Your Local Business Network - with Megan Forster

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Your Local Business Network - with Megan Forster

Hello, I’m Megan, a Business Coach and your Local Business Advisor for the Trusted Advisor Network in Sydney.

I help small to medium sized business owners build their "Ideal Business" to maximise PROFIT, optimise SCALE and unlock more TIME and FREEDOM! HOW I HELP...

Hello, I’m Megan, your Local Business Advisor for Sydney and a member of the Trusted Advisor Network. I help small to medium sized business owners like you, build their Ideal Business – one that generates sufficient income and runs independen

tly, giving you the freedom to enjoy the things in life, that you love the most! The objective of my coaching program is to MAXIMISE your take home INCOME, OPTIMISE the SCALE of your business and RATIONALISE the TIME and EFFORT you as the owner needs to spend “in” the business, so you can spend your time working “on” your business. Whether you want more time and money for family, holidays, home projects, or hobbies, I’m excited to help you achieve the life you deserve. I also collaborate with my fellow members of the Trusted Advisor Network to connect, educate and grow my local business community and stay updated on current SME business challenges by meeting and promoting businesses like yours. WHY I CAN HELP...

As a member of the Trusted Advisor Network, I combine my business expertise with a proven program that has helped hundreds of small to medium business owners like you, achieve life changing results. With over 25 years of experience working for or partnering with medium to large corporations, I have gained experience across a broad range of industries including Information Technology, Stockbroking, Finance and Insurance, Telecommunications, Advertising, Marketing, Media and Entertainment, Retail, Device Manufacturing, Research and Data Analytics, Business Consulting, Legal Services, Gig Economy, and Logistics. For the past 15 years I’ve held senior leadership positions in large corporations leading billion-dollar product P&Ls and teams, multi-million-dollar marketing budgets and projects, and complex business strategies and transformation programs resulting in multi-million-dollar profit increases. My career success to date has never been alone and has always been a collaborative effort with my teams, managers, colleagues, and companies that I have partnered with to achieve significant financial results. You shouldn’t go it alone either and when you work with me as a coach, we are in this together! BENEFIT FROM THE POWER OF A NETWORK...

I joined the Trusted Advisor Network to leverage my business expertise to start my own small business with a clear purpose, to create rewarding work that benefits the community and fits around my family. As a business owner, you will not only benefit from my expertise, you will benefit from the power of a network of experienced and diverse business advisors, who collaborate on the continuous improvement of the program content and strategies we coach and can provide support when there is a tough problem to solve in your business! If you are keen to know more or would like to start with a Free Business Feature to help promote your business, then DM me or email me at [email protected].

21/05/2026

Meet Nick Ashworth, the founder of O2 Constructions, who's building for a better future...

When Nick Ashworth started his career, he wasn’t chasing a traditional path. School didn’t fit, but working with his hands did. Influenced by his great grandfather, a shipwright, Nick moved into carpentry, qualified young, travelled, and eventually launched his own business in 2013.

When Nick Ashworth started his career, he wasn’t chasing a traditional path. School didn’t fit, but working with his hands did. Influenced by his great grandfather, a shipwright, Nick moved into carpentry, qualified young, travelled, and eventually launched his own business in 2013.

Today, Nick is the director of O2 Constructions, a sustainably driven building company specialising in high-performance and passive homes. The name reflects his mission, to create homes that care for the people living in them and leave a lighter footprint on the planet.

More Than a Build, Helping with a Life Transition

One of Nick’s most memorable projects involved a young family relocating from the city to Avalon. They weren’t just renovating a house. They were stepping into a new lifestyle, more space, more responsibility, and a growing family. Nick and his team became part of that journey, helping navigate unexpected issues, supporting decisions, and continuing to show up long after the project ended. Years later, that relationship still exists. Because for Nick, building homes is never just about bricks and timber, it’s about becoming part of people’s lives during moments that shape how they live for years to come.

What Makes O2 Constructions Different?

While many builders are starting to consider sustainability, Nick has built his entire business around it. His team:

♻ Separates and recycles materials at a level most builders don’t
♻ Reuses and repurposes materials wherever possible
♻ Chooses partners aligned with sustainable practices
♻ Builds to higher standards for longevity and performance.

These choices aren’t driven by profit; they’re driven by purpose and principle. Nick is focused on leaving the built environment better than he found it.

The Next Phase of Growth

With a solid team in place, Nick’s future focus is shifting, from being on the tools daily to building systems, developing leaders, and creating a business that runs without relying on him. Because ultimately, the goal isn’t just a successful business, it’s a business that gives him the freedom to be present for his family.

Considering a build or renovation and want a home that looks after you and the environment? Reach out to Nick at https://o2constructions.com.au/

If you’re a business owner ready to build a better business with more profit, purpose and freedom, book a chat with me at https://meganforster.trustedadvisor.com.au/lets-connect/

03/12/2025

From English Backpacker to Sydney Business Owner, How Steven Lee Built Bellevue Electrical

Steve’s journey started in Manchester, where he began his electrical apprenticeship at 16. A love of travel first brought him to Sydney as a backpacker, where he picked up work with an electrical company and fell in love with the city. Years later, when the UK company he worked for went into administration, Steve seized the chance to return permanently.

Starting again wasn’t easy. Despite years of experience in the UK as an electrician, engineer and project manager, Australia required him to re-sit exams and licensing. So, Steve swallowed his pride, went back to college, worked as an assistant, and rebuilt his career from scratch. By 2014, Bellevue Electrical was born, a name inspired by his Bondi beginnings, a suburb near his UK hometown called Belle Vue, and its meaning “Beautiful View.”

Everyone needs a spark in their life...

One of Steve’s most memorable clients turned out to be a former Prime Minister’s wife, although it took him a while to realise! For Steve, it was a reminder that every customer, whether famous or not, deserves the same respect, care and high standards. He also treasures working with older residents, whose incredible stories often teach him as much as the work itself.

What is Steve known for?

Steve is a self-confessed perfectionist, and while that means longer hours for him, it’s a huge win for his customers. Bellevue Electrical has built its reputation on:
✔️ Meticulous workmanship and attention to detail
✔️ Respect for people’s homes (tidy, clean, careful)
✔️ Reliability, punctuality & approachability
✔️ 160+ genuine 5-star reviews

Looking ahead, Steve’s vision is to grow a trusted team that allows him more time for family and travel, while keeping the same standard of service that has built his reputation.

👉 Visit https://bellevueelectrical.com.au/ for a human and electrical connection.

👉 Know a business owner I can feature? https://meganforster.trustedadvisor.com.au

18/11/2025

From Award-winning playwright to SEO Powerhouse: Meet Sharleen Ndlovu, Founder of JetLeads Agency

Before helping businesses climb Google rankings, Sharleen Ndlovu began her career as a playwright, writing sell-out shows across Australia and even representing the country internationally.

Her guiding principle? Write for the audience. Every scene, every word had to connect. That same mindset now drives her SEO agency, JetLeads, where she helps businesses turn their websites into lead-generating machines.

After several years freelancing as a copywriter, her creative energy resurfaced, and she pivoted into SEO. As a business owner and copywriter, she saw the same problems repeat: how to get quality leads without burning cash, and beautiful words alone don’t sell if Google can’t find them. The tech and the story have to work together. That’s when JetLeads Agency was born, blending creativity, data analytics and digital strategy to make SEO both human and powerful.

Clients Get Results

A recruitment agency once told her, “We don’t need SEO, we’ve got an ad budget.” But their paid clicks were bouncing fast and costing more. The truth is, ads weren’t the problem, the website foundation was. Their paid clicks were bouncing fast and costing more because visitors weren’t landing on well-structured, keyword-aligned pages. Sharleen rebuilt and rewrote their site, aligning structure, content and search intent. The result: ad performance improved, total lead cost dropped, and organic traffic grew.

Why JetLeads is an SEO Stand Out

As a Business Coach, I meet SEO agencies often. Take it from me, Sharleen knows her stuff. She combines a human + data-centred approach to deliver real results: more quality leads that cost less per lead.

No jargon. No lock-ins. Transparent communication, continuous improvement, live dashboards and real client conversations about what’s working.

For a FREE SEO AUDIT visit https://jetleadsagency.com.au and mention this Spotlight. What have you got to lose… except more quality leads!

Want your business story shared? Head to https://meganforster.trustedadvisor.com.au/promote-my-business

22/10/2025

Ever wondered why parts of your business flow effortlessly… and others feel like pushing @ #$% uphill?

👉 It’s not random, it’s you.

Your personality type and the default behaviours associated with your type, could be silently shaping (or sabotaging!) your business performance.

That’s where the DISC Personality & Values Profile comes in.

It’s one of the most powerful tools I use with my clients to help them:

✅ Understand how they communicate and make decisions
✅ Identify the traits driving both success and stress
✅ Learn how to lead their team more effectively
✅ Prioritise actions to grow their business income and personal freedom.

Most owners focus on fixing their business problems first, when in reality, the first step is understanding yourself. Because when you grow, your business grows with you.

💡 I’m offering a FREE DISC Personality & Values PROFILE this week, plus a mini debrief to help you understand what might be helping or hindering your business success...

Just DM me with DISC in the subject line or you can connect with me at https://meganforster.trustedadvisor.com.au/lets-connect/

14/10/2025

One Man's Rebellion Against Throwaway Culture: Meet the Founder of Devine Leathercare, Nathan Danks

When Nathan Danks bought his business from a close family member, five years ago, he knew he wasn't just taking over a business, he was continuing a legacy that started two decades earlier. Nathan chose to keep the trusted brand name and focus on leather restoration, relaunching as Devine Leathercare.

With a background in tiles, stone and interior finishes, Nathan brought 15 years of experience working with designers, architects and builders into the world of leather restoration. What started as a plan to work three days a week, so he could spend more time with his newborn, has since evolved into a thriving, one-man, premium, craft business, restoring everything from family heirloom leather lounges to the leather used in superyachts, aircraft and boutique hotels.

Taking customised service to a new level

For Nathan, every restoration requires customisation and craftsmanship. He does every job himself, from the meticulous preparation to custom colour-matching by eye. He likes to ensure clients know exactly who will turn up and see the job through.

If you want a good story, ask him about the two-metre leather rhinoceros. It arrived as a 1970s designer footstool from a boutique hotel chain. The horns had been snapped off after a guest, who'd probably had a few too many, decided to ride it in the hotel lobby. The irreplaceable piece was repaired, which involved many hours of detailed restorative methods along with airbrushed layers of translucent coats to recreate the original finish, all performed in his home workshop in the middle of COVID lockdowns. The result was a beautiful re-birth of the leather original, that travelled the world again as a unique hotel feature.

What makes Devine Leather Care so unique?

• Owner-operator model: Every job is in Nathan’s meticulous hands from start to finish, not a team of subcontractors. That control gives Nathan's premium clients confidence he will always deliver a high-quality result.
• Colour expertise: Years in tiles, stone and design taught Nathan how to see and match colour, a critical skill for subtle leather repairs.
• High-end and commercial capability: He handles bespoke commercial projects (hotels, boats, planes, superyachts) on schedules that suit the client, including night shifts.
• Sustainability by restoration: Rather than replace, Nathan restores, reusing offcuts, repurposing foam and cutting landfill. He’s even tracked the environmental impact of what he salvages and is proud of the kilos of material, hides and water saved by restoring rather than replacing.
• Selective and specialist: He turns down quick-fix franchise jobs and lowball pricing that would compromise the craft. Instead, Nathan focuses on keeping standards high.

Business owner challenges and the plan

Running as a niche, highly-skilled solo operator comes with its trade-offs. Nathan is cautious about expanding because the craft is personally anchored to his hands and reputation. One bad review or a rushed job could damage a brand that took decades to build. For now, the focus is on finding more premium commercial clients, while the future could involve passing on his skills to train others in the craft he has perfected.

Why locals love him

Clients come back because the outcomes are durable, beautifully matched and often far cheaper than replacing an expensive leather item. Architects and designers recommend Nathan for tricky, one-off projects; owners of boats, boutique hotels and classic cars call him when a quality, durable, restoration matters.

Final note from Nathan

Nathan is pragmatic about business and life: restoration is a craft he enjoys, it fits the family rhythm he wants, and it’s a tiny rebellion against throwaway furniture culture. If you care about quality, longevity and sustainability, and want your leather to be loved properly, he’s the one to call.

You can get in touch with Nathan by visiting https://www.devineleathercare.com.au/

Know a business owner who deserves a shout out, get in touch at [email protected]" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://[email protected]

10/10/2025

Happy Friday. I’ve just wrapped up a client session on "Mastering Your Marketing", the first in a series of coaching sessions I do to help clients understand how to improve their marketing tactics and systems from the bottom up!

Wow, there were some big lightbulb moments, so I thought I'd share the top take outs... 💡

1️⃣ Marketing is simply communication.

It's MESSAGE (how you communicate) + MEDIA (where you are shouting out your message). If you can explain what you do that is uniquely different to your competitors and why it matters, you’re already halfway there. The media side of marketing just helps your message travel further and reach more people.

2️⃣ Word-of-mouth isn’t enough anymore.

It’s great when it happens, but if only the people who already know you are talking about you… you’re invisible to everyone else.

3️⃣ Start at the bottom of the funnel.

Most business owners jump straight to social media. Instead, start by maximising your referrals and rebuys, the easiest, fastest wins, then build your nurture and content strategy from there.

4️⃣ Marketing is a habit, not a one-off.

Build marketing muscles that keep leads flowing, even when you’re busy.

5️⃣ Surprise and delight.

Add a small value-add after purchase, like a thank-you card or gift, and you’ll trigger natural reciprocity (and more opportunity to ask and receive referrals).

6️⃣ Don’t let “perfect” stop “better.”

You don’t need to master every marketing tactic all at once. Just pick one thing that moves the needle this month, and build from there.

👉If you would like to learn how to make your marketing simple, systemised and successful, book a chat with me at https://meganforster.trustedadvisor.com.au

06/10/2025

From Rural Roots to Life-Changing Care: Ryan Nelson’s Path to Endeavour Physiology

Ryan Nelson is a 3rd generation therapist who grew up on a dirt road outside Bathurst in a family of carers including nurses and massage therapists. After moving to Sydney with an Exercise Science degree and PT qualifications, he realised the PT scene was saturated. He pivoted to disability support work while completing his Masters in Exercise Physiology, complementing his personal training expertise and caring instincts with clinical knowledge.

Bringing Care to Those Who Need It Most

Ryan built his reputation visiting people at home, from 50-year-olds with chronic pain to a fiercely independent 103-year-old who still trains with him. For some, he’s not just a therapist but the only social contact of the week. His mobile, person-centred approach, has created years-long client relationships and steady GP referrals without formal marketing.

Endeavour Expanding to the City

Today, Ryan brings his dual skill set, exercise physiology and massage therapy to Sydney’s CBD. Alongside mobile rehab in the Eastern suburbs, he now sees clients in his new dedicated space in the CBD and runs corporate massage programs to boost workplace wellbeing and productivity.

What Makes Endeavour Unique: Relief Today and Results Tomorrow

Ryan's business offers clients a unique blend of hands on massage therapy to provide instant pain relief and prescription movement for long lasting improvements to clients' strength, mobility and chronic pain conditions. He adapts every session to the person in front of him. Whether it’s seated exercises for limited mobility or corporate wellness programs, he meets clients where they’re at, literally and figuratively.

Want to Work with Ryan?

Employers: bring corporate massage or movement sessions into your workplace wellbeing plans.
Individuals: book mobile or in-studio sessions to manage pain, rehab or chronic conditions.
Visit https://www.endeavourphysiology.com/ to find out more.

Local business owner? I’d love to feature you in a future Business Owner Spotlight.
https://meganforster.trustedadvisor.com.au/promote-my-business/

29/09/2025

From Sound Waves to Emotive Visual Storytelling: Meet Rob Schreiber, Founder of Who's Elliot Media Productions

Rob’s journey began over 30 years ago, growing up on film sets with a director dad and producer mum. Starting his career as a sound engineer, he worked on 60+ TV series and films across Australia, China, LA and NZ. When tech reshaped the industry, Rob evolved his expertise, adding filming, editing and directing to his toolkit. In 2019, he launched Who’s Elliot, a media company with a clear purpose, to harness sound, cinematography and powerful narratives to create stories that connect with his clients' audiences.

Memorable client story...

One of Rob’s proudest projects was with Jim Jam Ideas for the Investor Group on Climate Change. The challenge? Shift coal mining families’ views toward renewables. Through mini-documentaries, Rob’s team captured stories like Sophie, a 4th-gen farmer turning her property green, and an ex-miner who built the world’s first outdoor household battery. The campaign went viral, inspiring hope and change.

What makes Who’s Elliot unique?

Unlike some agencies, Rob's work is bespoke, diving deep into a client’s goals and audience before creating concepts. He also offers the complete package, taking care of the concept development, creation and ex*****on. With expertise that's won international awards (including a Cannes Lion), Rob’s focus is simple, "tell human stories that connect, not just sell". From TikToks to TVCs, he scales projects to budget while delivering film quality storytelling.

Want video content that cuts through?
Book a free consult in with Rob at https://calendly.com/whos-elliott/1-to-1-zoom or visit https://whoselliot.com.au for more info.

And if you’re a business owner keen to share your story, let’s chat: https://meganforster.trustedadvisor.com.au/lets-connect

02/09/2025

Meet the Sydney Design Duo and Founders of dieppe design - Creating Australia’s Healthiest, Most Serene and Sustainable Homes...

When Nora and Ed Dieppe met at university in Oxford, they couldn’t have predicted their shared journey would one day transform the way Australians think about home design. Edward, an architecture graduate, and Nora, with a background in business and hospitality, relocated to Australia in 2007, when Edward landed his first architecture role. A decade later, they took the leap to start their own business, officially launching Dieppe Design in 2017.

Their vision was clear from the beginning: to create homes that are not only beautiful but also healthy, efficient and sustainable. That passion led them to specialise in Passive House design, a scientifically proven approach that delivers year-round comfort, clean air, no mould, and significantly reduced energy costs. As Nora explains, “Once you’ve experienced a Passive House, it’s hard to go back.”

Memorable Projects...

Two stand-out projects still inspire the Dieppe Design team today. The first was the renovation of a mid-century waterfront home originally crafted by a renowned architect. The new owners wanted to modernise it without losing its architectural soul. Nora and Edward collaborated closely with them, blending client vision with expert guidance to create a space that was both functional and emotionally resonant.

The second was their first Passive House project, a transformation of a rundown Californian bungalow in Willoughby. The clients wanted to retain the heritage frontage while creating a high-performance, future-proof home. Dieppe Design delivered, proving that Passive House principles can work beautifully in suburban Sydney.

What Sets Them Apart?

Dieppe Design’s point of difference is more than just their Passive House expertise. As a husband-and-wife team, they offer a seamless blend of architecture and interior design under one roof, ensuring cohesion from the first sketch to the final finish. They work collaboratively with each client, adapting to individual styles rather than imposing a signature aesthetic.

Equally important is their down-to-earth, relationship-driven approach. “Life comes first,” says Nora. “We get that our clients have families, businesses, and busy lives. Building a home is a big journey, so we make it as enjoyable as possible.”

From heritage renovations to cutting-edge sustainable, new builds, Dieppe Design continues to create spaces that feel as good as they look, to live in, and breathe as well as they inspire.

If you want to experience a different level of living, get in touch with Nora and Ed at https://dieppedesign.com.

If you’re a business owner or know a business owner who would like a free feature in my Business Owner Spotlight series, you can leave your details at https://meganforster.trustedadvisor.com.au/promote-my-business/

26/08/2025

Why is it important to build a thriving team culture in your small to medium business?

Your people are your greatest asset. A strong culture fuels motivation, productivity, and in turn business growth. Here’s how:

1. Lead with Vision & Purpose 🔑

Your team wants to know why they’re showing up each day. Share your business goals, values, and vision regularly. When people feel connected to a bigger purpose, motivation soars.

2. Communicate Openly & Often 🗣️

Great culture is built on trust. Be transparent, listen actively, and encourage your team to share ideas and feedback. Open conversations lead to better solutions and happier teams.

3. Show Empathy & Understand Your People 💛

Every team member is unique, their personalities, strengths, and motivations differ. Take time to understand what drives each individual.

Some thrive on recognition 🏆

Others are motivated by learning and growth 📚

Some value flexibility or work-life balance 🌿

The more you know your people, the better you can support and inspire them.

4. Be Aware of Your Leadership Impact 🔍

Your behaviour sets the tone. The way you respond to challenges, give feedback, and celebrate wins directly shapes team motivation. Lead by example. Positivity, consistency, and respect create trust and loyalty.

5. Recognise & Celebrate Wins 🎉

Acknowledging effort, big or small in the moment, boosts morale and builds loyalty. Celebrate milestones, give shoutouts, and make people feel valued.

6. Invest in Growth 📚

Provide training, mentorship, and development opportunities. When your team grows, your business grows and you don't lose people.

7. Create Space for Connection 🤝

Strong culture thrives on relationships. Organise team lunches, celebrate birthdays, or host fun brainstorms. People perform better when they enjoy who they work with.

Culture isn’t built overnight, it’s the daily actions, empathy, and leadership behaviours that shape how your team feels and performs.

Want help building a high-performing team culture?
👉 https://meganforster.trustedadvisor.com.au/lets-connect/

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