In The Slipstream

“Websites that work” – a conversation with Matt Wilkinson Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Matt Wilkinson of Bizink about websites that work. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the role one’s website plays as part of an overall marketing program; the respective importance of content and design of a website; having “hero content” on your site, together with common mistakes and misconceptions.

Matt also shares some interesting observations about “vanity metrics”; the benefits of having “hero content” on your site and how to be relevant to the core market that you are seeking to attract to your firm.

Throughout the discussion, Matt also shares some powerful opinions about websites, such as “You don’t need to be different. You just need to be good” and to be extremely wary about “SEO experts” who may promise much but deliver little. He is also very insightful with respect to one’s overall marketing strategy, sharing that consistency trumps creativity and that accountants often under budget for marketing activities.

We also put Matt in the “driver’s seat”, being a six-month secondment as marketing manager to a professional services firm just like yours. His responses may surprise you!

References arising during the interview

1. In the interview Matt referred to a complimentary website audit which Bizink provides. To take advantage of this outstanding opportunity, refer to: https://bizinkonline.com/website-audit/

2. The incredibly valuable marketing report Matt also mentioned during the interview can be located at: https://bizinkonline.com/accounting-marketing-report-2019/

3. The book Matt mentioned he’s been reading lately is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.

Matt’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: For Matt (or Andrea Major), call Aus 02 8006 4755 / NZ 03 669 0775 For other countries, refer to contact details in the Bizink website.

Web: http://bizinkonline.com/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbizink/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Getting on with business – Working smarter with Melissa Voss Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Melissa Voss of Fuseworks about working smarter using technology in one’s firm. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss automating back office procedures which creates numerous flow on benefits in terms of turnaround time on client assignments and freeing up team members for higher value tasks.

Melissa also shares some interesting views on how technology can assist in the short term whilst we’re all working remotely, along with some practical tips about getting more out of Zoom – something we’re all using more and more these days!

To access Melissa’s Guide to Automation go to https://fuse.work/slipstream

In the Coach’s Corner segment, Scott looks back to April to June 2000, when accountants were dealing with a significant body of new tax regulations, and identifies learning outcomes very relevant to today.

Melissa’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0402 067 277

Web: www.fuse.work

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-voss-9b6a8141/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Dr Richard Brandon of Immunexpress about working from home long term, whilst playing a central role in an organisation based on the other side of the world. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how to work effectively as a remote member of an organisation; the importance of having structured meeting routines and ways to compensate for no longer having spontaneous “discussions in the corridor” with work colleagues.

So too, having structure to one’s working day along with definite start and end points help to ensure that work does not “take over” one’s existence.

Dr Brandon shares some interesting aspects about attracting and retaining talented people. In his case, having a captivating company mission certainly has a role to play in getting the best out of his team.

We also cover what’s involved in breaking new ground on significant world health issues – finding a new way to diagnose sepsis and developing a treatment for COVID-19, both topics upon which Dr Brandon is imminently qualified to comment.

Dr Brandon’s contact details are

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-brandon-85149a30/

Web: https://immunexpress.com/

Scott Charlton’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Steve Bakker of Business IT Professionals (BITP) about technology issues likely to arise when your team is working from home. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss not just the immediate challenges in getting one’s team settled and working productively but other issues such as security and backups which are critical for sustainability.

Steve also shares some interesting observations about “people aspects” which should be considered alongside the technology, along with some predictions about how current circumstances will permanently change the way that we tend to view work (and where it is performed).

Steve has kindly made a complimentary strategy paper available to listeners to this podcast entitled Securing your IT in these changing times! This can be accessed at https://www.bitp.com.au/slipstream

Steve’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0488 801 444

Web: www.bitp.com.au/

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/steve-bakker-bris/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

HR issues at a time of crisis Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Kearin Lowry, founder and managing director of Workforce Positive about critical HR issues which are presenting during the Corona Virus crisis. Amongst a range of relevant topics, we discuss varying team members’ employment arrangements - going part-time, asking people to use their annual leave, what happens when team members go negative in their personal leave and standing down people on no pay. We also delved into the thorny issue of team members working from home, including employer responsibilities and a range of logistical issues that invariably arise such as IT security, business use of personal assets and expectations of work performance

In the interview Kearin also mentioned some resources that she has kindly made available to listeners of this podcast, details of which appear below –

For those interested in the webinar series directed at financial planners which is being conducted by Slipstream Coaching’s Sharon McClafferty and Paul Little, you can register at https://slipstreamcoaching.com.au/webevent/. For the time being, Sharon and Paul are conducting this on a weekly basis, focusing on practical tips that planners can do in their own business and the work they undertake with clients, with particular emphasis on working through the Corona Virus crisis. Quite simply it is not to be missed.

Kearin Lowry’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0412 995 330

Web: www.workforcepositive.com

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/kearinlowry/

To access the resource that Kearin mentioned during the podcast:

Kearin has prepared a wonderful document, filled with relevant suggestions regarding HR good practices, that she is making available to listeners to the podcast. The document also provides details of her complimentary 15 minute triage call should you have HR issues you wish to discuss.

You can access this document at: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vxw9hpbbrryt2pq/COVD19%20Employer%20Response%20from%20Workforce%20Positive.pdf?dl=0

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music (which appears on this episode)

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Podcast with Paul Little, new Slipstream Coach

In this episode we talk with Paul Little, who has recently become a coach here at Slipstream Coaching.  Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss his transition from being a practitioner himself, some key factors in his success as a practitioner and how he is settling in here at Slipstream. Also, in the Coach’s Corner segment we share some interesting ideas about fostering business growth in your firm.

Paul’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0408 523 711

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/paul-little-a289721a/

The book that Paul mentioned during the interview

The World As It Is: Inside the Obama White House

by Ben Rhodes

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Twitter: ScottCharlton1

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Podcast with Andy Gild Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Andy Gild about A Cause Worth Pedalling For. We discuss Bicycles for Humanity, a charity which embraces and supports bicycles as a means to help people in need become more self sufficient. It’s a terrific story which you are bound to find uplifting. We also discuss many aspects of what it takes to establish and run a worthy cause, alongside being a busy practitioner.

Andy’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +61 408 102 025

Web: bicyclesforhumanity.com

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andygild/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +61 409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Twitter: ScottCharlton1

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music which features on the podcast

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Fresh thoughts on graduate recruitment, with Alisdair Barr

Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Alisdair Barr of Striver about graduate recruitment for professional services firms. Amongst a range of interesting topics we discuss the professional year recently introduced to financial planning, retention of the graduate talent one has recruited and trained, along with some tips Alisdair has to share about recruiting graduates.

Alisdair also shares some interesting details about what’s been involved in rebranding his company, including the “Remarkable Truth” encapsulated in his business. It’s a thought provoking concept.

Resources

The previous interview conducted with Alisdair on this podcast is Episode 20. It’s well worth a listen because the topics covered in the two episodes are largely different. You can find this on your favourite podcast application or via the Slipstream Coaching website https://slipstreamcoaching.com.au/ep20-alisdairbarr/

The podcast that Alisdair refers to in the interview is The Joe Rogan Experience. This can be located at www.joerogan.com

The marketing agency Alisdair used for his rebrand and for determining his “Remarkable Truth” is Monogram Partners and you can find this company at www.monogram.partners

Alisdair’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0405 138 613

Web: www.striver.careers

Twitter: @best_employers

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/alisdairbarr/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Twitter: ScottCharlton1

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Podcast with Brett Cribb Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Brett Cribb of Stratus Financial about Then, Now and Beyond. Amongst a range of aspects in Brett’s business which have evolved over the years, we discuss how his role in the business has changed, specialisation, pricing one’s services.

Brett also talks about his firm winning the IFA Award for Holistic Advice and shares some interesting aspects about maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Some concepts that Brett refers to in the conversation that you may wish to explore further were -

· Double Double – Refer to Cameron Herald’s book, Double Double: How to Double your Revenue and Profit in 3 years or less

· Hedgehog – Refer to Jim Collins’ book, Good to Great, Why some companies make the leap…and others don’t

Brett Cribb’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07 3007 2000

Web – Stratus Financial Group: www.stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/

Web -Resources Unearthed: www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/brettcribb/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Twitter: ScottCharlton1

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Stark Naked Numbers with Jason Andrew

Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Jason Andrew of SBO, a bookkeeping and operational finance company servicing high growth businesses. Jason is also the author of the very readable book Stark Naked Numbers. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss some nitty-gritty details with respect to running an effective bookkeeping business - the differences between this and operating an accounting firm might surprise you. Jason also shares some interesting thoughts about developing a specialist niche and performing business advisory work.

We also speak about Jason’s book Stark Naked Numbers. Subtitled Uncover your Financials, Unlock your Cash and Unleash your Profits, the book includes a host of valuable insights that business owners (and their accountants) need to know in order to make effective decisions and get optimal outcomes.

Resources

Jason’s book Stark Naked Numbers is available through many of the online bookstores, including –

Amazon: www.amazon.com.au

Jason’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://sbo.financial

Twitter: @SBO_Financial

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-andrew/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Twitter: @ScottCharlton1

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)