Podcast My Business

Sole traders make up a huge part of Australia’s small business economy, but many are still left to manage superannuation, tax and long-term financial planning largely on their own.In this episode of Podcast My Business, Tony Skinner speaks with Karan Anand from Hnry about why superannuation matters for sole traders, why many independent earners delay or avoid contributions, and how the system is still largely designed around employees rather than people who work for themselves.Karan explains the discipline challenge of voluntary super contributions, the tax treatment of concessional contributions, the importance of understanding fees and returns, and the admin steps sole traders can easily miss.The conversation also touches on Hnry’s ContractorSuper update, which is designed to help businesses manage contractor super payments where those obligations apply.This is a practical conversation for sole traders, independent earners, contractors and small business owners who want to better understand the role super can play in long-term financial security.Most employees have superannuation handled for them.For many sole traders, it is a very different story.They often need to make contributions themselves, manage the cash flow, understand the rules, and make sure the right admin steps are completed.That can be difficult when they are already doing the work, chasing invoices, managing tax, paying expenses and keeping the business moving.In this episode, Tony Skinner speaks with Karan Anand from Hnry about sole traders, superannuation and the long-term financial decisions independent earners need to think about.Karan explains why many sole traders do not make regular super contributions, why some are delaying contributions under financial pressure, and how voluntary super can be both a wealth-building tool and a discipline challenge.The conversation also covers concessional contributions, super fund performance, fees, the importance of getting advice, and why the system still often assumes a traditional employee/employer relationship.Karan also discusses Hnry’s ContractorSuper update, designed to help businesses manage contractor super payments where those obligations apply.

In this episode, Kris Cranfield discusses the importance of IT for small and medium-sized businesses, emphasising the need for reliable backup systems and the challenges of running a business. Many small businesses neglect proper data backups, leading to potential data loss.Tony shares his back up horror story with Google Drive.Kris discusses his journey in the IT industry, the lessons learned over 25 years, and the significance of setting targets for business growth. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of work, particularly in hybrid environments.

In this conversation, Tony and Alan Stevens delve into the nuances of non-verbal communication and its significance in understanding mental health. They discuss how facial expressions, body language, and subtle changes in behaviour can indicate emotional distress. Alan emphasises the importance of empathy and the need for gentle, supportive conversations rather than direct probing. The discussion highlights the role of observation in recognizing signs of mental health issues and the importance of being present for others without overwhelming them with questions.

Tony Skinner and Mitzi from Clarity Healthcare discuss the importance of mental health awareness, emphasizing that mental health encompasses more than just mental well-being but also includes connections, rest, purpose, and technology. They highlight the significance of staying connected, being intentional in interactions, and the benefits of being vulnerable and active. They stress the importance of setting boundaries, limiting screen time, and ensuring quality sleep. Mitzi advises psychological distancing to manage controllable aspects and taking breaks to avoid burnout. Both agree on the value of seeking support early to prevent mental health crises.

In this engaging conversation, Tony and Alan Stevens explorethe intriguing connection between facial features and personality traits including how crows feet are good for you and your business.They discuss how facial expressions can reveal insights intoa person's emotional state and character, supported by scientific research in neuroscience and psychology. Alan shares practical tips for improving social interactionsand understanding the nuances of body language, emphasizing the importance of genuine engagement in conversations.

In this podcast episode, Tony interviews Jonathan Guico from DIYPT.co.au discussing the philosophy behind personal training, the importance of long-term health, and the transition from a corporate career to personaltraining. Jonathan emphasises the need for accountability in fitness, the inspiration behind the obesity epidemic in Australia, and practical health tips to build daily habits. He also shares insights on starting a business and the importance of being adaptable in product development.

Helens inspriring journey from losing her business through covid, to pivoting to online, even when others retired.In this podcast episode, Tony interviews Helen Hancox, who shares her journey from being a solo mother on social welfare to becoming a successful business coach. Helen discusses the impact of COVID-19 on her business, while others retired her pivot to digital organisation, and the importance of effective filing systems. She provides valuable tips for staying organised in a digital world and emphasises the need to understand one's business needs for better organisation.