Max Your Business

Hosted by Ben Fewtrell

Business Education

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Episodes

140

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 11, 202634 min

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.

June 4, 202630 min

MYB136: How to Use AI in Your Small Business (Plus a Simple Planning Strategy That Works)

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin dive into a topic that sounds boring but can completely change your business: planning. But not just any planning. They discuss keeping it incredibly simple while leveraging the latest AI tools to skyrocket your efficiency. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of your day-to-day operations, but Ben and David share how integrating tech like ChatGPT and voice AI can handle the heavy lifting. They also unpack the formula for change and share personal stories on why having a massive 10-year vision makes the daily hurdles look tiny. If you are feeling overwhelmed or think you do not have the time to plan, this episode will challenge you to get your ideas out of your head, onto paper, and into action. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 00:48 - A business milestone: scoring a direct website sale without lifting a finger 01:34 - Outbound voice AI agents and why the future is already here 03:47 - Using ChatGPT to crunch numbers, build spreadsheets, and control margins in seconds 07:00 - How Ben built a custom lead-gen calculator app in under four minutes 11:09 - The "I don't have time to plan" myth busted 14:15 - The CHA Formula for Change: D x V + F > R 19:18 - Lessons from Tony Robbins and Alex Hormozi: why you need a bigger vision 24:22 - Ben's massive 420-square-metre office leap of faith 29:21 - Your Next Steps Key Takeaways: Leverage AI for Efficiency: Stop reinventing the wheel. Tools like ChatGPT and voice AI are here right now to handle the tasks you do not have time for. Get It Out of Your Head: The biggest barrier to planning is keeping it all in your mind. Write it down to externalise and act on your ideas. Start with the Nagging Issues: Do not get overwhelmed by massive business plans. Fix the most pressing problems first to clear your mind and build momentum. Bigger Goals Make Smaller Obstacles: When setting long-term goals, dream without limitations. A massive vision makes day-to-day challenges seem far less significant and easier to overcome. 🚀 Get your free Simple Planning Workbook at maxmyprofit.com.au/simple and start taking real, actionable steps in your business today. Tune in to discover how to bring your plans to life. Don't miss this episode, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

May 28, 202630 min

MYB135: Position Descriptions vs Role Clarity - Setting KPIs for Small Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack a common issue that quietly causes a massive amount of frustration in businesses today. When staff drop the ball or need constant reminders, owners often feel like they have a people problem. But as Ben and David explain, it is almost always a clarity problem. Hiring someone and assuming they just know what to do is a recipe for chaos. Ben and David share practical tips on the crucial differences between standard position descriptions and true role clarities. They discuss how to define expectations, set the right KPIs, and ensure your team knows exactly what winning looks like. If you are tired of saying your team lacks ownership, this episode will challenge you to look at your own systems and start building a well-oiled machine. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 01:34 - Why stepping out of your daily busyness to network is a game changer 04:08 - The real reason staff drop the ball (hint: it is a clarity problem) 05:51 - The major difference between a position description and a role clarity 10:14 - Why you need to manage outcomes instead of just assigning tasks 13:08 - A real-world case study on putting the right people in the right roles using DISC profiles 18:43 - Why your KPIs must include both quantitative numbers and qualitative attitude checks 23:51 - How to collaborate with your team to co-create their role clarity documents 25:04 - The golden rule: systemise the routine and humanise the exception Key Takeaways: Go Beyond the Standard PD: A position description gives a basic overview, but a true role clarity document defines the exact outcomes, KPIs, and core competencies required. Focus on Outcomes: Great leadership is about setting clear expectations for the final result rather than micromanaging the daily tasks. Balance Your KPIs: Make sure you measure both the hard numbers and the cultural behaviours you expect from your staff. Systemise to Scale: Build solid processes for the routine tasks so your team can spend their energy managing the exceptions. 🚀 Get your free Role Clarity Workbook at maxmyprofit.com.au/clarity and start setting your team up for true success. Tune in to discover how to bring yours to life. Do not miss this episode, and do not forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

May 21, 202627 min

MYB134: How To Build Solid Business Foundations That Actually Scale

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack the ultimate difference between owning a business and just creating a stressful job for yourself. It all comes down to one crucial, often overlooked element: your foundations. Ben and David explore why so many business owners skip this vital step and find themselves running around trying to hold the walls of their business up on their own. They share the five key areas of business foundations, how to regain control of your time and financials, and how leveraging AI tools can make the process easier than ever. If you are feeling trapped in the daily grind of your operations, this episode is exactly what you need to hear to shift your mindset and start building a business that can eventually run without you. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 04:24 Are you building a business or just working a job? 08:23 Gaining control: how foundations turn your business from reactive to predictable 11:48 The "holding up the walls" analogy and why systems matter 12:15 How to access the free 75-point Foundations Workbook 13:08 The five key areas of business foundations you must master 15:07 Using AI tools to map out valuable tasks and build KPI dashboards 17:23 The mindset shift required to build a business that works across multiple locations 21:13 The 80/20 rule: why 80 percent of coaching focuses on foundations 23:07 The boiling frog: recognising when your business is taking over your life 24:06 Your Next Steps Key Takeaways: Build a Business, Not a Job: A true business is a commercial, profitable enterprise that operates without you having to be there. Being self employed is fine, but it requires a completely different mindset to owning a scalable business. Stop Holding Up the Walls: Without solid systems and foundations in place, you are forced to hold your business together through sheer willpower. This ultimately caps your growth and drains your time. The Five Pillars of Foundations: To step back from the daily grind, you must master having a written plan, understanding your financials, managing your time, tracking reporting KPIs, and implementing a structure built for growth. Do Not Be the Boiling Frog: Pay attention to the warning signs of burnout. If you are constantly working 12 hour days and cannot step away from the business for a month, it is time to change your approach and build better foundations. 🚀 Get your free Foundations Workbook featuring a 75-point checklist at maxmyprofit.com.au/foundations and start building a business you love to run. Tune in to discover how to set yourself up for scalable growth. Do not miss this episode and do not forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

May 14, 202631 min

MYB133: Leading Under Pressure: Fighter Pilot Secrets to Building a Bulletproof Team Culture

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, host Ben Fewtrell sits down with a very special guest, Mike Mason. After spending 20 years in the Royal Air Force flying frontline fighter jets, Mike knows a thing or two about performing under pressure. Now, through his company On Target, he brings those high-stakes military lessons into the corporate world. Hiring for technical skill is standard, but keeping a team running smoothly comes down to behaviour and communication. Ben and Mike unpack the critical importance of "human factors" and why the humans operating the machines matter more than the machines themselves. They share practical tips on mastering the art of the debrief, making subtle shifts in how you speak to your team, and using immersive training to build non-technical skills. If you are tired of repeating the same mistakes or struggling to get your team communicating effectively, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach and start leading like a pro. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 02:24 - Mike's journey from flying fighter jets to the corporate sector 03:00 - Why human factors are the real key to operational success 09:30 - The massive missed opportunity of effective debriefing in business 12:30 - Subtle communication tweaks to stop defensive reactions instantly 15:40 - A real-world example of how not to communicate as a leader 19:15 - Using immersive spaceship simulations to train non-technical skills 26:00 - The life-saving and money-saving impact of human factors training 29:20 - Your Next Steps Key Takeaways: The Power of the Debrief: Whether a project is a massive win or a complete flop, taking the time to reflect and adjust is where the real growth happens. Reframing Your Questions: Swap out "why did you do that?" for "what led to that happening?" to keep your team open and out of defensive mode. Hire for Skill, Fire for Behaviour: Technical skills get people in the door, but non-technical skills like teamwork and communication are what keep your business thriving. Learn to Communicate Under Pressure: How you speak to your team when things go wrong dictates your culture. Create a safe space for open, honest feedback. 🚀 Grab your free debriefing guide and find out more about Mike's workshops at ontargetteaming.com to start building a high-performing team today. Tune in to discover how to bring these strategies to life. Do not miss this episode, and make sure you subscribe for more practical insights every week.

May 7, 202634 min

MYB132: The 7-11-4 Rule Explained - How Modern Buyers Make Decisions

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack why the old ways of generating leads are dead and how you need to adapt to modern buying behaviours to keep your sales pipeline full. Generating leads isn't about slapping an ad in the Yellow Pages anymore. Today's buyers are doing their research, reading reviews, and watching videos long before they ever speak to you. Ben and David share how buying systems have evolved, why building "know, like, and trust" looks completely different now, and how to use Google's 7-11-4 rule to your advantage. Whether you are comfortable on camera or prefer to hide behind the scenes, this episode is packed with practical tips to build effective lead magnets and leverage new tech to attract your ideal customers. If you are tired of watching leads dry up, this episode will challenge you to revamp your marketing engine. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 03:21 - Why lead generation is the vital first machine of your business conveyor belt 04:45 - How human buying behaviour has drastically changed over the last 20 years 09:27 - The one thing that hasn't changed: people still buy from people they know, like, and trust 13:42 - Breaking down Google's 7-11-4 research and what it means for your marketing 15:50 - What actually makes a good lead magnet and how to use it right 18:11 - Where to get the free Lead Magnet Workbook 21:31 - How to use video for marketing even if you hate being on camera 26:05 - Leveraging AI tools to make content creation dead simple 30:40 - Why you must demonstrate the "transformation" your customer will experience Key Takeaways: The 7-11-4 Rule: On average, a buyer needs 7 hours of engagement, 11 touchpoints, across 4 different locations before making a decision. Plan your content accordingly. Trust is Still King: The medium has changed, but the fundamental need for buyers to know, like, and trust you hasn't. Your online presence needs to build that rapport. Value-Driven Lead Magnets: A lead magnet must offer genuine value in exchange for contact details. Don't trick people with rubbish if you want to keep their trust. Video is Non-Negotiable: You don't have to be the face of the video, but you need video content to build relationships and demonstrate value to your target market. 🚀 Get your free Lead Magnet Workbook at maxmyprofit.com.au/magnet and start building an automated machine to attract your ideal clients. Tune in to discover how to bring your lead generation into the modern era. Don't miss this episode and don't forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

April 30, 202632 min

MYB131: The Secret to Managing Difficult Staff with DISC Profiling

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin breakdown the fascinating world of DISC profiling and explore why some people just seem harder to deal with than others. Communication is not one size fits all. Ben and David share practical tips on how identifying the four key behavioural traits (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness) can completely transform your workplace dynamic, your sales results, and your hiring process. If you are tired of team conflict or wondering why certain prospects just will not buy, this episode will challenge you to adapt your approach and understand that people are not difficult, they are simply different. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 02:30 The winter chill and a chat about Seasonal Affective Disorder 04:13 Introducing DISC profiling and what it actually measures 05:45 Breaking down the four key profiles: D, I, S, and C 08:37 The critical difference between your natural and adapted state 10:20 Where to take your own 10 minute assessment 11:32 Why hiring a team of people just like you can bottleneck your growth 14:21 How to profile a role before you start the recruitment process 20:00 Using behavioural profiling to supercharge your sales conversions 25:52 Real examples of how understanding profiles eliminates team conflict 31:10 Your next steps Key Takeaways: People Are Not Difficult: They are just different. Most workplace conflict is not personal; it is simply a clash of communication styles. Adapt Your Approach: Your ability to adapt your behaviour to match the person you are speaking with is a massive advantage in leadership and sales. Profile the Role First: Before hiring, figure out the behavioural traits required for the position. This helps you ask much better interview questions. Know Your Natural State: Understanding how you and your team react under pressure helps manage stress and volatility in the workplace. Treat People How They Want To Be Treated: If your team member loves detail, give them detail. If they want brief bullet points, keep it short. Speak their language to get the absolute best results. 🚀 Discover your own behavioural style by grabbing your assessment at maxmyprofit.com.au/mydisc and start building a business with better communication. Tune in to learn how to bring these insights to life. Do not miss this episode and do not forget to subscribe for more practical tips every week.

April 23, 202629 min

MYB130: How to Increase Profit Margins Without Losing Your Best Customers

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack one of the quickest ways business owners lose money: discounting. Giving money away might seem like the easiest way to win customers, but if you do not know your numbers, it is a fast track to eroding your profits. Ben and David share practical advice on why you should never discount until you learn to count. They dispel the myths around big retail sales, explain the hidden costs of running long-term accounts, and break down the frightening maths behind how many extra sales you actually need just to break even after a simple price cut. If you are tired of slashing your prices to win jobs or feel like you are working twice as hard just to make the same amount of money, this episode will challenge you to look at your margins and confidently hold your ground. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 03:30 - Why business owners fall into the trap of discounting 06:14 - The myth of big retail sales and who really pays for the discounts 11:51 - Introducing the Dangers of Discounting Ready Reckoner tool 12:51 - The real maths: Why a 10 percent discount requires a massive jump in sales 15:00 - Why you need to know individual product margins, not just overall gross profit 16:56 - The hidden discount: How 60 to 90 day accounts are secretly costing you money 18:58 - When discounting actually works (a strategic acquisition case study) 23:35 - Why your marketing budget should focus more on existing repeat customers 26:55 - The simple two-word advice for businesses currently discounting Key Takeaways: Don't Discount Until You Can Count: You must thoroughly understand your break-even points and profit margins before adjusting your pricing. Retailer Secrets: Big brands are not cutting their own profits. They use supplier-funded promotions, meaning you are playing a completely different game if you try to copy them. The Maths is Scary: A simple 10 percent discount on a 40 percent margin means you need 33 percent more sales just to make the exact same amount of money. Accounts Are Hidden Discounts: If clients take 60 to 90 days to pay, you carry the financing cost. That unrealised cost eats directly into your profit margin. Price Buyers Leave on Price: If you win a customer purely because you are the cheapest option, they will abandon you the second they find a lower price elsewhere. Increase Prices to Work Less: Raising prices might cost you a few difficult clients, but you will ultimately do less work, have fewer headaches, and make more money. 🚀 Get your free Dangers of Discounting Ready Reckoner at maxmyprofit.com.au/dangers and find out exactly what dropping your prices is costing your business. Tune in to discover how to protect your margins. Don't miss this episode, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.

April 16, 202632 min

MYB129: How to Plan an Exit Strategy for Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin tackle a topic many business owners leave until the last minute: retirement and building a solid exit strategy. Preparing to leave your business requires a proper plan. Ben and David explore why you need to start strategising your exit today, even if you are decades away from retiring. They break down the realities of stepping away from daily operations and unpack the different pathways you can take to exit on your own terms. If you have ever wondered what will happen to your business when you are ready to hang up the boots, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 03:41 Why most business owners have no exit strategy whatsoever 05:56 When should you start planning your retirement? 08:20 Adopting the "everything is for sale" mindset 10:25 The reality of stepping out of day to day operations 15:15 Understanding the difference between business profit and your wage 20:00 Option 1: The trade sale and selling to a competitor 21:34 Option 2: Structuring a management buyout with your team 23:13 Option 3: Navigating family succession and keeping the legacy alive 25:47 Option 4: Partial sales and bringing in private equity partners 27:36 Option 5: Asset sales and why your customer list is valuable 29:36 Get your free value workbook Key Takeaways: Start Planning Now: The way you structure your business today dictates your options for selling or stepping away tomorrow. Build to Franchise: Even if you never plan to actually franchise, building highly systemised processes makes your business infinitely more valuable to an investor. Profit vs Wage: Be prepared to take home less money when you stop working in the business daily, as your wage will no longer be part of the equation. Know Your Exit Options: From trade sales and management buyouts to family succession, each path requires a completely different strategy and preparation timeline. Do Not Just Wind Down: Failing to plan ahead often results in simply closing the doors, leaving huge amounts of potential value on the table. 🚀 Get your free workbook covering the top eight essentials to add value to your business at maxmyprofit.com.au/value. Tune in to discover how to prepare your business for the ultimate payday. Subscribe for more practical insights every week.

April 9, 202638 min

MYB128: 7 Ways to Increase Average Spend in Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack why you do not need a constant stream of new leads to grow your revenue. They explore the untapped potential of your existing customer base and the power of focusing on client fulfilment. Growing your business is not just about expensive customer acquisition campaigns. It is about maximising the lifetime value of the people who already trust you. Ben and David share practical strategies to increase average spend, add real value, and move from being a simple order taker to genuinely helping your clients. If you are tired of paying high acquisition costs to hit your revenue goals, this episode will show you how to boost your bottom line with the customers you already have. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 01:07 Travel catch ups, potholes, and dodging cyclones 04:58 The common business mistake of chasing leads over client fulfilment 07:27 Acquisition costs versus the cost of keeping a customer 09:25 How to calculate your average spend and why it matters 10:55 The McDonald's effect, upselling, and retraining your customers 18:41 Shifting your mindset from taking orders to helping your customers 22:32 Adding value instead of discounting to win the heart share 27:52 Using package deals to increase perceived value 34:58 Increasing your prices and dealing only with A and B grade customers Key Takeaways: Focus on Fulfilment: Your existing customers already know, like, and trust you. Give them reasons to stay and spend more. Measure Average Spend: You cannot improve what you do not measure. Track your revenue and customer numbers to set clear goals. Ask the Question: A simple upsell or cross-sell can dramatically increase profits without adding acquisition costs. Add Value, Do Not Discount: Compete on service and experience rather than dropping your prices. Package Your Offers: Group complementary products or services together to create a logical and attractive deal for your customers. Leverage Relationships: Small businesses have a massive advantage over big corporations when it comes to personal connection and care. 🚀 Get your free workbook featuring 7 ways to increase your average spend at maxmyprofit.com.au/spend. Give it a read and start maximising your profits today. Tune in to discover how to bring these strategies to life. Do not miss this episode, and do not forget to subscribe for more practical insights every week.