Max Your Business

Ben Fewtrell

It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to growing your business. You're not alone. Most entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed and don't even know where to start when it comes to growing their business.

  1. 4d ago

    MYB144: Why Marketing to Existing Customers is Your Most Profitable Growth Strategy

    In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack one of their absolute favourite lead generation strategies. It is also one of the most overlooked: marketing to your existing customers.  Most businesses spend the bulk of their marketing budget chasing new leads, completely ignoring the goldmine sitting right in front of them. Ben and David share practical tips, mindset shifts, and real-world examples to prove just how impactful a proper repeat business strategy can be. They cover everything from getting rid of nightmare clients to why you should never offer a better deal to a new prospect than a loyal regular.  If you are constantly stressing about finding new leads, this episode will challenge you to look inward and start building a customer base that does your marketing for you.  Episode Highlights:   00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast   00:37 - Why businesses ignore the most profitable lead generation strategy   01:41 - Turning existing customers into raving fans   02:46 - The mindset shift: treating repeat business as your first marketing goal each month   05:37 - Why you do not want every customer to return (and how to ditch the deadwood)   08:22 - Using a solid CRM to run successful reactivation campaigns   10:31 - The ultimate pet peeve: offering new customers better deals than loyal ones   13:54 - How much of your marketing budget should actually go toward existing clients   16:00 - The power of checking in without making a sales pitch     Key Takeaways:  The Ultimate Lead Gen: Your best leads are the people already transacting with you. Allocate dedicated marketing funds to this strategy, keep them happy, and they will become your best marketers.  Grade Your Customers: Not all business is good business. You have the right to pick your customers and cut ties with the ones who drain your resources.  Reward Loyalty and Keep in Contact: Never punish loyal customers by saving your best deals only for new acquisitions. Regularly check in without a sales pitch to make long-term clients feel valued.  Educate and Cross-Sell: Do not assume your clients know everything you offer. Educate them on your full suite of products or partner with joint ventures to continually add value.  🚀 Get your free Repeat Business Workbook at maxmyprofit.com.au/repeat and learn how to climb the Ladder of Loyalty.  Tune in to discover how to bring your repeat business strategy to life. Don't miss this episode, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

  2. 5d ago

    MYB143: Out of Your Head: Building Systems to Automate Your Business

    In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin dive into a challenge almost every business owner faces: getting all those vital processes out of your head and into a proper system.  If you find yourself constantly repeating tasks or fixing mistakes because your team did not do things your way, this episode is exactly what you need. Ben and David discuss why being "too busy" is no longer a valid excuse, especially with modern AI and automation tools ready to do the heavy lifting for you. They share practical examples of how to leverage software to streamline your daily operations, eliminate bottlenecks, and reclaim your time.  If you are tired of working too hard inside your business, this episode will help you step back and start building systems that run like clockwork.    Episode Highlights:  00:00 Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast  02:00 Using AI and automation tools like Make to update your CRM  05:01 Why humans are naturally built to follow processes  08:12 The bus driver analogy and why your team needs clear directions  10:42 Why hiring experienced people still requires solid business systems  14:42 Busting the "I am too busy to systemise" myth  16:52 Modern tech that makes documenting your processes an absolute breeze  21:49 Exactly where to start: fixing frequent mistakes and time-draining tasks  24:20 Why every single business needs a modern CRM  27:00 Automating your sales follow ups with DigiSyncro    Key Takeaways:  The Bus Driver Analogy: Even highly experienced new hires need a roadmap. Systems tell your team exactly how you want things done to maintain consistency and prevent bottlenecks.  Start Where It Hurts: If you are feeling overwhelmed, focus first on systemising the tasks that frequently cause costly errors or eat up the majority of your time.  Bust the "Too Busy" Myth: Taking a few moments to document a process today saves you from repeating it forever. Modern tech like AI and screen recordings makes this easier than ever.  Software Does the Heavy Lifting: A modern CRM does far more than just store contacts. Tools like DigiSyncro can completely automate your communication and sales pipelines to run on autopilot.  🚀 Get your free Systems Workbook at maximumprofit.com.au/systems to start Saving yourself Time, Energy, and Money. For a closer look at the automation software mentioned, check out digisyncro.com.  Tune in to discover how to bring your business systems to life. Don't miss this episode, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

  3. Jul 16

    MYB142: How Aussie Businesses Can Dominate Local Search and Get More Leads

    In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin Unpack a simple but powerful business system called Test, Adjust, Measure (TAM).  Running a business without looking at your numbers is like going fishing without a sounder. Ben and David share practical advice on how to implement A/B split testing in your day-to-day operations, from marketing campaigns and pricing strategies to manufacturing processes and recruitment.  If you are tired of playing the guessing game and want to make informed decisions that actually move the needle, this episode will show you exactly how to find the winning formula for your business.    Episode Highlights:   00:00 Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast   02:18 Why fishing without a sounder is exactly like running a business without numbers   03:03 The crucial difference between simply measuring and actively testing   03:46 How A/B split testing works in practical, everyday scenarios   05:13 Overcoming the fear of price increases by testing your market   10:22 A client story: Testing a new restaurant menu without risking the baseline   16:20 The surprising 1958 racing history behind the Tim Tam biscuit   19:26 A walkthrough of the free TAM workbook and how to apply it   24:43 Avoiding the KPI trap and focusing on metrics that actually matter    Key Takeaways:   Stop the Guesswork: If you do not know your numbers, you have a guessing problem. Accurate data is the absolute foundation of solid business growth.  Test One Variable at a Time: When making adjustments, only change a single element so you know exactly what caused the shift in your overall results.  Challenge Your Baseline: Constantly create an "opponent" for your best performing ad, process, or product to see if you can achieve an even better outcome.  Avoid Vanity Metrics: Do not get caught in the KPI trap. Focus strictly on the numbers that genuinely improve your profitability, like lead quality and conversion rates.  🚀 Get your free Test, Adjust, Measure Workbook at maximumprofit.com.au/tam and start making data-driven decisions today.  Tune in to discover how to bring the TAM framework to life in your own business. Don't miss this episode, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

  4. Jul 9

    MYB141: How to Get Customers to Buy More Often - Repeat Sales Strategies for Small Business

    In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of business growth: getting your existing customers to buy from you more often.  Growing a business is not just about finding new leads. It is about maximising the relationship you already have with the people who trust you and getting a bigger share of their wallet. Ben and David share practical strategies, real world examples, and mindset shifts that prove why focusing on customer retention and spending frequency can completely transform your bottom line.  If you are tired of spending all your marketing budget on acquiring new clients while ignoring the goldmine sitting right in front of you, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach and start increasing your customer transactions.  Episode Highlights:   00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast   03:32 - The big missed opportunity: focusing only on new customers  04:16 - The free workbook download and why you must measure spending frequency   08:23 - The golden statistic: why selling to an existing customer is six times easier   10:24 - Subscription models and how businesses lock in repeat buyers   13:42 - Partnering with third parties to add value and increase transactions   15:15 - The power of membership programmes: from StuMac to Costco   22:16 - Royal Caribbean and the psychology of VIP customer tiers   26:38 - Why SMS marketing is a game changer for getting people back   29:01 - Grading your clients: why you should only focus on A and B grade customers    Key Takeaways:  Prioritise Existing Relationships: It is six times easier to get a current customer to buy from you again than it is to acquire a brand new one.  Create a Reason to Return: Give your customers a compelling reason to stick around, whether that is an exclusive VIP membership tier, a simple loyalty program, or partnering with third parties for ongoing services.  Stay Top of Mind: Do not be shy about asking people to come back. Use cost effective tools like SMS marketing to ensure your customers remember you exist and are updated on new offers.  Focus on the Best: Put your time and energy into your A and B grade customers, and respectfully let go of the ones who drain your resources and do not add value.  🚀 Get your free workbook at maxmyprofit.com.au/buy and start building a business that your customers want to buy from time and time again.  Tune in to discover how to bring these strategies to life. Don't miss this episode, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

  5. Jul 2

    MYB140: The 7-Step Sales System Every Small Business Needs to Grow

    In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack one of the biggest and most overlooked drivers of business growth: your sales process. Most business owners think the secret to growth is simply getting more leads, but the reality is you probably just need to get better at converting the ones you already have.  Ben and David break down the seven essential steps of an effective sales process, sharing practical tips on everything from speed to lead and qualifying prospects, right through to using AI tools to streamline your admin. They also share real-world examples of how a polished presentation and a solid follow-up strategy can completely change your bottom line.  If you are tired of spending money on marketing without seeing the return, or if you feel like you are losing too many quotes, this episode will show you how to grow your business without spending an extra cent on ads.    Episode Highlights:  00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast   00:43 - Why businesses think they need more leads when they really need a better sales process  03:33 - How AI tools can handle your sales admin and make your team more efficient  16:15 - Understanding your conversion rate and figuring out where prospects are dropping off  19:00 - Step 1: Lead generation and tracking your true acquisition costs  20:41 - Step 2: Speed to lead and why you need to contact prospects immediately  22:56 - Step 3: Qualifying your leads upfront so you do not waste your time  26:36 - Step 4: Nailing your presentation to build instant trust and confidence  32:08 - Step 5: How to tackle objections head on before they become dealbreakers  36:15 - Step 6: Closing the sale and removing the friction to buy  38:33 - Step 7: The massive power of following up with your existing customers  42:36 - Your next steps for testing and measuring your sales pipeline    Key Takeaways:  Focus on Conversion: Stop obsessing over new leads. Getting more traffic means nothing if your business is not set up to convert those inquiries into paying clients.  Speed and Qualification: Respond to leads immediately to beat the competition and talk price early to ensure you are only spending time with serious buyers.  Build Confidence: Whether it is your shop presentation or your communication style, how you present your business builds the necessary trust for a customer to say yes.  Follow Up Relentlessly: The fortune is in the follow up. Keeping in touch with past customers is the most effective way to generate repeat business and steady referrals.    🚀 Get your free Sales Process Workbook at maxmyprofit.com.au/sales and start boosting your conversions today.  Tune in to discover how to build a rock-solid sales process. Do not miss this episode, and do not forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

  6. Jun 25

    MYB139: Time Saving Strategies to Reclaim Your Week as a Business Owner

    In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin tackle the biggest lie business owners tell themselves: "I don't have enough time."  Time management is a bit of a myth. Everyone from you to Elon Musk gets the exact same 24 hours. Ben and David unpack why some business owners seem to create time out of thin air while others are constantly chasing their tails. They dive into the crucial difference between being a business manager and a business owner, and how stepping out of the day-to-day operations can drastically change your trajectory.  If you are tired of being the superhero bottleneck in your own business, this episode will challenge you to start asking "who can do this" instead of "when will I do this."    Episode Highlights:   00:00 Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast   01:03 The chaos of end of financial year and why stocktakes need an AI upgrade   04:36 The biggest lie business owners tell themselves about time   06:50 Why role clarity is not just for your team   08:21 The vital difference between a business manager and a business owner   10:46 Case study: How one entrepreneur runs 27 businesses by working one day a week   16:31 The technician versus the entrepreneur mindset   17:42 Why you need to stop playing the superhero and remove the bottleneck   19:00 Where to find 10 extra hours a week and a breakdown of the free workbook   21:18 Calculating your time value: How a client saved 5 hours and generated an extra $250k   28:22 The 10-hour a week challenge and your next steps    Key Takeaways:  Owner vs. Manager: Realise the fundamental difference between running the day-to-day operations and actually owning the business.  Stop Being the Hero: If every decision goes through you, your business cannot grow. Step out of the bottleneck and learn to delegate.  Change Your Questions: Stop asking "What am I going to do today?" and start asking "Who am I going to get to do it?"  The 10-Hour Challenge: Finding just 10 hours a week to work strictly on your business equates to three full months a year dedicated to growth.    🚀 Get your free Time Management Workbook at maxmyprofit.com.au/time  and start taking back control of your week.  Tune in to discover how to shift your mindset and build a business that works without you. Don't forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

  7. Jun 18

    MYB138: How to Stand Out from Competitors (Without Competing on Price)

    In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack why simply having great service or quality products is no longer enough to help your business stand out from the crowd.  Every business owner claims to have the best people and top tier quality. The problem? So does the competition. Ben and David dive into what makes a true Unique Selling Proposition (USP), sharing real-world examples of guarantees that reverse risk and make it impossible for prospects to choose anyone else. They also explore how your USP needs to dictate how you operate your business, not just act as a clever marketing slogan on a brochure.  If you are tired of competing on price and blending in with your competitors, this episode will challenge you to find your true point of difference and build a business that demands attention.    Episode Highlights:   00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast   04:38 - Why "good service" and "great quality" are not actual selling points   05:07 - Applying the "So What" test to your current marketing messages   08:50 - Wild guarantee examples that win customers and completely reverse risk   10:35 - Unpacking the famous Domino's Pizza USP and why it was so effective   16:58 - How to identify common customer frustrations to start building your USP   20:30 - A live test using ChatGPT to brainstorm unique guarantees for a jeweller   24:22 - A step by step walkthrough of the free USP workbook   25:55 - Why a strong USP will ultimately change your entire business model    Key Takeaways:  Pass the "So What" Test: If your point of difference does not compel a prospect to instantly choose you over a competitor, it is just a basic requirement of being in business, not a true USP.  Solve the Frustration: The most powerful USPs are born from identifying and solving the most common frustrations your potential customers have with your specific industry.  Reverse the Risk: Strong guarantees remove the fear of purchasing and prove to the market that you are absolutely confident in your ability to deliver.  It Defines Your Operations: A true USP is not just a catchy tagline. It actually dictates the systems, processes, and culture of how you run your operations day to day.  🚀 Get your free USP Workbook at maxmyprofit.com.au/usp and start defining what makes your business truly unique.  Tune in to discover how to bring yours to life. Don't miss this episode, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

  8. Jun 11

    MYB137: Build a Winning Team with the 5% Rule

    In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin tackle one of the biggest frustrations for business owners: finding and keeping a great team.  Often, we are quick to blame the talent pool when things go wrong, but Ben and David reveal why the real issue usually starts at the top. Transitioning from a tactician who manages tasks to a true leader who guides and empowers people is the secret sauce to long-term team retention.  Ben and David share practical advice, common pitfalls, and real-world examples that highlight why team members thrive under leadership rather than micromanagement. If you find yourself constantly frustrated that your team just does not get it, this episode will help you look in the mirror and provide the exact framework you need to build a high-performing culture.    Episode Highlights:  00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast  02:35 - A quick shoutout to Bernadette Schwerdt's new book on online entrepreneurs  04:13 - Why having a good team is the ultimate prerequisite for keeping good staff  05:04 - The hard truth: why business owners are often the root of team problems  05:27 - The 5 percent rule for spending dedicated time with your direct reports  07:16 - The critical difference between managing tasks and leading people  11:31 - How to assess your own split between management and leadership skills  14:43 - A real-world example of promoting a loyal team member without asking them first  20:47 - The six keys to creating a winning team from the ground up  27:42 - How to use the ABCD method to fairly evaluate your current roster    Key Takeaways:  Leadership is a Learned Behaviour: No one is born a natural leader. It is a distinct skill set built over time through education, patience, and practice.  Implement the 5 Percent Rule: You should be spending 5 percent of your total working time specifically coaching and sitting with each of your direct reports.  Ask, Do Not Tell: A manager tells people what to do. A leader asks them what needs to be done, helping them learn and take genuine ownership of the outcome.  Rank Your Team: Use the ABCD method (Awesome, Basic, Can't deal with, Dead) to identify who fits your culture, who needs support, and who needs to be moved on.  Build the Six Foundations: A winning team requires strong leadership, a common goal, clear rules of the game, actionable plans, 100 percent inclusion, and a culture that supports risk taking.  🚀 Get your free Creating a Winning Team Workbook at maxmyprofit.com.au/team and start putting these leadership principles into practice today.  Tune in to discover how to transform your management style and build a business that people love to work for. Do not miss this episode, and remember to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

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It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to growing your business. You're not alone. Most entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed and don't even know where to start when it comes to growing their business.