Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

In this episode we up from last week’s conversation with Elise from Thryv, shifting the focus away from tech tools and toward the deeper systems and processes that make a small business more resilient.

As the year winds down and business owners across the country juggle school events, holidays, deadlines, and fatigue, they explore what it really takes to run a business that doesn’t constantly feel like a roller coaster.

Our goal: helping small business owners put structure around the day-to-day so the whole operation doesn’t depend on one person showing up perfectly every single day.

We begin with the backbone of every successful business, communication. From predictable team meetings to clear communication channels and consistent follow-through, we look at how these rhythms build trust and stability inside a team.

Communication isn’t just internal; it’s also how you update customers, manage workflows, and keep everyone aligned when things change.

Operations come next, including SOPs, flow charts, calendar structures, and review cycles. We speak candidly about how often small business owners keep everything in their head, even though it’s now easier than ever to capture processes using screen recordings or AI tools. Well-documented processes mean work can continue even when key team members are away, sick, or overloaded.

We also explore decision-making frameworks, structures that prevent reactive choices, protect the business from wrong-fit clients, and guide consistent responses when things go wrong, such as losing a major client.

Of course we also need systems for how you deliver your product or service. Whether it’s a client experience flow, consistent advice delivery, or using templates and scripts to ensure quality, we highlight how predictable delivery creates trust and scalability.

Then there are financial systems. Not just bookkeeping, but true financial visibility. Knowing your numbers, tracking budgets, understanding acquisition metrics, and building recurring revenue models to reduce financial pressure.

Finally, we wrap with a reminder that business resilience also depends on personal resilience. Burnout is real, especially at this time of year.

Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

We’d love to hear from you!

Exciting news: our website is live – check it out at: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

• Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

Today we’re joined by Elise Balsillie from Thryv to talk about building business resilience and growth through smarter technology.

As Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand, Elise leads teams across customer channels, helping businesses streamline operations, embrace technology and grow with confidence through digital transformation.

With more than 25 years of experience in media, education and technology, including two decades at Thryv, Elise is passionate about empowering small businesses and delivering solutions that provide them a competitive edge.

Under her leadership, Thryv has been recognized as an 'Employer of Choice' for two consecutive years, reflecting her commitment to people and culture.

Elise completed leadership programs from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Harvard Business School.

Connect with Elise and the team at Thryv at www.thyrv.com.au

Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Exciting news: our website is live – check it out at: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

Today we’re talking about a time of year we all look forward to, but can often come with unnecessary headaches – Christmas close downs. Here’s what we cover:

Communicating the Closure Early:

Start telling people now, if you haven’t already. Use every channel: website banner, Google Business Profile, email list, socials, invoice footer, and phone voicemail. Be explicit about things like final working day, re-opening day, response times during shutdown and your emergency contact process (if you offer it). 

Preparing Your Team:

With your staff, ensure you are following the correct process according to the relevant Modern Awards. Lock in leave dates early so there are no surprises and people have time to prepare. Make clear who’s “on call”, if anyone. Double-check payroll runs, public holidays, award requirements, leave loading, contractor cut-off dates.

Client Expectations & Boundary Setting:

Set boundaries like you mean them:

• “We are closed — emails will not be answered until X date.”
• “Urgent work must be booked before X.”

Operational Wrap-Up Before Shut Down

Checklist to run through:

• Final billings & invoices out
• Chase debtors before Christmas (January money is imaginary money)
• Stocktake and re-ordering set for January
• Auto-responses set up
• Backups done
• Client files and jobs moved to “ready to resume” status
• Update your phone voicemail (rookie mistake if you forget)

Security & Risk Management:

Be sure things are secure. Turn off what should be off. Lock what should be locked. If you’re a physical premises: alarms, cameras, shutters, utilities. If you’re digital: revoke any temp access, update passwords, check MFA settings.

Cashflow Strategy for December/January:

December can be a cash-in month, use it. If January is quiet considering things like bringing forward billings, pre-sell work for mid-January, offer early-bird discounts for Feb start dates and set aside a “silly-season float” to cover BAS, wages, and GST surprises.

Use the Break Properly:

This may be the only time that you genuinely get to rest – use it!

Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Exciting news: our website is live – check it out at: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

Today we are sharing 6 Sales Tips for Small Business Owners Sales is the lifeblood of every small business. But let’s be real, most of us don’t love it….

This episode breaks down how to sell more effectively without feeling “salesy,” and how small business owners can turn conversations into conversions.

1. The Mindset Shift:

From Selling to Helping People hate being sold to but love being helped. Position your offer as a solution, not a transaction. Reframe sales as serving, you’re solving a problem that matters.

2. Know Your Customer:

Identify your ideal client, what keeps them up at night? Use their language, not yours. Mirror the way they describe their challenges. Don’t sell to everyone; speak directly to your niche.

3. Nail Your Offer:

Clarity beats cleverness. Make your product or service easy to understand and buy. Know the what it is that your thing does for your ideal client.

4. Build Trust Before You Pitch:

People need at least 6-7 touch points before they will buy. You really need to build the know like and trust factor. Use content (podcasts, blogs, emails, social proof) to show your expertise. Case studies and testimonials are gold. Consistency and authenticity build familiarity, and familiarity builds trust.

5. Close the Sale (Without Feeling Awkward):

Don’t be afraid to ask for the business. The magic phrase: “Would you like to go ahead?” Handle objections by asking questions: “What’s holding you back?” or “What would make this a yes for you?” Remember, silence isn’t rejection. Give the prospect space to think.

6. Follow-Up Like a Pro:

Most sales happen after the 5th contact so persistence pays off. Automate where possible (CRM, email reminders). Keep the follow-up warm and human: “Just checking in to see if you had any questions,” not “Are you ready to buy?”

Bonus Tip: The Numbers Don’t Lie and Measure What Matters:

Track conversion rates, lead sources, and average sale value. Small tweaks in conversion % can create huge profit jumps. Learn from what’s working — then double down.

Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Exciting news: our website is live – check it out at: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

• Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

Today we are joined by returning guest Adrienne Donnelly from Seed Virtual Assistants and Organised by Adrienne to discuss the tricky topic of how to choose the right VA for your small business. Knowing you need (or want) a VA is one thing, but selecting the right one is quite another challenge. In this discussion we unpack how to make a great decision on who you engage as a Virtual Assistant for your small business.

Adrienne is an experienced personal virtual assistant and mentor to other established and aspiring VA’s across Australia.

Since the beginning, Adrienne has held a passion (and a knack) for all things organisation and facilitation and has made it her business to ensure all the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted, offering the ultimate peace of mind to the businesses and individuals she supports. 

Since launching her business, Adrienne has connected with industry professionals of all kinds. Now, she has a team of specialists that work with her on projects, including other VAs, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, copywriters, website developers and editors. 

With ever-growing opportunities in the digital world, and the capacity to work remotely, flexibly and often immediately, Adrienne believes that virtual assistants are becoming increasingly sought-after. 

Adrienne is also a co-founder of The Newcastle Virtual Assistants Network, which has fulfilled a need for connection and collaboration in the industry, and has become an incredible opportunity for local business owners since its inception in 2019.

Connect with Adrienne:

https://www.organisedbyadrienne.com.au/

https://www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au/

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Exciting news: our website is live – check it out at: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

• Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

Today we are talking about something that you might think we would have already covered here on the show – what actually is a ‘small business’. We’re looking at this both in terms of what the definitions various government agencies have, as well as our own perception of what small business means.

The Definitions that Matter The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) defines a small business as one with under $10 million in annual turnover.

The Fair Work Act on the other hand defines a small business as one with fewer than 15 employees.

Then we can look at definitions under Australian consumer law, which has elements of both with under 100 employees and less than $10 million in turnover.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have other definitions and they say a small business has 5-19 employees (less than that is deemed as a Micro Business).

But do these definitions really matter? Or is it how you perceive yourself that mattes more?

The reality is Small Businesses make up over 97% of Australian businesses, and we employ around 5 million people. We contribute over one-third of Australia’s GDP, yet we often sell ourselves short in importance as being small.

Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Exciting news: our website is live – check it out at: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

** Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

Today we are talking about the support networks we have around us as small business owners with Dr Leanne Faulkner from Fortitude at Work.

A little about Leanne:

Many people in the business community might know me as “the soap lady” or the “goat lady”. Our youngest son had suffered with eczema from birth and in an effort to ease his discomfort I learned how to make goat’s milk soap as a gentle protective skin care alternative. In 2004, Billie Goat Soap began.

It was a humble affair initially and started in my kitchen. By 2010 we had grown to employ over 20 people and sold the products in over 2000 outlets around the country. Billie Goat Soap was the NSW Business Chamber Business of the Year in 2010 and the Myer Supplier of the Year (general cosmetics) at around the same time. I sold Billie Goat in 2012.  The challenges that came with growing a small business came at a cost to my mental health. Needing support, I was shocked to learn that there was nothing available specifically for me – a small business owner.  There were resources available for employees and the general public, but nothing for entrepreneurs and business owners. That put me on a path to lobby for change…

Today, I work at the intersection of small business ownership and mental health. It’s quite a unique position. It means I know the realities that come with small business ownership and I am able to link that to our understanding of workplace mental health support strategies. I think it’s fair to say I am obsessed with supporting the mental health and wellbeing of small business owners.

To connect with Leanne you can go to: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannefaulkner/

Or her website: https://fortitudeatwork.com.au/

Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Exciting news: our website is live – check it out at: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

Today we are tackling the challenging topic of mental health and wellness as an Australian Small Business Owner.

Let’s be real – being a small business owner is at times tough, stressful and can feel overwhelming. It’s difficult some days, weeks and months.

October is Mental Health Month here in Australia, so we thought this was the perfect time to have a discussion about this.

Matt and Kristy-Lee share their experiences on the impact running a small business has had on their mental health over the years, and some of the strategies they have put in place to try and protect their mental wellness.

If you need support, there are many options available, including calling Lifeline: 131114

Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Exciting news: our website is live – check it out at: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

This week we are having a follow up discussion from last weeks chat with Amey Lee from Heart Content about Authentic Intelligence.

In this episode we discuss how we’re using AI in our businesses, but keeping it real and authentic at the same time.

We discuss the current challenges of using AI, and what we are seeing in the industries we work in, service and support when it comes to using AI really effectively.

How are you using AI? And how are you balancing not using your true voice in the process? We’d love to hear from you.

Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Exciting news: our website is live – check it out at: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

Today we are joined by special guest Amey Lee from Heart Content.

With years of experience helping brands bring together story, strategy, and content, Amey shows business owners how to increase their impact, streamline their marketing, amplify their message and attract their tribe by harnessing the power of brand story.

Her career in brand and marketing spans more than 20 years and includes clients such as Fernwood Fitness, Guild Insurance, Atherton and a role at the BBC where she helped deliver a learning campaign and broke a world record in the process.

Amey’s creative brain can turn out winning ideas and brilliant copy, whilst her strategic half is an expert in finding your difference, establishing your value, identifying your audience and translating these ideas into tangible goals that help to grow your business.

In this episode we aren’t talking about Brand Strategy though – we’re talking about the other AI – Authentic Intelligence.

Amey shares her brilliant thoughts on how to integrate your own authentic intelligence into your content and messaging, in a world where we are all using AI every day.

If you’d like to contact Amey you can reach her:

At her website: https://www.heartcontent.com.au/

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameylee/

On Instagram: @heartcontentau

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartcontentau

Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Exciting news: our website is live – check it out at: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.