Many businesses have developed a culture statement, but too often it ends up as just a sign on the wall or paper in a folder. You think you have it covered, but it's not actually working.

In this episode, I explain why most culture statements fail. We often use generic terms like "teamwork" or "honesty," but these are too general and don't define the behaviors that actually support those values. Culture is truly about "this is the way we do things around here," and if you don't define it, one will develop on its own.

I introduce the "Identity Iceberg" model to help you connect your values to the observable behaviors and results you want to see. I also share simple examples (like changing a gas cylinder or refilling paper towels) to show how small, seemingly trivial actions are the real proof of your company's culture.

I'll give you practical ways to make your culture explicit, check in on it with your team, and ensure it's something you all live by, rather than just a document on a shelf.

If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!

You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to [email protected]

This is a Podvan Media production.

I just got back from giving a talk to business owners in Narrandera. It struck me that businesses of all sizes (from micro-businesses to 20-million-dollar companies) often struggle with the same core issues.

In this episode, I cover the three biggest problems I see.

First, not truly knowing your numbers (and why your accounting software might be misleading you). Second, failing to get paid properly..

But the biggest issue is why business owners don't fix these things. I explain how our hidden belief systems are often the real barrier to a healthy cash flow.

If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you! You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to [email protected]

This is a Podvan Media production.

Many business owners think a 'vision' is just a fluffy, airy-fairy statement. In the episode, Marcus Kroek explains why it’s actually the most practical tool for building a real competitive advantage.

He covers why most vision statements fail, and how you can fix it immediately. Marcus uses the simple, practical example of 'the best pie shop in town' to demonstrate how a clear vision makes your decision-making easier and helps you build a 'tribe' of loyal customers and staff.

This is about turning a simple goal into a powerful unique selling proposition (USP) that makes your business stand out.

For more info on this topic, email [email protected] with the subject "UPS".

And for more from Marcus, head to: http://businessunlocked.com.au

This is a Podvan Media production.

Ever felt like you're just not on the same page as a client or a team member? The problem might not be what you're saying, but how you're saying it.

Marcus Kroek explains a powerful communication tool used millions of times worldwide (the DISC profile). He uses a simple story about four people going to dinner to illustrate the four main behavioral types (Dominant, Influence, Steady, and Compliant).

Listen to identify your own style and learn how to recognize and adapt to others. This simple shift can improve your sales, teamwork, and overall business relationships.

For more from Marcus Kroek, visit http://marcuskroek.com

Many business owners believe they aren't planners, but the plan is always there (usually just stuck in their head). The key is to get that strategy out, onto paper, and into action.

In this episode, Marcus explains his proven framework for strategic planning. He covers how to get clear on your personal and business vision, align with your partners, and use that foundation to set meaningful goals. He also shares the four models of thinking that are critical for success and how to reverse engineer your profit targets into a practical 90-day action plan.

For more from Marcus Kroek, visit http://businessunlocked.com.au

This is a Podvan Media production.

Marcus is joined by entrepreneur Lee Krupa (Byron Leather, Verify Faces, Richly Told podcast) to discuss a surprisingly common issue that silently damages small business cash flow: the failure to send invoices on time.

Lee shares her personal experience and the unintended negative impact it has on the client's own finances when you hold off on billing. They cover the emotional barriers to asking for money, linking it to issues like imposter syndrome and self-value, and why systemising the process (including taking deposits) is the key to removing this emotional block.

You can find Lee's "Richly Told" podcast here, and for more from Marcus, visit businessunlocked.com.au

This is a Podvan Media production.

Is it possible to increase your revenue by 46% and your profit by 61% without massive, stressful changes? It sure is!

And it comes down to making small 10% improvements in five key areas of your business.

Marcus simplifies his proven profit formula, breaking down the five essential drivers that control your profitability. He not only explains what they are (from leads and conversion to profit margins) but also reveals the correct order to address them for the fastest and most effective results.

It's about tuning your business engine, not rebuilding it.

To get Marcus's list of the top 50 strategies mentioned in the episode, email [email protected] with the subject line 'Drivers'.

For more from Marcus and the Business Unlocked Team, visit http://businessunlocked.com.au

In this episode, Marcus speaks with Iesha Delune, a coach with over 20 years of experience who helps business owners find alignment and avoid burnout.

Iesha introduces her concept of "congruence" (getting your body, heart, mind, and soul on the same page). She explains why simply copying someone else's successful strategy can lead to stress if it is not a natural fit for you and your personality.

They discuss the importance of being yourself in every aspect of your business, from client attraction to service delivery. Iesha also covers the destructive cycle of expectation and disappointment and how operating congruently can help you break free from it.

For more from Marcus, visit http://marcuskroek.com

Marcus Kroek and special guest Nadia Venditti discuss what it truly means to be a CEO in a small or medium-sized business. They explore the critical differences between the roles of an employee, a manager, and a chief executive officer.

The conversation covers the essential mindset shifts required to transition from a "doer" to a strategic leader. Marcus and Nadia talk about the importance of vision, culture, and strategy (and how they differ from tactics). They also address the common challenge of feeling stuck or losing your mojo as a business owner and how realigning your personal and business vision can reignite your passion.

For more from Marcus Kroek, visit http://marcuskroek.com or book a chat at http://businessunlocked.com.au

Marcus turns the tables and interviews his podcast producer, Rabbit (Rabs), about the transition from a 34-year career as an employee in radio to becoming a business owner. Rabs shares the significant mindset shifts required, including the challenge of changing his identity from 'radio guy' to 'business owner'.

He discusses the practical lessons learned from Marcus, such as defining his own version of success instead of just chasing growth, getting comfortable with asking for money, and implementing the Profit First system to manage finances from day one. They also cover the common pitfall for new business owners and how it can lead to burnout.

This episode offers a candid look at the real-world challenges and psychological hurdles of starting a business after a long career as an employee.

For more from Marcus Kroek, visit http://marcuskroek.com

You can find Rabs via Podvan Media @ http://podvan.com.au