Local Business Talk

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Local Business Talk is your source for business strategy, entrepreneurship, and success! We discuss topics such as sales, marketing, and operations that are relevant to your local business whether you have 5, 50 or 500 employees. Local businesses across the world provide millions of jobs and boost…

Joe Sova


    • Dec 2, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 124 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Local Business Talk

    How to Know When You Can Afford to Hire

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2021 17:52


    If you're an entrepreneur, you've probably asked yourself "how do I know when I can afford to hire someone?" After you listen to this episode, you'll know exactly what the answer is for your business...listen now!

    Strong Entrepreneurs Build Strong Families!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2021 12:38


    It takes a special person to support their family through entrepreneurship. When you listen to this episode, you are going to find how much impact it really makes!

    Doing it all yourself is a losing strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2021 16:01


    You probably know that successful businesses are a marathon not a sprint, right? After you listen to this episode you will learn how to level up from the short term DIY mentality!

    Multitasking is the Worst Way to Grow Your Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 13:24


    If you're like most business owners, multitasking is a natural thing. But you may not realize yet how much this habit is actually costing you. After you listen you'll know why!

    Do you run your business or does your business run YOU?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 19:43


    If you're like most entrepreneurs, you probably started your business to have freedom, impact, and income. And as you know, that freedom can quickly disappear as you get pulled into putting out fires, wearing all the hats, and more. After you listen to this episode, you will discover 4 simple ways to become the Dialed in CEO with the freedom you dreamed of!

    4 Steps to Hiring A-Players in Your Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2021 12:22


    If you're someone ready to take your business to the next level, this episode is for you! You probably know that great businesses are built by great teams. You will discover 4 simple steps to hiring your BEST team after you listen!

    Waiting to Hire is Costing You Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2021 18:08


    If your like most entrepreneurs, you may have thought "I'll hire someone when I have more revenue." But when you listen to this episode, you will realize that is exactly what's keeping you stuck!

    There's Nothing Small About YOUR Business!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2021 14:22


    When you listen to this episode, you will realize how one simple word can impact how you see your business. The more you understand this concept, the higher you can take your own business!

    Adapt, Adjust, & Thrive: Patrick Patino of Patino Law

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2021 25:44


    Starting a small business can be tough, but starting in a pandemic can be almost impossible...until you adapt and thrive! Patrick Patino was forced out of his corporate gig and into entrepreneurship in 30 days. Listen to discover how he found what he loves to do and is now thriving in his own business!

    Get out of "Busy" and Get into Your Business: Kelly Spurgeon CEO/Founder of Zeal

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 26:20


    Life gets busy...and it gets especially busy when running a small business! In today's start-up series episode, Kelly Spurgeon CEO/Founder of Zeal tells us her story of how she went from corporate to start-up during a pandemic! If you enjoy small business

    Start with Your Exit

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 26:15


    You probably have heard before that the golden rule in business is to “begin with the end in mind.” And if you’re like most entrepreneurs, you already know that before you can achieve huge results, you must understand the steps needed to get there. That’s exactly why we speak with Jill and Brad from Exit Playbook as part of our “IDEAL Start-Up Series!” after you hear this episode you will fully understand why it’s so important to have a plan in place from Day 1!

    Hiring Your Best Employees

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2020 27:21


    When building a successful business, finding great employees can make or break your company. Today Mike Zeigle from Careerlink brings us proven ways to help your business find and hire the best staff possible! Mike’s many years of experience will benefit you whether you’re hiring your 1st or your 100th employee! Click and take a listen!

    Honoring Ryker

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 20:01


    There’s a lot of chaos in the world today. There’s more division than ever before. If you’re tired of all the negativity and suffering you see on the news and online, take a few minutes to watch this video.   Tara Bowne shares a deeply personal and amazing story of how her family brings light into the world through their son Ryker. Do yourself a favor and shut off the news, close your social media apps, and embrace this story of love and good-will that makes our world a better place.

    New Baby, New Biz, No Problem!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 19:34


    Do you ever feel overwhelmed with your business?  Trying to juggle home, work, and personal life all at once? Well, today we speak with Jenny Alford of Davis & Co Designs, who had a new born baby, started a business, AND navigated the impact of COVID right as she opened her doors!    Jenny has an amazing start-up story to share as part of our “IDEAL Start-Up Series!”  Her business is thriving through all the turmoil of 2020 and has a bright future ahead.    Watch the video now and click the link in the comments for future updates!

    Is Starting a Biz Safer than Your 9-5?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2020 5:21


    This one is for the dreamers, the doers, the entrepreneurs...who have not started yet.Or maybe you’ve started your business but you’re questioning if you made the right move. Or maybe you’ve been at this start-up game for a while and you’re just having one of those days where you think having a “real job” would be much easier! So if you dream of having a small business, if your goal is to work for YOU, but you continue believing that the risk is too great, then you are leaving your fate up to something outside of your control. And where will that get you in life?

    Risk, Reward, & Donuts!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2020 24:05


    Have you ever dreamed of starting a business? Today we hear an amazing story of risk, reward and, most importantly, donuts as part of our “IDEAL Start-Up Series!” Elizabeth Pooley, founder of Square Donut in Omaha, is our guest and she tells us about the obstacles she faced, the divine intervention she experienced, and what it’s like starting a new food business during COVID! If you’re someone who appreciates determination, entrepreneurship, and sweet tasty treats then click and listen to her story now!

    The True Cost of Hiring an Employee

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 8:43


    One of the biggest mistakes people make in business is not fully understanding their numbers before hiring an employee. Hiring without knowing the true costs is like buying a new car without checking the sticker price!  If you’re someone who is serious about running a successful business then you already know the value of planning ahead.  Listen now to learn exactly how to budget for your next employee!

    Do You Need a Registered Agent to start your business?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 22:19


    If you are starting a new business, one of the hardest things to navigate is the paperwork needed with your state. Where do you start? Do you need a registered agent? Can I file all the paperwork myself? We discuss these questions and more with Amy Purdy of URS Agents today as part of the “IDEAL Start-Up Series!” If you’re someone who wants to start your business off right, you’ll want to listen to Amy in this interview!

    Small Business Means Big Impact

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 4:23


    Small business makes a big impact in our communities.   In fact, small businesses are responsible for creating millions of jobs and provide income for families all over the world.    By supporting local businesses, we help improve our economy and increase our sense of togetherness.   Our mission at Ideal is “Local Business Success!”  Let’s make a conscious effort to stand behind local and build a better future together!

    IDEAL Start-Up Series: Christen Scofield Owner The Bright Side of Happy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2020 31:05


    We are featuring new businesses to support in our "IDEAL Start-Up Series!" Today we speak with Christen Scofield from the Bright Side of Happy! Christen tells her start-up story of juggling health, family, and a new business through the challenges of COVID-19!

    Early PPP Forgiveness, More Grant info, &; Free Marketing Tools

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 27:38


    Additional guidance was provided on a common PPP question about early forgiveness last week. We discuss how this impacts your loan along with additional grant opportunities that are available. We also cover some free marketing tools provided by Google and Facebook that can give your business a boost along with an open Q&A.

    EZ PPP Application, Possible 2nd Round of PPP Money, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2020 36:24


    Another week brings more changes to the PPP program. This week the SBA released a new simplified forgiveness application so we cover the details during this call. In addition, a common question has been "what do I do when PPP funds run out?" We cover two possible solutions to look for along with updating the Nebraska Stabilization Grant process

    PPP Updates & Nebraska Stabilization Grant Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 39:26


    The PPP forgiveness process has changed once again. Luckily the changes are not as dramatic as last week, however there are things to note as you use the funds. Also, the state of Nebraska announced a new grant program offering up to $12K for businesses impacted by COVID-19. We discuss these topics and more with a live Q&A.

    Positive Changes to PPP & One Big Landmine to Avoid

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2020 33:12


    The PPP Flexibility Act significantly changed the PPP loan forgiveness process. Most of the changes are postiive and will help business owners achieve full forgiveness. However, there are a few landmines to watch out for with the new law. We discussed these changes with an open Q&A on our Monday discussion call.

    PPP Loan Forgiveness & Potential Changes to the Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2020 53:47


    New guidance was issued regarding the PPP Loan forgiveness process. Today we cover the important aspects of the application along with potential changes that can impact how the funds are used. Listen now for the latest update!

    Re-Opening Your Business: Department of Economic Development Director Tony Goins

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2020 61:23


    Small businesses are taking small steps towards normalcy and re-opening as of May 4th. The Governor established a business task force to provide information on best practices for re-opening and to get real-time feedback from local businesses. Dept of Economic Development Director Tony Goins is the chair of that task force and joined us to discuss. 

    PPP Forgiveness, EIDL program and more with Leon Milobar District Director of the Small Business Administration

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2020 61:23


    There are still questions remaining about PPP forgiveness, the EIDL program, and more for businesses to answer. We went straight to the source and invited the District Director of the Small Business Administration Leon Milobar to join our weekly round-table. Leon was generous with his time and very helpful answering questions many of us face during COVID-19

    PPP Loan Forgiveness, the Next Round of Funding, & What's Next after PPP?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 55:35


    I hosted a round-table discussion on Monday April 20th with 60+ small businesses. We discussed the steps needed to ensure you get PPP loan forgiveness and what to do if you were not able to get the first round of funding. We also covered what to do as the world starts to "normalize" again

    PPP Loan Details & What How to Prepare for the New "Normal"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 51:30


    The impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt by small businesses across the nation. To help us through this, we held a round-table discussion with small businesses on April 13th. We cover details on SBA loan programs along with creating our future as entrepreneurs through these changes.

    Clarity on Small Business Loans, Tax Programs, and Other COVID-19 Relief

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 59:58


    There is a lot of new "stuff" out there for small businesses including the PPP Loan, EIDL advance program, tax deferrals, tax credits, and more. If you are feeling uncertain and overwhelmed, you are not alone! We hosted a round-table discussion on April 6th to clarify the different programs available for your small business.

    The CARES Act: Forgivable Loans, Deferred Payroll Tax, and More Details

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2020 57:32


    There are many ways a small businesses can receive help through the new CARES Act. Today we cover the details of the new forgivable SBA loan program, potential payroll tax deferrals, and more. We hosted 50+ like-minded small business owners for a round-table Q&A

    COVID-19 Layoffs, Sick Pay, and More: Q&A with Doug Pedersen of HR Systems Inc

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2020 60:45


    Things move fast in this COVID-19 environment and there is a lot of uncertainty with how to handle HR details. At Ideal Payroll, we are getting many human resource related questions on Family Medical Leave, Emergency Paid Sick Leave, how to handle layoffs, PTO balances, and more. On March 27th, Doug Pedersen of HR Systems Inc joined us for a Q&A. Doug has 25+ years of HR experience and helps businesses of all sizes. If you need further help, you can reach out to Doug and/or consult your attorney.

    Small Business Strategies for COVID-19

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2020 47:05


    We have all felt the impact of COVID-19. Small business is hurting, but if we stand together we can get through to the other side of this issue. I held a conference call of approximately 50 small businesses on Monday March 23rd. We discuss multiple issues facing small business including SBA loans, Dept of Labor unemployment options, marketing your business, and much much more. This episode brings the roundtable discussion to you. We are all in this together!

    Best of the Podcast: Creating a Small Business Brand with Maddie Carson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2020 26:39


    Today is a "best of" episode featuring Maddie Carson of Carson's Cookie Fix. Maddieo made the decision to re-brand her small business after the prior business had been in existence for 40 years! She shares her story of how building processes, getting team members involved, and focusing on a specific product line lead to her success.

    Best of the Podcast: Prison, Entrepreneurship, & Second Chances with Jeremy Bouman CEO of RISE

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2020 36:19


    Today we share one of my favorite episodes in a "best of" the podcast edition! RISE is an organization that brings entrepreneurship and business ideas to incarcerated men and women in Nebraska. This incredible program benefits the community, the participants, and the volunteers.

    Best of the Podcast: Move Past Your Mental Roadblocks with Janelle Roker

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2020 27:35


    In this episode, we discuss mindset and how to overcome your inner thoughts that may be holding you back. Janelle Roker is a strategy coach that discusses the mental side of business success.

    Having A Problem is the Best Thing For Business Growth: Momentum Monday with Joe Sova

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2020 8:33


    Do you ever have a day when everything goes wrong? Employees have issues, customers are calling, and nothing seems to go the way you want it to go! Believe it or not, but these days are the BEST days for growing your business. Problems can lead to change which sets your business up for long term success! Listen to this episode to hear the details!

    How Your Brand Can Bring You the Customers You Want: Momentum Monday with Joe Sova

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2020 15:44


    Does the name of your business impact your success? Does your logo and branding really matter? Today's episode we discuss how a name can have a big impact on the customers and employees in your business. We also get into why I changed the name of this very podcast and what that means for the future of the show. Take a listen!

    Episode 137: 4 Ways to Find Ideas to Improve Your Business: Momentum Monday with Joe Sova

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2020 13:25


    Where do you come up with new ideas for your business? Are you creating something entirely brand new every time you do a marketing campaign or build a process? Likely, you are "borrowing" from other ideas and systems that came before you. Today we discuss 4 ethical ways to borrow ideas to help improve your business. There is no reason to re-invent the wheel when you can use concepts and tactics from others that have been there before you.

    Episode 136: Customer Conversations On Steroids: RJ Redden of Black Belt Bots

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2020 36:25


    Do you want more engagement with prospective customers? How about an easy way to qualify leads and get them info they need more efficiently? RJ Redden joins us on the show to discuss how chat bots are a tool to do exactly those things and more! You'll be surprised at how much a bot can do while keeping things personal and not "robotic."

    Episode 135: Habits, Goals, & Resolutions: Momentum Monday with Joe Sova

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2020 11:25


    It's January 20th, 2020 and I have a scary question for you. Have you been sticking to your New Year's Resolutions? Have you been taking action towards your 2020 small business goals like you planned back in November/December? If you're like most people, the answer is NO! Most resolutions and goals do not make it past the second week of January. Today we discuss how you can add two easy actions to your day that will help you stay on track for your goals. Take a listen now!

    Episode 134: Develop a Positive Mindset & Build Your Team For Success: Em Ducharme of Zero to CEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2020 25:51


    The mental part of small business can be a challenging obstacle to overcome. It's not easy to stay positive when everything around you seems to go wrong! Em Ducharme joins us today to tell her story about staying positive and being mentally strong. These concepts help our business in many ways including building a team to support you during down times.

    Episode 133: What You Need to Know About Branding vs Marketing vs Selling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2020 12:54


    Can you describe the difference between branding marketing and selling? All three are important concepts to master in your small business if you want to drive growth and success. Today we discuss why it's important to understand each concept, where they overlap, and how to use each to your advantage in 2020!

    Changes for the New Year: MomentumMonday with Joe Sova

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2019 5:23


    Big and exciting changes are coming to Local Business Talk for 2020! We are taking a brief break for the holidays and will come back in January with exciting news.

    The Only Business Tax You Can Control: MomentumMonday with Joe Sova

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2019 8:00


    Nobody likes talking about taxes. But it is absolutely necessary in small business to understand your numbers and where taxes comes from. Unemployment tax is often confused with insurance, but it's the only tax small business owners can control. Today we discuss what you need to know about this tax, how it's calculated each year, and what you can do to make sure you keep your rate low.

    A New Way to Fill Jobs, Retain Talent, & Increase Productivity: Jessica Charlsen of Job Share Connect

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2019 38:35


    What if there was a new way to hire employees that would not only keep employees happy, but it would increase productivity in your organization? Hiring and retaining good, quality employees has long been one of the biggest challenge small businesses face. Today Jessica Charlsen joins us to discuss a new way to look at filling the roles in your business called job sharing.

    Common Legal Landmines & Protecting Your Business: Jon Brown Partner at Walentine O'Toole

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2019 32:41


    Most small business owners do not want to think about the legal side of operating their business. But we can't bury our heads in the sand and pretend there are no threats to consider. Disputes over contracts, employee issues, landlords, and more all can cause huge issues if not handled the proper way. Jon Brown is Partner at Walentine O'Toole and joins us today to discuss the basics of protecting your small business.

    The Key to Consistent Results: MomentumMonday with Joe Sova

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2019 9:43


    Consistent results are not always common in small business. Our attention can be drawn to several areas every day and sometimes things fall through the cracks. Today we discuss the best way to limit this issue and how to be consistent inside your business so that you can build the business of your dreams!

    5 Ways to Prepare for Year End in Your Small Business: MomentumMonday with Joe Sova

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2019 9:16


    Are you prepared for year end in your small business? December seemed to sneak up on us as always, but the good news is we have you covered! Today we discuss 5 things every small business needs as we approach 2020. These are simple and easy tasks that will make sure you finish this year on a high note! Click the link to listen to the full episode!

    How a Disciplined Mind Will Help You Achieve Success: Author Paul Halpine

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2019 29:51


    Do you have control of your thoughts? Or do you let your thoughts control you? It's a deep question that is important in our ongoing quest for growth and success. Today Paul Halpine joins us to discuss his book "A Disciplined Mind and a Plan to Achieve It."

    Being Resilient & Grateful: MomentumMonday with Joe Sova

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2019 9:26


    What do you do when nothing goes your way? Is it possible to still be grateful even on your worst day? I experienced a day full of roadblocks and momentum stoppers and it was extremely frustrating. But by the end of the day I was grateful for what I experienced and what I have to look forward to next. Listen to the full story on this episode of Local Business Talk!

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