In this episode of Smart Business Growth, we explore why managing your energy is far more powerful than obsessing over time management.

Despite billions of time management tools, apps and hacks available, most people still feel overwhelmed, busy and out of control. Procrastination is high, focus is low, and many of us spend our days reacting rather than working on what truly matters. So why isn’t time management working?

The answer lies in energy.

Rather than managing every minute of the day, this episode invites you to shift perspective and focus on how you show up to the time you have. Because while time stays the same, your energy does not, and that directly affects your focus, productivity, decision making and impact.

Using simple metaphors like an energy bank account and a battery, this conversation explains how energy is constantly being deposited and withdrawn throughout the day. When energy is high, tasks take less time and feel easier. When energy is depleted, even simple work becomes hard and draining.

You will be guided through the Energy Edge framework, a practical structure designed to help you audit and intentionally manage your energy. The framework covers four key areas:

• Sleep, water and movement as the foundation
• Body and mind consumption, including what you eat, drink, watch and listen to
• Boundaries and drainers, identifying what quietly depletes your energy
• Joy and gainers, the activities and connections that restore and uplift you

You will be encouraged to rate yourself in each area, notice where your energy is leaking, and identify small, realistic changes, not big overhauls, that can make a meaningful difference.

This episode is especially valuable for business owners, leaders and professionals who feel stuck in the “busy trap” and want to improve their return on effort, not just their output.

Your takeaway challenge is simple:
->>> Remove one energy drainer and add one energy gainer this week.

Small shifts done consistently create sustainable results.

Learn more about Nicky at nickymiklos.com

Grab The Growth Code™ here!

Get your a copy of Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business & Life at www.healthyhustle.com.au

Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram

Contact: 0403 191 404 | hello@nickymiklos.com

Music by Jules Miklos-Woodley

Keywords:
Networking, business growth, relationship building, sales strategies, transformational leadership, core four, reciprocity, intentional networking, client nurturing, personal branding

Summary:
In this conversation, Janine Garner explores the transformative power of networking for business growth. She emphasises moving away from transactional networking and instead building genuine, meaningful relationships. Janine introduces the concept of the “core four” groups in your network: promoters, pit crew, teachers, and butt kickers.

She shares practical strategies for effective networking, including the TAD process (Thank, Ask, Do) and “light touch” networking to maintain connections without being overwhelming. The discussion also covers how sales is evolving, the importance of being intentional in networking, and the role of reciprocity in creating lasting connections.

Key Takeaways:

• Networking is about building genuine relationships, not just transactions.
• Identify the core four groups in your network: promoters, pit crew, teachers, and butt kickers.
• Intentional networking requires effort, focus, and strategy.
• A “no” is often just a “not now”; adjusting your approach can create opportunities.
• The TAD process (Thank, Ask, Do) can enhance your networking results.
• Light touch networking helps maintain connections without pressure.
• Showing genuine care and curiosity fosters trust and stronger relationships.
• Reciprocity is essential—give without expecting anything in return.
• Understanding your clients’ challenges allows you to offer better solutions.
• Networking is a transfer of humanity, not just information.

Learn more about Nicky at nickymiklos.com

Grab The Growth Code™ here!

Get your a copy of Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business & Life at www.healthyhustle.com.au

Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram

Contact: 0403 191 404 | hello@nickymiklos.com

Music by Jules Miklos-Woodley

It’s 2026, and Nicky is kicking things off with a truth bomb. That whole “best year yet” mantra? It’s tired. In this episode, she calls BS on the hype, the unrealistic expectations, and the pressure that rides in on the New Year’s resolution wave.

If you’re craving something deeper than empty motivation and big energy pushes that fizzle out by February, this one’s for you.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

• Why “new year, new me” is more marketing than meaning
• The difference between sustainable change and sugar-hit hype
• How to tap into your own rhythm, whether you need to push or pause
• A practical two-part approach Nicky uses with her clients (and herself) to set up the year: Vision Planning and Commercial Clarity
• Why choosing a word for the year can be more powerful than a list of resolutions

This episode is your permission slip to stop buying into the pressure and start creating a business and life that feels aligned, achievable and sustainable.

Forget best year yet. Build your most intentional year yet.

Check out this pod ep to go deeper into connection with vision. What Smart Growth Really Means (and Why Now Is the Time to Course Correct)

Learn more about Nicky at nickymiklos.com

Grab The Growth Code™ here!

Get your a copy of Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business & Life at www.healthyhustle.com.au

Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram

Contact: 0403 191 404 | hello@nickymiklos.com

Music by Jules Miklos-Woodley