What do you wish you could tell yourself when you first started your business?

In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi celebrates 16 years in business by looking back at the lessons she wishes she’d known when she first started Peach Business Management in 2010.

From a chance conversation at Mount Zero Olives that led to her very first client, to building a business that has evolved over more than a decade and a half, Fi shares the honest, human lessons she’s learned along the way.

She explores why being great at what you do isn’t enough if nobody knows about it, why she wishes she’d started building an email list from day one, and how getting the right coaching and support earlier could have changed the trajectory of her business.

Fi also reflects on the power of relationships, learning to create your own opportunities, and one of the biggest lessons of all: your health and wellbeing are just as important as anything else you invest in as a business owner.

Whether you’re in your first year of business or your sixteenth, this episode is a reminder that building a successful business isn’t only about pricing, profit and strategy. It’s also about knowing yourself, asking for support, putting yourself forward and creating a business that leaves room for a life outside of work.

🎧 Tune in for Fi’s biggest lessons from 16 years in business, and the things she wishes she’d understood from the very beginning.

 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why being good at what you do isn’t enough. Learn why marketing your expertise is essential for building a successful business.
• Why relying on referrals can be risky. Discover how consistent marketing gives you more control over your client pipeline.
• Why you should build an email list early. Learn why an engaged email audience can become one of your most valuable business assets.
• Why getting support can accelerate your growth. Discover how coaching and expert advice can help you develop skills outside your expertise.
• Why making money starts in your mind. Learn how your mindset and behaviour can influence the results you create in business.
• Why your natural strengths matter. Hear how Fi’s ability to build genuine relationships became part of her secret sauce.
• Why you need to create your own opportunities. Learn why putting yourself forward can open doors to stages, podcasts, awards and more.
• Why collaboration can build courage. Hear how working with others can give you the confidence to pursue bigger ideas.
• Why your health is a business priority. Learn why protecting your physical and mental wellbeing is essential for long-term success.
• Why making space for joy matters. Discover why a successful business should support a fulfilling life outside of work.
• How your definition of success can evolve. Explore why sustainable success includes money, connection, wellbeing, courage and joy.

💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact.

– Good Money Club (doors are open now)

Peach Weekly – Sign up for sharp, practical business thinking delivered straight to your inbox.

Say hi: [email protected] 

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In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open.

Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses can change the world, but only if we’re making money and managing it well.

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Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.business

If you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you’re here.

Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability.

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This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I’d like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I’d like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.