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MYB081: Foundation First - Why Your Business Can’t Scale Without Solid Systems

Max Your Business

Release Date: 04/03/2025

MYB097: How to Create a Simple Lead Magnet That Actually Wins You More Customers show art MYB097: How to Create a Simple Lead Magnet That Actually Wins You More Customers

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin pull back the curtain on one of the most overlooked marketing tools for small businesses: the lead magnet. If your website isn’t collecting leads, or your lead magnet is sitting in a folder doing nothing, this is the episode for you. Ben and David break down what a lead magnet really is, why it matters, and how to create one that does more than gather email addresses. It builds relationships and leads to real sales conversations. They also dive into the common mistakes businesses make with lead magnets, how to...

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MYB096: You’ve Got Leads. So Why Aren’t You Making More Sales? show art MYB096: You’ve Got Leads. So Why Aren’t You Making More Sales?

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack why most sales teams find it hard to convert. It often comes down to one thing: they don’t have a clear, buyer-focused sales process in place. Ben and David share the seven essential steps every sales process needs, with practical stories from their own experience. From snapper fishing (yes, really) to DISC profiling, automation, and handling objections, they explain how to make selling less awkward and far more effective. Whether you're doing the selling yourself or managing a growing team, this episode...

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MYB095: Stop Losing Leads: Why Every Small Business Needs a CRM show art MYB095: Stop Losing Leads: Why Every Small Business Needs a CRM

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin dive into why every business—big or small—needs a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system.If you’re still using sticky notes, spreadsheets, or trying to remember everything yourself, this episode’s for you. From their  early days juggling paper lead sheets and Access databases, to the power of today’s automated, all-in-one systems, they share how a CRM stops leads from falling through the cracks, keeps your team on the same page, and frees you up to actually run your business, not just chase...

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MYB094: How to Tell If Your Business Is Actually Making Progress (Not Just Keeping Busy) show art MYB094: How to Tell If Your Business Is Actually Making Progress (Not Just Keeping Busy)

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin explore one of the biggest challenges for business owners: how to measure real progress, not just busyness. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but are you truly building a business that gives you more money and more time, or have things ended up a bit different than you’d hoped? Ben and David break down the blind spots that keep business owners from moving forward, share stories from clients who’ve turned things around, and offer practical tools for getting clarity on where you’re at and...

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MYB093: Planning the Year Ahead? Don’t Miss These 5 Key Steps show art MYB093: Planning the Year Ahead? Don’t Miss These 5 Key Steps

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin dive into a timely topic: getting your plan together for the new financial year. Whether you’re scrambling to close out June or already looking ahead, this episode gives you a practical framework to reset, refocus, and get results. If you’ve ever found yourself saying “Where did the year go?” or if your business plan is still sitting in your head instead of on paper, this episode is for you. Ben and David break down why planning doesn’t need to be complicated—and how keeping it simple is the key to...

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MYB092: How to Stop Discounting and Start Making Real Profit show art MYB092: How to Stop Discounting and Start Making Real Profit

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin tackle a challenge that hits home for so many business owners: You’re making sales… but where’s the profit? If you’ve ever looked at your revenue and wondered why there’s nothing left over at the end of the month, this episode is for you. Ben and David break down the real reasons why businesses stay busy but broke and what to do about it. From silent cost creep to outdated pricing and the dangerous mindset of discounting, Ben and David will help you uncover the financial leaks and get back on track to...

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MYB091: The Mindset Formula Every Business Owner Needs to Know show art MYB091: The Mindset Formula Every Business Owner Needs to Know

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin dive into the real game-changer in business—what’s happening between your ears. They’re talking mindset, beliefs, and how your internal dialogue directly shapes your outcomes. Whether you’re stressed out, stuck in scarcity thinking, or just feel like your business is plateauing, this episode cuts through the fluff and shows you how to shift your thinking to unlock better results. Ben and David unpack the powerful formula E + R = O (Events + Response = Outcome), how stress is self-created, and why...

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MYB090: Building a Real Team vs. Just Hiring People show art MYB090: Building a Real Team vs. Just Hiring People

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin get real about one of the most common business complaints: “It’s hard to find good people.” But is it really a people problem or a leadership one? If you’ve ever hired someone who didn’t work out, struggled to keep staff accountable, or found yourself doing everything because “it’s easier that way,” this episode is a must-listen. Ben and David unpack why most small businesses don’t have teams—they have groups of people—and how to fix that. From sports analogies to real hiring mistakes, they...

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MYB089: Should You Be Using AI in Your Business? show art MYB089: Should You Be Using AI in Your Business?

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way business owners work, plan, and grow. If you’re picturing robots or complex coding, think again. This is about simple, practical uses that save time, reduce admin, and help you make better decisions. From writing emails and analysing financials, to handling job applications and quoting systems, AI is now a real, affordable tool for small businesses. Ben and David break down the possibilities and share examples from their own clients (and lives) to show...

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MYB088: How to Get Your Customers Spending More (Without Being Salesy) show art MYB088: How to Get Your Customers Spending More (Without Being Salesy)

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin break down one of the easiest, most overlooked ways to grow your revenue—getting your customers to spend more, without resorting to hard-selling or gimmicks. From supermarkets to service-based businesses, the strategies shared in this episode apply to any industry. Whether it’s bundling products, using checklists, or simply asking the right questions at the right time, Ben and David unpack real-world tactics you can implement straight away. If you’ve been focused on getting more customers, this episode will...

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More Episodes

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin take you back to where every great business begins: the foundations.
Whether you're flying by the seat of your pants or already have a team in place, this episode is your reality check. Ben and David share what they've learned from decades of coaching thousands of business owners—most of whom skipped the vital first step. If you're constantly putting out fires, working insane hours, or feel like the business falls apart without you, this is a must-listen.
Without these foundational pieces in place, any attempt to grow your business will likely just magnify the problems you're already facing.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Introduction to the Max Your Business Podcast
 02:19 – Why stepping back from your business feels impossible (but shouldn’t be)
 03:51 – What the Blueprint really is—and why it’s not just another business model
 06:28 – Would you build a house without a plan? Then why do it in your business?
 08:34 – Why most owners are still stuck in the "job" stage, not the business stage
 10:36 – What’s inside the Foundation Checklist: 75 critical items to assess
 16:30 – You can’t grow if your base isn’t stable (seriously, don’t skip this step)
 19:09 – The mindset shift that changes everything: From “I do it” to “Who will do it?”
 24:03 – You don’t need a second business—you need to fix the first one
 28:10 – Long-term vision and strategic planning that actually works

Key Takeaways:
Stop Flying Blind: You wouldn’t build a house without blueprints—so don’t build a business without a plan.

Foundations First: Before scaling or stepping back, you need systems, financial clarity, and role structure in place.

Mindset is Everything: Success starts when you stop doing everything and start thinking like a business owner.

Take Stock: Most business owners are still in the Foundation stage (and don’t even realise it).

Clarity Brings Confidence: Know your break-even, cash flow, KPIs, and 90-day goals—not just “hope” it all works out.

🚀 Download the free Foundation Checklist at maxmyprofit.com.au/foundations and finally get your business set up to grow—with or without you.
Want to know exactly where you’re at in your business journey? Take the free Blueprint Quiz at maxmyprofit.com.au/blueprint and get instant clarity on what to focus on next.
Tune in for a practical, no-fluff conversation that could completely shift the way you see your business. Whether you’re starting out or levelling up, this episode is your invitation to build better—and smarter. Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly tips that actually move the needle.