Grow A Small Business Podcast - From 1 Team Member to 50: Mike McHenry's Journey of Scaling Seamless SMSF, Building a Culture of Care, and Auditing 30,000 Funds While Supporting 360 Firms with a People-First Approach on the Gold Coast, Australia. (Episode 611 - Mike McHenry)

From 1 Team Member to 50: Mike McHenry's Journey of Scaling Seamless SMSF, Building a Culture of Care, and Auditing 30,000 Funds While Supporting 360 Firms with a People-First Approach on the Gold Coast, Australia. (Episode 611 - Mike McHenry)

Explicit content warning

12/29/24 • 53 min

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey interviews Mike McHenry, founder of Seamless SMSF, shares his inspiring journey of scaling from a solo venture with one team member to a thriving business with 50 staff. Based in Gold Coast, Australia, Seamless SMSF audits over 30,000 funds for 360 firms, emphasizing a people-first culture. Mike reveals key lessons on building processes, maintaining strong relationships, and fostering team development. His insights offer valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs navigating growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here. Michael delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Mike McHenry believes the hardest part of growing a small business is managing people. He emphasizes that while people are the greatest asset, they can also be the biggest challenge. Success comes from hiring for cultural fit over skill alone, fostering trust, and building a supportive and aligned team culture. He stresses that having the right people who follow effective processes is essential for delivering outcomes and sustaining growth.
What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Mike McHenry's favorite business book is "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber. He appreciates its focus on the importance of systems and processes in creating scalable and successful businesses. Mike considers it a foundational read for anyone starting or running a business, highlighting how it teaches entrepreneurs to understand their customers deeply and build businesses that feel personal and supportive.
Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Mike McHenry recommends exploring sales-focused podcasts and resources like Simon Sinek's insightful YouTube content, which emphasizes people and leadership challenges in the modern era. While he doesn’t follow specific podcasts regularly, he values recommendations from trusted contacts and seeks out learning opportunities that align with his interests.
What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Mike McHenry highlights culture as the most critical "tool" for growing a small business. He emphasizes creating a people-first environment where empathy, respect, and collaboration are central. Building strong relationships with employees and customers fosters trust and engagement. Additionally, he recommends developing clear systems and processes to deliver consistent outcomes. McHenry advises asking, "What do I want people to say about my business when I’m not in the room?" and aligning your actions to achieve that reputation.
What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Mike McHenry's advice to himself on day one of starting out in business is: "Don’t panic. It’s going to be okay." He stresses the importance of staying calm, focusing on the bigger picture, and forgiving yourself for mistakes, as they are part of the journey. He encourages new entrepreneurs to approach business as a game, focus on their intent, and trust that things will work out with perseverance and a people-first mindset.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Success in business starts with giving a genuine care about people and their needs — Mike McHenry

Outstanding culture drives outstanding results; never compromise on it — Mike McHenry True business growth happens when you leave your ego at the door — Mike McHenry

What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Mike McHenry believes the hardest part of growing a small business is managing people. He emphasizes that while people are the greatest asset, they can also be the biggest challenge. Success comes from hiring for cultural fit over skill alone, fostering trust, and building a supportive and aligned team culture. He stresses that having the right people who follow effective processes is essential for delivering outcomes and sustaining growth.
What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Mike McHenry's favorite business book is "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber. He appreciates its focus on the importance of systems and processes in creating scalable and successful businesses. Mike considers it a foundational read for anyone starting or running a business, highlighting how it teaches entrepreneurs to understand their customers deeply and build businesses that feel personal and supportive.
Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Mike McHenry recommends exploring sales-focused podcasts and resources like Simon Sinek's insightful YouTube content, which emphasizes people and leadership challenges in the modern era. While he doesn’t follow specific podcasts regularly, he values recommendations from trusted contacts and seeks out learning opportunities that align with his interests.
What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Mike McHenry highlights culture as the most critical "tool" for growing a small business. He emphasizes creating a people-first environment where empathy, respect, and collaboration are central. Building strong relationships with employees and customers fosters trust and engagement. Additionally, he recommends developing clear systems and processes to deliver consistent outcomes. McHenry advises asking, "What do I want people to say about my business when I’m not in the room?" and aligning your actions to achieve that reputation.
What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Mike McHenry's advice to himself on day one of starting out in business is: "Don’t panic. It’s going to be okay." He stresses the importance of staying calm, focusing on the bigger picture, and forgiving yourself for mistakes, as they are part of the journey. He encourages new entrepreneurs to approach business as a game, focus on their intent, and trust that things will work out with perseverance and a people-first mindset.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Success in business starts with giving a genuine care about people and their needs — Mike McHenry

Outstanding culture drives outstanding results; never compromise on it — Mike McHenry True business growth happens when you leave your ego at the door — Mike McHenry

Previous Episode

undefined - QFF: Ral West's Business Success Story: From Scaling an 8-figure Annual Revenue Venture Sold to Alaska Airlines to Investing in 6000+ Apartment Units – Insights on Systems, Team Building, and Achieving Entrepreneurial Freedom. (Episode 610 - Ral West)

QFF: Ral West's Business Success Story: From Scaling an 8-figure Annual Revenue Venture Sold to Alaska Airlines to Investing in 6000+ Apartment Units – Insights on Systems, Team Building, and Achieving Entrepreneurial Freedom. (Episode 610 - Ral West)

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews Ral West shares her entrepreneurial journey, from co-owning an 8-figure annual revenue business sold to Alaska Airlines to investing in over 6,000 apartment units across five states. She outlines six key principles for business success, including systems, leverage, team building, and customer service. Ral emphasizes the importance of working on your business instead of being trapped in it, empowering owners to scale and achieve true freedom. Tune in for actionable insights on transforming operations, fostering culture, and creating a sustainable business model. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

The Importance of Systems: Establishing detailed systems and processes enables smoother operations, empowers team members, and allows business owners to step back from daily tasks.

Track Key Metrics: Identifying and regularly measuring critical performance data helps entrepreneurs stay informed and make strategic decisions to drive growth.

Leverage for Efficiency: Using automation, tools, and proper delegation allows business owners to duplicate themselves, ensuring the business operates seamlessly without their constant involvement.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Team Building is Crucial: Whether it’s a small team or a larger organization, having the right people in clearly defined roles is essential for scaling and long-term success.

Define and Foster Company Culture: A strong, intentional culture rooted in core values ensures consistency and alignment across the organization, benefiting employees and customers alike.

Focus on Customer Service: Exceptional customer service is non-negotiable for repeat business, positive reputation, and sustainable growth.

One action small business owners can take:

According to Ral West, one crucial action small business owners can take is to focus on working on their business rather than being stuck in it. This involves implementing robust systems, delegating tasks effectively, and empowering team members, allowing the owner to step back, strategize, and scale the business. This shift is essential for transitioning from a business operator to a true business owner. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

You can't scale a business unless you master the art of working on it, not in it — Ral West

The transition from operator to owner begins with delegation and leveraging your resources — Ral West

A strong business culture rooted in your values will echo through your team and your customers — Ral West

Next Episode

undefined - Driving Growth with H2 Resolve: This Estonia-based consultancy boosts success by optimizing scaling strategies, preventing over-hiring, and using automation to maximize efficiency and support sustainable growth. (Episode 612 - Helen Paas & Helen Maidre)

Driving Growth with H2 Resolve: This Estonia-based consultancy boosts success by optimizing scaling strategies, preventing over-hiring, and using automation to maximize efficiency and support sustainable growth. (Episode 612 - Helen Paas & Helen Maidre)

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Helen Paas and Helen Maidre, the founders of H2 Resolve, a consultancy based in Estonia. They share their innovative approach to scaling businesses, avoiding over-hiring, and leveraging automation for efficiency. With a unique blend of expertise, they provide tailored solutions to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Listen in to gain valuable insights from their inspiring journey. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Helen Paas and Helen Maidre, the hardest thing in growing a small business is starting. They emphasize that taking the initial leap requires embracing uncertainty and stepping out of the safety of a stable environment, which can be daunting.
What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Helen Paas’s favorite business book is "Powerful" by Patty McCord, which provides insights into building effective workplace cultures. Helen Maidre finds inspiration in "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, a timeless guide to leadership and personal resilience.
Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Helen Paas and Helen Maidre suggest focusing on specific topics of interest rather than following particular podcasts. They recommend delving into topics relevant to your business growth and exploring targeted resources. For professional tools, they emphasize moving to structured email tools like Zendesk or Intercom for customer communication, which offer better insights and scalability compared to general platforms like Gmail.
What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Helen Paas and Helen Maidre did not specifically recommend any particular podcasts or online learning resources but emphasized a practical and focused approach to learning. Helen Maidre prefers diving into specific topics of interest rather than following particular podcasts, while Helen Paas has shifted her focus from consuming content to creating it, which helps her process ideas more effectively. They also highlighted their website, h2resolve.com, which offers free resources and blog posts about tools and strategies for small business growth, encouraging users to reach out with questions to tailor future content.
What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Helen Paas and Helen Maidre emphasized two essential pieces of advice they would give themselves on day one of starting a business: first, to seek help faster rather than trying to do everything alone, as leveraging support and expertise can streamline growth and reduce challenges; and second, to practice patience, understanding that success takes time and consistent effort to achieve.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Make your product so good that your customers don’t need to contact you — Helen Paas and Helen Maidre Hire for brains, not just hands, to maximize potential — Helen Paas and Helen Maidre

Learn to say no to the wrong clients, even if the money is tempting — Helen Paas and Helen Maidre