Bad Business with Bryan Laurel

So... what are you doing with your stimulus check? New TV? New shoes? A vacation? In this episode we ask you to consider investing in yourself, in that small business idea you've had for years and how easy it may be to make it a reality. 

You're a small business or you're on the verge of starting your own business... When is the right time to start thinking about public relations? What are the benefits of hiring a PR pro? And what the heck IS public relations, anyway? We answer all these questions and more with Robyn Patterson of Mack Media Relations. Find our more via the Mack Media Relations website.  

This episode is for any of you who find yourselves distracted throughout your workday. After a conversation with a colleague about their time management hack (The Pomodoro Method), I thought I'd share it with you.

It's the newest and currently most exclusive social media platform. The Clubhouse App is gaining traction and while it's still in beta, hundreds of thousands are spending hours a day on it.  In this episode we unpack what the Clubhouse App is, how it can benefit you as a small business owner or entrepreneur. We also discuss that while it's currently an invite only app, there's an easy way to get on the inside and start exploring it for yourself.

In the last episode we talked about the benefits of playlists for your own personal use. This episode we talk about the importance of playlists for your brick and mortar business.  We discuss considering not only your customers, but your employees as well. We also cover licensing via streaming services for businesses and why playing music you purchased from iTunes can get you into legal trouble. 

Most likely music is a part of your day. On your commute, while working from home, as a means to get you in the right mindset for a particular meeting. If you're just listening to any music without putting much thought into it, you could be doing yourself a disservice without realizing it.  In this episode we discuss the benefits of thinking through the music you listen to and when you listen to it. Seeking out pre-built playlists on the likes of Spotify or what to consider when building your own playlist. To fully gain the benefits of music, it's not as simple as listening to your favorite songs.

You made it! Welcome to 2021. In this episode we talk about (not resolutions, but) goals to set for yourself in the new year and how to ensure you have the time to actually make them happen. 2021 is going to be your year from a personal and professional standpoint. I promise... or your money back. Ha!

We take an honest look at brick and mortar storefronts. Is yours helping or hindering your business? Let's find out.

It's the holiday season and the time to think about gifts for your best clients. We talk about what makes a good gift and what makes a terrible gift. Knowing the difference can solidify that business relationship or sink it.

You've been working from home for months now... maybe you've been working from home for years prior to COVID. Today we ask the question "are you taking your home office seriously?". Is it an efficient, productive, inspiring space? Or is it a spare room that doubles as a storage room and you're wedged somewhere in the middle of it.  Let's talk about what you need and what you can do to make yourself a killer home office space.

2020 has brought a lot of unexpected changes but has also presented unexpected opportunities. Are you working from home now? Less time commuting, less time in person-to-person meetings means you have some time to work on your own business/side-business. In this episode we talk online courses that you should consider to up your entrepreneurial game with that extra time you may have on your hands. 

In this episode we discuss the basic marketing elements that should reside together electronically on your computer, smartphone and on the cloud (Dropbox, etc). Taking the time to put this digital "briefcase" (yeah, yeah, next to nobody uses briefcases anymore - we address that) anyway, taking the time to do this now will make it easier to get to these items at a moment's notice.

Considering how crazy 2020 has been, is now really the best time to start a business? Perhaps. In this episode we talk about why now may be the perfect time to start your own business, become an entrepreneur, follow through on that side hustle. We also go though a laundry list of viable option if you know you want to start something, but you're not yet sure what that something is.

When things are a little slower than usual for your small business, it's the perfect time to address things that could use a little attention.  Today, we talk about taking the time to update your website. Over the next few episodes we'll tackle several things that you can do to enhance your business. Things that you may not normally make the time for.  

When things are a little slower than usual for your small business (like now, due to COVID, for example), it's the perfect time to address things that could use a little attention.  Over the next few episodes we'll tackle several things that you can do to enhance your business. Things that you may not normally make the time for. Today, we talk about managing your online reviews (Yelp, Google, Trip Advisor, Facebook, etc, etc.).  

After a short break of... four years, we're back with a few changes. We're keeping episodes to around 15 minutes and focusing more on small business and entrepreneurs and less on big business. Small businesses and entrepreneurs need to power through this COVID mess and get back on track so we'll be here each week to help.  

Let's talk about specific books that can help small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups.  You're probably thinking you don't have time to read. Wrong. You do. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatemktg.com

You may not realize it, but you could very well be contributing to your LACK of success. This episode we talk about why you may not be as successful as you should be.  Be real with yourself and let's give this episode a listen. Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

We're back and this episode we talk about how you may be juuuuust a little too close to your brand to effective execute the branding and why bringing in an outside source to help you is the answer. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

If there is one thing almost all small business/startup owners and entrepreneurs have in common, it's insomnia.  When your mind is fill of ideas, decisions, options and worries, it's no surprise sleep often suffers. In this episode we talk about how to combat those sleepless nights and how to turn your brain off occasionally. Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Well, look at us. We're one hundred episodes old! This episode we talk podcasting... specifically how easy it is to get started with a limited budget and how a podcast can help small businesses and startups. We talk to Craig Plenn and Marco Velasquez, hosts of new podcast Short and Heavy about steps to starting a podcast, their process and lessons learned while producing a weekly show. Bad Business host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

You have business ideas, right? You've been thinking about it for years. YEARS! Have you done anything about it? Probably not. If you haven't made that move because you have a regular 9-5 job, this episode is for you. We talk about how you can get that business off the ground while remaining focused on your day job. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Meetings. We all hate them. Most likely you have too many of them as part of your work week. They're inefficient, stress-inducing and meanwhile work that you NEED to get done isn't getting done. This episode we talk about making a few tweaks to make meetings more efficient and effective. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

This episode we talk to David DeLorenzo, who is pretty much the picture definition of hustle. David is the owner of Bar & Restaurant Insurance based in Scottsdale, AZ. Even if you're not a bar or a restaurant, listen to pick up some good tips on how to approach business and networking in an impactful way.  Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

We discuss so many DOs and DON'Ts of being an entrepreneur but this episode we talk about regrets most have at one point or another. Hopefully hearing these now can help you avoid having similar regrets later. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Music can make you more productive. It can inspire you to work effectively and efficiently. Listening to the wrong type of music can hurt your work groove. We talk about creating the perfect playlist to maximize your workflow. Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Do you excel when it comes to communication? Really? Are you sure? Communication isn't just about speaking, it impacts email, social media, Skype/Facetime as well as texting.  We talk about how you can be efficient and improve the way you communicate. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Have you ever had a client or vendor who just couldn't seem to pay you on time for your hard work? When you're a small business or startup, a delay in getting paid can severely impact the workflow, success and reputation of your company. We talk about ways to deal with the uncomfortable situation that arises when you have to call a client who has not paid you on time. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

We talk about solid reasons to finally make that commitment and start your business in 2016. It's time. Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

It's easy to coast for the last couple of weeks of the year - especially with the holidays, family, errands to run and just plain being tired. The end of the year is a great time to get ahead as well. Spending a little time on looking ahead towards the new year can get you in a great place to start 2016 in a great place from an organizational and emotional standpoint. Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

You've been toying with the idea of starting your own small business. You think you're finally ready to commit - but are you ready? This episode we discuss 10 bad habits you should eliminate to ensure you're ready to rock your new endeavor. Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at BryanLaurel@SyndicatePR.com

It's that time of year. Time for the big decision - Which clients get gifts and which get cards. Perhaps you're not sure you want to send them anything... and if you do, maybe you don't know what to send.   We address this annual December dilemma so you can get on with it. Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

It's the holiday season! Are you working through it all? We take time in this episode to talk about separating from business to enjoy the holidays with friends and family. Turning off the part of your brain that's used to running your small business is not an easy thing... but it's easier with the steps we discuss. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Bad Business celebrates three things in this episode. 1. Its one year anniversary! Booya! 2. Bryan announces he and his wife are expecting their first baby! Hooray! 3. We have a FANTASTIC guest. Oh yeah! In this episode we talk to Chris Pegula, founder of Diaper Dude and author of From Dude to Dad.  We talk to Chris about creating a business out of fatherhood and the challenges of taking a product from concept to big box retailers and the lessons learned along the way. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Does Social Media overwhelm or mystify you? Perhaps you just don't have a lot of time to devote to managing your company's social media platforms.  We talk about several ways to rapidly (and easily) grow your social media presence. Contact host Bryan Laurel at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Are you getting ready to launch that business, create that product? Are you setting yourself up for failure with delusional beliefs about your idea? Let's talk about that. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Exactly how long have you been thinking about starting that small business of yours?  What's the holdup? Is it time to make the leap?  We talk about tips to help you get that business launched faster. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Clients are awesome! They're great to work with and let's face it, they keep the bills paid. Every once in a while everyone comes across a train wreck client and we're faced with a decision... keep 'em or boot 'em.  In this episode we talk about knowing when it's time to drop that problem client.   Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

This episode we talk to Jarrid Kopras once again, owner of Kopras Homes.  We talk about the challenges and lessons learned when building dream homes from the ground, up. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com.  

Often we hear great small business success stories. We also hear of small business cautionary tales. What we rarely hear are the details, the process of getting a product to market.  It's not as simple as "make a cool product". We talk to entrepreneur and business owner, Jarrid Kopras, about his journey to get a product on shelves at big box retailers - and the tough lessons learned along the way.  This is a must-listen for anyone considering bringing a product to market. Jarrid Kopras is the owner of www.KoprasHomes.com in Scottsdale, Arizona. Want to be a guest on a future episode? Email us! bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Guest host Matt Smith (MTV's Real World and owner of SmithHouse Design) joins Bryan Laurel (owner of Syndicate Public Relations) for the second of two episodes. This episode, they analyze the branding efforts of current Presidential Candidates.  Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Guest host Matt Smith (MTV's Real World and owner of SmithHouse Design) joins Bryan Laurel for the first of two episodes. This episode, they dig into the major (some would say subtle) rebranding of Converse Shoes, Verizon and Google. Host Bryan Laurel can be contacted at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Sometimes you can't sleep. Sometimes you have to be at work the day after you can sleep.  Here's some tips on how to function effectively at work with little sleep. Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

We recap the official launch of the Star Wars Episode VII merchandise machine. We also talk about a new little tool Facebook has implemented which benefits small businesses. Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

The Internet is chock-full of great articles, blogs and podcasts with valuable advice. Then there are those that offer terrible "good" advice, which is truly not helpful at all. Offering the most basic "duh" pointers and suggestions for success, we've had it with those articles wasting space on the Internet - so we pile on with even more horrible "good" advice just to prove our point. Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

When you're a small business, getting any sort of press coverage can seem overwhelming if not impossible.  Give these steps a try or hire a local PR firm - like the fine folks over at www.syndicatepr.com. We also talk about roadblocks almost all entrepreneurs face and how to overcome them. Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

So the time is nearing when you're going to put in that notice to leave the corporate world behind and pursue that business of your own. Sounds sexy, eh? Let's slow it down for a moment.  In this episode we talk about some serious steps to consider before turning in that letter - steps that will make the transition easier. Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

Every once in a while we run across motivational quotes. Some resonate and most seem pretty uninsipiring, if not annoying. However, occasionally we need motivation and also need to get over ourselves to simply listen to the wise words of successful people who came before us. Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

We want to hear your stories.  We want YOU on our show.  Listen to this short episode and find out how. We'll be back next week with an all-new episode. Contact Bryan Laurel at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com  

This episode we talk to Kim Miller and Shannon Dougherty, founders of FitMomDiet.com. We talk about what FitMomDiet offers as well as digging into how two moms found the time and the drive to start a business, taking advantage of their savvy entrepreneural skills. Covering the important links between body, mind and professional health, this episode is inspiring and full of excellent tips for anyone hesitating to get to work on their ideal body and/or their business idea. Follow Kim and Shannon on Twitter at: @KimMillerStyle and @sjaydougherty and @FitMomDiet Host Bryan Laurel can be reached at bryanlaurel@syndicatepr.com

It has begun - Millennial backlash.  We talk about mistakes Millennials are making in the workplace that is keeping them from advancing and why some are just flat-out getting fired.  If you are a Millennial, we talk about many things you can do to set yourself apart from your peers to rise past them. Bryan Laurel can be reached at info@syndicatepr.com Follow us on Twitter at @badbizpodcast