In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Kelly Brown, co-founder and CFO of The Working Party, who shares her journey in building a thriving e-commerce agency with 25 team members. She highlights the critical mindset shift from structured corporate life to the freedom and responsibility o f entrepreneurship. Kelly reveals how aligning team values and fostering open communication have been key to their success. This episode offers valuable insights for small business owners looking to create a strong company culture while navigating growth challenges.
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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:
1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
According to Kelly Brown, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing the pace of growth. She notes that for fast-growing businesses, it can feel like there's a constant need to work around the clock, which makes it essential to distinguish between what's important and what can wait. This challenge requires a balance of urgency and strategic prioritization to ensure sustainable growth.
2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
Kelly Brown doesn't have a specific favorite business book that has helped her the most. She mentions that her business partner, Cal, has a substantial collection of books and often refers to them for insights. While she appreciates the value of reading and learning, her approach leans more toward seeking knowledge in specific areas as needed rather than following a particular book.
3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
Kelly Brown highly recommends the podcast series that Sam created, particularly the influencer series, which includes insightful episodes featuring various guests, like chefs. She enjoys learning from others' business experiences and strategies. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of tools like Xero and spreadsheets for managing and growing a small business.
4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
Kelly Brown recommends using Xero and spreadsheets as essential tools for growing a small business. Xero is particularly valuable for managing finances and accounting, while spreadsheets are useful for tracking data and analyzing business performance.
5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
Kelly Brown advises that on day one of starting out in business, it's crucial to be steadfast in your confidence. She emphasizes believing in yourself and your abilities, and to simply go for it, recognizing that you have what it takes to succeed.
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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:
In business, embracing the unknown is an opportunity for growth – Kelly Brown
Hiring for values rather than just skills creates a cohesive team – Kelly Brown
Trust in your journey and have confidence in your abilities – Kelly Brown
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