Victorian Small Business Network

Small Business Tax Strategy: Why Your Accountant and Mortgage Broker Should Talk

Most small business owners do not have a finance problem or a tax problem — they have a disconnect between the two.In this episode of the Victorian Small Business Network Podcast, host Leanne Watson, mortgage and finance planner, sits down with Felicity Belmont from Tax Espresso to unpack how small business tax strategy, lending, cash flow, business structure, and financial planning all work together.If you are a sole trader, company director, entrepreneur, property investor, or growing business owner, this conversation will help you understand why your accountant, mortgage broker, and financial planner should not be working in isolation.Leanne and Felicity discuss:How small business tax strategy can support long-term growthWhen to consider moving from sole trader to company or trust structuresWhy your business structure may impact your borrowing powerHow cash flow and profitability are not always the same thingWhy separate business and personal bank accounts matterHow loan structures can affect tax deductibilityWhy planning before 30 June can create better financial outcomesThe importance of having your finance team in the same conversationWhether you are preparing for end-of-financial-year tax planning, looking to borrow for business growth, reviewing your current loans, or simply trying to get clearer on your numbers, this episode will help you ask better questions and make more confident decisions.Tax, finance, and lending decisions are connected. The earlier you bring the right advisors into the conversation, the easier it becomes to grow your business with clarity, confidence, and fewer costly mistakes.Leanne Watson: https://leannewatson.com.au/Felicity Belmont: https://www.taxespresso.com.au

The Truth About AI for Small Business: Risks, Laws & What You Must Do

AI is transforming small business faster than ever… but are you exposing your business to serious risks without even knowing it?In this episode of the Victorian Small Business Network podcast, we unpack the real dangers of using AI in your business — from cybersecurity threats and legal pitfalls to data privacy risks and costly mistakes.Joined by legal, cybersecurity, and AI experts, this conversation reveals what most business owners are getting wrong — and how to safely harness AI without putting your business on the line.🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:- The biggest AI risks small businesses are overlooking- How “oversharing” data can create serious security vulnerabilities- What you MUST check before using any AI tool- The legal traps hidden in AI subscriptions and contracts- Why your team could be your biggest risk (and how to fix it)- The 5-step framework to safely implement AI in your business- How to stay compliant with privacy laws while using AI💡 Whether you're already using AI or just getting started, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and build a smarter, safer AI strategy.🎙️ Featuring:HOST - Sarah Burke (Commercial Lawyer, SLB Legal - https://www.slblegal.com.au/)Daniel Wojcik (Cybersecurity Expert, Codux - https://codux.com.au/)Olivera Tomic (Founder, 8 People – AI Solutions & Training - https://8people.io/)Connect with VSBNInstagram: http://instagram.com/victoriansbnFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriansbnTikTok: http://twitter.com/andreconateLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoriansbnWebsite: https://www.vsbn.com.au

CRITICAL Property Advice: Why Renting Could Make You Richer Than Buying (A Must-Watch for Investors)

In this episode of the VSBN podcast, host Charl “Chuck” Joubert from Proactive Property Management is joined by special guests Hamish from One Haven Property Group and Jonathan from Mortgage Choice Williamstown. The three industry experts sit down to discuss how their seemingly different businesses collaborate to serve the same client. They delve into their core values, missions, and, most importantly, provide listeners with crucial advice on property investment strategies, current market trends, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're a first-time home buyer, an experienced investor, or a renter looking to break into the market, this video is packed with valuable insights from people who actively "play the game". Key Topics Discussed: The Investment Journey and Collaboration: Learn about the client journey from referral (95% of One Haven's business is referral based) to acquisition, emphasizing the importance of aligning property purchases with a client's goals. Discussion on how three different businesses can collaborate to serve the same client. Leveraging Equity for Investment: Jonathan explains how utilizing existing home equity can cover deposit, stamp duty, and holding costs for an investment property, meaning the investment often "doesn't really cost them money out of their own pocket". Why You Shouldn't Sell Too Soon: Insights into the long-term benefits of holding onto investment properties, and why holding is crucial for debt reduction and wealth building. The Critical Role of Property Managers: Discussion on how property managers are the "last conversation" but the "ongoing relationship", helping to alleviate defects issues and providing cash flow comfort to prevent owners from selling early. Property Market Trends and Sentiment: An in-depth look at recent market trends, post-COVID growth in states outside of Melbourne, and the impact of interest rate changes on buyer sentiment and property prices. The panelists note that Melbourne is now a highly valued market in Australia. Rent Vesting: Advice for tenants who want to enter the property market. The guests advocate for a shift in mentality: "Rent where you want to live, as long as you've invested your money elsewhere". Advice for Existing Landlords: Discussion on the "loyalty tax" charged by lenders and the need for regular loan and portfolio reviews to ensure optimal interest rates and structure. Beware the Barbecue Talk: A strong warning against taking property advice from unqualified sources, especially family members who rely on "old opinions". Guests: Chuck Joubert - Proactive Property Management - https://proactivpm.com.au/ [https://proactivpm.com.au/] Hamish - One Haven Property Group - https://onehaven.com.au/ [https://onehaven.com.au/] Jonathan - Mortgage Choice Williamstown - https://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/jonathan.lee/ [https://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/jonathan.lee/] Connect with VSBN Instagram:   / victoriansbn   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTRoa1hJeXpHMFZ0bUhQUXdPZDlISEh0cXdjZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsSVI1Y090UW5hT2M3dElibTlWMmtSOHc4SWs5ekpvMHppMFg4WDlac3A3VE1JcG9zTGdSNnZvdy15R0w0NGJ2VHFJOVItRVB5WU00dXhuQW95eEdOYmptOEJYbnlvSlZPa09LMzZMSXVlUnJGdjN4VQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fvictoriansbn&v=0hH_rFRGtuk] Facebook:   / victoriansbn   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkNfSGt1bk1lajdacmtkWWZ5QW1YeXowZDFLUXxBQ3Jtc0tudTBwdGs4Ykx3OXJHLTdjZnBfTmN2QTdFaUdWdjBGMUVTRnotd2ZoRG9sbGNnZjJwcmJBQ1ptUHN5dFpPcVJzTEhnMDVZNWVPLWlqS1FwcDhFeU5yejZkWHFhejNfMXRxUmlTTDVZMFp0c2hCMU5hNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvictoriansbn&v=0hH_rFRGtuk] TikTok:   / andreconate   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3pUN0FZV2pLLXVtZEVrbFNsUWRibUtXd3Y5Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttM2hVN1pXRkx1Zm8wbHRsYXYyQXNhMVRCZ285bFBoMmFpTkhzQVhKZ25iWE9Vb2xEQVMwWXl3QWY4dm8wLUdmWVBuamdwdXdNd0xHTGgyTTJSMko3NlJFTVdCNDVvbnh2eXVoNk9pTG0zeW1FMWw5SQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fandreconate&v=0hH_rFRGtuk] LinkedIn:   / victoriansbn   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWVYSm0wMmFKUXZMSERfSlA0T09OOExsQjd6UXxBQ3Jtc0trcllkUnhiY2QydmE2SG1oNEFveGVpWDhTQzhCTktpOXRyU05OSVNHb0lsczNfZ0FYa0dKcG9jWE8wbVl4a0ZsMDZRbHE0ZGFZbi1kUG1CZ3R5QnB3Z2M0TTk1LVdWNTR0Rjh4cklGSjBpUEpEN0lCaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fvictoriansbn&v=0hH_rFRGtuk] Website: https://www.vsbn.com.au [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmVodDB0dWVYZndXb2tYTGxTZlFiNXZuRC1SUXxBQ3Jtc0trSGlfX1dIdldLV1Z5U09pb3d1ck9xUTlHZXBjTUlMVEJRaV9KUTltSXktcnp6dnhXLU1vRXBkX3M4bWZRLWd6VDhmeEJEaEtVaU1reWV6TlU5UjNaM1lFZ21VNnZiRzk3eFhJUlpLcFVkbzFUTmRCVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vsbn.com.au%2F&v=0hH_rFRGtuk]

Why Your Website Isn’t Converting (Even If You’re on Page 1 of Google)

SEO, Copywriting & Visibility Secrets for Small Business Are you getting website traffic… but no enquiries? Ranking on Google… but not converting? Or worse — completely invisible online? In this episode of the Victorian Small Business Network Podcast, copywriter Marie Alafaci and SEO specialist Vicky Trainor (Websites Which Work) unpack the real reason many small businesses struggle with visibility — and why being “on Google” isn’t enough anymore  This is not a fluffy SEO chat. It’s a practical, honest conversation about what actually makes a website: * Get found * Build trust instantly * Convert visitors into enquiries * Stand out in competitive local markets Inside This Episode: * The 2-second rule: what visitors must understand immediately * Why SEO without good copy is useless (and vice versa) * The difference between traffic and the right traffic * How Google Maps rankings impact local business visibility * Why your About Page might be costing you sales * The truth about keyword stuffing (and why it doesn’t work anymore) * How reviews influence both rankings and trust * What to fix on your homepage first if you only have time for one change * Commercial intent vs informational keywords (most business owners miss this) If you’ve ever: * Been told “we’ll get you to page one” without understanding what that really means * Wondered why competitors outrank you * Felt frustrated by people bouncing off your website * Written your own website copy and hoped for the best This episode is for you. Visibility isn’t about shouting louder. It’s about being clear, trustworthy and relevant. Connect with us Marie Alafaci - https://mariealafaci.com/ Vicky Trainor - https://www.websiteswhichwork.com.au/ Send us a message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2401597/open_sms] 🎙 Brought to You by the Victorian Small Business Network (VSBN) Looking to grow your business and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs? VSBN is here to connect, share and grow with small business owners across Victoria. Proudly produced by VSBN — the network that brings passionate business owners together through relaxed networking events all over Victoria. Ready to expand your network and take your business to the next level? 🌟 👉 Join us at our next event: vsbn.com.au [https://vsbn.com.au] _ Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/victoriansbn LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoriansbn/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@victoriansbn Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/victoriansbn/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriansbn/

Essential Legal Tips for IT Providers, MSPs & Tech Consultants | VSBN Podcast

Contracts can make or break your business—especially in the fast-paced world of IT, tech services, and small business supply chains. In this eye-opening episode, Sarah Burke, a seasoned commercial lawyer and founder of SLB Legal, teams up with Suresh GP from Taub Solutions, global IT consultant and business coach, to unravel the costly contract pitfalls that catch IT providers and service suppliers off guard. Whether you're: * An IT provider chasing monthly invoices, * A tech business scaling your services, * Or a small business owner navigating “non-negotiable” customer contracts... You’ll walk away with real-world stories, legal insights, and practical strategies to: * Avoid vague scopes and scope creep, * Protect yourself from late payments and underpayment, * Understand when it really is time to bring in a lawyer (hint: sooner than you think), * And finally build contracts that protect you, not just your client. From painful first-hand experiences to game-changing contract tips, this episode is your essential listen to safeguard your profits, time, and sanity. Connect with us Host:  Sarah Burke, SLB Legal, https://www.slblegal.com.au/ [https://www.slblegal.com.au/] Guest: Suresh GP, Taub Solutions, https://taubsolutions.com/ [https://taubsolutions.com/] Send us a message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2401597/open_sms] 🎙 Brought to You by the Victorian Small Business Network (VSBN) Looking to grow your business and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs? VSBN is here to connect, share and grow with small business owners across Victoria. Proudly produced by VSBN — the network that brings passionate business owners together through relaxed networking events all over Victoria. Ready to expand your network and take your business to the next level? 🌟 👉 Join us at our next event: vsbn.com.au [https://vsbn.com.au] _ Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/victoriansbn LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoriansbn/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@victoriansbn Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/victoriansbn/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriansbn/