Max Your Business

Hosted by Ben Fewtrell

Business Education

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Episodes

149

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 20, 202629 min

MYB147: How Small Businesses Can Stop Bad Debts and Protect Cash Flow

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast , hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin tackle one of the most frustrating challenges small business owners face : unpaid invoices and bad debts. Responding to a listener question from Drew, Ben and David break down how overdue debts silently drain your cash flow and what you can do to prevent them from happening in the first place. Carrying bad debt isn't just about missing cash, it carries an opportunity cost that holds your business back from growing. Ben and David share practical strategies for chasing overdue accounts, setting clear terms upfront, and establishing a rock-solid collection system so you're not left playing banker for your clients. If you're sick of chasing unpaid bills or worried about how a dodgy client might impact your cash flow, this episode will give you the practical steps and mindset shifts needed to get paid on time, every time. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 01:16 Listener question from Drew: Bad debts, insurance, and cash flow recovery 02:01 Prevention vs cure: Why fixing collection systems stops debts from turning bad 04:09 When does an overdue invoice actually become a bad debt? 05:48 Taking a stand: Halting work and enforcing your payment terms 07:01 Spotting the warning signs early and grading your customers (A through D) 08:52 Practical debt collection: Why calling beats emailing and how rapport gets results 11:17 Setting up for success: Signed agreements, upfront deposits, and credit checks 16:12 Is trade credit insurance worth it, or should you just avoid high-risk clients? 18:52 Rebuilding your cash flow: Introducing the free Cash Flow Workbook 22:10 How cash flow forecasting gives you certainty (and saved one manager $11,000) 25:53 The reality of court judgments and why legal action is rarely a quick fix 28:06 Key KPIs to track and how to submit your questions Key Takeaways: Prevention Beats Cure: The most effective way to handle bad debts is to stop them before they start by setting strict payment terms, taking upfront deposits, and putting solid collection systems in place. Grade Your Clients: Focus your energy on 'A' and 'B' grade customers who respect your terms, and don't hesitate to halt work or part ways with chronic late-payers . Pick Up the Phone: Automated email reminders only go so far. A friendly, direct phone call builds rapport, uncovers cash flow issues early, and moves your invoice to the top of their payment pile. Forecast, Don't Guess: Your current bank balance doesn't tell the full story. A rolling 90-day cash flow forecast gives you true visibility, control, and peace of mind. 🚀 Get your free Cash Flow Workbook at maxmyprofit.com.au/cash and start taking complete control of your business cash flow today. Tune in to discover how to protect your business from unpaid bills and build a reliable cash flow system. Don't miss this episode, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week!

August 13, 202628 min

MYB146: Why Your Website Isn't Getting Leads (and How to Fix It)

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast , hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack why simply having a website is no longer enough. If your site is just a digital brochure gathering dust, you are leaving money on the table. Having a website is not just about making things look pretty anymore, it is about building an automated system that attracts the right people, builds trust, and generates actual enquiries. Ben and David share practical tips on moving away from expensive technical builds to creating dynamic online hubs that actually convert . They discuss the psychology of website visitors, how AI is revolutionising the way we build sites, and why having a robust backend system matters just as much as a slick homepage. If you are tired of getting traffic but no actual leads, this episode will challenge you to look at your online presence differently and start building a website that works as hard as you do. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 00:43 Why Ben got fooled by an AI country rock band on Spotify 03:48 The problem with treating your website like a printed digital brochure 06:24 The retail shopfront analogy and why website traffic without conversions is pointless 09:10 The three types of website visitors and how to appeal to all of them 11:28 Using trust signals and how to easily capture video testimonials for your site 12:47 Why you need to update your website every single month 16:40 The difference between a technical website build and a strategic marketing website 19:07 What happens after the click and the massive importance of speed to lead 20:30 Introducing AI chatbots and automating your sales backend Key Takeaways: Function Over Form: An effective website prioritises clear pathways for all visitor types and lead generation rather than just looking pretty. Keep It Alive: Regular updates and prominent video testimonials signal to both Google and your customers that your business is active and trustworthy. Automate the Backend: A website is useless if enquiries fall into a black hole. Connect a solid system to handle leads instantly and ensure rapid speed to lead. Embrace New Tech: AI tools like chatbots and rapid website builders are changing how quickly you can create, update, and manage customer interactions. 🚀 Claim your free website build by signing up for DigiSyncro Max at offer.digisyncro.com before the 31st of August. Tune in to discover how to bring your website to life. Do not miss this episode and do not forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

August 6, 202636 min

MYB145: Hiring a Manager: Should You Promote From Within or Look Outside?

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast , hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack one of the trickiest decisions business owners face : when you need a manager, do you promote from within your existing team, or do you hire fresh talent from the outside? Finding a manager is not like hiring a tradie . It is about bringing in someone who can truly lead, and getting it wrong can cost you both a good employee and the stability of your business. Ben and David share practical tips, real client stories, and a crucial mindset shift that proves why the best "doer" in your business rarely makes the best manager. If you are ready to step back and let someone else take the wheel, this episode will challenge you to look at your team differently and build a leadership structure that actually works . Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 04:18 - Why your best operations person might make a terrible general manager 09:28 - The hidden risks of promoting from within just because it feels "safe" 16:45 - The "Blinding Flash of the Obvious" (BFO) that changes how you run your business 24:19 - Managing expectations when an internal team member misses out on a promotion 28:50 - Why you must step back and give your new manager complete authority 31:14 - The critical difference between delegation and abdication Key Takeaways: Skills Do Not Always Transfer: The best technical worker or operator in your business does not automatically make the best manager. Leadership and management require a completely different skill set. Ask the Right Question: As a business owner, you need to stop asking "What do I have to do today?" and start asking "Who can I get to do what has to be done today?" Avoid the Comfort Trap: Promoting from within feels safer, but it can backfire heavily if the person lacks the ability to let go of operational tasks. If an internal team member misses out, manage expectations with an honest, upfront conversation. Delegate, Do Not Abdicate: Handing over a role does not mean you just walk away. You have to nurture your new manager, publicly support their authority, and redirect team members back to them instead of overriding their decisions. 🚀 Get your f ree Delegation Workbook at maxmyprofit.com.au/delegate and start learning how to effectively hand over the reins. 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.

July 30, 202621 min

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.

July 29, 202633 min

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.

July 16, 202629 min

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.

July 9, 202631 min

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.

July 2, 202645 min

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.

June 25, 202631 min

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.

June 18, 202630 min

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.