Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

In this episode we dive into a topic that so many small business owners struggle with, having difficult conversations.

We unpack why these conversations are often avoided, how that avoidance can actually make things worse, and the hidden cost it can have on your team, your time and your overall business performance. We also explore the reality that difficult conversations show up in many forms, from underperformance and behavioural issues through to pay rise discussions, promotions and even interviews.

We share real examples of the types of conversations that come up in small business and why putting them off can lead to bigger problems down the track. In particular, we discuss how delaying these conversations can create confusion for team members, impact team culture and even make your eventual response seem like an overreaction. We also touch on the importance of setting clear expectations early, especially during the hiring process, to avoid difficult situations later on.

A big focus of this episode is giving you practical strategies to approach these conversations with more confidence. We talk about the importance of getting clear on your objective before going into the conversation, understanding your team members communication styles, and tailoring your approach so your message is actually heard. We also highlight the value of being specific, prepared and aligned, particularly if you are working with a business partner or leadership team.

Finally, we share some simple but powerful tips to help you take action, including why you should not delay these conversations, how to structure them effectively, and the importance of following up afterwards. If this is something you find challenging, we also share details of an upcoming workshop designed to help you prepare, script and confidently handle your next difficult conversation.

Want to join Kristy-Lee’s upcoming workshop on this topic? Get your free seat here:

https://www.peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au/handled

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

We’d love to hear from you!

Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

Today we are joined by Kristy Smith from Virtual Elves to chat about how offshore virtual assistants can support you in your small business.

Kristy and her team at Virtual Elves help busy entrepreneurs scale faster through virtual assistant support, without burn out or the high cost of hiring employees. Virtual Elves is an Australian-managed outsourcing agency connecting skilled Filipino virtual assistants with growing Australian businesses.

Kristy started the business over 15 years ago and Virtual Elves has become a trusted partner to hundreds of business owners who value quality, consistency, and care. She is a speaker, mentor, and strategist, sharing what she has learned about building sustainable systems, leading with empathy, and growing teams that genuinely thrive — both in Australia and the Philippines.

In this discussion we explore how the concept of a “VA” has changed over time and how businesses can now access a wide range of specialised skills from global talent, particularly in places like the Philippines. From admin and bookkeeping support through to marketing, SEO and customer service, we discuss the many ways virtual assistants can help small business owners free up their time and focus on higher value work.

We also unpack some of the common misconceptions about working with offshore team members. We discuss why expectations need to be realistic, why one person cannot do every role in your business, and why it is often better to engage multiple specialists rather than expecting a single VA to handle everything.

We also chat about why strong systems, clear processes and well written briefs are essential if you want to get the best results from any team member, whether they are local or overseas.

We also touch on some of the legal considerations that small business owners should be aware of when hiring internationally, and why working with an agency or employer of record can help reduce risk.

If you have ever wondered whether a virtual assistant could help you buy back time in your business, this episode is packed with practical insights and considerations to help you decide if it is the right step for you.

To connect with Kristy and her team you can find their website here: https://virtualelves.com.au/

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

We’d love to hear from you!

Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

In this episode we discuss the importance of building and maintaining an email list for your small business. With so much attention placed on social media followers, likes and engagement, it can be easy to overlook one of the most valuable marketing assets you can have. We unpack why your email list is something you truly own, unlike social media platforms where algorithms change and accounts can disappear overnight.

We explore why email remains one of the most effective ways to communicate directly with your audience and nurture relationships with potential and existing customers. From sharing useful insights and personal updates, through to promoting offers or important business updates, email gives you a direct line of communication that you control. We also discuss how authentic, human communication can dramatically improve engagement and open rates.

In this episode we also dive into practical ways to start building your email list, regardless of your industry. Whether you run an online business, an accounting firm, a trade service or a hospitality venue, collecting customer email addresses can be simple when there is a clear exchange of value. We share ideas for encouraging sign ups, discuss different types of email lists you might maintain, and explain how nurturing your audience over time can lead to stronger relationships and more sales.

Finally, we highlight some important considerations including the need to keep your list updated, communicate regularly, and comply with Australian email marketing laws such as providing clear opt in and opt out options. If you already have an email list, this episode will prompt you to ask whether you’re using it as effectively as you could be.

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

We’d love to hear from you!

Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.