In this special final episode of Less Than 15, we take a journey through the highlights of Series 1, revisiting the most valuable insights from our guests and suggesting one key action you can implement immediately to strengthen your business.

From navigating tough times to preparing your business for sale, each episode was packed with actionable advice — and we’ve also included links to free resources that can help you dive deeper.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Episode 1: Insights for Tough Times with Rob Shelton
  Focus on balancing cost-cutting with growth opportunities.
  
  
• Episode 2: The Hidden Business Economy with Liz Fleming
  Unlock grant opportunities with a strategic plan.
  
  Free Resource: Grant Application Checklist & Australian Grants Search Sites.
  
  
• Episode 3: Open the Door to Innovation with Reverse Mentoring with Maree McPherson. Bring diverse perspectives into your leadership.
  
  Free Resource: The differences between coaching and mentoring
  
  
• Episode 4: The Productivity Power of AI for SMEs with Gihan Perera
  AI can streamline processes and free up time.
  
  Free Resource: Accelerate AI: Build your capability rapidly
  
  
• Episode 5: The Right to Disconnect with Wendy Jeffery-Lonnie
  Build clear out-of-hours communication policies for your team.
  
  Free Resource: Right to Disconnect Guide and Checklist
  
  
• Episode 6: Everyday Cybersecurity with Christina Arcane
  Implement strong password hygiene and educate your team.
  
  Free Resource: Launching your cybersecurity employee program
  
  
• Episode 7: Creating Menopause-Friendly Workplaces with Sonya Lovell
  Simple adjustments can make a big difference in supporting staff.
  
  Free Resource: Menopause-Friendly Workplace Checklist.
  
  
• Episode 8: Data-Driven Business Decisions with Mitchell Brooks
  Track KPIs in real-time for smarter business growth.
  
  
• Episode 9: Shorter, Smarter Meetings with Donna McGeorge
  Keep meetings to 25 minutes to maximise efficiency.
  
  Free Resource: A Guide to Transform Your Meetings.
  
  
• Episode 10: Getting Your Business Ready for Sale with Gary Nugent
  Start planning 3-5 years ahead to maximize business value.
  
  

If you found value in this series, take a moment to subscribe so you don’t miss out on Series 2 of Less Than 15 — where we’ll continue to provide you with expert advice and actionable insights to grow your business!

Less Then 15 is a show brought to you by leading Accountants and Business Advisors, DFK Australia New Zealand.

We help business owners make better decisions with our local knowledge, national connections and global reach.

Search for a firm here and have a conversation with us today!

Preparing Your Business for Sale: Start Early, Sell Smart

Selling your business is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a business owner. In this episode of Less Than 15, Gary Nugent, Managing Partner at DFK Nugent in Melbourne and Chair of DFK Australia New Zealand, shares how to prepare your business for sale.

Gary explains why it’s crucial to start planning 3 to 5 years in advance and provides practical advice on how to increase your business’s value before you even think about selling.

If you want to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start with the End in Mind:
   
   
   • Most business owners leave it too late to start preparing for a sale. Gary recommends starting at least 3 to 5 years in advance to ensure you have enough time to make necessary improvements and position your business for the best possible sale price.
2. Avoid Common Pitfalls:
   
   
   • The biggest risk of leaving it too late is that you’ll end up selling your business for less than it’s worth. If you don’t have enough time to lock in key people or fix issues within the business, it may appear less attractive to potential buyers and you could become a “price taker” rather than getting what your business is truly worth.
3. Focus on Key Areas for Improvement:
   
   
   • Gary highlights the importance of focusing on core areas like brand strength, system documentation, key people, business plans, and client relationships. Think about what makes franchises successful: a strong brand, documented systems, and clear plans.
4. Create a Transferable Business:
   
   
   • It’s not about selling you—it’s about selling the business. Make sure you have systems in place that allow the business to run independently of you. This means empowering your team and ensuring your processes are well-documented.
5. Different Avenues to Market:
   
   
   • From selling to a competitor to engaging with brokers or attending trade fairs, Gary outlines multiple pathways to selling your business. Each comes with its own risks and benefits, so it’s important to choose the right strategy based on your goals and timeline.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re a business owner thinking about selling your business—whether it’s in 3 years or 10 years—this episode provides invaluable advice on how to maximise your business’s value and avoid common pitfalls. Don’t leave this important decision to the last minute. Start planning now to ensure a successful and profitable sale.

Guest Information:

Gary Nugent is the Managing Partner of DFK Nugent in Melbourne and the Chair of DFK Australia New Zealand. With extensive experience in advising businesses on mergers, acquisitions, and sales, Gary is a seasoned expert in preparing businesses for sale and ensuring owners get the best value for their hard work.

Less Then 15 is a show brought to you by leading Accountants and Business Advisors, DFK Australia New Zealand.

We help business owners make better decisions with our local knowledge, national connections and global reach.

Search for a firm here and have a conversation with us today!

Meetings can be a huge time drain for business owners like you. In this episode of Less Than 15, Donna McGeorge, an expert in productivity and efficiency, discusses how you can cut your meetings down to just 25 minutes without sacrificing effectiveness.

Donna shares practical strategies to make meetings more focused and productive, so you can free up your time for what really matters. If your calendar is packed with back-to-back meetings, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

1. The Problem with 60-Minute Meetings:
   • Most meetings are set for an hour by default, but they often waste valuable time. Donna explains why cutting meetings down to 25 minutes creates a sense of urgency and focus, leading to better outcomes in less time.
2. Creating Focus and Clarity:
   • When you limit a meeting to 25 minutes, everyone knows they need to get to the point quickly. This sense of urgency eliminates unnecessary chatter and gets everyone aligned on the task at hand.
3. Managing Different Types of Meetings:
   • Short, sharp meetings work best for operational discussions or regular check-ins with 5-7 participants. For more strategic or creative sessions, consider using structured frameworks to maximise productivity even in a shorter time frame.
4. Avoiding Common Pitfalls:
   • Don't just replace one-hour meetings with more short ones! Use the extra time to catch up on work, decompress, or prepare for your next meeting. It’s about having fewer, better meetings.
5. Taking the Leap:
   • You don’t need anyone’s permission to make your meetings shorter. Start with your own meetings and lead by example. Set the expectation that meetings will be 25 minutes, with a clear purpose and desired outcomes.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re overwhelmed by back-to-back meetings and want to take control of your schedule, this episode offers practical steps to make your meetings shorter and more productive. Learn how to create space for the work that truly matters!

Visit the dfkanz website episode page to download your free guide from Donna to transform your own meetings.

Guest Information:

Donna McGeorge is a productivity and efficiency expert, author, and speaker. She helps businesses and individuals reclaim their time by making meetings more effective and impactful.

Less Then 15 is a show brought to you by leading Accountants and Business Advisors, DFK Australia New Zealand.

We help business owners make better decisions with our local knowledge, national connections and global reach.

Search for a firm here and have a conversation with us today!