Small Business Sorted with Kay & Crystal: Practical Advice for Australian Small Businesses

Kay Godfrey & Crystal Petzer
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Are you building a profitable one-person business or have you simply created an exhausting job for yourself? More people are becoming solopreneurs, freelancers, consultants and self-employed business owners. Technology, contractors, virtual assistants and AI have made it possible to build a successful business without employing a large permanent team. But staying small does not automatically mean staying profitable. In this episode, business growth coach Crystal Petzer and bookkeeper Kay Godfrey explore how to create a profitable one-person business without working every hour of the day. You’ll discover: • The difference between owning a business and simply working for yourself• How to price your services to cover tax, retirement contributions, leave and business expenses• Why revenue and turnover are not the same as profit• How to avoid becoming dependent on one major customer• The systems every solo business owner needs• How AI, automation and cloud software can save time• What to outsource before employing permanent staff• How to use contractors and virtual assistants effectively• Ways to increase revenue through packages, retainers, minimum charges and value-based pricing• What to do when you reach your personal capacity• Why staying small can be an intentional and profitable business strategy Crystal and Kay also discuss the less glamorous realities of working alone including isolation, procrastination, inconsistent marketing, late invoicing and keeping every business process in your head. Whether you call yourself a solopreneur, sole trader, freelancer, consultant, independent contractor or one-person business owner, this episode offers practical advice for building a business that supports your income, lifestyle and long-term goals. You don’t need a large team to build a successful business—but you do need the right pricing, systems, support and financial discipline. Small Business Sorted with Kay and Crystal is an Australian business podcast sharing practical, straightforward advice for small business owners in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and beyond. Follow the podcast and share this episode with someone who is building a business on their own.

  1. 5d ago

    One-Person Business or Just a Job? How to Stay Small and Profitable (Audio) (Ep. 25)

    Send us Fan Mail Are you building a profitable one-person business or have you simply created an exhausting job for yourself?   More people are becoming solopreneurs, freelancers, consultants and self-employed business owners. Technology, contractors, virtual assistants and AI have made it possible to build a successful business without employing a large permanent team. But staying small does not automatically mean staying profitable.  In this episode, business growth coach Crystal Petzer and bookkeeper Kay Godfrey explore how to create a profitable one-person business without working every hour of the day. You’ll discover: • The difference between owning a business and simply working for yourself • How to price your services to cover tax, retirement contributions, leave and business expenses • Why revenue and turnover are not the same as profit • How to avoid becoming dependent on one major customer • The systems every solo business owner needs • How AI, automation and cloud software can save time • What to outsource before employing permanent staff • How to use contractors and virtual assistants effectively • Ways to increase revenue through packages, retainers, minimum charges and value-based pricing • What to do when you reach your personal capacity • Why staying small can be an intentional and profitable business strategy Crystal and Kay also discuss the less glamorous realities of working alone including isolation, procrastination, inconsistent marketing, late invoicing and keeping every business process in your head. Whether you call yourself a solopreneur, sole trader, freelancer, consultant, independent contractor or one-person business owner, this episode offers practical advice for building a business that supports your income, lifestyle and long-term goals. You don’t need a large team to build a successful business but you do need the right pricing, systems, support and financial discipline. Small Business Sorted with Kay and Crystal is an Australian business podcast sharing practical, straightforward advice for small business owners in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and beyond. Follow the podcast and share this episode with someone who is building a business on their own. Small Business Sorted with Kay and Crystal is an Australian small business podcast recorded on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Each episode provides practical, straightforward advice for Australian business owners who want better cash flow, stronger systems, improved profitability and a business that works for them. Follow Small Business Sorted so you don’t miss an episode. If you know a solo business owner who needs to hear this conversation, please share it with them. Connect with us: Crystal Petzer – Business Growth Coach https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey – Up Up and Away Bookkeeping https://upupandaway.net.au/ Listen to Small Business Sorted on Buzzsprout, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. #OnePersonBusiness #Solopreneur #SmallBusinessAustralia #BusinessGrowth #AustralianBusiness Connect with us: Crystal Petzer - https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey - https://upupandaway.net.au/ Radio Northern Beaches 88.7 or 90.3 FM - https://www.rnb.org.au/ Email us - radio@businessgrowthcoach.com.au Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590811295505 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/small_business_sorted/ If this episode hits home, share it with a business owner who needs to hear it.

  2. Oct 4

    A One‑Page Business Plan You Can Use for ANY Small Business (Gym Example)(Ep. 24)(video)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Kay pretends to be a small gym owner but the real value isn’t in the gym example. It’s in the one‑page business plan framework that works for every small business, no matter the industry. We walk through the exact questions and decisions every owner needs to make: personal goals, business priorities, systems, customer retention, market expansion, staff culture, and competitive advantage. The gym scenario simply gives us a relatable way to demonstrate how the plan works in real life. Whether you run a gym, a studio, a consultancy, a retail shop, or any small business, this episode gives you a simple, practical plan you can print, stick on your wall, and actually follow. What you’ll learn: How to build a one‑page business plan that works for ANY small businessThe #1 improvement most owners need in their first 12 monthsHow to identify new markets and strengthen your value propositionWhy systems matter more than motivationHow to create loyalty through personal connectionStaff culture strategies that apply across all industriesHow to reduce business risk with simple, repeatable processesWhy this episode matters:   Even though the example is a boutique gym, the thinking applies universally. If you’re a small business owner who wants clarity, direction, and a plan that doesn’t live in a 40‑page document you’ll never read again, this is your episode. Connect with us: Crystal Petzer - https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey - https://upupandaway.net.au/ Radio Northern Beaches 88.7 or 90.3 FM - https://www.rnb.org.au/ Email us - radio@businessgrowthcoach.com.au Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590811295505 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/small_business_sorted/ If this episode hits home, share it with a business owner who needs to hear it.

  3. Sep 27

    How Lock & Key Built A Leading Northern Beaches Buyer’s Agency With Simon Dean (Ep. 23) (audio)

    Send us Fan Mail What does a buyer’s agent actually do, and how can they help you secure the right property in Sydney’s competitive market? In this episode of Small Business Sorted, Kay and Crystal speak with Simon Dean, Director of Lock & Key Property Buyers, about the journey behind one of Sydney’s Northern Beaches buyer’s agencies. Simon shares how his wife and business partner, Hayley Woods, founded Lock & Key and how they grew it from a small operation into an established team servicing Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore. The conversation explores Simon and Hayley’s move from the UK to Australia, their experience in property and residential development, and the realities of building a successful business together. Simon also explains why finding an off-market property is only part of the equation. The property, price and opportunity must all work together and a good buyer’s agent should be a trusted adviser who is prepared to tell you when not to buy. In this episode, we discuss:  What a buyer’s agent does and how they represent the buyer  Buying property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore  The difference between the Australian, UK and US property markets  How Simon and Hayley built Lock & Key Property Buyers  Why off-market property is not always a good opportunity  Growing a business with your spouse  Dividing responsibilities according to individual strengths  Creating a strong team culture  Building systems, processes and a tailored CRM  Maintaining a consistent sales and follow-up pipeline  Why effective marketing requires multiple touchpoints  Time management and prioritising revenue-producing activities  Allowing your team to make decisions and learn from mistakes Simon’s practical advice for business owners is simple: be relentless, manage your time carefully and keep doing the important work consistently even when the results are not immediate. Whether you’re considering using a buyer’s agent, looking to purchase property in Sydney, or building a service-based business with your partner, this episode offers practical lessons about property, leadership, sales and sustainable business growth. Connect with Simon and Lock & Key Property Buyers Website: https://lockandkeyproperty.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockandkeyproperty Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lockandkeyproperty LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lock-key-property-buyers Connect with us: Crystal Petzer - https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey - https://upupandaway.net.au/ Radio Northern Beaches 88.7 or 90.3 FM - https://www.rnb.org.au/ Email us - radio@businessgrowthcoach.com.au Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590811295505 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/small_business_sorted/ If this episode hits home, share it with a business owner who needs to hear it.

  4. Sep 20

    The Brutal Truth: Why Business Owners Don’t Take Action (Ep. 22) (Video)

    Send us Fan Mail Most business owners know what they should be doing but knowing and doing are two very different things. In this episode of Small Business Sorted, Kay and Crystal explore why business owners procrastinate, avoid important decisions and stay busy without necessarily moving their business forward. They discuss: • Why being busy doesn’t always mean being productive or profitable • The hidden cost of putting off bookkeeping, marketing and client follow-up • How overwhelm and too many choices can stop you from taking action • The difference between an employee mindset and a business-owner mindset • Fear of failure, fear of success and imposter syndrome • Why business owners must take responsibility even when tasks are delegated • How poor leadership affects employees, customers and cash flow • The value of systems, procedures and a business “playbook” • Why habits are more reliable than motivation • How accountability, peer groups and business coaching can help • A simple “to-do” and “to-don’t” list to make priorities more manageable You’ll also hear the memorable story of the dog on the side of the road and why ignoring warning signs can allow a business to become progressively “sicker.” The challenge from this episode is simple: choose one important task you’ve been avoiding and decide whether to do it, delegate it or deliberately remove it from your list. If you’re a small business owner, tradie, consultant or service-business operator who struggles with procrastination, business overwhelm, time management or accountability, this episode will help you take back control. Subscribe to Small Business Sorted for practical, honest conversations about running and growing a small business. Small Business Sorted with Kay and Crystal is also broadcast on Radio Northern Beaches on 88.7 and 90.3 FM. #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwners #BusinessCoaching #Procrastination #Productivity #TimeManagement #BusinessMindset #Leadership #SmallBusinessTips #AustralianBusiness Connect with us: Crystal Petzer - https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey - https://upupandaway.net.au/ Radio Northern Beaches 88.7 or 90.3 FM - https://www.rnb.org.au/ Email us - radio@businessgrowthcoach.com.au Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590811295505 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/small_business_sorted/ If this episode hits home, share it with a business owner who needs to hear it.

  5. Sep 11

    Local Hero Spotlight: Rethinking Farewells with Karin Slade (Ep. 21) (audio)

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful and deeply human episode, Kay and Crystal sit down with Northern Beaches business owner, caterer, event producer, author, and funeral director Karin Slade—a woman reshaping how Australians think about saying goodbye. After experiencing “eight deaths in five months” and attending “three funerals on three Fridays in a row” , Karin realised how impersonal, rushed, and emotionally disconnected traditional funerals can feel. That experience sparked her mission to help families create farewells that are meaningful, personal, and truly reflective of the person being celebrated. Karin shares how her event‑production background and decades of bringing people together now inform her work through Funerals by Design, where she asks deeper questions, challenges outdated norms, and empowers families to slow down, breathe, and honour their loved one in a way that feels right—not just “the way it’s always been done.” From holding ceremonies at meaningful locations to involving children in the process, to rethinking flowers, wakes, and the role of celebrants, Karin offers practical guidance that removes stress and brings dignity back to the farewell. You’ll hear stories of grief, anger, healing, and courage—including Karin’s reflections on how personalised rituals can support families through shock, sudden loss, long goodbyes, and everything in between. This conversation is honest, warm, and full of insights that will change how you think about funerals forever. Connect with us: Crystal Petzer - https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey - https://upupandaway.net.au/ Radio Northern Beaches 88.7 or 90.3 FM - https://www.rnb.org.au/ Email us - radio@businessgrowthcoach.com.au Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590811295505 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/small_business_sorted/ If this episode hits home, share it with a business owner who needs to hear it.

  6. Sep 5

    Outsourcing for Small Business: What to Delegate First with Angie Beale (Ep. 20)(audio)

    Send us Fan Mail Are you overwhelmed by administration and wondering whether outsourcing or hiring a virtual assistant could help your small business? In this episode of Small Business Sorted, Kay and Crystal sit down with Angie Beale from Offshore Virtual Assistants to explore the realities of outsourcing for small-business owners. Angie explains what business owners should delegate first, why clear systems and processes are essential, and how to build a productive relationship with an offshore virtual assistant. She also shares the story behind her longstanding Filipino team, the valuable cultural strengths they bring to their roles and the common mistakes businesses make when outsourcing. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: • What tasks a small business should outsource first • How to decide what to delegate and what to retain • Why systems and documented processes matter • How a virtual assistant can reduce administrative pressure • The importance of communication, training and expectations • Common outsourcing mistakes and how to avoid them • How to integrate an offshore team member into your business • The strengths Filipino virtual assistants can bring to a team • How outsourcing can support sustainable business growth • Why outsourcing is more than simply finding cheaper labour This practical and honest conversation is ideal for small-business owners, tradies and service-based businesses who want to save time, reduce chaos and build a business that can operate without the owner managing every task. CONTACT ANGIE BEALE: Angie Beale is the founder of Offshore Virtual Assistants, helping Australian businesses save time, reduce administrative pressure and grow through carefully selected and supported offshore team members. With extensive experience building and managing a longstanding team in the Philippines, Angie understands that successful outsourcing involves much more than delegating tasks. She helps business owners establish clear systems, improve communication and integrate virtual assistants into their teams effectively. Angie is passionate about connecting businesses with reliable, capable professionals who can provide ongoing support and become valued members of the organisation. Website: https://www.offshorevirtualassistants.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelabeale/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OffshoreVirtualAssistants/ Listen to the episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2600368/episodes/19757828 Small Business Sorted with Kay and Crystal delivers practical, jargon-free conversations for Australian small-business owners. #SmallBusinessOutsourcing #VirtualAssistant #OffshoreVirtualAssistant #Outsourcing #DelegateToGrow #BusinessSystems #BusinessAutomation #SmallBusinessAustralia #FilipinoVirtualAssistant #BusinessGrowth #TimeManagement #BusinessOwner #SmallBusinessTips #OffshoreTeam #SmallBusinessSorted Connect with us: Crystal Petzer - https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey - https://upupandaway.net.au/ Radio Northern Beaches 88.7 or 90.3 FM - https://www.rnb.org.au/ Email us - radio@businessgrowthcoach.com.au Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590811295505 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/small_business_sorted/ If this episode hits home, share it with a business owner who needs to hear it.

  7. Aug 21

    How To Exit A Business: Selling, Retiring And Planning Your Successful Exit (Ep. 19) (Audio)

    Send us Fan Mail Thinking about selling your business, retiring or stepping away one day? In this episode of Small Business Sorted, Kay and Crystal unpack the real-world process of exiting a small business and explain why successful business exit planning should begin well before you are ready to sell. They share honest stories about rushed business exits, unexpected valuations, staff reactions and the emotional impact of leaving a business that has been a major part of your life. YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO: Start planning your business exit early and establish a realistic timeline.Work out your financial freedom number.Understand your personal financial position before selling.Prepare accurate books and financial records for a business sale.Improve profitability and cash-flow sustainability.Reduce the business’s dependence on you as the owner.Build reliable systems that allow the business to operate without you.Diversify your customer base and reduce concentration risk.Identify the risks that could reduce your business valuation.Protect your staff, customers, reputation and legacy during the transition.THIS EPISODE ALSO COVERS: How small businesses are valued.Goodwill and what creates genuine business value.Preparing a business for sale.Staff communication and transition planning.Customer and client retention strategies.Succession planning for small-business owners.Protecting the legacy you have worked hard to build.Creating a more valuable, saleable and owner-independent business.Whether you are planning to sell your business soon, preparing for retirement, considering succession or simply want to build a stronger business, this episode will help you understand what buyers look for and what you can do now to improve your options. Small Business Sorted with Kay and Crystal delivers practical, jargon-free advice for Australian small-business owners, tradies and service-based businesses. #BusinessExit #ExitPlanning #SellingABusiness #BusinessValuation #SuccessionPlanning #SmallBusinessAustralia #BusinessForSale #RetirementPlanning #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusinessTips #BusinessSystems #CashFlow #Goodwill #BusinessOwner #SmallBusinessSorted Connect with us: Crystal Petzer - https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey - https://upupandaway.net.au/ Radio Northern Beaches 88.7 or 90.3 FM - https://www.rnb.org.au/ Email us - radio@businessgrowthcoach.com.au Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590811295505 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/small_business_sorted/ If this episode hits home, share it with a business owner who needs to hear it.

  8. Aug 14

    Behind the Scenes at Hire A Hubby with Giles Smith & Jim Kelly | Ep. 18 (Audio)

    Send us Fan Mail What really happens behind the scenes in Australia’s most recognised handyman franchise Hire A Hubby?  In this episode of Small Business Sorted, Kay and Crystal sit down with Jim Kelly (Hire A Hubby Mona Vale & Balgowlah) and Giles Smith (Hire A Hubby Forestville) two of the Northern Beaches’ highest‑rated handyman franchisees. Jim brings 30+ years of franchising and customer service experience, multiple Franchisee of the Year awards. Giles shares his journey from Cornwall farm kid → CIO → children’s book author → one of Sydney’s most Google‑rated handymen. Together, they unpack: How they got into Hire A Hubby including surfing conversations, failed ventures, and “do what you love” momentsWhy franchising reduces risk and how buying an existing customer base changes everythingThe three biggest complaints in the handyman industry (and how good operators avoid them)How to manage staff, avoid burnout, and stop the boom‑and‑bust cycle of tradie workThe real misconceptions about handymen and why the job requires massive skill breadthTheir biggest mistakes, warranty nightmares, and how they fixed them fastThe habits and systems that keep their businesses profitable and customers loyalYou’ll also hear brilliant stories from spray‑painting a neighbour’s house by accident to the infamous “wrong letterbox saga” plus practical advice for any small‑business owner about hiring, quoting, communication, and protecting your sanity. Perfect for:  Small business owners, tradies, franchise buyers, Northern Beaches locals, and anyone curious about what it really takes to run a successful service‑based Handyman Property Maintenience  business. Contact - Hire A Hubby - https://hireahubby.com.au/ Giles Smith - Hire A Hubby Forestville  Jim Kelly - Hire A Hubby Mona Vale and Balgowlah #SmallBusinessSorted #HireAHubby #BNIAustralia #BNISydney #HandymanBusiness #TradieBusiness #FranchiseBusiness #SmallBusinessAustralia #NorthernBeachesBusiness #PropertyMaintenance #BusinessGrowth #CustomerService #BusinessSystems #TradieLife #PodcastAustralia Hire A Hubby, Giles Smith, Jim Kelly, Hire A Hubby Forestville, Hire A Hubby Mona Vale, Hire A Hubby Balgowlah, handyman franchise Australia, Australian franchise podcast, tradie business advice, property maintenance business, Small Business Sorted podcast. Connect with us: Crystal Petzer - https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey - https://upupandaway.net.au/ Radio Northern Beaches 88.7 or 90.3 FM - https://www.rnb.org.au/ Email us - radio@businessgrowthcoach.com.au Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590811295505 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/small_business_sorted/ If this episode hits home, share it with a business owner who needs to hear it.

    Behind the Scenes at Hire A Hubby with Giles Smith & Jim Kelly | Ep. 18 (Audio)
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Are you building a profitable one-person business or have you simply created an exhausting job for yourself? More people are becoming solopreneurs, freelancers, consultants and self-employed business owners. Technology, contractors, virtual assistants and AI have made it possible to build a successful business without employing a large permanent team. But staying small does not automatically mean staying profitable. In this episode, business growth coach Crystal Petzer and bookkeeper Kay Godfrey explore how to create a profitable one-person business without working every hour of the day. You’ll discover: • The difference between owning a business and simply working for yourself• How to price your services to cover tax, retirement contributions, leave and business expenses• Why revenue and turnover are not the same as profit• How to avoid becoming dependent on one major customer• The systems every solo business owner needs• How AI, automation and cloud software can save time• What to outsource before employing permanent staff• How to use contractors and virtual assistants effectively• Ways to increase revenue through packages, retainers, minimum charges and value-based pricing• What to do when you reach your personal capacity• Why staying small can be an intentional and profitable business strategy Crystal and Kay also discuss the less glamorous realities of working alone including isolation, procrastination, inconsistent marketing, late invoicing and keeping every business process in your head. Whether you call yourself a solopreneur, sole trader, freelancer, consultant, independent contractor or one-person business owner, this episode offers practical advice for building a business that supports your income, lifestyle and long-term goals. You don’t need a large team to build a successful business—but you do need the right pricing, systems, support and financial discipline. Small Business Sorted with Kay and Crystal is an Australian business podcast sharing practical, straightforward advice for small business owners in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and beyond. Follow the podcast and share this episode with someone who is building a business on their own.

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