Victorian Small Business Network

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Discover the importance of written contracts for small businesses, practical strategies for boosting profits, getting your invoices paid and creating inclusive workplaces in this empowering episode of VSBN. Join the panel of experts as they share invaluable insights for small business success.
Podcast Members:
Jan Davis: Advocate for disability employment and founder of Aqueous Talent (http://aequistalent.com.au/)
Sarah Burke: Contracts lawyer for small and medium businesses (https://www.slblegal.com.au/)
Phil East: Profit acceleration strategist (https://profitimprover.com.au/)
Spiro Pikoulas: Managing director at Sales Cred (https://salescred.com.au/)
Key Topics Discussed:
- Importance of Written Contracts
- Why templates from the internet can be risky.
- Real-life examples of contract mistakes and their consequences.
- Tips on creating contracts tailored to your business.
- Profit Maximisation Strategies
- How to improve profits by raising prices and cutting costs.
- Leveraging compounding strategies for exponential growth.
- Insights into cash flow and the value of a profit acceleration roadmap.
- Credit Management Essentials
- Strategies for ensuring timely payments and reducing overdue accounts.
- Effective follow-up processes and the importance of relationship building.
- Role of contracts in covering legal and payment terms.
- Disability Employment Advocacy
- Breaking down barriers in the workplace for people with disabilities.
- Success stories like Amy’s journey from anxiety to independence.
- Overcoming misconceptions about hiring individuals with disabilities.
Visit vsbn.com to connect with today’s guests and access free resources.
A special offer to VSBN Podcast listeners: A FREE, NSA (no-strings-attached) blueprint for profit acceleration in your business using my Profit Acceleration SoftwareTM (valued at $1,500-) Book with Phil here https://calendly.com/profitimprover/pas12
Join and support the community of active and passionate business owners by attending online or in-person events designed for connection. https://vsbn.com.au/events

🎙 Brought to You by the Victorian Small Business Network (VSBN)

Looking to grow your business and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs? VSBN is here to connect, share and grow with small business owners across Victoria. Proudly produced by VSBN — the network that brings passionate business owners together through relaxed networking events all over Victoria.

Ready to expand your network and take your business to the next level? 🌟

👉 Join us at our next event: vsbn.com.au

_

Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/victoriansbn
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoriansbn/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@victoriansbn
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/victoriansbn/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriansbn/

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We dive into the heart of powerful movements making a real difference! Today, we’re sitting down with Marija Caruana-Smith, the inspiring co-founder of Tread On Trafficking, a national fundraising event supporting Destiny Rescue.
Tread On Trafficking - https://www.treadontrafficking.com.au/
Marija shares her incredible journey—how this event started, the impact it’s making, and why she’s so passionate about protecting children from exploitation.
We’ll also explore the role the business community can play in making our world a safer and better place for the next generation. Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with purpose, action, and hope!

🎙 Brought to You by the Victorian Small Business Network (VSBN)

Looking to grow your business and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs? VSBN is here to connect, share and grow with small business owners across Victoria. Proudly produced by VSBN — the network that brings passionate business owners together through relaxed networking events all over Victoria.

Ready to expand your network and take your business to the next level? 🌟

👉 Join us at our next event: vsbn.com.au

_

Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/victoriansbn
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoriansbn/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@victoriansbn
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/victoriansbn/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriansbn/

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Do you have a plan for 2024
This audio was taken from a Grow Your Network event where the fabulous Lisa G, The Business Chick, who is a business coach. We went through goal setting exercises with our group.
"So today being January, everything I've been doing the last 30 days really with clients is all about planning for 2024. Even if you've got a plan, it's about most people have it in their head. They've got kind of a goal or they kinda know what they're going to do for the year, but they never put it on paper, ever.
There's actually a statistic for that. Something like 78% of business owners don't have a plan for their year. So that's my first question for you.
Do you have a plan for 2024?
And do you have it written down on paper? Okay. Yes. Now, yes, there was a yes at the end. So to have a plan for 2024. First for the first quarter, the first 90 days plan.
So how can you possibly expect to make lots of money by the end of 24 if you don't have a road map? It will not happen. I can guarantee you it will not happen unless you're in a business where it just accidently happens like an electrician. Because during COVID they were doing a whole lot of home renovations and I accidentally made a fortune.
They didn't have a plan. But now, after COVID, they're falling apart because it's so overworked. They didn't have a plan. So now they can't keep up with all the work that they had. Right. So what's your plan? Number one is you need to have the very clear goal. So what's your goal for 2024? And this is where I really wanted you to have a pen and paper out.
We need to know where you need to know what your goal is for the end of the year. So we're going to take maybe 2 minutes now and you can talk to the person next to you as you want to. But I need you to write down something really specific that you want to achieve by the end of 2024.

🎙 Brought to You by the Victorian Small Business Network (VSBN)

Looking to grow your business and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs? VSBN is here to connect, share and grow with small business owners across Victoria. Proudly produced by VSBN — the network that brings passionate business owners together through relaxed networking events all over Victoria.

Ready to expand your network and take your business to the next level? 🌟

👉 Join us at our next event: vsbn.com.au

_

Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/victoriansbn
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoriansbn/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@victoriansbn
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/victoriansbn/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriansbn/

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In this episode of the Victorian Small Business Network podcast, we explore the art of branding and marketing with industry experts.
Kosta Iatrou - Ikonic Brands (branding specialist),
Marie Alafaci - MarieAlafaci.com (marketing copywriter and author),
Xenia Buman - Mosaic Photographika (branding photographer)
share actionable insights on creating a standout brand, crafting compelling content, and using photography to tell your unique business story.
Highlights & Key Takeaways:
What is Branding? 0:56
Why Branding Matters 3:47
Brand Identity Framework 6:40
Content Marketing Essentials 9:12
What Events Will You Target? 11:07
What's Essential for Content Marketing 13:49
The Importance of the About Page 19:03
Brand Photography 29:00
What is Branding Photography 32:17
Collaboration with Web Designers 34:35
Practical Tips for Small Businesses 37:16
Visit The Website
Victorian Small Business Network (https://vsbn.com.au)
Podcast Members
Kosta Iatrou (https://ikonicbrands.com/)
Marie Alafaci (https://mariealafaci.com/)
Xenia Buman (https://mphotos.com/)
Join and support the community of active and passionate business owners by attending online or in-person events designed for connection. https://vsbn.com.au/events

🎙 Brought to You by the Victorian Small Business Network (VSBN)

Looking to grow your business and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs? VSBN is here to connect, share and grow with small business owners across Victoria. Proudly produced by VSBN — the network that brings passionate business owners together through relaxed networking events all over Victoria.

Ready to expand your network and take your business to the next level? 🌟

👉 Join us at our next event: vsbn.com.au

_

Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/victoriansbn
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoriansbn/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@victoriansbn
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/victoriansbn/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriansbn/

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Discover how this boutique property manager and custom cabinetry business thrive through communication and innovation.
Featuring
Chuck Joubert from Proactiv Property Group https://www.proactivpm.com.au/
Glaucia Camargo from Renovaction https://renovaction.com.au/
This episode dives into the world of property management and custom cabinetry. Chuck shares how his boutique property management firm stands apart through clear communication and specialised services, while Glaucia highlights the challenges and rewards of running a cabinetry business that prioritises employee well-being and customer satisfaction. Together, they explore the importance of transparency, relationships, and expertise in their respective industries.
Key Takeaways:
Communication is the cornerstone of successful property management
Tenants are treated with respect, fostering better care for properties
Proactive Property Group focuses solely on property management for landlords and tenants
Pay your rent, look after the property
Recruiting skilled workers and maintaining a reputable brand is crucial
Deciding on a specialty (or niche product), for us it's kitchens
Emphasising functionality and personalised design
Design processes that help avoid costly mistakes and regrets
Entrepreneurship Lessons:
Building a niche focus allows businesses to stand out.
Tailored approaches to service create trust and long-term relationships.
Visit https://vsbn.com.au to connect with Chuck, Glaucia, and other members of the Victorian Small Business Network. Subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring stories and practical advice!

🎙 Brought to You by the Victorian Small Business Network (VSBN)

Looking to grow your business and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs? VSBN is here to connect, share and grow with small business owners across Victoria. Proudly produced by VSBN — the network that brings passionate business owners together through relaxed networking events all over Victoria.

Ready to expand your network and take your business to the next level? 🌟

👉 Join us at our next event: vsbn.com.au

_

Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/victoriansbn
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoriansbn/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@victoriansbn
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/victoriansbn/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriansbn/