The Business Behind Your Business
By: Paul Sweeney
Language: en-us
Categories: Business, Entrepreneurship, Management
Conversations to help your business grow and thrive. It’s like having your own board of expert advisors in your pocket.The Business Behind Your Business is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone looking for practical business ideas and strategies. Hosted by Paul Sweeney, each 15–30 minute episode dives behind the scenes of real businesses to uncover the challenges, solutions, and strategies that drive success.Whether you're exploring how to make money, launch a new venture, or scale your existing business, our expert guests share actionable insights on entrepreneurship, marketing strategies for small business, financial planning, leadership, and...
Episodes
Clean Up Your Business: Fix Your Data, Fix Your Decisions
Dec 15, 2025Running a business becomes overwhelming when your data, systems, and processes slip into chaos—making it harder to make smart decisions, stay profitable, and plan for the future. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to clean up your business data, streamline your systems, and set up a structure that gives you clarity, confidence, and control. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disorganised, or unsure about what’s really going on in your business, this conversation will show you how to turn your mess into meaningful insights that help you grow.
In this episode, host Paul Sweeney...
Duration: 00:29:29Bootstrapping a Start-Up: Real Lessons from a $30M Founder
Dec 08, 2025If you’ve ever wondered how to scale your business from a solo operation to a multimillion-dollar enterprise — without outside investors — this episode is for you. Bryan Clayton, CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, joins host Paul Sweeney to share his journey from mowing lawns to building a $30 million tech company serving over 300,000 customers.
Bryan reveals the hard-earned lessons behind bootstrapping growth — from hiring his first employees and scrambling to meet payrolls to mastering sales, building systems, and creating sustainable growth without debt or shortcuts. He breaks down the mindset shifts every business owner must make to move from doi...
Duration: 00:37:42Delegate Up, Not Down: The Secret to Founder Freedom
Dec 01, 2025What if your business could run smoothly—even grow—without you being the one to make every decision, solve every problem, or put out every fire? It’s not a fantasy. It’s completely possible. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney chats with Ryan Cassin, founder of Superpowers HQ, about how entrepreneurs can finally escape the bottleneck trap and build a business that thrives independently.
Ryan reveals how to design systems that capture your judgment, not just your tasks, empowering your team to think and act with your values and inte...
Duration: 00:32:26Stop Waiting for the Bank: Smarter Ways to Fund Your Business
Nov 24, 2025If you’ve ever struggled to find funding for your start-up or early-stage business, this episode is for you. Many founders assume that capital raising is only for big corporations or venture-backed tech firms—but as Dr David Cunic reveals, small business owners can access funding too, if they know where to look and how to prepare.
In this episode, Dr David Cunic—entrepreneur, investor, and founder of UCS Advisors—shares practical, real-world advice on how to raise capital even when you’re pre-revenue or under five years old. He explains why clarity of purpose matters, how to avoid t...
Duration: 00:37:30They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Gone: Building a Legacy with Dave Munson
Nov 17, 2025What if your business was built to outlast you? In this inspiring episode, Dave Munson, founder of Saddleback Leather Company, shares how he turned a simple idea for a long-lasting leather bag into a global brand known for its craftsmanship, purpose, and impact.
Listeners will learn how to create a purpose-driven business that combines quality, sustainability, and authenticity—one that leaves a true legacy. Dave reveals why he refuses to compromise on quality, how a clear mission attracts the right employees and customers, and why caring for people and the planet leads to lasting success.
... Duration: 00:33:47Transform Your LinkedIn: How AI Can Build Your Personal Brand
Nov 10, 2025Are you treating your LinkedIn profile like just another digital résumé? If so, you’re missing one of the most powerful business tools available. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Al Kushner—LinkedIn strategist, keynote speaker, and author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage—to uncover how business owners can use LinkedIn and AI to authentically build their personal brand and attract new opportunities.
Al shares practical, time-saving strategies to help you optimize your profile, stand out from competitors, and create content that resonates with your audience...
Duration: 00:27:00ESG Made Simple: A Roadmap for Small Business Success
Nov 03, 2025If you think ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) only applies to big corporations, think again. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney welcomes back author and small business champion Bronwyn Reid to explain why ESG matters for SMEs.
Bronwyn shows how ESG isn’t just box-ticking—it’s about building resilient businesses that attract customers, employees, and funding. You’ll hear why ESG is a competitive advantage, what practical steps you can take without being overwhelmed, and how to leverage what you’re already doing in your community and operations.
What you...
Duration: 00:35:31From Architecture to Real Estate: The Power of Vertical Integration
Oct 27, 2025Building a business that lasts isn’t about luck, start-up capital, or chasing every new trend—it’s about discipline, structure, and creating harmony between your work and personal life. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with serial entrepreneur Lance Cayko, co-founder of F9 Productions and host of the Inside the Firm podcast.
Lance shares how he scaled from a two-person start-up into a thriving group of vertically integrated businesses, including architecture, construction, real estate development, education, and even a nonprofit. Listeners will discover how discipline creates freedom, why mi...
Duration: 00:39:31How to Keep Your Human Voice in a Digital-First World
Oct 20, 2025In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing algorithms and producing content at scale—only to lose sight of the real goal: connecting with people. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with TEDx speaker, author, and social media strategist Robin Nathaniel to explore how business owners can bring authenticity and human connection back into their marketing.
Robin shares his proven SYNC Method—a simple yet powerful framework for making your content stand out by keeping it Simple, Yielding to intention, Natural, and Changing it up. Y...
Duration: 00:31:49Niche Marketing: Why Less Is More for Business Growth
Oct 13, 2025In today’s digital world, standing out as a small business feels harder than ever. Between endless noise, flashy marketing tactics, and conflicting advice, many business owners are left frustrated with wasted time and money. But what if narrowing your focus could actually unlock growth?
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney sits down with Jennifer Christensen, Co-Founder and CMO of Beacon Media + Marketing, to unpack the power of niche marketing. Jennifer shares why focusing on a specific audience doesn’t limit you—it liberates you. She explains how to build trust...
Duration: 00:30:30Unlocking Hidden Value: Turning Your Business Into an Asset
Oct 06, 2025Too many business owners chase revenue while overlooking the bigger picture—building wealth and long-term value. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with Stephanie Hayes, business and exit strategist and founder of Assets to Exits. Stephanie explains why every business owner, regardless of size or stage, needs to think about an exit strategy—not just as a final step, but as a roadmap for smarter decisions and sustainable growth.
Listeners will learn:
Why exit planning is not just for large corporations or retirement-bound foundersHow shifting focus from short-term revenue to l... Duration: 00:28:35Why Sales Don’t Equal Success (and What to Focus on Instead)
Sep 29, 2025Are you chasing sales but still struggling to see money in the bank? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business Podcast, financial strategist and Profit First professional Pam Jordan explains why focusing on revenue alone is a dangerous trap for business owners. Instead, she shows you how to get radically intentional about profit—because at the end of the day, it’s not what you make, it’s what you keep.
Dive into the crucial differences between sales, profit, and cash flow, and why so many business owners confuse them. You’ll discover how to shift yo...
Duration: 00:28:08From Idea to Market: How to Use Intellectual Property to Drive Growth
Sep 22, 2025If you’ve ever had a great idea for a product or brand but weren’t sure how to protect it—or whether it was even worth pursuing—this episode will change how you think about intellectual property. In this conversation, Paul Sweeney speaks with Jeff Holman, founder of Intellectual Strategies, who combines engineering, law, and business expertise to guide innovators from concept to commercial success.
Jeff breaks down the essentials of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and explains how small and medium businesses can use these tools strategically—not just to defend their creations, but to drive g...
Duration: 00:35:40The Prosperity Plan: Preparing Your Business for the Next Generation
Sep 15, 2025Succession planning isn’t just about passing on a business—it’s about protecting your legacy, preserving value, and ensuring the people you care about aren’t left scrambling when you’re gone.
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Rob Ferguson, seasoned CEO, trusted advisor, and founder of Ferguson Alliance, to unpack the essential steps for building a strong succession plan. Rob shares why waiting until you’re “ready to retire” is far too late, how to avoid the “founder’s trap” where the business can’t function without you, and why inta...
Duration: 00:31:59Permission to Be Imperfect: A Real Talk on Parenting & Business
Sep 08, 2025Can you really be a great entrepreneur and a present parent at the same time?
In this heartfelt and honest episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Dan Peterson — founder of Flip Switch Social Media, and father of three — for a real talk about the challenges of entrepreneurship and parenting.
If you're a business owner trying to juggle growing a business while showing up for your family, this conversation will resonate deeply. Dan shares how he’s learned (and is still learning) to give himself grace, why balanc...
Duration: 00:31:17The LinkedIn Mistake Most Business Owners Make (And How to Fix It)
Sep 01, 2025What if your next great client is already looking at your LinkedIn profile—right now—and you’re sending them away?
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with LinkedIn strategist and author Daniel Alfon to reveal how most business owners are misusing LinkedIn—and what to do instead. Daniel strips away the noise and shows you how to turn your personal profile into a high-performing business tool that attracts the right prospects and moves them to action.
You’ll discover why your profile matters more than your conte...
Duration: 00:29:47How to Win Again: Business Strategy Inspired by Sport
Aug 25, 2025If you’ve ever played a sport—and especially if you’ve tried to turn your sporting passion into a business—this episode is a must-listen. Paul Sweeney sits down with Pete Moore, founder of Integrity Square and the driving force behind the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors). Pete has helped generate over $1.5 billion in transactions across fitness, wellness, and sports businesses. In this episode, he shares why many ex-athletes struggle to transition into business—and how they can use the same mindset and strategies from sport to win in the business world.
Listeners will learn how to ret...
Duration: 00:29:28Feeling Stuck? How to Break Through with Your Unique Leadership Style
Aug 18, 2025Are you feeling stuck in your business—like you're pushing a boulder uphill with no reward in sight? In this episode, business coach and leadership expert Liz Wolfe joins host Paul Sweeney to unpack why hard work isn’t always the answer, and how your leadership style might be the hidden culprit holding you back. With over 25 years of experience coaching entrepreneurs, Liz shares practical strategies to help you move from frustration to momentum.
You’ll learn:
Why “working harder” and having more credentials or connections aren’t the keys to successThe four leadership styles for e... Duration: 00:32:42Stop Running on Empty: Build a Profitable Business with Profit First
Aug 11, 2025If you've ever looked at your business bank account and wondered, “Where did all the money go?”—this episode is for you. Discover why so many small business owners feel frustrated when their business shows a profit on paper but has no cash to show for it. In this powerful episode, certified Profit First professional Debbie Deknight breaks down how traditional accounting sets businesses up for financial confusion—and how the Profit First system flips the formula to help you take control of your cash flow, get clarity, and build sustainable profits from day one.
What you'll l...
Duration: 00:25:59Why Emotional Engagement is Your Business’s Hidden Superpower
Aug 04, 2025In today’s crowded digital landscape, where businesses fight for attention and AI-generated content floods every channel, one element consistently cuts through the noise: genuine emotional connection. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Geoffrey Stern, founder and CEO of Voice Express and the consumer brand VoiceGift, to explore how emotional engagement can transform even the most ordinary product into something deeply memorable.
What you’ll learn:
Geoffrey shares how a voice-recording device used in the Build-A-Bear Workshop evolved into a powerful tool for emotional storytelling and...
Why Your Business Needs Your Voice: Mastering the Art of Speaking
Jul 28, 2025Public speaking is no longer just for TEDx headliners or CEOs on giant stages. Whether you're pitching to clients, speaking at industry events, or simply leading a team meeting, how you communicate can determine how your business is perceived. In this episode, Carmen Sederino, founder of Illuminated Story, reveals how small and medium business owners can turn public speaking from a fear into a business growth weapon.
Carmen shares how even the shyest business leaders can learn to deliver powerful, memorable messages—from one-on-one conversations to major keynotes. You'll hear practical, real-world tips for overcoming an...
Duration: 00:25:17Stand Out in a Noisy World: Scaling Meaningful Marketing with AI
Jul 21, 2025In an era flooded with AI-generated content and marketing noise, how do small and medium-sized businesses truly stand out? This episode delivers a fresh, deeply human perspective on how to use AI—not just to produce more content, but to create authentic connections and lasting customer loyalty. If you're overwhelmed by automation tools or worried about blending into a sea of sameness, this conversation with marketing veteran Stephen Sakach will help reframe your strategy.
What You’ll Learn:
Why building purpose into your marketing is essential to long-term successHow to use AI to scale empa... Duration: 00:26:09Unlocking Human Behaviour: The Business Case for NLP
Jul 14, 2025If you’ve ever been frustrated by a team member, confused by a client’s behaviour, or struggled to influence outcomes in your business—this episode is for you. Host Paul Sweeney welcomes experts Josh Davis and Greg Prosmushkin to explore the power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and how small and medium-sized business owners can use it to become more effective communicators, leaders, and decision-makers.
In this engaging and practical conversation, Josh and Greg demystify NLP—explaining it not as a manipulation tool, but as a science-backed, real-world framework for better understanding yourself and others. You’ll l...
Duration: 00:32:05The Happy Leader: Building Trust, Culture & Connection in Business
Jul 07, 2025How to Lead with Happiness, Hope, and Human Connection—Even in Tough Times
If you're a small or medium business owner struggling with team morale, leadership challenges, or just the daily grind of running a business, this episode is for you. In this inspiring conversation, Dr Calvin Lawrence Jr—a seasoned educator, leadership expert, and author of The Happy Leader—shares the powerful case for leading with joy, purpose, and genuine human connection.
You'll learn how to cultivate a resilient and motivated team culture, even during adversity. Dr Lawrence offers deeply relatable insights and real-world leader...
Duration: 00:33:08Digital Asset Disaster: How to Protect Your Brand Before It’s Too Late
Jun 30, 2025Imagine waking up to find your website gone, your email list inaccessible, or your brand’s identity being misused online—and you have no idea how to take it back. That’s the nightmare too many business owners face because they’ve unknowingly handed over control of their digital assets. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Paige Wiese, founder and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, to help you make sure that never happens to you.
Paige draws on over 15 years of experience helping business owners protect their online presence...
Duration: 00:26:19Beyond Survival: Strategic Turnaround Tips with James Martin
Jun 23, 2025Why should you care about restructuring your business—especially when things seem to be going fine? Because waiting for a crisis to act could be the most expensive decision you ever make. In this episode, turnaround expert James Martin reveals why restructuring isn’t just a last resort—it’s a powerful tool for transforming challenges into competitive advantage.
If you're a business owner navigating market volatility, rising interest rates, or internal growing pains, this episode is essential listening. James Martin shares practical insights that can help you see beyond short-term survival and into long-term strategic...
Duration: 00:31:50From Profit to Purpose: Attracting Gen Z and Building a Mission-Driven Business
Jun 16, 2025Work That’s Worth It: How Purpose Transforms Performance with Georgi Enthoven
In a time when attracting and retaining great talent is tougher than ever, especially among Gen Z workers, are you approaching employee engagement the right way? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Georgi Enthoven—entrepreneur, Harvard Business School alumna, and author of Work That’s Worth It—to challenge the traditional mindset around work and purpose.
You’ll discover why building a purpose-driven business isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. Georgi...
Duration: 00:30:31Inside the Minds of Your Customers: Using Values to Drive Business Growth
Jun 09, 2025Why understanding your customer’s values can unlock serious business growth
Are you missing the mark with your customers—and don’t even know it? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with marketing strategist and author Chris Peterson to explore a transformative idea: your customers’ personal values—specifically whether they lean conservative or liberal—can dramatically shape how they engage with your brand, products, and messaging.
Drawing from decades of global marketing experience and his book Red and Blue Customers: How to Drive Growth and Manage Risk in Today’s C...
Duration: 00:33:34From Survival to Strategy: Michelle Campbell on Taking Control of Your Business Finances
Jun 02, 2025Financial literacy isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a survival skill for business owners. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with tax expert and financial educator Michelle Campbell about the hidden financial pitfalls entrepreneurs often face, and how a lack of financial understanding can quietly sabotage your business. Whether you’re avoiding tax obligations out of fear, struggling to understand cash flow, or unsure how to invest while in debt, this conversation is your wake-up call.
Michelle shares not just her professional insights but her personal story of financial recovery...
Duration: 00:31:03From Clicks to Customers: Practical E-Commerce Tips for Growth
May 26, 2025Ready to sharpen your e-commerce strategy and stay ahead of the curve?
In this episode, Matthew Stafford joins us to share real-world tips and forward-thinking advice to help business owners thrive in the ever-evolving world of online retail. With years of hands-on experience, Matthew offers a clear perspective on what it really takes to succeed in e-commerce today — and why now is one of the most exciting times to be building online.
You’ll learn:
Why starting simple can give you a big competitive edgeThe smartest way to use data and customer feedback to shap... Duration: 00:32:15Scaling Soulfully: How Stephen Ridley Built a Global Music Movement
May 19, 2025What happens when you stop following the rules—and start following your passion? In this inspiring and insightful episode, Stephen Ridley shares how he built a globally recognized music brand, grew an online academy that now teaches over 1.2 million students, and turned personal passion into a thriving, purpose-driven business. Whether you're an entrepreneur or creative professional, Stephen’s story offers a powerful blueprint for building something truly meaningful from the ground up.
What You’ll Learn:
How Stephen turned live performance into global visibility—and business momentumThe key to growing a loyal, international audience with emot... Duration: 00:50:32How to Negotiate Like a Pro – Lessons from Wendy Minne
May 12, 2025Negotiation is more than winning—it’s about creating value for both sides. Many business owners struggle with negotiations, relying on outdated strategies that often lead to conflict or lost opportunities.
Whether you're dealing with vendors, partners, or internal stakeholders, your ability to negotiate directly affects your bottom line and professional confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn how to negotiate with clarity, calm, and confidence — even if you don’t consider yourself a “natural” negotiator.
Host Paul Sweeney shares a powerful and practical conversation with Wendy Minne, an experienced corporate manager turned business coach. Wendy unpacks...
Duration: 00:25:21Legal Pitfalls That Sink Small Businesses—And How to Avoid Them
May 05, 2025If you're a small or medium-sized business owner, this episode could save you from costly legal missteps that threaten your business's growth—or even its survival. Legal expert Matthew Fornaro joins the podcast to highlight the essential contracts and legal strategies that many entrepreneurs overlook in their rush to launch or scale. Whether you're just starting out or already running a business, you’ll learn how to lay the legal foundation to protect your operations, reputation, and revenue.
What You'll Learn:
Why your business plan is a legally powerful document—not ju... Duration: 00:29:43Rethinking Pay: Why Your Top Talent Might Be Eyeing the Exit
Apr 28, 2025If you think pay is just about numbers, think again. In today’s talent-short market, the way you compensate your people could be the reason they leave—or why they stay and thrive. In this episode, Trudy MacDonald, award-winning business leader and Managing Director of TalentCode HR, pulls back the curtain on remuneration. She explains why most businesses are getting it wrong and what you can do to build a pay strategy that actually works.
Whether you're struggling with attracting top talent, keeping your best people, or motivating your team to hit new levels of performance, this conv...
Duration: 00:42:37Business as Unusual: Thriving in a Changing World
Apr 21, 2025In today’s fast-changing business landscape, survival isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about adapting, innovating, and thinking long-term. In this episode, we sit down with Rick Yvanovich, an experienced entrepreneur and business strategist, to explore what it takes to thrive in an era of constant transformation. Whether you're a start-up founder or an established business leader, this conversation will help you rethink traditional business practices and embrace a more resilient approach to leadership and decision-making.
Rick shares valuable insights on why there’s no such thing as "business as usual" anymore, emphas...
Duration: 00:32:47Trapped in Your Business? How to Escape the Hub-and-Spoke Model
Apr 15, 2025If you're a business owner who feels overwhelmed, overworked, and constantly in the thick of everything, this episode is a must-listen. Host Paul Sweeney takes a deep dive into the "hub and spoke" model—a common but problematic setup where every decision, task, and communication flows through you, the owner. While this might seem manageable in the early stages, it quickly becomes a bottleneck to growth, profitability, and your personal freedom.
In this insightful solo episode, Paul outlines how to recognize the warning signs that your business is overly dependent on you. He walks you th...
Duration: 00:12:55Surviving and Thriving in a Crisis: Lessons from a Crisis Management Expert
Apr 07, 2025Are you prepared for the unexpected? Every business will face a crisis at some point—whether it’s a PR disaster, a supply chain breakdown, or a financial emergency. But the difference between businesses that survive and those that struggle often comes down to preparation. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with crisis management expert Stephanie Craig from Kith Consulting to discuss how businesses can build resilience and respond effectively when things go wrong.
Stephanie shares her deep expertise in crisis management, explaining what defines a crisis, why preparation is k...
Duration: 00:34:22Fixing Your “Frankenstein Business” – How to Attract the Right Clients
Mar 31, 2025Are you attracting the right customers for your business, or are you stuck in a cycle of working long hours for clients who aren’t the right fit? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Marama Carmichael, CEO of Oracle Tree, to uncover why so many business owners struggle to find their ideal customers—and how to fix it. If you’re tired of feeling like your marketing efforts aren’t working or that your business has drifted away from your original vision, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you...
Duration: 00:28:25Revolutionizing Board Meetings: How Zeck is Changing the Game
Mar 24, 2025One of the most time-consuming and frustrating challenges faced by businesses are meetings, and especially board meetings. From chasing down reports to dealing with last-minute changes and version control issues, the process can quickly become a logistical nightmare. And what a headache (and waste of time) it is reading a slide show on your phone and then seeing the same presentation in the meeting! But what if there was a way to streamline this process, eliminate chaos, and save hours of valuable time?
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with...
Duration: 00:28:11Sales Without the Sleaze: How to Win More Clients with Authentic Follow-Ups
Mar 17, 2025Struggling to close deals? Losing potential customers because you’re not following up effectively? You’re not alone—most business owners and entrepreneurs give up after just two or three follow-ups, missing out on massive sales opportunities. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, sales expert Jacob Hicks shares why consistent follow-up is the secret weapon for increasing conversions, building stronger client relationships, and ultimately growing your business. If you’ve ever hesitated to follow up because you didn’t want to be "pushy," Jacob has the strategies and mindset shifts you need to change your appro...
Duration: 00:28:59Mastering Supply Chain Management: Insights from Kerim Kfuri
Mar 10, 2025Struggling with supply chain issues? Wondering how disruptions could impact your business—or how to prevent them? You’re not alone! Supply chains became a hot topic during COVID-19, but they remain a critical factor in business success today. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or industry leader, understanding how supply chains work (and how to manage them) can save you time, money, and major headaches.
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Kerim Kfuri, a seasoned supply...
Duration: 00:27:40Hiring Smarter: The Power of Virtual Assistants in Business Success
Mar 03, 2025Feeling overwhelmed with endless tasks in your business? You don’t have to do it all alone! In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we uncover how virtual assistants (VAs) can help you regain your time, reduce stress, and grow your business more efficiently. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or unsure about outsourcing, this conversation will help you understand the benefits of working with a VA and how to delegate effectively.
Host Paul Sweeney sits down with Mia Juan, founder of Next Level Assist, to discuss how virtual assistants can tran...
Duration: 00:30:13Boosting Sales with AI-Powered Quizzes – The Future of Customer Engagement
Feb 24, 2025Are you struggling to generate high-quality leads without spending a fortune on marketing? 🚀 In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we uncover a game-changing strategy that can double or even triple your lead conversion rates—without increasing your marketing budget! Our guest, Maxwell Nee, Chief Revenue Officer at ScoreApp, reveals how quiz marketing is helping businesses attract, engage, and convert the right customers effortlessly.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why traditional lead magnets like PDFs and discounts aren’t enough anymore
✅...
The Essential Start-Up Toolkit: Insights from Peter Deans
Feb 17, 2025Starting a business is easier than ever, but building a successful one? That’s the real challenge. 🚀 Many entrepreneurs dive into start-ups without fully understanding the risks, market demands, or financial pitfalls—leading to failure before they even get off the ground.
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Peter Deans, business advisor and author of The Start-Up Toolkit: A Step-By-Step Guide for Founders. Peter shares the biggest mistakes start-ups make, the essential steps every entrepreneur should take before launching, and how to navigat...
Duration: 00:29:52The Art of the Turnaround: Leadership Lessons for Business Success
Feb 10, 2025Are you struggling to keep your business afloat, or wondering how to take it to the next level? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we uncover the secrets of business turnarounds, leadership, and growth strategies with expert Mike Dunlop. With a track record of reviving over 34 failing businesses, Mike shares proven strategies that can help you transform your business, retain top talent, and develop the mindset of a successful leader. If you want to learn how to overcome challenges and build a thriving, resilient company, this episode is a must-listen!
🎯 What You...
Duration: 00:32:45Cut Costs, Not Quality: The Future of AI-Powered Video Production
Feb 03, 2025Want to create high-quality videos for your business but don’t have the budget or expertise? Video marketing is one of the most powerful tools for engagement, but traditional production can be expensive, time-consuming, and complex. In this episode, we uncover how AI-powered tools can help businesses create professional videos at scale—without breaking the bank.
Join host Paul Sweeney as he chats with Amer Tadayon, founder and CEO of LuciHub, about the future of video production and how AI is making high-quality video creation more accessible than ever. Amer shares how LuciHub’s AI-powered platfo...
Duration: 00:28:20Quiet Quitting Uncovered: Leadership Strategies with Dr Aaron Bazin
Jan 27, 2025Are you struggling with disengaged employees, declining productivity, or a team that seems to have mentally checked out? You’re not alone. The rise of quiet quitting—where employees do the bare minimum instead of actively contributing—has become a major challenge for businesses. But what if quiet quitting isn’t the real problem? What if it’s just a symptom of something deeper?
In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with Dr Aaron Bazin, author of The Vision Advantage: How to Curb Quiet Quitting, Build Resilience, and Create Growth, to unpack the real causes of quiet quitting a...
Duration: 00:28:36How to Keep Your Business Afloat: Insights on Costs, Cash, and Customers
Jan 13, 2025Are you a small business owner worried about cash flow, rising tax debt, or financial uncertainty? You’re not alone. Many SMEs struggle with these challenges, but the good news is that there are practical strategies to help you navigate them. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we sit down with insolvency expert Bruce Gleeson from Jones Partners to discuss the critical financial risks facing SMEs and how to proactively manage them.
Bruce shares essential insights on avoiding insolvency, understanding tax obligations, and improving cash flow. You'll learn how to as...
Duration: 00:39:222024 - A Year in Review
Dec 30, 2024In this reflective episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney recaps key insights from 2024 and provides actionable advice for setting your business up for success in 2025. Paul emphasizes the importance of revisiting your business's purpose and strategy, systemizing operations, leveraging technology like AI, and empowering your team to achieve their best. With highlights from discussions on avoiding burnout, improving team accountability, and aligning efforts with a crystal-clear strategy, this episode is packed with practical tips to make the new year your best one yet.
Check out some of the 2024 episodes here:
153 - From...
From Strategy to Sales: Weekly Sprints for Business Growth
Dec 16, 2024Struggling to grow your business and boost sales? Many business owners get stuck in inefficient sales processes, chasing the wrong clients, or failing to execute a clear strategy. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we uncover a proven framework to help you increase sales, optimize your strategy, and achieve sustainable growth—without the overwhelm.
Host Paul Sweeney is joined by Simon Severino, founder of Strategy Sprints and a sales expert who has helped businesses generate over $2 billion in additional revenue. Simon shares powerful insights on how to build a repeatable sales process, av...
Duration: 00:34:57From Burnout to Brilliance: Transforming Workplace Culture
Dec 02, 2024Burnout is at an all-time high, and it’s affecting leaders just as much as their teams. But what if burnout wasn’t just about stress or overwork? In this episode, leadership expert Trudy McDonald shares why burnout happens, how leaders unintentionally contribute to it, and—most importantly—how to fix it. If you want to create a workplace where people thrive, stay engaged, and perform at their best, this episode is a must-listen.
Trudy shares practical strategies to help leaders rebuild connection, create clarity, and foster accountability in a way that energizes teams in...
Duration: 00:40:13Breaking Free from Day-to-Day Operations: Systemize Your Business
Nov 18, 2024Are you constantly caught up in the day-to-day operations of your business, leaving little time to focus on growth? Do you find it difficult to delegate tasks effectively, leading to burnout and inefficiency? If so, this episode is for you. Learn how systemology can help you break free from the daily grind, streamline your operations, and create a business that thrives—without relying on you for every decision.
In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with James Brown, a certified systemologist and business operations expert, about how systemology can transform small an...
Duration: 00:31:28Building Wealth Beyond Business: Property Strategies for Business Owners
Nov 04, 2024Are you a business owner looking to build wealth beyond your business? Many entrepreneurs focus solely on growing their business but overlook the potential of property investment as a way to secure long-term financial success. In this episode, finance expert Charles Zerafa joins us to discuss how business owners can strategically invest in commercial property to build wealth, reduce risk, and leverage tax benefits. If you're wondering how to diversify your assets while still supporting your business growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights for you.
Charles explains how business owners can use commercial...
Duration: 00:24:46Cracking the Code: Quality Certification Simplified
Oct 21, 2024Are you struggling to improve efficiency, secure bigger contracts, or build trust with customers? Quality certification could be the key to unlocking new opportunities for your business. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we dive into the world of ISO 9001 and quality management with John Mason from Quality.com. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger organization, understanding quality certification can help you streamline processes, enhance credibility, and boost growth.
John Mason, a quality management expert with over 30 years of experience, breaks down the evolution of ISO 9001 an...
Duration: 00:31:36Why 80% of Marketing Fails: The Strategic Missteps Businesses Make
Oct 07, 2024If you’ve ever felt like your marketing efforts aren’t delivering the results you expected—or worse, feel like you're just wasting money—this episode is a must-listen. Marketing expert Karim El Gabaili joins host Paul Sweeney to break down why so many marketing strategies fail and what businesses can do to build a marketing engine that actually works. Whether you're frustrated by low ROI, unclear direction, or just overwhelmed by all the digital tools out there, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.
Karim shares hard-ear...
Duration: 00:30:07Scaling with Structure: Garrett Delph on Fixing Chaos in Business
Sep 25, 2024Feeling stuck in the cycle of micromanagement? Wondering why your team isn’t performing the way you’d hoped—despite all your oversight? This episode is for you.
Join us as we uncover the real reasons micromanagement persists in businesses and why it’s not a leadership flaw—but a structural one. In this conversation with Garrett Delph, founder of Clarity Ops, you'll learn how to move from chaos to clarity by implementing the systems and infrastructure that foster true accountability and performance. If you’re ready to reduce stress, empower your team, and scale your busines...
Duration: 00:31:28From Overworked to Architect: Bradley Hamner's Blueprint for Business Freedom
Sep 10, 2024Are you feeling overwhelmed in your business—wearing all the hats, constantly putting out fires, and wondering if you’ll ever get the freedom you set out to create when you first started? Well this episode is for you. Whether you're early in your entrepreneurial journey or running a growing business that’s starting to outgrow you, this conversation will help you break free from the daily grind and start thinking like the architect of your business. You'll walk away with clear, practical steps to help you reclaim your time, build better systems, and cr...
Duration: 00:37:43Using AI for Business Success
Aug 26, 2024Feeling overwhelmed by all the hype around artificial intelligence? Not sure how it fits into your small business—or if it even should? This episode is your starting point. Join us for a practical and myth-busting conversation with AI entrepreneur and Anabots AI co-founder Josh Thomas, who breaks down how small and medium-sized business owners can start using AI today to improve efficiency, make better decisions, and grow their businesses—without needing a tech degree.
In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Josh to explore the real-world impact of AI on business operations. They cut thro...
Duration: 00:42:52Smart Cost-Cutting Strategies to Boost Your Business Profits
Aug 15, 2024Discover proven cost-cutting strategies that can significantly increase your business profits without sacrificing quality. In this episode of 'The Business Behind Your Business,' we dive deep into practical tips and techniques to streamline your operations, reduce overheads, and drive sustainable growth.
Some of the strategies include:
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul credits...
Spotting Employee Red Flags: Navigating Employment Challenges in SMEs
Jul 29, 2024Employee issues can drain time, resources, and morale from your business. By addressing these red flags early and effectively, you can maintain a positive workplace environment and ensure your business thrives.
Our experts James Frank and Raj Nathoo discuss the common issues that arise with employees in small and medium-sized businesses.
From legal compliance and the importance of clear communication to the impact of company culture and proper induction processes, get practical advice and actionable insights to help business owners address potential problems before they escalate.
Protect your business and create a positive...
Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Common Business Growth Excuses
Jul 16, 2024In this episode of "The Business Behind Your Business," host Paul Sweeney dives into the common excuses that hold business owners back from achieving profitable growth.
What is stopping your business from achieving "Better Business Profits than 70% of Your Competition"?
Paul explores actionable strategies to overcome these barriers. Discover how to move beyond the typical reasons for stagnation and implement practical steps to ensure your business thrives. Join us as we provide insights and solutions to help you unlock your business's full potential and achieve greater profitability.
Paul discusses key excuses such as:
The Great Wealth Transfer
Jul 02, 2024Are you a small business owner over 50 wondering how to exit your business or pass it on to the next generation? Or maybe you're part of the younger workforce looking to understand how you can step into ownership without massive upfront costs? In this episode, we dive into one of the most critical challenges facing small and medium business owners today: how to successfully plan for succession and transfer wealth. You'll learn practical strategies for grooming future leaders, creating a business that thrives beyond its founder, and navigating the financial and emotional complexities of exiting a business...
Duration: 00:34:29Stay on Top of Your Numbers: Expert Tips for Small Business Owners
Jun 19, 2024In this episode of "The Business Behind Your Business," we discuss the critical importance of understanding your financial figures as the year comes to a close. With tax season approaching, maximising your returns and profits is crucial, but many business owners often overlook the need to stay on top of their financial data. We highlight the necessity of maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records to make informed decisions and improve your business's performance.
Our host, Paul Sweeney, a seasoned chartered accountant and business advisor, outlines five key financial metrics every business owner should focus on: profit, revenue...
Mastering Business Storytelling with Video Marketing
Jun 03, 2024Are you struggling to make your business stand out online? Not sure how to connect with your audience in a way that builds trust and drives results? In this episode, we dive into a powerful marketing tool that’s often underutilized—storytelling through video. Whether you're camera-shy or already dabbling in content creation, this conversation will help you better understand how to use video to authentically communicate your value, attract the right clients, and build long-term credibility.
Host Paul Sweeney is joined by Dave Power, founder of Power Creative, who brings over 25 years of experience help...
Duration: 00:30:02Are You Paying Too Much Tax? Unlock The Power of End-of-Year Tax Planning
May 24, 2024Do you feel confused about what you should be doing for your business at the end of the financial year? Do you feel pressure to buy, buy, buy with the EOFY sales?
Or do any of these concerns around business taxes sound familiar?
You aren't alone! These are common feelings of many business owners. As we head to the end of the financial year in Australia, there is a c...
Duration: 00:22:13Adapt or Vanish: Navigating Business Disruption in the Age of AI
May 03, 2024What should business owners do when new technology threatens to derail their business? Close down or find a new path?
This was the dilemma experienced by professional copywriter Leanne Shelton (Write Time Marketing). With the avalanche of artificial intelligence taking over much of content creation, Leanne made the challenging decision to pivot her business and embrace AI by becoming an expert on ChatGPT and AI. Now, Leanne is using her writing expertise to help other businesses navigate the treacherous waters of 'bad content' as they jump onto AI to create their own marketing messages. By being adaptable...
Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating Business in Uncertain Times
Apr 22, 2024There's so much uncertainty in the world and it can feel hard to confidently lead your small business when the path ahead is unclear.
Today we're joined by Jim Mills, the managing director of Merit Planning Hills, to look at some strategies to help guide businesses during difficult times.
Jim looks at some of the factors that affect businesses, including:
We uncover strategies that businesses can use at any point to offer greater clarity and increase chances of success, including:
Regular collaboration between business owners and their... Duration: 00:24:45Beyond Credit Cards: Best Alternatives for Funding Your Business
Apr 09, 2024As a small business owner, do you fall back on your business credit card for everything? While using these credit cards is very popular, it's important to recognise when there are better solutions.
We are joined by Jason Smith (Capital Plus Finance) for a frank discussion on how credit cards can be misused by businesses, plus learn about some useful options for your funding needs such as non-bank business loans and overdrafts.
Jason will also share key points in selecting a lender for your business funding.
Jason Smith has a pa...
Save Your Business Money by Improving Employee Engagement and Retention
Mar 28, 2024Does your business struggle with a constant turnover in employees? This is an issue for many businesses and the cost of hiring and onboarding new employees is high.
Or perhaps you have some amazing employees and you want to learn more about how to retain them?
We are joined by Paul Cripps from PK People Solutions to look at these issues and more.
Paul highlights some of the Key Takeaways from the 2024 HR Industry Benchmark Report. This latest report published by ELMO highlights the emerging and alarming trends, challenges, and opportunities in the r...
Strategic Insights: Unveiling the Power of Three-Way Forecasting
Mar 15, 2024In this episode we'll be exploring the transformative power of Three-Way Forecasting and how it can revolutionize your approach to financial planning and decision-making.
Understanding Three-Way Forecasting:
Advantages for Small Businesses:
5 Reasons Why Your Business Plan Can Fail
Mar 01, 2024If you watched our last episode, you will have learned that it is never too late to make a business plan.
In this episode, we look at some of the common mistakes business owners make when creating and using business plans.
So look out for these 5 common business plan fails:
Learn more about business plans in this blog, Get Real: Business Planning Reality for Small Businesses
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a...
It's Not Too Late to Make a Business Plan
Feb 15, 2024What are your business and personal goals for the year? What plans have you made? How will you implement these plans? How will you assess if your goals are being met? If these questions leave you feeling overwhelmed, never fear!
It's NEVER too late to make a business plan.
Find out the benefits of making a business plan, plus some simple tips to get you started.
The Year in Review
Dec 28, 2023The 2023 calendar year has drawn to a close. For many, it was still a year of hangover effects from covid and poorer economic conditions. For many others, it was a year of substantial growth and increased profits.
So what set those businesses apart?
In this episode, our host Paul Sweeney reflects on some of the key takeaways from conversations with our guests and business owners.
From all of the team at The Business Behind Your Business, wishing you a safe holiday season and a prosperous 2024.
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & B...
Choosing an Accountant for Your Business
Nov 30, 2023What do you need to consider when choosing an accountant for your business? It's an important decision - getting the right accountant for your needs can help you build a profitable and healthy business.
Here are some key factors to consider:
Benefits of using an accountant:
Improved systems and processesStay up-to-date with your compliance obligationsTake advantage of business opportunitiesSave time and moneyUseful links for when you are choosing an accountant for your business:
How Audit Insurance Can Save You Time and Money
Nov 09, 2023One of the accepted risks of running a business is being audited by the tax department. Nowadays, there are multiple government agencies that you and your business may need to deal with, apart from just the Australian Tax Office and possible income tax audits. With increased data sharing between government organisations, it has become much more common to have audit activity triggered for things like payroll tax issues or not paying superannuation to employees.
To help us understand what is happening with audits, and how you can best prepare for them, we are joined by Rod Spicer f...
7 Steps to Business Success
Nov 02, 2023What can you do to give yourself the best chance of success in your business? Following on from our last episode on business health checks, Paul Sweeney shares the 7 steps you need to take to create some positive changes in your business.
What kinds of outcomes can you expect? Your business will be more profitable, you'll be less stressed, and you'll feel more in control.
It's very normal for small business owners to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and to lose sight of the bigger picture. But take a moment and think about...
Revitalise Your Business with a Health Check
Oct 19, 2023In general, small businesses are not healthy. Here are some alarming statistics - Australian Small Business and Family Enterprises Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has found that 49% of small business owners make less than average wages, and two out of 5 micro and small businesses are not profitable.
Interestingly, there are also businesses who are thriving in the current conditions, at the same time these other businesses are failing. And these differences can be seen within the same industries. So what can be done to make more businesses into profitable, successful ventures? If you are concerned about the health of your...
Using Events to Promote Your Business
Oct 02, 2023Events have long been a go-to strategy for businesses aiming to showcase their products or services. However, it's not uncommon for these efforts to fall flat despite the considerable investments of time, effort, and money.
In this episode we address the questions of:
We are joined by Celia Wouters, Managing Director of Events Outsourced. Celia looks at what makes a s...
Duration: 00:29:23Building Relationships: A Key to Business Success
Sep 18, 2023Knowing your business and providing amazing products or services is only part of running a successful venture. Another crucial aspect of business success is building positive relationships. From fostering business-to-business ties, to encouraging return customers, to keeping fantastic staff - how you manage relationships is integral to your business.
We are joined by Jason Owen, the Managing Director of D2N Technology Solutions. Jason shares his fascinating business journey in the technology and communications industry. He looks at the importance of developing positive relationships in business and he offers some great tips for start-ups.
J...
How Storytelling Connects You to Your Customers
Sep 04, 2023Business owners - here's an important question to ask yourselves, "Do my customers actually know what I do for them?"
We are joined again by Nathan Williams (Customer Return) to look at this crucial issue - and how the use of storytelling can help bridge the gap in understanding and build your relationship.
You can spend a lot of time and energy providing amazing services or products for your customers, but if your customers don't actually know and understand what you are doing, how can they properly value it?
It's important to have s...
Podcast Meet Up: Tips on Revitalising Your Business
Aug 21, 2023We hosted The Business Behind Your Business Meet Up – a fun celebration for our podcast community. All of our podcast guests and listeners have been a special part of our podcast and we wanted to say thank you, plus hear from everyone about their business journeys. It was a great opportunity to network and build our small business community. We also enjoyed morning tea and gave away some podcast merch! (Bonus – you can get your very own podcast tshirts and mugs right here.)
The highlight of the day was our special panel discussion, where we heard some grea...
Duration: 00:43:56Amy Bett - Getting Control of Your Cash Flow
Aug 07, 2023One of the biggest issues for business owners is managing cash flow. Healthy cash flow is crucial for the success of any business. Cash flow is a term that is often confused with profit. Business owners often say, "My business is busy and profitable, so why don't I have any money in the bank?" Find out why it is so important to understand your financial reports and learn some simple steps to improve cash flow.
We are joined by Amy Bett, a Profit First Professional and host of the Lady Without Limits podcast. Learn about Amy's journey...
Modern Slavery - What Business Owners Must Know
Jul 24, 2023We are joined by Anna Ruth from Freedom for Humanity for an eye-opening chat about modern slavery. Freedom for Humanity is an organisation committed to creating a world where human rights are upheld, and all individuals can flourish and thrive.
In this conversation we delve into Anna's profound insights, her passion for human rights, and the incredible work being done by Freedom for Humanity to make a positive impact on our global community.
You may be surprised to know what activities fall under the umbrella of modern slavery and how prevalent it is. Learn about r...
Bronwyn Reid - How small companies can work effectively with larger ones
Jul 10, 2023As a small business owner, have you ever thought about doing business with large companies and decided it was never going to happen because it was just 'too hard' or the differences between your business and theirs were just too great?
Find out how to successfully bridge the gap between small businesses and larger businesses. Learn about why small business owners can struggle to get contracts with larger businesses - and how to overcome these issues.
We are joined by Bronwyn Reid, from Small Company, Big Business. Bronwyn has a wealth of experience helping the...
Bruce Billson: How ASBFEO helps small businesses
Jun 25, 2023We are joined by our special guest, The Honourable Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO).
Bruce explains the role of ASBFEO and the different programs and services available to assist small businesses.
Bruce and Paul discuss World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day (MSME Day) and why it is an important opportunity to thank our small and family...
Duration: 00:28:12Preparing for a New Business Year
Jun 09, 2023The end of the financial year is swiftly approaching - so what does that mean for you as a business owner? What activities do you need to do to set your business up for the best start in the new financial year?
There are two types of essential business planning that you should be doing at this time of year. First of all, there is tax planning and secondly, there is strategic planning.
Tax planning helps you identify and implement strategies that can minimise your tax liability. This includes taking advantage of tax deductions, credits, a...
Director Penalty Notices & the ATO
Mar 30, 2023If you have a business in Australia, you may have noticed that the Australian Tax Office (ATO) is putting a lot of effort into recovering debt from businesses.
This is because over the last few years, debt collection had been halted because of Covid and it's many issues like lock downs.
We are joined by Bruce Gleeson (Jones Partners Insolvency) to look at ways that businesses can better engage with the ATO and deal with outstanding debt BEFORE it gets to the point of director penalty notices being issued.
Find out some key...
Melissa Caddick & Ponzi Schemes: Lessons for Investors & Business Owners
Mar 22, 2023The Melissa Caddick Ponzi scheme rocked the investment world when it came to light a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, this kind of fraudulent behaviour is nothing new or unusual and we all need to guard against it.
Our special guest, Bruce Gleeson (Jones Partners), is the liquidator for Melissa Caddick and has been very busy working on this case. Bruce shares some advice to help investors protect themselves from Ponzi schemes. He also explores how business owners can use this information to assess new clients, customers, suppliers or business partners and (hopefully) stay clear of fraudulent...
Stuart McLeod: From Accidental to Purposeful Entrepreneur
Mar 15, 2023Are you curious about starting a business? Do you want to learn more about the SaaS industry?
Maybe you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur yourself? Listen in and gain some insight from our special guest, Stuart McLeod, co-founder of Karbon.
Stuart has had many experiences as an entrepreneur. He started off in his early days with creating a tool to solve his own business problem, and luckily found a greater market for it. Jump ahead to Karbon, where Stuart has purposely planned, developed, launched and scaled a successful business. Stuart has done it all.
Changes to Industrial Relations Laws
Mar 06, 2023Did you know that a series of changes to industrial relations laws have been happening in Australia? Some have come into effect in Dec 2022 and others are happening throughout 2023. Many business owners are not aware of these changes.
It is necessary for business owners to keep on top of this information - ignorance is no excuse. Penalties will apply to businesses not following the new rules, once a law comes into effect.
Here's a brief summary of the changes most likely to affect small and medium businesses:
Why Your Goal Setting is Failing
Mar 03, 2023Do you feel like you are stuck in a rut making the same goals for your business every year because these goals are never achieved?
Maybe it's time to take a closer look at how you are setting your goals.
Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) explores how goals are developed - and asks the all-important question of what lies underneath your goals, the why.
Find out how you can create a plan for your business that will actually work, with goals that are achievable.
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor...
5 Things to Stop Doing in Your Business
Feb 21, 2023Business owners spend a lot of time thinking about the things they should be doing. What are the latest trends to get on top of? What are the newest tools you need to be using? What are your goals and targets for the year ahead?
But few business owners take the time to think about what they need to stop doing. We all pick up habits, some good, some not so productive. And sometimes it's useful to take a moment and evaluate what you are doing that could be making your work harder and less efficient.
The Journey From Corporate to Small Business
Feb 10, 2023Are you feeling stuck in the day to day routines of your corporate job? Have you ever dreamed of running your own business? You are not alone! Many people take the plunge into the SME waters - but is it worth it? And is it the right decision for you?
If you are thinking about making a move, then this is the episode for you!
We are joined by Wendy Minne from Nova Mentis, an accredited business coaching organisation. Wendy took that exciting leap from the corporate world to running her own successful business.
<...
Starting a New Year
Feb 09, 2023Paul Sweeney, the host of The Business Behind Your Business, is back and ready for another exciting year of delving into the world of small business.
We are settling into 2023 now with the Australian summer holidays fading into memory and busy routines returning. We are also seeing a push from many businesses to have staff back in the office after the last few years with many of us working from home. It's a period of adjustment and assessment, both personally and for our businesses.
At this time of year, there is often a rush to s...
Why Do We Make a Podcast for Small Business?
Dec 19, 2022Maybe you've been wondering how this podcast came about?
A bunch of factors coming together resulted in Paul Sweeney wanting to create a podcast focused on content to help small business owners.
First of all, Paul comes from a small town where he saw first hand the implications of local businesses succeeding or failing and how this affected the whole community. This background inspired Paul to want to help businesses and communities professionally and led to Paul becoming a chartered accountant and certified business advisor.
Throughout Paul's career, he has built on this...
Stopping Zombie Spending
Dec 12, 2022Are you guilty of mindless spending at work? Maybe you have cash leaking from your business and you don't even realise it!
Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) explores some of the most common areas where money is wasted:
These areas are often overlooked by business owners.
Take control of your 'zombie spending' and and improve your cash flow today.
Paul Sweeney Chartered Accountant & Business Advisor, launched Pretium Solutions after a long and successful career in accounting and business advisory. Paul...
How Standard Operating Procedures Can Simplify Your Business
Dec 08, 2022Standard operating procedures (or SOPs) are about making things simpler at work and saving time.
The work day is full of so many tasks and it makes sense to keep things as easy as possible. SOPs help you organise and streamline your activities to make the best use of your time.
This is especially important for small business owners who may be wearing many hats and having to carry out a variety of jobs throughout the day!
Amanda Primrose, founder of Streamlined Organising, shares her knowledge on standard operating procedures and the best...
When Accuracy is Required
Nov 30, 2022We assume accuracy is beneficial all of the time, but perhaps not always necessary. You can think of situations where accuracy might be sacrificed for speed perhaps, creativity, or just to get the ball moving on a project. Remember the saying by Catherine Carrigan, 'Perfect is the enemy of done.'
But when is accuracy essential in business?
Accuracy is required in your business' financial reports. This kind of information is used to make decisions for the future, to steer your business in new directions, to assess outcomes and determine fresh solutions.That is why i...
Why Cash Flow is King
Nov 24, 2022Running a successful business is all about the profit, right?
While being profitable is the ultimate goal of a business, one of the most important factors (and one of the biggest pain points) is management of cash flow.
So what can you do to improve your cash flow?
Paul Sweeney from Pretium Solutions explores some crucial aspects of cash flow:
Managing Stress as a Business Owner
Nov 15, 2022Running your own business is amazing, right? The freedom, the power, the money - more like, the STRESS!
Stress is something that everyone experiences, but for small business owners, it can feel extreme as you try to grapple with every problem imaginable and find solutions to please everyone. It's an uphill battle that can leave you feeling very much alone.
There are strategies to help you deal with this common issue. Fiona Kane, from Informed Health, explores some ways that business owners can better manage stress. She also takes a closer look at the links...