Paul Sweeney, the host of The Business Behind Your Business, is back and ready for another exciting year of delving into the world of small business. We are settling into 2023 now with the Australian summer holidays fading into memory and busy routines returning. We are also seeing a push from many businesses to have […]
Maybe you’ve been wondering how this podcast came about? A bunch of factors coming together resulted in Paul Sweeney wanting to create a podcast focused on helping small business owners. First of all, Paul comes from a small town where he saw first hand the implications of local businesses succeeding or failing. Success of failure […]
Are you guilty of mindless spending at work? Maybe you have cash leaking from your business and you don’t even realise it! Paul Sweeney (Pretium Solutions) explores some of the most common areas where money is wasted: Unused or under-used subscriptions Unnecessary licences Old subscriptions from past employees Automatic renewals These areas are often overlooked […]
Standard operating procedures (or SOPs) are about making things simpler at work and saving time. The work day is full of so many tasks and it makes sense to keep things as easy as possible. SOPs help you organise and streamline your activities to make the best use of your time. This is especially important […]
We assume accuracy is beneficial all of the time, but perhaps not always necessary. You can think of situations where accuracy might be sacrificed for speed perhaps, creativity, or just to get the ball moving on a project. Remember the saying by Catherine Carrigan, ‘Perfect is the enemy of done.’ But when is accuracy essential in business? Accuracy […]
Running a successful business is all about the profit, right? While being profitable is the ultimate goal of a business, one of the most important factors (and one of the biggest pain points) is management of cash flow. So what can you do to improve your cash flow? Paul Sweeney from Pretium Solutions explores some […]
Running your own business is amazing, right? The freedom, the power, the money – more like, the STRESS! Stress is something that everyone experiences, but for small business owners, it can feel extreme as you try to grapple with every problem imaginable and find solutions to please everyone. It’s an uphill battle that can leave […]
Sales is commonly listed as a problem area for businesses. But where to begin with fixing things? What can you do to improve your sales? Nathan Williams, founder of Customer Return, joins us to look at some of the biggest sales issues faced by businesses including: Developing the right pitch Creating a sales process that […]
It’s something that all businesses (and individuals) dread – a data breach. We all know by now how important it is to protect our data. But despite the tools and education available, these data breaches still happen. And sometimes, like the recent Optus breach, they are massive. This incident has led to many important questions […]
As part of our celebration of our 100th episode, we asked our listeners what topic they would like covered. The consensus was to do a compilation of the best business advice from listeners. So that is what you will find in this jam-packed episode! We heard from business owners and professionals about the strategies that […]
Delegation can be a great tool for business owners to use – but only if used correctly! Otherwise, employees can feel resentful (“I’m getting the jobs no one else wants!”) or overwhelmed (“This isn’t my job, why am I doing it? I have no idea what to do!”) Raj Nathoo from Keystone Active Learning shares […]
Do you need to know more about your customers or competition? What about trends affecting your industry? Or generational shifts in society? Successful businesses are all about providing great solutions to difficult problems faced by your customers. To make sure you are on the right path, it is crucial to have the right information to […]
Starting a business is easier than ever, but building a successful one? That’s the real challenge. Many entrepreneurs dive into start-ups without fully understanding the risks, market demands, or financial pitfalls—leading to failure before they even get off the ground. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Peter Deans, […]
Podcast highlights from 2024 The Business Behind Your Business had some incredible guests over the past year. I have been lucky enough to interview people from many different industries, including many international guests! It is a real privilege to hear their stories and to share them with our podcast audience. Here are some of my […]
Are you struggling to generate high-quality leads without spending a fortune on marketing? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we uncover a game-changing strategy that can double or even triple your lead conversion rates—without increasing your marketing budget! Our guest, Maxwell Nee, Chief Revenue Officer at ScoreApp, reveals how quiz marketing is […]
Feeling overwhelmed with endless tasks in your business? You don’t have to do it all alone! In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, we uncover how virtual assistants (VAs) can help you regain your time, reduce stress, and grow your business more efficiently. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or unsure about […]
Struggling with supply chain issues? Wondering how disruptions could impact your business—or how to prevent them? You’re not alone! Supply chains became a hot topic during COVID-19, but they remain a critical factor in business success today. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or industry leader, understanding how supply chains work (and how to manage them) can […]
Struggling to close deals? Losing potential customers because you’re not following up effectively? You’re not alone—most business owners and entrepreneurs give up after just two or three follow-ups, missing out on massive sales opportunities. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, sales expert Jacob Hicks shares why consistent follow-up is the secret weapon for increasing conversions, […]
One of the most time-consuming and frustrating challenges faced by businesses are meetings, and especially board meetings. From chasing down reports to dealing with last-minute changes and version control issues, the process can quickly become a logistical nightmare. And what a headache (and waste of time) it is reading a slide show on your phone […]
Are you attracting the right customers for your business, or are you stuck in a cycle of working long hours for clients who aren’t the right fit? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Marama Carmichael, CEO of Oracle Tree, to uncover why so many business owners struggle […]
Are you prepared for the unexpected? Every business will face a crisis at some point—whether it’s a PR disaster, a supply chain breakdown, or a financial emergency. But the difference between businesses that survive and those that struggle often comes down to preparation. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits […]
If you’re a business owner who feels overwhelmed, overworked, and constantly in the thick of everything, this episode is a must-listen. Host Paul Sweeney takes a deep dive into the “hub and spoke” model—a common but problematic setup where every decision, task, and communication flows through you, the owner. While this might seem manageable in […]
In today’s fast-changing business landscape, survival isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about adapting, innovating, and thinking long-term. In this episode, we sit down with Rick Yvanovich, an experienced entrepreneur and business strategist, to explore what it takes to thrive in an era of constant transformation. Whether you’re a start-up founder or an established business leader, this […]
If you think pay is just about numbers, think again. In today’s talent-short market, the way you compensate your people could be the reason they leave—or why they stay and thrive. In this episode, Trudy MacDonald, award-winning business leader and Managing Director of TalentCode HR, pulls back the curtain on remuneration. She explains why most […]
If you’re a small or medium-sized business owner, this episode could save you from costly legal missteps that threaten your business’s growth—or even its survival. Legal expert Matthew Fornaro joins the podcast to highlight the essential contracts and legal strategies that many entrepreneurs overlook in their rush to launch or scale. Whether you’re just starting out or […]
Negotiation is more than winning—it’s about creating value for both sides. Many business owners struggle with negotiations, relying on outdated strategies that often lead to conflict or lost opportunities. Whether you’re dealing with vendors, partners, or internal stakeholders, your ability to negotiate directly affects your bottom line and professional confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn […]
What happens when you stop following the rules—and start following your passion? In this inspiring and insightful episode, Stephen Ridley shares how he built a globally recognized music brand, grew an online academy that now teaches over 1.2 million students, and turned personal passion into a thriving, purpose-driven business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or creative […]
Ready to sharpen your e-commerce strategy and stay ahead of the curve? In this episode, Matthew Stafford joins us to share real-world tips and forward-thinking advice to help business owners thrive in the ever-evolving world of online retail. With years of hands-on experience, Matthew offers a clear perspective on what it really takes to succeed […]
Financial literacy isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a survival skill for business owners. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with tax expert and financial educator Michelle Campbell about the hidden financial pitfalls entrepreneurs often face, and how a lack of financial understanding can quietly sabotage your business. Whether […]
Why understanding your customer’s values can unlock serious business growth Are you missing the mark with your customers—and don’t even know it? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with marketing strategist and author Chris Peterson to explore a transformative idea: your customers’ personal values—specifically whether they lean conservative […]
Work That’s Worth It: How Purpose Transforms Performance with Georgi Enthoven In a time when attracting and retaining great talent is tougher than ever, especially among Gen Z workers, are you approaching employee engagement the right way? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Georgi Enthoven—entrepreneur, Harvard Business School alumna, […]
Equipment for Content Creation: A Practical Setup Guide for Business Owners
Getting into podcasting or video content creation for your business can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to equipment. As a fellow content creator who’s refined my setup over time, I can tell you: it’s absolutely okay to start small and build gradually. You don’t need to spend big from day one to produce quality content. The key is to understand your needs, test what works, and upgrade when the time is right.
Why should you care about restructuring your business—especially when things seem to be going fine? Because waiting for a crisis to act could be the most expensive decision you ever make. In this episode, turnaround expert James Martin reveals why restructuring isn’t just a last resort—it’s a powerful tool for transforming challenges into competitive advantage. If […]
Imagine waking up to find your website gone, your email list inaccessible, or your brand’s identity being misused online—and you have no idea how to take it back. That’s the nightmare too many business owners face because they’ve unknowingly handed over control of their digital assets. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host […]
How to Lead with Happiness, Hope, and Human Connection—Even in Tough Times If you’re a small or medium business owner struggling with team morale, leadership challenges, or just the daily grind of running a business, this episode is for you. In this inspiring conversation, Dr Calvin Lawrence Jr—a seasoned educator, leadership expert, and author of The […]
If you’ve ever been frustrated by a team member, confused by a client’s behaviour, or struggled to influence outcomes in your business—this episode is for you. Host Paul Sweeney welcomes experts Josh Davis and Greg Prosmushkin to explore the power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and how small and medium-sized business owners can use it to become more […]
