Growth Curves

Most owners try to fix profit directly. You can't. Profit is a result, it's what's left over after a handful of other things go right or wrong. Which means if you want a better number at the bottom, you have to go and work on the drivers above it. In this episode I walk through three of them: What each customer spends with you. Packages, add-ons, the extra service you already do for free. Same cus...

In this special episode, Wendy shares a personal update as she wraps up her time on the Growth Curves Podcast. She opens up about what led to her decision, the excitement of a new direction, and both Sarah and Wendy share their thoughts on 37 episodes of honest conversations together on the Growth Curves Podcast.  ***Stay tuned for SEASON 3 of the podcast hosted by Sarah Burgess!!***

Do you hate following up with leads or past clients because it feels too pushy? You're not alone. In this episode, Sarah and Wendy unpack authentic, practical ways to follow up that feel natural and effective — not salesy or awkward. You'll learn: ✨ A mindset shift that makes following up feel more helpful than hustle ✨ Simple systems (from notebooks to tech tools) to keep track of leads and cli...

Managing receipts, invoices, and bookkeeping can be a nightmare for small business owners—but it doesn't have to be! In this episode, Sarah and Wendy talk into Hubdoc , a game-changing tool that helps streamline accounting processes, reduce admin time, and keep your financials in order. 🎧 Listen in to learn: ✅ How Hubdoc automates receipt and invoice management ✅ Why keeping financial documenta...

Are you getting the results you need from SEO and Google ads? Wendy and Sarah chat with Samantha Vandergoot from Daily Digital about the power of SEO and Google Ads for business growth. They cover: 🔹 The key differences between SEO and Google Ads—and when to use each. 🔹 Why auditing your website is crucial before launching a digital marketing strategy. 🔹 Common mistakes businesses make with dig...

An informative and vulnerable chat with social media trainer Jodine McIntyre about the major shifts happening in social media marketing right now, as well as the challenges she's faced in business. From the move from an opted-in follower model to an interest-based content algorithm, the impact of dissatisfaction with Meta platforms, to the growing potential of platforms like YouTube, Jodine shares...

Cash flow can make or break a business, especially in uncertain economic times. In this episode, Sarah Burgess and Wendy Tibbotts dive into the importance of cash flow management, offering practical strategies to help business owners navigate seasonal slowdowns, unexpected expenses, and financial pitfalls. They share insights on forecasting, managing payments, and avoiding common mistakes that can...

In this episode, Sarah and Wendy dive into the strategies you need to grow a thriving email list. They share practical tips and ideas to help you connect with your audience, add value, and build trust—without overwhelming your customers. What You'll Learn: Creative ways to encourage customers to sign up for your email list. Growth strategies that work for small businesses. How to promote your list...

Wendy and Sarah share their personal and professional New Year goals and reflect on the mindset shifts and lessons from the past year. They explore the importance of stepping into leadership roles, staying accountable to goals, and building habits that drive long-term growth. From defining the right actions to embracing consistency and business boundaries, this episode is packed with practical adv...

If you've ever wondered what established business owners would change if they could start over, this episode is for you. Wendy and Sarah share five key lessons from their business journeys to help you save time, money, and energy while building a successful, sustainable business. Packed with actionable advice, this conversation is a must-listen for new and growing entrepreneurs alike. What you'll...

In this episode, Sarah and Wendy interview Cat Macnaughtan, founder & CEO of Getting Lost , the award-winning adventure card game. Cat shares her journey from a part-time travel blogger to running a multi-million-dollar business built on community feedback, creativity, and strategic thinking. She delves into the challenges of scaling a fast-growing enterprise, the importance of adaptability, and t...

In this super-informative episode, Wendy Tibbotts and Sarah Burgess engage with productivity and well-being coach Sarah Wood to discuss strategies for avoiding burnout and maintaining balance as an entrepreneur. Sarah has a science-based approach to well-being which informs the discussion about setting healthy boundaries, and adapting productivity methods to different stages of business growth. Th...

In this episode Sarah and Wendy introduce the "Rubber Band Theory" as an insightful approach to achieving personal and professional growth by stretching within one's limits.  They discuss how setting realistic goals, surrounding oneself with supportive individuals, and celebrating small wins can lead to sustainable progress without the risk of burnout.   You'll learn about: Applying the Rubber Ban...

Join hosts Sarah and Wendy as they chat with online business expert Kate MacGregor about how business owners can embrace automation and delegation to reclaim their time, achieve balance, and focus on the work that truly matters. Kate shares her insights on building a sustainable business, the mindset shifts needed to let go of control, and her personal journey in scaling her business while also em...

Meet the evolving needs of your customers at every stage of the buying process. In this episode, Wendy takes us through the seven key stages of the customer journey. We discuss: Tips for generating brand awareness, including networking, social media and sponsorships Strategies to increase customer interest by showing how your product or service solves problems and stands out from competitors How t...

Have you ever done a Xero health check on your business? Little Black Books has been doing a few clean up jobs in Xero and it reminded Sarah that some businesses may not be aware of the basics of maintaining their Xero file. And you don't know what you don't know! In this episode, Sarah talks you through 5 areas in your Xero file that you can jump into to do a health check on your own business. Yo...

Hosts Wendy Tibbotts and Sarah Burgess explore the evolving role of AI in marketing. They discuss how to leverage AI for efficiency while maintaining the authenticity of your brand. From the benefits and limitations of AI tools in content creation and image generation to practical strategies for blending AI with human creativity, this episode is packed with valuable insights for business owners lo...

Welcome to Season 2 of the Growth Curves Podcast! In this episode, hosts Sarah Burgess and Wendy Tibbotts talk about taking a much-needed break, juggling multiple businesses, and how to create a podcast (and business) that works on your terms. If you're ready to run your business with more intention and less stress, tune in now. You'll learn: Why it's okay to press pause in your business How to ma...

In this episode we discuss actionable strategies for business owners to adapt and move forward in the current challenging economic environment, focusing on proactive measures to improve your bottom line.  We touch on topics such as customers' struggles and prioritising value for existing customers, reducing cash flow strain, maintaining marketing efforts and more. This episode will provide you wit...

Want to feel more in control of your finances? Sarah provides valuable advice on how to conduct regular money meetings. By analysing expenses, sales, and revenue streams during these meetings, you can track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and make timely changes to enhance your bottom line. You will learn: The importance of regular money meetings for business owners How to conduct e...

It's so difficult to find time to get 'all the things' done! We understand the juggle of balancing business demands and home life, let alone personal health and wellbeing... it's a continual work in progress!  In this episode, we're sharing our 5 productivity hacks that have helped us in both our businesses and personal lives. With the right tools and mindset, you can maximise your productivity an...

Wondering if you're doing the 'right stuff' when it comes to marketing? In this episode, Wendy discusses her Marketing Essentials checklist - the top 10 activities businesses should focus on to get the best results. There is an overwhelming amount of marketing options and strategies available, and it's easy to feel lost in the sea of marketing advice. That's why we have broken this down into an ea...

Ever felt stuck in a repeating pattern of overwhelm in your business? We've named this the 'Cycle of Despair,' from our own personal experience of managing boundaries and stress as we navigate business owner life.  Characterised by a lack of enthusiasm and increased procrastination (doom scrolling anyone?!), this often stems from an overwhelming number of undesirable tasks and saying 'yes' to acti...

In this episode, we share the importance of creating a business plan and how it can drive your business forward, rather than leaving progress to chance. You may be thinking about your business plan as we approach the end of the financial year in New Zealand. Now is a great time to reflect and make changes where necessary – or if you don't currently have a plan, grab that notebook as Sarah also sha...

Today, Wendy dissects what brand positioning means and its significance in establishing a business's place in the market.  So let's differentiate your brand from competitors, grab yourself a pen and paper as you learn fundamental strategies that will help you create a lasting impression in your customers' minds. You will learn about: Impact of personal behaviour on brand perception Aligning your p...