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The Australian Small Business Show

The Australian Small Business Show

By: Kristy-Lee Billett
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The Australian Small Business Show has been created by small business owners, for small business owners. Your hosts Matt Heighway and Kristy-Lee Billett, who have both been running businesses for over 15 years, will bring our first hand experiences to offer insights, advice and inspiration to help you build a successful small business. Each week we’ll discuss one specific strategy, topic, resource or tip that’s relevant for every small business, and we’ll be inviting along some amazing guests and friends in business to share their expertise with you. Whether you're starting out, scaling up or a seasoned small business owner, this Australian Small Business Show is the show for you.Copyright The Footprint Collective Pty Ltd All Rights Reserved Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Politics & Government
Episodes
  • How to Stay in Business 20 + Years
    Apr 4 2026

    Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

    In this episode we’re celebrating a huge milestone and diving into what it really takes to stay in business for 20 plus years – as Kristy-Lee is celebrating 20 years in business!

    We unpack the journey from those early days of starting a business, including the risks, the rapid setup and the reality of just getting started, through to what it takes to build something sustainable over the long term. We share some honest reflections on what worked, what didn’t and why longevity in small business is far less common than many people think.

    We also explore the key phases of growth and change that happen over time. From rapid early expansion, hiring a team and evolving services, through to navigating challenging periods like economic downturns and shifting markets. We talk about the importance of adapting your business model, learning from mistakes and making tough calls when something is no longer aligned. This includes transitioning services, changing delivery models and ultimately moving into an online business well before it became the norm.

    A big focus in this episode is on mindset and resilience. We discuss the importance of being gritty, staying consistent and being willing to do the boring but necessary work that builds a successful business. We also share why knowing your market, spotting opportunities and being willing to pivot quickly can give small businesses a real advantage over larger competitors.

    Finally, we wrap up with practical advice for anyone starting out or wanting to go the distance in business. We talk about the value of surrounding yourself with other business owners, learning continuously, seeking out mentors and backing yourself even when things feel uncertain. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a business that lasts, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    Connect with Us:

    If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

    We’d love to hear from you!

    Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

    Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

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    19 mins
  • Buying a Car in Your Business with Warwick Jackson from Fox Group Chartered Accountants
    Mar 28 2026

    Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

    Today we are joined by returning guest Warwick Jackson from Fox Group Chartered Accountants to talk about buying a car in your business.

    We explore the key considerations you need to think about before making a purchase, including how your business structure impacts the tax treatment and why it is so important to plan ahead rather than making decisions at the dealership.

    We dive into the complexities of fringe benefits tax and why it often catches business owners out. We break down how it works in simple terms, the importance of understanding private versus business use, and why keeping a logbook can make a significant difference to your outcomes. We also bust some common myths, including the idea that signage on your car automatically makes it tax deductible, and share practical advice on how to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

    Throughout the episode we also explore the financial side of things, including GST implications, depreciation limits and the hidden traps that can come with purchasing higher value vehicles through your business. We also touch on electric vehicles and the potential tax advantages currently available, along with why it may still be worth keeping records even when certain exemptions apply.

    Finally, we round out the conversation with practical tips around financing your vehicle purchase, managing cash flow and avoiding common pitfalls like balloon payments. As always, we emphasise the importance of speaking with your accountant before making any big decisions so you can structure things in the most effective way for your business.

    If you’d like to connect with Warwick you can find the details on their website here:

    https://www.foxgroup.com.au/

    Or connect with him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warwick-jackson-2744b615/

    Connect with Us:

    If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

    Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

    We’d love to hear from you!

    Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

    Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

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    30 mins
  • Mastering Difficult Conversations With Your Staff
    Mar 21 2026

    Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

    In this episode we dive into a topic that so many small business owners struggle with, having difficult conversations.

    We unpack why these conversations are often avoided, how that avoidance can actually make things worse, and the hidden cost it can have on your team, your time and your overall business performance. We also explore the reality that difficult conversations show up in many forms, from underperformance and behavioural issues through to pay rise discussions, promotions and even interviews.

    We share real examples of the types of conversations that come up in small business and why putting them off can lead to bigger problems down the track. In particular, we discuss how delaying these conversations can create confusion for team members, impact team culture and even make your eventual response seem like an overreaction. We also touch on the importance of setting clear expectations early, especially during the hiring process, to avoid difficult situations later on.

    A big focus of this episode is giving you practical strategies to approach these conversations with more confidence. We talk about the importance of getting clear on your objective before going into the conversation, understanding your team members communication styles, and tailoring your approach so your message is actually heard. We also highlight the value of being specific, prepared and aligned, particularly if you are working with a business partner or leadership team.

    Finally, we share some simple but powerful tips to help you take action, including why you should not delay these conversations, how to structure them effectively, and the importance of following up afterwards. If this is something you find challenging, we also share details of an upcoming workshop designed to help you prepare, script and confidently handle your next difficult conversation.

    Want to join Kristy-Lee’s upcoming workshop on this topic? Get your free seat here:

    https://www.peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au/handled

    Connect with Us:

    If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

    Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

    We’d love to hear from you!

    Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

    Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

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    14 mins
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