Small Business Lifestyle

This week's episode of Flying Solo focuses on the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of being a solo entrepreneur—our personal wellbeing and resilience. Melli O'Brien, renowned coach, mindfulness educator, and author of Deep Resilience has aided over a million individuals worldwide in finding inner calm and clarity. She shares her personal journey from dealing with mental health crises to becoming a beacon of mindfulness and strength. In this conversation, Melli dives into the key skills necessary for cultivating resilience, breaking down her four-part method designed to empower you through life's adversities. Whether you're feeling burnt out, caught in overthinking traps, or simply eager to strengthen your mindset, this episode is filled with practical insights and strategies to help you reconnect with your inner strength and values. Epsode highlights Melli O'Brien's Background and Journey Her experience with a difficult childhood leading to mental health challenges. Hitting a crisis point with men

Shani Taylor is an award-winning business coach, speaker, best-selling author, and even hailed as the Global Coach of the Year by the Duchess of York. Her passion lies in empowering everyday Aussies to become masters of leadership, sales, and human behaviour, ensuring they can scale their businesses without facing burnout. In this episode, Shani shares her unique journey from a challenging upbringing to her phenomenal success, where she grew her business from scratch to an international success story, serving clients in 25 countries. We'll dive into her philosophy of using conversation and relationship-building as tools for growth, how mindset and behavior are key to scaling businesses, and the crucial role of mentors in one's journey to success. Join us as Shani uncovers her secrets to achieving that elusive seven-figure revenue and learn how you can implement her techniques in your own business endeavours.  Key topics Shani’s business journey and evolution Transition from content creation to a focus on

Todd Polke, is an investor, entrepreneur, and international educator in wealth creation. With over two decades of experience assisting thousands in mastering their finances, Todd is here to share insights from his new book, "Escape the Middle." This episode promises to equip you with strategies to tackle financial stagnation and construct a future tailored to your financial goals. Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or looking to elevate your wealth, Todd's expertise will motivate you towards achieving economic independence. Don't miss this conversation filled with practical steps to help you take charge of your money and transform your financial future. Key topics Foundational Principles of Wealth Creation Recognition that traditional approaches to money management may lead to burnout and stagnation. Emphasis on the importance of changing financial rules to achieve sustainable growth. Understanding that value creation, rather than time-for-money exchanges, paves the way for financial free

Emma Lagerlow, a wealth and mindset coach, entrepreneur, and author of Worthy and Wealthy. In this episode of Flying Solo, Emma shares her journey and insights on building a life of abundance by aligning self-worth, purpose, well-being, and time. Listeners can expect to learn about the five pillars Emma believes make up a truly wealthy life, how self-worth influences financial empowerment, and why aligning your purpose with your work or passions is key to true wealth. Emma also delves into the importance of being money mindful, breaking free from scarcity mindsets, and finding harmony between personal growth and financial success. Whether you're a solopreneur struggling to balance time and business or someone seeking financial freedom, this episode promises valuable takeaways on living a rich life on your own terms. Sit back, relax, and get ready to rethink your approach to wealth! Key points 1.Redefining Wealth Wealth goes beyond financial accumulation to include self-worth, purpose, well-being, and free

In the episode, we're joined by the incredible Ingrid Maynard, a renowned sales performance expert and founder of The Sales Doctor. Ingrid is here to revolutionise the way you think about selling! We'lll dive into Ingrid's game-changing approach that turns your entire business into a sales engine without the usual pressure. Ingrid shares why simply being customer-centric isn't enough anymore and how you can build value at every touch point in your business. We'll hear about Ingrid's journey from a shy, introverted teenager at The Body Shop to becoming a national sales manager and author of "The Sales Revolution." Key Topics Sales Strategy and Methodology Introduction of "Culture of Customer" concept to frame sales differently. Components: Customer consciousness—treating everyone as a customer—and commercial competence. Focus on value delivery through financial, functional, and emotional benefits. Shifts from traditional selling to value-based conversations to enhance customer relationships. Overcoming S

Melissa Browne, an award-winning former accountant and financial advisor who has built three seven-figure businesses in different industries. In this episode of Flying Solo Melissa shares her journey from an accidental business owner to a strategic entrepreneur, She discusses why now is the perfect time to start a business and offers practical insights for soloists and small business owners on managing finances, pricing strategies, and creating successful business structures. Whether you're dreaming of a side hustle or aiming to scale your enterprise, Melissa's advice will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the challenges of modern entrepreneurship. Tune in to gain valuable tips that could transform your business approach and boost your success. Key topics Challenges in running a profitable business The Internet has made it cheaper and easier to start a business, but profitability remains a challenge. Market dynamics have shifted with increased global competition and cautious consumer spending habits

In today's episode, we're joined by David Fastuca, co-author of the B2B Sales Playbook. David, who has successfully built a $150 million sales pipeline and scaled a SaaS business in a competitive market, shares his expertise on developing a simple, repeatable sales system that stands out from the pushy tactics many dread. We'll explore key aspects like the impact of AI on sales, the importance of having a structured sales operating system, and actionable insights for overcoming common sales challenges. Whether you're struggling to land deals or looking to refine your sales approach, this episode is a must-listen for actionable strategies and practical advice. Tune in and transform your sales game today! Key Topics David Fastuca's Sales Journey and B2B Sales Playbook: Transitioned from graphic design to sales out of necessity. Co-authored the B2B Sales Playbook with Luigi Preston. The book is designed to be highly actionable and helps founders and salespeople establish a structured sales process. Provides

In this episode of Flying Solo, we dive into the inspiring journey of Irene Tsang, a trailblazer for female entrepreneurship in Australia. After a successful corporate career in Asia, Irene made a bold leap to establish LiftWomen, Australia's pioneering platform dedicated to empowering and funding female entrepreneurs. Motivated by her own experiences of gender bias in the corporate sector, she is now at the forefront of closing the gender funding gap, providing women with access to the capital, mentorship, and community support needed to transform their ideas into thriving businesses. Join us as she shares how her personal experiences and challenges inspired her to uplift women entrepreneurs through her innovative platform. Key topics Irene Tsang's background and motivation Transitioned from a successful corporate career in Asia to entrepreneurship in Australia. Moved to Australia for better opportunities for her children following personal challenges. Inspired by experiences of gender bias and challeng

Lisa Jones is a dynamic force in the world of entrepreneurship. The founder of several successful brands, Lisa shares her journey from corporate roles to building multimillion-dollar businesses, including the inspiring backstory of her eco-friendly nappy brand, Ecoriginals and the origins of her latest venture She-com. Lisa discusses the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, from funding and financial literacy to the societal pressures of balancing work and family. Lisa offers rich insights into building a thriving community, staying resilient, and the importance of finding your tribe. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that's sure to inspire and empower. Key Topics Lisa Jones' Entrepreneurial Journey Background in corporate roles. Inspiration for entrepreneurship sparked by meeting ex-husband. Transition from corporate to self-employment. Early Business Ventures Catalyst for leaving corporate: the opportunity with Solar Heart. Serendipitous business moments and intuition. Challenges of worki

With a background rooted in a family skincare business, Olivia Jenkins brings over a decade of experience in navigating the ups and downs of the industry. From mastering the art of tenacity to juggling a career, pregnancy, and education, Olivia's journey is one of resilience and determination. She joins us on Flying Solo to share her top learnings from the world of e-commerce, brand strategy, and the power of platforms like TikTok to boost sales. Key topics: E-commerce Strategy and Marketing: - The significant growth of e-commerce during the pandemic. - Advice for small businesses to embrace e-commerce. - Importance of an online strategy for established businesses. Growth Activities and Brand Exposure: - The necessity for businesses to focus 80-90% of their time on growth activities. - Social media, email marketing, and collaborations for brand exposure. - Maximizing effort and exposure through brand partnerships. Audience Engagement and Promotion: - Crucial role of list building through email and SMS market

Jaqui Scammell is the CEO of ServiceQ and an expert with over 35 years of experience in customer service. On this week's episode of Flying Solo, Jaqui shares her journey from working at McDonald's to leading major stadium events, to ultimately founding ServiceQ with a mission to redefine service. Jaqui unpacks the impact of the pandemic on customer service, the essential elements of leadership, the human touchpoints and emotional elements of service, and the future of customer service in the face of advancing technology - Jaqui has coined this as 5D service. Are you ready to elevate your customer interactions? Key points: Customer Service Challenges and Pandemic Impact - Amplified stress and pressure on people affecting customer service - Staff shortages and fear magnified existing service issues - Importance of crisis response preparation and running real scenarios in leadership programs Building Brand Reputation and Customer Loyalty - The significance of trustworthiness and delivering value to stand out i

In this episode of Flying Solo, we're joined by business coach and entrepreneur and author Jim Cocks, as he shares his journey from performer to the corporate world to coaching and entrepreneurship. With a focus on understanding the ideal client, the significance of self-care, and strategies for building authentic connections, Jim provides valuable advice for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike. Join us as we delve into the importance of mindset, embracing failure, and the importance of trust in client relationships.  We also get a sneak peek into his new book Build, Excite, Ignite which reveals how to beat burnout and build a six figure business in 12 months. Key topics: Understanding the Ideal Client and Self-Care - Identifying an ideal client persona for marketing and content creation - Seeking direct feedback from ideal clients through market research - Importance of self-care and selectively choosing clients Pricing, Genuine Connections, and Business Purpose - Setting prices based on value off

Joe Pane is a seasoned psychologist and sociologist who has been aiding businesses and individuals in navigating uncertainty for over twenty years. Pane is the creator of the emotional fitness formula and is an authority on mindset. His new book, Courage To Be You, is filled with valuable advice on reframing feelings around uncertainty for a happier healthier existence. Key Topics: Emotional Fitness and Resilience: - Understanding the emotional fitness formula and its five core principles - Overcoming desensitization to the term "resilience" - Cultivating hope on both macro and micro levels - Integrating ambition into meaning for resilience Strategies for Emotional Wellness: - Engaging in meaningful hobbies aligned with values - Implementing morning rituals for emotional fitness - Reevaluating busyness and prioritizing impactful activities - Setting up positive morning rituals to shift psychological shorelines toward positivity Self-Care and Prioritisation - Starting the day with "me time" for improved emo

In this episode, host Cec Busby is joined by Charlotte Blair, the founder of Strength Partners and author of Career Unstuck. Together, they dive into the intricacies of internal voices, self-assurance, and the power of community. Charlotte shares invaluable insights on managing limiting beliefs, harnessing personal strengths, and the transformative impact of building meaningful connections. Join us as we uncover practical tools and techniques for personal development and discover the courage to ask for help and navigate career and business obstacles. Key Topics 1. Managing Internal Voices and Emotions - Acknowledging and understanding the different voices in one's head - Empowering oneself to choose which voices drive one's decisions - Developing a growth mindset to learn and grow from challenges - Dealing with fight-flight-freeze responses and triggers, as per David Rock's SCARF model 2. Balancing Aspirations and Priorities for Business Owners - Managing limited resources as a business owner - Exploring p

Vesna Hrsto is a dedicated naturopath who has overcome burnout in her own business to continue helping others with their health and wellness. From a young age, she knew that she wanted to pursue a career in natural medicine and has been committed to her passion. Her experience with burnout has shaped her approach to her work, and she now strives to help others prevent and recover from similar experiences. From dietary changes to mental and emotional stress management, this conversation delves into practical approaches to maintaining physical and mental health amidst the demands of entrepreneurship. Key Topics Understanding and Addressing Burnout - Vesna's personal experience with burnout - Warning signs of burnout - Impact of chronic stress on physical and mental health - Importance of self-care and recovery Managing Stress through Nutrition - Impact of diet on stress hormones and energy levels - Dietary changes to reduce stress - Supplements for managing stress - Importance of regular meals and healthy coo

Andrew Baxter is a financial expert with a remarkable journey that took him from a financially challenged upbringing to the bustling world of London's investment banking sector. In this episode of Flying Solo, Baxter shares his insights on the complexities of trading, the common pitfalls, and the necessity of a structured, process-driven approach to investment success. Discover how Baxter's transformative encounter on a golf course catalysed his mission to educate and empower over 50,000 individuals through his platform, Australian Investment Education. Together, we'll explore the importance of financial literacy, the need for diverse income streams in the current economic climate, and the role of AI in shaping today's job landscape. Join us as we delve into Baxter's "Wealth Playbook" and learn how to align your business needs with a lifetime of financial security. If you're looking to build a solid investment foundation, this episode offers the tools to follow your financial dreams with confidence. Su

Matt Jones is the co-founder of the globally acclaimed award-winning Four Pillars Gin. In this episode of Flying Solo we sit down to get Matt's insights on building an iconic brand. Matt unpacks how a small distillery transformed into a world-recognised name, thanks to the power of storytelling, a blend of creative strategy, innovative product development, and a commitment to quality. Discover Matt's perspective on fostering a culture of creativity, leveraging social media for brand growth, and adapting to industry trends. Plus, hear about the unique journey behind Four Pillars' famed Bloody Shiraz Gin and the impacts of global challenges like the COVID pandemic on business strategy. Tune in for entrepreneurial insights and learn about Matt's new book, "Lessons from Gin, Business the Four Pillars Way," offering a deeper dive into his successful strategies. KEY TOPICS Matt Jones’ Perspective on Success and Storytelling: Emphasises planning around purpose, execution, and culture. Advocates storytelling

Colin D. Ellis is a workplace culture expert who is passionate about creating positive work environments, and his latest book, Detox Your Culture, shares valuable strategies for business owners looking to improve how they work. With 30 years of experience behind him, Colin discusses the significance of nurturing workplace culture, highlighting that toxicity is not an inevitable part of high-pressure industries. He offers practical advice for addressing issues with leadership, enhancing diversity and inclusion, and building a culture from the ground up, regardless of business size. Tune in to discover how entrepreneurs can cultivate environments where employees thrive and learn more about Colin's tools and resources for fostering a healthy workplace culture. KEY TOPICS Importance of Workplace Culture Focus on creating environments where employees enjoy working. Challenging the assumption that workplace toxicity is inevitable. Emphasises the role of leadership in fostering a positive culture. Toxic Environ

Dr. Jenny Brockis is a bestselling author and expert in health and well-being in the workplace. In this episode of Flying solo we explore the profound benefits of reconnecting with nature. Dr. Brockis emphasizes the importance of spending time outdoors to reduce stress, boost productivity, and enhance social bonds. From the simple act of taking a daily nature break to joining community events like Park Run, discover how immersing yourself in natural environments can improve mental health, creativity, and overall wellbeing. Tune in as we delve into actionable strategies to incorporate nature into daily and work routines, ultimately reshaping how we balance our lives and connect with the world around us. Key Topics 1. Benefits of Nature Exposure Activation of the rest and digest system, leading to stress reduction Positive physiological impacts, such as lower blood pressure and heart rates Enhancement of cognitive functioning and providing a broader perspective 2. Overcoming Loneliness 1 in 4 Australians e

Glin Bayley is a negotiation specialist, coach, and author of The Negotiation Playbook. Glin shares her insights into the power of negotiation for both small and large businesses. We explore the dynamics of negotiation, from avoiding common pitfalls like focusing solely on price, to embracing a framework that enhances personal and mutual value. Glin uncovers the significance of character, integrity, and collaboration in negotiations, offering guidance on preparing for success and managing unexpected challenges. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring negotiator, or simply looking to improve your negotiation skills, this episode promises valuable takeaways for enhancing both business growth and personal development. KEY TOPICS Power and Potential of Small Business Customization opportunities for employee growth and development. Win-win situations through creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. Small business influence by understanding perceived versus actual power. Negotiation Dynamics and Strategies