recommend any podcasts or online learning resources. He mentioned that he reads financial updates and seeks advice from accountants and business people. His advice for those looking to start a small business includes using online resources to get information and talking to experienced professionals in the field. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Angelo Fraraccio recommends utilizing online resources and talking to professionals like accountants and bank managers. He emphasizes the importance of having all your "ducks lined up" and gathering information from various sources to ensure business success. He also suggests consulting with experienced business people to get valuable insights and advice. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Angelo Fraraccio advises that on day one of starting out in business, you should be 100% positive, trust your gut feeling, and have no fear. He stresses the importance of diving into the business with confidence and not letting hesitation hold you back. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Be 100% positive, trust your gut, and never let fear hold you back — Angelo Fraraccio Good news travels slow, but bad news spreads quickly—so always deliver excellence — Angelo Fraraccio In business, if it ain't broke, don't fix it—just keep doing what works and improve where you can — Angelo Fraraccio
    Más Menos
    46 m
  • QFF: Founder of The Future Organization, on Growing a Successful Global Business with a Team of 20 Experts, Leading with Vulnerability, Innovation, and Leadership to Drive Success in the Future of Work and Employee Experience. (Episode 565 - Jacob Morgan)
    Sep 12 2024

    In less than 20 minutes a week, we'll introduce you to an expert or business owner with deep experience in what they do. Grow you, grow your team, grow a small business.

    In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey interviews Jacob Morgan, 5x best-selling author, professionally trained futurist, and keynote speaker. He shares how he built a successful global business with a team of 20 experts. Jacob discusses the importance of leading with vulnerability, fostering innovation, and creating future-ready leaders. His insights reveal how embracing challenges and focusing on employee experience have driven his company's success in the ever-evolving world of work.

    Jacob mentioned his book, Leading with Vulnerability, which can be accessed here. Listeners are also encouraged to subscribe to his Future Ready Leadership Newsletter for more insights.

    Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

    Lead with Vulnerability: Acknowledge mistakes, but always show how you're working to fix them. Vulnerability combined with leadership builds trust and fosters growth.

    Foster a Learning Culture: Encourage your team to embrace challenges and gaps in skills as opportunities for learning, driving both personal and business growth.

    Model Leadership: As a business owner, lead by example. Show your team it's okay to be vulnerable, but also demonstrate competence and solutions.

    Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

    Build Trust Through Openness: Vulnerability plays a key role in building trust within teams. Openly sharing challenges strengthens relationships and drives collaboration.

    Adapt to Change: In a rapidly evolving business environment, continually assess your gaps and adapt your strategies to stay ahead in your industry.

    Encourage Team Development: Empower your team to identify their own areas for improvement and take proactive steps

    One action small business owners can take:


    One actionable step small business owners can take, according to Jacob Morgan, is to lead by example. By demonstrating vulnerability themselves, business owners can set a precedent for their teams, showing that it is acceptable and encouraged within the organization. This approach helps create a culture where vulnerability is viewed as a strength rather than a weakness.

    Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time.

    Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

    Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

    Vulnerability is not about exposing weakness; it's about demonstrating growth and learning – Jacob Morgan

    The key to cultivating a culture of vulnerability is for leaders to first model it themselves – Jacob Morgan

    Vulnerability without leadership can be misinterpreted; always pair it with a plan and purpose – Jacob Morgan

    Más Menos
    20 m
  • From Startup to Success: Barratt Kennett on Growing EFCOMM Group to a 50 — Member Team, Embracing Profit Sharing, and Overcoming Leadership Challenges with Vision and Resilience. (Episode 564 - Barratt Kennett)
    Sep 10 2024
    In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Barratt Kennett, Director of EFCOMM Sales and Marketing Solutions, Kennett shares his journey from a small startup to a thriving business with 50 employees. He talks about the benefits of profit sharing, his leadership style, and the significance of having a clear vision. Kennett also explores the challenges of scaling a business, offering practical advice on overcoming them with resilience and determination. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Barratt Kennett, the hardest thing in growing a small business is "acclimating to the pressure" and learning to handle repeated challenges, or "eating crap sandwiches." He emphasizes that tolerating and overcoming difficulties is crucial, and advises embracing failures and taking on more challenges as a way to build resilience and improve. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Barratt Kennett’s favorite business books that have helped him the most are "Next Five Moves" and "Choose Your Enemies Wisely" by Patrick Bet-David, "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, and "Maximum Achievement" by Brian Tracy. He finds these books particularly valuable for both business and personal development. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Barratt Kennett recommends focusing on podcasts with impactful guests, such as those featuring Daniel Priestley, Lewis Howes, and Joe Rogan. He suggests following these guests on social media to catch promotional clips and dive deeper into their insights. For online learning, Kennett emphasizes the importance of exploring various podcasts and utilizing them to expand knowledge and skills relevant to business growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Barratt Kennett recommends having a crystal clear vision of how to improve a specific aspect of your business. He emphasizes the importance of defining what needs to be better, why it should be improved, and how to achieve that. This clear vision helps in rallying support and creating a focused strategy for business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? On day one of starting out in business, Barratt Kennett advises to "buckle up" and be prepared for the challenges. He emphasizes that while people warn you about the difficulties, they don’t fully convey the isolation and pressure you might face. Understanding that you’ll have to endure hardships alone, but will ultimately be fine, can help in navigating the journey with resilience and determination. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Eat crap sandwiches, and your tolerance for pressure will grow — Barratt Kennett A crystal clear vision on how to make things better is your best business weapon — Barratt Kennett The world stands aside for the man who knows where he's going — Barratt Kennett
    Más Menos
    59 m