Shows
Smart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósSwitching Off Without Crashing – A Smarter Approach to Holiday RestIn this final episode of the year, Nicky unpacks the challenge so many high-performing business owners and leaders face – how the heck do we actually switch off for a holiday?Whether you're gearing up for a well-earned break or finding yourself sprinting to the finish line, this episode is a must-listen before you hit "out of office." Nicky offers a real, no-fluff look at why true rest requires more than a few beach days or a change of scenery – it requires a conscious transition of energy.You’ll learn:Why rest can feel so damn h...
2025-12-0911 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósLinkedIn for SalesThis week Nicky's joined by one of Australia's leading LinkedIn strategists, Karen Tisdell, as they delve into a question every sales leader and business owner feels: can LinkedIn really be a sales engine, not just a networking afterthought?Spoiler: yes. But only if you’re using it with strategy, not just scrolling.In this value-packed episode, we unpack:Common mistakes salespeople make on LinkedInWhat to write (and what not to) in your profile headlineThe three content buckets that actually move the sales needleHow “bridging statements” and “collecting yeses” can shift a no to a yesKaren’s...
2025-12-0250 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósSales in 2026: Trust, Tactics and Picking Up the PhoneAs we prepare to close out 2025, the sales landscape looks and feels different – longer conversion cycles, rising buyer hesitancy, and trust at an all-time low. But that doesn’t mean opportunity is gone – it means we need to sell smarter.In this episode, Nicky unpack the sales trends you can’t afford to ignore and offer five no-fluff strategies to stay visible, valuable and in demand as we enter 2026. Whether your pipeline needs a jumpstart or your confidence in sales conversations has taken a hit, this conversation is your reminder that great sales aren’t just about...
2025-11-2514 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósThe 4-Part Healthy Hustle FrameworkIn this episode, Nicky unpacks the how to keep your hustle healthy ... not just in theory, but in practice.Using a powerful metaphor of the palm tree (strong roots, flexible in the wind), Nicky introduces her Healthy Hustle Framework, a four-part blueprint to help leaders, founders and high-performing humans stay anchored during chaos without losing momentum. Whether you're deep in team leadership, sales pressure or juggling life admin, this episode breaks down the what, how, when and why behind sustainable success.Expect self-assessment prompts, and a practical reset so you can stop spinning a...
2025-11-1814 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky Miklós7 Steps to End of Year Success!As we charge into the final weeks of the year, the pressure mounts – targets, team, client events, and life logistics all collide in the seasonal chaos.In this episode, Nicky shares 7 powerful, practical strategies you can implement right now to create more ease, more space, and more momentum ... not just for this month, but for your December, January, and February self. This isn’t about pushing through; it’s about pausing with purpose.From proactive client engagement and strategic calendar planning to personal rituals that anchor your energy, you’ll learn how to move beyond survival...
2025-11-1112 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósLet's Red Brick It! Cutting Through the Clutter with Donna McGeorgeIn this high-energy episode Nicky's welcomes productivity powerhouse and best-selling author Donna McGeorge. Get ready to shift how you think about work, life, and results as they unpack the game-changing concept behind Donna's latest book, Red Brick Thinking™.Donna shows us how removing, rather than adding, can unlock productivity, peace, and progress. From tackling meetings and admin overload to decluttering mindsets and business processes, she brings practical strategies that you can implement immediately. No fluff. Just sharp insights and simple shifts with a big impact.🔥 Topics covered:The Red Brick Think...
2025-11-0449 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósThe 6 Signs of Healthy (and UnHealthy) HustleIf you've ever found yourself skipping lunch breaks, working late into the night, or saying "I'll rest when this project is done" ... this episode is for you.In this thought-provoking episode, Nicky unpacks how our subconscious beliefs silently shape our behaviour, especially when it comes to how we hustle. She takes a deep dive into the difference between healthy hustle and unhealthy hustle and why understanding the spectrum between the two could change everything.You'll learn:The six signs you're operating in the red zone of hustle cultureThe six traits of healthy hustle that f...
2025-10-2822 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósAre Referrals a Real Sales Strategy?Referrals – they’re often seen as the gold standard for growth, but are you treating them like a real sales strategy… or just leaving it to chance?In this episode, Nicky breaks down exactly why referrals are one of the most under-utilised growth levers in business – not because they don’t work, but because most leaders and sales teams aren’t being intentional. We dive into the three-part formula that turns casual word-of-mouth into a powerful, proactive pipeline: ask, make it easy, and follow up.You’ll also hear how to segment your network into A-players and...
2025-10-2117 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósAI and the Future of SalesThe AI Tipping Point – How to Use AI in Sales Without Losing the Human TouchIn this thought-provoking episode of Smart Business Growth, Nicky dives deep into one of the most critical conversations leaders and sales professionals need to have right now — the role of AI in modern sales.After an unexpectedly delightful interaction with an AI receptionist named Sadie, Nicky explores what that experience reveals about how AI is being used — and misused — in the sales process.This episode tackles:The two dangerous camps businesses fall into: avoidance or overuseW...
2025-10-1417 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósSmart Growth Isn’t JUST a Strategy. It’s a Wake-Up CallEPISODE 1: What Smart Growth Really Means (and Why Now Is the Time to Course Correct)Welcome back to Season 4 of Smart Business Growth – and this time, Nicky's flying solo. In this personal and powerful episode, Nicky peels back the curtain on what it really means to grow smart – in business, in leadership, and in life.As we approach the end of the year (and if we face the fact that 2030 is closer than we think), it’s time to pause and ask: Where am I heading? And is it where I want to go?This...
2025-10-1012 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósIt Takes FIVE Follow UpsStill waiting to hear back from that prospect? Don’t go quiet.In this week’s Smart Business Growth episode, Nicky's calling out the silent killer of sales success: giving up too soon.HubSpot research shows it takes five follow-ups to close most deals. Yet nearly half of people give up after just one. No wonder sales feel stuck.In this episode, Nicky shares:Why your follow-up feels awkward (and how to shift that)How to stay top of mind without being annoyingThe “friendly stalker” moment that changed everythi...
2025-10-1007 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósSeason 4 TrailerSeason 4 of the Smart Business Growth Podcast is here.I’m Nicky Miklós, and this season, we’re tackling the real roadblocks to business growth - inconsistent sales, reactive teams, clunky or non-existent sales systems, and leadership stretched way too thin.If it feels like you're building the plane while flying it, you're not alone. This season is about shifting from chaos to clarity, from reactive to proactive.Expect real talk, expert insights, and practical frameworks to help you scale sales, build capability across your team, and lead without burning out.Bec...
2025-10-1004 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósDiscover How to Preserve Humanity in the Age of AI with Leanne SheltonNicky and Ness dive deep into the world of AI with Leanne Shelton, exploring how businesses can integrate AI without losing the human touch. We kick off the discussion by addressing the overwhelming pressure many feel in experimenting with AI tools and Leanne’s advice to start small. From simple tasks like email editing to gradually incorporating tools like Microsoft Copilot or OpenAI, she emphasizes the importance of easing into AI usage.We then delve into the core principle of using AI to enhance, not replace human efforts. Leanne passionately discusses how relying entirely on AI can le...
2025-03-1828 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósBeat Decision Fatigue and Boost PerformanceCould you be sabotaging your company's success with decision fatigue? Discover how this silent productivity killer might be draining your resources and leaving your business in the dust. On today's Smart Business Growth Podcast, Nicky and Ness tackle the pressing issue of decision fatigue in leadership. We explore the heavy toll of constant decision-making on leaders, revealing how it can inflate costs, erode profits, and stunt sales. By navigating the chaos of busy traps and disordered work environments, we offer strategies to realign your business goals and sustain a vibrant work culture. Our discussion highlights the importance o...
2025-03-0422 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósF*ck New Years Resolutions. Here's what to do instead!In this episode of the Smart Business Growth Podcast, hosts Nicky and Ness explore the concept of New Year's resolutions in the context of both personal and business growth. They discuss the challenges and pressures of setting resolutions, the importance of understanding one's 'why' through vision and mission statements, and the power of selecting a theme or word for the year. The episode encourages listeners to shift from superficial goals to maintaining a sustainable, reflective planning process throughout the year. Tune in for actionable insights and tips on achieving smart business growth.Research on new years resolutions...
2025-02-0429 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósSummer Series - The Four-Hour Workweek Reality CheckIn the final installment of the summer series revisiting season two's most popular episodes, Nicky and Ness dive into the core reasons people start their own businesses versus the often stark reality that follows. They discuss the importance of redefining success and aligning business goals with personal fulfillment to achieve a balanced work-life dynamic. The episode is packed with actionable advice on questioning default beliefs, setting new boundaries, and using practical tools to foster a healthier hustle. This engaging conversation encourages listeners to pause, reassess, and implement strategies for a more sustainable and fulfilling business journey.Learn...
2025-01-2826 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósSummer Series - Navigating Business Sustainability in 2024 with Mel PackhamIn this episode of the Smart Business Growth Podcast, Nicky and Ness revisit a compelling conversation with Mel Packham, a brand strategist focused on ethical and sustainable business practices. The discussion dives into redefining what sustainability in business means in 2024, emphasising the importance of not just environmental impact but also human health, wellbeing, and purpose-driven growth. Mel shares insights on how businesses can adapt to future challenges, including supply chain disruptions and health crises, by fostering resilience and innovation. The episode encourages business owners to reflect on their long-term vision and purpose, aiming for impactful, sustainable practices....
2025-01-2131 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósSummer Series - The Healthy Hustle Business Blueprint with Janine GarnerIn this special summer series episode, hosts Nicky and Ness revisit their popular session with business coach Janine Garner. Janine interviews them, discussing their book 'Healthy Hustle' and its pivotal messages. They explore creating a sustainable business through 'healthy hustle,' covering smart growth, peak performance, and time freedom. They emphasise breaking unhealthy hustle patterns and implementing effective, conscious strategies. Key takeaways include integrating life and business goals, fostering an autonomous team culture, and managing time with intention. The discussion is enriched with real-life examples, like their client James, highlighting practical success.Learn more about Nicky at...
2025-01-1439 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósSummer Series - Healthy Hustle vs. Hard Hustle with James BartropIn this special episode from the Smart Business Growth Podcast's 2024 Summer Series, Nicky and Ness revisit a compelling conversation with James Bartrop, director and founder of ShadowSafe. The discussion centers on distinguishing between unhealthy, hard hustle and healthy hustle. James shares his journey from unsustainable work habits to achieving balanced success, including significant revenue growth, improved family life, and overall well-being. The episode highlights the importance of redefining success, setting boundaries, and continually reassessing business practices to maintain a healthy hustle. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own hustle habits and apply new insights in the new year.
2025-01-0735 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósGet a Life!As season two of the podcast wraps up, it’s time to reflect on the concept of taking genuine holidays as business owners. With Christmas around the corner, many of us are craving a break. But are we really disconnecting, or are we bringing work along for the ride? Join Nicky and Ness as they explore the importance of stepping away and how to truly switch off.Episode Highlights:Startling statistics on how often business owners take holidays and how many never disconnect.Personal stories from clients who found freedom through unplugging.The detrimental effects of “leav...
2024-12-1721 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky Miklós3 Business (and Life) Lessons from doing a TEDx TalkIn this podcast episode, hosts Nicky and Ness share their experiences from an exceptionally busy week that included Nicky's TEDx talk at QUT and the launch of their book, 'Healthy Hustle.' They discuss the preparation and emotional journey behind Nicky's TEDx talk, the importance of balancing a healthy hustle, and the lessons learned along the way. Key takeaways include recognising the ongoing nature of maintaining a healthy hustle, trusting one's future self to handle upcoming challenges, and the importance of self-trust, even in moments of doubt. Check out Nicky’s TEDx Talk here...
2024-12-1025 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósBreaking Up with BusyIn this episode, Nicky and Ness dive into the modern obsession with busyness and how it often leads to unproductive patterns. They discuss the societal pressure to be constantly "busy" and share strategies to combat feelings of overwhelm. Learn about the 51% of work time spent on low-value tasks and how to make your efforts more meaningful.Episode Highlights:The paradox of busyness and procrastination.Strategies to break free from low-value tasks.The Do Be Model: Balancing action with self-awareness.Understanding Stephen Covey's time management grid.Practical tips to improve productivity and energy management.Tune in...
2024-11-2619 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky Miklós4 Ways to Keep the Sales Hustle HealthyIn this episode, Nicky and Ness delve into the challenges of maintaining a healthy hustle in the world of sales. With burnout rates soaring and the market becoming increasingly competitive, it's essential for sales professionals to find sustainable strategies for success. They discuss the impact of longer lead times, tighter budgets, and increased competition on sales teams and explore four key strategies to help sales professionals thrive.Episode Highlights:Challenges: Longer lead times, tighter budgets, increased competition.Sales and Marketing: Align efforts for better results.Active Sales: Proactive outreach and qualification.Beyond Email: Diversify outreach methods...
2024-11-1919 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósHow Functional Breathing Enhances Your Leadership with Laura GutierrezIn this episode, Nicky, Ness and Laura explore the crucial link between functional breathing and peak performance in leadership. They delve into how improving the quality of our breath can transform our work and decision-making abilities, leading to more effective leadership and business growth.Episode Highlights:The Importance of Functional Breathing: Understanding how proper breathing affects presence, decision-making, and leadership effectiveness.Common Breathing Issues: Discussion on over-breathing and shallow breathing and their impact on mental clarity and performance.Breath Awareness: Techniques for recognising and improving your breathing habits to enhance overall well-being and leadership skills.Practical...
2024-11-1238 minSmart Business Growth with Nicky MiklósThe Myth of the 24/7 Entrepreneur: Why Working Harder Isn't Always the AnswerIn this episode of the Smart Business Growth Podcast, hosts Nicky and Ness dive into critical aspects of workplace stress, burnout, and sustainable growth. They uncover the hidden costs of aggressive hustling, share startling statistics on stress-related illnesses, and review the right-to-disconnect laws in Australia. The hosts explore the primary motivators for change—pleasure and pain—and provide strategies for overcoming negative habits through supportive environments and habit stacking. Emphasis is placed on the power of a supportive network, and listeners are introduced to their book 'Healthy Hustles: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business and Life.' This epis...
2024-11-0526 min