Welcome to the Scaleocity Works podcast! In each episode, we'll spend a few minutes discussing powerful and actionable steps that leaders can each and every day to help their organizations become employers of choice. Let's make sure our teams love Monday as much as they love Friday!
In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer Podcast, host Brian Montes breaks down the five most important things business owners need to know before reaching the coveted $1M revenue mark. If you're currently building your business and scaling past $250K, $500K, or even $900K in annual revenue, this episode is a must-listen.Many entrepreneurs focus on revenue, but what matters is how you build toward that first million. Brian shares real-world lessons learned from working with founders, CEOs, and growing businesses, highlighting the common mistakes that stall growth just shy of $ 7 figures.You'll walk away with clarity on how to structure your business for sustainable, profitable growth. What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why focusing on profit over revenue leads to healthier growthHow to recognize that not all business is good business—and why turning down the wrong client can be a decisive moveThe risk of hiring before you're ready, and what needs to be in place firstWhy can't you afford to ease up on sales, marketing, or pipeline developmentHow to avoid cash flow surprises and manage your money like a CEOWho This Episode Is For:Entrepreneurs scaling a service-based or product-based businessFounders are considering their first key hiresCEOs looking to improve operations, profitability, and cash flowAnyone serious about building a scalable, sustainable businessSecure Your Free Seat at the Fix Your Foundation Workshop - https://bit.ly/4l9orb6 Listen & Subscribe:Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and everywhere you get your favorite shows.✅ Don't forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur!
Are your business foundations helping you scale, or silently holding you back?In this episode, we break down the six critical areas every first-time founder needs to stabilize to grow: people clarity, operations, hiring, systems, culture, and finance. Whether you're building your first team or stuck in reactive mode, this is the episode to help you step into leadership with clarity.Join Brian Montes, your Fractional People & Ops Partner, as we walk through the exact framework used to help overwhelmed business owners identify what's broken — and fix it before hiring a full-time team.
In this episode, we're tackling a mission-critical topic that too many mid-market companies overlook—Business Continuity Planning (BCP). Whether you're leading a $50M company or approaching $500M in annual revenue, disruptions can strike without warning—from cyberattacks and natural disasters to supply chain failures and major IT outages.Join us as we break down:What a Business Continuity Plan is (and what it isn't)Why mid-market CEOs must prioritize BCP as part of strategic planningHow to protect your company's operations, people, and reputation in a crisisReal-world examples of business disruptions—and their consequencesA step-by-step framework to start building or refreshing your business continuity plan today.If your company doesn't have a business continuity plan—or if your current plan hasn't been updated or tested—this is your opportunity to build resilience into your business strategy. Need help getting started? Connect with us for a BCP assessment or strategy session.Get connected:Email Brian at brianm@scaleocityworks.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Remember to share this episode with your leadership team—it just might be the conversation that saves your business.
In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, host Montes tackles a topic many business owners avoid until it's too late: workplace dating policies. Whether you're running a small business or scaling a growing team, creating clear policies around romantic relationships at work is essential to protecting your culture, reducing risk, and promoting professional conduct.You'll learn why you must establish a workplace dating policy before issues arise, how to ensure employees understand the policy, and what kinds of relationships require disclosure. Montes also covers key elements like your code of conduct, anti-harassment alignment, and how to handle gray areas with good judgment and fairness.This episode is a must-listen for business owners, entrepreneurs, HR leaders, and managers looking to promote transparency, accountability, and respectful team relationships.What You'll Learn:Why every employer should have a dating policy — before they need itHow to effectively communicate your workplace dating policy to your teamWhat types of relationships require formal disclosureHow to align your dating policy with your anti-harassment and code of conduct guidelinesStrategies for handling exceptions and out-of-the-box relationship dynamicsWhy transparency and disclosure protect both people and the businessFor more HR insights and business leadership tips, follow Brian Montes and the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast across your favorite platforms.
What if your business could grow without you being involved in every little decision? In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, we're diving into the game-changing mindset and strategy shift every founder must make to build a profitable company that doesn't depend on them 24/7.From shifting from operator to CEO, to hiring for outcomes (not just tasks), and building invisible systems that drive performance, this episode is your blueprint for creating a business that thrives with or without you.
In this episode, Brian Montes interviews Todd Zive, a business consultant and author of 'The Mensch Method.' Todd shares his journey from the medical technology industry to becoming a strategic advisor and author. He discusses the inspiration behind his book, the importance of resilience in leadership, and the core principles that guide his approach to business and personal development. The conversation also delves into the challenges of organizational change, the significance of understanding team dynamics, and practical leadership tips for fostering a positive work environment.The discussion covers:- Todd Zive's journey from a corporate executive to business consultant - The Mensch Method meaning of character and integrity in leadership.- Why resilience is crucial for overcoming challenges in business.- How personal storytelling can enhance leadership effectiveness.- Why organizational change requires clear communication and purpose.- The importance of a positive attitude and hard work to inspire others.And more! We hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please subscribe to the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, leave a comment, and share the podcast with others. When our audience shares this podcast, we can impact more bootstrapped founders, business owners, and CEOs. Get in touch with Brian:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/Email - brianm@scaleocityworks.comWebsite - https://www.scaleocityworks.com/Subscribe to the podcast - https://apple.co/4cBwRoyGet in touch with Todd:Website: https://toddzive.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-zive/Instagram: @todd.zive Book Information: https://toddzive.com/book/Amazon Link to Book: https://a.co/d/8Zmq9uOStruggling with hiring your first employees? As your business grows, you can't do it all alone—but hiring the right people can feel overwhelming. That's why I created a free mini-course to help you transition from solopreneur to employer with confidence. In just a few short videos, you'll learn: ✅ Who to hire based on your business stage✅ How to avoid common hiring mistakes✅ How to shift from doing it all to leading a high-performing team Get instant access now! https://forms.gle/o2mDLiSR6sovSruN8
Workplace investigations are high-stakes for business owners, CEOs, and HR leaders. If they are mishandled, you risk legal action, employee distrust, and damage to company culture. In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, we discuss how to structure and conduct a fair, unbiased workplace investigation, ensuring compliance, protecting your business, and maintaining trust within your team.You'll learn:✅ Why unbiased investigations are essential for HR compliance and risk management✅ A step-by-step process to conduct fair workplace investigations✅ How to avoid bias when gathering evidence and making decisions✅ The importance of documentation and consistency in handling employee complaintsWhether you're a bootstrapped founder, small business owner, or CEO, this episode gives you the tools to handle workplace disputes like a pro and protect your company from liability.Resources & Next Steps:
Scaling your business sounds exciting, but if you don't have the proper foundation, growth can break your business instead of building it. In this episode, Montes walks you through five foundational principles every business owner must establish before attempting to scale.If you want to grow your business sustainably—without chaos, burnout, or financial instability—this episode is a must-listen!Key Takeaways:✅ Why profitability matters more than revenue when scaling ✅ The importance of documented systems and processes to avoid operational chaos ✅ How to ensure you have the right team before adding more employees ✅ Why a predictable and repeatable customer acquisition strategy is critical for growth ✅ The role of cash flow and financial stability in scaling successfullyWho This Episode is For:✔️ Entrepreneurs looking to grow their business but feeling overwhelmed ✔️ Small business owners struggling with operational inefficiencies ✔️ Founders who want to build a scalable, sustainable company ✔️ Business owners wondering if they are ready to hire and expandResources & Next Steps:
Are you constantly saying, “I don't have enough time to get everything done”? Are your employees maxed out, leaving you thinking about hiring someone new? Before deciding, listen to this episode and discover the 5-Hour Challenge.In this episode, we'll break down a game-changing process designed to help business owners and their teams free up time, eliminate unnecessary tasks, and refocus on what truly matters.You'll learn:What the 5-Hour Challenge is and how it works.How to complete a task audit and identify tasks that can be delegated, eliminated, or automated.The four types of activities—Quick Wins, Major Projects, Filler Work, and Negative ROI—and how to handle each.Two key questions to ask when evaluating tasks to maximize productivity and profitability.Why should you complete this process quarterly before hiring new employees?Implementing the 5-Hour Challenge will eliminate wasted effort, improve team efficiency, and boost your bottom line—all while freeing up your time as a business owner.Don't miss this episode! Tune in now and take the first step toward working smarter, not harder.Connect with Brian:brianm@scaleocityworks.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/Check out the E2E Coaching & Community - https://bit.ly/E2ECoachingandCommunitySubscribe to our newsletter - https://entrepreneurtoemployer.beehiiv.com/p/get-back-5-hours-per-week-with-a-task-auditAnd that's a wrap. If you love the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, you will love the Entrepreneur to Employer Business Growth Community on Patreon. As a business owner, you're already making moves to grow your company—but what if you had access to even more tools, strategies, and exclusive content to help you scale faster and reclaim your time? That's what you'll get by joining the Entrepreneur to Employer community on Patreon! Here's what's waiting for you inside:✅ Bonus content with actionable strategies to build scalable systems✅ Exclusive templates & resources to streamline your HR and operations✅ Monthly Q&A sessions to get personalized insights for your business✅ Early access to new content before anyone else If you're serious about building a business that doesn't run you, this is your next step.
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast! In today's episode, we explore how building effective business systems can empower your team, streamline operations, and set the stage for scalable growth. Whether you're already running a thriving business or preparing to take your operations to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you confidently scale.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why systems are critical for scaling your business – Discover how systems reduce complexity, eliminate bottlenecks, and allow your team to thrive.The three pillars of effective systems – Learn how clarity, automation, and accountability can transform your processes and empower your team to take ownership.A step-by-step guide to building scalable systems—From identifying key processes to documenting workflows and training your team, we walk you through the system creation process.How empowered systems create empowered teams – Understand the link between strong systems, team confidence, and a thriving business culture.Why This Episode Matters:Scaling a business doesn't mean working harder or micromanaging every detail. By building systems that empower your team, you can create a company that operates efficiently, even when you're not in the room. This episode equips you with the tools and mindset needed to become a confident, strategic leader.Resources and Links:Get our free checklist: “6 Steps to Create Systems That Scale” in the Patreon Community. Join our Patreon community for exclusive resources, templates, and insider tips on scaling your business and leading confidently. https://bit.ly/E2ECoachingandCommunitySubscribe to the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast for weekly insights into building strong teams and thriving businesses.Listen and Share:If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with another business owner who is ready to scale confidently. Also, remember to leave a review—it helps other entrepreneurs find valuable resources like this one.Connect with Brian:Email - brianm@scaleocityworks.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/And that's a wrap. If you love the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, you will love the Entrepreneur to Employer Business Growth Community on Patreon. As a business owner, you're already making moves to grow your company—but what if you had access to even more tools, strategies, and exclusive content to help you scale faster and reclaim your time? That's what you'll get by joining the Entrepreneur to Employer community on Patreon! Here's what's waiting for you inside:✅ Bonus content with actionable strategies to build scalable systems✅ Exclusive templates & resources to streamline your HR and operations✅ Monthly Q&A sessions to get personalized insights for your business✅ Early access to new content before anyone else If you're serious about building a business that doesn't run you, this is your next step.
In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, we explore one of the most overlooked but essential steps in the hiring process: crafting a great job description. A well-crafted job description is more than just a list of duties—it sets the stage for attracting the right talent, aligning expectations, and ensuring hiring success.We'll walk you through a comprehensive checklist to help you create job descriptions that stand out, rank high on search engines, and meet compliance standards. Learn how to:Gather input from key stakeholders to define role expectations.Write compelling boilerplate text that communicates your company's mission and culture.Identify the key behavioral traits and skills you need in a candidate.Use tools like O-Net, Textio, and Moz to optimize job descriptions for search engines and improve performance.Ensure ADA compliance to protect your company from legal risks.Whether hiring your first employee or your fiftieth, this episode will give you actionable tips to enhance your talent acquisition strategy. Tune in to learn how a great job description is the foundation for great hiring—and how to start creating one today.
Is your business hitting a growth plateau, and you're unsure why? The answer might be YOU. In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, host Montes dives into the common challenge many business owners face: becoming the bottleneck in their operations.If you've built your business from the ground up, it's easy to fall into the trap of needing to oversee everything. But to scale your business and reclaim your time, you must shift from doing to leading. In this episode, Brian outlines four actionable steps to help you remove yourself as the bottleneck, empower your team, and build scalable systems that drive growth.Whether you're a business owner ready to break free from daily operations or an entrepreneur looking to implement better HR systems to support your team, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts you need to move from good to great.Key Takeaways for Business Owners:
In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, we dive into the five non-negotiable building blocks every small business owner and first-time CEO needs to create a scalable and effective People Operations system. Whether you're just starting or looking to fine-tune your processes, these foundational elements will set your business up for long-term success.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why a strong People Operations system is critical for small business growth.The role of recruitment and hiring in finding the right talent for your team.How to design an onboarding process that drives engagement and retention.Clear employee policies are essential to ensure compliance and consistency.Tips for building a culture of performance management and continuous feedback.How to foster employee engagement and retention in a competitive market.Key Takeaways:Recruitment and Hiring: Learn how to attract candidates that align with your company's values and goals.Onboarding and Training: Discover why a structured onboarding program can improve productivity and reduce turnover.Policies and Compliance: Understand the must-have policies every small business needs to stay compliant and consistent.Performance Management: Explore actionable strategies for setting goals, tracking progress, and boosting team accountability.Engagement and Retention: Get tips on creating a culture where employees feel valued and motivated to stay.I am here to help! If you have a question, feel free to email me at brianm@scaleocityworks.com. Connect with me! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/Website - https://www.scaleocityworks.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scaleocityworks/Book a Free Call - https://www.scaleocityworks.com/contact/If you're ready to take your business to the next level, I've got something just for you. The Entrepreneur to Employer 6-Month Business Mastery Program is designed to help you implement proven systems, master delegation, and build a business that doesn't run you.Visit https://www.scaleocityworks.com/ to learn more and join today. Let's build a business that works for you.And that's a wrap. If you love the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, you will love the Entrepreneur to Employer Mastery Business Program. It's a six-month program designed to help you and your team get the business running seamlessly and efficiently. We help you understand how to implement the systems and share our experience and frameworks needed to elevate your sales, marketing, and operations. I guarantee to increase your profit margins while reducing your time in the business by 25% OR your money back. Head over to https://www.scaleocityworks.com/and get your business transformed from Entrepreneur to Employer.
In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, Brian Montes discusses the importance of reflecting on the past year as a business owner. He shares ten key questions entrepreneurs should ask themselves to ensure they progress, learn, and make impactful decisions for the upcoming year. The conversation emphasizes the significance of mindset, risk-taking, value creation, and building meaningful relationships in achieving personal and professional success.Episode takeaways:Building a business is more manageable with fundamental principles.Regular reflection helps in making intentional decisions.Asking the right questions can expose blind spots.Growth requires stepping out of comfort zones.Value creation is essential for long-term success.Habits need to be upgraded for better performance.Defining personal success is crucial for motivation.Support systems are necessary for growth.Continuous learning is key to personal development.We hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with Brian Montes:https://www.scaleocityworks.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/https://www.instagram.com/scaleocityworks/If you're ready to take your business to the next level, I've got something just for you. The Entrepreneur to Employer 6-Month Business Mastery Program is designed to help you implement proven systems, master delegation, and build a business that doesn't run you.Visit https://www.scaleocityworks.com/ to learn more and join today. Let's build a business that works for you.And that's a wrap. If you love the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, you will love the Entrepreneur to Employer Mastery Business Program. It's a six-month program designed to help you and your team get the business running seamlessly and efficiently. We help you understand how to implement the systems and share our experience and frameworks needed to elevate your sales, marketing, and operations. I guarantee to increase your profit margins while reducing your time in the business by 25% OR your money back. Head over to https://www.scaleocityworks.com/and get your business transformed from Entrepreneur to Employer.
In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, Brian Montes guides you through one of the most challenging decisions business owners face: letting go of an underperforming employee. If you've been struggling with whether to fire someone now or wait, this episode provides a clear, step-by-step framework to make the process less daunting and more strategic.You'll learn:How do you decide whether to fire now or wait?The importance of separating the decision to let go from the actual departure process.How to assess time, resources, and business disruptions during the transition.The hidden opportunities in employee departures, such as outsourcing or streamlining workflows.How to overcome procrastination and act with confidence.Whether you're dealing with a difficult situation now or want to be better prepared for the future, this episode offers actionable insights for navigating employee transitions with integrity and strategy.Connect with Brian Montes:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/brianm@scaleocityworks.com If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us bring more valuable content to business owners like you! If you're ready to take your business to the next level, I've got something just for you. The Entrepreneur to Employer 6-Month Business Mastery Program is designed to help you implement proven systems, master delegation, and build a business that doesn't run you.Visit https://www.scaleocityworks.com/ to learn more and join today. Let's build a business that works for you.And that's a wrap. If you love the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, you will love the Entrepreneur to Employer Mastery Business Program. It's a six-month program designed to help you and your team get the business running seamlessly and efficiently. We help you understand how to implement the systems and share our experience and frameworks needed to elevate your sales, marketing, and operations. I guarantee to increase your profit margins while reducing your time in the business by 25% OR your money back. Head over to https://www.scaleocityworks.com/and get your business transformed from Entrepreneur to Employer.
Efficient business operations are the cornerstone of growth and profitability, yet many business owners resist implementing systems. Why? In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, we explore the four biggest reasons entrepreneurs avoid creating operational systems and how overcoming these challenges can transform your business.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of delegation, worried about losing control, or unsure where to start with creating processes, this episode is for you. We'll break down the misconceptions holding you back and show you how simple systems can save time, reduce stress, and improve your bottom line.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The #1 reason business owners avoid creating systems—fear of losing control—and how to shift your mindset.Why time constraints make training impossible and how to prioritize system implementation for long-term gains.How decision paralysis keeps entrepreneurs stuck and actionable steps to start small and gain momentum.The misconception that systems limit flexibility and how they enhance adaptability and innovation.Connect with Brian Montes-https://www.scaleocityworks.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/Book a Call with Brian - https://calendly.com/brianmontes/training_coaching_callIf you're ready to take your business to the next level, I've got something just for you. The Entrepreneur to Employer 6-Month Business Mastery Program is designed to help you implement proven systems, master delegation, and build a business that doesn't run you.Visit https://www.scaleocityworks.com/ to learn more and join today. Let's build a business that works for you.Need a little help with your business? How about a 60-minute coaching session to help you gain clarity and a path forward? Whether it's employee underperformance, accountability issues, or dealing with a toxic employee, you don't have to face it alone. For a limited time, I'm offering a one-on-one coaching session specifically tailored to help business owners address any pressing employee challenges and create a plan to improve team performance. For just $97, you'll get a focused, actionable coaching session where we'll tackle your unique situation, uncover root issues, and outline clear steps to resolve the issue. Don't let business issues hold back your business growth—get the support you need to handle them confidently and effectively! Ready to take the next step? Click https://calendly.com/brianmontes/training_coaching_call to book your session now.
Brian Montes discusses the challenges of managing underperforming employees in this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast. He shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of addressing performance issues to maintain workplace morale and culture. Brian introduces a three-part test to help business owners evaluate underperforming employees and make informed decisions about their future with the company. The conversation highlights the need for confidence in leadership and the impact of underperformance on team dynamics.I hope you enjoy this short but actionable episode! Do you have a topic or question you want answered on the podcast? Please email me at brianm@scaleocityworks.comConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/Follow me on X - @brianm2Need a little help with your business? How about a 60-minute coaching session to help you gain clarity and a path forward? Whether it's employee underperformance, accountability issues, or dealing with a toxic employee, you don't have to face it alone. For a limited time, I'm offering a one-on-one coaching session specifically tailored to help business owners address any pressing employee challenges and create a plan to improve team performance. For just $97, you'll get a focused, actionable coaching session where we'll tackle your unique situation, uncover root issues, and outline clear steps to resolve the issue. Don't let business issues hold back your business growth—get the support you need to handle them confidently and effectively! Ready to take the next step? Click https://calendly.com/brianmontes/training_coaching_call to book your session now.
Send us a textIn the Entrepreneur to Employer Podcast episode, Brian Montes dives into employee retention by uncovering the seven signs your top performers are about to quit. Losing your best employees can devastate your business, especially when you're a first-time founder or small business owner trying to scale. But how can you spot the early warning signs before it's too late?Tune in as Brian explores the telltale signs that your top talent may be ready to walk out the door. These include bowing out of long-term planning, a sudden surge in networking activity, hoarding knowledge, last-minute schedule shifts, changes in meeting behavior, declining work quality, and social withdrawal.Learn actionable strategies to re-engage top performers, boost employee satisfaction, and prevent costly turnover. Whether you're struggling with employee engagement, strengthening your leadership skills, or building a more loyal and committed team, this episode is packed with insights to help you retain your star players.Follow us on:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/Website: A new website is under construction! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@entrepreneurtoemployerX: @brianm2Need a little help with your business? How about a 60-minute coaching session to help you gain clarity and a path forward? Whether it's employee underperformance, accountability issues, or dealing with a toxic employee, you don't have to face it alone. For a limited time, I'm offering a one-on-one coaching session specifically tailored to help business owners address any pressing employee challenges and create a plan to improve team performance. For just $97, you'll get a focused, actionable coaching session where we'll tackle your unique situation, uncover root issues, and outline clear steps to resolve the issue. Don't let business issues hold back your business growth—get the support you need to handle them confidently and effectively! Ready to take the next step? Click https://calendly.com/brianmontes/training_coaching_call to book your session now.
Send us a textIn today's episode of the *Entrepreneur to Employer* podcast, we're diving into one of the most crucial steps in building a successful business: creating a hiring process that brings in your ideal employees. We'll guide you through designing a hiring strategy that fills open roles and attracts candidates who align with your company culture, values, and goals. From writing job descriptions that attract high-quality applicants to refining your interview techniques, this episode equips you with actionable steps for each stage of the hiring process. Whether hiring your first employee or expanding your team, these tips will help you confidently choose candidates who will drive your business forward.**Tune In To Learn:**- How to develop a hiring framework that consistently finds strong, compatible employees- Strategies for interviewing that help you spot top talent with ease- Why the race to "NO" is more important than a "YES"- How to build a talent pipeline before you need it. **Listen Now** and get ready to build a hiring process that fills roles and finds the perfect team members to help your business grow and succeed. **Subscribe** to the *Entrepreneur to Employer* podcast and never miss an episode! If you found today's episode valuable, please leave a review and let us know what you'd like to hear about next!--- Need a little help with your business? How about a 60-minute coaching session to help you gain clarity and a path forward? Whether it's employee underperformance, accountability issues, or dealing with a toxic employee, you don't have to face it alone. For a limited time, I'm offering a one-on-one coaching session specifically tailored to help business owners address any pressing employee challenges and create a plan to improve team performance. For just $97, you'll get a focused, actionable coaching session where we'll tackle your unique situation, uncover root issues, and outline clear steps to resolve the issue. Don't let business issues hold back your business growth—get the support you need to handle them confidently and effectively! Ready to take the next step? Click https://calendly.com/brianmontes/training_coaching_call to book your session now.
Send us a Text Message.Brian Montes discusses the importance of overcoming fear-based decisions as a business owner in this episode. He explains that fear can hinder business growth and lead to reactionary and cautious decision-making. Common triggers of fear in business include financial instability, intense competition, and sudden market changes. Brian provides ten steps to help business owners embrace fear and make it an asset, including understanding the validity of fear, breaking down each decision, and maintaining an objective outlook. He emphasizes the need to embrace change and learn from mistakes and suggests working with a business coach to navigate fear-based choices.Takeaways:1. Making decisions from a position of fear can hinder business growth.Common triggers of fear in business include financial instability, intense competition, and sudden market changes.2. To overcome fear-based decisions, it is crucial to understand the validity of fear, break down each decision, and maintain an objective outlook.3. Embracing fear and learning from mistakes can lead to better decision-making.Want to work with me - check out the Entrepreneur to Employer Business Solutions - https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/Connect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/As a business coach, I see 6 critical mistakes that founders and business owners make. If you nod in agonized agreement to the points below, you're in a prison cell that many entrepreneurs the world over find themselves in: Working endless hours without scaling new heights... Working harder to make even less... Lying awake, agonizing about your superior competitors... Spending more time doused in frustration than sipping the champagne of success... Always on the hunt for fresh strategies and new customers... Drowning in staff issues when you'd rather focus on business growth… To help you overcome these 6 critical mistakes, I have written the Six Silver Bullets e-book to guide you through the process. Implementing these Six Silver Bullets are Six Surprisingly Simple and Effective Strategies Smart Entrepreneurs Use to Gain Control of Their Time, Team, and Money and Grow Their Business Profits Fast!This eBook isn't just another business manual. It's your ticket to scaling peaks you've only dreamt of. Implementing these strategies isn't optional—it's a must.Download your FREE copy today! https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/ebook
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Brian Montes discusses the importance of creating a sales system for business growth. He emphasizes that hiring salespeople is not always the best solution and instead recommends focusing on developing a strategic sales system. He outlines seven steps to create a scalable sales system, including identifying the target customer, defining the value proposition, developing lead generation strategies, mapping out the sales process, measuring and improving the system, systematizing the methods, and training and improving the sales team.Episode Takeaways:1. Instead of hiring salespeople, create a strategic sales system that targets your specific ideal customer and positions your product or service correctly.2. Identify your target customer by understanding their demographics, psychographics, and buying motivators.3. Differentiate your market position and create value to avoid competing solely on price.4. Develop lead generation strategies that align with your target customer's needs and leverage your content and assets.5. Map out a structured sales process that builds trust and understands the customer's needs.6. Measure and improve the sales system by tracking numbers, experimenting, and making data-driven decisions.7. Systematize the processes by standardizing and systemizing them, balancing rigidity with innovation.8. Train and improve the sales team by identifying key roles, skills, and experience requirements and using the data from the sales system to make smarter hires.Need more information about lead generation? Listen to this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2066194/15135664-the-best-way-to-generate-leads-for-your-business-business-growth-tips.mp3?download=trueWant to work with me? Email me at brian@scaleocityworks.comAs a business coach, I see 6 critical mistakes that founders and business owners make. If you nod in agonized agreement to the points below, you're in a prison cell that many entrepreneurs the world over find themselves in: Working endless hours without scaling new heights... Working harder to make even less... Lying awake, agonizing about your superior competitors... Spending more time doused in frustration than sipping the champagne of success... Always on the hunt for fresh strategies and new customers... Drowning in staff issues when you'd rather focus on business growth… To help you overcome these 6 critical mistakes, I have written the Six Silver Bullets e-book to guide you through the process. Implementing these Six Silver Bullets are Six Surprisingly Simple and Effective Strategies Smart Entrepreneurs Use to Gain Control of Their Time, Team, and Money and Grow Their Business Profits Fast!This eBook isn't just another business manual. It's your ticket to scaling peaks you've only dreamt of. Implementing these strategies isn't optional—it's a must.Download your FREE copy today! https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/ebook
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Brian Montes interviews Jevon Thomas, a director of retirement plans, about the importance of offering 401k plans and retirement plans as a retention strategy for small businesses. They discuss California's regulatory landscape and companies' legal obligations to provide retirement plans. They also explore how 401k plans can be utilized for talent acquisition and retention, including the benefits of offering employer contributions and profit sharing. Javon provides insights on selecting a 401k benefits partner and the importance of ongoing employee education and support. They also touch on the impact of not making required contributions and the future trends in retirement plans.What to expect from this episode:1. Offering 401k and retirement plans is essential for small businesses as a retention strategy.2. It's crucial for small businesses in California to be aware of their legal obligations, which require companies with five or more employees to provide some retirement plan.3. Employers can utilize 401k plans for talent acquisition and retention by offering employer contributions and profit sharing.4. Choosing the right 401k benefits partner is a critical decision that can significantly impact your employees' financial future. It's important to consider their ability to educate and support employees.5. Not making required contributions to a retirement plan can result in financial penalties.6. Future trends in retirement plans include the ability to make Roth contributions and help employees with student loans.Want to connect with Jevon? You can email him at jevon@btagroup.net or find him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jevon-thomas-retirementplan/Want to connect with me? You can email me at brianm@scaleocityworks.comor connect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/As a business coach, I see 6 critical mistakes that founders and business owners make. If you nod in agonized agreement to the points below, you're in a prison cell that many entrepreneurs the world over find themselves in: Working endless hours without scaling new heights... Working harder to make even less... Lying awake, agonizing about your superior competitors... Spending more time doused in frustration than sipping the champagne of success... Always on the hunt for fresh strategies and new customers... Drowning in staff issues when you'd rather focus on business growth… To help you overcome these 6 critical mistakes, I have written the Six Silver Bullets e-book to guide you through the process. Implementing these Six Silver Bullets are Six Surprisingly Simple and Effective Strategies Smart Entrepreneurs Use to Gain Control of Their Time, Team, and Money and Grow Their Business Profits Fast!This eBook isn't just another business manual. It's your ticket to scaling peaks you've only dreamt of. Implementing these strategies isn't optional—it's a must.Download your FREE copy today! https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/ebook
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Brian Montes discusses the power of mentorship in business success. He explains what makes a great mentor and highlights the importance of investing in mentorship training and development. Brian also emphasizes the need to recognize and reward mentorship excellence and encourages cross-disciplinary mentoring to foster a diverse skill set among employees. Business owners can create a thriving and supportive environment that drives organizational success by creating a mentorship strategy.Takeaways:1. Mentorship is a powerful tool for transforming businesses and employees.2. A great mentor possesses a combination of skills, qualities, and a mindset geared toward helping others succeed.3. Investing in mentorship training and development can enhance employee engagement, experience, and retention.4. Recognizing and rewarding mentorship excellence reinforces the importance of mentorship within an organization.5. Cross-disciplinary mentoring encourages collaboration, innovation, and a more holistic understanding of the business.6. Creating a mentorship strategy can have a profound impact on business success.Want to work with me? https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/As a business coach, I see 6 critical mistakes that founders and business owners make. If you nod in agonized agreement to the points below, you're in a prison cell that many entrepreneurs the world over find themselves in: Working endless hours without scaling new heights... Working harder to make even less... Lying awake, agonizing about your superior competitors... Spending more time doused in frustration than sipping the champagne of success... Always on the hunt for fresh strategies and new customers... Drowning in staff issues when you'd rather focus on business growth… To help you overcome these 6 critical mistakes, I have written the Six Silver Bullets e-book to guide you through the process. Implementing these Six Silver Bullets are Six Surprisingly Simple and Effective Strategies Smart Entrepreneurs Use to Gain Control of Their Time, Team, and Money and Grow Their Business Profits Fast!This eBook isn't just another business manual. It's your ticket to scaling peaks you've only dreamt of. Implementing these strategies isn't optional—it's a must.Download your FREE copy today! https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/ebook
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Brian Montes discusses the challenges that business owners face in three key areas: time, team, and money. He provides insights and solutions for each challenge, such as creating a time management plan, developing an operations and training manual, implementing a team meeting rhythm, and establishing a cash gap plan. Brian emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, leadership development, and having a clear USP and guarantee. He also highlights the need for a revenue and profit budget, a talent acquisition plan, and a tactical marketing plan. Takeaways:Identify the challenges you face as a business owner in the areas of time, team, and money.Develop a time management plan to prioritize tasks and focus on high-value activities.Create an operations and training manual to delegate tasks and ensure consistency.Establish a team meeting rhythm to improve communication, alignment, and accountability.Implement a revenue and profit budget to track financial performance and make data-informed decisions.Build a talent acquisition plan to attract and retain top talent in your industry.Develop a tactical marketing plan to increase leads, sales conversion rates, and customer spend.Create a cash gap plan to improve cash flow by collecting receivables faster and negotiating better terms with vendors.Podcast Episode - Strategic KPI Development for Business Owners - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2066194/15188863-strategic-kpi-development-for-business-owners.mp3?download=trueCheck out our new website - https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/As a business coach, I see 6 critical mistakes that founders and business owners make. If you nod in agonized agreement to the points below, you're in a prison cell that many entrepreneurs the world over find themselves in: Working endless hours without scaling new heights... Working harder to make even less... Lying awake, agonizing about your superior competitors... Spending more time doused in frustration than sipping the champagne of success... Always on the hunt for fresh strategies and new customers... Drowning in staff issues when you'd rather focus on business growth… To help you overcome these 6 critical mistakes, I have written the Six Silver Bullets e-book to guide you through the process. Implementing these Six Silver Bullets are Six Surprisingly Simple and Effective Strategies Smart Entrepreneurs Use to Gain Control of Their Time, Team, and Money and Grow Their Business Profits Fast!This eBook isn't just another business manual. It's your ticket to scaling peaks you've only dreamt of. Implementing these strategies isn't optional—it's a must.Download your FREE copy today! https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/ebook
In this episode, Brian Montes discusses the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for business owners and provides insights on developing and utilizing KPIs effectively. He covers KPIs' definition, significance for business growth, and specific KPIs to track across various business functions. Additionally, he outlines key questions to consider when crafting a KPI system and emphasizes the role of data-driven decision-making in utilizing KPI data.Takeaways:➡️KPIs are essential for business owners to track and measure the performance of their business against strategic goals.➡️Developing a KPI system involves identifying key questions, determining the right KPIs for each business function, and establishing a clear communication and interpretation process for KPI data.➡️Regular KPI data review and utilization are crucial for making informed, data-driven decisions and driving business growth.Questions? Please email me at brianm@scaleocityworks.comWant to work with me? https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/As a business coach, I see 6 critical mistakes that founders and business owners make. If you nod in agonized agreement to the points below, you're in a prison cell that many entrepreneurs the world over find themselves in: Working endless hours without scaling new heights... Working harder to make even less... Lying awake, agonizing about your superior competitors... Spending more time doused in frustration than sipping the champagne of success... Always on the hunt for fresh strategies and new customers... Drowning in staff issues when you'd rather focus on business growth… To help you overcome these 6 critical mistakes, I have written the Six Silver Bullets e-book to guide you through the process. Implementing these Six Silver Bullets are Six Surprisingly Simple and Effective Strategies Smart Entrepreneurs Use to Gain Control of Their Time, Team, and Money and Grow Their Business Profits Fast!This eBook isn't just another business manual. It's your ticket to scaling peaks you've only dreamt of. Implementing these strategies isn't optional—it's a must.Download your FREE copy today! https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/ebook
In this episode, Brian Montes discusses the importance of lead generation for business owners and explores different strategies for generating leads. He categorizes these strategies into two main approaches: farming and hunting. Farming strategies focus on cultivating relationships over time, including content marketing, email marketing, social media engagement, and customer-based referral programs. Hunting strategies, on the other hand, involve a more direct and immediate approach to lead generation and include cold calling, paid advertising, networking, direct mail campaigns, and bold walking. Brian emphasizes the need to choose the right strategies based on the stage of your business and consistently measure and adjust your approach to maximize results.Takeaways:Lead generation is crucial for business success as it involves attracting and converting potential clients or customers into interested leads.Farming strategies focus on cultivating relationships over time, including content marketing, email marketing, social media engagement, and customer-based referral programs.Hunting strategies involve a more direct and immediate approach to lead generation and include cold calling, paid advertising, networking, direct mail campaigns, and bold walking.It is important to choose the right lead generation strategies based on the stage of your business and consistently measure and adjust your approach to maximize results.Hope you enjoyed this episode! Questions? Email Brian at brianm@scaleocityworks.com. As a business coach, there are 6 critical mistakes that I see founders and business owners make. If you nod in agonized agreement to the points below, you're in a prison cell that many entrepreneurs the world over find themselves in: Working endless hours without scaling new heights... Working harder to make even less... Lying awake, agonizing about your superior competitors... Spending more time doused in frustration than sipping the champagne of success... Always on the hunt for fresh strategies and new customers... Drowning in staff issues when you'd rather focus on business growth… To help you overcome these 6 critical mistakes, I have written the Six Silver Bullets e-book to guide you through the process. Implementing these Six Silver Bullets are Six Surprisingly Simple and Effective Strategies Smart Entrepreneurs Use to Gain Control of Their Time, Team, and Money and Grow Their Business Profits Fast!This eBook isn't just another business manual. It's your ticket to scaling peaks you've only dreamt of. Implementing these strategies isn't optional—it's a must.Download your FREE copy today! https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/ebook
In this episode, Brian Montes discusses the challenges of managing a multi-generational workforce. He emphasizes the need to challenge harmful stereotypes and appreciate the unique preferences, habits, and behaviors that each generation brings. Navigating the complexities of a multi-generational workforce can feel like walking a tightrope, but it's a challenge leaders can embrace head-on. In this episode we will discuss - Why leaders need to challenge harmful stereotypes and appreciate the unique characteristics of each generation.Why you need to establish communication preferences openly and find a balance in the communication flow.Set the expectations for workplace boundaries and provide training on appropriate workplace topics.Avoid playing favorites and create a culture where people of all ages can learn from each other.Embrace diversity of thought to make better decisions and achieve success in the business. "Break through the stereotypes. Don't accept them, challenge them."As a business coach, there are 6 critical mistakes that I see founders and business owners make. If you nod in agonized agreement to the points below, you're in a prison cell that many entrepreneurs the world over find themselves in: Working endless hours without scaling new heights... Working harder to make even less... Lying awake, agonizing about your superior competitors... Spending more time doused in frustration than sipping the champagne of success... Always on the hunt for fresh strategies and new customers... Drowning in staff issues when you'd rather focus on business growth… To help you overcome these 6 critical mistakes, I have written the Six Silver Bullets e-book to guide you through the process. Implementing these Six Silver Bullets are Six Surprisingly Simple and Effective Strategies Smart Entrepreneurs Use to Gain Control of Their Time, Team, and Money and Grow Their Business Profits Fast!This eBook isn't just another business manual. It's your ticket to scaling peaks you've only dreamt of. Implementing these strategies isn't optional—it's a must.Download your FREE copy today! https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/ebook
In this episode, Brian Montes discusses the importance of leadership in business and shares his insights on a specific leadership technique that can optimize team performance. He emphasizes the need for a healthy culture and solid leadership to build a sustainable and profitable business. Brian highlights the significance of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in driving team success and shares his approach to understanding individuals and helping them achieve their personal and professional goals. He also emphasizes the importance of leading by example, hiring self-motivated leaders, and developing a leadership style that aligns with one's personality.Episode Key Lessons:Companies live and die by the quality of their leadership.Building a healthy culture is essential for a sustainable and profitable business.Motivation is a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.Understanding individuals and helping them achieve their goals is key to effective leadership.Leading by example and being transparent contribute to a positive company culture.Hiring self-motivated leaders is crucial for long-term success.Develop a leadership style that aligns with your goals, objectives, and personality.As a business coach, there are 6 critical mistakes that I see founders and business owners make. If you nod in agonized agreement to the points below, you're in a prison cell that many entrepreneurs the world over find themselves in: Working endless hours without scaling new heights... Working harder to make even less... Lying awake, agonizing about your superior competitors... Spending more time doused in frustration than sipping the champagne of success... Always on the hunt for fresh strategies and new customers... Drowning in staff issues when you'd rather focus on business growth… To help you overcome these 6 critical mistakes, I have written the Six Silver Bullets e-book to guide you through the process. Implementing these Six Silver Bullets are Six Surprisingly Simple and Effective Strategies Smart Entrepreneurs Use to Gain Control of Their Time, Team, and Money and Grow Their Business Profits Fast!This eBook isn't just another business manual. It's your ticket to scaling peaks you've only dreamt of. Implementing these strategies isn't optional—it's a must.Download your FREE copy today! https://hub.scaleocityworks.com/ebook
Imagine transforming your hiring process into an authentic journey that not only entices top talent but also leaves every candidate with a positive impression of your brand. I'm Brian Montes, and in this episode, we dive into the heart of effective talent acquisition, sharing personal insights from years on the front lines of interviewing and hiring. You'll discover the artful blend of strategy and empathy needed to manage first impressions, set realistic expectations, and cultivate a talent pipeline that resonates with your company's culture and mission. Whether you're a business owner or a hiring manager, prepare to revolutionize your recruitment approach, ensuring each interaction with candidates strengthens your employer brand and gives you an edge in today's competitive job market.Say goodbye to ghosting and hello to clear, respectful communication—this episode is all about enhancing every aspect of the candidate experience. We discuss the hidden costs of extended decision-making timelines and how to streamline application processes, delivering clarity and convenience to prospective team members. You'll learn the importance of incorporating genuine interactions with current employees into the interview process, granting candidates a transparent window into the lifeblood of your company. Key episode takeaways - A strong employer brand is crucial for attracting top talent.The candidate experience begins before the interview and organizations need to curate an honest and engaging recruitment process.Lengthy decision-making and lack of communication can lead to a loss of interest from candidates.Ghosting candidates and having an overly complex application process can harm the employer's brand.Unprepared interviewers and discriminatory practices should be avoided to create a fair and positive candidate experience.Tune in for a masterclass on not just hiring the right people, but doing so in a way that elevates your business from the inside out, fostering a reputation as an employer of choice.Questions - email brianm@scaleocityworks.comInterested in working with us? - https://www.scaleocityworks.com/
Embark on a journey that promises to redefine your entrepreneurial horizon with insights from Claire Chandler, the powerhouse behind Talent Boost, whose 25 years of HR and business strategy expertise are set to supercharge your leadership skills and company culture. As your host, I'm thrilled to share this transformative conversation where we celebrate that thrilling moment of moving from solo entrepreneur to a dynamic team leader. We dissect the best practices for retaining top talent and nurturing a workplace that not only values its employees but encourages them to build careers with longevity.Discover the secrets to achieving sustainable growth within your organization, as we reflect on the two-year quest to find the perfect alignment of passion, skill, and market demand. Claire opens up about her brainchild, Talent Boost, and its mission to help leaders scale their businesses without sacrificing their most valuable asset: their people. Together, we unravel common expansion challenges and highlight the importance of a purpose-driven culture that spells success for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.Lastly, as the episode unfolds, we tackle the often-overlooked role of HR as a strategic partner in shaping company direction and fostering growth. I share my own experiences of reviving workplace enthusiasm and we discuss how clear communication and a resonant mission are critical in attracting the right talent. Claire and I zero in on the magnified consequences of leadership decisions in small businesses and offer a practical growth assessment tool, linked in our show notes, designed to prepare your business for expansion while preserving the team that helped you build it.If you would like to follow Claire and learn more about her impactful work -FACEBOOK (BUSINESS) https://www.facebook.com/talentboostllc/LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairechandlersphr/INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/chillinchandler/TWITTER https://twitter.com/TalentBoostYOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43Iz8yWW1gPKN6PkF-wi4g?view_as=subscriberQuestions - email brianm@scaleocityworks.comInterested in working with us? - https://www.scaleocityworks.com/
Unlock the secrets to bulletproofing your business against the tidal waves of financial uncertainty with our latest episode, where I take you through the life-saving tactics of cash flow management. As a staggering 82% of small businesses are crushed by cash flow mismanagement, it's time to armor up – and we've got the six essential shields to do just that. From cultivating a robust cash reserve to mastering the art of proactive tax planning, this episode is your war room strategy session, ensuring you're not just weathering the storm but also sailing ahead to triumph.In this episode you will learn - Cashflow management is crucial for the success and stability of a business.Establishing cash reserves and working capital is essential for handling financial emergencies.Capital expenditure planning helps reinvest profits back into the business for long-term growth.Diversification of revenue streams protects against changing market conditions.Regularly reviewing and optimizing accounts receivable and payable processes improves cashflow.Cost optimization is necessary to combat rising operating costs.Implementing a robust tax planning strategy helps avoid unexpected tax bills.A comprehensive long-term cash planning strategy is vital for sustainable and profitable business growth.The tide is turning with an exhilarating announcement, as I unveil a sneak peek at our upcoming coaching program tailor-made for the small business owner hungry for growth. This isn't just another "how to" – it's a "how to conquer," with expert strategies and guidance designed to elevate your business to new heights. So, sharpen your pencils and your minds, dear entrepreneurs, as we prepare to transform your business from surviving to thriving in today's ever-shifting economic landscape.
Navigating the tough terrain of employee termination is as crucial as it is challenging. Join me, Brian Montes, on the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast where we discuss the complexities of letting team members go—a stark reality in the journey of leadership. This isn't your typical run-of-the-mill advice; we're going beyond the basics and into the heart of what it takes to handle one of the most sensitive aspects of team management. From personal anecdotes to the risks of unwarranted second chances, I share insights on how to conduct terminations with a blend of professionalism and empathy, ensuring your leadership reflects both firmness and compassion.We also dive deep into the aftercare for the remaining team, a topic often overlooked but essential for maintaining morale. I provide a strategic roadmap for transparent communication, designed to prevent speculation and preserve a positive team dynamic. By focusing on preparation, documentation, and the right approach, we explore best practices aimed at transforming this tough process into a potential positive outcome. This episode isn't just a conversation—it's an invaluable toolkit for entrepreneurs and HR professionals alike, guiding you through the intricacies of tough leadership decisions with grace and legality. Key takeaways from this episode are -Terminating an employee is an unpleasant aspect of leadership, but it is a responsibility that leaders must handle.Being prepared and planning ahead is crucial before initiating the termination process.Termination conversations should be conducted in a private and neutral setting, with empathy and professionalism.Clear and compassionate communication is essential during the termination process.Logistical details related to termination, such as the return of company property, should be addressed professionally.Following up with the remaining team members and providing transparency can help maintain morale and cohesion.Share the journey with colleagues and tune in for more insights as we continue to navigate the entrepreneur to employer journey together.
In this episode, Brian Montes discusses the best practices for scaling a business. He emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation and consistent revenues before scaling. The first chapter focuses on getting the leadership team on board and constantly reinforcing the vision. The second chapter highlights the significance of keeping a pulse on company culture. The third chapter advises against assuming that what has always worked will continue to work. The fourth chapter emphasizes striking a balance between uniformity and variation. The fifth chapter discusses the need to be mindful of internal competition. Overall, these practices are essential for successfully scaling a business.TakeawaysBefore scaling, ensure you have a solid foundation and consistent revenues.Get your leadership team on board and constantly reinforce the vision.Keep a pulse on company culture to maintain a healthy foundation.Don't assume that what has always worked will continue to work.Strike a balance between uniformity and variation.Be mindful of internal competition as the company grows.Want to connect - email me at brianm@scaleocityworks.com
In this episode, Brian Montes discusses the importance of knowing when to pivot your business. He emphasizes that pivoting is not a sign of failure but rather a strategic decision to shift courses and capitalize on new opportunities. Brian provides examples of successful business pivots, such as Netflix, Instagram, and Slack. He also shares his personal experience with pivoting his own company. Brian highlights the factors to consider when deciding to pivot and the importance of conducting market research. He explains the challenges of implementing a pivot and the need for effective communication. Brian concludes by emphasizing the need for adaptability and continuous innovation in business.TakeawaysPivoting your business is not a sign of failure but a strategic decision to capitalize on new opportunities.Successful business pivots include companies like Netflix, Instagram, and Slack.Factors to consider when deciding to pivot include market shifts, internal factors, and plummeting performance metrics.Implementing a pivot requires effective communication and resolve in the face of resistance.Pivoting does not guarantee success, but failure can be a valuable learning experience.Adaptability and continuous innovation are essential for long-term business success.Email me at brianm@scaleocityworks.com
Are you constantly battling with a revolving door of employees and anemic hiring pools? In this episode I pull back the curtain to reveal the subtle, yet detrimental signs of a faltering company culture and its dire effects on your business's appeal to potential talent. A strong employer brand isn't just about attracting top-notch candidates—it's about keeping them. This episode zeroes in on the tell-tale symptoms of a cultural crisis, from the sting of high turnover to the frustration of a dwindling applicant stream, and the hidden costs that can bleed your business dry. It's time for a crucial reality check to redirect your ship away from the iceberg of cultural decay.Next week, we'll keep the momentum with Claire Chandler of Talent Boost, who will shed light on rejuvenating a withered work environment. But for now, I'm laying out a lifeline for small businesses: our signature Hiring and Retention Blueprint. Imagine having streamlined hiring processes, from pinpointing the ideal job criteria to implementing onboarding systems that stick. Envision cultivating a workplace where coaching, feedback, and clear expectations are the norm, not the exception, and where employees aren't just present—they're engaged and invested. If you're ready to transform your HR framework and empower your team's potential, this conversation is the hammer to break the glass ceiling of retention woes.
Have you ever wondered how to turn feedback into a powerful tool for team growth, sidestepping the dreaded performance reviews? Join me as I unravel the art of delivering impactful feedback, ensuring your leadership not only resonates but also cultivates a thriving team culture. This episode is stacked with 18 strategies designed to integrate feedback into daily interactions, balance the scales between positive and constructive criticism, and build a foundation of psychological safety that encourages open, honest dialogue. By asking the right questions and setting collaborative goals, you'll learn how to refine your feedback approach to not only boost team performance but also to reinforce a shared vision for success.Meanwhile, the coaching playbook extends beyond mere feedback as we delve into personalized strategies for each team member, recognizing their unique styles and preferences. I'll guide you through simplifying your message without losing its essence, ensuring your feedback is genuine and well-prepared for a truly transformative two-way conversation. By the end of our journey together, you'll be equipped to foster continuous professional growth and potentially make those structured performance reviews a thing of the past. So, thank you for tuning in – and if you're hungry for more, our coaching services are just a click away for those keen to sharpen their leadership skills and revamp their HR toolkit.
Ever wondered what it's like to bring family into the fold of your growing business? It's a dance of delicate balance that we unpack in today's discussion, where I pull back the curtain on the complexities of turning your entrepreneurial venture into a family affair. As we transition from solo freelancers to employers, the question of whether to hire relatives is more than just a matter of convenience—it's about aligning with shared visions and values, establishing trust, and the intricacies of relational dynamics in a professional setting. Tune in as we dissect the statistics, weigh the pros and cons, and offer you a roadmap for making these critical, often personal decisions.Navigating the entrepreneurial journey requires us to make tough calls, and this episode doesn't shy away from the hard questions that accompany the expansion of your team. Whether you're contemplating your first family hire or managing a network of kin in your company, we expose the realities of nepotism, the benefits of innate trust, and the potential for creating a robust, unified team.With real-world insights and stories from the front lines of small business ownership, this episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur poised to make the leap from a one-person show to a family-run enterprise. Join us as we explore the hurdles and triumphs that come with blending the personal with the professional in the quest for business growth and success.
Ever wondered how to magnify the impact of your goals and turn them into the engines of your business's growth? Celebrate with me as we mark the vital leap from entrepreneur to employer, and learn how the enhanced SMARTER framework—adding motivation and contextual relevance—can revolutionize your objectives. We'll break down the importance of crafting goals with precision and the necessity of having measurable outcomes, all while ensuring these targets align with your business's overarching storyline. Get ready to reflect on your past wins, set your sights on new horizons, and lay out the stepping stones for a thriving business narrative.Buckle up for a journey into the world of strategic planning as I highlight the merits of crafting SMART goals that balance both personal and professional development. With a nod to the consistency of our weekly episodes and the invaluable input from you, our listeners, I extend a heartfelt invitation to spread the secret sauce of goal setting. Share this episode with fellow founders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs to empower them on their journey of business expansion. Tune in for a treasure trove of actionable advice peppered with relatable stories, all aimed at guiding you to your aspirations for the coming year. Let's kickstart this goal-setting adventure and transform aspirations into tangible achievements.
As we continue to look at the future of work, we can expect to see a rise in a hybrid work model as many employers who want employees to return to the office are trying to balance out remote and in-office schedules. The days of working in an office Monday-Friday are fading out and a more flexible work model is being adopted across many industries. This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about 3 steps to make hybrid work a success in your business!In this episode, Brian talks about the proven productivity statistics of a hybrid work model and how hybrid work might just be the solution you need to keep up with the times while still reaping the benefits of in-office collaboration. The 3 steps Brian recommends you take to make hybrid work for your team are:Conduct a work audit. Invest in your technology. Train your managers. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team!STAY CONNECTED:InstagramLinkedInFacebookClick here to get our free Workbook and Guide to Making Your First Hire a Success!
As you bring new employees into your business, HR becomes a necessary part of your business foundation. Whether you have 1 or 100 employees, having an HR program is going to be essential to keeping updated documents, onboarding, and offboarding team members, setting appropriate expectations, and navigating any issues that come up. This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about 3 ways that startups can build a cost-effective HR program. The 3 steps Brian covers in this episode include:Build an employee handbook to answer common questions and set expectations with your team.Hire an assistant or VA to help with onboarding, upkeep of documents, and spearhead the tactical HR requirements. Invest in a cloud-based Human Resource Information Software (HRIS) to keep everything organized and in one place.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team!LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Swipe Clock Workforce HubClick here to get our free Workbook and Guide to Making Your First Hire a Success!STAY CONNECTED:
Setting expectations for your employees is critical if you want them to be successful. By setting clear expectations, you're essentially giving your team a cheat sheet or a direct roadmap to success. Unspoken objectives and expectations are never going to be met. This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about a simple approach to setting clear employee expectations in under 1 hour.In this episode, Brian shares the strategy he uses in his own business to set his team up to achieve exceptional performance and reach their goals.The 5 things you as a leader need to do in order to set clear expectations are as follows:Author the expectations together. Agree on the overarching goals.Get aligned on the HOW.Amplify the upside to achieving the goals.Act on the data. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team!STAY CONNECTED:Scaleocity WorksInstagramLinkedInFacebookClick here to get our free Workbook and Guide to Making Your First Hire a Success!
Last week on the podcast, I shared the importance of taking a proactive approach to employee retention by holding stay interviews with your employees. This week, I wanted to share some of the questions you can ask to get helpful insight from your employees that will influence the decisions you make as it applies to employee retention. This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about 21 stay interview questions you can use to proactively approach employee retention. In this episode, I will share the library of questions you can pull from for your stay interviews. I will also share what the answers to these questions can tell you about your business and the insight and actions you should consider taking based on the trends that come up. Category #1: Questions about the employeeWhat do you look forward to most about coming to work?What do you dread most about coming to work?When was the last time you thought about leaving our company?What situation occurred that made you consider leaving?Would you recommend our company to job-seeking friends? Why or why not?What would tempt you to leave the company?Category #2: Questions about the jobWhat is the best part of your job?What part of your job would you eliminate if you could?Which of your talents are you not using in your current role?What would make your job even more satisfying?Do you feel that you're getting clear goals and objectives for your role?As your manager, what can I do more or less?What do you think of the learning and development opportunities available to you?Category #3: Questions about the company cultureDo you feel valued and recognized in the company?How would you like to be recognized for the work you do?What are we currently not doing as a company that you feel we should?Category #4: Questions about the work environmentWhat do you feel we should change about or add to our offices?Are you satisfied with our current work-from-home policy? What would you change?Category #5: Questions about the technology your company uses Do you have enough tools and resources to do your job properly? If not, what is missing?How satisfied are you with the tools you use to communicate with your colleagues when working remotely?What software or tools should we stop using right away?What software or tools should we stop using right away?Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!
Employees are asking themselves the question “Should I stay or should I go?” more than you'd like to believe. If you avoid having stay conversations with your employees and wait until they've already decided to quit, it's going to be too late to change their minds. Once the employee has decided to leave the company, they already have one foot out the door and aren't likely to turn back. This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about the power of stay conversations and how they positively impact employee retention. In this episode, Brian shares the importance of taking a proactive, instead of reactive approach to employee retention by implementing regular conversations that gauge why your employees are staying with you. He also covers:What is a stay interview and 3 reasons why it's worth your time to conduct them.How stay interviews differ from exit interviews. 2 conditions are required for the stay interview engagement strategy to work. Practical aspects are needed to conduct a successful stay interview. Stay tuned for next week's episode where I cover 21 questions you can utilize in your stay interviews. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team!STAY CONNECTED:Scaleocity Works - https://www.scaleocityworks.com/
Episode # 61 - Assembling your dream team is like crafting a winning recipe for success and this means looking past the “perfect” resume and looking for the specific traits that will allow you to find an employee that will be a phenomenal addition to your team. This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about the top 5 traits to look for when hiring employees!In this episode, Brian shares the specific traits you should be looking for during the interview process and famous examples of successful people that reflect these traits. The 5 traits to look for include:Independent thinkersCurious & humble High standardsEnergy raiserFocusedThank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team!STAY CONNECTED:Scaleocity WorksInstagramLinkedInFacebook
Sometimes when it comes to managing employee expectations and underperformance, we as employers can overlook very simple solutions and overcomplicate the process, all while unintentionally alienating the employee. Employee issues are not black and white. More often than not, it takes some digging to uncover the underlying issues that are causing your employee to underperform in their role. This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about dealing with an underperforming employee- never assuming the reasons why. In this episode, Brian shares a real-life example of a scenario in which he had to resolve employee underperformance issues and the framework you can use in your own employee underperformance resolution. The framework Brian covers in this episode includes:Collect the data that proves the underperformance issues. Approach the employee with the problem and the facts to back it up. Review and reestablish expectations with the employee. Uncover the underlying reason behind the underperformance and come up with an action plan. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team!STAY CONNECTED:Scaleocity WorksInstagramLinkedInFacebookClick here to get our free Workbook and Guide to Making Your First Hire a Success!
Revenue by Employees is a powerful indicator that can make or break a business. It is the magic number that reveals how efficiently a company is utilizing its workforce to generate income. But it's not just about crunching numbers. It's about deciphering the very DNA of business performance and the key to unlocking productivity, profitability, and the overall success of an organization. This week's information-packed episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about understanding and increasing your revenue by employee.In this episode, Brian covers:Understanding what your revenue by employee is and how to calculate it. 6 things that our RPE (revenue per employee) can show us about our business. A step-by-step guide to benchmark your RPE against competitors and industry standards.The factors that influence your revenue by employee metric.4 strategies you can use to improve your revenue by employee. Real-world examples from big-name businesses that have successfully improved their RPE.How to measure your progress and adjust your strategies accordingly. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team!
The days of someone working at a job their whole life and retiring with that same company are behind us. Fortunately, there are some things still within our control that we can leverage to motivate employees to stay longer at our companies.This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about 7 powerful questions to improve employee retention!In this episode, Brian talks about the importance of focusing on retention early and often and not just waiting until your employees are one foot out the door The 7 questions Brian covers in this episode include:Ask new hires: What can I do to make you want to stay with our company?Ask new hires: What is important to you about the onboarding experience?Ask new hires: How can we improve the hiring and onboarding process?Ask employees: What can I do for you to be able to do your best work?Ask employees: Is this job what you envisioned when you were interviewed?Ask employees: What does your ideal career ladder look like?Ask yourself: How has this employee added value to the organization? Bonus Ask Yourself: How can I make the people who go above and beyond feel acknowledged?Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team!
When you start your business as a solopreneur, you've essentially created a job for yourself and the business cannot run without you. But as you're looking to grow and scale your business into something that can exit, you'll need to build your team and multiply your efforts. This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about transitioning from a solopreneurship to building and leading a high-impact team! In this episode, Brian talks about the signs you've reached the point that it's time to scale your business and shares actionable advice you can use today to start building a dynamite team.The expert-level guide to scaling your team that Brian shares today is:Acknowledging the inflection point or the fork in the road between self-sufficiency and needing support to continue growing. Identify the strategic roles that will alleviate any bottlenecks and multiply your efficiency. Perform financial forecasting and budget allocation to make informed decisions. Use job boards, networking, and headhunters to find someone with a specific skill set to fill your role.Onboard and develop the company culture. Develop and implement performance metrics and KPIs.Address conflict head-on and create a culture where employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns.Create a culture of continuous learning and skill development.Continue to scale, evaluate, and iterate.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!
Accountability is always a topic of discussion for business leaders and while it is great in theory, it is never going to work if your team members are not able and capable of upholding this accountability. This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about the shared path to accountability!In this episode, Brian shares 3 questions you need to ask yourself before you start weaving accountability into the culture of your organization and a step-by-step framework you can use to build a culture of accountability within your organization. The 7 steps to creating a shared journey towards accountability include:Build capabilities and capacity.Check for blindspots.Set clear expectations.Promote transparent communication.Create an environment of trust.Celebrate accountability.Embrace continuous feedback.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team!STAY CONNECTED:Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR and Business leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team! STAY CONNECTED WITH BRIAN:
As an employer, we are always looking for ways to improve our hiring process so that over time, we can increase our odds of making better and more aligned hiring decisions. This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about the best job interview questions you can ask.In this episode, Brian talks about why you should allow candidates to tell you who they are by asking them about the best and worst experiences they have had at previous jobs and then listening carefully. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team!Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!STAY CONNECTED:Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR and Business leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team! STAY CONNECTED WITH BRIAN:
No matter where we are in the economic cycle, the number one thing I hear from business owners, leaders, and hiring managers is that they can't seem to find good talent. And at the end of the day, there are many things that are within our control when it comes to hiring great talent. This week's episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast is about the 6 steps to building your own talent factory!In this episode, Brian talks about the advantages of promoting from within your company and the rising costs of recruiting new employees.He also covers:How to know where your business is going, start predicting new roles you may need to fill, and align your employee development program accordingly. Assess your current knowledge base and capability gaps to clearly define where there is an opportunity for growth.Include employees in every step of the process so that they can give feedback and be invested in the end goals.Explore development options that both align with your business and with your employees' needs.Work out the details on learning objectives, timelines, and success metrics for each employee development initiative. Take your strategy, implement it, and monitor the progress. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or found any of the information helpful, check our website to learn more, and be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast!Tune in to more episodes to keep up with the latest trends in HR and Business leadership and organizational effectiveness and tips on how to develop and lead a high-performing team! STAY CONNECTED WITH BRIAN:
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