In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin delve into strategies for escaping the "mud pit" of busyness that traps many business owners and stifles growth. They share practical advice to help you step back, refocus, and make 2025 the year you thrive.
Drawing on decades of business coaching experience and real-world examples, Ben and David discuss the importance of working on your business rather than just in it. From mindset shifts and intentional planning to creating systems and avoiding burnout, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you achieve your business goals.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Introduction to the Max Your Business Podcast
03:11 – The importance of taking breaks and re-evaluating your business
05:03 – What is the “mud pit,” and how it affects business owners
08:29 – Why stepping away from daily operations is vital for clarity
09:44 – Lessons from a coaching client: Overcoming busyness to redefine success
14:21 – Finding inspiration and intentionality during breaks
18:17 – The role of mindset in stepping out of the mud pit
21:55 – Real-world example: Joe Girard’s innovative approach to customer retention
25:02 – Simplifying your workload to free up time and mental space
27:38 – How to get started with the Simple Planning Tool

Key Takeaways:
Understand the Mud Pit: Many business owners feel stuck in the daily grind and lose sight of their goals.
Take Time to Reflect: Breaks provide clarity and an opportunity to reassess your business direction.
Work On, Not In: Dedicate time to improving systems, strategies, and processes for growth.
Simplify and Delegate: Identify tasks that can be handed off to free up your focus for more critical priorities.
Intentional Planning: Regularly step back and evaluate what’s working and what needs to change.
Mindset Matters: Adopting a growth mindset is essential for long-term success.
Tune in to discover how you can step out of the mud pit and make 2025 a breakthrough year for your business. Don’t forget to visit maxmyprofit.com.au/simple/ to download the Simple Planning Tool and start transforming your business today.

In this final episode of the year, Max Your Business Podcast hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin guide us through a proactive discussion on preparing and thriving in the coming year. As 2024 comes to a close, it's the perfect time for reflection and forward planning, and that's exactly what we delve into in this insightful episode.
Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, Ben and David share valuable strategies to help you navigate the uncertainties of the economic landscape and leverage your time, team, and financial resources more effectively. They explore the importance of creating a compelling work environment to attract top talent and discuss the benefits of strategic planning to ensure you're not only surviving but thriving in 2025.
Listeners will gain practical advice on mastering delegation and the significance of having a solid plan. Join us as we wrap up the year and set the stage for a prosperous 2025. Reflect on your challenges, take decisive action, and remember, those who plan – prosper!
Episode Highlights:
0:00 – Introduction to the Max Your Business Podcast
2:58 – Reflecting on the year’s changes and the acceleration of time 11:33 – Discussing economic impacts and strategic planning
15:54 – The value of delegation and efficient time management
27:42 – Building a strong team and the challenges of recruitment
34:22 – How to use social media and marketing for effective recruitment
37:31 – Setting actionable goals for 2025
39:32 – What to expect when the podcast returns next year
Key Takeaways:
Embrace Planning: Early and strategic planning is crucial to navigating economic challenges and setting a course for success.
Master Delegation: Freeing up your time by delegating effectively allows for better focus on growth and innovation.
Invest in People: Building a strong team through thoughtful recruitment and retention strategies is essential for business resilience.
Stay Proactive: Preparing for economic fluctuations with solid financial and business planning can safeguard your business’s future.
Tune in to this insightful episode to gear up for a successful 2025. Don’t forget to subscribe for more valuable business tips and join us when we return next year!

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, join hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin as they uncover the essential skills and practices every business owner needs to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. With a focus on actionable insights and practical advice, Ben and David explore seven key areas that are crucial for building a successful business and leading a fulfilling life.
Listeners will be equipped with strategies to improve their mindset, enhance organizational skills, execute effective planning, and much more. Each topic is packed with real-world examples and expert advice from decades of combined business coaching experience.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Introduction to the Max Your Business Podcast
07:42 – Cultivating the right mindset for business success
12:46 – Organizational hacks to streamline your business operations
16:11 – The art of strategic planning for immediate and future growth
18:37 – Demystifying business finances: Know your numbers for better management
20:18 – Building a robust business structure with clear roles and KPI
24:25 – The critical importance of taking decisive action
30:35 – The lifelong journey of learning and adaptation in business
35:52 – Practical applications of today’s discussions in daily business activities

Key Takeaways:
Mindset Matters: Cultivating a positive and abundant mindset lays the foundation for success.
Stay Organized: Utilizing tools and practices to keep your business orderly.
Plan Effectively: Detailed planning can significantly enhance your business trajectory.
Know Your Numbers: Financial literacy is crucial for managing and scaling your business.
Structure for Success: Clear roles and KPIs are vital for team efficiency.
Action Drives Results: The importance of moving from planning to action.
Never Stop Learning: Ongoing education and adaptability are keys to sustained success.
Tune in to enrich your entrepreneurial journey with insights and strategies that Ben and David have refined over years of business coaching. Don’t forget to subscribe for more valuable episodes!

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin dive into the vital practice of celebrating wins, whether big or small, in the workplace. They explore how recognising achievements can foster a positive business environment and uplift morale, even amidst challenging economic conditions.
Ben and David offer insights into the impact of the current economic landscape on businesses and share actionable strategies to stay motivated and focused. They highlight the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and discuss various books and techniques that business owners can use to celebrate daily achievements.
Listeners will learn how to share successes, acknowledge team contributions, and set meaningful rewards for long-term goals. Wrapping up the episode, Ben and David reflect on their own accomplishments over the year and inspire listeners to do the same, encouraging everyone to focus on abundance and gratitude.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Introduction to the Max Your Business Podcast
00:43 – Current Events and Economic Observations
02:32 – Challenges in Business and Taxation
06:38 – The Importance of Celebrating Wins
08:35 – Recognising Daily Wins and Personal Achievements
15:14 – Setting Goals and Rewards
20:02 – Acknowledging Team Efforts
23:24 – Strategies for Sharing Wins
24:38 – The Power of an Abundant Mindset
25:38 – Recognising Achievements and Celebrations
28:19 – Reflecting on the Year and Setting New Goals
30:55 – Fostering a Positive Mindset
36:42 – Leadership and Influence in Business
38:00 – Recommended Books and Resources for Personal Growth
40:27 – Engaging with Listeners and Closing Remarks
Key Takeaways:
Celebrate All Wins: Acknowledging both small and large successes builds momentum and keeps teams motivated.
Positive Mindset is Essential: Focus on abundance and gratitude to navigate challenging times effectively.
Set Rewards for Goals: Incentivise progress by tying achievements to meaningful rewards.
Team Recognition Matters: Celebrating wins as a team fosters collaboration and a sense of shared purpose.
Tune in to this inspiring episode for actionable advice and motivation to create a culture of celebration and positivity in your business. Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us!

In this episode, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin explore how outsourcing can revolutionise your business operations. As the year wraps up, they dive into why delegating tasks is crucial for freeing up time, boosting efficiency, and enabling business owners to focus on growth and strategy.
From debunking common myths about security and productivity to offering practical advice on managing remote teams, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you work smarter, not harder. Ben and David also discuss how the pandemic reshaped outsourcing and the game-changing role AI now plays in this space.
Discover tools like Upwork, Fiverr, and LastPass to simplify outsourcing, plus a clear step-by-step guide to delegating effectively. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode will help you streamline your workload and maximise your impact.
What’s Inside This Episode:
00:00 – Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast
00:57 – Reflecting on 2024 and how COVID changed the game
04:05 – The perks (and challenges) of outsourcing
06:05 – Inspiring real-world outsourcing success stories
18:45 – How to overcome resistance to outsourcing
22:01 – Setting clear roles for your virtual assistants
22:55 – Proven recruitment strategies to find top talent
23:56 – Navigating platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and agencies
24:34 – Making the most of job boards
27:26 – Tackling security concerns in outsourcing
28:19 – Tools to streamline communication and management
29:23 – Tips for hiring freelancers the right way
32:26 – How to break down tasks for outsourcing success
38:41 – Don’t miss the Max My Profit Masterclass
Whether you're ready to hire your first freelancer or refine your existing processes, this episode is your ultimate guide to outsourcing and delegation.
Episode Summary
In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin dive deep into the world of outsourcing, exploring its potential to transform business operations. As the year draws to a close, they discuss how delegating tasks can help business owners free up valuable time to focus on growth and strategic goals. They share practical tips for overcoming common challenges like security concerns and efficiency, while also providing real-life examples of successful outsourcing. The episode covers everything from finding and managing remote teams to utilising platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LastPass. Ben and David also touch on the impact of COVID-19 on outsourcing and how AI is shaping the future of delegation. Whether you're new to outsourcing or looking to refine your processes, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for business owners seeking to streamline their operations and maximise productivity.

The Importance of Taking a Break for Business Owners
In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin delve into the importance of taking a break over the Christmas holiday, even for the busiest business owners. They unpack the notion that being “too busy” is often a result of poor planning and mindset rather than actual workload.
The discussion includes strategies such as planning, prioritising personal time, turning off notifications, and the significance of taking mental and physical breaks. Ben and David also share personal anecdotes about past business challenges and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Download this tool to help you with your planning www.maxmyprofit.com.au/simple
Time Stamps
- 00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast
- 00:28 – The Importance of Taking a Break
- 00:43 – Planning for the Christmas Break
- 03:40 – Mindset and Prioritisation
- 05:16 – Personal Stories and Reflections
- 11:31 – Creating Healthy Routines
- 15:38 – The Consequences of Poor Prioritisation
- 17:02 – The Importance of Planning for Absence
- 17:41 – Recharging Your Batteries
- 18:44 – Facing Business Challenges
- 20:31 – Dealing with the ATO
- 22:22 – Prioritising Yourself and Delegation
- 24:57 – Effective Planning and Operant Conditioning
- 30:04 – Wrapping Up and Future Plans
Episode Summary
In this episode, Ben and David explore why taking a break over the Christmas period is so vital for business owners. They discuss the common belief that many business owners feel “too busy” to take time off, attributing this mindset to a lack of planning and prioritisation.
Ben and David highlight the importance of planning in advance to ensure time for a break, sharing their own experiences and practical strategies for effective time management. They also delve into the psychological challenges behind feeling constantly busy and stress the need for work-life balance to avoid burnout.

Insights on Dealing with Influential Staff Leaving
In this episode of the Max Your Business podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin discuss the critical topic of dealing with influential employees leaving your business. They explore the challenges and strategies involved in managing such a situation, including ensuring strong leadership, establishing a clear common goal, setting “rules of the game,” and involving the entire team.
The hosts also delve into fascinating advancements in AI technology and its impact on business operations. Through personal anecdotes, they emphasise the importance of leadership, culture, and clear communication in maintaining a cohesive team. Resources mentioned include a downloadable document on team building essentials available at maxmyprofit.com.au/team.
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:53 Exploring AI Innovations
02:31 AI in Business Applications
04:46 The Impact of AI on Jobs
06:11 Dealing with Influential Employees Leaving
15:11 The Importance of Strong Leadership
26:24 Addressing Non-Compliance in the Workplace
26:39 Identifying and Managing Problematic Employees
26:50 Impact of One Person on the Entire Team
27:16 The Importance of Team Dynamics and Culture
28:00 Sports Analogies in Team Management
28:31 Behaviour vs. Skills in Employee Performance
29:21 Leadership and Inspiration in Business
30:16 Dealing with Narcissistic Behaviour in the Workplace
30:57 The Fear of Losing Influential Employees
33:05 Rebuilding Team Relationships
33:36 Establishing Rules and Action Plans
35:36 Involvement and Inclusion in the Workplace
35:57 Supporting Risk-Taking and Common Goals
37:18 The Importance of Clear Communication
37:54 The Role of Leadership in Business Success
43:47 The Emotional Aspect of Business Decisions
46:20 Final Thoughts and Resources

Are Hidden Issues Holding Your Business Back?
In this episode of the Max Your Business podcast, hosts Ben Fewtrell and David Carlin talk directly about a crucial step many business owners overlook! Auditing your operations to reveal hidden gaps and opportunities. If you’re aiming for better results but feel like something’s holding you back, this episode dives into what might be missing in your approach.
They introduce the Business Review and Audit Questionnaire (BRAQ), a practical tool designed to help you identify specific areas needing improvement. It’s easy to get comfortable with the status quo, but without an objective look at your business, you might be missing out on potential growth.
Ben and David challenge you to step outside your comfort zone, get to grips with your numbers, and apply a structured approach to boost performance. They also share their Blueprint Questionnaire, which gives you a clear view of the essentials for running a truly effective and profitable business. This episode offers a roadmap to help you face the reality of your operations and make the changes you need for long-term success.

Time Stamps
00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast
00:51 – The Role of Coaching in Business
01:45 – The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers
05:18 – Introducing the Business Review and Audit Questionnaire (BRAQ)
07:20 – How to Use the BRAQ Effectively
11:44 – Benefits of the Blueprint Questionnaire
13:02 – Stages of the Blueprint
15:43 – Introduction to the Blueprint
16:25 – Realities of Business Ownership
17:02 – The Power of Delegation
20:18 – Mindset’s Role in Business Success
24:33 – Managing Time Efficiently
27:54 – Wrap-Up and Next Steps
Useful Link: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/blueprint