Podcast
Money Secrets
Hosted by Fi Johnston · EN
The Money Secrets of successful small business owners. Let's get more money into the hands of good business owners, by talking more about the secrets of money in business.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
We're making small business harder than it needs to be (EP#67)
3w ago00:14:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Money Secrets, Fi shares a real behind-the-scenes story from planning the Ripple Retreat and how a frustrating customer experience sparked this episode about sales, communication, and the way small business owners make things harder for themselves. After trying to book a winery tour for a group retreat, Fi found herself receiving a $5,000 invoice before her questions had even been answered, followed by repeated payment reminders and no follow up info. This is a powerful example of how many businesses unintentionally lose trust, connection, and sales momentum during the inquiry process. From proposals and follow-ups to personalisation and communication, this episode is packed with practical reminders about what actually helps people feel confident enough to buy. 🎧 Tune in to learn how thoughtful communication, stronger sales processes, and a more intentional customer experience can make making money feel easier. The doors to Good Money Club are open right now. You deserve your own Board of Directors, and you'll get that and more inside this community for women business owners. What you'll learn in this episode: Why leads should be treated with more care and attention. A new enquiry is a real opportunity, and communication shapes whether someone chooses to work with you. How poor communication can quietly lose sales. Sending invoices too early or failing to answer questions can create friction and reduce trust. Why a proposal can strengthen your sales process. A thoughtful proposal helps clients feel confident and understand what makes your business different. The importance of making clients feel seen and understood. Personalised communication and thoughtful follow-up help clients feel supported and respected. How follow-ups can build trust instead of pressure. Great follow-ups answer questions, offer reassurance, and strengthen the relationship. How small tweaks can make making money easier. Simple improvements to your systems and communication can significantly improve the client experience. The role of customer experience in standing out from competitors. The way you guide people through the enquiry process matters more than you think. How small business owners unintentionally make things harder for themselves. Many businesses focus on getting leads, but not enough on nurturing them. Why respecting the size of a client investment matters. Clients spending thousands of dollars want to feel informed, reassured, and looked after. How better systems can create calmer, more sustainable growth. Thoughtful sales processes reduce confusion and help business feel more intentional. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (doors are open now)Peach Weekly - Sign up for sharp, practical business thinking delivered straight to your inbox. Say hi: hello@peachbm.com.au ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses can change the world, but only if we're making money and managing it well. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
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Making money is not the same as having money (EP#66)
4w ago00:20:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Money Secrets, Fi breaks dives into something so many business owners experience: making money is not the same as having money. Even when revenue is strong, it’s common to still feel stressed, stretched, and unsure where the money is actually going. Fi explains why this happens, especially during busy or growth periods, and shares practical ways to manage your money more intentionally. From understanding your ideal client to implementing Profit First, creating spaciousness in your day, and addressing scope creep, this episode is packed with tested advice to help you make money, and keep it. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to manage your money while your business and your wellbeing. The doors to Good Money Club are open right now. You deserve your own Board of Directors, and you'll get that and more inside this community for women business owners. What you'll learn in this episode: Making money is not the same as having money. Bringing in revenue doesn’t guarantee financial stability, how you manage that money is what creates profit and security. How to increase revenue by focusing on the right clients. The clients you can do your best work for, and who value it most, are how to make more money with less effort. Why business growth can lead to financial stress. Growth periods bring higher revenue, but also more pressure, longer hours, and increased (often unseen) spending. How stress and busyness impact your spending habits. When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to make quick, reactive decisions that lead to higher expenses and less profit. How Profit First helps you manage your money more effectively. Setting clear percentages for profit, pay, and expenses creates structure and helps you keep more of what you earn. Why slowing down leads to better financial decisions. Creating space in your day, your schedule, and your thinking helps you move from reactive spending to intentional choices. How over-delivering and scope creep affect profitability. Doing more than what clients are paying for can quietly reduce your margins and increase stress. The connection between your nervous system and your money. Feeling frantic or overwhelmed can drive spending, learning to regulate yourself is part of managing your finances. How to build a business that actually keeps money. With the right systems, pricing, and pace, you can move from just making money to creating real financial stability. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (doors are open now)Peach Weekly - Sign up for sharp, practical business thinking delivered straight to your inbox. Say hi: hello@peachbm.com.au ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses can change the world, but only if we're making money and managing it well. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
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3 Australian Brands with Great Business Models (EP#65)
Apr 2801:07:19Tap to summarizeThis episode of Money Secrets looks at three Australian brands with business models that Fi absolutely loves, and why they work so well. These three businesses manufacture in Australia and are masters of communicating their unique value. Fi unpacks what makes these businesses stand out, from how they design their products and choose their partners, to the way they build customer relationships and deliver their offers. Featuring Good Citizens, Yarn'n, and Wolki Farm, this episode is a chance to explore what theses businesses do well, to help you think differently about how your own business works. 🎧 Tune in to explore what makes a business model truly powerful, and how you can apply these ideas to build something more profitable, aligned, and sustainable. The doors to Good Money Club are open right now. You deserve your own Board of Directors, and you'll get that and more inside this community for women business owners. What you'll learn in this episode: Why great business models go beyond just making money. The best businesses create products people genuinely want and deliver them in innovative, thoughtful ways. What makes up a business model. From value proposition to customer relationships, partners, costs, and distribution, understanding these building blocks helps you design a business that works. How simplifying your offers can increase profitability. A smaller product range often reduces costs, removes overwhelm for customers, and improves conversion rates. Why transparency and storytelling are powerful marketing tools. Clearly showing how your business operates builds trust and helps customers feel confident choosing you. How choosing the right partners strengthens your business model. Aligning suppliers, collaborators, and charities with your values creates a more compelling and cohesive brand. Why “where” and “how” you deliver matters as much as what you sell. Innovative distribution channels can reduce costs, increase convenience, and create stronger customer loyalty. The role of customer relationships in long-term success. Moving from “customers” to “members” or community can deepen trust and increase retention. Why pricing for value (not competition) leads to better outcomes. Businesses that prioritise quality, impact, and sustainability can charge in alignment with the value they deliver. How to think more strategically about your own business. From simplifying offers to rethinking delivery and partnerships, small shifts in your model can create big results. Why your business model is one of your biggest opportunities. When designed well, it supports profitability, impact, ease, and long-term sustainability, all at once. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (doors are open now)Business Model Design - want to go deeper? You can access Fi’s Business Model Design program anytime to learn how to build a model that actually supports your profit, time, and growth.Peach Weekly - don’t miss Fi’s weekly insights. Sign up to The Peach Weekly for sharp, practical business thinking delivered straight to your inbox. Say hi: hello@peachbm.com.au ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses can change the world, but only if we're making money and managing it well. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
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Inside Good Money Club: Choose your business model wisely (EP#64)
Apr 1400:23:28Tap to summarizeThe doors to Good Money Club are open right now. You deserve your own Board of Directors, and you'll get that and more inside this community for women business owners. Choosing the right business model is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your business, yet it’s often the most overlooked. This podcast episode is from a live Good Money Club training session that we thought you'd get value from. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi breaks down why your business model is the foundation of everything: your pricing, your marketing, your time, and ultimately your profitability. From understanding why more marketing won’t fix a broken model, to exploring different ways businesses are structured (consultant, online business, agency, e-commerce), this episode will help you step back and think strategically about how your business actually works and whether it’s working for you. 🎧 Tune in to understand how your business model impacts your income, your time, and your ability to create a business that feels both profitable and sustainable. What you'll learn in this episode: Why no amount of marketing can fix the wrong business model. Marketing brings people in, but your business model determines whether it actually works. How your business model and marketing need to work together. When they align, you attract the right clients and deliver your services more efficiently. Why adding more revenue streams isn’t always the answer. More offers often create more complexity, not more profit. How your business model shapes your pricing and ideal clients. The right structure helps you charge in line with the value you deliver. Why productivity and automation won’t fix the wrong foundations. Being faster at the wrong things won’t make your business more profitable. The difference between being helpful and being valuable. Valuable work is what people are willing to pay for and that’s what your business should focus on. How to think about return on effort in your business. The right model helps you focus your time on activities that actually generate results. Why your business model should reflect how you want to spend your time. From delivery to marketing to managing a team, your model determines your day-to-day work. The realities of different business models. Whether consultant, online business, agency, or e-commerce, each requires a different balance of time and skills. Why your business model is your secret weapon. When it’s set up correctly, it improves profitability, client outcomes, and overall business sustainability. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (doors are open now) Say hi: hello@peachbm.com.au ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
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10 Lessons for Small Business Growth and Profit - Money Secrets Mixtape (Ep#63)
Mar 3100:56:03Tap to summarizeThe doors to Good Money Club are open right now. You deserve your own Board of Directors, and you'll get that and more inside this community for women business owners. This episode is a practical reset on how to think about money in your business. Want a quick refresh of the best money advice we’ve shared so far? In this special remix edition of the Money Secrets podcast, Fi pulls together 10 of the most powerful takeaways from past episodes — in one juicy mixtape. Pulling from episodes on business model, pricing, financial goals, ideal clients, money mindset, strategy, managing your money, time, and revenue growth, this remix brings the core ideas together in one place. It’s designed to help you step back, see the bigger picture, and focus on the fundamentals that actually drive profitability and long-term success in small business. 🎧 Tune in to understand what’s really driving your results, where your attention is best spent, and how to build a more profitable and sustainable business. What you'll learn in this episode: Why your business model underpins everything. Strong, profitable businesses are built on clear structure, not just good ideas or marketing. Why most small business owners are underpricing. Pricing is shaped by value, demand, and confidence, not just numbers. How to approach financial goals in a practical way. Goals are about designing your business, not predicting the future. What it takes to increase your prices. Moving to higher pricing requires clearer positioning and stronger communication. The most common money challenges female business owners face. Undercharging, lack of confidence, and lack of strategy continue to hold many founders back. Why strategy should be simple and focused. Doing fewer things, more intentionally, leads to better outcomes. How managing your money builds confidence. Clear systems and visibility make better decision-making possible. Why time is your most valuable resource. How you spend your time directly impacts your revenue and growth. The difference between $30 decisions and $30,000 decisions. Focusing on high-impact decisions is what drives real progress. Why long-term thinking matters for growth. Investing time in your business, not just client work, is key to increasing revenue sustainably. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (doors are open now) Say hi: hello@peachbm.com.au ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
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Stop taking this business advice (Ep#62)
Mar 1000:21:36Tap to summarizeThe doors to Good Money Club are open right now. You deserve your own Board of Directors, and you'll get that and more inside this community for women business owners. Business isn’t linear. Neither is money. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi challenges one of the most persistent myths in business: that success follows a neat, logical, step-by-step path. Drawing on 25 years as a Chartered Accountant working closely with small business owners, she explains why real businesses don’t grow in straight lines, and why money decisions rarely come from pure logic. Humans are emotional, messy, and influenced by past experiences, responsibilities, and mental load, especially women who are often carrying far more than just their businesses. 🎧 Tune in to understand why “perfect strategies” fail in the real world, how money behaviour shapes business outcomes, and what actually leads to sustainable profitability. What you'll learn in this episode: The “linear success story” is a myth. Popular business narratives often show tidy upward growth, but real businesses move through messy cycles, setbacks, and pivots. How emotions drive financial decisions. Even experienced founders make money decisions based on instinct, fear, past experiences, and current stress, not just data. The invisible scaffolding behind many (male) success stories. Fi speaks to the unspoken support enabling some founders to focus fully on business, particularly female unpaid labour. Perfect plans don’t guarantee results. A flawless strategy won’t work if human behaviour, motivation, and circumstances aren’t aligned with it. Money beliefs from childhood still influence your business. The messages you absorbed about money can quietly shape pricing, spending, risk tolerance, and decision-making. Common money behaviours founders fall into. Avoiding finances, overspending, hoarding cash, underpricing, or struggling to receive money, all patterns Fi sees regularly. Expecting consistency sets you up for disappointment. Business owners don’t show up perfectly every day, and neither does the market. Success comes from navigating the fluctuations. The difference between strategy and implementation. Plans provide direction, but habits, mindset, and behaviour determine whether those plans actually work. How profitable businesses reduce life stress. Financial stability can ease the mental load many women carry outside of work, from caregiving to household responsibilities. Why support and community matter for financial success. Safe spaces to talk about money help business owners unpack limiting beliefs and make clearer decisions. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (doors are open now) Say hi: hello@peachbm.com.au ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
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Women in Business Aren't Making Enough Money (Ep#61)
Mar 300:26:59Tap to summarizeThe doors to Good Money Club are open right now. If you want practical support to make more money and manage it well, now is the time to join.Women in business aren’t making enough money. We need a different conversation this International Women's Day. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi talks about something that doesn’t get said often enough: many women business owners simply aren’t making enough money. Despite being busy, capable, and doing "all the right things”. As International Women’s Day conversations ramp up, Fi moves beyond the usual statistics to talk about what she sees inside real businesses every day. The problem isn’t just pay gaps or access to funding. It’s that many women are undercharging, overdelivering, and carrying the weight of everyone else’s expectations. At the expense of their own income and sustainability. Drawing on 25 years of experience working with small business owners, Fi explains why this pattern happens, how it shows up in pricing and client work, and what actually needs to change if you want a business that pays you properly. 🎧 Listen in to understand why earning more isn’t about confidence hacks or hustle. It’s about making clearer decisions, setting boundaries, charging properly, and surrounding yourself with the kind of support that helps you do the hard things that actually move the needle. What you'll learn in this episode: Why revenue is what most women in business need, not venture capital funding. While venture capital inequality gets attention, most small business owners don’t need funding, they need sustainable income. The hidden “gender revenue gap”. Fi shares her perspective from decades in the numbers: women business owners earn significantly less than men, but this gap is rarely measured or discussed. How social conditioning impacts pricing and boundaries. From a young age, many women are taught to be agreeable and accommodating. Traits that lead to underpricing and difficulty holding boundaries with clients. Why underpricing and over-servicing go hand in hand. Working harder to avoid uncomfortable conversations may feel easier in the moment, but it leads to burnout, resentment, and unsustainable businesses. The real cost of scope creep. Delivering more than promised (often unpaid) doesn’t just hurt profitability, it damages client relationships and personal wellbeing. Difficult conversations are essential for growth. Raising prices, reinforcing scope, and setting boundaries are uncomfortable, but they are what create work-life balance and financial stability. The importance of paying yourself properly, including superannuation. Many women business owners neglect their own long-term financial security, creating future inequality even when their businesses appear successful. Strategy alone isn’t enough. Advice and plans don’t change businesses. Implementation does. And implementation often requires support, accountability, and courage. What meaningful support actually looks like. Not cheerleading or empty positivity, but communities that challenge you, hold you accountable, and help you move through fear and doubt. Discomfort is part of building a successful business. Growth often requires actions that feel deeply uncomfortable, but those actions create freedom, stability, and better outcomes over time. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (Doors are open now) ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
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5 Ways to Improve Your Cash Flow (EP#60)
Feb 2400:24:06Tap to summarizeFive ways to improve your cash flow — and stop money stress from ruining your business Poor cash flow is one of the biggest reasons small businesses go under — and it’s also one of the most stressful things to live with as a business owner. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi breaks down five practical, proven ways to improve your cash flow, so you can stop feeling constantly on edge and start running a business that actually supports you. Drawing on 25 years of experience as a chartered accountant and business strategist, Fi explains what cash flow really is, why so many businesses struggle with it (even profitable ones), and the simple shifts you can make to create more stability, confidence, and breathing room in your business finances. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to spot the warning signs of poor cash flow, why growth can sometimes make things worse, and how to build systems that keep money moving — without burning yourself out. What you'll learn in this episode: What cash flow actually is (and why profit isn’t the same thing)Understanding the difference between money coming in and out of your bank account — and why businesses can be “profitable” but still broke. The difference between temporary and chronic cash flow problemsHow to tell whether you’re dealing with a short-term cash squeeze or a deeper structural issue in your business. Why paying attention is the first (and most important) stepYou can’t fix what you’re avoiding. Fi explains simple ways to start tracking cash flow without overwhelm. How pricing directly impacts your cash flowNot raising prices is one of the fastest ways to create cash flow problems — and how underpricing sneaks in over time. Why your systems matter more than your revenueThe businesses that last aren’t always the ones making the most money — they’re the ones managing it well. How systems like Profit First support better cash flowWhy separating your money into clear “buckets” helps you stay solvent, pay the ATO, and actually keep some profit. Why growing too fast can break your cash flowHow rapid growth puts pressure on wages, stock, and systems — and why slower, steadier growth is often healthier. The concept of fast, medium, and slow moneyHow having multiple income timelines protects your business and smooths cash flow across the month. Why relying on one revenue stream is riskyHow diversifying income sources and payment timing can stabilise your business long-term. How to build cash flow that supports your life — not just your businessWhy the goal isn’t just “more money,” but calmer, more sustainable financial momentum. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (a few spots will open in 2026) - Signature 1:1 Program (spaces available from Jan 2026 onwards) - VIP Day (only one per month, these are powerful strategy sessions) On-demand training is available any time: Business Model Design | Good Money Challenge ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
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Scaling vs. Growing Your Business (EP#59)
Feb 1000:19:01Tap to summarizeGrowing vs. scaling your business — What’s the fifference (and why it matters) In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi tackles a question that comes up constantly in small business conversations — should you be growing your business, or scaling it? These terms are often used interchangeably online, but they mean very different things. And misunderstanding the difference can lead to unrealistic expectations, cash flow stress, and chasing strategies that were never right for your business model in the first place. Fi breaks down what scaling actually means, why not every business is built to scale, and how growth can be just as powerful — and far more sustainable — when done intentionally. She also explores how service-based businesses can introduce leveraged income streams without chasing the myth of “passive income.” 🎧 Tune in to learn how to make smarter decisions about revenue, profitability, and business structure — based on what your business is truly designed to do. What you'll learn in this episode: The real difference between growing and scaling a businessWhy these concepts aren’t interchangeable — and why it matters which one you’re pursuing. What “scaling” actually means in practiceHow scalable businesses increase income without increasing costs, and why this usually applies to tech, digital products, and one-to-many offers. Why most service businesses grow (not scale)And why that’s not a failure — it’s simply a different financial model. The myth of passive incomeWhy all income requires effort somewhere, and where the work actually sits in scalable businesses. How growth impacts cash flow and expensesWhy growing revenue often means growing costs — and how poor expense control can sink otherwise healthy businesses. Why agencies and service providers struggle to “scale”And how chasing scalability can create unrealistic profit expectations. How to add leveraged income inside a service businessIncluding group programs, digital products, licensing IP, referrals, and affiliate revenue. What profit margins really look likeThe difference between typical growth-based margins (10–25%) and scalable business margins (50%+). How to choose the right strategy for your businessBased on your goals, values, capacity, and desired lifestyle — not internet hype. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (a few spots will open in 2026) - Signature 1:1 Program (spaces available from Jan 2026 onwards) - VIP Day (only one per month, these are powerful strategy sessions) On-demand training is available any time: Business Model Design | Good Money Challenge ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
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How to Follow Up Your Proposals (EP#58)
Jan 2700:17:48Tap to summarizeWe created a free workbook to go with this podcast episode. Grab it here :) Before you market anything… listen to this In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi wraps up Part 4 of the four-part From Maybe to Yes series — and she’s tackling one of the most avoided (and emotionally loaded) parts of business: following up your proposals. Most business owners pour their energy into attracting the lead, running a beautiful discovery call, writing a thoughtful proposal… and then freeze. The proposal goes out. The excitement fades. And when there’s no reply? Panic, shame, avoidance, and second-guessing take over. Fi flips this pattern entirely. She shows you why the follow-up is the sales process — and how to approach it with intention, empathy, structure, and self-respect. Instead of feeling clingy or awkward, Fi teaches you how to create a clear, confident follow-up plan that respects both you and the potential client. If you’ve ever hit “send”, waited, spiralled, and silently hoped someone would magically say yes — this episode will feel like a breath of fresh clarity. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to build a follow-up sequence that feels warm, ethical, and effective — and finally stop ghosting your own proposals. What you'll learn in this episode: Why most proposals die (and it’s not because they don’t want you): Fi breaks down why clients often don’t respond — and how their silence usually has nothing to do with your worth, your offer, or your abilities. Timing, capacity, life admin, and decision fatigue are far more common than rejection. Instead of spiralling after you hit send, Fi explains why you should have a pre-written, pre-thought-out follow-up sequence ready before emotions get involved. This is your most powerful sales asset — not an afterthought. How to get clients talking about their goals, not just their problems: You'll learn how to uncover what clients really want, what’s currently not working for them, and how to reflect that back so they feel understood, seen, and supported. How to follow up without being annoying: Fi walks through how to create thoughtful, varied follow-ups that add value — not irritation. You’ll learn how to avoid the “Hi, just checking in again?” emails and instead craft messages that genuinely move someone toward a decision. How to keep the door open without creating shame: Fi explains how to craft follow-ups that make people feel welcome to reply at any time — even weeks or months later — instead of feeling embarrassed that they “left it too long.” When (and how) to close the loop without burning the bridge: You’ll learn how to write a final follow-up that respectfully closes the proposal conversation while still keeping the relationship open for the future. Because sales is long-game relationship building — not just one yes/no moment. How often to follow up (and when to stop): Fi shares realistic timelines for different price points, how many follow-ups most people need, and why your “yes” might come on the 4th… 7th… or even 12th email. Why following up is an act of care, not clinginess: Fi reframes follow-up as service: clarity, support, reminders, and relationship — not harassment. When done well, it helps people make decisions that move them closer to their goals. Fi reframes follow-up as service – clarity, support, reminders, and relationship — not harassment. When done well, it helps people make decisions that move them closer to their goals. Check out Renee Wallace's Masterclass: Post-Proposal Email Nurture Sequence ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
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