Bean There, Done That!
Welcome to ”Bean There, Done That!” your essential podcast for mastering the world of hospitality. Hosted by industry expert, Phillip Di Bella, we cut through the noise to deliver straightforward, actionable insights and strategies. Each episode explores the powerful interplay of knowledge and connections, presenting real-life case studies from Australia’s thriving hospitality scene. We feature thought leaders who share their experiences, ensuring you have the answers you need when facing a business challenge. Whether you’re a budding cafe owner or a seasoned hospitality professional, ”Bean There, Done That!” is your hub for insights, inspiration, and industry connections. We’re here to help you turn hurdles into opportunities for growth and success. Join our growing community with the hashtags #BeanThereDoneThat, #HospitalityHub, #CafeInsights, and #CoffeeCommune. With ”Bean There and Done That,” your roadmap to hospitality success is just a listen away.
Episodes

Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Today, we speak with Kelly Maniatis, organisational psychologist who has been working with cafe owners for many years. In this episode, we will delve into the importance of developing a resilient mindset in overcoming the challenges faced by cafe owners, such as increased expenses, staff shortages, and long hours. We will also discuss strategies for retaining and attracting staff, staying relevant in a changing consumer mindset, and the role of emotions and ego in the cafe industry. So let's dive in and explore the mindset matters and how to become mentally stronger in the cafe industry.Key Takeaways:Developing a resilient mindset is crucial for cafe owners facing multiple challenges.A growth mindset allows for open thinking and problem-solving, while a closed mindset limits possibilities.Negative thinking can impact the body and lead to physical health issues.Cafe owners should focus on productivity and effectiveness rather than trying to maximise time.Retaining key staff members is more cost-effective than constantly recruiting and training new employees.Building strong relationships with employees and customers is essential for success in the cafe industry.Staying relevant requires understanding the changing mindset of consumers and constantly evolving strategies.Developing a Resilient MindsetKelly Maniatis emphasises the importance of developing a resilient mindset for cafe owners facing multiple crises simultaneously. She defines a resilient mindset as the ability to manage challenges without taking them personally, taking a step back, and approaching them with a positive and solution-oriented mindset. It is about bouncing back from setbacks and being open to learning and growth. Kelly highlights the impact of a closed mindset, which is fear-based and avoidant, on both the mind and body. She shares personal anecdotes about the physical toll that a closed mindset can have on cafe owners and emphasises the need to cultivate a growth mindset to handle challenges effectively.The Difference Between Closed and Growth MindsetKelly explains the difference between a closed mindset and a growth mindset, drawing on the work of Carol Dweck. A closed mindset is characterised by a standstill, status quo mentality, while a growth mindset is open to learning and opportunities. She emphasises the importance of focusing on growth and looking for opportunities rather than fixating on problems. Kelly also highlights the impact of a closed mindset on the body, leading to negative physical symptoms such as heart problems and autoimmune issues. She encourages cafe owners to be aware of their thinking patterns and to dial down negative self-talk while focusing on positive steps forward.Overcoming Mindset TrapsCafe owners often fall into mindset traps, such as playing the victim or getting caught up in their own ego. Kelly advises cafe owners to be aware of these traps and offers tips for overcoming them. She suggests starting the day with positive intentions and being mindful of the thoughts and emotions that arise. By focusing on gratitude and problem-solving, cafe owners can shift their mindset and approach challenges with a more positive outlook. Kelly also emphasises the importance of separating the problem from the person, playing the issue rather than the individual. This shift in perspective can help cafe owners navigate challenges more effectively.The Impact of Emotions and EgoKelly discusses the impact of emotions and ego on the cafe industry. While emotions can be contagious and create emotional engagement with customers and employees, they can also be fear-based and detrimental to the mind and body. She highlights the need to regulate emotions and avoid getting caught up in ego-driven thinking. Kelly encourages cafe owners to focus on emotional engagement with customers and employees, building trust and connection. She also emphasises the importance of self-awareness and labelling emotions to calm the body's stress response.The Challenge of Staff ShortagesStaff shortages have been a significant challenge for cafe owners, and Kelly provides insights into strategies for retention and attraction. She emphasises the importance of retaining existing staff, as the cost of turnover can be two to three times a person's salary. Kelly advises cafe owners to focus on engagement, lifestyle, and career pathways to retain key employees. She also highlights the need to differentiate between regrettable and non-regrettable losses, moving on from non-performing employees while investing in the development and support of valuable team members. Kelly encourages cafe owners to create a positive and engaging work environment to attract and retain staff.Staying Relevant in a Changing Consumer MindsetTo stay relevant in a changing consumer mindset, cafe owners need to be customer-focused and constantly adapt. Kelly suggests asking customers for feedback and insights to understand their needs and preferences. She encourages cafe owners to think like customers and consider what they would want from a cafe experience. By staying connected with customers and being open to feedback, cafe owners can evolve their strategies and offerings to meet changing demands. Kelly also emphasises the importance of community and connection, both within the cafe industry and with customers, to stay relevant and engaged.The Power of Innovation and EvolutionKelly reframes the concept of innovation as staying relevant and evolving to meet customer needs. She advises cafe owners to focus on the purpose of innovation, which is to solve problems and improve the customer experience. By asking questions and seeking feedback, cafe owners can identify areas for improvement and innovation. Kelly encourages cafe owners to think beyond products and consider the overall customer experience, as well as the lifestyle and values of their target audience. She emphasises the importance of staying connected with the world around them and constantly seeking opportunities for growth and improvement.Mindset Exercises and PracticesKelly suggests several mindset exercises and practices for cafe owners to become mentally stronger. She recommends self-assessment tools to understand strengths, development areas, and thinking styles. Kelly also highlights the benefits of meditation, gratitude, and labelling emotions to calm the mind and body. She encourages cafe owners to engage in conversations and build relationships with others in the industry to share experiences and gain insights. Kelly emphasises the importance of taking time away from the cafe to gain perspective and connect with others.In conclusion, developing a resilient mindset is crucial for cafe owners to overcome challenges and thrive in the industry. By cultivating a growth mindset, focusing on emotional engagement, and staying connected with customers and the industry, cafe owners can become mentally stronger and adapt to changing demands. Retaining and attracting staff, staying relevant, and embracing innovation are key strategies for success. By implementing mindset exercises and practices, cafe owners can enhance their self-awareness and build a strong foundation for growth. The cafe industry is ever-evolving, and with the right mindset, cafe owners can navigate challenges and accelerate their potential for success.About The Guest:Kelly Maniatis is an organisational psychologist with extensive experience working with leaders in va...

Saturday Jul 08, 2023
Saturday Jul 08, 2023
In our first episode, Phillip Di Bella interviews Dominique Lamb, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, in this episode of "Bean There, Done That!" They discuss the current landscape for small businesses in Queensland, particularly in the hospitality industry. They touch on the challenges of attracting and retaining employees, rising costs, and standing out in a crowded market. Dominique shares resources available from the Queensland Small Business Commissioner's office, including free financial counsellors, wellness coaches, mentors, grants, and training courses. They also discuss the role of the Commissioner in advocating for small businesses and working to minimise disputes. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of community support and the need for small businesses to adapt and thrive in the changing landscape.- Dominique Lamb is the Queensland Small Business Commissioner and has a background in retail and hospitality.- Discusses the current landscape for small businesses in Queensland, particularly in the hospitality industry. She highlights the top three issues facing small businesses: skill shortages, housing, and the cost of living. In addition, she emphasises the importance of mindset and taking action to create change.- The top three issues facing small businesses in Queensland are skill shortages, housing, and the cost of living.- Small businesses are struggling to find and retain employees, and are dealing with rising costs and shrinking margins.- The Queensland Small Business Commissioner provides resources and support for small businesses, including financial counsellors, wellness coaches, mentors, grants, and free TAFE courses.- Mindset is crucial for success in business, and small business owners need to take action and utilise available resources to drive change.Quotes:- "The biggest question I get asked is, where have they gone? Why can't I find them? How do I find them?" - Dominique Lamb- "If you don't get out there and sit in someone's business and talk to them about what they are personally experiencing, there is no way to know." - Dominique Lamb- "The key takeaway is that you've got to be part of that change. There are resources there, you need to reach out and grab it. You've got to do the work." - Dominique Lamb- "You can provide the river, but if the person doesn't jump in the river and swim, well, there's no point of the river. So get out there. There's a whole heap of stuff to help." - Dominique LambThe Landscape of Small Business in Queensland: Insights from the Queensland Small Business CommissionerIn this article, we will explore the key themes discussed in a podcast episode featuring the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb. The podcast episode focused on the current landscape for small businesses in Queensland, particularly in the hospitality industry. We will delve into the main themes discussed in the episode, providing an in-depth exploration of each theme using verbatim quotes from the transcript. We will also analyse the implications and potential impact of these themes and conclude with a future outlook for small businesses in Queensland.The People ProblemOne of the main challenges faced by small businesses in Queensland, particularly in the hospitality industry, is the people problem. The episode highlighted the difficulty in finding and retaining skilled workers, as well as the challenges associated with housing and the rising cost of living. Dominique Lamb mentioned that small business owners often struggle to find quality candidates and are faced with the increasing costs of supplies, which affects their profit margins. She also mentioned the need for flexibility in the workplace, as well as the importance of creating a supportive and family-like environment for employees.According to Lamb, the top three issues raised by small business owners in Queensland are skill shortages, housing, and the cost of living. She emphasised the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the success and sustainability of small businesses in the state.Lamb: "The top three issues that small business owners raise with me are skill shortages, housing, and the cost of living." ## Skill ShortagesLamb mentioned that one of the biggest questions she gets asked is, "Where have all the workers gone?" Small business owners are struggling to find skilled workers and are often faced with the same candidates being put through the same courses. This can be a concern for small businesses, as they want to retain their employees and avoid the high costs associated with replacing them. Lamb also mentioned the need for alternative sources of workers, such as backpackers or migrant workers, to alleviate the pressure on small business owners.Lamb: "One of the biggest questions I get asked is, 'Where have all the workers gone?' Small business owners are struggling to find skilled workers, and we're often faced with the same candidates being put through the same courses."## Housing and Cost of LivingAnother major concern for small business owners in Queensland is the issue of housing and the rising cost of living. Lamb mentioned that small business owners often struggle to find affordable housing for their employees, which can affect their ability to attract and retain workers. She also highlighted the broad range of costs that small businesses face, including freight, supply chain, electricity, insurance, crime, labour, superannuation, and payroll tax. These increasing costs can put a strain on small businesses and make it harder for them to manage their cash flow and maintain a healthy business.Lamb: "Small business owners often struggle to find affordable housing for their employees, which can affect their ability to attract and retain workers. We also face a broad range of costs, including freight, supply chain, electricity, insurance, crime, labour, superannuation, and payroll tax."## Standing Out from the CrowdThe flooded market and the high level of competition is another challenge faced by small businesses in Queensland. Lamb mentioned that there has been a significant influx of businesses in the last ten years, particularly in the hospitality industry. This has led to a saturated market and made it difficult for small businesses to stand out. She emphasised the importance of providing quality products and services, as well as exceptional customer service, to set oneself apart from the competition. Lamb also mentioned the need for small businesses to be proactive in finding alternative ways to attract customers and differentiate themselves from others in the industry.Lamb: "There has been a significant influx of businesses in the last ten years, particularly in the hospitality industry. This has led to a saturated market and made it difficult for small businesses to stand out. We need to provide quality products and services, as well as exceptional customer service, to set ourselves apart from the competition."## Implications and Potential ImpactThe challenges discussed in the podcast episode have significant implications for small businesses in Queensland. The skill shortages and rising costs of supplies can affect the profitability and sustainability of small businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry. The inability to find skilled workers and the increasing costs of supplies can lead to shrinking profit margins and cash flow issues. This can make it harder for small businesses to stay afloat and manage their operations effectively.The lack of affordable housing and the rising cost of living can also put a strain on small business owners and their employees. It can be challenging to attract and retain workers when housing is ...

Saturday Jul 08, 2023
Saturday Jul 08, 2023
Welcome to "Bean There, Done That!" This podcast series has a straightforward mantra: Success is about both what you know and who you know.Over the next few months, we're set to bring you a stellar lineup of industry veterans who've successfully navigated the hospitality landscape. They're here to share their hard-earned knowledge and connections, helping you supercharge your own journey.This teaser gives you a taste of what's in store: from invaluable tips on staff retention and differentiating your business, to boosting your bottom line and staying on top of industry trends. And that's not all - we're also here to guide you on leveraging available government support. Keep your ears peeled for hidden gems that could revolutionise your business approach!Key Highlights:Harnessing both knowledge and connections for business success.Strategies for attracting and retaining staff.Unique ways to differentiate your business from the competition.Effective methods to maximise your bottom line.Insights on upcoming industry trends.Information on how to capitalise on government support.Join us as we set sail on this exciting journey, carving the path towards business success with the wisdom of those who've been there and done that!Eager for more? Be sure to subscribe to "Bean There, Done That!" to catch every episode as soon as it drops. If you're excited about our upcoming series, share the news with your network, and let's expand this conversation! Don't forget to rate and review us – your feedback helps us serve you better. Enjoy this trailer, and as always, thanks for listening!"Bean There, Done That" is produced by The Podcast Boss: https://www.thepodcastboss.com#BeanThereDoneThat, #CoffeeCommune, #BusinessGrowth, #HospitalityInsights, #Networking, #Expertise