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MYB092: How to Stop Discounting and Start Making Real Profit

Max Your Business

Release Date: 06/19/2025

MYB118: 2026 Business Planning: How to Review Your Year and Reset for Growth show art MYB118: 2026 Business Planning: How to Review Your Year and Reset for Growth

Max Your Business

In this final episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin put on their coaching hats to guide you through the transition from the "silly season" into a powerful new year.  It’s been a cracking year, and as we race towards Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in the momentum and forget to stop, breathe, and reflect. Ben and David unpack why dwelling on the negatives of the past 12 months creates a "white worm" of negativity in your brain, and how shifting your focus to your wins can change your entire trajectory for 2026.  They break down...

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MYB117: How to Structure Your Business for Growth: Building a High-Performance Team show art MYB117: How to Structure Your Business for Growth: Building a High-Performance Team

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin dive deep into one of the biggest challenges business owners face: building a team that actually helps you grow, rather than just adding to your workload.  As we head towards the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to review not just where your business has been, but where your team is heading. Ben and David unpack why the old excuse of "it's hard to find good people" is often a reflection of the business owner's mindset, not the market. They discuss the critical shift from a "worker mindset"...

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Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin tackle a massive issue for many business owners. That is the obsession with getting more leads while ignoring the ones they already have.  If you are thinking about spending more money on marketing to grow your business, you might want to listen to this first. Ben and David explain why increasing your conversion rate is far more profitable (and cheaper) than chasing new traffic. They unpack the psychology behind why people buy, why "convincing" customers is the wrong approach, and how a solid,...

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Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin unpack why working harder is rarely the answer to scaling a successful business. If the thought of doubling your customers makes you panic because you'd just be working twice as hard, then your business structure needs a rethink.  Ben and David use a great fishing analogy to explain why technique beats brute strength every time. They introduce a game changing concept called the "Four Machines" framework. This is all about moving away from people based job descriptions and moving towards function...

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Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin tackle the single biggest reason business owners stay stuck: a lack of solid foundations.  Ben kicks things off with a story from his recent diving holiday. While he was completely switched off, another business owner on the same trip was stuck taking calls. The difference? It isn't luck; it's a decision to build systems that allow for true freedom. Ben and David unpack the common excuses ("no one can do it like me" or "it's too hard to train someone") that keep you trapped.  If you're tired...

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MYB113: Stuck in the MYB113: Stuck in the "Doing"? How to Systemise and Reclaim Your Time

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin challenge the "busy" trap. If you're constantly feeling like there aren't enough hours in the day, working after dinner, or stuck on tasks you know you shouldn't be doing, this episode is for you.  Mastering delegation is essential to building a business that doesn't rely on you. Ben and David unpack why it's so hard to let go (hint: it's a habit), the critical difference between delegating and abdicating, and how to use systems to confidently hand over responsibilities. They explain how to delegate...

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Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin dive into one of the biggest topics in business right now: Artificial Intelligence. Fresh back from a tech conference in the US, they unpack how AI is already saving business owners a stack of time and why ignoring it is a massive risk to your competitive advantage.  Ben and David share real-world case studies on how AI "employees" are already answering phones, freeing up teams, and creating better customer experiences. If you think AI is just a gimmick, a robot, or something that won't affect your...

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Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin reveal a simple mathematical formula that has the power to completely transform your business. They unpack the concept of leverage and show you exactly where to focus your time and energy for the biggest possible return. If you feel like you're working hard but the numbers aren't reflecting your effort, it's likely you're focusing on the wrong things. Ben and David break down the five critical KPIs that actually drive growth. Forget vague goals like "more customers" or "more revenue."  This episode gives...

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MYB110: The S.Y.S.T.E.M. That Will Save You Time, Energy, and Money show art MYB110: The S.Y.S.T.E.M. That Will Save You Time, Energy, and Money

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin dive into one of the most critical, yet often overwhelming, parts of building a scalable business: systems. They unpack the true meaning of S.Y.S.T.E.M. which stands for Save Yourself Time, Energy, and Money, and explain why it’s the key to getting off the hamster wheel for good. Tired of answering the same questions over and over? Feel like everything depends on you? Ben and David share practical, modern strategies for creating simple, effective systems for everything from answering the phone to delivering...

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MYB109: Why Your High-Turnover Business Might Be Worthless show art MYB109: Why Your High-Turnover Business Might Be Worthless

Max Your Business

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin get straight to the point: revenue is just a vanity metric. The real measure of a successful business is how much profit it generates and how much value it holds for the future. Ben and David unpack why so many owners fall into the trap of building a low-profit business that relies entirely on them. They discuss the critical mindset shifts needed to move from being an employee in your own company to a true business owner and investor. If you're working flat out but not seeing the rewards, or if you've never...

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More Episodes

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 building a profitable, sustainable business. With relatable stories (including a restaurant rethinking its entire menu) and straight-talking advice, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about turning revenue into real profit.
Episode Highlights:
 00:00 – Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast
 04:18 – The discount trap: how it quietly destroys your margins
 08:39 – Why increasing sales doesn’t always solve your problems
 10:50 – Clarkson’s Farm: A business lesson in doing the numbers
 13:23 – Charging what you’re worth (and why most people don’t)
 16:06 – How one restaurant owner is adapting their offer for today’s market
 21:51 – Pricing with confidence and evolving your business model
 23:34 – The maths behind discounting (and why it rarely works)
 29:04 – The truth about time, effort, and delivery costs
 34:53 – Service businesses: the hidden cost of underquoting
 38:58 – The bottom line: know your numbers or gamble your future

Key Takeaways:
Revenue ≠ Profit
 Sales are great—but they mean nothing if your costs are swallowing your margins.
Discounting Isn’t a Strategy
 A 10% discount could mean needing 30% more sales just to break even. It’s not worth it.
Small Price Increases = Big Wins
 Most customers won’t even blink. And if they do? They’re usually not your ideal client.
Track, Review, Adjust
 If you haven’t reviewed your pricing in the last 12 months, you’re probably already behind.
Use a Budget, Forecast, and Breakeven Tool
 Episode 86 walks you through how to plan for profit—not just hope for it.
Mindset Matters
 Shifting from employee thinking to business owner thinking is the first step to charging what you're really worth.
📘 Get your free workbook The Dangers of Discounting at maxmyprofit.com.au/dangers

If you're serious about building a profitable business (not just a busy one), this episode could be the wake-up call you need. Subscribe for weekly episodes packed with practical advice and no-fluff strategies to help you Max Your Business.