Money Secrets

In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi unpacks a challenge that catches many small business owners by surprise: the faster your business grows, the more cash it often needs.

Drawing on her experience as a chartered accountant and money coach, Fi explains why growing businesses can find themselves running out of money even when sales are increasing. She breaks down the cash flow pressures faced by both product-based and service-based businesses and shares practical strategies to help business owners grow sustainably without putting unnecessary strain on their finances.

From stock purchases and pricing strategies to hiring decisions and waitlists, this episode is packed with practical advice for small business owners who want to grow with more confidence, control, and financial stability.

🎧 Tune in to learn why growth can create cash flow challenges, how to spot the warning signs early, and what you can do to build a business that grows sustainably.

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 growing businesses often run out of cash. Increased revenue doesn't always mean more available money, especially when expenses need to be paid long before customers pay you.

The hidden cash flow challenge facing product businesses. Stock purchases often need to be funded months before sales revenue arrives.

Why pricing plays a critical role in sustainable growth. Healthy margins help fund future stock orders, team growth, and business expansion.

How rapid growth can create financial pressure. Growing faster than your systems, processes, and cash flow can support may create unnecessary risk.

When it may be time to slow growth intentionally. Adjusting marketing activity, launch schedules, or pricing can help create a more manageable pace of growth.

How pre-orders can improve cash flow. Using customer deposits to help fund inventory purchases can reduce financial pressure and minimise excess stock.

Why service businesses experience similar cash flow challenges. Hiring staff often requires paying wages before the revenue generated by those team members arrives.

How waitlists can support smarter hiring decisions. Building future demand before recruiting can reduce risk and improve confidence when growing your team.

The difference between hiring billable and non-billable team members. Understanding how each role contributes to growth helps you make more strategic hiring decisions.

Why non-billable roles can still drive revenue growth. Support staff can free up business owners to focus on business development, leadership, and growth activities that generate more income.

The importance of planning for growth before it happens. Having clear financial forecasts and growth strategies can help avoid cash flow surprises.

How to think differently about growth and profitability. Sustainable growth requires balancing ambition with strong financial foundations.

💡 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: [email protected]

________________________________________________________________________

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.business

If 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.

In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi unpacks one of the biggest mistakes small business owners make when trying to recruit staff: Assuming candidates are automatically excited about working for them.

Drawing on her background in HR and years of experience supporting small business owners, Fi shares practical strategies for attracting great employees, improving your recruitment process, and positioning your business as a genuinely appealing place to work.

From careers pages and job ads to interviews, onboarding, and employer branding, this episode is packed with grounded, actionable advice for small business owners who want to build stronger teams and create a workplace people genuinely want to be part of.

🎧 Tune in to learn how a stronger employer brand, clearer recruitment process, and more intentional candidate experience can help you attract and retain better staff.

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 recruiting is also a sales process. Candidates are assessing your business just as much as you’re assessing them.

How employer branding impacts recruitment. The way you show up online shapes whether great candidates want to work with you.

Why small businesses need to better communicate their unique advantages. Flexibility, proximity to decision-making, and meaningful work are often undervalued perks.

The importance of showcasing your team publicly. Highlighting employees and workplace culture builds trust and credibility with future candidates.

Why every small business should have a careers page. A dedicated page helps communicate your values, culture, and opportunities more clearly.

How to write a stronger, more compelling job ad. Great job ads focus on what the candidate gains, not just what the business expects.

Why recruitment should start with short phone calls. Quick screening calls save time, improve filtering, and create a better candidate experience.

The role onboarding plays in employee success. New team members need context, clarity, and over-communication to thrive.

Why strong brands attract stronger candidates. Businesses with clear, trusted brands often find recruitment significantly easier.

How thoughtful recruitment processes create better long-term outcomes. Better hiring decisions lead to stronger teams, smoother growth, and healthier businesses.

💡 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: [email protected]

________________________________________________________________________

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.business

If 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.

In 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: [email protected]

________________________________________________________________________

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.business

If 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.

In 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: [email protected]

________________________________________________________________________

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.business

If 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.

This 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: [email protected]

________________________________________________________________________

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.business

If 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.