Shows
Growth CurvesS2E17 - Wendy's Last Episode: A New 'Season'In this special episode, Wendy shares a personal update as she wraps up her time on the Growth Curves Podcast. She opens up about what led to her decision, the excitement of a new direction, and both Sarah and Wendy share their thoughts on 37 episodes of honest conversations together on the Growth Curves Podcast. ***Stay tuned for SEASON 3 of the podcast hosted by Sarah Burgess!!***2025-05-0618 minGrowth CurvesS2E16 – Personal, Not Pushy: How to Follow Up To Make More SalesDo you hate following up with leads or past clients because it feels too pushy? You’re not alone. In this episode, Sarah and Wendy unpack authentic, practical ways to follow up that feel natural and effective — not salesy or awkward. You’ll learn: ✨ A mindset shift that makes following up feel more helpful than hustle ✨ Simple systems (from notebooks to tech tools) to keep track of leads and clients ✨ How to personalize your approach based on client preferences ✨ Why post-purchase communication is just as important as the initial sale Whether you’re re-engaging past customers or che...2025-04-0931 minGrowth CurvesS2E15 - Simplify Your Bookkeeping: How Hubdoc Saves Time & Reduces StressManaging receipts, invoices, and bookkeeping can be a nightmare for small business owners—but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, Sarah and Wendy talk into Hubdoc, a game-changing tool that helps streamline accounting processes, reduce admin time, and keep your financials in order. 🎧 Listen in to learn: ✅ How Hubdoc automates receipt and invoice management ✅ Why keeping financial documentation (even for small transactions) is crucial ✅ How to integrate Hubdoc with Xero for seamless bookkeeping ✅ The benefits of reducing manual data entry and improving tax compliance If you’ve ever struggled with fi...2025-03-2616 minGrowth CurvesS2E14 - SEO & Google Ads: From Clicks to Conversions with Samantha Vandergoot from Daily DigitalAre you getting the results you need from SEO and Google ads? Wendy and Sarah chat with Samantha Vandergoot from Daily Digital about the power of SEO and Google Ads for business growth. They cover: 🔹 The key differences between SEO and Google Ads—and when to use each. 🔹 Why auditing your website is crucial before launching a digital marketing strategy. 🔹 Common mistakes businesses make with digital marketing (and how to avoid them). 🔹 The challenges of starting and scaling a digital marketing agency. If you're looking to improve your online presence and get the most out o...2025-03-1137 minGrowth CurvesS2E13 - Social Media Has Changed: What Works Now with Social Smarty Jodine McIntyreAn informative and vulnerable chat with social media trainer Jodine McIntyre about the major shifts happening in social media marketing right now, as well as the challenges she’s faced in business. From the move from an opted-in follower model to an interest-based content algorithm, the impact of dissatisfaction with Meta platforms, to the growing potential of platforms like YouTube, Jodine shares practical strategies for creating content that attracts the right audience and converts that interest into business growth. Jodine also shares insights from her own business journey, including how she overcame imposter syndrome and why she di...2025-02-2557 minGrowth CurvesS2E12 - Mastering Business Cash Flow: Strategies to Stay Financially StrongCash flow can make or break a business, especially in uncertain economic times. In this episode, Sarah Burgess and Wendy Tibbotts dive into the importance of cash flow management, offering practical strategies to help business owners navigate seasonal slowdowns, unexpected expenses, and financial pitfalls. They share insights on forecasting, managing payments, and avoiding common mistakes that can drain your resources. What You’ll Learn: How to prepare for seasonal downturns and unexpected expenses. The biggest cash flow mistakes business owners make—and how to avoid them. Practical tools for tracking and forecasting cash flow effectively. Strategies for...2025-02-1129 minGrowth CurvesS2E11 - Email Marketing: 5 Ways to Grow Your List with PurposeIn this episode, Sarah and Wendy dive into the strategies you need to grow a thriving email list. They share practical tips and ideas to help you connect with your audience, add value, and build trust—without overwhelming your customers. What You’ll Learn: Creative ways to encourage customers to sign up for your email list. Growth strategies that work for small businesses. How to promote your list in a way that drives results. The dos and don’ts of email marketing compliance. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you turn email market...2025-01-2929 minGrowth CurvesS2E10 - A New Year: Shifting Mindsets and Taking ActionWendy and Sarah share their personal and professional New Year goals and reflect on the mindset shifts and lessons from the past year. They explore the importance of stepping into leadership roles, staying accountable to goals, and building habits that drive long-term growth. From defining the right actions to embracing consistency and business boundaries, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you plan for success in 2025. Growth Curves Instagram Work with Wendy Tibbotts: Click HERE to book a free 30 min call Get the Mark...2025-01-1525 minGrowth CurvesS2E9 - Starting Over: What We’d Do Differently in BusinessIf you’ve ever wondered what established business owners would change if they could start over, this episode is for you. Wendy and Sarah share five key lessons from their business journeys to help you save time, money, and energy while building a successful, sustainable business. Packed with actionable advice, this conversation is a must-listen for new and growing entrepreneurs alike. What you’ll take away: The importance of starting with a plan and narrowing your niche. Why financial management should be a top priority from day one. The benefits of seeking targeted support early in your...2024-12-1723 minGrowth CurvesS2E8 - From side hustle to multi-million dollar business: Getting Lost with Cat MacnaughtanIn this episode, Sarah and Wendy interview Cat Macnaughtan, founder & CEO of Getting Lost, the award-winning adventure card game. Cat shares her journey from a part-time travel blogger to running a multi-million-dollar business built on community feedback, creativity, and strategic thinking. She delves into the challenges of scaling a fast-growing enterprise, the importance of adaptability, and the lessons learned from taking risks and breaking the rules. This fun and inspiring conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to innovate, build a resilient business, or turn a side hustle into a thriving venture. You’ll learn:...2024-12-041h 10Growth CurvesS2E7 - Productivity, Burnout & Business Boundaries: With Sarah WoodIn this super-informative episode, Wendy Tibbotts and Sarah Burgess engage with productivity and well-being coach Sarah Wood to discuss strategies for avoiding burnout and maintaining balance as an entrepreneur. Sarah has a science-based approach to well-being which informs the discussion about setting healthy boundaries, and adapting productivity methods to different stages of business growth. The conversation highlights the need for self-care, aligning goals with personal values, and establishing clear limits to protect against the pressures of "hustle culture." You’ll learn: How to identify early signs of burnout Advice for maintaining productivity Practical strategies for setting boundari...2024-11-1934 minGrowth CurvesS2E6 - Growth Without Breaking: The Rubber Band TheoryIn this episode Sarah and Wendy introduce the "Rubber Band Theory" as an insightful approach to achieving personal and professional growth by stretching within one’s limits. They discuss how setting realistic goals, surrounding oneself with supportive individuals, and celebrating small wins can lead to sustainable progress without the risk of burnout. You'll learn about: Applying the Rubber Band Theory: Learn how to stretch toward growth gradually instead of attempting drastic changes, and align your actions with clearly defined goals. Mindset and Growth in Business: Discover why mindset matters in business growth, and...2024-11-0522 minGrowth CurvesS2E5 - Automation & Delegation: With Kate MacGregor from NZ Out of OfficeJoin hosts Sarah and Wendy as they chat with online business expert Kate MacGregor about how business owners can embrace automation and delegation to reclaim their time, achieve balance, and focus on the work that truly matters. Kate shares her insights on building a sustainable business, the mindset shifts needed to let go of control, and her personal journey in scaling her business while also embracing her love of international travel. You’ll learn: How automation can free up time for creativity and balance How the right mindset makes delegation easier About how to get started wi...2024-10-2734 minGrowth CurvesS2E4 - Customer Journey Marketing: Turning Leads into Loyal, Satisfied CustomersMeet the evolving needs of your customers at every stage of the buying process. In this episode, Wendy takes us through the seven key stages of the customer journey. We discuss: Tips for generating brand awareness, including networking, social media and sponsorships Strategies to increase customer interest by showing how your product or service solves problems and stands out from competitors How to nurture leads in the consideration phase and create urgency to drive decisions The importance of post-purchase marketing, including retention strategies to keep customers engaged and satisfied. How to spread marketing efforts across the e...2024-10-0928 minGrowth CurvesS2E3 – Xero Health Check: Improve your accounts to improve your decisions Have you ever done a Xero health check on your business? Little Black Books has been doing a few clean up jobs in Xero and it reminded Sarah that some businesses may not be aware of the basics of maintaining their Xero file. And you don't know what you don't know! In this episode, Sarah talks you through 5 areas in your Xero file that you can jump into to do a health check on your own business. You’ll learn: The importance of maintaining a clean and accurate Xero file How to keep yo...2024-10-0423 minGrowth CurvesS2E2 - Marketing AI: Balancing Efficiency with AuthenticityHosts Wendy Tibbotts and Sarah Burgess explore the evolving role of AI in marketing. They discuss how to leverage AI for efficiency while maintaining the authenticity of your brand. From the benefits and limitations of AI tools in content creation and image generation to practical strategies for blending AI with human creativity, this episode is packed with valuable insights for business owners looking to navigate the AI marketing landscape. What You'll Learn: How to use AI to enhance marketing efficiency without sacrificing human authenticity The benefits and drawbacks of AI-generated content and images Best practices...2024-09-1125 min
Growth CurvesS2E1 - We Were On A Break: Make Your Own RulesWelcome to Season 2 of the Growth Curves Podcast! In this episode, hosts Sarah Burgess and Wendy Tibbotts talk about taking a much-needed break, juggling multiple businesses, and how to create a podcast (and business) that works on your terms. If you’re ready to run your business with more intention and less stress, tune in now. You’ll learn: Why it's okay to press pause in your business How to manage multiple ventures without burning out The importance of intentional content creation Growth Curves Instagram Work with Wendy Tibbotts: 2024-09-1109 minGrowth CurvesEP20 - Business Resilience: How to Thrive in a Challenging EconomyIn this episode we discuss actionable strategies for business owners to adapt and move forward in the current challenging economic environment, focusing on proactive measures to improve your bottom line. We touch on topics such as customers' struggles and prioritising value for existing customers, reducing cash flow strain, maintaining marketing efforts and more. This episode will provide you with some insights to help you build a competitive advantage when it’s needed most. You will learn: How to empathise with customers' struggles and adapt messaging and offerings during a recession Ways...2024-05-2819 minGrowth CurvesEP19 - Mastering Your Finances: The Power of Regular Money MeetingsWant to feel more in control of your finances? Sarah provides valuable advice on how to conduct regular money meetings. By analysing expenses, sales, and revenue streams during these meetings, you can track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and make timely changes to enhance your bottom line. You will learn: The importance of regular money meetings for business owners How to conduct effective money meetings to track profitability Ways to analyse expenses, sales, and revenue streams during money meetings How to use insights from money meetings to make informed business decisions Tips for increasing profits...2024-05-1415 minGrowth CurvesEP18 - Time Poor? 5 Productivity Tips That Work For UsIt's so difficult to find time to get 'all the things' done! We understand the juggle of balancing business demands and home life, let alone personal health and wellbeing... it's a continual work in progress! In this episode, we're sharing our 5 productivity hacks that have helped us in both our businesses and personal lives. With the right tools and mindset, you can maximise your productivity and make the most of every hour. We're not talking about anything overly complicated here. These are simple, straightforward, and, most importantly, they work. From time-blocking techniques to prioritisation methods, th...2024-05-0318 minGrowth CurvesEP17 - Marketing Essentials Checklist: Top 10 Activities for Small BusinessesWondering if you're doing the 'right stuff' when it comes to marketing? In this episode, Wendy discusses her Marketing Essentials checklist - the top 10 activities businesses should focus on to get the best results. There is an overwhelming amount of marketing options and strategies available, and it's easy to feel lost in the sea of marketing advice. That's why we have broken this down into an easy to follow guide that simplifies the complexity, providing you with a much needed list of effective marketing strategies and tactics. The checklist is applicable to both online and...2024-04-1941 minGrowth CurvesEP16: The Cycle of Despair - Boundaries, Overwhelm & BurnoutEver felt stuck in a repeating pattern of overwhelm in your business? We’ve named this the 'Cycle of Despair,' from our own personal experience of managing boundaries and stress as we navigate business owner life. Characterised by a lack of enthusiasm and increased procrastination (doom scrolling anyone?!), this often stems from an overwhelming number of undesirable tasks and saying ‘yes’ to activities that no longer align. If you’ve ever found yourself spinning in this cycle, this episode will give you helpful advice on how to move from despair to delight in your business a...2024-04-0231 minGrowth CurvesEp15 - Why now is a great time to do a Business Plan + How to create oneIn this episode, we share the importance of creating a business plan and how it can drive your business forward, rather than leaving progress to chance. You may be thinking about your business plan as we approach the end of the financial year in New Zealand. Now is a great time to reflect and make changes where necessary – or if you don’t currently have a plan, grab that notebook as Sarah also shares the most effective ways to get started on one! You will learn about: What needs to happen to cr...2024-03-1919 minGrowth CurvesEP14 - Positioning: How to stand out in a busy marketToday, Wendy dissects what brand positioning means and its significance in establishing a business's place in the market. So let's differentiate your brand from competitors, grab yourself a pen and paper as you learn fundamental strategies that will help you create a lasting impression in your customers' minds. You will learn about: Impact of personal behaviour on brand perception Aligning your product and Brand The importance of consistency Practical advice on market research Defining your target audience How to articulate a clear positioning statement We love creating this podcast and we are trying to...2024-03-0520 minGrowth CurvesEP13 - EOFY: 4 things I'm doing in my business before 31st MarchThe end of the financial year is fast approaching, so in this episode, Sarah runs you through 4 things she's doing in her business before 31st March 2024. Sarah discusses why it's beneficial to pay for expenses in March and reduce the taxable income for the current financial year, but only if it makes financial sense. She also talks about bonuses, debtors, and setting a financial budget for the next financial year. So if you want to influence a tax outcome, grab a pen and paper to take notes and get sorted before 31 March 2024. 2024-02-2014 minGrowth CurvesEP12 - Growth Opportunities: Frameworks for Business ExpansionIn this informative episode, Wendy delves into the Ansoff Growth Matrix, a straightforward framework that shines light on identifying business growth opportunities. If you’re ready to expand in your business, tune in to hear the specific techniques that could set the stage for your next big growth spurt. You will learn about: The four core strategies within the matrix How you can develop new products & services for your market Ways to increase sales of your existing products How to explore new markets Weighing up the risks associated with diversification What activities ca...2024-02-0618 minGrowth CurvesEP11 - Accelerate your Business Cycle and Achieve Financial FreedomToday Sarah and Wendy dive into the essential business cycle, explaining the nuances of cash flow and profit within a business context. By better understanding and implementing the tips provided in this episode, you will learn how to use your business as a vehicle to achieve financial freedom and flexibility. You will also learn about: How to boost cash flow & eliminate unchecked overheads Common pitfalls in business Increasing sales vs. decreasing margins The benefits of negotiating better payment terms with suppliers How to intelligently invest for quicker returns Thanks f...2024-01-2315 minGrowth CurvesEP10 - Marketing Plans: Make Money & Save TimeToday Sarah & Wendy come together to discuss the important topic of creating a marketing plan for business growth. We discuss how a marketing plan is not just a to-do list, but a strategy that gives you direction on how to make money and increase revenue in your business. You will learn about: What a marketing plan actually is How to understand what the best marketing strategy is for you How to be intentional with your marketing efforts Why it’s important to define your business strategy Ways to save time & move beyond tactical activities ...2024-01-1012 minGrowth CurvesEP9 - Offers: Benefits of Turning Your Products or Services into OffersHaving different types of offers can be really powerful when selling to your target audience. In this episode, Sarah and Wendy dive into how you can package your products or services, what the benefits are, and why it can be so effective. You will also learn: What a value ladder is and how to use it What you’re actually selling beyond your products or services The 4 main things your offer needs to be Why it’s important to be authentic when creating urgency How to move people through your sales funnel What type of ad...2023-12-2620 minGrowth CurvesEP8 - Wrapping Up: End of Year Business StrategiesIn this episode Sarah and Wendy dive into four powerful business strategies to embrace as we approach the new year. These will help you properly wrap up 2023 so you can relax over the break, and also support you in planning your 2024 goals. You will learn about: The importance of year-end assessments Why financial reviews are crucial and what key metrics to look at What to think about when evaluating your work-life balance How to reassess and consider necessary changes The power of visualisation for the next 12 months Why you need a well-thought-out budget The impact o...2023-12-1222 minGrowth CurvesEP7 - Time: What Do You Prioritise & Why Does This Matter?In today’s episode Sarah and Wendy talk about how managing time is always a work in progress. They chat about how they effectively prioritise tasks, and how to make each day more productive in your business. You will learn about: Why you should focus on what’s important to you Creating a daily top three to move the needle in your business What 90-day goal setting is and how to do it How you can use time blocking and batching to your advantage Why you need to work on your business not just in i...2023-11-2823 minGrowth CurvesEP6 - Success: What Does it Look & Feel Like to You?In this episode Sarah and Wendy discuss their versions of success, and how this has changed over time within their businesses and lifestyles. You will also learn about: Why success might look different in the beginning stages of entrepreneurship How your mindset and beliefs play a role in being “successful” What systems are and how they can help you work smarter not harder The importance of setting clear business boundaries What it means to feel aligned in your business and how to do it How your pricing can either hold you back or set you f...2023-11-1428 minGrowth CurvesEP5 - Messaging: Marketing Messages that Increase SalesIn this episode Wendy shares advice on messaging and how to attract the right customers for your business. You will also learn about: Why you shouldn't try to sell to everyone The importance of understanding your ideal customer How to differentiate between features and benefits Understanding what people want versus what they need The most game-changing mind switch you can implement to increase sales Get in touch: Sarah Burgess - Little Black Books Wendy Tibbotts - Zigzag Marketing Growth Curves Instagram - @growthcurvespodcast 2023-10-3117 minGrowth CurvesEP4 - Stats to Track: 10 Key Business MetricsIn today’s episode we are diving into 10 important stats that we believe you should be tracking in your business. Focus on these metrics in your monthly business reviews. Here’s what you’ll learn about: Sales and average spend per customer Total revenue and hitting your targets What ‘debtor days’ are and how to decrease them Operating expenses and assessing trends Effective ways to look at your margins Retention rates and how to measure them Where your leads are coming from Conversion rates on marketing activities Which website stats to watch and why Email list metrics to...2023-10-1729 minGrowth CurvesEP3 - Business Finances Done Right: What To Focus OnIn this episode Sarah runs us through how to keep your business records in order and look at your numbers from a strategic point of view. You will also learn about: The 3 key areas to focus on when managing your books What you should outsource as a business owner and why How you can code your invoices more effectively Why you shouldn’t reduce your marketing costs in a recession The importance of understanding your cash movements What small adjustments in your margins can do How you can save money within your team 2023-10-0321 minGrowth CurvesEP2 - Strategy: For Your Business Planning & MarketingIn this episode we dive into the importance of having a solid business plan and marketing strategy, and how to go about creating an aligned roadmap for your business. You will also learn about: Knowing when to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to marketing opportunities The difference between goals and objectives The difference between strategy and tactics What might stop you from growing your business Why you need to be intentional with your marketing activities How your target market plays a role in your marketing strategy How your ‘bestseller’ might change your overall plan Why you need to b...2023-09-1922 minGrowth CurvesEP1 - Introductions: Sarah Burgess & Wendy TibbottsWelcome to the first episode of The Growth Curves podcast! Get to know us and learn more about the kind of content you’ll get in future episodes. You will also hear about: How we both started our businesses The balance between motherhood and business What our morning routines look like (in an ideal world) Our go to books and inspirational people The services we offer to help you grow your business Get in touch Sarah Burgess - Little Black Books Wendy Tibbotts - Zigzag Marketing Growth Curves Instagram - @gro...2023-09-1927 minGrowth CurvesWelcome to the Growth Curves Podcast!Welcome to the Growth Curves Podcast with Sarah Burgess and Wendy Tibbotts. This is the place where you will learn how to manage your money and marketing for serious business growth! Subscribe and follow along for fortnightly episodes, launching from September 2023. Find out more: Little Black Books ZigZag Marketing2023-08-0201 min