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. 3d ago

    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. shows at the beginning of each episode for 15 seconds 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)

  2. 6d ago

    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 shows at the beginning of each episode for 15 seconds 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 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 shows at the beginning of each episode for 15 seconds 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. 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 shows at the beginning of each episode for 15 seconds 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. 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 shows at the beginning of each episode for 15 seconds 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. Jul 24

    How Bambi Staveley Built a Global Brand from a Personal Problem | Boost N Blend(Eps15)(Audio)

    Send us Fan Mail How do you turn a personal problem into a successful global product business? In this episode of Small Business Sorted, Kay and Crystal interview Bambi Staveley, founder of Boost N Blend, about entrepreneurship, e-commerce, product development and spotting a profitable gap in the market. Bambi’s fascinating career has taken her from nursing and early internet innovation to global marketing and corporate leadership at Oracle. She shares how her interest in technology led her to help build one of Australia’s first government websites, establish a successful digital agency and eventually launch an international women’s hair-loss brand. The idea for Boost N Blend began with Bambi’s personal experience of thinning hair. After researching the global female hair-loss industry, she recognised that women needed a product created specifically for them. She went on to develop female hair fibres designed to conceal visible hair loss and help women feel more confident. In this episode, we discuss: How to turn a personal challenge into a business opportunityIdentifying and researching a gap in the marketTesting demand before investing in a new productThe realities of product development and manufacturingBuilding an e-commerce business and selling internationallyUsing digital marketing to grow a product-based businessFemale hair loss and its effect on confidenceThe resilience required to build and grow a global brandWhether you’re developing a product, starting an online business or looking for your next business opportunity, Bambi’s story is filled with honest insights and practical lessons. Discover Boost N Blend: Website: https://www.boostnblend.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boostnblend Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boostnblend/ If Bambi’s story inspires you, share this episode with a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur—and follow Small Business Sorted for more practical Australian small business advice. #SmallBusinessSorted #BoostNBlend #BambiStaveley #WomenInBusiness #FemaleEntrepreneur #ProductDevelopment #EcommerceBusiness #OnlineBusiness #GlobalBusiness #BusinessInnovation #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #DigitalMarketing #ProductBasedBusiness #MarketResearch #WomenSupportingWomen #FemaleHairLoss #HairLossSolutions #SmallBusinessAustralia #AustralianBusinessPodcast shows at the beginning of each episode for 15 seconds 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 16

    Busy Today, Panicking Tomorrow l How to Build a Consistent Sales Pipeline (Eps12) (Video)

    Send us Fan Mail Are you fully booked today but worried about where your next job or customer will come from? In this episode of Small Business Sorted, Kay and Crystal explain how Australian small business owners can build a consistent sales pipeline, generate regular leads and avoid the “busy today, panicking tomorrow” cycle. We unpack why becoming too busy can be dangerous, how stopping your marketing kills momentum, and how poor quoting and a lack of follow-up can cost your business valuable work. Using practical examples from tradies, bookkeepers and service businesses, we explore common sales and marketing mistakes including ignoring enquiries, failing to follow up quotes, stopping networking and relying too heavily on word-of-mouth referrals. You’ll learn: How to create a consistent flow of leadsWhy marketing must continue when you’re busyHow and when to follow up outstanding quotesHow job management systems can improve your sales processWays to strengthen customer retention and repeat businessHow to improve cash flow by building a reliable pipelineIf you want more consistent work, stronger cash flow, better client retention and a small business that doesn’t fall apart whenever things get busy, this episode will help you take control. Small Business Sorted with Kay & Crystal delivers practical business growth, bookkeeping and financial advice for Australian small business owners, tradies, service businesses and entrepreneurs. #SmallBusinessSorted #SalesPipeline #LeadGeneration #BusinessGrowth #ConsistentLeads #SmallBusinessMarketing #MarketingStrategy #SalesStrategy #FollowUp #Quoting #CashFlow #CustomerRetention #RepeatBusiness #BusinessSystems #TradieBusiness #ServiceBusiness #SmallBusinessAustralia #AustralianBusinessOwners #BusinessPodcast #NorthernBeachesBusiness Connect with us: 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/ If this episode hits home, share it with a business owner who needs to hear it—and follow Small Business Sorted so you don’t miss the next episode. shows at the beginning of each episode for 15 seconds 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 10

    How to Run a Business With Your Partner Without Ruining Your Relationship (Eps11)(Audio)

    Send us Fan Mail Running a small business with your partner can feel like a pressure cooker — invoices at dinner, staff issues on weekends, money stress, blurred roles, and zero work–life balance. In this episode, Kay & Crystal unpack the real challenges couples face when building a business together, and why so many tradie couples and family businesses struggle with communication, expectations, and boundaries. We dive into the most common pain points: admin overload, feeling unappreciated, arguing about money, unclear responsibilities, and the constant “Are we partners or business owners first?” tension. You’ll hear practical strategies to reduce conflict, improve communication, set clear roles, introduce weekly business meetings, and create boundaries that protect both your relationship and your business. If you’re a tradie couple, small business owner, or partner working behind the scenes in the admin/bookkeeping trenches, this episode gives you real‑world tools to work together without burning out — or burning down the relationship. Perfect for: tradie wives, small business owners, family businesses, couples in business, admin partners, bookkeepers, and anyone juggling love + business. #SmallBusinessSorted #TradieWives #CouplesInBusiness #TradieCouples #FamilyBusiness #WorkingWithYourPartner #SmallBusinessAustralia #TradieBusiness #BusinessRelationships #BusinessCommunication #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessBoundaries #BusinessPartners #SmallBusinessOwners #AdminSupport #Bookkeeping #BusinessBurnout #ServiceBusiness #AustralianBusinessPodcast #NorthernBeachesBusiness shows at the beginning of each episode for 15 seconds 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 (25)

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