# Ep 37 Stop Working In It. Start Working On It with John Hutchinson

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-better-smb-podcast-7059551/ep-37-stop-working-in-it-start-working-on-it-with-john-hutchinson.md
Podcast: [The Better SMB Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-better-smb-podcast-7059551)
Published: 2026-06-25T00:15:15+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-37-stop-working-in-it-start-working-on-it-with-john-hutchinson--72681181
Audio file: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72681181/797261b3_b43f_7349_0770_9d83ee72181f.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3292

## Resource

Episode SummaryHutch — founder of Plan AConsulting and former NZ Police detective — joins David Altena and Rob Bull to share what 15+ years of working with Kiwi SMEs has taught him. From running petrol stations to advising businesses across New Zealand, he unpacks thepatterns holding owners back and the practical steps to break free.Episode Highlights1. From the Police Force to Petrol StationsBurned out after years in the CIB and Serious Crime, John bought a service station with no business training and learned by making “donations to the market.”2. The Trap of BusynessBusy isn’t the same as productive.John’s turning point was counting pies during a stock-take. Is your daily activity actually moving the business forward?3. Delegate vs. AbdicateHis first two operations managersfailed — not their fault. He abdicated instead of delegated. The fix: clear expectations, accountability, and his mantra “Trust, but validate.”4. Strategy Fits on One PageStrategy is a set of integrated choices, not a 50-page document. Start with one question: What’s your winning aspiration?5. Governance Scales DownFor a sole trader it’s 20 minutes of honest reflection. For a $17M business, an Advisory Board. Either way: direction, oversight, accountability.6. Breakthrough vs. StuckBusinesses that scale are clear on direction, willing to try things, and know their numbers. Tom Peters: “Whoever tries the most, wins.”7. The Undercover Business AdvisorWhile running a covert police op in the South Island, Hutch’s cover story was that he was a business advisor. Years later — that’s exactly what he became.Quick-Fire Round• Weekly question: “Have I achieved what I set out to achieve?”• Biggest myth: You need to be the fountain of all knowledge• Books: The E-Myth Revisited, 7 Habits, Good to Great, Scalin…

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