{"podcast":{"title":"The Better SMB Podcast","slug":"the-better-smb-podcast-7059551","podcast_index_feed_id":7059551,"rss_url":"https://www.spreaker.com/show/6226633/episodes/feed","website_url":"https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-better-smb-podcast--6226633","image_url":"https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/14cd7f93a65c46debcde9a3761caf5b6.jpg","author":"David Altena","episode_count":38,"summary":"Join hosts David Altena and Rob Bull as they delve into the subject of small and medium- business productivity in New Zealand. With a focus on driving operational excellence and business improvement, The Better SMB Podcast is your go-to resource for strategies, insights, and success stories from the front lines of the SMB sector. Despite New Zealand’s historical challenges with productivity compared to our OECD peers, David and Rob are on a mission to turn the tide. Tune in to discover actionable tips, expert interviews, and innovative ideas that will help your business thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, The Better SMB Podcast will equip you with the tools you need to enhance productivity and achieve your business goals. Connect with us on LinkedIn: @DavidAltena and @RobBull","last_synced_at":"2026-07-16T12:19:57.070175+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-better-smb-podcast-7059551"},"episode":{"title":"Ep 37 Stop Working In It. Start Working On It with John Hutchinson","slug":"ep-37-stop-working-in-it-start-working-on-it-with-john-hutchinson","published_at":"2026-06-25T00:15:15+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-better-smb-podcast-7059551/ep-37-stop-working-in-it-start-working-on-it-with-john-hutchinson","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-better-smb-podcast-7059551","url":"https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-37-stop-working-in-it-start-working-on-it-with-john-hutchinson--72681181","audio_url":"https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72681181/797261b3_b43f_7349_0770_9d83ee72181f.mp3","summary":"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…","meta_description":"Episode SummaryHutch — founder of Plan AConsulting and former NZ Police detective — joins David Altena and Rob Bull to share what 15+ years of working wit…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":3292,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-better-smb-podcast-7059551/episodes/ep-37-stop-working-in-it-start-working-on-it-with-john-hutchinson/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-better-smb-podcast-7059551/ep-37-stop-working-in-it-start-working-on-it-with-john-hutchinson.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}