Explore CEO's journey from 0 to 15 team members in 3 yrs, $4.6M seed funding, advisor Dr. Matthew Knowles PhD. Actionable advice on marketing, Gen Z engagement, partnerships, capital raising, and work-life balance for rapid business growth. (Mark John)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode, Troy interviews Mark John, CEO and founder of Australian edtech startup frntlne. Mark, a serial entrepreneur since childhood, shares his journey across various industries. He discusses how his dissatisfaction with retail experiences led to frntlne's inception in 2021. Since then, he's grown it into a 15-member team, securing notable clients like Coles, L’Oreal, and Ryanair. In 2023, Mark successfully raised $4.6 million in seed funding and assembled an impressive advisory board, including Dr. Mathew Knowles PhD, known for shaping the careers of Beyoncé and Solange. The discussion covers marketing, partnerships, and work-life balance, offering practical guidance for time-constrained entrepreneurs pursuing swift business expansion.

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.

Troy 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:

1. According to Mark John, the most challenging aspect of growing a small business is resource allocation in the face of changing conditions. Adapting swiftly to market changes and ensuring that resources align with evolving needs pose significant hurdles for entrepreneurs.

2. Mark John's favorite business book is "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck." This unconventional guide emphasizes embracing challenges, being selective about concerns, and taking responsibility for personal happiness.

3. Mark John mentions "This Week in Startups" hosted by Jason Calacanis as his main go-to for professional development. He appreciates the intelligent content and insights shared on the podcast. Additionally, he stays updated with industry news through sources like TechCrunch, Verge, and Business Insider, enhancing his knowledge in business and technology.

4. Mark John recommends three influential tech tools for small business growth: Canva for visual communication and idea sharing, Otter as a transcribing tool, and Slack for efficient team communication. These tools contribute to productivity and effective collaboration within the business.

5. Mark John advises himself on day one of starting out to trust his instincts and go with the gut feeling, emphasizing the importance of experience and learning from it. He suggests listening to the inner voice, acknowledging the wisdom gained over time, and allowing that knowledge to guide decisions and actions in the entrepreneurial journey.

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:

In the fast-paced world of startups, resilience is your greatest asset; get up, fight, and creatively solve problems at scale – Mark John

Success isn't just about the destination; it's about finding joy in the little wins and the steps that lead to the ultimate goal – Mark John

Effective partnerships and assembling the right team are the twin engines that propel a business forward – Mark John