Hey there, business warrior! Ever feel like you’re putting in the work but spinning your wheels? You’re not alone. I’m Nathan Baws, a hands-on founder and one of the go-to corporate speakers Australia counts on for real talk and real strategies. From bootstrapping health shops to pitching on Shark Tank, I’ve seen the ups, downs, and in-betweens of the business world. And I’m here to tell you—you don’t have to hustle harder. You have to hustle smarter.
This isn’t another motivational fluff piece. It’s a raw, real, and practical guide with 10 growth hacks I’ve personally tested, shared on stages across Australia, and used to help businesses scale. Whether you’re a startup founder or scaling your team, these tactics and tips will light a fire under your goals.
1. Guerrilla Marketing: Big Buzz, Low Budget
Forget fancy billboards and Facebook ads with zero return. Guerrilla marketing is all about impact with zero waste. Back when I opened my first health shop, I had no cash for ads, so I sent my mate dressed as a giant carrot into the street. Flyers flew, laughs were had, and customers rolled in.
From staging mock health protests before Shark Tank to cross-promotions with local gyms, I learned that creative thinking beats big spending. These tricks still work today, especially for small business consulting services looking to help their clients grow without draining their wallets.
2. Your Story is Your Brand
Your brand is more than colours and fonts—it’s your reason, your journey, your passion. On Shark Tank, I shared my origin story—the grit, the grind, the failures—and though I didn’t land a deal, I won something better: connection.
As a corporate speaker Australia audiences connect with, I always say: tell your story, flaws and all. People invest in people. Share it on your socials, packaging, and pitches—and watch customers become raving fans.
3. Social Media Isn’t a Billboard, It’s a Campfire
Too many businesses treat social media like a one-way street. I treat it like a campfire—a place to share, connect, and converse. I run polls, contests, and go live showing late-night product packing. Result? Followers feel like insiders, not targets.
Before Shark Tank, I documented the whole messy journey. People loved it. No filters, no fluff. Just real hustle. Engagement spiked, leads rolled in. That’s the magic of authentic content.
4. Networking Done Right: Build, Don’t Just Collect
Networking isn’t about handing out 100 business cards. It’s about building real relationships. I’ve scored game-changing partnerships from nothing more than a meaningful coffee chat. One supplier deal saved my business.
I often tell crowds: it’s not what you get, it’s what you give. Offer help first, follow up, and stay curious. Trust builds doors.
5. Master Your Mindset: Failure is Fuel
I’ve bombed launches. Lost sleep. Lost money. But I always learned. That health shop I opened in the wrong location? It failed, but the next one soared thanks to those lessons.
Mental toughness is your armour in the business arena. Tough times are your test—pass them, and you level up. Reflect. Adjust. Keep swinging.
6. Adapt or Get Left Behind
Trends shift. Markets move. If you’re stuck doing what worked five years ago, you’re falling behind. When the pandemic hit, I pivoted online fast. Result? Business survived and thrived.
Innovation is about flexibility. Listen to your customers, tweak your model, and embrace change before it forces your hand.
7. Scale Smart with MVPs
Don’t sink money into building the perfect thing. Launch lean. Build your Minimum Viable Product (MVP), test it, get feedback, then grow. That’s how I launched a supplement line that went national.
It’s also one of the first things I teach in small business consulting services—validate first, then double down.
8. Build Strategic Partnerships
You don’t have to do it all alone. I’ve formed alliances with local gyms, health professionals, and stores to amplify reach without spending more. Look for people who share your values and have something you need—then create win-win partnerships.
This works wonders for small businesses looking to grow fast without deep pockets.
9. Delegate Like a Boss
Early on, I tried doing everything myself. Burnout came fast. Delegation changed the game. Once I trusted my team with key roles, I had time to focus on strategy.
Empower your team. Trust them. They’ll surprise you, and your business will scale faster than ever.
10. Focus Obsessively on Customer Experience
Want to stand out? Go above and beyond for your customers. Once, we stayed up late to fulfil a last-minute order—customer for life. Listen to feedback, act on complaints, and deliver more than promised.
The best marketing is a raving fan base. Treat customers like gold, and they’ll bring more customers with them.
Final Thoughts
These 10 growth hacks aren’t theory. They’re lived lessons—from the trenches, refined on stage, and proven in the real world. Whether you’re a startup, a struggling founder, or someone seeking small business consulting services, these strategies are built to work without a million-dollar budget.
I’ve used them to grow businesses, recover from failures, and inspire audiences across the country as a corporate speaker Australia knows and trusts.
Ready to level up? Reach out for consulting, or book me as your keynote speaker. Let’s put these strategies into action—and watch your business soar.
FAQs
1. What’s the fastest way to grow a small business on a budget?
Start with guerrilla marketing, social media engagement, and MVP testing.
2. Why is storytelling important for business growth?
It builds emotional connections and trust—customers relate to real stories.
3. How do I know if my MVP is ready?
Launch when it solves the core problem. Then refine based on feedback.
4. Should I invest in small business consulting services?
Absolutely. A good consultant helps you avoid costly mistakes and find clarity.
5. How do I find strong partnerships?
Look for businesses with similar values and complementary audiences.
