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.

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

In this episode we are following on from our conversation last week with returning guest Amy Lee from Heart Content, and picking up on one of the key threads she raised – business values. We unpack what business values actually are, how they differ from your value proposition, and why so many small business owners either overlook them or treat them as something that just gets written on a wall and forgotten.

We discuss the difference between operational standards and true values, and why your values should act as your non negotiables and guiding principles in business. We explore how your values influence the customers you choose to work with, the decisions you make, the services you offer and even how brave you are in saying no when something does not align. We also share some honest reflections on how values evolve over time, both personally and professionally, and how that impacts the way we run our businesses.

We dive into practical ways to ensure your values are not just words, but actually embedded in your systems, processes and customer journey. From onboarding your team to reviewing your website messaging, auditing your customer experience and even looking at your Google reviews, we share simple ways to check whether your business is truly aligned with what you say you stand for. We also talk about how clearly articulated values can help attract the right customers and repel the wrong ones.

If this episode has prompted you to revisit your own business values, we would love to hear from you. Reach out and let us know what your top three values are and how you are bringing them to life in your business.

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 returning guest Amey Lee from Heart Content.

With years of experience helping brands bring together story, strategy, and content, Amey shows business owners how to increase their impact, streamline their marketing, amplify their message and attract their tribe by harnessing the power of brand story.

Her career in brand and marketing spans more than 20 years and includes clients such as Fernwood Fitness, Guild Insurance, Atherton and a role at the BBC where she helped deliver a learning campaign and broke a world record in the process.

Amey’s creative brain can turn out winning ideas and brilliant copy, whilst her strategic half is an expert in finding your difference, establishing your value, identifying your audience and translating these ideas into tangible goals that help to grow your business.

In this episode we dive deep into the power of brand story strategy and why it matters so much for small and medium sized businesses. We unpack the common misconceptions around brand story, and explore why it is so much more than just your ‘About’ page or a few social media posts.

We discuss how every touch point in your business contributes to your brand story, from your marketing and messaging to your onboarding, customer service and even the decisions you make about which opportunities to say yes or no to.

We also explore the difference between traditional brand strategy and brand story strategy, and why putting your customer at the centre of your brand is the real game changer. In this episode we break down the six key elements of brand story strategy including vision, mission, values, differentiators, tribe and personality, and we talk about how these pillars can become a practical decision making tool in your business. Whether you are assessing referral partnerships, marketing opportunities or new product ideas, having clarity in your brand story can save you time, money and a whole lot of misalignment.

Importantly, we chat about why brand story is not something you just set and forget. We discuss when to revisit it, how it supports retention and advocacy, and why it can help you attract the right clients while repelling the wrong ones. If you have ever felt stuck, out of alignment or unsure about your next move in business, this conversation will give you a framework to bring everything back into focus and create a brand your customers genuinely feel part of.

If you would like to learn more about Amey’s Brand Story Strategy Workshop, be sure to check out the details and join the waitlist for the next intake. You can do that here: https://www.heartcontent.com.au/bssw

If you’d like to contact Amey you can reach her:

At her website: https://www.heartcontent.com.au/

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameylee/

On Instagram: @heartcontentau

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartcontentau

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!

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

In this episode we’re diving into the customer journey and why it’s time for small business owners to refresh and rethink how we attract, convert and retain customers in 2026. We unpack the difference between the buyer’s journey and the customer experience journey, and why both deserve intentional planning rather than being left to chance.

From awareness right through to advocacy, we explore how we can be more strategic instead of simply chasing new leads and hoping for the best.

We talk about how the role of websites is changing, how AI is influencing buyer behaviour, and why trust is becoming more important than ever. With shorter attention spans and more noise in the market, we discuss how to create a seamless, low friction experience that helps customers move from consideration to decision quickly. We also share a real life example of how something as simple as an easy payment process or a well placed QR code for reviews can make a huge difference in the overall journey.

Importantly, we explore the often overlooked parts of the journey including repeat business, referrals, reviews and even offboarding customers well. We discuss why systems are critical if you want to consistently nurture relationships, encourage advocacy and handle feedback, both positive and negative, with confidence. If you have not reviewed your customer journey recently, this episode will prompt you to step back and look at the full picture from first touchpoint to long term loyalty.

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 week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

In this episode, Matt and Kristy-Lee are joined by returning guest Val from Viya Technology to explore a very timely topic for small business owners, how to automate your business without losing the human touch. With AI and automation tools becoming more accessible than ever, many business owners are keen to improve efficiency but are equally concerned about how technology might impact customer experience, relationships and trust.

Val shares practical insights into finding the right balance between automation and human interaction. The conversation unpacks how to identify which parts of your customer journey are suitable for automation, and which areas should remain human-led to preserve value and connection. Using relatable examples, Val explains why understanding your ideal client and their expectations is critical before implementing any new technology.

Matt and Kristy-Lee also share real-world experiences from their own businesses, discussing onboarding, client communication and content creation. They talk candidly about where automation has worked well, where it has not, and why transparency and feedback are essential when introducing AI or automated processes into your business.

This episode is a must-listen for small business owners who want to leverage automation and AI thoughtfully, improve efficiency, and still deliver a genuine, human experience for clients, customers and teams.

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/

1. 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, Matt and Kristy-Lee tackle a big question many small business owners are asking right now, is employee loyalty dead? Drawing on their own experiences and observations of the next generation entering the workforce, they explore how the traditional idea of loyalty as a trade for long-term job security has shifted. With changing expectations, generational differences and the lasting impact of the pandemic, the old rules around work and loyalty no longer seem to apply in the same way .

The conversation dives into why job security is no longer the primary driver of loyalty, and how employees are increasingly taking ownership of their own careers. Matt and Kristy-Lee discuss why modern loyalty looks less like a lifetime commitment and more like being engaged, committed and aligned while someone is part of your business. They also unpack how leadership, development, flexibility and feeling valued now play a far bigger role than simply a pay cheque.

This episode is a must listen for business owners who are struggling with staff retention or feeling frustrated by changing workforce expectations. Matt and Kristy-Lee share practical insights into how employers can reset their mindset, evolve their leadership approach and build genuine loyalty that works for today’s workforce. Loyalty, as they explain, is not dead, it’s just different.

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 week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

In today’s episode, Matt and Kristy Lee dive into one of the biggest challenges facing small business owners right now hiring the right people in a rapidly changing landscape. With 2026 firmly on the horizon, they explore how the rules of recruitment are shifting, why hiring mistakes are more costly than ever, and how business owners need to adapt their approach to attract and retain great staff in a competitive market .

Kristy shares her expertise in recruitment, unpacking how AI is impacting both sides of the hiring process. From AI written resumes and cover letters to smarter use of technology in screening and job ads, this conversation highlights why business owners need to be more discerning, faster in their processes, and clearer than ever on what they actually need from a role. They also discuss why cover letters are losing relevance, the importance of speed in hiring, and why passive candidates are often your best option.

The conversation also looks beyond the hire itself, emphasising the importance of always on recruitment strategies, using platforms like LinkedIn effectively, and ensuring your online presence genuinely reflects what it is like to work in your business. Matt and Kristy also talk about hiring as a retention strategy, the need to reassess roles before replacing them, and why onboarding should begin the moment a job offer is accepted.

If you are planning to hire in 2026, or are already feeling overwhelmed by recruitment decisions, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you hire better, smarter, and with confidence.

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.