Many business owners struggle with knowing what to charge for their products and services.

When we first start out in business, it can be tempting to have low, or even discounted, prices as we often are desperate to land new business.

However, this approach will quickly cause problems, including a tight cash flow, needing to more work for less and building a client base who are largely driven by price.

Instead, we need to ensure our whole identity as business owners is about delivering value and setting prices based on this value you provide.

This helps ensure that price is only one factor your customers consider when buying from you, but it isn’t the key factor.

If you want to build a robust business and be able to invest in innovation, as well as build a reputation for high quality and service, your pricing model must allow you to do that.

This week’s podcast is a recording of Stefan Kazakis appearance on ABC Radio’s Nightlife with tony Delroy. Stefan offers valuable, real-world advice to business owners, including taking their calls to the studio.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subscribe to our podcast - NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY!

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2

Spotify:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/podcast/5ZbuFOBaZ8YQ3eT1u3Y14R

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Benchmark-29372537/

Stitcher:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast

PodBean:

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/yi4rd-6bc65/Business-Benchmark-Group-Podcast

ACast:

https://acast.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

The current economic environment is causing some business owners to become concerned and unsure about what the future will bring and how their business will fare.

But the fact of the matter is that these are cycles will always occur, and as a business owner, you can ensure that your business not only survives through a challenging economic environment, but thrives.

There are actually 3 distinct cycles that affect business performance: the Economic Cycle, the Business Cycle and your Personal Cycle - and you need to anticipate and be aware of these cycles in order to lead your business to continued growth and success through challenging circumstances.

Stefan gives advice for business owners about how to navigate through difficult cycles to ultimately build a business that can weather any storm.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subscribe to our podcast:

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2

Spotify:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/podcast/5ZbuFOBaZ8YQ3eT1u3Y14R

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Benchmark-29372537/

Stitcher:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast

PodBean:

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/yi4rd-6bc65/Business-Benchmark-Group-Podcast

ACast:

https://acast.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

We interview Robert Krastich, owner of Sharper Facility Services (sharper.com.au) which offers high-end commercial cleaning in Melbourne.

The business was established in 2004 and Robert had done a fantastic job growing it to that point. However, he realised he had reached a crossroads. Although he was making good income and had established a good client base, he also recognised he had lost some focus and commitment to growing the business.

He knew he wanted to take his business to the next level, but he realised he didn’t have the knowledge or experience to successfully do so.

In April 2018, Robert reached out to Business Benchmark Group. Since working with us to re-focus his business strategy and clearly articulating his goals, his business has gone to a whole new level.

Robert imparts valuable advice and experience for all business owners, who will hear first-hand what it takes to break through your glass ceiling and take your business to new and greater heights.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subscribe to our podcast:

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2

Spotify:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/podcast/5ZbuFOBaZ8YQ3eT1u3Y14R

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Benchmark-29372537/

Stitcher:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast

PodBean:

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/yi4rd-6bc65/Business-Benchmark-Group-Podcast

ACast:

https://acast.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

The uncertain economic environment we're in can be a source of concern for business owners. However - it doesn't need to be that way if you use the Triple A approach to growing your business - Anticipation, Acceleration and Aggregation.

With this approach, you can ensure your business is always on the front foot and poised to respond to risks and take advantage of opportunities.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subscribe to our podcast:

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2

Spotify:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/podcast/5ZbuFOBaZ8YQ3eT1u3Y14R

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Benchmark-29372537/

Stitcher:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast

PodBean:

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/yi4rd-6bc65/Business-Benchmark-Group-Podcast

ACast:

https://acast.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

Stefan Kazakis joins ABC Nightlife's Tony Delroy to discuss why it's important for business owners to periodically take a good, hard look at the health of your business and determine what's working, what's not working and what are we doing about it.

It's important that you just don't walk past a low standard in your business, you need to always be reflecting and analysing on what areas you can improve.

Business owners should be investing at least 2 hours per week to think clearly about their business goals and determine how their business is going in the way to achieve them.

Conduct your own 3-minute business health check at our website.

http://businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au/3-minute-business-health-check/

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subscribe to our podcast:

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2

Spotify:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/podcast/5ZbuFOBaZ8YQ3eT1u3Y14R

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Benchmark-29372537/

Stitcher:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast

PodBean:

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/yi4rd-6bc65/Business-Benchmark-Group-Podcast

ACast:

https://acast.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

Anyone who has ever run a small business can tell stories about the immeasurable value of word-of-mouth referrals by happy customers - some would even argue it is the most powerful form of advertising when someone is singing the praises of your company or product.

Likewise, talk about a bad experience is news that travels far and wide - that's why business owners and their staff should strive to make sure customers are always happy so they will refer your product or service to family and friends.

Stefan Kazakis, CEO of the Business Benchmark Group, joins Tony Delroy on ABC Radio's Nightlife to explains how important it is to build a referral-based business.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE WHITEPAPER:

"How To Build An Effective Referral Strategy"

https://businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au/resources/learn-how-to-harness-the-power-of-the-referral/

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subscribe to our podcast:

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2

Spotify:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/podcast/5ZbuFOBaZ8YQ3eT1u3Y14R

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Benchmark-29372537/

Stitcher:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast

PodBean:

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/yi4rd-6bc65/Business-Benchmark-Group-Podcast

ACast:

https://acast.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

We often think about crisis as a negative – but it can also often be considered a positive. In this brain stretch episode, Stefan explores how business owners need to recognise the difference between leadership and management, especially in response to a crisis.

As a leader, it is your responsibility to grow your resources, to understanding what is working, what is not working and to determine what you’re going to do about it.

A manager’s role is to manage those resources in order to get better outcomes, improve output and increase efficiency and effectiveness.

As a small business owner, you’re often required to wear both hats multiple times in a day, or even within an hour. As a leader, you need to recognise that there are two different mindsets you can have: a “cost of growth” mindset where you stay in maintenance mode, versus a “cost of opportunity” mindset where you’re in investment mode and actively looking to take your business forward.

It is up to you as a business owner to ensure you lead your business towards growth.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subscribe to our podcast:

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2

Spotify:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/podcast/5ZbuFOBaZ8YQ3eT1u3Y14R

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Benchmark-29372537/

Stitcher:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast

PodBean:

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/yi4rd-6bc65/Business-Benchmark-Group-Podcast

ACast:

https://acast.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

You spend 50%-60% of your life at work, so as business owners have the responsibility to fill it with the right people.

Stefan discusses how to ensure you're hiring A-Graders to join your team. He describes interview techniques he uses, what to look for in a candidate, and the importance of culture fit.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Buy Stefan's Books:

"How to Grow a Business"

https://www.amazon.com/How-Grow-Business-Stefan-Kazakis/dp/0994545274

"From Deadwood To Diamonds"

https://www.amazon.com/Deadwood-Diamonds-Business-Achieve-Success-ebook/dp/B00J1V0TWI

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Need a business coach?

Visit businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au.

Email [email protected]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subscribe to our podcast:

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Benchmark-29372537/

Stitcher:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast

PodBean:

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/yi4rd-6bc65/Business-Benchmark-Group-Podcast

ACast:

https://acast.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

When it comes to building your competitive advantage, it all comes back to the concept of "Hero or Guide".

This means that when you make the customers the hero of the story - by understanding their wants, needs and motivations and focusing on how to better serve them - this will inevitably mean that you will be able to innovate and serve your customers better than your competitors.

Stefan explores this idea, and gives advice to business owners looking to build a business that is innovative and stands out from the competition.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Buy Stefan's Books:

"How to Grow a Business"

https://www.amazon.com/How-Grow-Business-Stefan-Kazakis/dp/0994545274

"From Deadwood To Diamonds"

https://www.amazon.com/Deadwood-Diamonds-Business-Achieve-Success-ebook/dp/B00J1V0TWI

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Need a business coach?

Visit businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au.

Email [email protected]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subscribe to our podcast:

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Benchmark-29372537/

Stitcher:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast

PodBean:

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/yi4rd-6bc65/Business-Benchmark-Group-Podcast

ACast:

https://acast.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

In this episode, Stefan examines the 6 Pillars of Business that you need to focus on if you want to take your business global.

As Stefan often says - "Business is not easy, but it doesn't need to be hard". To build a successful strategy to take your business global, you need to have a laser focus on these 6 pillars only, and determine how they will look in 2, 5 and 10 years.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Buy Stefan's Books:

"How to Grow a Business"

https://www.amazon.com/How-Grow-Business-Stefan-Kazakis/dp/0994545274

"From Deadwood To Diamonds"

https://www.amazon.com/Deadwood-Diamonds-Business-Achieve-Success-ebook/dp/B00J1V0TWI

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Need a business coach?

Visit businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au.

Email [email protected]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subscribe to our podcast:

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Benchmark-29372537/

Stitcher:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast

PodBean:

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/yi4rd-6bc65/Business-Benchmark-Group-Podcast

ACast:

https://acast.com/businessbenchmarkgroup

Our Website:

http://businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au/resources/podcasts/