The Australian Small Business Show

Kristy-Lee Billett
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

The Australian Small Business Show has been created by small business owners, for small business owners. Your hosts Matt Heighway and Kristy-Lee Billett, who have both been running businesses for over 15 years, will bring our first hand experiences to offer insights, advice and inspiration to help you build a successful small business. Each week we’ll discuss one specific strategy, topic, resource or tip that’s relevant for every small business, and we’ll be inviting along some amazing guests and friends in business to share their expertise with you. Whether you're starting out, scaling up or a seasoned small business owner, this Australian Small Business Show is the show for you.

  1. 3d ago

    Are You the Bottleneck in Your Small Business

    Join the waitlist for The Australian Small Business Show Club by clicking here. Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show. In this episode we explore one of the biggest barriers to sustainable growth for an Australian small business: becoming the bottleneck in your own business. As business owners, it's easy to believe that staying involved in every decision protects quality and customer service, but over time it can actually limit growth, create frustration for your team, and leave you working longer hours than ever. We discuss the warning signs that suggest you've become the bottleneck and why recognising them early is critical if you want to build a business that can grow beyond your own capacity. We unpack the common habits that create bottlenecks, including struggling to delegate, insisting on approving every decision, and unintentionally training your team to rely on you for everything. We also discuss why many Australian small business owners delay hiring or outsourcing for too long, the impact of previous bad hiring experiences, and how introducing buffer roles, virtual assistants, team leaders or outsourced support can remove pressure while allowing the business to continue delivering excellent customer service. Have you ever found yourself asking, "Why is my business growing but I still feel busier than ever?" If so, this episode is for you. We share practical strategies to help you identify where your time is really being spent, decide which responsibilities only you should retain, and confidently delegate the rest. The goal isn't to remove yourself from your business altogether, but to ensure you're focusing on the work that creates the greatest value while building a business that isn't limited by the number of hours you can personally work. Key Takeaways: Learn how to identify the warning signs that you've become the bottleneck in your business.Discover why control, delayed delegation and constant sign-off can unintentionally slow business growth.Understand how introducing buffer roles, virtual assistants or outsourced support can free up your time.Learn why hiring or outsourcing earlier can support sustainable business growth without immediately committing to full-time employees.Discover how choosing your ideal role in the business helps create greater freedom while continuing to deliver exceptional customer service. Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/ We'd love to hear from you! Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/ Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

  2. Jul 25

    Should I Enter Business Awards?

    Join the waitlist for The Australian Small Business Show Club by clicking here. If you've ever wondered whether entering business awards is worth the time, effort and investment, this episode is for you. Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show. Business awards can be a powerful way to build credibility, generate publicity and open doors for your Australian small business, but not every award is worth entering. In this episode we explore the real value of business awards, the different types of awards available, and how to determine whether they're the right fit for your business growth strategy. We share our own experiences of entering, winning and learning from business awards over the years, including the networking opportunities, marketing benefits and business credibility that can come from recognised and respected awards. We also discuss the importance of choosing awards with genuine merit, rather than those that simply require you to pay for recognition, and why the application process itself can be a valuable business exercise. If you've been asking yourself "Should I enter business awards, and how do I choose the right ones?" this episode will help you understand what to look for, how to prepare a strong application, and how business awards can become part of your broader PR and marketing strategy for your Australian small business. Key Takeaways: How to decide whether business awards are the right opportunity for your business.The difference between credible awards and "pay-to-play" award programs.Why respected business awards can strengthen your marketing, reputation and customer trust.How the application process can help you identify strengths and gaps within your business.Practical tips for selecting the right award categories and preparing a compelling submission. Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/ We'd love to hear from you! Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/ Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

  3. Jul 18

    What is PR and Why Does Your Small Business Need It?

    Join the waitlist for The Australian Small Business Show Club by clicking here. If you've ever wondered whether public relations (PR) is only for big brands or businesses in crisis, this episode is for you. Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show. In this episode we explore what PR really is, why it matters for Australian small business owners, and how it can become a powerful part of your marketing strategy. We unpack the common misconceptions around PR and explain why earning media coverage, podcast interviews and industry recognition can help you build credibility, reach new audiences and grow your influence without relying solely on paid advertising. We discuss how PR fits into your broader marketing ecosystem, why it works best alongside your existing content and social media efforts, and how strategic media opportunities can improve your authority with both search engines and AI tools. We also share practical advice on choosing the right media outlets, crafting effective pitches, leveraging industry awards, and making the most of every PR opportunity you earn. Have you been asking yourself how you can stand out in a crowded market without spending a fortune on advertising? This episode answers that question by showing how Australian small business owners can use thoughtful, targeted PR to compete with much larger businesses, build trust faster, and position themselves as recognised experts in their field. Our special guest is Erin Huckle, founder of Chuckle Communications, a boutique PR consultancy helping small businesses and thought leaders increase their visibility through strategic public relations. Erin specialises in earned media, podcast opportunities and personal brand building. Connect with Erin via her website at https://chucklecommunications.com or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhuckle-pr-and-copywriting/ and be sure to check out her podcast, PR with Purpose, for practical PR advice and strategies. Key Takeaways: Understand what public relations is and how earned media differs from paid advertising.Learn why PR is an essential part of the marketing mix for Australian small business owners.Discover how strategic PR builds credibility, authority and trust with customers, search engines and AI platforms.Find out how to pitch yourself effectively to journalists and podcast hosts by making their job easier.Explore practical ways to maximise every PR opportunity through amplification, website credibility and ongoing marketing. Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/ We'd love to hear from you! Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/ Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

  4. Jul 11

    The 5 Point Mid-Year Reset for You and Your Small Business

    Join the waitlist for The Australian Small Business Show Club by clicking here. If you've been wondering how to reset your Australian small business for a stronger second half of the year, this episode is for you. Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show. The start of a new financial year is the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect and reset. In this episode we share our practical five-point mid-year reset framework to help Australian small business owners review what's working, identify what's no longer serving the business, and create a clear plan for the months ahead. Whether you're feeling energised or simply trying to keep up, this conversation will help you take stock and move forward with purpose. We explore five key areas every Australian small business owner should review at this time of year: your numbers, your goals, your team, your operations, and yourself as the business owner. We discuss reviewing your profit and loss, budgeting for the year ahead, improving cash flow, reassessing marketing spend, and ensuring your financial decisions are based on real data rather than wishful thinking. We also look at why your business goals should continue to align with your personal goals, how to reconnect and re-engage your team, and why now is the time to review systems, processes and the role AI can play in improving operational efficiency. Have you been asking yourself, "How do I know if my business is still on the right track halfway through the year?" We answer that question by sharing practical strategies you can implement immediately, including reviewing supplier terms, reassessing your ideal clients, identifying operational improvements, preparing for upcoming changes such as Payday Super, and ensuring your business remains sustainable without sacrificing your own wellbeing. Sometimes the biggest improvements come not from making massive changes, but from making intentional adjustments in the areas that matter most. Key Takeaways: Review your financial performance, profit and loss, cash flow and budget before making decisions for the new financial year.Reassess your business goals to ensure they remain realistic, achievable and aligned with your personal priorities.Reconnect with your team by communicating updated goals, reviewing team structure and preparing for upcoming workplace changes such as Payday Super.Audit your business operations by reviewing systems, subscriptions, marketing activities, processes and opportunities to use AI more effectively.Prioritise your own wellbeing by creating sustainable routines that support you as the business owner, because a healthy business starts with a healthy leader. Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/ We'd love to hear from you! Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/ Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

  5. Jul 4

    Pricing Strategies to Combat the Rising Cost of Doing Business

    Join the waitlist for The Australian Small Business Show Club by clicking here. If you're wondering how to respond to the rising cost of running an Australian small business without simply increasing your prices, this episode is for you. Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show. The cost of doing business continues to rise for Australian small business owners. From software subscriptions and supplier price increases to wage growth, superannuation changes and new compliance obligations, business owners are feeling the pressure from every direction. In this episode, we explore practical pricing strategies that can help protect profitability while continuing to deliver value to your customers. We discuss why regularly reviewing your pricing should become part of your annual business planning, rather than something that only happens when costs become unsustainable. We also explore alternative approaches including restructuring your offers, reviewing your service model, identifying areas of over-servicing, streamlining processes and understanding which parts of your customer experience truly add value. If you're managing Australian small business finance, these strategies can help improve profitability without compromising customer relationships. If you've been asking yourself, "How do I increase my prices without losing customers?" or "What can I do if I can't increase my prices?", this episode provides practical strategies to help you make confident decisions. We also share tips on communicating pricing changes effectively, explaining the value you provide, preparing for customer questions and approaching price increases with confidence rather than apology. Key Takeaways: Review your pricing strategy every year instead of waiting several years between price increases.Consider restructuring your products or services to better balance value, profitability and customer expectations.Identify areas of over-servicing and remove activities that customers don't actually value.Review your business processes and eliminate unnecessary steps that increase your cost of delivery.Communicate price increases confidently by focusing on the value you provide and preparing for customer questions in advance. Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/ We'd love to hear from you! Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/ Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

  6. Jun 27

    How To Be a Great Spokesperson for Your Small Business with Theresa Miller – Author and Media Trainer

    Join the waitlist for The Australian Small Business Show Club by clicking here. If you've ever wondered how to become a more confident speaker, pitch your business more effectively, or handle media interviews with confidence, this episode is for you. Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show. In this episode we are joined by Theresa Miller, media and presentation skills trainer, former television journalist, and author of Speak Up: How to Be a Successful Presenter and Media Spokesperson. We explore why communication is one of the most valuable skills an Australian small business owner can develop, whether you're speaking to a potential client, presenting to your team, appearing on a podcast, or responding to media enquiries. We discuss the common challenges business owners face when talking about their work, including the "curse of knowledge" that can make it difficult to explain what you do in a clear and relatable way. We also unpack the importance of using plain English, focusing on the benefits you deliver for customers, and tailoring your message to suit your audience. If you've been asking yourself, "How do I explain what my business does in a way that people actually understand?", this episode provides practical answers. We share simple communication frameworks that can help you structure presentations, sales conversations, networking discussions, media interviews, and business pitches so your message is memorable and actionable. Our guest, Theresa Miller, is an experienced media and presentation skills trainer who previously worked as a television journalist in Australia, London and Switzerland. She now helps business owners, executives, academics and industry experts communicate with confidence and impact. Theresa is also the author of Speak Up: How to Be a Successful Presenter and Media Spokesperson. Key Takeaways: Why public speaking is about serving others, not promoting yourself. How to create a clear and compelling elevator pitch focused on customer outcomes. The importance of removing jargon and communicating in plain English. Practical communication frameworks such as Point-Reason-Example-So What (PRES) to structure presentations and pitches. Why researching your audience and understanding their challenges can dramatically improve your chances of success. How authentic, in-person communication is becoming increasingly valuable in an age of AI-generated content and misinformation. Connect with Theresa Miller: Website: https://www.theresamiller.com.au/ Grab your copy of: Speak Up: How to Be a Successful Presenter and Media Spokesperson https://www.theresamiller.com.au/books You can check our Theresa’s course here: https://www.theresamiller.com.au/online-course Connect with Theresa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-miller-tm-media/ Connect with Theresa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tm_mediatrainer/ Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/ Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/ Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

  7. Jun 20

    Maximising The Financial Year End

    Join the waitlist for The Australian Small Business Show Club by clicking here. If you've ever wondered how to maximise your tax position before 30 June and set your business up for a stronger financial year ahead, this episode is for you. Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show. As the end of financial year approaches, many Australian small business owners focus on compliance tasks and tax returns, but there is also an opportunity to take a strategic approach to improving business performance. In this episode, we discuss the practical steps business owners can take before 30 June to ensure they are making informed financial decisions and preparing for a successful year ahead. We explore a range of end-of-financial-year strategies including reconciling accounts, understanding your profit position, reviewing business structures, making concessional superannuation contributions, identifying bad debts, prepaying eligible expenses, and improving debtor collections. We also discuss the importance of working closely with your accountant to understand the most appropriate tax planning opportunities for your specific circumstances. If you've been asking yourself, "What should I be doing before 30 June to reduce stress, improve cash flow, and make better financial decisions for my business?", this episode provides a practical roadmap. We also discuss how Australian small business owners can use the new financial year as a planning milestone by reviewing pricing, preparing cash flow forecasts, creating budgets, evaluating subscriptions and software expenses, and identifying opportunities to improve business performance over the next 12 months. We touch on upcoming changes such as payday super obligations and anti-money laundering reforms that may impact some professional service businesses. Key Takeaways: Ensure your accounts are fully reconciled and up to date before 30 June so you have an accurate understanding of your profit position. Speak with your accountant about tax planning opportunities, including concessional superannuation contributions and business structure considerations. Review outstanding debtors, write off bad debts where appropriate, and improve collections to strengthen cash flow. Consider prepaying eligible expenses such as insurance, subscriptions, training, and professional services where appropriate. Prepare a cash flow forecast and budget for the new financial year, particularly with upcoming payroll and superannuation changes. Review pricing, subscriptions, software tools, and operational expenses to identify opportunities for improved profitability. Use the start of the new financial year as an opportunity to plan staffing, marketing, growth initiatives, and business priorities. Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/ Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/ Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

  8. Jun 13

    1 July Fair Work Updates Overview for Small Business Owners

    Join the waitlist for The Australian Small Business Show Club by clicking here. If you're wondering what Fair Work changes are coming from 1 July and how they will impact your Australian small business, this episode is for you. Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show. In this episode we discuss the key Fair Work and workplace compliance updates that Australian small business owners need to be aware of as the new financial year approaches. With changes to minimum wages, Modern Award rates, superannuation obligations and parental leave provisions, now is the time to ensure your business is prepared and compliant. We unpack the Fair Work Commission's latest decision to increase the National Minimum Wage and Modern Award minimum rates, and what those changes mean for employers across Australia. We also explore the broader impact these increases may have on staffing costs, employee expectations around pay rises, and the importance of reviewing your pricing strategy to account for rising employment costs. If you've been asking yourself, "What do I need to do before 1 July to stay compliant with Australian employment law and the Fair Work Act?" this episode provides a practical overview of the key actions to take now. We also discuss the move to Payday Super, changes to the government-funded Parental Leave Pay Scheme, and some of the workplace law myths and scare campaigns currently circulating in the market. As discussed in the episode, a free annual compliance webinar will be held to help employers understand the changes and prepare their businesses for the new financial year. This is an excellent opportunity for Australian small business owners to stay informed and reduce compliance risks. Key Takeaways: Modern Award minimum rates of pay will increase by 4.75% from 1 July. The National Minimum Wage will increase to $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Payday Super is being introduced, requiring superannuation contributions to be paid much more frequently and within strict timeframes. The Parental Leave Pay Scheme is expanding to 130 days (26 weeks) for eligible parents. Rising employment costs should prompt business owners to review budgets, cash flow forecasts and pricing strategies. Not every workplace law change being advertised is actually new, making it important to seek accurate advice and information. Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/ Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/ Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

See All (111)

About

The Australian Small Business Show has been created by small business owners, for small business owners. Your hosts Matt Heighway and Kristy-Lee Billett, who have both been running businesses for over 15 years, will bring our first hand experiences to offer insights, advice and inspiration to help you build a successful small business. Each week we’ll discuss one specific strategy, topic, resource or tip that’s relevant for every small business, and we’ll be inviting along some amazing guests and friends in business to share their expertise with you. Whether you're starting out, scaling up or a seasoned small business owner, this Australian Small Business Show is the show for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristy-Lee Billett
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Footprint Collective Pty Ltd All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Australian Small Business Show

You Might Also Like