In this episode of Business Focus, we explore the power of building authentic business communities and peer groups. Featuring Nick Moran and Greg Lalle, we uncover how creating a strong, trust-based community can drive growth and success for businesses. From the importance of sharing knowledge with competitors to overcoming introversion in a leadership role, this conversation highlights the value of vulnerability, collaboration, and continuous learning in business. Whether you’re an MSP professional or a business leader looking to foster a community, this episode is packed with insights on navigating relationships, creating brand loyalty, and achieving long-term success. Tune in for real talk, honest reflections, and actionable tips on leveraging community to unlock your business potential!

Business leaders with extensive experience share their insights on optimising sales and the crucial role of the owner in this process. Whether it's about integrating the owner into the sales strategy or freeing up their schedule to focus on other priorities that match their interests and skillset, this discussion uncovers various ways to enhance effectiveness. Sales are the backbone of any business, and striking the right balance between compelling marketing and solid operations can be a real challenge. Limited resources and the unique strengths of the team, often shaped by experience or business acumen, make achieving this balance even more vital. Brendan and Ross explore different approaches in this episode, they dive into practical examples and provide thoughtful perspectives on making sales a core strength of your business. Discover how business owners can navigate the complexities of growth and leverage their unique role for sustainable success. Industry experts Nate Austin, Ben Town, Nigel Moore and Peter Kujawa.

In this episode, we explore the unique sales and marketing challenges businesses may face and provide tips to improve or enhance your business strategy. Join Brendan and Ross as they discuss tips on driving business growth with industry experts Nate Austin, Ben Town, Nigel Moore and Peter Kujawa Key Takeaways: - Overcoming introversion and confidently promoting your business - Strategies to differentiate your services and avoid price wars - How to engage prospects through impactful events and public speaking - The importance of understanding your Target Customer Profile (TCP) and crafting a value creation strategy - Why traditional advertising may not work for relationship-based selling Whether you’re grappling with sales, marketing, or both, this episode provides practical tips to help you refine your approach and connect more effectively with your customers and prospects.

The AI revolution has opened up countless possibilities across industries. However, analysing its use and measuring outcomes isn't as straightforward as it seems. In this episode, we dive into real-world examples where AI has played a pivotal role, particularly in the MSP industry. Mark Iles, a speaker with deep, multi-industry expertise, offers a compelling and practical approach to how AI can be a powerful ally rather than just a shiny add-on. Mastering this technology will be the key to gaining an edge over those who don’t. Episode Highlights: - The importance of connecting quantitative data with qualitative insights from partners. - Common pitfalls of AI adoption, including the prevalence of proof-of-concept projects that fail to translate into actionable results. - How large enterprises are leveraging AI differently compared to SMBs and mid-market companies. - The key to successful AI implementation: finding the right use case specific to your business needs. - The evolving role of MSPs and the need to innovate amidst growing pressure to deliver cost-effective and efficient services.

In this powerful episode, Brendan and Ross sit down with Scott Scrogin, Strategic Initiatives Director, to delve into the often overlooked but critical topic of mental health within the workplace. Scott shares his personal journey and insights on mental health, the importance of vulnerability, and practical steps leaders can take to foster a supportive environment. From breaking stigmas to creating a culture that embraces mental wellness, Scott's candid conversation at IT Nation Sydney is a must-watch for anyone looking to better understand and support their teams.

Adam Spencer – MC, speaker, comedian, author & maths geek. Russell Crowe is on record as saying that when Adam gets his geek on, it’s a joy to behold, and he’s not wrong. Before taking the stage to present his keynote address at IT Nation Sydney 2024, Adam joined Ross Sardi, CEO of First Focus, and Brendan Ritchie, Chief Growth Officer at First Focus, to discuss where AI is taking us. What makes this tech so different? Where do humans fit in an AI centric future? Are we heading towards a post truth world? Adam brings his rare blend of top end intelligence and humour to a conversation we should all care about.

In this multi-layered episode of Business Focus, we're excited to welcome back Ross, our CEO, to discuss some major updates and plans for the year ahead. Here’s what we’re covering: - Our recent acquisition of Lettscom, highlighting the growing importance of establishing a strong local presence and the exciting future for our team and customers in South Australia - How the Gazelles Framework has shaped our business over the last decade, and what it means for our ambitious goals in the near future - How we’re investing in customer experience by building more capabilities, more knowledge, and more skills - Key insights into this financial year’s biggest opportunities and the risks businesses should be aware of, particularly in the realms of automation, AI and security Whether you're curious about what’s happening at First Focus, looking to stay ahead of the curve, or simply want to learn more about the future of technology, this episode has something for everyone.

In this episode of Business Focus, we explore the important topic of strategic succession planning with Gavin Hall, Director at The Acquire Group. As businesses evolve, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership becomes vital to maintaining your company’s future. Whether you're an owner preparing for an exit or a leader looking to address key person risk, this discussion is filled with practical advice. Gavin shares his experience on how to identify potential successors, build their skills, and prepare your business for leadership changes, whether planned or unexpected. Learn about the significance of understanding your business’s long-term goals, assessing leadership capabilities, and the necessary steps to develop a succession plan that ensures continuity and success. Tune in to discover: - The importance of succession planning for business owners and leaders. - How to identify and develop future leaders within your organization. - Strategies to manage the risks associated with the departure of key personnel. - The role of external advisors, mentors, and coaches in succession planning. - Practical steps for progressively transitioning responsibilities to new leaders. If you’re focused on securing the future of your business, this episode is a must-watch. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on building and leading successful businesses through succession planning!