Shows
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveThe Hidden Value Problem: How Creators and Businesses Lose (and Recover) MillionsIn a digital world where it’s easier than ever to create and distribute content, many business owners and creators are unknowingly losing value from the assets they’ve already built. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Paul Goldman, Founder and CEO of Muserk, to explore how hidden value slips through the cracks — and how technology can help recover it. Using the music industry as a case study, the conversation reveals why protecting and properly managing creative assets is now a critical business skill, not just a legal concern.What...
2026-03-0930 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveThinking About a Private Equity Exit? Avoid These Costly Founder MistakesIf you’re a business owner thinking about private equity, growth, or an eventual exit, this episode could save you years of stress — and potentially millions of dollars. Most founders only learn how private equity really works after they’ve signed a term sheet, when it’s often too late to negotiate from a position of strength. Paul Sweeney is joined by Alexis Sikorsky, founder of KnightScale Partners and a former CEO who successfully scaled and sold his own software company in a $100M+ private equity exit. You'll learn:What private equity buyers are...
2026-02-1634 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveFranchising Without Losing Your Heart: How to Scale a Values-Led BusinessWhat happens when you want to grow your business—but you refuse to lose its heart in the process? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Nuttha Goutier, founder of Sabai Thai Spa, to explore how small business owners can scale, franchise, and systemise without sacrificing values, culture, or authenticity. If you’re worried that growth might dilute what makes your business special, this conversation offers both reassurance and a practical roadmap.Nuttha shares her remarkable journey from growing up in rural Thailand—where wellness, community, and natural healing were p...
2026-02-0933 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveFrom Bottleneck to Freedom: How to Reclaim Your Time Without Slowing GrowthMost business owners don’t start their companies dreaming of 80-hour weeks, missed family milestones, and being trapped as the bottleneck — yet that’s exactly where many end up. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who feels time-poor, overworked, or guilty about trading family moments for business growth. You’ll learn how to reclaim 10–20 hours per week, remove yourself as the bottleneck, and build systems that support both your business and your life. Instead of sacrificing personal priorities for revenue, you’ll discover how both can grow together.In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down wi...
2026-02-0235 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveDisruption by Design: How to Stop Tech Projects from FailingIf you’ve ever wondered why digital transformation projects fail or felt unsure about what “disruption” actually means, this episode brings much-needed clarity. You’ll learn the difference between digitalisation, transformation, and disruption — and how each impacts your business differently.Host Paul Sweeney is joined by Juan Jose “J.J.” de la Torre, CEO of Raven and author of the award-winning book Transformation Designed. J.J. explains why more than 80% of transformation efforts fail, why starting with technology is the wrong approach, and how a design-led mindset puts customer needs and value creation first. He also shares real examples...
2026-01-2634 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveGlobal Opportunities: How to Sell to the US Federal Government From AnywhereIf you’ve ever assumed that American government contracts are only for big companies—or only for businesses based in the United States—this episode will change everything you think you know. In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll learn how your business, no matter where it operates in the world, can tap into one of the largest and most reliable customers on the planet: the US federal government. From discovering where global opportunities exist, to understanding how small and medium businesses can compete (and often win), to using simple research tools to identify the contracts waiting for you—this episode gi...
2026-01-1231 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveThe Biggest Payday You’re Not Ready For: How to Prepare Your Business for SaleIf you’re a business owner, one day you will exit your business — whether by choice or circumstance. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most business owners are not ready when that moment arrives. And that lack of preparation could cost you the biggest payday of your life.In this episode, host Paul Sweeney is joined by investment banker and exit strategist Cameron Bishop, who has been on both sides of the table — acquiring more than 50 businesses for private equity firms before switching focus to helping owners maximise their sale value. Cameron reveals the key factors buyers l...
2025-12-2927 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveThe Hidden Cost of Cost Cutting: Why Businesses Need a Better StrategyRunning a business often comes with the constant pressure to reduce expenses and improve profit. But what if cost cutting alone isn’t the right answer? What if the real opportunity lies in rethinking how you resource, structure, and invest in your business rather than simply slashing spending?In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with entrepreneur and Navitas Consulting founder Michael Haskell to unpack the smart side of cost management—one that doesn’t sacrifice quality, capability, or growth. Whether you're scaling, restructuring, or trying to improve margins, this episode will help you recognise the diff...
2025-12-2231 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveClean Up Your Business: Fix Your Data, Fix Your DecisionsRunning a business becomes overwhelming when your data, systems, and processes slip into chaos—making it harder to make smart decisions, stay profitable, and plan for the future. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to clean up your business data, streamline your systems, and set up a structure that gives you clarity, confidence, and control. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disorganised, or unsure about what’s really going on in your business, this conversation will show you how to turn your mess into meaningful insights that help you grow.In this episode, host Paul Sweeney...
2025-12-1529 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveBootstrapping a Start-Up: Real Lessons from a $30M FounderIf you’ve ever wondered how to scale your business from a solo operation to a multimillion-dollar enterprise — without outside investors — this episode is for you. Bryan Clayton, CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, joins host Paul Sweeney to share his journey from mowing lawns to building a $30 million tech company serving over 300,000 customers.Bryan reveals the hard-earned lessons behind bootstrapping growth — from hiring his first employees and scrambling to meet payrolls to mastering sales, building systems, and creating sustainable growth without debt or shortcuts. He breaks down the mindset shifts every business owner must make to move from doi...
2025-12-0837 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveDelegate Up, Not Down: The Secret to Founder FreedomWhat if your business could run smoothly—even grow—without you being the one to make every decision, solve every problem, or put out every fire? It’s not a fantasy. It’s completely possible. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney chats with Ryan Cassin, founder of Superpowers HQ, about how entrepreneurs can finally escape the bottleneck trap and build a business that thrives independently.Ryan reveals how to design systems that capture your judgment, not just your tasks, empowering your team to think and act with your values and inte...
2025-12-0132 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveTransform Your LinkedIn: How AI Can Build Your Personal BrandAre you treating your LinkedIn profile like just another digital résumé? If so, you’re missing one of the most powerful business tools available. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Al Kushner—LinkedIn strategist, keynote speaker, and author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage—to uncover how business owners can use LinkedIn and AI to authentically build their personal brand and attract new opportunities.Al shares practical, time-saving strategies to help you optimize your profile, stand out from competitors, and create content that resonates with your audience...
2025-11-1027 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveESG Made Simple: A Roadmap for Small Business SuccessIf you think ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) only applies to big corporations, think again. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney welcomes back author and small business champion Bronwyn Reid to explain why ESG matters for SMEs.Bronwyn shows how ESG isn’t just box-ticking—it’s about building resilient businesses that attract customers, employees, and funding. You’ll hear why ESG is a competitive advantage, what practical steps you can take without being overwhelmed, and how to leverage what you’re already doing in your community and operations.What you...
2025-11-0335 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveFrom Architecture to Real Estate: The Power of Vertical IntegrationBuilding a business that lasts isn’t about luck, start-up capital, or chasing every new trend—it’s about discipline, structure, and creating harmony between your work and personal life. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with serial entrepreneur Lance Cayko, co-founder of F9 Productions and host of the Inside the Firm podcast.Lance shares how he scaled from a two-person start-up into a thriving group of vertically integrated businesses, including architecture, construction, real estate development, education, and even a nonprofit. Listeners will discover how discipline creates freedom, why mi...
2025-10-2739 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveHow to Keep Your Human Voice in a Digital-First WorldIn today’s digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing algorithms and producing content at scale—only to lose sight of the real goal: connecting with people. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with TEDx speaker, author, and social media strategist Robin Nathaniel to explore how business owners can bring authenticity and human connection back into their marketing.Robin shares his proven SYNC Method—a simple yet powerful framework for making your content stand out by keeping it Simple, Yielding to intention, Natural, and Changing it up. Y...
2025-10-2031 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveNiche Marketing: Why Less Is More for Business GrowthIn today’s digital world, standing out as a small business feels harder than ever. Between endless noise, flashy marketing tactics, and conflicting advice, many business owners are left frustrated with wasted time and money. But what if narrowing your focus could actually unlock growth?In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney sits down with Jennifer Christensen, Co-Founder and CMO of Beacon Media + Marketing, to unpack the power of niche marketing. Jennifer shares why focusing on a specific audience doesn’t limit you—it liberates you. She explains how to build trust...
2025-10-1330 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveUnlocking Hidden Value: Turning Your Business Into an AssetToo many business owners chase revenue while overlooking the bigger picture—building wealth and long-term value. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with Stephanie Hayes, business and exit strategist and founder of Assets to Exits. Stephanie explains why every business owner, regardless of size or stage, needs to think about an exit strategy—not just as a final step, but as a roadmap for smarter decisions and sustainable growth.Listeners will learn:Why exit planning is not just for large corporations or retirement-bound foundersHow shifting focus from short-term revenue to l...
2025-10-0628 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveFrom Idea to Market: How to Use Intellectual Property to Drive GrowthIf you’ve ever had a great idea for a product or brand but weren’t sure how to protect it—or whether it was even worth pursuing—this episode will change how you think about intellectual property. In this conversation, Paul Sweeney speaks with Jeff Holman, founder of Intellectual Strategies, who combines engineering, law, and business expertise to guide innovators from concept to commercial success.Jeff breaks down the essentials of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and explains how small and medium businesses can use these tools strategically—not just to defend their creations, but to drive g...
2025-09-2335 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveThe Prosperity Plan: Preparing Your Business for the Next GenerationSuccession planning isn’t just about passing on a business—it’s about protecting your legacy, preserving value, and ensuring the people you care about aren’t left scrambling when you’re gone. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Rob Ferguson, seasoned CEO, trusted advisor, and founder of Ferguson Alliance, to unpack the essential steps for building a strong succession plan. Rob shares why waiting until you’re “ready to retire” is far too late, how to avoid the “founder’s trap” where the business can’t function without you, and why inta...
2025-09-1631 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThrivePermission to Be Imperfect: A Real Talk on Parenting & BusinessCan you really be a great entrepreneur and a present parent at the same time?In this heartfelt and honest episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Dan Peterson — founder of Flip Switch Social Media, and father of three — for a real talk about the challenges of entrepreneurship and parenting.If you're a business owner trying to juggle growing a business while showing up for your family, this conversation will resonate deeply. Dan shares how he’s learned (and is still learning) to give himself grace, why balanc...
2025-09-0931 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveThe LinkedIn Mistake Most Business Owners Make (And How to Fix It)What if your next great client is already looking at your LinkedIn profile—right now—and you’re sending them away?In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with LinkedIn strategist and author Daniel Alfon to reveal how most business owners are misusing LinkedIn—and what to do instead. Daniel strips away the noise and shows you how to turn your personal profile into a high-performing business tool that attracts the right prospects and moves them to action.You’ll discover why your profile matters more than your conte...
2025-09-0229 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveHow to Win Again: Business Strategy Inspired by SportIf you’ve ever played a sport—and especially if you’ve tried to turn your sporting passion into a business—this episode is a must-listen. Paul Sweeney sits down with Pete Moore, founder of Integrity Square and the driving force behind the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors). Pete has helped generate over $1.5 billion in transactions across fitness, wellness, and sports businesses. In this episode, he shares why many ex-athletes struggle to transition into business—and how they can use the same mindset and strategies from sport to win in the business world.Listeners will learn how to ret...
2025-08-2629 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveFeeling Stuck? How to Break Through with Your Unique Leadership StyleAre you feeling stuck in your business—like you're pushing a boulder uphill with no reward in sight? In this episode, business coach and leadership expert Liz Wolfe joins host Paul Sweeney to unpack why hard work isn’t always the answer, and how your leadership style might be the hidden culprit holding you back. With over 25 years of experience coaching entrepreneurs, Liz shares practical strategies to help you move from frustration to momentum.You’ll learn:Why “working harder” and having more credentials or connections aren’t the keys to successThe four leadership styles for e...
2025-08-1932 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveWhy Emotional Engagement is Your Business’s Hidden SuperpowerIn today’s crowded digital landscape, where businesses fight for attention and AI-generated content floods every channel, one element consistently cuts through the noise: genuine emotional connection. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Geoffrey Stern, founder and CEO of Voice Express and the consumer brand VoiceGift, to explore how emotional engagement can transform even the most ordinary product into something deeply memorable.What you’ll learn: Geoffrey shares how a voice-recording device used in the Build-A-Bear Workshop evolved into a powerful tool for emotional storytelling and...
2025-08-0527 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveUnlocking Human Behaviour: The Business Case for NLPIf you’ve ever been frustrated by a team member, confused by a client’s behaviour, or struggled to influence outcomes in your business—this episode is for you. Host Paul Sweeney welcomes experts Josh Davis and Greg Prosmushkin to explore the power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and how small and medium-sized business owners can use it to become more effective communicators, leaders, and decision-makers.In this engaging and practical conversation, Josh and Greg demystify NLP—explaining it not as a manipulation tool, but as a science-backed, real-world framework for better understanding yourself and others. You’ll l...
2025-07-1532 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveDigital Asset Disaster: How to Protect Your Brand Before It’s Too LateImagine waking up to find your website gone, your email list inaccessible, or your brand’s identity being misused online—and you have no idea how to take it back. That’s the nightmare too many business owners face because they’ve unknowingly handed over control of their digital assets. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Paige Wiese, founder and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, to help you make sure that never happens to you.Paige draws on over 15 years of experience helping business owners protect their online presence...
2025-07-0126 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveFrom Profit to Purpose: Attracting Gen Z and Building a Mission-Driven BusinessWork That’s Worth It: How Purpose Transforms Performance with Georgi EnthovenIn a time when attracting and retaining great talent is tougher than ever, especially among Gen Z workers, are you approaching employee engagement the right way? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Georgi Enthoven—entrepreneur, Harvard Business School alumna, and author of Work That’s Worth It—to challenge the traditional mindset around work and purpose.You’ll discover why building a purpose-driven business isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. Georgi...
2025-06-1730 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveInside the Minds of Your Customers: Using Values to Drive Business GrowthWhy understanding your customer’s values can unlock serious business growthAre you missing the mark with your customers—and don’t even know it? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with marketing strategist and author Chris Peterson to explore a transformative idea: your customers’ personal values—specifically whether they lean conservative or liberal—can dramatically shape how they engage with your brand, products, and messaging.Drawing from decades of global marketing experience and his book Red and Blue Customers: How to Drive Growth and Manage Risk in Today’s C...
2025-06-1033 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveFrom Survival to Strategy: Michelle Campbell on Taking Control of Your Business FinancesFinancial literacy isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a survival skill for business owners. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with tax expert and financial educator Michelle Campbell about the hidden financial pitfalls entrepreneurs often face, and how a lack of financial understanding can quietly sabotage your business. Whether you’re avoiding tax obligations out of fear, struggling to understand cash flow, or unsure how to invest while in debt, this conversation is your wake-up call.Michelle shares not just her professional insights but her personal story of financial recovery...
2025-06-0331 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveHow to Negotiate Like a Pro – Lessons from Wendy MinneNegotiation is more than winning—it’s about creating value for both sides. Many business owners struggle with negotiations, relying on outdated strategies that often lead to conflict or lost opportunities.Whether you're dealing with vendors, partners, or internal stakeholders, your ability to negotiate directly affects your bottom line and professional confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn how to negotiate with clarity, calm, and confidence — even if you don’t consider yourself a “natural” negotiator.Host Paul Sweeney shares a powerful and practical conversation with Wendy Minne, an experienced corporate manager turned business coach. Wendy unpacks...
2025-05-1325 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveTrapped in Your Business? How to Escape the Hub-and-Spoke ModelIf you're a business owner who feels overwhelmed, overworked, and constantly in the thick of everything, this episode is a must-listen. Host Paul Sweeney takes a deep dive into the "hub and spoke" model—a common but problematic setup where every decision, task, and communication flows through you, the owner. While this might seem manageable in the early stages, it quickly becomes a bottleneck to growth, profitability, and your personal freedom.In this insightful solo episode, Paul outlines how to recognize the warning signs that your business is overly dependent on you. He walks you th...
2025-04-1512 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveSurviving and Thriving in a Crisis: Lessons from a Crisis Management ExpertAre you prepared for the unexpected? Every business will face a crisis at some point—whether it’s a PR disaster, a supply chain breakdown, or a financial emergency. But the difference between businesses that survive and those that struggle often comes down to preparation. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with crisis management expert Stephanie Craig from Kith Consulting to discuss how businesses can build resilience and respond effectively when things go wrong.Stephanie shares her deep expertise in crisis management, explaining what defines a crisis, why preparation is k...
2025-04-0834 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveFixing Your “Frankenstein Business” – How to Attract the Right ClientsAre you attracting the right customers for your business, or are you stuck in a cycle of working long hours for clients who aren’t the right fit? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Marama Carmichael, CEO of Oracle Tree, to uncover why so many business owners struggle to find their ideal customers—and how to fix it. If you’re tired of feeling like your marketing efforts aren’t working or that your business has drifted away from your original vision, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you...
2025-03-3128 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveRevolutionizing Board Meetings: How Zeck is Changing the GameOne of the most time-consuming and frustrating challenges faced by businesses are meetings, and especially board meetings. From chasing down reports to dealing with last-minute changes and version control issues, the process can quickly become a logistical nightmare. And what a headache (and waste of time) it is reading a slide show on your phone and then seeing the same presentation in the meeting! But what if there was a way to streamline this process, eliminate chaos, and save hours of valuable time?In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with...
2025-03-2428 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveMastering Supply Chain Management: Insights from Kerim KfuriStruggling with supply chain issues? Wondering how disruptions could impact your business—or how to prevent them? You’re not alone! Supply chains became a hot topic during COVID-19, but they remain a critical factor in business success today. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or industry leader, understanding how supply chains work (and how to manage them) can save you time, money, and major headaches.In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Kerim Kfuri, a seasoned supply...
2025-03-1027 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveHiring Smarter: The Power of Virtual Assistants in Business SuccessFeeling overwhelmed with endless tasks in your business? You don’t have to do it all alone! In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we uncover how virtual assistants (VAs) can help you regain your time, reduce stress, and grow your business more efficiently. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or unsure about outsourcing, this conversation will help you understand the benefits of working with a VA and how to delegate effectively.Host Paul Sweeney sits down with Mia Juan, founder of Next Level Assist, to discuss how virtual assistants can tran...
2025-03-0330 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveThe Essential Start-Up Toolkit: Insights from Peter DeansStarting a business is easier than ever, but building a successful one? That’s the real challenge. 🚀 Many entrepreneurs dive into start-ups without fully understanding the risks, market demands, or financial pitfalls—leading to failure before they even get off the ground.In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Peter Deans, business advisor and author of The Start-Up Toolkit: A Step-By-Step Guide for Founders. Peter shares the biggest mistakes start-ups make, the essential steps every entrepreneur should take before launching, and how to navigat...
2025-02-1729 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveCut Costs, Not Quality: The Future of AI-Powered Video ProductionWant to create high-quality videos for your business but don’t have the budget or expertise? Video marketing is one of the most powerful tools for engagement, but traditional production can be expensive, time-consuming, and complex. In this episode, we uncover how AI-powered tools can help businesses create professional videos at scale—without breaking the bank.Join host Paul Sweeney as he chats with Amer Tadayon, founder and CEO of LuciHub, about the future of video production and how AI is making high-quality video creation more accessible than ever. Amer shares how LuciHub’s AI-powered platfo...
2025-02-0328 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveQuiet Quitting Uncovered: Leadership Strategies with Dr Aaron BazinAre you struggling with disengaged employees, declining productivity, or a team that seems to have mentally checked out? You’re not alone. The rise of quiet quitting—where employees do the bare minimum instead of actively contributing—has become a major challenge for businesses. But what if quiet quitting isn’t the real problem? What if it’s just a symptom of something deeper?In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with Dr Aaron Bazin, author of The Vision Advantage: How to Curb Quiet Quitting, Build Resilience, and Create Growth, to unpack the real causes of quiet quitting a...
2025-01-2728 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and Thrive2024 - A Year in ReviewIn this reflective episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney recaps key insights from 2024 and provides actionable advice for setting your business up for success in 2025. Paul emphasizes the importance of revisiting your business's purpose and strategy, systemizing operations, leveraging technology like AI, and empowering your team to achieve their best. With highlights from discussions on avoiding burnout, improving team accountability, and aligning efforts with a crystal-clear strategy, this episode is packed with practical tips to make the new year your best one yet.Check out some of the 2024 episodes here:153 - From...
2024-12-3015 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveFrom Strategy to Sales: Weekly Sprints for Business GrowthStruggling to grow your business and boost sales? Many business owners get stuck in inefficient sales processes, chasing the wrong clients, or failing to execute a clear strategy. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we uncover a proven framework to help you increase sales, optimize your strategy, and achieve sustainable growth—without the overwhelm.Host Paul Sweeney is joined by Simon Severino, founder of Strategy Sprints and a sales expert who has helped businesses generate over $2 billion in additional revenue. Simon shares powerful insights on how to build a repeatable sales process, av...
2024-12-1634 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveBreaking Free from Day-to-Day Operations: Systemize Your BusinessAre you constantly caught up in the day-to-day operations of your business, leaving little time to focus on growth? Do you find it difficult to delegate tasks effectively, leading to burnout and inefficiency? If so, this episode is for you. Learn how systemology can help you break free from the daily grind, streamline your operations, and create a business that thrives—without relying on you for every decision.In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with James Brown, a certified systemologist and business operations expert, about how systemology can transform small an...
2024-11-1831 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveWhy 80% of Marketing Fails: The Strategic Missteps Businesses MakeIf you’ve ever felt like your marketing efforts aren’t delivering the results you expected—or worse, feel like you're just wasting money—this episode is a must-listen. Marketing expert Karim El Gabaili joins host Paul Sweeney to break down why so many marketing strategies fail and what businesses can do to build a marketing engine that actually works. Whether you're frustrated by low ROI, unclear direction, or just overwhelmed by all the digital tools out there, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.Karim shares hard-ear...
2024-10-0730 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveFrom Overworked to Architect: Bradley Hamner's Blueprint for Business FreedomAre you feeling overwhelmed in your business—wearing all the hats, constantly putting out fires, and wondering if you’ll ever get the freedom you set out to create when you first started? Well this episode is for you. Whether you're early in your entrepreneurial journey or running a growing business that’s starting to outgrow you, this conversation will help you break free from the daily grind and start thinking like the architect of your business. You'll walk away with clear, practical steps to help you reclaim your time, build better systems, and cr...
2024-09-1037 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveUsing AI for Business SuccessFeeling overwhelmed by all the hype around artificial intelligence? Not sure how it fits into your small business—or if it even should? This episode is your starting point. Join us for a practical and myth-busting conversation with AI entrepreneur and Anabots AI co-founder Josh Thomas, who breaks down how small and medium-sized business owners can start using AI today to improve efficiency, make better decisions, and grow their businesses—without needing a tech degree.In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Josh to explore the real-world impact of AI on business operations. They cut thro...
2024-08-2742 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveSmart Cost-Cutting Strategies to Boost Your Business ProfitsDiscover proven cost-cutting strategies that can significantly increase your business profits without sacrificing quality. In this episode of 'The Business Behind Your Business,' we dive deep into practical tips and techniques to streamline your operations, reduce overheads, and drive sustainable growth.Some of the strategies include:Assess Current ExpensesNegotiate with SuppliersOptimize Operational EfficiencyReduce Fixed CostsOutsource Non-Core FunctionsImplement Energy-Saving MeasuresReview and Adjust Pricing StrategyImprove Inventory ManagementLeverage TechnologyMonitor and Adjust RegularlyPaul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits...
2024-08-1523 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveBreaking Barriers: Overcoming Common Business Growth ExcusesIn this episode of "The Business Behind Your Business," host Paul Sweeney dives into the common excuses that hold business owners back from achieving profitable growth. What is stopping your business from achieving "Better Business Profits than 70% of Your Competition"?Paul explores actionable strategies to overcome these barriers. Discover how to move beyond the typical reasons for stagnation and implement practical steps to ensure your business thrives. Join us as we provide insights and solutions to help you unlock your business's full potential and achieve greater profitability.Paul discusses key excuses such as:
2024-07-1623 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveThe Great Wealth TransferAre you a small business owner over 50 wondering how to exit your business or pass it on to the next generation? Or maybe you're part of the younger workforce looking to understand how you can step into ownership without massive upfront costs? In this episode, we dive into one of the most critical challenges facing small and medium business owners today: how to successfully plan for succession and transfer wealth. You'll learn practical strategies for grooming future leaders, creating a business that thrives beyond its founder, and navigating the financial and emotional complexities of exiting a business...
2024-07-0234 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveStay on Top of Your Numbers: Expert Tips for Small Business OwnersIn this episode of "The Business Behind Your Business," we discuss the critical importance of understanding your financial figures as the year comes to a close. With tax season approaching, maximising your returns and profits is crucial, but many business owners often overlook the need to stay on top of their financial data. We highlight the necessity of maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records to make informed decisions and improve your business's performance.Our host, Paul Sweeney, a seasoned chartered accountant and business advisor, outlines five key financial metrics every business owner should focus on: profit, revenue...
2024-06-1924 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveMastering Business Storytelling with Video MarketingAre you struggling to make your business stand out online? Not sure how to connect with your audience in a way that builds trust and drives results? In this episode, we dive into a powerful marketing tool that’s often underutilized—storytelling through video. Whether you're camera-shy or already dabbling in content creation, this conversation will help you better understand how to use video to authentically communicate your value, attract the right clients, and build long-term credibility.Host Paul Sweeney is joined by Dave Power, founder of Power Creative, who brings over 25 years of experience help...
2024-06-0330 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveAre You Paying Too Much Tax? Unlock The Power of End-of-Year Tax PlanningDo you feel confused about what you should be doing for your business at the end of the financial year? Do you feel pressure to buy, buy, buy with the EOFY sales?Or do any of these concerns around business taxes sound familiar?Scrambling to find the cash to make your tax paymentsWithholding spending on your business to free up money to pay your taxesConfusion and worry over taxesYou aren't alone! These are common feelings of many business owners. As we head to the end of the financial year in Australia, there is a c...
2024-05-2422 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveStrategic Insights: Unveiling the Power of Three-Way ForecastingIn this episode we'll be exploring the transformative power of Three-Way Forecasting and how it can revolutionize your approach to financial planning and decision-making.Understanding Three-Way Forecasting:What exactly is Three-Way Forecasting? We break down this concept into digestible pieces, explaining how it integrates income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.Learn why this holistic approach to financial forecasting is crucial for small business owners to gain a comprehensive view of their financial health.Advantages for Small Businesses:Discover the numerous benefits that Three-Way Forecasting...
2024-03-1519 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and Thrive5 Reasons Why Your Business Plan Can FailIf you watched our last episode, you will have learned that it is never too late to make a business plan. In this episode, we look at some of the common mistakes business owners make when creating and using business plans.So look out for these 5 common business plan fails:Not actually making a planLack specific goalsPlan isn't implementedNo accountabilityNothing is measuredLearn more about business plans in this blog, Get Real: Business Planning Reality for Small BusinessesPaul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a...
2024-03-0122 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveIt's Not Too Late to Make a Business PlanWhat are your business and personal goals for the year? What plans have you made? How will you implement these plans? How will you assess if your goals are being met? If these questions leave you feeling overwhelmed, never fear!It's NEVER too late to make a business plan.Find out the benefits of making a business plan, plus some simple tips to get you started.Learn about the simple framework for assessing your starting point - where you are now so you know the base for where your plan startsHelp you pinpoint where...
2024-02-1525 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveThe Year in ReviewThe 2023 calendar year has drawn to a close. For many, it was still a year of hangover effects from covid and poorer economic conditions. For many others, it was a year of substantial growth and increased profits. So what set those businesses apart?In this episode, our host Paul Sweeney reflects on some of the key takeaways from conversations with our guests and business owners.From all of the team at The Business Behind Your Business, wishing you a safe holiday season and a prosperous 2024.Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & B...
2023-12-2812 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveChoosing an Accountant for Your BusinessWhat do you need to consider when choosing an accountant for your business? It's an important decision - getting the right accountant for your needs can help you build a profitable and healthy business. Here are some key factors to consider:What services does your business need? What are your values?What are the qualifications and experience of the accountant?Benefits of using an accountant:Improved systems and processesStay up-to-date with your compliance obligationsTake advantage of business opportunitiesSave time and moneyUseful links for when you are choosing an accountant for your business:
2023-11-3030 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and Thrive7 Steps to Business SuccessWhat can you do to give yourself the best chance of success in your business? Following on from our last episode on business health checks, Paul Sweeney shares the 7 steps you need to take to create some positive changes in your business. What kinds of outcomes can you expect? Your business will be more profitable, you'll be less stressed, and you'll feel more in control.It's very normal for small business owners to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and to lose sight of the bigger picture. But take a moment and think about...
2023-11-0220 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveRevitalise Your Business with a Health CheckIn general, small businesses are not healthy. Here are some alarming statistics - Australian Small Business and Family Enterprises Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has found that 49% of small business owners make less than average wages, and two out of 5 micro and small businesses are not profitable.Interestingly, there are also businesses who are thriving in the current conditions, at the same time these other businesses are failing. And these differences can be seen within the same industries. So what can be done to make more businesses into profitable, successful ventures? If you are concerned about the health of your...
2023-10-1923 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThrivePodcast Meet Up: Tips on Revitalising Your BusinessWe hosted The Business Behind Your Business Meet Up – a fun celebration for our podcast community. All of our podcast guests and listeners have been a special part of our podcast and we wanted to say thank you, plus hear from everyone about their business journeys. It was a great opportunity to network and build our small business community. We also enjoyed morning tea and gave away some podcast merch! (Bonus – you can get your very own podcast tshirts and mugs right here.)The highlight of the day was our special panel discussion, where we heard some grea...
2023-08-2243 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThrivePreparing for a New Business YearThe end of the financial year is swiftly approaching - so what does that mean for you as a business owner? What activities do you need to do to set your business up for the best start in the new financial year?There are two types of essential business planning that you should be doing at this time of year. First of all, there is tax planning and secondly, there is strategic planning.Tax planning helps you identify and implement strategies that can minimise your tax liability. This includes taking advantage of tax deductions, credits, a...
2023-06-0923 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveWhy Your Goal Setting is FailingDo you feel like you are stuck in a rut making the same goals for your business every year because these goals are never achieved?Maybe it's time to take a closer look at how you are setting your goals.Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) explores how goals are developed - and asks the all-important question of what lies underneath your goals, the why.Find out how you can create a plan for your business that will actually work, with goals that are achievable.Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor...
2023-03-0312 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and Thrive5 Things to Stop Doing in Your BusinessBusiness owners spend a lot of time thinking about the things they should be doing. What are the latest trends to get on top of? What are the newest tools you need to be using? What are your goals and targets for the year ahead?But few business owners take the time to think about what they need to stop doing. We all pick up habits, some good, some not so productive. And sometimes it's useful to take a moment and evaluate what you are doing that could be making your work harder and less efficient.
2023-02-2117 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveStarting a New YearPaul Sweeney, the host of The Business Behind Your Business, is back and ready for another exciting year of delving into the world of small business. We are settling into 2023 now with the Australian summer holidays fading into memory and busy routines returning. We are also seeing a push from many businesses to have staff back in the office after the last few years with many of us working from home. It's a period of adjustment and assessment, both personally and for our businesses.At this time of year, there is often a rush to s...
2023-02-0914 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveWhy Do We Make a Podcast for Small Business?Maybe you've been wondering how this podcast came about?A bunch of factors coming together resulted in Paul Sweeney wanting to create a podcast focused on content to help small business owners.First of all, Paul comes from a small town where he saw first hand the implications of local businesses succeeding or failing and how this affected the whole community. This background inspired Paul to want to help businesses and communities professionally and led to Paul becoming a chartered accountant and certified business advisor.Throughout Paul's career, he has built on this...
2022-12-1911 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveStopping Zombie SpendingAre you guilty of mindless spending at work? Maybe you have cash leaking from your business and you don't even realise it!Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) explores some of the most common areas where money is wasted:Unused or under-used subscriptionsUnnecessary licencesOld subscriptions from past employeesAutomatic renewalsThese areas are often overlooked by business owners.Take control of your 'zombie spending' and and improve your cash flow today.Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul...
2022-12-1212 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveWhen Accuracy is RequiredWe assume accuracy is beneficial all of the time, but perhaps not always necessary. You can think of situations where accuracy might be sacrificed for speed perhaps, creativity, or just to get the ball moving on a project. Remember the saying by Catherine Carrigan, 'Perfect is the enemy of done.'But when is accuracy essential in business?Accuracy is required in your business' financial reports. This kind of information is used to make decisions for the future, to steer your business in new directions, to assess outcomes and determine fresh solutions.That is why i...
2022-11-3021 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveWhy Cash Flow is KingRunning a successful business is all about the profit, right?While being profitable is the ultimate goal of a business, one of the most important factors (and one of the biggest pain points) is management of cash flow.So what can you do to improve your cash flow?Paul Sweeney from Pretium Solutions explores some crucial aspects of cash flow:Understand what cash flow is - and how it is different to profitIdentify problems with cash flow - what is the cause?How does good cash flow help make a healthy business?
2022-11-2415 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveBest Business Advice for Our 100th Episode!As part of our celebration of our 100th episode, we asked our listeners what topic they would like covered. The consensus was to do a compilation of the best business advice from listeners.So that is what you will find in this jam-packed episode!We heard from business owners and professionals about the strategies that have made a positive difference in their businesses. From human resources tips, to the best mindset for business and cybersecurity must-dos, plus everything in between, we're sure you'll find some inspiration and support for your business.Thanks again...
2022-10-2430 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveWhy Tax Refunds are Bad for BusinessGetting a tax refund is good, right? Everyone loves a tax refund!But, if this tax refund is for your business, then it may be a sign of trouble! It's time for a closer look at what is happening in your business.Find out why tax refunds are bad for business in this episode with Paul Sweeney, from Pretium Solutions.Hint: it's all about the cash flow!Luckily, there are things you can do to improve your business and avoid any future anxiety at tax time. It's important to find out...
2022-09-0214 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveKeeping Business SimpleThe premise of 'keep it simple' has been widely used and helpful for many people in many scenarios. It's about not overcomplicating things which can leave room for problems to develop.'Keeping it simple' also applies to business. As a business owner, the more complicated you make things, the more steps that you add in a process, the more errors you may be introducing into your business.Just like the children's game of 'telephone' where a secret message is whispered from one child to the next until the end result is nothing like the original...
2022-08-2619 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveGetting Started with AutomationFollowing on from our episode on the benefits of automation, Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) takes a closer look at how you can get started using automations.First of all, it's important to decide what would benefit from automation. Some of the key things to look for in tasks are as follows:Is it a repetitive task? (Those boring tasks like data entry)Is it a fragile tasks? (Easily affected by human error like missed steps and typos)Is it a recurring task? (Things like reminders)Your time is precious and as a business...
2022-08-1017 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveWhy You Should Automate Your Business ProcessesAre you feeling time-poor in your business?Maybe you're looking for ways to free up time in your busy days?Automation is the key! Learn how some simple strategies and tools can help you make better use of your time. Your business will be more productive and efficient.Some of these time-saving strategies include:Develop business systems - plus document, review and update them regularlyAutomate processes where possibleSimplify processes - remove unnecessary stepsLearn to delegate where appropriateJoin Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) for this detailed look at how you can use automation a...
2022-08-0327 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveTraps to Avoid this End of Financial YearWhat traps do you need to avoid this end of financial year?What is the simple strategy behind tax planning?End of Financial Year (EOFY) activities should include, but not be limited to taxation planning. There are some traps that every business owner should avoid at this time of year. So what do you need to look out for this EOFY?What tips and tricks will make the next year better?Join Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) for this detailed look at what you can do to make the end of financial...
2022-06-2121 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveBefore You Start Your BusinessIs being passionate about your product or service enough to warrant starting a business? What about skill or quality - if your product or service is 'the best', does that mean you should start a business selling it?A successful business requires more than just passion, skill and an amazing product or service.Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) looks at what you need to do before you start a business. How can you make sure you will have customers who will buy your product or service? Who will your customers be? How will you reach them?
2022-05-1113 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveShould I Start a Business?Do you have a great business idea, but not sure where to start? Are you confused about what you need to do first? If this is you (too many questions and not enough answers) then you are in the right place! Paul Sweeney, chartered accountant and business advisor, explores what you need to know before you launch your new business. This episode is the first in a series focusing on starting a business. And don't worry - for those listeners who already have a business - this is a gre...
2022-04-2708 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveYou Really Do Have Time to Work on Your BusinessDo you feel like your days are spent running from one thing to another and never getting anything done? Do you look at those 5 and 10 minute gaps between speaking to this client and invoicing that client and picking the kids up from school and think, "That's not enough time to do anything, why bother?"Is your business suffering from not enough of your attention because there just isn't time?The disruptions of modern life are many and the quiet moments too few. If this all feels very familiar to you, don't worry, you...
2022-03-3012 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveWhy You Need to Know How to Increase Revenue to Be More ProfitableWhat is revenue and why is it so important? Let's start with looking at profit. Profit is the outcome; the end result. It’s quite simply what’s left over from your revenue when you deduct your expenses.Profit is the final score. Just looking at the final result and saying how much you want it to increase won’t make any difference.By focusing on the four factors that will create more profit, the end result improves naturally.So, with profit being what’s left after deducting expenses from revenue, it shoul...
2022-03-0920 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveHow Do You Determine Your Business Strategy?How do you determine what your business strategy and plan should be?How do you identify what your successful business should look like? What goals and targets should you set for your business this year?The first question you should be asking is 'why?' Asking 'Why'? Has become a key process for business owners, made popular by Simon Sinek’s book “Start with Why”. With a strong WHY you will be able to decide whether the next big idea will move your business in the right direction and fit with its ov...
2022-02-2213 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and Thrive10 More Ideas to Kick-Start Your Business in 2022We hope you got some inspiration from last week's 'kick-start your business' podcast. We have another dose ready for you this week on The Business Behind Your Business.While we have all been experiencing many challenges over the past couple of years, we want to see businesses flourishing, despite the bumpy road. That is why we are working hard to get resources and support out to businesses.Paul Sweeney shares 10 more of his favourite tips to help make 2022 a great year for your business.Sign-up for our monthly newsletter so you don't miss...
2022-01-2548 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and Thrive10 Actions to Kick-Start Your Business in 2022Have you been reflecting on your business over the holidays? Maybe you have found some things that aren't working well, things that you want to do differently. Or perhaps you aren't even sure where to start. Don't worry, we have some inspiration to help you kick-start your business this year. Paul Sweeney shares some of his favourite tips to help make 2022 a great year for your business.Sign-up for our monthly newsletter so you don't miss an episode (plus get access to extra resources).Support the show...
2022-01-1839 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveDirector Identification NumbersThe introduction of director ID will create a fairer business environment by helping prevent the use of false and fraudulent director identities. This will go a long way to better identifying and eliminating director involvement in unlawful activity. Shareholders, employees, creditors, consumers, external administrators and regulators are entitled to know the names and certain details of the directors of a company. All directors are required by law to verify their identity with us before receiving a director ID. This is important because it will help to:Prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identitiesMake it e...
2021-11-1017 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveBack to Business - Avoiding Deja VuThe challenges facing businesses just keep piling up. But by being adaptable in your thinking, you can create a better path forward for you and your business. Avoid that sense of deja vu with some solid business planning (and implementation!)Paul Sweeney explores how you can keep your business moving forward once lockdowns end and businesses start opening up. We'll all be dealing with a changed environment - and business owners can't afford to keep doing things the way they did before and expect to get the same or improved results. We need to adapt our thinking...
2021-10-0517 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveOwner First, Dad Always: Align Your Business to Your PrioritiesWe are joined by Daniel Munday, the host of Small Business Dads podcast and the owner and manager of DPM Performance, who specialise in supporting the fitness needs of people who are 40+ years old.We talk about some of the tools and strategies we use in creating a podcast, plus we discuss the challenges and triumphs of running a business and balancing that with family life.Check out our Behind the Scenes blog for more information on the podcasting tools we love to use.Other resources mentioned in the podcast:R U...
2021-09-2830 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveKnow Your Number: Calculate the Cash Your Business Really NeedsThis week we're looking at a topic that is very relevant in today's business climate. Paul Sweeney explores the question: If you are going to survive in small business, it will be necessary to know what your cash needs are going to be, both cash in and cash out.What do you need to consider when working out how much cash to keep on hand?Cash flow is the life of any business and its management is one of the most important factors in any business. The ability to collect funds from Debtors, deal with...
2021-09-2120 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveProfit on Purpose: Build the Business You Actually WantHow do you succeed in small business? Paul Sweeney shares some of the key steps and tools all business owners should have in place to help them succeed in business. In this episode, we explore how using each of these contributes to running a successful business.Get advice before starting:Business PlanBudget and Cashflow ForecastAccounting recordsRegular financial reportsReview Budgets and Cashflow ForecastsConduct market surveysHire and keep good staffUse financial data for managing the businessKnow your customerPaul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career...
2021-09-0721 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveRun Smarter: The 3 Tools Every Business Should Set Up FirstPaul Sweeney and Paul Cripps discuss three essential tools that every business needs.Accounting software – accounting (including payroll), bookkeeping, taxationCRM Software - Customer Relationship Management SoftwareSales Tools - the process where a prospect commits to buying from youAccounting SoftwareAccounting is, as everyone knows, an integral part of operating any business. Accounting software helps you to make more efficient use of your time and facilitates the monitoring of cash flow, expenditure, tax filing and other essential business data. Keeping your books accurate and up-to-date is integral to smooth business operation. ...
2021-08-2529 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveIncrease Profit Fast: 5 Moves That WorkDeclining or flat-lining profits (or even profits that aren’t increasing as quickly as you’d like) could be a major red flag for a small business. However, many business owners fall into the trap of doing the same things that worked in the past and hoping to achieve the same or better results – despite the evidence from what the numbers say. It’s important to work out how to increase profits for a small business so that the numbers come back a little kinder next time.Join Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions – Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers) and Paul Cripp...
2021-07-1526 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveBetter Results Start Now: A 7-Step ChecklistThe 2021 Financial Year has just finished. For many the results will not be great. We all want it to have a better year coming forward. So, what do we need to do now?In this episode, Paul Sweeney outlines 7 steps to take now to make your next financial year better.Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing up in country NSW, where family-run businesses were the cornerstone of everyday l...
2021-07-0813 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveAre Grants Worth It? What Owners Should KnowYou might be surprised to find out just how many different government grants and assistance programs are on offer. Depending on your specific business and the markets you supply to, different grants might be applicable.Is your business leaving cash on the table? By not taking advantage of government grants and incentives which may be available to your business, are you turning your back on financial assistance that Federal and State governments are offering?However, many people would argue that the availability of and access to these grants are a well-kept secret.Join...
2021-06-2228 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and Thrive12 Business Structure Mistakes That Can Cost You ThousandsWhen selecting a business structure for a small business, there is a cheap way and an expensive way.The cheap way is to do it right first time – by getting advice from an experienced professional. But the expensive way is commonly disguised as the ‘low-cost’ method.Make sure you consider the real costs of setting a business up – selecting the wrong structure through poor advice can become a costly mistake.When you try to cut corners with your business structure by choosing the ’low-cost’ method, it can actually get very expensive.Paul Sweeney...
2021-06-1524 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveStop Overpaying: Tax Planning That WorksTax planning is a legitimate strategy all business owners can take advantage of to minimise tax.Tax planning is not just for big business. Every business can take advantage of some simple strategies to reduce tax this financial year.Paul Sweeney, Chartered Accountant and Registered Tax Agent, explains some simple strategies to reduce tax this financial year for your business.Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits his passion for small business with growing u...
2021-05-2517 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveDoes the 2021 Federal Budget Help Your Business?The Australian economy's recovery from COVID-19 is well underway. The Federal Budget is focused on securing Australia's recovery and rebuilding. It is a plan to invest rather than reform.Many have argued that it is a bland budget, missing the opportunity to deliver more tax cuts to help business owners.So how do the measures announced in the budget help your business? Where are the opportunities for growth and how can you take advantage of these?Paul Sweeney from Pretium Solutions Chartered Accountants discusses how the incentives can benefit your business and what t...
2021-05-1823 min
The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and ThriveFreedom Comes from Systems - Not More HoursWhen processes and procedures aren’t documented…A customer’s issue may be handled incorrectlyCustomer service won’t meet customer expectationsErrors will be madeHow much time is wasted by other employees learning how to do someone else's job (badly) on the fly?How much of their own work do they not get done while they are covering for someone else? Paul Sweeney from Pretium Solutions Chartered Accountants and Certified Business Advisors explores the reasons why all businesses, no matter how small or big, need to have systems and strategies in place for all employees.Typically, most Smal...
2021-03-0216 min