The #WhatsNext Podcast

Looking for more clarity and growth in your business? Book a call with us at https://nextadvisory.nzIf you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Looking for more clarity and growth in your business? Book a call with us at https://nextadvisory.nzA recent study has shown New Zealand to ranked lowest amoung our Asia Pacific peers for the second year in a row, so Luke & Phil break down why New Zealand is so bad at business, and what we can learn from the ones who are still growing despite the economy. Read the report here: https://www.interest.co.nz/sites/default/files/2026-04/SBS%20Infographic%202026_New%20Zealand.pdfIf you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Property's capital gains have dried up, tax rules are going against landlords, and costs keep rising. Meanwhile, business sales are still tax-free and you have more control your own income & asset value.Luke breaks down why Kiwis are finally waking up to business as the superior asset class: no capital gains tax, better expense deductibility, and you're in control of the revenue. We cover why property feels harder when there's no capital growth, the aging business owner opportunity, and why the tax trend favours business over property.Most people on the rich list built wealth through business, not property. Maybe it's time New Zealand caught up.The old path was education → job → property → repeat. The new path might be business ownership, tax-free capital gains, and actual control over your financial future.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/Most business owners get so caught up building their business they forget to plan what it's actually for. Amy from Levridge explains why that's backwards thinking.Your business is there to provide you the life you want. But most people build first and figure out the purpose later.The business should serve your life goals, not become your life. Figure out what you want first.Find more information on Amy from Levridge here: https://levridge.co.nzIf you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/Graeme grew his Northland based business exponentially in just 5 years by doing one thing his competitors won't: moving fast.We break down Graeme's speed advantage, why he pays above market rates for staff, how he built relationships in small communities, and why speed creates momentum that compounds.Find more information on Graeme & Shadeland: https://www.shadeland.co.nz/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Get access here: https://nextadvisory.kartra.com/checkout/webinar

More information on our 90 day business planning program: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/Even Watties is shutting down plants and cutting jobs. If a household name like that isn't immune, what does that mean for your business?Luke and Phil break down the liquidation crisis hitting New Zealand, with construction and hospitality leading the charge.The pattern is clear: businesses are carrying the same overhead on reduced sales, squeezing profit to losses, then using creditors and IRD to fund the shortfall. Meanwhile, IRD is getting aggressive.If you're behind on tax, it's going on your credit report. Employees will see it. Banks will see it. Suppliers will see it. You can't hide anymore.We cover why some businesses are thriving while others collapse, the unfair advantage of not paying tax (until you get caught), and why playing by the rules might finally pay off. The economy isn't coming to save you, fix your business fundamentals now. If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Looking for more clarity and growth in your business? Book a call with us at https://nextadvisory.nzPetrol hit $3 per litre and Kiwis started queuing at gas stations like we're running out of toilet paper again.Luke and Phil break down why this oil crisis exposes our scarcity mindset: we're so focused on not having enough that we panic when supply drops slightly.Business owners face disruptions constantly, this is just another one to navigate. Stop panicking about things you can't control. Focus on what you can.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

More information on our 90 day business planning program: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/Home Office Work Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4dISa15v3-WREdSeFhCaHBxU3lWVnU1SFRQcTdiWmpJYksw/view?usp=sharing(Click File - Make a copy OR Download)March 31st is 2 weeks away, so today Luke & Phil are breaking down some top tax tips to know before the financial year ends and we head into the new year.Don't leave it to the last minute. Your future self will thank you for getting organised now.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

More information on our 90 day business planning program: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/John Bell went from Fonterra employe to growing Kauri Wealth to 4,750 clients in just four years.While other advisers chase big money, John's focused on putting more wealth into Northland. He's turned down lucrative oporunities to stay true to his mission.We cover the business lessons from going broke to building something meaningful, why he calls every client annually when no one else does, and how passion for community built a national business.Plus his plans to hit 10,000 clients while maintaining the same personal service.Sometimes the best business model is just caring more than everyone else.Find John:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bell-b7a698149/Website: https://www.kauriwealth.nz/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Looking for more clarity and growth in your business? Book a call with us at https://nextadvisory.nz Today Luke & Phil break down lessons learned from their recent series of business planning sessions with clients, to give you the core lessons to help grow your own business.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Thinking of buying a business? Speak with Phil first: https://nextadvisory.nz/buying-a-business/Terminal tax is due April 7th, 2026. If you haven't planned for it, you're about to get a nasty surprise from your accountant.Luke and Phil break down what terminal tax actually is and why you should pay it early instead of waiting until the last minute.The businesses that stress about terminal tax are the ones that don't plan for it. Set up a separate tax account, put money aside monthly, and stop using IRD as your interest-free loan provider.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/Josh Blackie went from being a pro rugby player, to Blues GM to buying a flooring business he'd never run before. The key? Thorough due diligence and finding a point of difference in a competitive industry.Josh breaks down the business buying process, why elite sport prepares you for business, how to handle uncomfortable conversations, and why speed of communication matters when things go wrong."If you're not walking towards that uncomfortableness, it's going to come back and hurt you later on."The businesses that scale are the ones willing to have difficult conversations early, solve problems proactively, and operate in the growth zone where most people aren't comfortable.Find Josh's business here: https://www.ecodureflooring.co.nz/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Thinking of buying a business? Speak with Phil first: https://nextadvisory.nz/buying-a-business/Most business owners would rather find a magic solution than do the boring work that actually gets results. They're trying to solve problems at hurdles 8, 9, and 10 when they haven't even crossed the first hurdle.Luke and Phil break down why changing accountants won't fix your cash flow problems, why there's no shortcut out of debt, and why the answer is always the thing you don't want to hear: do the work. We share the story of someone who went from $60K debt to earning $265K by working 85 hours a week.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

More information on our 90 day business planning program: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/The Reserve Bank held the OCR at 2.25%, and everyone's looking for relief. But the reality is the external conditions won't save your business, your actions will.Luke and Phil break down why waiting for perfect interest rates, inflation numbers, or economic conditions is a losing strategy. We cover why business is supposed to be hard, the friction between economists and the Reserve Bank, and why some businesses are thriving while others are stuck waiting for someone else to fix their problems.When are we going to learn that the external is created from the internal? You're going to have to go and do the work first. Stop looking for magic solutions.The businesses winning right now aren't waiting for rate cuts, they're executing their strategies regardless of economic conditions.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

A podcast we recently did on Keep The Change with economist Brad Olsen that I thought would be an interesting listen for business owners in NZ discussing whats happening in the economy, where its headed, unemployment numbers, inflation and much more.  Find Brad:https://www.infometrics.co.nz/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradolsennzl/https://www.instagram.com/bradolsennzl/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Most business owners hate selling because they think it's sleazy. Max explains why that mindset is killing your business and how to sell with genuine confidence.Max breaks down the fundamentals and why most Kiwis are too soft to handle rejection.If you think sales is about getting one over someone, of course it feels yucky. But if you're genuinely helping people solve problems, it feels completely different.Max shares his journey from personal trainer to sales expert, why you need to give a shit about your customers, and how to build rapport without being fake. Sales isn't manipulation. It's helping people get closer to what they want to achieve.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/Find Max:IG: maxramontaylorEmail: [email protected]

691 businesses surveyed across New Zealand & Australia. Only 41% grew in 2025. But here's the thing, if you're not growing, don't blame the economy.Luke and Phil break down the Indicator report: business owners expected recovery in the second half of 2025, it didn't happen, and now they're pushing expectations to mid-2026 or 2027. Meanwhile, the successful businesses are doing the boring work consistently and taking action.The data proves what we've been saying: there's opportunity out there if you're prepared to go and look for it. While 60% struggled, 41% still found growth in the toughest economy in decades.The difference? Action beats hope every time.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Thinking of buying a business? Speak with Phil first: https://nextadvisory.nz/buying-a-business/Most Kiwi businesses are just jobs with extra stress. The difference? Systems and processes that actually work.Luke and Phil break down the essential systems every business needs, why businesses with systems sell for more, how to manage your pipeline effectively, and why you need to work ON your business, not just IN it.If someone wants to buy your business and asks "what systems do you have?" You better have a good answer.The businesses that scale have systems. The ones that stay small hope everything works out.Which one are you? If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Liquidations were high in 2025, are we going to see more in 2026? If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Cam Ward is the CEO of New Zealand's largest gym franchise with 62 Anytime Fitness locations, but before you think franchising is your ticket to passive income, he's got some hard truths to share.Cam breaks down what it really takes to franchise: deep understanding of your numbers, multiple successful sites in different markets, and the financial capacity to invest heavily upfront before seeing returns. We cover why one successful site isn't enough, the responsibility you take on for franchisees' success, and why franchising is definitely not passive income.Master franchises live and die on franchisee success. You're not just selling your brand name, you're becoming the brand guardian, standard keeper, and support system for people who've invested their life savings.Most business owners think franchising means easy money. Cam explains why that thinking will destroy you and your franchisees.We cover site selection criteria, the skills needed to be a franchisor vs operator, and why you need to be laser-focused on franchisee success. Plus the financial investment required and why many businesses simply aren't ready to franchise.Don't franchise until you understand what you're really signing up for. More information on Anytime Fitness: https://www.anytimefitness.co.nz/If you're interested in working with Luke & Phil at Next Advisory:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Apply for the winning formula 12 month business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/the-winning-formula/What would you do if your main source of leads dried up tomorrow? Most business owners have never thought about this, until it's too late.Luke and Phil break down the real examples: government contracts that suddenly stop, Facebook ad accounts getting banned, websites going offline, and emails going to spam for weeks. We cover why putting all your marketing eggs in one basket is a recipe for disaster, and how to stress test your lead generation before disaster strikes.The pattern is always the same, businesses get comfortable with one reliable source, then panic when it disappears. Meanwhile, smart business owners are building multiple streams: past customer outreach, referral systems, direct mail, cold calling, and social media.We've seen clients lose tens of thousands because they relied on one platform, one relationship, or one marketing channel. Don't be next. It's time to diversify.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Thinking of buying a business? Speak with Phil first: https://nextadvisory.nz/buying-a-business/Investment boost gives you a 20% tax deduction on new equipment before March 31st. But before you rush out to buy that Ford Ranger, Phil and Luke explain why this could be a terrible idea.We break down how investment boost actually works and the trap people fall into buying things they don't need and can't afford just to save on tax.If you're going to buy the equipment anyway and you can afford it, investment boost is great. If you're buying it just for tax, you're making an expensive mistake.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

More information on our 90 day business planning program: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Business confidence just hit a 10-year high, but confidence doesn't pay the bills. Action does.Luke and Phil break down why 2026 will separate the winners from the losers: the businesses making offers are seeing things move, while those sitting on their hands are still struggling. We cover why speed beats perfection, the unfair advantage of being agile, and why you can't wait for perfect conditions.The economy might be turning, but only for those willing to turn with it. Stop waiting for permission to succeed. The opportunities are there - go get them.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

When is the right time to buy your time back?If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Grow your business with our 90 day business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/

Work with me: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/Most business owners keep adding more services, more products, more complexity. Then they wonder why they're working 60-hour weeks and barely paying themselves.Today I break down the real profitability process: start with your numbers, model where you're heading, then fix what's broken. We cover why owners get pulled away from their zone of genius, how to price properly, and when to raise prices (spoiler: probably now).Stop being busy. Start being profitable. Your business should reward you for the risk you're taking.

Watch our podcast about claiming expenses: https://youtu.be/XxHmOWrIGxMGrow your business with our 90 day business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/

Today Im breaking down 9 things you can do to grow your New Zealand business in 2026.Grow your business with our 90 day business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/

Work with me: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/Most business owners think hiring is simple: find someone, pay them, make more money. Then they wonder why their cash flow got worse.Today I break down the real process: financial modelling, understanding true costs (way more than just salary), and figuring out what work you shouldn't be doing.We cover the love-hate exercise, why you might need admin support first, and how to structure the hire properly.An employee costs more than their salary... Equipment, training, holidays, slow revenue periods. Most owners never model this out.Don't wing it. Model it out first.

Today Im breaking down the 4 places that your profit disappears, leading to a difference between your cash in the bank compared to your profit number.Grow your business with our 90 day business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/

The businesses making offers are seeing things move. The ones sitting on their hands are still struggling.We cover shifting consumer confidence, the wealth effect, and how business owners are changing from survival mode to growth mode. Plus what the data is really telling us about where New Zealand's economy is heading in 2026.Are we finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel?

Someone once told me to focus on my strengths. I said how. They showed me the Gallup’s StrengthsFinder to figure out what I’m actually good at, and what to stop wasting time on. Then the maximiser in me wanted to go deeper on this so I linked up with an incredible human.In this episode, I’ve convinced my secret strengths coach, Suze Oh, to join me for a deep dive into how understanding your natural talents can change the way you work, lead, and live.It certainly did for me. We unpack my Top 10 strengths (yep, the real list), talk about how they show up in business and life, and how you can use your own strengths to make more progress with less burnout.If you’ve ever wondered why you’re wired the way you are, this one’s for you.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Luke and Phil are down in Queenstown doing their quarterly business planning. Here's how it's going. If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Luke and Phil are down in Queenstown doing their quarterly business planning. Here's how it's going. If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Luke and Phil are down in Queenstown doing their quarterly business planning. Here's how it's going. If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Grow your business with our 90 day business planning: https://nextadvisory.nz/90-day-business-planning/From April 2026, Kiwisaver contributions are jumping from 3% to 3.5%. By 2032, it could be as high as 6% from you and 6% from your employer. Business owners need to start planning now.Luke and Phil break down what's really happening: 1.4 million Kiwis (40% of members) aren't contributing anything to their own retirement, government contributions are being means-tested away, and the $130 billion pot is getting serious attention from politicians.We can't afford to keep paying gold-plated pensions to baby boomers while younger generations get nothing. Business owners will face increasing payroll costs every year until 2032. A half percent increase annually might not sound like much, but multiply that by your entire workforce.We cover why it should be compulsory for everyone, the temporary reduction options (that defeat the whole purpose), and why people who understand money are excited about 6% matching.The rules are changing. Adapt or get left behind.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/

Visit https://nextadvisory.nz for more information on working with usMost business owners would rather go broke than say no to a bad client. Then they act surprised when they're working 60-hour weeks for peanuts. Phil and Luke break down why Kiwi business owners are addicted to saying yes: scarcity mindset, fear of missing out, and the belief that every job leads to something bigger. We cover why your $100 clients bring 80% of your problems, how to filter out time wasters, and why having cash in the bank gives you the power to choose.The pattern is always the same... Say yes to everything, get stuck doing work you hate, then complain about difficult customers while your margins get crushed.You've got an unfair advantage as a small business owner, you're agile. But only if you actually use it. If you can't say no, you don't have a business, you have a job with extra stress.Make the tough calls before someone else makes them for you.If you're interested in working together:Visit our website https://nextadvisory.nzLet's connect over a quick call: https://calendly.com/philsmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextadvisory.nz/