Your Business Growth Partner

GUIDING THE 'BEST KEPT SECRETS' TO #1 IN THEIR MARKET

Trent Butler is a Chartered Accountant who acts as a Business Coach, Growth Advisor and Marketing Strategist to growth-minded professional service business owners.

We'll help you increase your profits, implement systems to improve operations and build a team that can operate without you - giving you the money and freedom to live the life you want.

Your Business Growth Partner

GUIDING THE 'BEST KEPT SECRETS' TO #1 IN THEIR MARKET

Trent Butler is a Chartered Accountant who acts as a Business Coach, Growth Advisor and Marketing Strategist to growth-minded professional service business owners.

We'll help you increase your profits, implement systems to improve operations and build a team that can operate without you - giving you the money and freedom to live the life you want.

Just a few of the 'best kept secrets' we've worked with:

"I was attracted to Trent's clarity of what could be achieved, his process driven approach to achieving objectives, coupled with his knowledge and experience. It's been absolute pleasure working with Trent and his team. I am extremely pleased with the results...”

Giles Hill

Director, EQ Property

The Truth Is You Have A Lot On Your Plate When It Comes To Being #1 In Your Market...

You Might Be Struggling With:

Identifying & attracting the right type of higher-value client

- Past efforts have attracted the wrong type of client.

- Prospects just want to know 'price' and don't seem to care about anything else.

- Leads seem to take forever to sign-up and become a client.

You just want to attract higher-value clients who value your expertise and expect to pay a fair premium to work with you.

Monitoring cash flow & tracking return on investment

- You’re unsure what metrics to be tracking.

- You’re not clear on what benchmarks to aim for.

- You're not sure if your marketing is making or losing money.

You just want to understand dollars-in vs dollars-out and whether or not it's all worth it.

Developing process and people to handle the next growth phase

- Growth is starting to cause other operational challenges.

- Getting the right people in the right seats has become easier said than done.

- The team can never quite seem to follow process or consistently achieve what is expected.

- You're getting pulled in a hundred different directions and clients are beginning to notice.

You just want to get everyone on the same page and following processes that actually work and scale.

Figuring out what to do and what not to do next from a marketing and business development standpoint

- Exactly who is our ideal client and how do we get more of them?

- Just what is our point of difference (or do we even have one)?

- Do people see us as a commodity service provider?

- What 'tactics' would work best specifically for our firm and stage of business?

- Where should we be spending our marketing dollars and efforts?

You just want to know what you should be doing and why.

Aligning the leadership team on strategy, planning and execution

- The leadership team is losing sight of the bigger picture (core mission, vision and values).

- Key team members just can't seem to agree on what should be done next, how and why.

- Problems use to be handled quickly but now take weeks/months to resolve.

- Important but not urgent activities are just not getting done.

You just want everyone in the business aligned and beating to the same drum.

Just a few of the 'best kept secrets' we've worked with:

"I was attracted to Trent's clarity of what could be achieved, his process driven approach to achieving objectives, coupled with his knowledge and experience. It's been absolute pleasure working with Trent and his team. I am extremely pleased with the results...”

Giles Hill

Director, EQ Property

THE TRUTH IS YOU HAVE A LOT ON YOUR PLATE WHEN IT COMES TO BEING #1 IN YOUR MARKET...

You Might Be Struggling With:

Identifying & attracting the right type of higher-value client

- Past efforts have attracted the wrong type of client.

- Prospects just want to know 'price' and don't seem to care about anything else.

- Leads seem to take forever to sign-up and become a client.

You just want to attract higher-value clients who value your expertise and expect to pay a fair premium to work with you.

Monitoring cash flow & tracking return on investment

- You’re unsure what metrics to be tracking.

- You’re not clear on what benchmarks to aim for.

- You're not sure if your marketing is making or losing money.

You just want to understand dollars-in vs dollars-out and whether or not it's all worth it.

Developing process and people to handle the next growth phase

- Growth is starting to cause other operational challenges.

- Getting the right people in the right seats has become easier said than done.

- The team can never quite seem to follow process or consistently achieve what is expected.

- You're getting pulled in a hundred different directions and clients are beginning to notice.

You just want to get everyone on the same page and following processes that actually work and scale.

Figuring out what to do and what not to do next from a marketing and business development standpoint

- Exactly who is our ideal client and how do we get more of them?

- Just what is our point of difference (or do we even have one)?

- Do people see us as a commodity service provider?

- What 'tactics' would work best specifically for our firm and stage of business?

- Where should we be spending our marketing dollars and efforts?

You just want to know what you should be doing and why.

Aligning the leadership team on strategy, planning and execution

- The leadership team is losing sight of the bigger picture (core mission, vision and values).

- Key team members just can't seem to agree on what should be done next, how and why.

- Problems use to be handled quickly but now take weeks/months to resolve.

- Important but not urgent activities are just not getting done.

You just want everyone in the business aligned and beating to the same drum.

Professional business coaching can help you:

Improve operations, implement systems and remove bottlenecks so that you get your time back.

Hire and train the right team, communicate better with each other and eliminate people problems.

Grow your business with bigger and better clients.

Overcome cash flow issues and improve your financial management.

Make better decisions and become more profitable.

WELL... YOU CAN!

Butler & Co Advisory is a small team of experienced entrepreneurs coaching aspiring entrepreneurs. We are experts in one thing – growing profitable companies through an appropriate mix of business coaching, growth advisory and marketing strategy consulting.

Whereever you're stuck, we can help:

MORE LEADS, SALES, AGGRESSIVE GROWTH?

YOU GOT IT.

MORE LEADS, SALES, AGGRESSIVE GROWTH? YOU GOT IT.

You won’t believe how easy it is to get your phone ringing with top-shelf, ready-to-buy prospects until you see our methodology for yourself. It’s time for you to set the pace and leave your competitors behind.

RECRUIT & RETAIN WINNERS INSTEAD OF LOSERS?

COMING RIGHT UP.

RECRUIT & RETAIN WINNERS INSTEAD OF LOSERS? COMING RIGHT UP.

Only the very best hiring managers win the perpetual war for talent. You’ll join the ranks of elite recruiters when you learn how the top guns do it. It’s time to get the rock stars you deserve and let the rest work for the others.

CONTROL YOUR CASH AND STASH MONEY AWAY?

EASY.

CONTROL YOUR CASH AND STASH MONEY AWAY? EASY.

Smart business owners know how to control costs, forecast and manage cash, and grow profits. It’s time to control the flow of money through your business and build a large pile of cash in your bank account.

GET YOUR BUSINESS READY TO SELL FOR BIG BUCKS? LET’S ROLL.

Any business can be turned into a cash machine that runs with minimal to zero daily involvement of the owner(s). It’s time to turn your staff into a team that will run your business like they own it, so you can sell it to whomever you wish, whenever you wish.

Who We Work With

We work primarily with established business owners in the following categories.

Image

Advisory Firms

Accounting firms, consulting firms, real estate agencies, medical clinics and marketing agencies.

Image

Professionals

Consultants, coaches, real estate agents, accountants, mortgage brokers, medical practitioners, marketers and freelancers.

Our Founder & Lead Business Coach, Trent Butler

The vision of Butler & Co Advisory is to be the undisputed market leader in business growth advisory services in Australia.

Our plan to achieve that vision is to work hand-in-hand with a smaller volume of exceptionally talented industry experts, taking each of them to 'market-leader' status in their respective niches and/or geographic locations. We then let their results do our talking.

A Chartered Accountant, Trent has over 10 years experience working across three different firms spanning the three 'tiers' of the accounting profession; a small boutique firm, a mid-tier firm and the ‘big 4’ firm – Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

Since founding Butler & Co Advisory in 2018, Trent has worked with over 50+ Australian professional service businesses. He deeply understands the nuances, growth challenges and stakeholder dynamics that present at every stage of a firm's life cycle.

Trent knows how both prospective clients and professional staff conduct their due diligence and choose a professional service provider in the modern digital world.

He understands that as your business grows and thrives, so will our partnership. So let’s talk, we promise it will be a breath of fresh air.

Our Founder & Lead Business Coach, Trent Butler

The vision of Butler & Co Advisory is to be the undisputed market leader in business growth advisory services in Australia.

Our plan to achieve that vision is to work hand-in-hand with a smaller volume of exceptionally talented industry experts, taking each of them to 'market-leader' status in their respective niches and/or geographic locations. We then let their results do our talking.

A Chartered Accountant, Trent has over 10 years experience working across three different firms spanning the three 'tiers' of the accounting profession; a small boutique firm, a mid-tier firm and the ‘big 4’ firm – Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

Since founding Butler & Co Advisory in 2018, Trent has worked with over 50+ Australian professional service businesses. He deeply understands the nuances, growth challenges and stakeholder dynamics that present at every stage of a firm's life cycle.

Trent knows how both prospective clients and professional staff conduct their due diligence and choose a professional service provider in the modern digital world.

He understands that as your business grows and thrives, so will our partnership. So let’s talk, we promise it will be a breath of fresh air.

What is Trent like to work with?

Click on the images below to watch the videos.

LOCATE BUYERS AGENCY

"Their [Trent's] approach with us has been fantastic and I really like that they actually care about their clients. They're actually interested in you getting the best results possible, and that shows up in how they work and how they approach what they do.

They're very strategic. They'll come up with great ideas and great ways in which you can improve on your business."

Shane Hiscock, Founder & Buyers Agent, Locate Buyers Agency

“They listened to our requirements and concerns and formulated a plan tailored to our specific circumstances. We feel they delivered a practical and detailed strategy that suits our needs and reflects our values and we are now working with Butler & Co to implement this.”

Chris Clarke

Partner, Clarke & Brownrigg Chartered Accountants Adelaide

CFO-ONE ADVISORS

“It took us a couple of months to really get clicking, and then around months three or four, we really started to see a huge return on investment which was fantastic.”

Mike Urness, CEO, CFO-One Advisors

“Wow very promising stats actually…Can’t wait to ramp this up next year given the high enquiry to click through rate and high organic search rate (with no SEO!)”

James Livingston

Founder & Partner,

Arc Medical Accountants

PROPERTY FRONTLINE

"What a positive experience it was working with Trent. What I particularly liked was the mix of tools and feedback that helped me connect with clients in a systemised and targeted way, which saved me so much time."

Debra Beck-Mewing, Founder & CEO, Property Frontline

“Working with Butler & Co has been such a positive experience, helping me develop a suitable marketing strategy and generate high quality leads. Butler & Co are very professional and have a very strategic approach with lead generating. We’ve achieved outstanding results and through my experience, I can honestly recommend Butler & Co and the services 100%.”

Maryanne Drosos

Founder & Director,

Blue Diamond Recruitment

B2B LEADS

“Being a lead gen and marketing guy, I thought my sales process was down pat to be honest...

He [Trent] showed me his methods of conducting sales calls and strategy sessions, which turned out to be way more effective."

Ryan Caswell, Founder, B2B Leads

“I'm so grateful for the support and guidance that Butler & Co’s business coaching has provided me thus far. Without them, I’m not sure if I would have continued in business. I'm now excited for the future and for what's next – we’re only just getting started!”

Kristie Oldfield

Founder & Director,

Parabroker.au

ACHIEVE MARKET LEADING STATUS WITHOUT:

The hassle and risk of taking on a business partner or prematurely hiring and managing a full-time marketing, finance or operations person.

Replacing your existing team members.

Throwing away what is already working.

Schedule a call to see if our approach can help take your business to #1 in your market.

ACHIEVE MARKET LEADING STATUS WITHOUT:

The hassle and risk of taking on a business partner or prematurely hiring and managing a full-time marketing, finance or operations person.

Replacing your existing team members.

Throwing away what is already working.

Schedule a call to see if our approach can help take your business to #1 in your market.

COACHING WILL PAY OFF OVER THE LONG TERM - AND WE GUARANTEE RESULTS.

'Win/Win' is a core value here at Butler & Co Advisory, which is why we offer a return on investment guarantee.

Investment presumes that there will be a return. Otherwise, it’s just an expense.

If you qualify – and do the work – we offer a guarantee:

After 17 weeks of coaching, you will agree that coaching has paid for itself - or we will work with you at no charge until that is true.

This drives us to do great work and ensure we're only commencing relationships with those who we're sure will see commercially positive outcomes.

Our latest articles to help you grow your business

strategic

The Benefits of Regular Strategic Planning: Your Key to Consistent Growth

November 20, 20245 min read

Strategic planning is the cornerstone of every successful business. It provides the structure and focus necessary to turn ambitious visions into actionable steps. Yet, many business owners overlook its value, either because they’re caught up in day-to-day operations or because planning feels like a luxury rather than a necessity.

Here’s the truth: strategic planning isn’t just a tool; it’s a mindset and a discipline. Done regularly, it can elevate your business, solve persistent challenges, and position you for sustainable growth.


Why Regular Strategic Planning Matters

In business, the saying "Failing to plan is planning to fail" holds more truth than many realise. Without a clear roadmap, even the most hardworking teams can find themselves spinning their wheels, focusing on urgent tasks instead of important ones. Strategic planning bridges that gap, providing clarity, direction, and actionable priorities.

Here are the core reasons why regular strategic planning is critical:

1. It Creates Clarity and Focus

Running a business without a strategic plan is like driving without a map. Regular planning allows you to step back, see the big picture, and set clear, measurable objectives. It ensures you’re not just busy, but productive—working on the things that truly matter to your long-term success.

2. It Strengthens Decision-Making

When opportunities arise or challenges surface, having a strategic plan simplifies decision-making. Instead of reacting impulsively or overthinking, you can weigh options against your long-term vision and goals. This clarity reduces stress and increases confidence in the path you’re taking.

3. It Aligns Teams and Builds Accountability

A business can only succeed if everyone is rowing in the same direction. Strategic planning brings your team together, ensuring alignment on goals and clarity around each person’s role in achieving them. It fosters accountability and helps avoid the common pitfalls of miscommunication or siloed efforts.

4. It Keeps You Proactive, Not Reactive

In the absence of a plan, many businesses fall into a reactive mode, constantly putting out fires instead of proactively driving results. Regular strategic planning forces you to anticipate challenges, adapt to changes, and capitalise on opportunities before they pass you by.

5. It Ensures Measurable Progress

A strategic plan isn’t just a wish list—it’s a framework for action. By setting measurable goals and breaking them down into quarterly and annual milestones, you can track your progress, celebrate wins, and make course corrections when necessary.


Building a Rhythm of Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is most effective when it’s part of a consistent rhythm, not a one-time event. Here’s how you can integrate it into your business:

1. Annual Strategic Planning

At the start of each year, set aside dedicated time to establish your big-picture goals. Where do you want your business to be in 12 months? What financial, operational, or team milestones must you achieve to get there?

This annual session provides the foundation for the year ahead, giving you and your team a clear vision of success.

2. Quarterly Planning

Breaking your annual goals into 90-day sprints ensures consistent progress. Each quarter, revisit your long-term vision, evaluate your results from the prior period, and set focused priorities for the next three months.

This rhythm allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain momentum, ensuring your business remains on track even in a dynamic market.

3. Weekly Accountability and Adjustments

Strategic planning doesn’t end with big-picture goals. Weekly check-ins—whether through team meetings or personal reflection—keep the plan alive. Use these sessions to evaluate what’s working, address roadblocks, and adjust as needed.


How to Make Strategic Planning Work for You

Effective strategic planning doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality, structure, and a willingness to engage deeply with the process. Here are some tips to get the most out of your efforts:

1. Prioritise Time for Planning

Block time in your calendar for annual, quarterly, and weekly planning sessions. Treat this time as sacred—it’s an investment in your business’s success.

2. Focus on Results, Not Activities

It’s easy to get bogged down in the details, but strategic planning is about outcomes. Instead of listing tasks, focus on what success looks like and work backward to identify the steps needed to get there.

3. Involve Your Team

Strategic planning isn’t a solo activity. Bring your team into the process to ensure buy-in, generate diverse ideas, and foster accountability. The more invested they are in the plan, the more likely they are to execute it effectively.

4. Keep It Measurable and Achievable

Avoid vague goals like “grow the business” or “improve operations.” Instead, use measurable targets, such as “increase revenue by 20%” or “reduce customer response times to under 24 hours.” Measurable goals provide clarity and motivate action.

5. Celebrate Progress

Strategic planning isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s also about recognising and building on your successes. Take time to celebrate wins, no matter how small, to keep morale high and reinforce a culture of achievement.


The Impact of Strategic Planning on Your Business

When done consistently, strategic planning transforms businesses. It creates a sense of control, direction, and purpose that filters down through every level of the organization. It equips teams to tackle challenges confidently, seize opportunities quickly, and drive results sustainably.

If you’ve been struggling to gain traction or feel like you’re constantly reacting instead of leading, implementing a regular strategic planning rhythm could be the change your business needs.


Start Planning Today

Strategic planning isn’t just about achieving your goals—it’s about transforming how you think, operate, and lead. Whether you’re an experienced business owner or just starting out, making time to plan regularly can set your business apart.

Remember, success isn’t accidental. It’s planned.

Take the first step today—book time on your calendar, gather your team, and start building a roadmap to the future you want for your business.

Is It Time to Level Up Your Planning?

Whether you’re looking to refine your strategy, align your team, or tackle challenges head-on, regular strategic planning could be the missing piece in your growth journey.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to book a 15-minute call to discuss how strategic planning can transform your business. Together, we’ll create a roadmap that keeps you focused, motivated, and on track to achieve your goals.

👉 Book Your Call Today

Let’s turn your vision into reality—one step at a time. Book a call here: https://www.butleradvisory.com.au/time-with-trent.


Back to Blog

Subscribe To Watch Our Free Methodology Presentation: Learn Our Proven 5-Step System For Transforming Your Business Into A Firm That Runs Smoothly, Profitably and (mostly) without You.

Confirm Your Details To Continue

© 2023 Butler & Co Advisory. All Rights Reserved.

ABN: 76 635 141 794

Subscribe To Watch Our Free Methodology Presentation: Learn Our Proven 5-Step System For Transforming Your Business Into A Firm That Runs Smoothly, Profitably and (mostly) without You.

Confirm Your Details To Continue

Schedule a call to see if our approach can help take your business to #1 in your market.

No pie-in-the-sky. No generic ideas.

No hard sell.

Just straight-forward analysis of your approach to marketing and sales, team-building skills, gross and net profitability, and business transfer readiness.