Money Secrets

The Impact of Your Small Business on the Environment

Jul 13, 202500:13:53Tap to summarize

 Your business has an environmental impact — even if you're a service provider. 🌿 This week on Money Secrets, we’re talking about impact — one of our core themes inside Good Money Club — and how our businesses affect the environment. We often expect product and manufacturing businesses to shoulder the responsibility of sustainability, but service providers? We’re part of the picture too. In this solo episode, Fi opens a gentle and important conversation about the choices we make in our businesses — from how we deliver our services, to the software we subscribe to, the products we buy, the banks and super funds we use, and the gifts we send to clients. You don’t need to be a sustainability expert to start making more conscious choices. This is about doing what you can, with what you have — and being willing to ask better questions. 🎧 Tune in to hear practical prompts, real-life examples, and one simple browser switch that could make a world of difference. What you’ll learn in this episode:  Your business has an environmental footprint — even if you don’t sell physical products. Every service has a cost, whether it’s cloud storage, energy use, or software subscriptions. Small changes can add up. From switching browsers to reducing video recordings, there are simple shifts that reduce impact without sacrificing efficiency. Where you spend matters. The tools, subscriptions, banks, and super funds you use are all part of your business ecosystem — and their values become part of yours. Your delivery model is part of your impact. Whether you’re commuting, flying, or working remotely, it’s worth considering how your service is getting to your clients — and at what cost to the environment. Buying better beats buying more. When it comes to products and client gifts, longevity and ethics go a long way — even if it costs a little more up front. You don’t have to be perfect to care. You don’t need a sustainability degree to start making better choices — just curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to ask yourself some honest questions. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. Want to find out more about Good Money Club? It's for female and non-binary business owners ready to make more money and impact. Join us? 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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Working Harder Will Not Make You More Money

Jul 6, 202500:13:43Tap to summarize

 Working harder won’t make you more money. Psst! If you’ve ever felt like you’re working all the time but still not making the money you want, this episode is for you. In this week’s episode, Fi gently but firmly challenges one of the most common beliefs small business owners carry: that the only way to make more money is to work even harder (spoiler: it's not). Instead, we’re talking about what really drives financial growth — understanding your capacity, raising your prices, and improving the quality of your branding, marketing and communication. This episode is packed with practical insights, honest truths, and a few uncomfortable-but-freeing mindset shifts. If you’ve been on the edge of burnout and wondering if there’s a better way, there is. 🎧 Listen now and start making more money without working even more hours. What you’ll learn in this episode:  Working more isn’t the answer. Most small business owners are already at full capacity — adding more to your plate just leads to burnout, not more income. Understanding your true capacity is essential. When you know how much time and energy you really have to serve clients or fulfil orders, you can start pricing in a way that actually makes sense. Raising your prices is a powerful financial lever. And no, you don’t have to justify it — you need to clearly communicate the value you offer and who it’s for. Attracting better-fit clients starts with better marketing. Your message, your visuals, your tone — they all play a role in reaching the kind of clients who get it (and happily pay for it). You don’t need to serve everyone. In fact, letting some clients go is often exactly what creates the space (and margin) to do your best work, and get paid well for it. You're improving every day. If you’ve been in business for years but haven’t raised your prices, it might be time to acknowledge how much more valuable your work has become — and charge accordingly. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. Want to find out more about Good Money Club? It's for female and non-binary business owners ready to make more money and impact. Join us? 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 Do I Know If I'm Running My Business The Right Way?

Jun 29, 202500:11:12Tap to summarize

How to make business easier (yes, really). If you’ve ever felt like you’re working all the time but still not making the money you want — or like you’re constantly justifying your prices to your clients — this episode is for you. In this week’s episode, Fi is digging into a juicy (and often overlooked) part of business strategy: your business model. Because when you’re feeling stretched, stuck, or unsure whether what you’re doing is “right”, it’s usually not a marketing or mindset problem — it’s a business model problem. This conversation is filled with practical prompts and tips about building a business that feels clearer, simpler, and way more profitable. No jargon, no pressure — just a warm, strategic reset for how you run your business. 🎧 Hit play if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building a business that works for you. P.S. Our Business Model Design Mini-Program is now open, and it’s just $495 until 30 June 2025.Live training happens on 22 July 2025, and you’ll walk away with:  ✔ A validated business model that’s designed to work✔ Clarity about where to spend your time, energy, and focus✔ Products and services your customers actually want✔ An optimised marketing message that lands with the right people✔ The confidence to raise your prices and attract better-fit clients✔ Clear product–market fit for what you offer✔ A more profitable, sustainable business — built on purpose What you’ll learn in this episode:  Feeling underpaid and overworked isn’t a personal failing — it’s usually a business model issue. When your pricing, clients, and capacity aren’t aligned, the work gets harder and the results get smaller. Your business model holds the answers. From who you serve to how you deliver your offers, a good model helps you confidently charge more, set better boundaries, and stop attracting the wrong clients. Marketing isn’t the starting point. If you’re unclear on your value or audience, no Instagram strategy or email funnel will fix it — the real work starts under the surface. Your capacity matters. How many hours you actually have to work (and how much you need to earn) are central to your model, not details to work out later. You don’t have to do it all yourself. From bookkeepers to brand strategists, your model should include the support you’ll need to grow — and the cost of that support too. Costs and cash flow are part of the puzzle. Especially for product-based businesses, understanding what it takes to fund your business is key to making it sustainable. Your business model should be designed around you, not around industry trends, corporate templates, or what others are doing. You get to decide what success looks like — and build a model that supports that vision. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. Want to find out more about Good Money Club? It's for female and non-binary business owners ready to make more money and impact. Join us? 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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Why Are Some Businesses So Successful?

Jun 22, 202500:11:43Tap to summarize

 Why your business model should come first If you’ve ever found yourself obsessing over Instagram strategy, stuck in a Dubsado vs. Moxie spiral, or spending hours automating tasks that don’t seem to be making a difference, this episode is for you. In this week’s episode, Fi breaks down the real reason some businesses thrive while others stall — and spoiler alert: it’s not about marketing harder or working longer hours. It’s about having the right business model. Whether the term “business model” makes you think of corporate boardrooms or just feels completely overwhelming, this chat is refreshingly clear and practical. You'll walk away with a whole new perspective on how your business fits together — and how small tweaks can lead to big results. 🎧 Hit play if you’re ready to build a business that’s profitable, sustainable, and aligned with the way you want to work. P.S. Our Business Model Design Mini-Program is now open, and it’s just $495 until 30 June 2025.Live training happens on 22 July 2025, and you’ll walk away with:  ✔ A validated business model that’s designed to work✔ Clarity about where to spend your time, energy, and focus✔ Products and services your customers actually want✔ An optimised marketing message that lands with the right people✔ The confidence to raise your prices and attract better-fit clients✔ Clear product–market fit for what you offer✔ A more profitable, sustainable business — built on purpose What you’ll learn in this episode:  Many business owners skip the strategy. Jumping straight into marketing tactics or automation tools without first clarifying your business model can leave you feeling busy but directionless, and rarely bring in the right clients. Your business model is the foundation for everything else. It’s the thing that helps you raise your prices with confidence, stop justifying your worth, and attract clients who value what you do. Marketing doesn’t work without clarity. If you’re not sure what makes your offer unique, who it’s for, or why it matters, no ad, post, or platform will magically fix that. Being productive isn’t the same as being strategic. Getting faster at the wrong tasks (or automating things that don’t matter) is just a fast track to burnout, not success. You are your most important business resource. Your energy, capacity, and well-being are key parts of your business model, not an afterthought. The right-fit model helps you work smarter. When your model aligns with your strengths, values, and ideal clients, running your business becomes more profitable and easier. Your business model isn’t corporate — it’s personal. It’s simply the way your business fits together, allowing you to deliver your work in a way that feels sustainable, smart, and financially sound. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. Want to find out more about Good Money Club? It's for female and non-binary business owners ready to make more money and impact. Join us? 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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Money Secrets that Boost Your Confidence (and Your Revenue)

Jun 15, 202500:14:47Tap to summarize

Feeling like your money mojo needs a reset? We’ve got you. Psst! If you've been second-guessing your pricing, avoiding your numbers, or wondering if making more money has to feel so hard — this episode is for you. In this special remix edition of the Money Secrets podcast, Fi shares 8 powerful mindset shifts and practical money truths to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Think of it as your business pep talk, pricing reset, and permission slip to do things differently — all rolled into one juicy listen. 🎧 Hit play for real talk and refreshingly simple advice that will help you feel more in control of your money (without needing to be a maths person). What you’ll learn in this episode:  That selling is a non negotiable in small business — and how to feel good about it The mindset myth that’s secretly slowing your growth Why your clients deserve the best of what you offer  How to break down your revenue goals so they actually make sense How success looks different for everyone — and why that matters The truth about working hard vs. working smart How more money in your hands = more positive impact Why being great at numbers isn’t what makes you good with money ________________________________________________________________________ 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. Want to find out more about Good Money Club? It's for female and non-binary business owners ready to make more money and impact. Join us? 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: How to Make More Money

Jun 10, 202500:23:35Tap to summarize

Want to make more money in your business? Start here. Psst! Ever wondered what it’s really like inside Good Money Club? In this sneak peek episode, Fi shares 20 powerful minutes from one of our recent club sessions — “How to Make More Money” — to help you simplify your thinking, set realistic revenue goals, and start building real momentum in your business. Whether you're stuck in overthinking, undercharging, or trying to do everything at once, this episode is packed with practical, perspective-shifting advice on what actually works. 🎧 Hit play to get a clear-eyed look at what drives revenue — and how to focus your efforts on what really moves the needle. What you’ll learn in this episode:  The only two levers that grow your revenue (and how to use them) Why price is the most powerful financial decision you make — every single day The trap of over-servicing (and why it’s just another form of undercharging) How to figure out your actual capacity and hourly rate What makes your product or service valuable, and how to talk about it The link between pricing, confidence, and ideal clients Why it's not your job to be affordable, and what to aim for instead The one thing you must never do when sales slow down. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. Want to find out more about Good Money Club? It's for female and non-binary business owners ready to make more money and impact. Join us? 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 Know When to Spend Money to Make Money

Feb 27, 2025Tap to summarize

We’ve all heard the saying, “You have to spend money to make money.” But is it actually true? And more importantly, when does it actually work? Psst! Want to hear a money secret? In this episode of Money Secrets, we’re unpacking the real truth behind this common business belief. Sometimes, strategic investments can fuel growth—but other times, they’re just expensive distractions. Understanding the difference can save you thousands and help you make smarter financial decisions.  A huge shoutout to Renata Daudt, founder of Awen Consulting, for calling out the need for more nuance in this conversation. She’s a sustainable packaging expert (check her out if you’re navigating the new packaging guidelines!), and she rightly pointed out that this phrase isn’t always black and white—so let’s break it down properly. What you’ll learn in this episode:  When spending money can help you make more – and when it’s just wasted cash. How to recognise marketing tactics that push unnecessary investments. Why time is your biggest asset in the early years of business. How your relationship with money shifts as your business grows. The key question to ask before making any business investment. The truth? Spending money is not the same as investing money. Knowing the difference is what sets successful business owners apart. Hit play now and start making smarter money moves 🎧 ________________________________________________________________________ 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. Want to find out about working with Fi? Head here to find out how you can work with her.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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All episodes

The Impact of Your Small Business on the Environment

Working Harder Will Not Make You More Money

How Do I Know If I'm Running My Business The Right Way?

Why Are Some Businesses So Successful?

Money Secrets that Boost Your Confidence (and Your Revenue)

Inside Good Money Club: How to Make More Money

How to Know When to Spend Money to Make Money

Money Secrets

All episodes

The Impact of Your Small Business on the Environment

Working Harder Will Not Make You More Money

How Do I Know If I'm Running My Business The Right Way?

Why Are Some Businesses So Successful?

Money Secrets that Boost Your Confidence (and Your Revenue)

Inside Good Money Club: How to Make More Money

How to Know When to Spend Money to Make Money