In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey interviews Frank Greef, the Head of Industry at Domain and former founder of Realbase. Frank shares his journey of building and leading a successful business with a dedicated 20-member team, offering insights into strategies for scaling and maintaining growth. He also discusses his new passion project — a cookbook supporting charity, combining his love for cooking with a commitment to giving back.
Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here.
Michael delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.
And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:
What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
Frank Greef identifies the hardest part of growing a small business as dealing with the "unknown unknowns." These are the unpredictable challenges that lie beneath the surface—issues you can’t foresee that bring unexpected mental and emotional demands. He describes these surprises as the “iceberg below” that can catch business owners off-guard, emphasizing how they can create stress and roadblocks. This focus on the hidden challenges highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in business growth.
What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
Frank Greef's favorite business books include The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone for mindset, Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson for innovation, and Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh for customer experience, each shaping his approach to growth and impact.
Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
Frank Greef recommends The Diary of a CEO for its insightful conversations, though he notes its recent shift in focus. For business-specific advice, he highlights Alex Hormozi's Acquisition.com, where Hormozi shares actionable strategies for scaling from zero to multi-million-dollar revenues.
What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
Frank Greef suggests that the best tool is self-learning paired with accountability. Instead of just consuming information, he emphasizes implementing what you learn immediately, testing its impact, and adapting as needed—turning knowledge into actionable growth for your business.
What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
Frank Greef’s advice to his day-one self in business would be, “You’ve got this, little buddy!” Acknowledging the journey as a challenging yet rewarding roller coaster, he emphasizes resilience and faith in one’s ability to overcome the unknowns that lie ahead.
Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!
Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.
Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:
True growth in business comes from learning to let go, not holding all the keys yourself – Frank Greef
Success isn’t just reaching goals; it’s finding purpose and giving back along the way – Frank Greef
Learning without action is a wasted resource – implement and grow with every insight – Frank Greef