In The Slipstream

In this special episode, Sharon McClafferty sits down with Mike McHenry of SeamlessSMSF to delve into cultivating a thriving workplace culture.Sharon and Mike chat about the profound impact of workplace culture on business success. They explore how a great culture can truly make or break a firm, diving into the key elements that contribute to a thriving environment. They offer practical tips and share their experiences fostering a culture where values, beliefs, and behaviours align to propel their businesses forward. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with real-world examples that showcase how the right culture isn't just part of the business—it's at the heart of its success.Seamless SMSF contact details areEmail: contact@seamless-smsf.com.auPhone: (03) 5226 3599Website: www.axelerateadvisory.comSlipstream contact details areEmail: hello@slipstreamgroup.com.auPhone: (07) 3221 3796

In this episode we talk with Con Voultsios of Accelerate Advisory about funding the purchase of equity interest in professional services firms.Con shares some interesting aspects about what banks are looking for when considering finance applications submitted by accounting and financial planning firms. His observations with respect to developing relationships with bank managers are insightful – getting to know their boss and their assistant. Con also has some suggestions about the role a broker can play not just in obtaining a deal but progressing an application through to conclusion. In the interview Con also mentioned a book which he’s read lately – Black Belt. A masterclass for startups and entrepreneurs, by Joseph Healy and David Hornery, the founders of Judo Bank.Con Voultsios’ contact details are Email:                con.voultsios@axelerateadvisory.comPhone:               0452 619 699Web:                  https://www.axelerateadvisory.com/ Linked In:           https://www.linkedin.com/in/con-voultsios-

In this episode we talk with Richard Hernan of Broadleaf Financial Group about investing in financial advisory firms. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the roles and resources that an external investor can bring to the table, along with the characteristics of firms in which Broadleaf is interested in taking a long term equity position.Richard also shares some very interesting case studies of businesses that Broadleaf has invested in.In the interview Richard mentioned three of his favourite podcasts, details of which appear below:The Founders Podcast with David Senra. https://www.founderspodcast.com/ Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais. https://findingmastery.com/ The Howie Games, with Mark Howard. https://www.howiegames.com/ Richard referred to Patrick Lencioni’s book, The Ultimate Team Player.To find out more details about Slipstream Group’s Pathway to Succession & Exit workshop, follow this link: https://slipstreamgroup.com.au/pathway-to-succession-and-exit/ Scott also makes referen

In this episode, we talk with Larry Fingleson of The Edward Alexander Foundation about his career, finding purpose and charitable giving. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss - Private ancillary funds and the roles that they can play in supporting good causes whilst at the same time fostering healthy discussions about money in familiesBringing philanthropy and estate planning into the conversations with one’s clientsEncouraging clients to give while they live so that they see the benefits that flow from their generosity. Some great activities with charitable links that Larry mentioned were: Thread together – New York Marathon https://threadtogether.org/ November 2024Feel the magic bike ride https://magicride.com.au/ Larry also shares some interesting suggestions about reaching out to potential mentors and how to get the best out of the relationship with a mentor.In the interview, Larry mentioned Ikigai, a profound book that he’s read lately, details of which appear below –Ikigai, the Japanese sec

In this episode we talk with the latest coach to join Slipstream Group, Nina Forbes. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss Nina’s career to date (lots of highlights here!), her views on the future of the financial planning profession and what she is most looking forward to in her coaching relationships.It was great to explore Nina’s career to date, with her well considered views on delivering an integrated accounting and financial planning service to clients a particular highlight. So too, Nina’s common sense advice in hiring, training and incentivising paraplanners makes for compelling listening.Nina also shares some interesting aspects about a business she co-founded, built up and eventually sold to a large and well respected organisation.In the interview Nina mentioned Unsung Science, a podcast she enjoys. Hosted by David Pogue, it can be readily located via your web browser or your preferred podcast platform.Nina’s contact details are:Email:                 nina@slipstreamgroup.com.auPhone:   

Fiona also shares some interesting aspects about her own journey, becoming a shareholder and director of her firm in recent years.For additional information, you may care to visit the Accru Hobart website –Due diligence for potential purchasersThe news section of the website contains a range of interesting articles that Fiona has writtenThe podcast Fiona referred to during the interview is: Get the know Howe.To register your interest in the Pathway to Equity workshop, please follow this link.Fiona’s contact details are:Email: FEttles@accruhobart.com.auPhone: 03 6244 5044Web: www.accruhobart.com.auLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fionaettlesScott’s contact details are:Email: scott@slipstreamgroup.com.auPhone: 0409 870 330LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharltonWeb: www.slipstreamgroup.com.auTo take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:Spotify: Search for Tim LaneFacebook: The Backstick Agenda (please go and like the page)Website: www.thebackstickagenda.comTo see film clips and to h

In this compelling episode we talk with Fraser Jack of The Cyber Collective about cyber security. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the risks which apply to small businesses and how team members being eager to please clients can make your firm vulnerable to attack.Fraser also shares some interesting aspects about emails, tax file numbers, bank account details and passwords. In the interview Fraser also mentioned the Retireinvest Case which makes the legal implications of inadequate cyber security appear very close to home.Fraser provided a host of references during the interview, which are summarised below -The Australian Cyber Security CentreThe ACSC’s Essential Eight Maturity Model referred to by Fraser can be accessed hereThe Cybersecurity Framework put out by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) referred to by Fraser can be accessed hereHere's a media release put out by ASIC in relation to the proceedings that Retireinvest went through regarding cyber securityThe FPA P

In this episode we welcome back renown marketer Kirt Daunt to talk about putting marketing to work in your firm. In particular, we drill into what comes next after putting the marketing foundations (brand, website, case studies etc) in place.To squeeze the utmost out of this interview with Kirt, we pitched him headlong into real life scenarios that listeners will relate to, such as –Introducing current clients to a new service, as well increasing the uptake of services provided by other divisions of one’s firmWhat to do if the work that you do is a “best kept secret” in your community plus how to tactfully play your hand while serving on the committee of the golf club or on the board of your children’s schoolWhat comes next when a prospective client makes an expression of interest, such as downloading a strategy paper or coming along to one of your eventsThroughout the interview, Kirt shares many timeless marketing principles which have served him well at the top end of town, linking them to the scenarios bei

In this episode we talk with Jon Petie about his retirement from public practice after 28 years and his new role as Slipstream Group’s latest coach.Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss delivering on one’s promises, being of a growth mindset and maintaining a keen interest in the value of one’s business. It’s also clear from the discussion that a key part of Jon’s success over the long term was his unwavering commitment to delivering on promises.Jon also shares some interesting experiences about buying a client base, repaying the associated debt and the process he went through to sell his firm.Jon’s contact details are:Email:                Jon@slipstreamgroup.com.au Phone:               0412 930 101Web:                  www.slipstreamgroup.com.au Linked In:          https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-petie-97647849/ Scott’s contact details are:Email:                  scott@slipstreamgroup.com.auPhone:                0409 870 330Web:                   www.slipstreamgroup.com.auLinked In:           ww

In this episode we talk with John Fitzgerald of Active Rehabilitation about growing a remarkable professional practice.Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss –Specialising in profitable niche areasBeing nimble enough to handle staff and patient illness throughout COVIDRecruitment, including how to source, employ and train top level graduatesBuilding a first rate culture within the business – this does not happen through accidentJohn also shares some interesting aspects about inducting new team members, developing written procedures for all aspects of client care and the multi-pronged approach used by his team to ensure timely and effective communication.As a regular consumer of their services, John has some words of advice for accounting practitioners seeking to work with business clients.The collaboration software that John mentioned which is used within Active Rehabilitation Therapy is Basecamp, which can be accessed via basecamp.com/.In the interview John also mentioned two books from which he’s

In this episode we talk with marketing expert Kirt Daunt about developing a winning brand. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss two aspects that one should obsess over – What your client needs and wantsHow to deliver this profitably to your bottom lineKirt makes the point that doing a good job of the first helps you achieve the second.Kirt also shares some interesting aspects about identifying one’s key client, starting with the thought-provoking question, “Who do you fight for?” He suggests that the aim of your marketing is to be famous with these people.Making it real, Kirt spontaneously pulls in a wide range of examples – not just from the accounting and financial planning world but glass manufacturing; weightlifting equipment and even James Bond! The discussion truly is a celebration of how marketing can be interesting, appealing and, as Kirt clearly states….Fun!Following the interview, Kirt kindly provided a summary of some key concepts covered during the discussion, Design & Build, wher

In this episode we talk with Ray Miles, recently retired founder of Fortnum Financial Advisers.For three decades, Ray has been a highly significant figure in the Australian financial services landscape and this interview explores his reflections post the final instalment of his career.Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the future of financial advice, building a planner-centric licensee and how to mould a winning team from a diverse group. Ray also elaborates on his long-held belief that “the wisdom is in the room” i.e. that there is benefit in getting likeminded practitioners together to share experiences for mutual benefit. How Ray integrated client feedback throughout the businesses he ran is incredibly significant, both in terms of aligning with one’s customer and the industry changes that this triggered.It’s not every day that we get to talk about such issues with such an esteemed and accomplished visionary, so this episode should be considered essential listening. Enjoy!Ray’s contact detai

In this episode we talk with Michael Burnett about his pending retirement from public practice and his upcoming role as Slipstream Group’s latest coach.Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss some keys to a successful professional partnership and how to coordinate efforts being brought to bear on a client’s financial affairs in the context of a multi-disciplinary business.Michael also shares some interesting benefits about being part of a national affiliation, along with how future partners in his firm used such an affiliation to participate in staff exchanges with other firms to round out their professional development. In the interview Michael also mentioned the Coaching for Leaders podcast, which can be sourced through the website of the same name: https://coachingforleaders.comThe book Michael recommended during the podcast is The Values Factor: The secret to creating an inspired and fulfilling life by John F. Demartini.Michael’s contact details are Email:                  michaelb@slipstreamgro

In this episode we talk with fellow practitioner Al Ramos about his professional journey. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how he developed a specialty in looking after particular clients (businesses), his willingness to go far beyond providing traditional services and how leadership fatigue became a catalyst in deciding to sell his firm to a multi-national. Al also shares some compelling and very personal aspects about his experience with cancer – firstly, how he was able to mentally get through a very testing regimen of chemotherapy and radiation then secondly how his approach to life and to work has changed as a result. Al’s insights and his overall perspective provide valuable insights for leading a better life.Al’s contact details are:Email: al@chessstrategy.com.au Phone: 0422 238 435Web: www.chessstrategy.com.au/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/al-ramos-b-ec-fca-ab1a1a1/ Scott’s contact details are:Email: scott@slipstreamgroup.com.auPhone: 0409 870 330Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.auLin

In this episode we talk with Rebecca McGough of Slipstream Group about managing professional service firms.

In this episode we talk with Vivienne Quinn of Quinn & Associates about buying and selling a professional practice.

In this episode we talk with Michael Spinks regarding how he has found his first 12 months as a Slipstream coach.

Measuring team member performance With Brent Charlton In this episode we talk with Brent Charlton of Altitude Advisers about measuring team member performance, as applied in his own multidisciplinary practice. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how Brent developed a system to suit his firm, beginning with basic spreadsheets and evolving into a more sophisticated online application that is now available for other firms to use. During the interview, Brent discusses how team members can be objectively measured against predetermined goals and KPI’s. He explains how regular reviews can be linked to team member development and outcomes based remuneration increases. Brent also shares some interesting aspects about how team members can self assess their performance, set their own development goals and participate in an equitable quarterly profit share plan, all within an overarching system. To find out more about the Balanced Scoreboard, visit www.balancedscoreboard.com.au (It’s a straight forward pro

Selling Professional Services Show Notes In this episode we talk with Ryan Devillers of Slipstream Coaching about selling professional services. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss what makes a good salesperson and how partners of busy accounting and financial services firms tend to focus on current clients rather than prospective clients. Ryan also shares some interesting thoughts about looking internally for someone who might be best to engage with prospective clients. If you are thinking that such a person should be a principal in the firm…think again! Later, in the Coach’s Corner, Scott passes on some observations of his own from working in some dynamic, sales-orientated organisations. In particular he discusses how and why such companies achieve revenue growth that is leaps and bounds ahead of professional practices where “doing the work” is the predominant activity. In the interview Ryan mentioned a book he is currently reading, being Atomic Habits by James Clear. He also mentioned reading

In this episode we talk with Julia Vojkovic of Compliance Co about various aspects of financial services from a compliance perspective. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the responsibilities of AFSL’s in navigating the current legislative landscape and how Compliance Co assists by providing an outsourced compliance solution. Julia also shares some interesting aspects about providing such services during COVID-19. Amongst a range of other topics discussed, we also examined the age-old question of “Should I just take out my own licence?”, with Julia sharing some practical tips and points to consider. In the interview Julia mentioned the software program that Compliance Co has developed to assist AFSL’s. For more information, please refer to the website www.3lines.com.au. Compliance Co has generously offered to provide listeners to this podcast (who are AFSL’s) a 3 months free trial of the Representative Client File Review segment of the software. Please contact Julia directly if you are i