Business Owners Smashing It Online

Nik Cree

A show for Solopreneurs, Business Owners and Intrepid Entrepreneurs with hints, tips and strategies to navigate the Digital and Online World to explode their businesses. Each week a guest presenter who is an expert in their field online reveals their secret sauce for being seen and achieving success online. Tune in and discover the missing pieces to your online presence and launch your business into the stratosphere to get more leads, customers and sales in less time, making more money with some of the latest apps, tools and information freely available right now.

  1. Jul 10

    Tender Fit How Small Businesses Can Win Government and Big Business Work (with Rob Machin)

    If you've ever assumed government contracts and large corporate tenders are only for big companies, this session will challenge that assumption and show why many small businesses are better positioned than they realise. In this practical presentation, tender strategist Rob Machin explains how small businesses can compete for government and corporate contracts by becoming "tender fit." Drawing on decades of experience writing, evaluating, and winning billions of dollars in tenders, Rob shares the systems, preparation, and mindset required to successfully compete for long-term contract opportunities. If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline(opens in new tab) What You’ll Learn: Why government actively wants to work with small businesses The size of Australia's government procurement market Understanding what it means to become "tender fit" Why preparation matters more than writing the tender itself Common reasons businesses lose tenders How to identify tenders worth pursuing Conducting effective bid/no-bid analysis Building relationships before tenders are released Why capability, capacity, and credibility matter Creating policies and systems government buyers expect Understanding compliance requirements for tenders The role of quality assurance, WHS, sustainability, and governance Building consortiums to compete for larger contracts How winning one tender can transform a businessPreparing now for future opportunities, including major projects like the Brisbane Olympics Why It Matters: Government and large organisations spend billions of dollars every year purchasing goods and services from external suppliers. Many small businesses overlook these opportunities because tenders appear complicated or designed for larger organisations. By building the right systems, relationships, and processes before opportunities arise, small businesses can compete successfully and secure long-term contracts that provide stable, recurring revenue. About the Speaker: Rob Machin is a tender strategist, executive coach, and former CEO with more than 40 years of experience across government, health, education, and social enterprise. Having worked on both sides of the procurement process—writing tender specifications and helping businesses win contracts—Rob has supported organisations responsible for billions of dollars in successful tender outcomes and helps businesses become tender ready for sustainable growth. If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline(opens in new tab) Timestamps:00:02 Introduction to Rob Machin03:05 Why many small businesses avoid tenders06:03 The hidden opportunities behind government procurement11:44 Why government wants more small business suppliers17:52 The real value of long-term contracts20:40 What makes a winning tender24:20 Becoming "tender fit"29:24 Building compliance systems before opportunities arise32:35 Why relationships matter before tenders are released35:56 Preparing now for future opportunities39:16 Questions about NDIS opportunities45:12 Compliance and readiness for government contracts

    Tender Fit How Small Businesses Can Win Government and Big Business Work (with Rob Machin)
  2. Feb 10

    Do You Really Need a CRM? 11 Practical Ways to Simplify & Automate Your Business (with Nik Cree)

    You know you should be following up leads. You know you should be sending newsletters. You know you should be posting on social media consistently. But between delivering your service, answering calls, and handling admin… it just doesn’t happen. In this Business Owners Smashing It Online session, Nik Cree breaks down 11 practical ways a CRM can simplify, automate, and systemise your business so things actually get done — even when you’re busy. If you’ve ever wondered whether a CRM is “just another tool” or something that can genuinely make you more money and free up your time, this session connects the dots in plain English. If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline What You’ll Learn: Why most businesses drop the ball on fundamentals like follow-up and lead capture How one simple email generated $30,000 in two weeks The real difference between a basic CRM and an advanced automation platform How to automate lead capture, onboarding and follow-up Why reminders alone can dramatically increase repeat business How to stop invoices going unpaid without awkward conversations Simple ways to automate newsletters and social media posting How to manage Google reviews and reputation automatically Using AI chatbots for website enquiries and phone calls How automation reduces the “feast and famine” cycle Why It Matters: Most business owners don’t struggle because they lack effort — they struggle because they lack systems. When follow-up is manual, marketing stops when you get busy. When marketing stops, leads dry up. Then the panic begins. A properly set up CRM removes reliance on memory, automates consistency, and gives customers a predictable, professional experience. Instead of scrambling, your business runs on a system — not on stress. About The Speaker: Nik Cree is the founder of SmashGo and host of Business Owners Smashing It Online. With over 27 years in digital marketing and automation, Nik helps small business owners build simple systems that generate leads, improve follow-up, and create predictable growth. Timestamps: 00:00 Do you really need a CRM? 05:00 The $30,000 “non-sales” email story 12:00 Why businesses ignore lead magnets and follow-up 20:00 How many touchpoints it really takes to convert 29:00 Basic CRM vs advanced automation platforms 38:00 Automating lead capture and onboarding 47:00 Invoice reminders and getting paid faster 55:00 Newsletter and social media automation 1:05:00 Repeat business and reminder systems 1:15:00 AI chatbots and phone automation If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline

  3. Feb 3

    Nik 5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Show Up in AI Results (with Nik Cree)

    Search has changed.People aren’t just Googling anymore — they’re asking AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude to give them answers. And here’s the problem for most business owners:AI usually gives one answer, not ten blue links. In this Business Owners Smashing It Online session, Nik Cree breaks down — in plain English — what’s actually happening behind AI search, why website traffic is dropping, and the practical things you can do right now to increase your chances of being cited, referenced, and recommended by AI engines. This session is about visibility, authority, and relevance — not hype, jargon, or shortcuts. If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline What You’ll Learn Why “zero-click search” is changing how people find businesses The difference between SEO and AI result optimisation How AI decides which businesses get cited The role of intent in AI-driven search results Why short, direct answers now matter more than long articles alone How business profiles influence AI recommendations What authority really means in an AI environment How FAQs and how-to content help you get surfaced Why structured data (schema) matters more than ever How to use AI tools to reverse-engineer what your audience wants Why It Matters AI tools are already answering your customers’ questions — often without sending them to your website. If your business isn’t structured, consistent, and clearly positioned, you’re invisible in these results. This session helps business owners understand how AI search works now, and how to adapt their content, profiles, and messaging so AI engines know when to recommend them. Timestamps:00:00 Why AI visibility matters right now 06:00 What zero-click search really means 12:00 How AI pulls and cites information 18:00 Search intent explained simply 25:00 SEO vs AI optimisation 30:00 Business profiles and consistency (NAP) 35:00 Becoming a focused authority 41:00 Answering questions the AI way 46:00 Structured data and schema basics 52:00 Repetition, automation, and authority signals Want weekly strategies that help your business get found, trusted, and chosen?If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline

  4. 12/09/2025

    The Performance Blueprint: The Hidden Formula For Daily High Performance (with Tim Thomas)

    Most business owners try to push through exhaustion without realising how much it’s costing them in clarity, focus, creativity and decision-making. If you wake up tired, drag yourself through the day, or feel foggy when you need to be sharp, you’re not dealing with a motivation problem — you’re dealing with a performance problem. In this powerful session, former Special Forces Commando Tim Thomas shows you simple daily practices that restore your energy, sharpen your mind, and unlock a level of high performance most people never experience. If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline What You’ll Learn: • Why exhaustion sabotages performance without you noticing • A performance pyramid for planning a more effective 2026 • How sleep quality affects your revenue, focus and daily decisions • A simple breathing technique that restores clarity instantly • How to move from fatigue to focus with short physical resets • Eye-relief methods that double your productivity at the computer • How poor sleep influences stress, emotions and long-term health • Why rest, recovery and healing form the foundation of true performance • The link between sleep patterns and business growth • How to use breathwork to improve sleep, energy and resilience Why It Matters: Most small business owners try to fix performance by working harder, drinking more coffee, or pushing through fatigue. But when your body and brain are running on empty, your results stall — no matter how much effort you put in. Your energy is the engine of your business. When you improve the quality of your sleep, breath, and daily recovery, everything else becomes easier: focus, creativity, decision-making and capacity. This session shows you how to build a stronger foundation so you can perform at your best every day. About the Speaker – Tim Thomas Tim Thomas is a business owner, father of two, former Special Forces Commando, ex-MMA athlete, breathwork teacher and fatigue specialist. He has helped veterans, leaders and business owners restore energy, reduce stress and unlock their highest performance using practical breathwork and sleep strategies. Tim is the creator of the Breathwork in Bed app and has helped raise more than $1M for mental health and neuroscience research. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and performance mindset 02:10 Why energy, not effort, creates high performance 05:35 The Performance Pyramid explained 12:20 Mapping your 2026 goals with clarity 18:40 Understanding the real cost of poor sleep 23:55 The “breath of possibility” technique 30:48 Why posture and alignment affect brain function 36:22 Eye fatigue, screen strain and productivity 43:10 Live demonstration: eye reset for focus 50:55 How sleep deprivation impacts health and business 57:42 Breathwork for pain, back tension and deeper sleep 01:04:30 Q&A, examples and practical integration If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline

    The Performance Blueprint: The Hidden Formula For Daily High Performance (with Tim Thomas)
  5. 12/02/2025

    Get Podcast Hosts to Say "Yes" (Insider Tips for Getting on Shows) (with Laura McRae)

    Landing podcast interviews shouldn't feel like guesswork, but for most small business owners, it does. If you've ever wondered why some people seem to get invited onto shows constantly while your pitches disappear into the void, this session will clarify exactly what podcast hosts are looking for and how to make them say yes. In this replay, podcast expert Laura McCrae lays out the practical steps anyone can follow to find the right shows, pitch with confidence, and turn each interview into long-term visibility for your business. "If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline" What You’ll Learn: • Where to find podcasts actively looking for guests • How to research hosts so your pitch aligns with their audience • Simple strategies to get noticed before you ever pitch • What every host wants to see in a pitch (and what turns them off instantly) • The structure of a strong pitch that gets accepted • Tools and platforms for discovering guest opportunities • How to create a guest bio that makes hosts say “yes, this is perfect” • The biggest mistakes people make when pitching • Equipment tips so you sound professional on any podcast • How to turn podcast appearances into email list growth and visibility Why It Matters: Podcast interviews are one of the fastest ways to reach new audiences without relying on ads, complex funnels, or big social media followings. When you learn how to pitch effectively, you open the door to steady visibility, stronger personal branding, more leads, and long-term authority in your niche. And once your interviews live online, they work for you forever. About the Speaker: Laura McCrae is the founder of Podcast Support Services and the Australian Podcasters Collaborative. She helps business owners launch, manage, and grow successful podcasts and teaches experts how to pitch themselves as standout guests. With years of experience in podcast strategy, production, and guest management, Laura brings a highly practical, real-world approach to helping entrepreneurs get heard. Timestamps: 00:00 Why being a podcast guest grows your visibility 01:17 Introducing Laura McCrae and her background 02:05 The benefits of guesting over starting your own show 03:28 Evergreen visibility and list-building from interviews 04:44 Finding relevant podcasts in your niche 07:02 How to check whether a podcast accepts guests 08:12 Tools like Listen Notes and Rafonic for guest research 10:58 Reviewing activity, audience fit, and podcast relevance 12:56 Facebook groups, PodMatch, and social media discovery 13:19 Pre-pitch research and why it matters 14:18 How to get noticed before pitching 16:31 The right way to ask hosts where to send your pitch 17:20 Topics that help the host’s audience — not just you 18:28 The #1 mistake people make in their pitches 20:33 Structuring your pitch for maximum acceptance 22:21 Creating a one-page podcast guest bio 23:51 What a bad pitch looks like (and why it gets ignored) "If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline"

    Get Podcast Hosts to Say "Yes" (Insider Tips for Getting on Shows) (with Laura McRae)
  6. 11/25/2025

    Humans + AI + Ads = More Leads, Less Guesswork and A System That Works For Any Business (with Kyle Meloche)

    Most small business owners are feeling the pressure right now. Ads are more expensive, AI is moving faster than anyone can keep up with, and it’s getting harder to know where your marketing dollars should go. This session cuts through the noise. You’ll see exactly how Google Ads, AI tools, and human-centred strategy can work together to attract better leads, reduce wasted spend, and give you a system that actually produces results. If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline What You’ll Learn • Why Google is still one of the most important discovery channels in the AI era • The rise of AI search and how it affects your SEO, ranking, and visibility • How Performance Max and Demand Gen campaigns actually work • Practical examples of targeting, split-testing, and improving conversions • Why intent matters more than ever in 2025 • How to test your offers before investing months into content or SEO • The role of Google Business Profile, reviews, and analytics in attracting clients • Real examples of AI-generated ads, images, and videos inside Google Ads Why It Matters Most business owners rely on guesswork when it comes to ads and online visibility. But with Google still handling billions of searches every day, it’s one of the few channels where you can reliably reach people who are actively looking for what you offer. Understanding how Google, AI tools, and smart targeting work together gives you a real edge — especially when budgets are tight and competition is rising. This session shows you how to simplify your strategy and get traction without needing to become a full-time ads expert. About the Speaker Kyle Meloche is a digital strategist and founder of Social Geeks. With more than a decade of experience managing Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and multi-channel campaigns across Australia and New Zealand, Kyle blends AI-driven optimisation with practical, human-centred marketing. He specialises in helping small business owners build simple, effective ad systems that generate consistent leads. Timestamps 00:00 Why AI, ads, and Google matter for small businesses 01:00 Google Ads, AI adoption, and current digital trends 03:00 Search behaviour, market share, and why Google still dominates 06:00 Google’s ecosystem: YouTube, apps, display network 08:00 Why ads help shape a smarter content and SEO strategy 10:00 Using ad data to avoid wasted time and test ideas 12:00 AI search, zero-click answers, and changing SEO patterns 14:00 Search types: informational, navigational, commercial, transactional 18:00 Google vs social media intent 20:00 YouTube’s growth and why video matters 23:00 AI-generated creative inside Google Ads 24:00 Performance Max explained 27:00 Demand Gen explained 31:00 Using Google’s free tools for market research 32:00 Structuring a Google Ads account 41:00 What you need before you run ads 52:00 AI-generated assets, images, and videos 57:00 High-intent targeting and in-market audiences If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline

    Humans + AI + Ads = More Leads, Less Guesswork and A System That Works For Any Business (with Kyle Meloche)
  7. 11/18/2025

    The Fastest Way to Outrank Your Competitors on Google (Without Paying a Cent) (with Nik Cree)

    What’s the first thing people see when they Google your business? If it’s not your fully-optimised Google Business Profile, you’re missing out—big time. In this jam-packed BOSIO session, Nik shows you exactly how to turn your profile into a lead-generating machine and dominate the Map Pack (no ads required). If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline 📚 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why Google Business is the most overlooked (and free) visibility tool✔️ How to get verified and what to do if you get rejected✔️ The secret to landing in the 3-pack (Map Pack) for local search✔️ How to set service areas and categories correctly for maximum exposure✔️ Tips to generate and respond to reviews that improve SEO✔️ Posting updates, offers, events and products that drive engagement✔️ How to use Google Business like a social platform (with real CTAs!)✔️ Integrating with WooCommerce for product listings in Google✔️ Analytics that reveal how customers find and interact with you💡 Why It Matters: Most businesses “set and forget” their Google Business Profile. That means outdated hours, no reviews, missing service areas—and lost leads. But with the right setup, it becomes your online shopfront, your #1 trust-builder, and your best shot at free local traffic. Show up before your competitors and give people a reason to click, call or book—without spending a cent on ads. About the Speaker: Nik Cree is the founder of SmashGo and ICNXN CRM. With 27+ years in digital marketing, he helps small businesses automate lead generation, marketing and sales using smart, connected tools. He’s known for cutting through tech overwhelm with practical, easy-to-follow strategies.High-Level Timestamps:00:00 – Why Google Business still matters in 202502:00 – What is the Google Map Pack and how it works05:00 – Step-by-step: Creating or claiming your profile11:00 – Verification walkthrough and phone video tips17:00 – Critical settings to review and update monthly24:00 – How to fill out service areas correctly29:00 – Review strategies that boost SEO and trust34:00 – Posting updates, offers and events (with CTA buttons!)42:00 – Adding your products, courses or services46:00 – Measuring performance, keywords, and insights52:00 – Using photos, Q&As and profile strength to outrank competitors1:00:00 – Recap: What to do every month for best results If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline

  8. 11/11/2025

    From Invisible to Irresistible: How to Use Conversations to Attract Trust, Clients & Credibility (with Tracy Tully)

    If you feel invisible online no matter how much you post, speak, or share – this session is for you. Tracy Tully shows you how to go from unheard to unforgettable by using the power of authentic conversation. Discover how to build credibility, trust, and clients without relying on fancy funnels or shouty marketing. If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How to shift from fear to influence using the SHIFT model✔️ Why visibility is more than just being online✔️ The 3P method to grow your profile, presence, and profit✔️ How to use your voice as a marketing superpower✔️ How to create content that positions you as a leader✔️ Practical visibility strategies from someone who's done it under pressure Why It Matters: Visibility isn’t about going viral – it’s about being seen, heard, and trusted by the right people. Tracy’s approach helps small business owners show up powerfully and consistently, even in controversial or competitive spaces. If you want to be remembered, not scrolled past, this session shows you how. About the Speaker: Tracy Tully is a Visibility Coach, Vocal Leadership Trainer, and media commentator. She teaches small business owners how to speak up, stand out, and share their message with confidence and clarity – even in high-pressure or polarising situations. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and intro to visibility 03:10 Why most small business owners feel invisible 05:45 The SHIFT model – from fear to influence 09:25 What visibility really means in 2025 12:40 The LIFT framework for putting visibility into action 17:10 Using the 3P method – profile, presence, profit 22:30 The VOICE model – vocal leadership for credibility 28:15 Handling controversy and staying visible 35:05 How to stand out without being loud 41:30 Q&A and real examples from attendees If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline

    From Invisible to Irresistible: How to Use Conversations to Attract Trust, Clients & Credibility (with Tracy Tully)

About

A show for Solopreneurs, Business Owners and Intrepid Entrepreneurs with hints, tips and strategies to navigate the Digital and Online World to explode their businesses. Each week a guest presenter who is an expert in their field online reveals their secret sauce for being seen and achieving success online. Tune in and discover the missing pieces to your online presence and launch your business into the stratosphere to get more leads, customers and sales in less time, making more money with some of the latest apps, tools and information freely available right now.