Business Benchmark Group Podcast

Matthew Adams founded Motosign (https://motosign.com.au) in 2004 and has grown a business that is passionate about everything to do with signage - vehicle signage, car wraps, shop front signage, wall graphics, outdoor banners and much more. Matthew joined our Board of Directors 12 program in 2017, and within one year, the business has achieved phenomenal growth, including doubling their revenue within a year, growing their team from 4 to 7 and doubling their Average Dollar Sale. Matthew Adams explains the change in his in mindset and identity he's experienced in his first year as part of our Board of Directors 12 Program - and what that has done not only for his business, but also his family and personal life. As Matthew mentions: "My mindset has improved 1000% in the last year.” My wife pointed out that since joining Business Benchmark Group, she could see the change in me. Having things like cashflow under control keeps a lot of pressure off the family. Paying for the kids schooling, paying off the h

Joseph Lattouf, Co-Founder of Hairhouse Warehouse with his brother Tony, shares the incredible story of his life in business. From humble beginnings of buying a single “run-down” hair salon in Doncaster, Victoria in 1987, to eventually becoming Australia’s number one hair and beauty franchise with over 150 stores, he gives us his insight into the highs and lows of his journey, and what it took to achieve this astonishing success. In a very brief summary: Persistence, hard work, passion and always striving to be better each and every day. He calls his formula “Opening Day Attitude” – having the same drive to succeed every day that they had when they launched their business for the very first day. Timestamps: 7:25 – Opening their first salon in 1987 – “Lattouf International” 10:05 – Starting Hairhouse Warehouse in 1992 14:05 – Ten years in business, running the business by the hour 15:36 – First setting up the franchise 17:26 – Opening an “upmarket” store and how that challenges their value propositi

A "Think Tank" session by Stefan in which he explores how important it is to be able to tell the story of your business, and the identity shift that needs to occur as you progress through the different stages of business. As your business evolves, you need to be telling new stories - not the same old ones you've been telling for years. Tell new stories, and as you act as a bridge builder for your clients, have them tell your stories for you. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Need a business coach? Visit businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au. Email info@businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Subscribe to our podcast: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Benchmark-29372537/ Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast PodBean: https://www.podbean.com

Stefan was fortunate to impart some wisdom to the nominees for the 2018 Manningham Business Excellence Awards Young Achiever. As we head into a new year, this is a great opportunity to reflect on where you’ve been, and where you want to head in the new year and beyond. Stefan shares some of his wisom with these up-and-comers in what he calls a “discovery conversation”. This is an inspirational discussion for everyone at whatever season of life you are in, based around the theme of how do you achieve success in business, and more broadly, in life? Some of the pearls of wisdom and topics that Stefan explores (in what are fast becoming known as #Stefanisms!): • Are you a person of integrity? Do you do what you say? Do you finish what you start? • How to maintain standards – “The standard that you choose to walk by, defines you standard.” • Will you allow will-payer to move your life forward, or will-not power? • Say no to the things that will not keep you on the path to mastery. • You need to have p

Our interview with Craig and Jessica Abbott - founders and owners of Heavy Haulers / PHIIT Studio (recorded in August 2015). Craig and Jess offer fantastic insight into what it takes to recognize an opportunity, develop a unique concept and make it successful - and how they overcame all the inevitable obstacles along the way. Starting out as Heavy Haulers back in 2007, there was nothing like it available in group exercise. It was hugely unique in terms of feedback, measurability, quality, variety and culture of team and members. They took this unique concept and were able to create an incredibly successful business. Notably, in the highly competitive fitness industry, they've been able to achieve 77% retention rate, so they're definitely doing something right! The business continues to go from strength to strength. Just recently, they've diversified their business with the launch of PHIIT Studio alongside Heavy Haulers. Check out their website: https://phiitstudio.com.au Find them on Facebook: https:

Our interview with Gavin Sloan, the founder of LiveChatMonitoring.com. An incredible story of turning around a business on the brink of folding, to becoming a global leader in it's industry. This interview took place in April 2015, and since then, the business has continued to grow exponentially. In the 14 months prior to this interview, Live Chat Monitoring was just beginning it's huge explosion. It had grown 2,600% in those 14 months, including growing from 2 staff members to 46 in the same time. Incredible! Although this promising growth was not always certain. Gavin explains just how precarious the situation was at Live Chat Monitoring - it was losing money each month and it actually reached a point where Gavin could not continue paying staff. He actually wrote a letter to staff that they were closing down, and could not afford to keep going. After sitting on the letter for 24 hours, he realised he had a great, small team and decided to regroup and have another go for 6-12 months if possible. And t

Martin Cooperwaite, co-founder of Kiandra IT (kiandra.com.au), shares the story of starting and growing his award-winning company, along with providing top advice for business owners implementing digital strategies in their business. Martin‘s IT story started over 30 years ago when he wrote adventure computer games for his 2nd grade primary school friends. He's come a long way since, co-founding the award winning Melbourne-based software development and IT company 20 years ago. Martin‘s drive and passion for custom software has been instrumental in developing Kiandra‘s reputation as one of Australia‘s top custom software development houses. Kiandra has become one of Australia‘s top custom software development houses and has received a significant number of awards, including Medium-sized Business of the Year at the 2012 Telstra Business Awards, Best SMB Reseller at the ARN Awards, Best Overall Business at the Asia Pacific Business Excellence Awards, and awarded a BRW Best Place to Work seven years running

Stefan interviews the owners of Traffic Diversions Group – Paul McRedmond, Stefan Shulz and Ross McDonald. In 2012, Stefan and Ross took a calculated risk to purchase Traffic Diversions Group, with Paul buying into the business just a couple of months later. The had the vision of being the “best traffic control company in Victoria” – a vision which they have achieved and continue to strive for to this day. All three had been involved in the traffic management industry, but they saw a big opportunity in the industry and gaps in the market that could be better served. Their focus was especially towards the “top end” of the industry where best practise was expected. Despite significant competition, they saw an opportunities to capture the “top end” of the market. In the three years after taking over the business (from 2012-2015), TDG has undergone enormous change and growth. • Revenue has doubled every year. • There has been a large staff turnover which has helped to create a motivated and effective te

In this short "Think Tank" podcast, Stefan explains what it takes to build an A-Grade business. He explores the 4 key aspects to needed to create a successful business: 1. Be an A-Grade Business Owner 2. Have an A-Grade Team 3. Having A-Grade Suppliers 4. Having A-Grade Customers Without the first 3 things, you will not attract A-Grade customers. Stefan then explores just what it takes be 'A-Grade'. In summary, it's about having a mindset about continuous improvement. That means you must measure everything you can, and make strategic decisions to improve all aspects of your business. You can't make those decisions based on gut-feel, they must be based on facts and evidence. You should be aiming to leave a legacy with your business, and that means growing people that will be better than you at some point, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Need a business coach? Get in touch with Business Benchmark Group! Visit businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au. Email info@businessbenchmarkgroup.com

Our interview with Kylie and Simon Frank, owners of Powercom Electrical (powercomelectrical.com.au) Simon and Kylie share their story in business – from humble and challenging beginnings, to experiencing enormous growth and success over the past 2 years. Since becoming clients of Business Benchmark Group just over 2 years ago, their monthly revenue has increased threefold, taking the business from the kitchen table to a factory with a team of 11 people in that short time. Simon, Kylie and their business coach Damien Churton share the story of how they’ve been able to achieve such significant growth in that time – a key to this being a focus on clarifying who exactly their ideal target market was, and ensuring they focused on serving ‘A grade’ clients. Any trade-based business owner - or any small business owner for that matter - will find the story of their journey incredibly useful and inspiring, with many takeawaysthey will be able to apply to their own business. With the right mentality, knowled

In this “brain stretch” episode, Stefan explores what it takes to build a high performance team. There are nuggets of gold right throughout this episode to pay attention to, including: • The 16 cylinders of high performance • The distinct difference between growing a team versus building a high performance team • The mental toughness required to continue to raise the bar • The two types of pressure – negative and positive – and how • The 4 things required to have a breakthrough • The importance of reviewing your data every week when building a high performance team We’re enjoying your feedback on our episodes – we’ll soon be having more interaction with business owners to address the issues and problems business owners are facing every day in their business. Be sure to get in touch with us with your questions, feedback and what topics you’d like us to explore! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Need a business coach? Visit businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au. Email info@businessbe

Julie Quinton shares her truly touching and inspiring personal story of her life in business. Her husband Brian purchased the independent supermarket in January 2000. Sadly, just seven years later in August 2007 at the age of just 49, Brian died from Pancreatic Cancer. In devastating circumstances and with no prior experience in the business, Julie took on the challenge of taking over the family business to ensure Brian’s legacy continued for the next generation of family members. The business has not only survived, but has thrived ever since in an industry where independents are under increasing pressure and most struggle. Quinton’s SUPA IGA is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with a core focus on providing outstanding service, fresh local produce and a passion for supporting the local community in Warrandyte. They are Warrandyte’s biggest employer with around 100 employees, and they also support every sporting club, school, kindergarten and community group in Warrandyte. Quinton

As a business owner, when you’re building a business you need to have a clear idea about where you’re headed and put a structure in place so that when you reach the point of an exit, you’re prepared. Business owners need to create a strategy for success and build a business that is not just dependent on them – that it is something far bigger than them – they need to create something that builds a legacy. Business owners need to move beyond being an employee and manager in the business, to being an owner and investor in the business. In this brain stretch discussion about exit strategies and succession planning, Stefan explores all this and more. - - - - - - - - - Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy-Im2ArAL8 - - - - - - - - - - - - Subscribe to our podcast: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/business-benchmark-group-podcast/id1372652118?mt=2 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/businessbenchmarkgroup iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-Business-Bench

We interview Tom Harley, CEO of Harley & Sons Roofing (formerly Aussie Plumbers & Gutters) in a fantastic, candid interview discussing the challenges and successes in running and growing his business. Harley & Sons Roofing (harleyroofing.com.au) is a second generation family business in Melbourne who has undergone huge growth over the past few years. Prior to working with us at Business Benchmark Group, Tom was regularly working 14 hour days, encountered problems with lead-flow, recruiting, and the systems and processes within the business. After joining our Board of Directors program, Tom implemented new processes and ideas that have allowed the business to grow competently and confidently. Key achievements include: - Huge growth in revenue, profit and team - Focused on improving all elements of leadflow, workflow and cashflow, with incredible results - Established systems and processes in all aspects of the business – allowing everyone to know their role and allowing for delegation of tasks t

In this Think Tank, Stefan explores business partnerships, and how to make them successful in comparison to other alternatives. There are many good reasons for getting into business partnerships, but in order for a successful outcome – for all parties - there are many issues you must first consider and traps you must avoid. Partnerships are all about negotiations, so you must take your time to understand each party’s position (which is shown in their behaviour) and their interests (the motivation behind the behaviour). You must also beware of which party has the most alternatives in a partnership negotiation, because the person with the most alternatives, has the most power in any type of negotiation. Stefan also shares 3 components of any successful partnerships. 1. There must be a desire. If you’re convincing (hard selling) to get someone into a partnership, it will boomerang on you. Go slow to go fast! 2. There must be an agreement, in writing, witnessed by someone who is not cheap. Not a handshak

Bek McMillan is the owner of Gourmet Living in Templestowe Victoria (https://www.gourmetliving.com.au/). Bek shares her really incredible business journey, which started with just an idea, and led to her being named as a Finalist in Telstra’s Young Business Woman of the Year in 2015. Bek achieved incredible success in a short space of time. In a period of just 12 months, Bek was able to increase her revenue by 350%, more than double her average dollar sale and double her database. Much of that growth occurred when she was a Board of Directors 12 member at Business Benchmark Group. She shares how important Board of Directors was for her success – including being held accountable to the plans she made, structuring her work so that she focused enough time on growing her business, and implementing processes for sales and following-up leads. There are useful lessons and inspiring motivation here for every small business owner. Enjoy! Visit Gourmet Living: https://www.gourmetliving.com.au/ - - - - -

How do you build the most successful business model in the world? Generating repeat customers and getting referrals is the most effective and affordable way to build your business. It costs far less to keep an existing customer, and to get referrals from those customers, compared to any other marketing technique. Repeat and referral customers also require less work to convert to a sale because they already have some familiarity with you, and reason to trust you. Stefan shares a three-part formula to business success for any business, and the three aspects of creating your selling propositions to have a ‘difference’ factor that keeps you ahead, or in the minority, of your industry. Stefan also shares how important it is to leverage other people’s networks in order to grow your own business – and getting your tribe to do your selling for you. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Download our white paper – “How to build an effective referral strategy in your business” - from our websit

Interview with the owners of family-run plumbing business H2Pro, Tony Welsh and Tristan Wise. Tony started working on his own business in 2000 with the philosophy that he offered "more than ‘Bum Crack and Blue Heeler’ plumbing" - it was plumbing with professionalism. Over the years, the business evolved to become H2-Pro plumbing. H2-Pro became a client of Business Benchmark Group in 2014, and since then has gone from strength-to-strength, including winning the Manningham Business Excellence Award back-to-back in 2014 and 2015. Tony and Tristan discuss their business journey, some of the hurdles they've had to overcome, and more importantly, many of the successes they've had - and what has led to their success. They discuss the importance of knowing their numbers, the attitude-shift required to spend time working ON the business, not in it, and the importance of building systems, delegating and utilizing technology. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Need a business coach? Get in touc

Stefan explores the topic of business diversification. Many business owners look to diversify their business far too early, putting more and more balls in the air before really mastering one yet. It’s important to build upon your business’s core strengths – don’t diversify your business into new areas where you spread yourself too thin and become mediocre. Instead, focus on your strengths, leverage your assets and deliver more value to your customers. Be consistent in your excellence, build upon your repeat business and referral business, and focus on value innovation for your target market – especially in the first phases of business. Only diversify into other markets, or other segments once your core business is solid. In other words, you need to go deep – that’s where the diamonds are found. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Need a business coach? Visit businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au. Email info@businessbenchmarkgroup.com.au - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Interview with Ben & Emma Stallworthy, owners of Pinnacle Health Clubs. In this fantastic interview, Ben and Emma share the story of their business journey, the challenges they've faced and the successes they've had as they've grown from a single club to the four premises they have today. This is a must-listen to episode for business owners, especially so for those in the fitness sector. Ben and Emma discuss how they've dealt with the competition of bargain-priced gyms, the trend of 24/7 gyms and how they were able to address these challenges within their own business. They share the importance of focusing on retaining their clients and how they empower their growing team to grow and take on new responsibilities which has given Ben & Emma the time needed to focus on growing their business. All this and more in this week’s podcast. Visit Pinnacle Health Clubs www.pinnaclehealthclub.com.au - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you have a question for Stefan to answer in an upcoming episode