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

Kay Godfrey & Crystal Petzer
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Management

Small Business Sorted with Kay & Crystal is an Australian small business podcast for business owners who want to improve their cash flow, pricing, profitability, systems and team management. Hosted by business growth coach and advisor Crystal Petzer and bookkeeper Kay Godfrey, the show combines practical business strategy with straightforward financial advice. With more than 40 years of combined experience, Crystal and Kay understand the real challenges of running a small business and explain what to do next without jargon or unnecessary fluff. Each episode explores the issues that can hold a business back, including:  Cash flow and understanding your numbers  Pricing your services profitably  Bookkeeping and financial management  Finding and managing staff  Building better systems and processes  Winning customers and creating consistent work  Managing stress, burnout and business growth  Crystal brings 30 years of hands-on business experience, from owning service stations to managing more than 1,000 franchise locations and coaching small business owners. Kay is a Northern Beaches bookkeeper who helps business owners understand their numbers, stay compliant and make more confident financial decisions. Whether you’re a tradie, service business owner, consultant or entrepreneur, you’ll receive practical ideas you can use immediately. If you’re busy but not getting ahead, it’s time to get your small business sorted. Follow the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

  1. 5d ago

    Local Hero Spotlight: Rethinking Farewells with Karin Slade (Eps21)(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.

  2. Sep 5

    Outsourcing for Small Business: What to Delegate First with Angie Beale (Eps20)(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.

  3. Aug 21

    How To Exit A Business: Selling, Retiring And Planning Your Successful Exit (EPS19) (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.

  4. Aug 14

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

  5. Aug 11

    Would You Buy Your Business Today? 10 Signs It May Be Time to Exit (Eps17) (Audio)

    Send us Fan Mail Thinking about exiting your business - now or someday?  In this episode of Small Business Sorted, Kay and Crystal dive deep into the 10 real reasons small business owners choose (or are forced) to exit their business, and what you can do to prepare long before the pressure hits. From retirement, burnout, losing passion, industry changes, health issues, partnership breakdowns, and financial decline, we unpack the honest conversations business owners rarely have but absolutely should. You’ll hear real stories from our own experiences, including: Kay selling her First Class Accounts franchise and rediscovering her passion for bookkeeping after finding The Strategic Bookkeeper (“she just reignited something in me” )Crystal’s wake‑up call during emergency surgery (“no one knows everything about what I’ve got” )Clients who faced sudden illness, unexpected offers, industry disruption, and the harsh reality of declining profitabilityWhy burnout often shows up as snapping at family, heart palpitations, and feeling constantly “on” (“I don’t relax. I can’t relax.” )We also explore: -How AI and automation are reshaping industries -Why selling when your business is performing well matters -The danger of handshake partnerships -What happens when your wealth is tied up in the business -Why every owner needs an exit plan even if you’re not ready to leave If you’ve ever wondered “Would I buy my business today?”, this episode will give you clarity, direction, and a few laughs along the way. #SmallBusinessSorted #BusinessExitStrategy #ExitPlanning #BusinessSuccession #SuccessionPlanning #SellingABusiness #BusinessValuation #SmallBusinessAustralia #AustralianBusiness #BusinessOwners #BusinessGrowth #BusinessPlanning #BusinessBurnout #BusinessPartnerships #FutureProofYourBusiness #NorthernBeachesBusiness #SydneySmallBusiness #WomenInBusinessAustralia #BusinessPodcast #AustralianPodcast #SmallBusinessSorted #ExitPlanning #BusinessExitStrategy #SuccessionPlanning #SellingABusiness #BusinessValuation #SmallBusinessAustralia #BusinessOwners #BusinessBurnout #BusinessPodcast 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. Aug 1

    10 Costly Small Business Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (Eps14) (Video)

    Send us Fan Mail Are you undercharging, doing everything yourself or running your business without fully understanding your numbers? In this episode of Small Business Sorted, business growth coach Crystal Petzer and bookkeeper Kay Godfrey reveal 10 common small business mistakes and practical ways to avoid them. Drawing on their experience running businesses and helping Australian business owners, Kay and Crystal explore the problems that can damage your cash flow, profitability, team, customer experience and long-term business growth. The 10 small business mistakes covered are: Not knowing your numbersPricing too low and underchargingTrying to do everything yourselfOperating without proper systems and processesHiring employees too quickly—or waiting too longAvoiding difficult conversationsNot marketing consistentlyIgnoring the customer experienceFailing to plan aheadNot looking after yourself as the business ownerIn this episode, you’ll learn: Why understanding profit, cash flow and job profitability mattersHow undercharging affects every part of your businessWhy delegation is essential for sustainable business growthHow systems and procedures reduce business chaosWhen to hire your next employeeHow to approach difficult conversations with staff and customersWhy marketing must continue when you’re busyHow customer experience affects referrals and repeat businessHow a simple 90-day business plan can create directionWhy business-owner burnout affects decision-making and performanceWhether you’re a tradie, service provider, consultant, entrepreneur or established business owner, this episode will help you recognise the habits and decisions that may be holding your business back. If you recognise several of these mistakes, don’t panic. Choose one area, take one practical step and start improving it today. #SmallBusinessSorted #SmallBusinessMistakes #SmallBusinessAustralia #BusinessGrowth #BusinessCoach #KnowYourNumbers #BusinessPricing #CashFlow #Profitability #BusinessSystems #Delegation #CustomerExperience #BusinessPlanning #BusinessOwnerBurnout #TradieBusiness #ServiceBusiness #AustralianBusinessPodcast #NorthernBeachesBusiness Connect with Small Business Sorted: Crystal Petzer – Business Growth Coach https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey – Up Up and Away Bookkeeping https://upupandaway.net.au/ Radio Northern Beaches – 88.7 or 90.3 FM https://www.rnb.org.au/ Email: radio@businessgrowthcoach.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590811295505 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_sorted/ Follow Small Business Sorted for practical Australian small business advice covering business growth, finance, pricing, leadership, staffing, marketing and business systems. #SmallBusinessMistakes #SmallBusinessAustralia #BusinessGrowth #BusinessAdvice #CashFlow #BusinessPricing #Entrepreneurship #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. Jul 31

    Stop Wasting Time Networking: How To Build Relationships That Grow Your Business | Wendy Lloyd Curley Business Journey (Interview) (EPS16) (Audio)

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to reinvent your career, recover when a business model changes and keep moving forward? In this episode of Small Business Sorted, Kay Godfrey and Crystal Petzer sit down with keynote speaker, author and business leader Wendy Lloyd Curley to hear the story behind her remarkable career. While Wendy is the author of the Amazon bestseller Stop Wasting Your Time Networking, this interview is not focused on her book. It’s an honest conversation about Wendy’s personal and professional journey—the successes, setbacks, business pivots and lessons that shaped the leader she is today. Wendy takes us from her early days in hospitality and corporate strategic marketing to entrepreneurship, direct sales, professional speaking and business networking. She explains how she built Australia’s largest PartyLite sales group, growing its annual revenue from approximately $250,000 to $1.5 million, and how she reinvented her career when the business model changed. Today, Wendy is the Executive Director of BNI Sydney Northeast and creator of the Strategic Networking Masterclass. She has delivered keynotes and workshops across Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. In this episode, we explore: Wendy’s journey from hospitality to corporate leadershipMoving from corporate employment into business ownershipBuilding and leading a successful national sales teamLearning from business failure and knowing when to change directionRebuilding when a successful business model suddenly changesThe importance of business relationships and professional networksDelegation, virtual teams and why you shouldn’t run a business aloneWhat to discuss before entering a business partnershipManaging financial risk and maintaining a cash bufferResilience, reinvention and developing a learning mindsetWhy business owners need community, accountability and choiceWendy’s move into BNI leadership and professional speakingWhether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, professional, tradie or service provider, Wendy’s story offers practical lessons about leadership, resilience, relationships and adapting when life or business takes an unexpected turn. Links to Wendy Lloyd Curley Franchise Owner of BNI Sydney North East – www.bnisne.com.au Certified Professional Speaker – www.wendylloydcurley.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendylloydcurley/ #SmallBusinessSorted #WendyLloydCurley #CareerReinvention #BusinessResilience #BusinessLeadership #WomenInBusiness #WomenInLeadership #BusinessNetworking #BNIAustralia #BNISydneyNortheast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessRelationships #ProfessionalSpeaking #KeynoteSpeaker #BusinessCommunity #SmallBusinessAustralia #AustralianBusinessPodcast #LeadershipPodcast #NorthernBeachesBusiness Connect with Small Business Sorted: Crystal Petzer – Business Growth Coach https://businessgrowthcoach.com.au/ Kay Godfrey – Up Up and Away Bookkeeping https://upupandaway.net.au/ Radio Northern Beaches – 88.7 or 90.3 FM https://www.rnb.org.au/ Email: radio@businessgrowthcoach.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590811295505 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_sorted/ Subscribe for practical Australian small business advice covering business growth, finance, leadership, staffing, systems, marketing and entrepreneurship. #BusinessNetworking #StrategicNetworking #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusinessAustralia #Entrepreneurship #BusinessReferrals #Leadership #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. Jul 25

    Stop Thinking Like an Employee: How to Think Like a Business Owner (Eps13) (Video)

    Send us Fan Mail Are you running your business with an employee mindset? In this episode of Small Business Sorted, Kay and Crystal explain how to develop a business owner mindset, step away from doing everything yourself and build a business that can grow without relying on you for every decision. Many new business owners unintentionally recreate their old job. They stay focused on completing tasks, solving daily problems and reacting to whatever happens next rather than concentrating on business strategy, leadership, profitability and long-term growth. In this episode, we explore: The difference between an employee mindset and a business owner mindsetWhy business owners get trapped working in the businessHow to make time to work on your businessThe dangers of doing everything yourselfWhy undercharging limits business growth and profitabilityHow to delegate effectively and build a reliable teamThe importance of systems, processes and technologyHow to stop becoming the bottleneck in your businessThe different roles a business owner must manage, including marketing, sales, finance, risk, customer experience and workplace cultureKay and Crystal also share honest stories about pricing mistakes, hiring challenges, technology frustrations and learning to let go of tasks that someone else could handle. This episode offers practical small business advice for Australian business owners, tradies, service businesses and entrepreneurs who want to improve their leadership, delegate more effectively and build a profitable business that doesn’t depend entirely on them. If you’ve ever said, “It’s quicker if I just do it myself,” this episode is for you. #SmallBusinessSorted #BusinessOwnerMindset #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkingOnYourBusiness #BusinessGrowth #BusinessLeadership #StopDoingEverything #Delegation #BusinessSystems #BusinessProcesses #BusinessStrategy #BusinessProfitability #SmallBusinessAustralia #AustralianBusinessOwners #TradieBusiness #ServiceBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessCoach #BusinessPodcast #NorthernBeachesBusiness 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.

See All (28)

About

Small Business Sorted with Kay & Crystal is an Australian small business podcast for business owners who want to improve their cash flow, pricing, profitability, systems and team management. Hosted by business growth coach and advisor Crystal Petzer and bookkeeper Kay Godfrey, the show combines practical business strategy with straightforward financial advice. With more than 40 years of combined experience, Crystal and Kay understand the real challenges of running a small business and explain what to do next without jargon or unnecessary fluff. Each episode explores the issues that can hold a business back, including:  Cash flow and understanding your numbers  Pricing your services profitably  Bookkeeping and financial management  Finding and managing staff  Building better systems and processes  Winning customers and creating consistent work  Managing stress, burnout and business growth  Crystal brings 30 years of hands-on business experience, from owning service stations to managing more than 1,000 franchise locations and coaching small business owners. Kay is a Northern Beaches bookkeeper who helps business owners understand their numbers, stay compliant and make more confident financial decisions. Whether you’re a tradie, service business owner, consultant or entrepreneur, you’ll receive practical ideas you can use immediately. If you’re busy but not getting ahead, it’s time to get your small business sorted. Follow the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

Information