Small Business Sorted Podcast with Kay & Crystal

Kay Godfrey & Crystal Petzer

Running a small business doesn't have to feel like chaos. Small Business Sorted is the podcast for Australian small business owners who want less stress, more clarity, and a business that actually works for them. Hosted by business growth coach Crystal Petzer and bookkeeper Kay Godfrey, each episode pairs real-world strategy with practical financial know-how. No jargon, no fluff, just straight-talking advice from two women with over 40 years of combined experience helping businesses thrive. Crystal brings 30 years of hands-on business experience, from opening her first service station to managing over a thousand franchises across Australia. She now coaches small business owners to grow with clarity and confidence.  Kay is the Northern Beaches bookkeeper who helps DIY business owners get their numbers right, stay compliant, and finally understand what their finances are telling them. Together, they tackle the real reasons small businesses struggle: cashflow confusion, pricing fears, burnout, people problems, and the systems holding you back. Every episode delivers practical takeaways you can act on this week, wrapped in honest conversation and the occasional laugh. If you've ever thought, "I'm busy, but I'm not getting ahead," this one's for you.

Episodes

  1. APR 8

    From Chaos to Control: How Automation Transforms Your Business

    In this episode, Crystal and Kay talk about what happens when you're still running your business off whiteboards, diaries, and what's stuck in your head, and why making the switch to proper systems is one of the biggest game changers for any small business. They share a real story of a trades business owner who was waking up stressed, couldn't get invoices out, and had everything scattered across whiteboards and paper. They walk through what changed when he moved to a job management system, and why so many business owners start using new software but never fully commit to it. If everything in your business lives in your head and you're up at 2am remembering things you forgot, this one's for you. In this episode, we cover: Why whiteboards, diaries, and spreadsheets only get you so farThe real reason most people give up on new systems (and how to avoid it)How job management tools like Tradify and ServiceM8 can save you hours every weekWhy using a system halfway is almost worse than not using one at allHow tools like Dext take the pain out of receipts and expensesThe link between accurate data and knowing your profit per jobHow AI in tools like Xero is already changing the game for small businessWhy having everything in your head is one of the biggest risks in your businessThe key takeaway: automation isn't about replacing people. It's about getting in control of your data, your time, and your future. Connect with us: Crystal Petzer - https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey - https://upupandaway.net.au/ If this episode hit home, share it with a business owner who needs to hear it.

    39 min
  2. APR 7

    Staffing Struggles: Why Hiring Feels Hard (and How to Get It Right)

    You're the boss, but sometimes it doesn't feel like it. Your staff are turning up late, doing things their own way, and you're starting to wonder if they even care anymore. In this episode, Crystal and Kay get into one of the most common frustrations in small business: staff who seem to have checked out. They share real stories from clients who were ready to walk away from profitable businesses because of one difficult staff member, and what actually turned things around. Spoiler: most of the time, it's not a people problem. It's a communication problem. In this episode, we cover: Why "I hate my business" often comes back to one staff issueThe conversation most business owners avoid (and why having it earns respect)Why your staff might not actually know what you expect of themHow a simple daily priorities list changed everything for one businessWhen to hire, how to start small, and why cheap hires can cost you moreThe difference between being liked and being respected as a bossThe key takeaway: if your staff don't seem to care, the first place to look is in the mirror. Not because you're doing everything wrong, but because 95% of the time, better communication, clearer expectations, and regular check-ins will turn things around. Connect with us: Crystal Petzer - https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey - https://upupandaway.net.au/ If this episode hit home, share it with a business owner who needs to hear it.

    40 min

About

Running a small business doesn't have to feel like chaos. Small Business Sorted is the podcast for Australian small business owners who want less stress, more clarity, and a business that actually works for them. Hosted by business growth coach Crystal Petzer and bookkeeper Kay Godfrey, each episode pairs real-world strategy with practical financial know-how. No jargon, no fluff, just straight-talking advice from two women with over 40 years of combined experience helping businesses thrive. Crystal brings 30 years of hands-on business experience, from opening her first service station to managing over a thousand franchises across Australia. She now coaches small business owners to grow with clarity and confidence.  Kay is the Northern Beaches bookkeeper who helps DIY business owners get their numbers right, stay compliant, and finally understand what their finances are telling them. Together, they tackle the real reasons small businesses struggle: cashflow confusion, pricing fears, burnout, people problems, and the systems holding you back. Every episode delivers practical takeaways you can act on this week, wrapped in honest conversation and the occasional laugh. If you've ever thought, "I'm busy, but I'm not getting ahead," this one's for you.