The #WhatsNext Podcast

691 businesses surveyed across New Zealand & Australia. Only 41% grew in 2025. But here's the thing, if you're not growing, don't blame the economy.

Luke and Phil break down the Indicator report: business owners expected recovery in the second half of 2025, it didn't happen, and now they're pushing expectations to mid-2026 or 2027. Meanwhile, the successful businesses are doing the boring work consistently and taking action.

The data proves what we've been saying: there's opportunity out there if you're prepared to go and look for it. While 60% struggled, 41% still found growth in the toughest economy in decades.

The difference? Action beats hope every time.

If you're interested in working together:

Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nz

Let's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Thinking of buying a business? Speak with Phil first: https://nextadvisory.nz/buying-a-business/

Most Kiwi businesses are just jobs with extra stress. The difference? Systems and processes that actually work.

Luke and Phil break down the essential systems every business needs, why businesses with systems sell for more, how to manage your pipeline effectively, and why you need to work ON your business, not just IN it.

If someone wants to buy your business and asks "what systems do you have?" You better have a good answer.

The businesses that scale have systems. The ones that stay small hope everything works out.

Which one are you? If you're interested in working together:

Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nz

Let's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Liquidations were high in 2025, are we going to see more in 2026? 

If you're interested in working together:

Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nz

Let's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Cam Ward is the CEO of New Zealand's largest gym franchise with 62 Anytime Fitness locations, but before you think franchising is your ticket to passive income, he's got some hard truths to share.

Cam breaks down what it really takes to franchise: deep understanding of your numbers, multiple successful sites in different markets, and the financial capacity to invest heavily upfront before seeing returns. We cover why one successful site isn't enough, the responsibility you take on for franchisees' success, and why franchising is definitely not passive income.

Master franchises live and die on franchisee success. You're not just selling your brand name, you're becoming the brand guardian, standard keeper, and support system for people who've invested their life savings.

Most business owners think franchising means easy money. Cam explains why that thinking will destroy you and your franchisees.

We cover site selection criteria, the skills needed to be a franchisor vs operator, and why you need to be laser-focused on franchisee success. Plus the financial investment required and why many businesses simply aren't ready to franchise.

Don't franchise until you understand what you're really signing up for. 

More information on Anytime Fitness: https://www.anytimefitness.co.nz/

If you're interested in working with Luke & Phil at Next Advisory:

Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nz

Let's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/

What would you do if your main source of leads dried up tomorrow? Most business owners have never thought about this, until it's too late.

Luke and Phil break down the real examples: government contracts that suddenly stop, Facebook ad accounts getting banned, websites going offline, and emails going to spam for weeks. We cover why putting all your marketing eggs in one basket is a recipe for disaster, and how to stress test your lead generation before disaster strikes.

The pattern is always the same, businesses get comfortable with one reliable source, then panic when it disappears. Meanwhile, smart business owners are building multiple streams: past customer outreach, referral systems, direct mail, cold calling, and social media.

We've seen clients lose tens of thousands because they relied on one platform, one relationship, or one marketing channel. Don't be next. 

It's time to diversify.

If you're interested in working together:

Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nz

Let's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Thinking of buying a business? Speak with Phil first: https://nextadvisory.nz/buying-a-business/

Investment boost gives you a 20% tax deduction on new equipment before March 31st. But before you rush out to buy that Ford Ranger, Phil and Luke explain why this could be a terrible idea.

We break down how investment boost actually works and the trap people fall into buying things they don't need and can't afford just to save on tax.

If you're going to buy the equipment anyway and you can afford it, investment boost is great. If you're buying it just for tax, you're making an expensive mistake.

If you're interested in working together:

Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nz

Let's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

More information on our 90 day business planning program: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/

If you're interested in working together:

Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nz

Let's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Business confidence just hit a 10-year high, but confidence doesn't pay the bills. Action does.

Luke and Phil break down why 2026 will separate the winners from the losers: the businesses making offers are seeing things move, while those sitting on their hands are still struggling. We cover why speed beats perfection, the unfair advantage of being agile, and why you can't wait for perfect conditions.

The economy might be turning, but only for those willing to turn with it. Stop waiting for permission to succeed. The opportunities are there - go get them.

If you're interested in working together:

Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nz

Let's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

When is the right time to buy your time back?

If you're interested in working together:

Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nz

Let's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Grow your business with our 90 day business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/