The Co/LAB

Description:Mike McGavisk, a real estate brokerage owner, serial entrepreneur, and Operating Partner at Keller Williams Realty, prefers franchises over non-franchised businesses. Why? Let's find out! Tune in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar, speak with Mike about the benefits of starting a franchise and the importance of intentionality and strategy in building your own real estate or mortgage business.Show Notes:Do you want more out of your real estate or mortgage career? Do you want to build a business with a team; something of your own that gives you freedom and consistent income? Well, the people and businesses we network with and the choices we make determine the outcomes we see in our career. Here to break down the meaning behind that is Mike McGavisk, a real estate professional and entrepreneur with over 25 years' of experience in the field. Listen in as Mike shares his top insights on why he prefers to start franchised businesses with ancillary businesses and the misconceptions people have about growing a real estate business/brokerage. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: ●    [02:44] Introducing Mike McGavisk, Broker & Operating Partner at Keller Williams Realty. Listen in to learn about his intriguing background in education and why he ventured into a real estate career.●    [10:51] How he went from selling real estate to owning a brokerage.●    [16:38] Most brokerages Mike owns are franchises. Why buy a franchise?●    [18:03] It doesn't happen overnight… Mike shares his lessons learned from owning and growing multiple brokerages.●    [23:20] What qualities make for an ideal business partner?●    [25:20] Mike details why he owns ancillary businesses and how they've impacted his brokerages.●    [30:29] Tips and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on dealing with stress and overwhelm.●    [32:43] Misconceptions people have about how to grow a real estate business or brokerage.●    [36:57] As a business owner, do you still actively sell?●    [38:25] What Mike is most excited for in 2023.●    [41:08] To connect with Mike McGavisk, email him at mikerealtor@kw.com or call him at (302)-530-1553. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.

Description:Are you a recruiter or is recruiting part of your responsibility as a leader? Should recruiting be top of mind for you? If you haven't even thought of recruiting, you might be missing a crucial element that could guide you and your business to success. Listen in as recruiting expert Richard Milligan joins Megan to break down the importance of recruiting in real estate and mortgage businesses, even if you're not yet in a recruiting role.Show Notes:Oftentimes, we operate within limitations for so long that we forget to dream. We forget that we have a vision for growth. Where do YOU want to be in 2032? If you want to have a team, be #1 in your market, and recruit the best salespeople… you need to become a Recruiting Leader. Having built 21 teams in the mortgage industry, Richard Milligan is a trusted leader in recruitment for mortgage brokers. Beyond direct recruitment, Richard helps leaders become the best recruiters possible. He even hosts a top-rated podcast, Recruiting Conversation, and authored a recruitment guide, How to Dominate Recruiting in a Digital World. If anyone's going to get you pumped up about recruiting, it's Richard. Ready to learn more? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The Co/LAB: ●    [03:07] Introducing Richard Milligan, an accomplished speaker, author, podcast host, strategist, and recruiting coach.●    [06:29] What is a Recruiting Leader? & Richard's framework for developing a Recruiting Leader.●    [10:39] “We have to become a person of value before we try to become a person of success.” – Richard Milligan●    [12:16] How to Dominate Recruiting in a Digital World: Advice on preparing yourself for a recruiting role.●    [16:51] Types of people you should be looking for as a recruiter in the real estate and mortgage industries.●    [20:17] How to deal with people leaving your team & The #1 question leaders should ask in order to recruit and retain the best team members.●    [29:24] “Recruiting done right is actually communicating as a leader your vision for the future, your values of who you are, and the reason why you do this beyond the money, beyond the transaction.” – Richard Milligan●    [30:30] What it's like to work with a recruiting coach. Learn more about 4C RecruitingListen to Recruiting ConversationsBook a call with Richard Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – for mortgage loan officers who want to start their own business. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/mortgagebroker Join our Facebook Group:  Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.

Description:Fear is a powerful barrier that many of us face, especially when making difficult or life-changing decisions. Fear is an emotion based on a past experience, opinions that others have placed on you, or a made up story that you've held on to for far too long. Does fear ever stop you from chasing your dreams? Has it held you back from starting your own business or reaching out to that person you want to network with? You're not alone… but learning tactics for dealing with fear and going after what you want is the key to making it big in this industry. Helping you face your fears, shift your perspective, and show you what's possible is what The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsh and Andres Munar do best.Show Notes:We all have different relationships with fear. But when we let fear and other emotions hold us back from succeeding in our careers, how can we ever expect to succeed? As Andres says, you don't know what's on the other side of fear until you pass it. So, tune in for a motivational chat with Megan and Andres and hear them share their personal experiences navigating fear. You'll also hear their best advice for overcoming fear so you can achieve your biggest, dreamiest goals. Remember, anything's possible if your heart's in the right place! Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The Co/LAB: ●    [02:59] We are SO done with all the fear circulating around the real estate industry.●    [06:05] Why Megan & Andres created their NEW course - Mortgage Broker Fast Track.●    [07:44] “With the knowledge that we have, it's really just knowledge lost if we're not passing that onto other people.” – Andres Munar●    [08:15] Megan shares a story that illustrates how fear almost held them back from finishing the My Broker Fast Track course (and the crazy leap they took to get over their fear).●    [17:18] Tips for overcoming fear as a real estate professional & Andre speaks on his relationship with fear.●    [20:49] There's a huge difference between making decisions rooted in fear and making decisions rooted in confidence.●    [26:46] “We all have limited time. Don't let having kids stop you, don't let people's opinions stop you, don't let your mind screaming at you stop you. Do something scary.” – Megan Marsh●    [26:56] Using The Courage Scale to gain courage in making difficult decisions. Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.

Description:Dan Patty took a risk, opened his own brokerage, and reached a level of success and fulfillment he had never felt before. Dan prides himself on a knack for creative problem-solving, so with over $200 million in lifetime loan origination volume under his belt, there aren't many problems he can't solve! Listen in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar, speak with Dan about the red flags that made him start his own business and why hiring a team was one of his best solutions.Show Notes:Not sure how to start your own business? There's no right or wrong way to build a business, you just have to find a strategy that works for you and the right people to support you. Dan Patty is proof that as long as you have goals, a vision, a plan, and a way to execute that plan, you can be a successful brokerage owner. Whether you want to work from home or from an office, be in business by yourself or with 20+ employees, you can do it! Listen in to hear Dan break down his favorite parts of owning a brokerage, the value in hiring a team, and what he would've done differently at the start of his entrepreneurial journey. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The Co/LAB ●    [02:59] There's a million ways to start a business, but you only need these 4 things to succeed in entrepreneurship.●    [05:28] Introducing Dan Patty, an experienced mortgage broker and Owner of Solcosta Home Loans. Listen in to learn the story behind why Dan left the retail industry and how he ended up starting his own mortgage brokerage.●    [11:09] Why do so many loan originators switch companies so often instead of opening a brokerage?●    [14:15] Dan shares his favorite part of owning a brokerage and being his own boss.●    [17:17] The advantages and disadvantages of having a team & What caused Dan to hire a team for his brokerage.●    [23:26] “[Hiring a team] may become your largest expense, but it is a business expense… You're not paying this person out of your pocket, this is an expense that the company is bring on to grow, to serve more clients, to be better, and it's a necessary business expense.” — Dan Patty●    [24:28] The HUGE value in creating written, step-by-step processes and procedures for your employees & More life-changing benefits of hiring a team.●    [29:49] What would you have done differently when starting your brokerage?●    [38:28] Dan sheds light on his vision and goals for the future of his business, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing yourself, your health, and your family.●    [41:03] Listen in to hear expert advice on building a mortgage brokerage business. Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – for mortgage loan officers who want to start their own business. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/mortgagebroker Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.

Description:Glenn Groves and Evan Wade are brokerage owners who aren't done building their empires… As industry leaders in technology, marketing, and growth strategies, it feels like they're just getting started! Tune in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsh and Andres Munar, speak with Glenn and Evan about the benefits of being a brokerage owner and how to successfully start and grow multiple brokerages. Show Notes:Today's guests believe that if you want to start a business, you should definitely give it a try! Of course, there will be learning curves and obstacles you need to navigate, but if you're meant to own your own business, you can make it happen. Listen in as Glenn Groves and Evan Wade shed light on what you need to do before you start your own mortgage brokerage, the power of going into business with a partner, and their top tips for new and aspiring brokerage owners.Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The Co/LAB:● [04:45] Introducing Glenn Groves, Owner of GTG Financial, along with Evan Wade, Founder of Philadelphia Mortgage Brokers and President & CEO of Epoch Lending. Listen in to hear their unique backgrounds in the mortgage industry.● [13:53] Glenn and Evan bust a few myths about owning a brokerage, including there being a lack of control.● [18:36] The hardest parts of starting a mortgage business & The power of starting a brokerage with a partner.● [26:14] Evan explains the main reason he opened two brokerages & What to look for in a technology/software vendor.● [30:58] How they plan to evolve and/or scale their businesses + A look into their numbers.● [37:57] The most rewarding benefits of owning your own brokerage.● [45:05] Advice for new and aspiring broker owners● [47:24] A great hack for making corporate processing easier for your loan officers.● [52:06] Glenn's and Evan's #1 tip for loan officers who are interested in starting a business.Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker FastTrack – for mortgage loan officers or real estate agents who want to start their own mortgage brokerage. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/sneakpeekConnect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Description:Making the switch to entrepreneurship was a bold move for Staci Stanley. Once she saw an opportunity to leave her corporate job, she got her execution strategy ready, handed in her company laptop, and started her own LLC. Now, she's using her 20+ years of mortgage lending experience to help people get the best mortgage rates in Colorado. Listen in as Staci shares the greatest lessons she has learned (and is still learning) throughout the transition from mortgage retailer to broker with The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar.  Show Notes:The #1 thing that prevents people from starting a business is fear. Since entrepreneurship isn't for everyone, how do you know if you have what it takes to run a successful business? For Staci Stanley, it doesn't take closing 100 loans for her to feel happy and successful. Making the switch to entrepreneurship was more about the freedom, flexibility, and limitless potential for growth. She's been using that freedom to learn and grow as an entrepreneur and mortgage broker, so let's hear what advice she has for people who want to do the same! If you're an employee in the mortgage industry and you're curious about opening up your own brokerage, you're in the right place. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The Co/LAB: ●    [02:28] The next few episodes will be showcasing unique business owners in the mortgage industry and the tactics they've used to overcome fear and successfully start and run their own business.●    [06:39] Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – which was created for mortgage loan officers who are either sick of the corporate life or want to start their own business.●    [07:50] Introducing Staci Stanley, the Owner of Access Home Loans, a Colorado-based company providing opportunities for low rate, hassle-free mortgages for buying or refinancing a home. Listen in to learn Staci's background in mortgage lending and why she chose to become a broker.●    [10:46] You must balance the risk and the reward of staying an employee versus starting your own business. Staci breaks down how she overcame the biggest risk of opening a brokerage.●    [17:38] Embracing the broker lifestyle and being a solo broker were the biggest challenges she experienced (and still struggles with) as a new mortgage broker.●    [21:07] “Before I became a broker, I did no more than $15 million in a year… my year last year was about $27 million.” — Staci Stanley●    [25:38] Staci sheds light on the expenses of a mortgage brokerage, from clients' credit reports to marketing and technology, and how expenses might shape your business model. Plus, she speaks on why she's starting to outsource some of her work.●    [29:42] What does the future hold for Staci and Access Home Loans? Up until now, it's been all about money and financial stability for her… but now, it's becoming more about maximizing her free time and decreasing stress.●    [34:38] As a broker, you're in control… and there's many benefits to that!●    [37:24] Do you wish you had made the switch to entrepreneurship sooner? Staci says yes and no…●    [39:55] There certainly are hurdles you have to just over to open your own brokerage, but My Broker Fast Track can help you avoid the most common mistakes people make in the first year of being a broker. Listen in to hear Staci's top piece of advice for new brokers!  Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.

Description:Selling a service is about more than just offering something that people need. It's about building trust and confidence with potential customers. It's about assuring them that you and your team are the best at what you do and the right people to purchase services from. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome sales expert Ryann Dowdy, founder of the Social Sales Academy, to discuss strategies on increasing sales for service companies. And how to take your service sales to new levels.Show Notes:The saying goes that good products sell themselves, but anyone behind a service-focused business knows there's more to it than that. Marketing a service is more complicated than just advertising a description and cost. It's about relationship building because you're not only selling your service but your expertise and knowledge behind that service. How to successfully market your service—and yourself—continues to change as potential customers are seeking out and interacting with businesses through more than just traditional channels. That means you need salespeople with different skillsets who can navigate all sorts of environments: conferences, online platforms, cold calls, and much more. And those salespeople will look different than the stereotypical men in suits. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [02:01] Introducing Ryann Dowdy, founder, and president of Uncensored Consulting and co-founder of the Social Seller Academy. Before starting her own business, she spent 15 years in the corporate world building multi-million dollar sales organizations for start-ups in the marketing space. [09:20] While TV shows and movies often portray salespeople as aggressive men, the fact is there is plenty of room for women to succeed on sales teams and in their own businesses. [15:23] As social media plays a larger role in how consumers connect with businesses, it's led salespeople to become social sellers—meaning social media becomes their primary tool for attracting sales. [27:28] Not every salesperson is the right fit for any sales job. If you're looking to increase sales and want to bring someone on board to do so, be sure they are bringing the skills you need to succeed in the position. Once you hire, you'll want to make sure they have access to resources and training to help them grow. [38:10] Like any job, money can be a motivator for salespeople to go above and beyond in their roles, but it's important as a business owner to recognize that not everyone is driven by dollars. Find out what your employees value, like extra time off or the opportunity to travel for work. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Description:Many small businesses are borne out of their founders' skills, but franchising is a business model that allows people with passion and drive to pursue starting a business of their own without having to define every aspect. But, how to pursue a franchise? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar talk the ins and outs of franchising with Lance Graulich, founder and CEO of ION Franchising. ION Franchising provides free franchise consulting services to assist people in making the best decision in buying a franchise, business, or business opportunity.Show Notes:Starting a business can be rewarding but also extremely challenging. You're responsible for everything, from defining your brand to creating operating procedures. For some, it's too overwhelming of a dream to pursue. The good news is there are other options. Franchising is one way to get your foot into the business world without having to build every part of a company. Not familiar with franchising? Think of it as a business in a box. You're taking ownership of a business location with an established brand and reputation. In a new business that comes with the resources and support of a larger company. It's still up to you to make your location successful, but there are corporate standards and resources already in place to help you. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [02:24] Meet Lance Graulich, a business startup expert with 25 years of experience working for big brand franchises such as TGI Fridays, Wingstop, Krispy Kreme and more. He also owns his own Las Vegas-based doughnut chain called Pinkbox Doughnuts. [08:57] When starting a business, it's OK if you don't have the skills or burning desire to create and build a brand. This is where franchising can come into play. [19:36] Fast food and dine-in restaurants are franchise examples that might immediately jump to mind for people, but with hundreds of categories and subcategories of franchises available, there's something for just about every prospective entrepreneur. [25:07] Linking up a prospective entrepreneur with a potential franchise is almost like matchmaking. Your interests and passions can help steer you toward a franchise you'll fall in love with running, from pets to ice cream to products for children. [38:02] As you might expect, franchisees are expected to hold up standards and work cultures created by the larger company. That means signing a franchise agreement stipulating everything from franchise fees to licensing for the use of brand trademarks. [45:01] As with any business venture, mentoring can play a large role in helping a new owner become successful. Among the resources and support that come with opening a franchise is the ability to talk with people like Graulich or other franchise owners for advice and guidance. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Description: The dream of owning your own business is often accompanied by thoughts of turning all that hard work into a big payoff. But many small business owners ask how to pay yourself? In reality, that paycheck may not be as big as you expect. In fact, many small business owners don't take one the first few years their company exists. There are many misconceptions when it comes to paying yourself as a business owner, but The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have tips and resources to set you on the path to success and financial security. Show Notes: It's a rarely discussed topic but one that every small business owner eventually faces: How in the world do you pay yourself? Is there a secret formula? Does it depend on the business you're in? There are right and wrong ways to pay yourself as a business owner. It's tempting to think that any money that comes into your business bank account is yours for the spending, but figuring out your income is much more complicated than that. It's important to do the research, lay the groundwork, and establish the right systems to set yourself up to be successful. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [00:36] The topic of paying yourself as a business owner can seem taboo to discuss but prepare to join The CoLab hosts in a deep and honest look at the subject. [05:46] You might think that starting a business means you'll immediately be pulling in gobs of cash, but the reality is much more stark. [11:09] When it comes to paying yourself, there are four main areas to consider, the first of which is the type of business you have built. [17:27] How you literally pay yourself is another area to consider. Will you pursue the traditional W-2 route or perhaps pay yourself commission based on sales? [21:36] The question of how much to pay yourself is one that often befuddles business owners. It's tempting to look at your business bank account and think all that money is your money, but it's important to take a step back from that kind of thinking. [27:55] Business finances can be complicated, and it's easy to make mistakes along the way that can cost you big time in the long run. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Standing out from the competition is necessary to attract new customers and maintain business growth, but are your current marketing efforts helping you reach this goal? If they're not, you might find yourself lost in the sea while your competitors pull ahead. In today's episode, we are discussing how to grow your business through video with  Jessica Edwards, a Realtor, and owner of Jessica Edwards & Associates is known for her innovative use of technology and video and cutting-edge marketing tactics. She joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to discuss how these tactics can be used to help small businesses grow. Show Notes: Consumers are just a few clicks away from an endless sea of videos thanks to smartphones and computers. The use of video to market businesses, products, and services continue to rise. Luckily, you don't need to invest thousands of dollars to break into video, so even small businesses have a chance to add it to their marketing toolbox. This week's CoLab guest Jessica Edwards has been at the forefront of video marketing for Coldwell Banker. She shares her expertise with hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar in this episode. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [01:15] Expensive commercials have long set the standard for video marketing, but video technology became more widely accessible in the mid-2000s. This prompted businesses big and small to harness its power for their own marketing platforms. [08:08] Video marketing gives business owners an avenue for building trust and connecting to clients before they even step foot in an office or store. [15:06] Video can be a daunting medium but Jessica says one of the keys to making it work is to keep yourself from overanalyzing and over-critiquing the content you create through it. [22:44] You don't need thousands of dollars invested in equipment and software to make a splash with video. Start simply by recording on a phone and upgrade as demand for content increases. [31:52] Not every video you create for your company has to be promotional. Video also gives you an opportunity to put a personal touch on ordinary business practices, such as welcoming new clients. Click here to purchase Blue Ocean Strategy and Blue Ocean Shift by Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Description: Bringing in revenue is crucial to the operation of any business, but some businesses are better at increasing their revenue than others. Diversifying revenue streams is one way The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have successfully grown their business. Now, they're ready to share their 5 strategies to increase your business revenue with you. Show Notes: Increasing revenue is about more than just growing your business. It's about creating a better future for yourself, your team, and your family. The trick is diversifying your revenue streams. Think of it as a security measure against the possibility of demand dropping for one good or service your business provides. Multiplying your revenue streams sounds complicated, but The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have strategies they've used successfully in their own businesses that will help you start your journey. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [04:15] It takes the right decisions and resources in order to increase your business revenue by creating multiple revenue streams. [06:38] There are five strategies recommended by The CoLab that you can use to increase your business revenue. [14:11] Don't just focus on the money. It's important to remember that passion for your products or services and customer service can earn you more in the long run than focusing on big sales increases in the short term. [21:39] Use your knowledge to promote yourself and connect with customers and other entrepreneurs. Your expertise can be shared across social media platforms, in publications, and many other avenues. [30:00] You're not alone in your business journey, and The CoLab has a great resource for helping you take your first step toward increased revenue. Take The CoLab's Are You Built for Entrepreneurship? quiz if you have dreams of growing your business or starting an entrepreneurial journey. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Description: Are you a business owner who feels like you work all day but get nothing done? Many small business owners may feel trapped in a cycle of doing busywork that keeps them from growing their business—especially those without employees. If you want to break that cycle and make your first hire, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are here to walk you through bringing your first team member on board. Show Notes: Being a solopreneur can be very rewarding. You're your own boss, you make your own schedule, and you do the work you want to do—sometimes. Other times, your business is pulling your attention in a million different directions. Being a one-person business limits your production to what you can get done. Bringing on an employee or two can cut down your to-do list and grow your business to new levels. That said, a bad hire can cost you valuable time and money, so The CoLab is here to help you do it right. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [04:23] Hiring the wrong person can be frustrating for small business owners with busy schedules and endless to-do lists. Having a consistent, thorough hiring process can help you select the candidates that will shine in the job. [12:22] The key to hiring the best person possible is to understand what you need help with and what kind of skills and characteristics a person would need to succeed in that role. [14:09] To understand where you need help, make two lists of business tasks. One list will be tasks you enjoy and are making your business money. The other will be tasks that don't make money, you don't like doing, or you don't feel you're good at. [21:48] Entrepreneurs are action takers. Preparing to hire that first employee can be daunting, but not bringing someone on board could have a negative impact on your growing business. [28:59] You don't have to hire alone. The CoLab has a free masterclass in hiring you can take Resources in this Episode: The CoLab's [Masterclass Link] is free and the tool you need to successfully build your team. Listen to Episode 5: The Blueprint to Successful Team Building to learn more about The Busy Bee Blueprint. Listen to Episode 25: Virtual Assistants: Your Secret Weapon for Success to learn more about hiring virtual assistants. The CoLab recommends using Fivver for your freelance needs. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Description: The decision to start a business often punctuates a journey filling with planning, soul searching, and hardship. Andrea Dolci Baldini, owner of Ultimate Financial Help and an area manager for PRMG, has known hardship from a young age and has overcome it time and again on her entrepreneurial journey. She joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar in sharing stories of business failure and triumph. Show Notes: Finding success meant taking a big step for Andrea Dolci Baldini. Without knowing a word of English, she set off to the United States from Brazil in search of opportunity. She got her start flipping burgers and delivering pizzas before an opportunity to co-own a nail salon presented itself. The business' success and ultimate closure taught Andrea the lessons she needed to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities that have led to her owning a business and making her mark in the mortgage industry. Andrea has overcome many challenges that threatened to derail her dreams, and she joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to pass on lessons learned and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [03:45] With dreams of making enough money to live comfortably in her home country of Brazil, Andrea set off to the United States as a young adult to find work. She had no idea a fast food job would be the first in a series of steps toward business ownership. [11:03] “There's a purpose for everything. You know, at the beginning, you don't understand. I went through hell, it was hard. I didn't have money for anything. And I had no money to buy a box of diapers for my son who was about to born. But it was worth it.” —Andrea describing the fallout of losing her first business. [17:03] A key part of business success is the ability to learn something new in an industry you think you know everything about. [19:39] If you want to reach a goal and if you want to be successful in the pursuit of that goal, you have to do more than everyone else is doing. [25:56] Bringing in others to mentor and coach you can help you be successful in business. Even if it's listening to a podcast or reading a book, the lessons others have learned can help you Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Description: There are many ways a person can do to be able to overcoming the odds. Adversity has been a recurring element of Talita Guerrero's life. Her family moved to the United States when she was 12, and she's spent the last 20 years overcoming challenge after challenge to get where she is today: a successful business owner. Talita shares her story and advice for starting a business and achieving your goals with The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar.   Show Notes: Passion. Ingenuity. Drive. The list of qualities for a successful business owner can go on and on. Among those qualities, Talita Guerrero has found resilience has carried her through many challenges she's faced in life and in starting a business. She is currently a senior loan officer and partner at Right Key Mortgage LLC. The road to her success has been filled with ups and downs, but each came with a lesson that she has used to run her business and help others in her community reach their potential. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [02:08] Introducing Talita Guerrero, a senior loan officer and partner at Right Key Mortgage LLC. Talita has been in the mortgage business for over a decade and serves as a member of the Forbes Boston business council. [10:15] Building and learning a business or industry isn't instant, but that pursuit of instant gratification is something that Talita says finds herself encountering as she mentors young or new loan officers in her business. [16:10] “I always wanted to be a business owner. I wanted to go into business for myself and create a legacy.” — Talita Guerrero. [24:40] As part of her passion for helping others, Talita has established a scholarship fund to help dreamers (as defined by the DREAM Act)—people who may not otherwise qualify for a scholarship. [35:32] If giving back to your community is important to you as a business owner, consider getting involved with mentorship opportunities. Your help could be the key to unlocking someone else's success. What are your stories about overcoming the odds? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Busy Bee Bluprint: 5 step process to hiring an all-star team. DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: There are many ways a person can do to be able to overcoming the odds. Adversity has been a recurring element of Talita Guerrero's life. Her family moved to the United States when she was 12, and she's spent the last 20 years overcoming challenge after challenge to get where she is today: a successful business owner. Talita shares her story and advice for starting a business and achieving your goals with The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar.   Show Notes: Passion. Ingenuity. Drive. The list of qualities for a successful business owner can go on and on. Among those qualities, Talita Guerrero has found resilience has carried her through many challenges she's faced in life and in starting a business. She is currently a senior loan officer and partner at Right Key Mortgage LLC. The road to her success has been filled with ups and downs, but each came with a lesson that she has used to run her business and help others in her community reach their potential. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [02:08] Introducing Talita Guerrero, a senior loan officer and partner at Right Key Mortgage LLC. Talita has been in the mortgage business for over a decade and serves as a member of the Forbes Boston business council. [10:15] Building and learning a business or industry isn't instant, but that pursuit of instant gratification is something that Talita says finds herself encountering as she mentors young or new loan officers in her business. [16:10] “I always wanted to be a business owner. I wanted to go into business for myself and create a legacy.” — Talita Guerrero. [24:40] As part of her passion for helping others, Talita has established a scholarship fund to help dreamers (as defined by the DREAM Act)—people who may not otherwise qualify for a scholarship. [35:32] If giving back to your community is important to you as a business owner, consider getting involved with mentorship opportunities. Your help could be the key to unlocking someone else's success. What are your stories about overcoming the odds? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Busy Bee Bluprint: 5 step process to hiring an all-star team. DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Starting a small business is a personal endeavor for many entrepreneurs. It's easy to be overprotective of a business you founded and have nurtured through success and difficulty. But, letting your employees see how everything works has the potential to make them feel part of something bigger and work harder for every win. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar practice open-book management and have tips on how to run a transparent business to share for implementing it at your own business. Show Notes: The inner workings of a business are often kept closely guarded by leadership. Unfortunately, this choice can create an environment that has the potential to breed misunderstandings and assumptions that can hurt employee morale—and potentially the bottom line. Increasing transparency is a great way to get employees to feel more invested in your business and its success. It might sound unwise to open your books and let employees truly see your business operations—warts and all—but increasing your business transparency can build trust with employees and help them see beyond their position and into the big picture. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: ● [01:03] One of the biggest gaps between small business owner and their employees is transparency. Without transparency, you as a business owner are leaving room for assumptions and ignorance to take hold. ● [12:01] Being transparent can help bring employees from working for your business to being committed to your business. ● [16:58] Seeing the big picture is important and getting your team involved in that vision helps them see the end goal for your business. ● [23:17] Increasing your business' transparency also can help your employees understand the difference between earning and asking and how any decision impacts the bottom line. ● [31:42] Opening up your books and increasing transparency can help employees understand how each part of your business affects the other and encourages employees to come up with solutions for problems across operations. What about you? Do you have any tips on how to run a transparent business to share with the community? Lets us know! Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Busy Bee Bluprint: 5 step process to hiring an all-star team. DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Starting a small business is a personal endeavor for many entrepreneurs. It's easy to be overprotective of a business you founded and have nurtured through success and difficulty. But, letting your employees see how everything works has the potential to make them feel part of something bigger and work harder for every win. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar practice open-book management and have tips on how to run a transparent business to share for implementing it at your own business. Show Notes: The inner workings of a business are often kept closely guarded by leadership. Unfortunately, this choice can create an environment that has the potential to breed misunderstandings and assumptions that can hurt employee morale—and potentially the bottom line. Increasing transparency is a great way to get employees to feel more invested in your business and its success. It might sound unwise to open your books and let employees truly see your business operations—warts and all—but increasing your business transparency can build trust with employees and help them see beyond their position and into the big picture. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: ● [01:03] One of the biggest gaps between small business owner and their employees is transparency. Without transparency, you as a business owner are leaving room for assumptions and ignorance to take hold. ● [12:01] Being transparent can help bring employees from working for your business to being committed to your business. ● [16:58] Seeing the big picture is important and getting your team involved in that vision helps them see the end goal for your business. ● [23:17] Increasing your business' transparency also can help your employees understand the difference between earning and asking and how any decision impacts the bottom line. ● [31:42] Opening up your books and increasing transparency can help employees understand how each part of your business affects the other and encourages employees to come up with solutions for problems across operations. What about you? Do you have any tips on how to run a transparent business to share with the community? Lets us know! Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Busy Bee Bluprint: 5 step process to hiring an all-star team. DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Building a brand is vital for any business. It's easy to think of it as just your logo or the color theme you use in business materials, but branding is so much more. It creates the first impression of your business, and you want to be sending all the right messages. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have each owned multiple businesses and understand the importance of branding your business for success and the art of rebranding. Show Notes: When you start a small business, you get to define nearly every aspect of it, from the name to the products to the look and feel of its physical space. For many, the topic of branding might not land at the top of your to-do list when first starting out, but it's an incredibly important part of a business at any stage. As your small business grows, you want to be sure it has an identity that consumers can recognize, remember, and connect to on a personal level. It also should accurately represent the product or service you provide. In time, a brand also reflects the reputation your company has built, so you want to be sure your business is being represented in the best possible light. Whether you've been in business for one day or one decade, rebranding your company could be the key to unlocking even higher levels of success. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: ● [00:55] Think about your company's brand. Is it reflective of a successful business or is there room for improvement to better represent your company? ● [12:39] The subject of branding comprises more than just a logo. It's your company's identity. It sets the tone for customers recognizing your business and interacting with it it. ● [17:32] Branding is powerful because it not only represents your company's identity but its reputation and authority. At the end of the day, what do you want to be associated with your brand? ● [20:30] Businesses of any size need a brand, but what the brand is tied to depends on the company. For example, if your goal is to keep your company as a one-person operation, it makes sense to brand it with your name. ● [24:42] A key part of branding is making your business recognizable and memorable. People are creatures of habit, so successful branding will keep them coming back. ● [30:00] Branding can change over time, just like your business. If your company is undergoing change, such as opening new locations or launching new products or services that don't quite fit in with your current brand, it might be time for a rebrand. Share this with someone who needs to learn about the art of rebranding! Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Building a brand is vital for any business. It's easy to think of it as just your logo or the color theme you use in business materials, but branding is so much more. It creates the first impression of your business, and you want to be sending all the right messages. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have each owned multiple businesses and understand the importance of branding your business for success and the art of rebranding. Show Notes: When you start a small business, you get to define nearly every aspect of it, from the name to the products to the look and feel of its physical space. For many, the topic of branding might not land at the top of your to-do list when first starting out, but it's an incredibly important part of a business at any stage. As your small business grows, you want to be sure it has an identity that consumers can recognize, remember, and connect to on a personal level. It also should accurately represent the product or service you provide. In time, a brand also reflects the reputation your company has built, so you want to be sure your business is being represented in the best possible light. Whether you've been in business for one day or one decade, rebranding your company could be the key to unlocking even higher levels of success. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: ● [00:55] Think about your company's brand. Is it reflective of a successful business or is there room for improvement to better represent your company? ● [12:39] The subject of branding comprises more than just a logo. It's your company's identity. It sets the tone for customers recognizing your business and interacting with it it. ● [17:32] Branding is powerful because it not only represents your company's identity but its reputation and authority. At the end of the day, what do you want to be associated with your brand? ● [20:30] Businesses of any size need a brand, but what the brand is tied to depends on the company. For example, if your goal is to keep your company as a one-person operation, it makes sense to brand it with your name. ● [24:42] A key part of branding is making your business recognizable and memorable. People are creatures of habit, so successful branding will keep them coming back. ● [30:00] Branding can change over time, just like your business. If your company is undergoing change, such as opening new locations or launching new products or services that don't quite fit in with your current brand, it might be time for a rebrand. Share this with someone who needs to learn about the art of rebranding! Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Get ready to boost your business with The CoLab, a podcast for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to elevate and expand their enterprise through collaboration and teamwork. In this introductory episode, meet hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar. The pair are business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who have a passion and desire to help others succeed both personally and professionally. Show Notes: Welcome to The CoLab, a podcast series focused on helping entrepreneurs grow their business ventures through collaboration and teamwork. Podcasts hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar are the picture of collaboration. The pair combined their separate finance businesses four years ago and took it to a new level in just two years, ultimately doubling their team and tripling their revenue. Together, Andre and Megan have a dream to use their extensive experience in business to teach others how they can become entrepreneurs by starting and operating their own businesses. Join them as they share their knowledge, resources, and more to help you start your journey of entrepreneurial growth and avoid costly mistakes along the way. Do you feel stuck? That your hard work is going unnoticed and unappreciated? Megan and Andre have been where you are and want to help you overcome the hurdles standing in your way of success. You don't need a recruiter or big company telling you what will get you to the next level. You can get yourself there. You are the key, and you can make it happen. Ready to dive in? Here's a preview of this episode of The CoLab: [01:10] Welcome to The CoLab. Meet your hosts and business besties: Megan Marsh and Andre Munar. They each have spent 15 years in the lending industry. Four years ago, their finance companies joined forces and through the power of collaboration, doubled their team and tripled their revenue. [02:10] We know where you are. We've been there. It might be dealing with a bad boss, feeling stuck, getting fired, or reinventing a brand. Learn from our experiences and avoid making costly mistakes as you grow your business. [03:40] So what can you expect from The CoLab? Exercises, tips, tools, and resources that you can put into action and see results in your business right away that are presented by two knowledgeable business leaders. [06:50] Collaboration is key, and this podcast will help you connect with a community of people like you and leverage these connections to inspire business growth. [08:09] Ready to start your journey? Here is a preview of topics that will be covered in season one and two of The CoLab: how to take the leap from employee to employer, how to start your own business, how to build an all-star team, and how to deal with bad bosses.

Description: Get ready to boost your business with The CoLab, a podcast for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to elevate and expand their enterprise through collaboration and teamwork. In this introductory episode, meet hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar. The pair are business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who have a passion and desire to help others succeed both personally and professionally. Show Notes: Welcome to The CoLab, a podcast series focused on helping entrepreneurs grow their business ventures through collaboration and teamwork. Podcasts hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar are the picture of collaboration. The pair combined their separate finance businesses four years ago and took it to a new level in just two years, ultimately doubling their team and tripling their revenue. Together, Andre and Megan have a dream to use their extensive experience in business to teach others how they can become entrepreneurs by starting and operating their own businesses. Join them as they share their knowledge, resources, and more to help you start your journey of entrepreneurial growth and avoid costly mistakes along the way. Do you feel stuck? That your hard work is going unnoticed and unappreciated? Megan and Andre have been where you are and want to help you overcome the hurdles standing in your way of success. You don't need a recruiter or big company telling you what will get you to the next level. You can get yourself there. You are the key, and you can make it happen. Ready to dive in? Here's a preview of this episode of The CoLab: [01:10] Welcome to The CoLab. Meet your hosts and business besties: Megan Marsh and Andre Munar. They each have spent 15 years in the lending industry. Four years ago, their finance companies joined forces and through the power of collaboration, doubled their team and tripled their revenue. [02:10] We know where you are. We've been there. It might be dealing with a bad boss, feeling stuck, getting fired, or reinventing a brand. Learn from our experiences and avoid making costly mistakes as you grow your business. [03:40] So what can you expect from The CoLab? Exercises, tips, tools, and resources that you can put into action and see results in your business right away that are presented by two knowledgeable business leaders. [06:50] Collaboration is key, and this podcast will help you connect with a community of people like you and leverage these connections to inspire business growth. [08:09] Ready to start your journey? Here is a preview of topics that will be covered in season one and two of The CoLab: how to take the leap from employee to employer, how to start your own business, how to build an all-star team, and how to deal with bad bosses.

Description: Content can be the connection to customers your business is missing. Whether it's blogs, articles, or social media posts, content creates an opportunity for potential customers to find and interact with your small business. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar know firsthand the power that content holds. In this episode, they are joined by entrepreneur Scott Schang, co-owner of Buy Wise Mortgage and founder of Find My Way Home, to discuss the important role content plays in business growth, and how to create killer content. Show Notes: Businesses create products and services for customers, but there's something else they should be creating, too—content. Content is more than just advertisements. It's a means of connection and one that small businesses don't have to invest an astronomical amount of resources into to get started. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have produced many types of content for their businesses. They're joined this episode by Scott Schang to talk about the best strategies, tips, and more. Schang is the co-owner of Buy Wise Mortgage and founder of Find My Way Home, a website focused on empowering potential homebuyers with the knowledge to successfully navigate the homebuying process. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [00:29] Creating content can be a simple and cost-effective way to market your business, especially for young businesses that may not yet have the funds to pour into a robust marketing campaign. [06:23] Scot Schang's content creation journey started in 2007 with a WordPress blog and an idea. [15:39] In today's digital world, a video-first content strategy can really pay off for a small business. A video can be broken down into audio-only and also transcribed to create written content. [26:51] Building content does not replace person-to-person relationships—it helps amplify them. [34:24] Content should be created with a specific goal or purpose in mind. [44:38] Embrace opportunities to participate in newsjacking. That means getting out in front of news about your industry and having an opinion on it. Then share that content with your customers to establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry.   What about you? What are some tips, steps, and tricks you use to help others know how to create killer content? Resources mentioned in this episode: Want to learn more about marketing? Listen to The CoLab Podcast episode, “How Can A Small Business Gain Traction With Marketing?” A helpful speech-to-text tool recommended by The CoLab is ai. You can connect with Scott Schang on his Facebook or LinkedIn  Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Content can be the connection to customers your business is missing. Whether it's blogs, articles, or social media posts, content creates an opportunity for potential customers to find and interact with your small business. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar know firsthand the power that content holds. In this episode, they are joined by entrepreneur Scott Schang, co-owner of Buy Wise Mortgage and founder of Find My Way Home, to discuss the important role content plays in business growth, and how to create killer content. Show Notes: Businesses create products and services for customers, but there's something else they should be creating, too—content. Content is more than just advertisements. It's a means of connection and one that small businesses don't have to invest an astronomical amount of resources into to get started. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have produced many types of content for their businesses. They're joined this episode by Scott Schang to talk about the best strategies, tips, and more. Schang is the co-owner of Buy Wise Mortgage and founder of Find My Way Home, a website focused on empowering potential homebuyers with the knowledge to successfully navigate the homebuying process. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [00:29] Creating content can be a simple and cost-effective way to market your business, especially for young businesses that may not yet have the funds to pour into a robust marketing campaign. [06:23] Scot Schang's content creation journey started in 2007 with a WordPress blog and an idea. [15:39] In today's digital world, a video-first content strategy can really pay off for a small business. A video can be broken down into audio-only and also transcribed to create written content. [26:51] Building content does not replace person-to-person relationships—it helps amplify them. [34:24] Content should be created with a specific goal or purpose in mind. [44:38] Embrace opportunities to participate in newsjacking. That means getting out in front of news about your industry and having an opinion on it. Then share that content with your customers to establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry.   What about you? What are some tips, steps, and tricks you use to help others know how to create killer content? Resources mentioned in this episode: Want to learn more about marketing? Listen to The CoLab Podcast episode, “How Can A Small Business Gain Traction With Marketing?” A helpful speech-to-text tool recommended by The CoLab is ai. You can connect with Scott Schang on his Facebook or LinkedIn  Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: No one's path to business ownership is the same, but even the most nontraditional path can lead to success and growth. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined this episode by Ryan Stewman, who has overcome a lifetime of challenges to get to where he is today: CEO of Hardcore Closer, an online learning resource for salespeople that includes coaching and training courses. Stewman also runs the Break Free Academy and is the host of the THC Podcast and The ReWire Podcast. Let's know how to rewire yourself for business success... Show Notes: Doubt is an often unwanted but persistent guest in the brains of small business owners. It's there saying that running your own business is too hard, you're not cut out to be an owner, or that everything you built is one bad decision away from total failure. Are there steps you take to rise above that negative voice? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have faced down these fears and others with the help of business coaches. Ryan Stewman, CEO of Hardcore Closer, joins Megan and Andres to discuss strategies for rewiring your brain to shut down doubt and build yourself up to be the successful business owner you know you can be. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [04:46] When everything seems to be going wrong, and you're struggling, it's easy to consider yourself cursed and destined to fail. As hard as those struggles are to deal with in the moment, they can pave the way for bigger, better things. [11:45] Not all paths to becoming a business owner start with a college degree and a healthy pot of seed money. Your path to business success might be mired with challenges, but the right mindset and hard work can help you overcome them. [20:10] Starting a business can be a second (or third or fourth) chance for entrepreneurs to prove themselves and rise above difficulties that have held them back in the past. [35:54] Not every business model is successful or sustainable. Instead of dwelling on a failed business, use it as an opportunity to grow and learn. Then, apply those lessons to another venture. [42:05] Being resourceful is an important but uncommon skill that can give business owners the edge over their competition. [44:22] Sales, marketing, hiring, and training processes are key to helping your business reach new levels of growth and take your enterprise beyond a one-person show. What about you? How do you rewire yourself for business success? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: No one's path to business ownership is the same, but even the most nontraditional path can lead to success and growth. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined this episode by Ryan Stewman, who has overcome a lifetime of challenges to get to where he is today: CEO of Hardcore Closer, an online learning resource for salespeople that includes coaching and training courses. Stewman also runs the Break Free Academy and is the host of the THC Podcast and The ReWire Podcast. Let's know how to rewire yourself for business success... Show Notes: Doubt is an often unwanted but persistent guest in the brains of small business owners. It's there saying that running your own business is too hard, you're not cut out to be an owner, or that everything you built is one bad decision away from total failure. Are there steps you take to rise above that negative voice? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have faced down these fears and others with the help of business coaches. Ryan Stewman, CEO of Hardcore Closer, joins Megan and Andres to discuss strategies for rewiring your brain to shut down doubt and build yourself up to be the successful business owner you know you can be. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [04:46] When everything seems to be going wrong, and you're struggling, it's easy to consider yourself cursed and destined to fail. As hard as those struggles are to deal with in the moment, they can pave the way for bigger, better things. [11:45] Not all paths to becoming a business owner start with a college degree and a healthy pot of seed money. Your path to business success might be mired with challenges, but the right mindset and hard work can help you overcome them. [20:10] Starting a business can be a second (or third or fourth) chance for entrepreneurs to prove themselves and rise above difficulties that have held them back in the past. [35:54] Not every business model is successful or sustainable. Instead of dwelling on a failed business, use it as an opportunity to grow and learn. Then, apply those lessons to another venture. [42:05] Being resourceful is an important but uncommon skill that can give business owners the edge over their competition. [44:22] Sales, marketing, hiring, and training processes are key to helping your business reach new levels of growth and take your enterprise beyond a one-person show. What about you? How do you rewire yourself for business success? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: The longer you own a business, the bigger the chance that you'll have to confront internal and external challenges that threaten to derail the successful company you have built. In 2008, the mortgage industry was in tatters in the wake of a home lending crisis. Many businesses closed or laid-off employees. It was a time where being able to pivot meant the difference between surviving and closing. Brian Peart, founder, and CEO of Commercial Captial Ltd., joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to discuss the lessons he's taken away from decades of owning a business in the mortgage sector and to speak about the power of the pivot and how he has had to lead his business through major economic crises since 1995. Show Notes: It takes the right people, skills, resources, and sometimes luck to keep a business running strong. With a solid foundation comes a better chance of weathering storms such as tanking financial markets, natural disasters, and shifting consumer preferences. So what does it take to lead a business through challenge after challenge? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined this episode by Brian Peart, founder, and CEO of Commercial Capital Ltd., and author of How to Make 6 Figures in the Mortgage Business and 5 Steps to Buying Your Dream Home. Peart has successfully navigated his business through decades that included major economic crises, such as the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [04:04] When Brian Peart started a mortgage business in 1995, he wanted to grow it as fast as he could. In the years since the company has expanded to 40 branches and includes publishing and commercial divisions—but not without facing obstacles. [12:14] In business, you should hope for the best but you also should expect the worst and have a game plan ready for it as best you can. [16:11] Escaping a 9-5 job is a common reason entrepreneurs start their own businesses, but starting a business isn't a replacement for that job. It's a new experience entirely and one that will require a lot of work. [26:34] A mentor is an invaluable resource for new business owners. Their guidance can help you craft a business that works around you and your life. [33:24] Anybody can go into business, but you need to be ready because the process will test your biggest weaknesses. What about you? What the power of pivot means to you? And how do you lead your business through difficult times?   Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: The longer you own a business, the bigger the chance that you'll have to confront internal and external challenges that threaten to derail the successful company you have built. In 2008, the mortgage industry was in tatters in the wake of a home lending crisis. Many businesses closed or laid-off employees. It was a time where being able to pivot meant the difference between surviving and closing. Brian Peart, founder, and CEO of Commercial Captial Ltd., joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to discuss the lessons he's taken away from decades of owning a business in the mortgage sector and to speak about the power of the pivot and how he has had to lead his business through major economic crises since 1995. Show Notes: It takes the right people, skills, resources, and sometimes luck to keep a business running strong. With a solid foundation comes a better chance of weathering storms such as tanking financial markets, natural disasters, and shifting consumer preferences. So what does it take to lead a business through challenge after challenge? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined this episode by Brian Peart, founder, and CEO of Commercial Capital Ltd., and author of How to Make 6 Figures in the Mortgage Business and 5 Steps to Buying Your Dream Home. Peart has successfully navigated his business through decades that included major economic crises, such as the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [04:04] When Brian Peart started a mortgage business in 1995, he wanted to grow it as fast as he could. In the years since the company has expanded to 40 branches and includes publishing and commercial divisions—but not without facing obstacles. [12:14] In business, you should hope for the best but you also should expect the worst and have a game plan ready for it as best you can. [16:11] Escaping a 9-5 job is a common reason entrepreneurs start their own businesses, but starting a business isn't a replacement for that job. It's a new experience entirely and one that will require a lot of work. [26:34] A mentor is an invaluable resource for new business owners. Their guidance can help you craft a business that works around you and your life. [33:24] Anybody can go into business, but you need to be ready because the process will test your biggest weaknesses. What about you? What the power of pivot means to you? And how do you lead your business through difficult times?   Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Putting together a marketing strategy for a small business is an often overlooked but incredibly important part of running a business. Your product or service could be the best out there, but if no one knows what your business does, it hurts your potential growth. Eric Varner, director of marketing for Keystone Alliance Mortgage and The CoLab, joins The CoLab podcast hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to offer tips on getting your marketing off the ground and how as a small business gain any traction with marketing. Show Notes: Successful marketing can be the difference between growth and loss in terms of running a small business, but where do you begin? Years ago, buying print ads and putting up billboards were the go-to marketing strategies, but the advent of the digital age has completely transformed the game. How can a small business hope to gain any traction in a space that seems too crowded to stand out in?   Eric Varner, director of marketing for Keystone Alliance Mortgage and The CoLab, has spent time in several marketing roles that have equipped him with the skills necessary to develop marketing for any type of business. In this episode, he joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to help small business owners figure out a starting point for their marketing efforts. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [00:28] Marketing is an ever-evolving field, and it may take a few tries before you find what works best for you and your business. [11:20] Because marketing is such a broad topic that covers so many mediums, it can be hard for business owners to figure out where to start. [15:10] Building trust and relationships with clients is key to business success. Producing content as part of your marketing strategy can be instrumental in reaching this goal. [23:53] A website can serve as a hub for all your marketing efforts, but who do you turn to build one? And to keep it updated? [29:12] Marketing tools tend to build on each other. Social media can drive people to your website. Your website includes features such as contact forms that capture information. That information can be loaded into a database and used for email marketing. [33:56] Let your website be your marketing starting point but don't just stop at a homepage. Additional pages with content such as a blog give your site a better chance of popping up in people's internet searches. Resources mentioned in today's episode: godaddy.com hostgator.com wordpress.com What about you? As a small business owner, how do you gain traction with marketing? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Putting together a marketing strategy for a small business is an often overlooked but incredibly important part of running a business. Your product or service could be the best out there, but if no one knows what your business does, it hurts your potential growth. Eric Varner, director of marketing for Keystone Alliance Mortgage and The CoLab, joins The CoLab podcast hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to offer tips on getting your marketing off the ground and how as a small business gain any traction with marketing. Show Notes: Successful marketing can be the difference between growth and loss in terms of running a small business, but where do you begin? Years ago, buying print ads and putting up billboards were the go-to marketing strategies, but the advent of the digital age has completely transformed the game. How can a small business hope to gain any traction in a space that seems too crowded to stand out in?   Eric Varner, director of marketing for Keystone Alliance Mortgage and The CoLab, has spent time in several marketing roles that have equipped him with the skills necessary to develop marketing for any type of business. In this episode, he joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to help small business owners figure out a starting point for their marketing efforts. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [00:28] Marketing is an ever-evolving field, and it may take a few tries before you find what works best for you and your business. [11:20] Because marketing is such a broad topic that covers so many mediums, it can be hard for business owners to figure out where to start. [15:10] Building trust and relationships with clients is key to business success. Producing content as part of your marketing strategy can be instrumental in reaching this goal. [23:53] A website can serve as a hub for all your marketing efforts, but who do you turn to build one? And to keep it updated? [29:12] Marketing tools tend to build on each other. Social media can drive people to your website. Your website includes features such as contact forms that capture information. That information can be loaded into a database and used for email marketing. [33:56] Let your website be your marketing starting point but don't just stop at a homepage. Additional pages with content such as a blog give your site a better chance of popping up in people's internet searches. Resources mentioned in today's episode: godaddy.com hostgator.com wordpress.com What about you? As a small business owner, how do you gain traction with marketing? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: There's a lot of freedom that comes with starting a small business. You can set your own hours and be your own boss. Marsha Marsh took the leap after finding herself in a job that restricted her from being there for her family as much as she wanted. She left that job and started her own real estate company. She and her son Laban Marsh join The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar in this episode to share the story behind establishing Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services from the ground up! Show Notes: Freedom. It's a driving force behind the decision to start a business for many people. It's the reward for taking a leap of faith and trying something new. There's no one right way to start a business and there's no right time to do so either. When Marsha Marsh's job didn't afford her the flexibility she wanted nearly 15 years ago, she made a leap of her own into real estate and hasn't looked back. So what does it take to start and run a successful family business from the ground up? Marsha and her son Laban share their story and reflect on their business journey with The CoLab. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [00:29] Introducing Marsha and Laban Marsh, a mother and son who have worked together to follow their business dreams and grow Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services into a successful family business. [07:32] There's a lot to be afraid of when starting a new business. But sometimes the fear of staying in a job where you're not happy can be an excellent motivator. [13:35] Small businesses face a lot of hurdles, but with the right partners—and help from a business coach—those obstacles can be overcome. [20:11] Mentorship can be key to success. As a business owner, you want to find people who will make you as a person better. Your business will be better, too, because of it. [29:52] In a way, business is like a two-way street. Sometimes people will come to you, but you can't be afraid to ask for business. [ 35:21] If starting a business is one of your dreams, talk to someone who can meet you at a human level and help you take that first step toward founding a business. What about you? Did you start from the ground up? Do you know someone who did? Share the story with us and let other people get inspired too... Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: There's a lot of freedom that comes with starting a small business. You can set your own hours and be your own boss. Marsha Marsh took the leap after finding herself in a job that restricted her from being there for her family as much as she wanted. She left that job and started her own real estate company. She and her son Laban Marsh join The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar in this episode to share the story behind establishing Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services from the ground up! Show Notes: Freedom. It's a driving force behind the decision to start a business for many people. It's the reward for taking a leap of faith and trying something new. There's no one right way to start a business and there's no right time to do so either. When Marsha Marsh's job didn't afford her the flexibility she wanted nearly 15 years ago, she made a leap of her own into real estate and hasn't looked back. So what does it take to start and run a successful family business from the ground up? Marsha and her son Laban share their story and reflect on their business journey with The CoLab. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [00:29] Introducing Marsha and Laban Marsh, a mother and son who have worked together to follow their business dreams and grow Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services into a successful family business. [07:32] There's a lot to be afraid of when starting a new business. But sometimes the fear of staying in a job where you're not happy can be an excellent motivator. [13:35] Small businesses face a lot of hurdles, but with the right partners—and help from a business coach—those obstacles can be overcome. [20:11] Mentorship can be key to success. As a business owner, you want to find people who will make you as a person better. Your business will be better, too, because of it. [29:52] In a way, business is like a two-way street. Sometimes people will come to you, but you can't be afraid to ask for business. [ 35:21] If starting a business is one of your dreams, talk to someone who can meet you at a human level and help you take that first step toward founding a business. What about you? Did you start from the ground up? Do you know someone who did? Share the story with us and let other people get inspired too... Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Presentations are the foundation of sale pitches but can fall flat without the right components to keep audiences engaged. As a small business owner, it can be difficult to carve out time to research new resources that will inject life into your presentations and increase engagement. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have given more presentations than they can count. They're ready to share their tips for creating captivating presentations and the tools that will take your business presentations to the next level. Show Notes: When it comes to enticing new customers and growing your small business, how you present yourself and your company is everything. Your presentation could be full of interesting and valuable information, but if your delivery and slides don't hold a potential client's attention, you may as well be presenting to a wall. So, what's the key to captivating presentations? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar break down the mindset and tools you need to create engaging presentations that will have clients hanging on every word. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [00:29] When giving a presentation, there's a good chance others are looking up to you as a thought leader, a person who can bring expertise and influence to a topic. [09:13] Presentations are a common way of earning business, but it takes the right skills and tools to be a successful presenter. [15:00] Presenting is a mindset. It takes more than preparation and memorization. A successful presentation is more than an information dump—it's an experience that offers value to those viewing it. [23:03] Creativity will set you apart from other businesses, but it shouldn't stop at how your presentation looks. Incorporate thought-provoking questions, games, and personal stories into presentations to transform your meeting into an experience. [27:41] The right tools and platform can upgrade not only your presentation's appearance but also add engaging activities, videos, and other content that will keep clients engaged. To learn more about resources mentioned in this podcast, click on the product names below: Kahoot, a game-based learning platform. Prezi, a virtual presentation software. PowToon, a visual communication platform. What about you? Do you have tips for creating captivating presentations? Share them with us!  Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Presentations are the foundation of sale pitches but can fall flat without the right components to keep audiences engaged. As a small business owner, it can be difficult to carve out time to research new resources that will inject life into your presentations and increase engagement. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have given more presentations than they can count. They're ready to share their tips for creating captivating presentations and the tools that will take your business presentations to the next level. Show Notes: When it comes to enticing new customers and growing your small business, how you present yourself and your company is everything. Your presentation could be full of interesting and valuable information, but if your delivery and slides don't hold a potential client's attention, you may as well be presenting to a wall. So, what's the key to captivating presentations? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar break down the mindset and tools you need to create engaging presentations that will have clients hanging on every word. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [00:29] When giving a presentation, there's a good chance others are looking up to you as a thought leader, a person who can bring expertise and influence to a topic. [09:13] Presentations are a common way of earning business, but it takes the right skills and tools to be a successful presenter. [15:00] Presenting is a mindset. It takes more than preparation and memorization. A successful presentation is more than an information dump—it's an experience that offers value to those viewing it. [23:03] Creativity will set you apart from other businesses, but it shouldn't stop at how your presentation looks. Incorporate thought-provoking questions, games, and personal stories into presentations to transform your meeting into an experience. [27:41] The right tools and platform can upgrade not only your presentation's appearance but also add engaging activities, videos, and other content that will keep clients engaged. To learn more about resources mentioned in this podcast, click on the product names below: Kahoot, a game-based learning platform. Prezi, a virtual presentation software. PowToon, a visual communication platform. What about you? Do you have tips for creating captivating presentations? Share them with us!  Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: The concept of “thought leadership” exists in every industry. Thought leaders are out there influencing others with their stories, ideas, and innovation in order to drive change. So, what does it take to become one? And how to use thought leadership to establish authority? In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar take you through part of their thought leadership journey and provide tips for getting started on your own. Show Notes: Thought leadership takes many forms, but small business owners may feel too busy or unsure of joining the conversation. The fact is anyone can be a thought leader if they're willing to take the steps necessary to get their voice out there. It could be writing articles, hosting a video blog, or making a presentation at an industry conference. The possibilities are endless but getting started will take a bit of thought and planning.  Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [01:02] As a business owner, your identity is often tied to your company and the duties that define your role within it. [11:41] Part of being a thought leader means receiving recognition for the authority you have built in your industry, including winning awards. [19:51] It sounds obvious, but having your thoughts in the form of a column or essay featured in trade or industry magazines and other publications can build up your authority. [25:00] In addition to writing, tapping into and refining your skills as a public speaker can be key to cementing your status as a thought leader. [34:43] If you want to attract the best employees and clients, you need to be seen as a thought leader—someone who isn't afraid to try new things. What about you? How do you use thought leadership to establish authority? Share with us! Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: The concept of “thought leadership” exists in every industry. Thought leaders are out there influencing others with their stories, ideas, and innovation in order to drive change. So, what does it take to become one? And how to use thought leadership to establish authority? In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar take you through part of their thought leadership journey and provide tips for getting started on your own. Show Notes: Thought leadership takes many forms, but small business owners may feel too busy or unsure of joining the conversation. The fact is anyone can be a thought leader if they're willing to take the steps necessary to get their voice out there. It could be writing articles, hosting a video blog, or making a presentation at an industry conference. The possibilities are endless but getting started will take a bit of thought and planning.  Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [01:02] As a business owner, your identity is often tied to your company and the duties that define your role within it. [11:41] Part of being a thought leader means receiving recognition for the authority you have built in your industry, including winning awards. [19:51] It sounds obvious, but having your thoughts in the form of a column or essay featured in trade or industry magazines and other publications can build up your authority. [25:00] In addition to writing, tapping into and refining your skills as a public speaker can be key to cementing your status as a thought leader. [34:43] If you want to attract the best employees and clients, you need to be seen as a thought leader—someone who isn't afraid to try new things. What about you? How do you use thought leadership to establish authority? Share with us! Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Customers are everywhere, and they expect the same of the businesses they patronize. That includes the vast digital expanse that is social media. Figuring out where to start and how to best use social media for business can be overwhelming, but The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar break down this complex topic. This is the second episode in a series focusing on marketing tips for new and small businesses. Today is about 5 Tips to Social Media Success for Your Business Show Notes: So much of modern business funnels through social media. It's where companies connect with customers one post at a time through viral videos, stories that run the gamut from inspirational to cheeky, and pictures of everything from products to team retreats. Finding an audience is only the first step. Growing and maintaining it is vital for digital success, but this can be a challenging undertaking for new and small business owners.  In this episode, Andres Munar, The CoLab co-host and social media guru will walk you through five important tips you should know when establishing and running your business's social media efforts.   Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [02:15] Using social media for business is an expectation at this point, so whether it's you behind the posts or one of your employees, your business should build and maintain a presence on social media.  [04:25] Tip 1: Post often. That doesn't mean once every day or even once a day. We're talking multiple times a day. That said, every post doesn't need to be a deep dive into your business or product. Sometimes the best engagement comes from sharing something like a funny picture or a personal story.  [09:15] Tip 2: Be yourself. That doesn't mean be the perfect person you think people want to see on social media. It means being authentic and sharing your true self with your audience.  [13:20] Tip 3: Put yourself out there. If you're not creating content, people aren't seeing it and connecting to you and your business. There is a difference between promoting yourself and bragging about yourself, so don't shy away from sharing your accomplishments and expertise.  [16:00] Tip 4: Grow and tend your friend's garden. Without people, there are no connections. If you're using Facebook for your business, you can put your personal profile to work by adding friends who add value to your business—and purge the ones that don't.  [21:12] Tip 5: Just get started! Figure out where your customers are and start a profile or channel on that social media platform. Then get posting.   Listen to The CoLab's first episode of this marketing series, “Level Up Your Business Marketing with Video Right Now” here.  Listen to The CoLab episode, “Virtual Assistants: Your Secret Weapon to Success” here. Listen to The CoLab episode, “Boost Your Brand with Integrating Influencer Marketing” here.  What about you? Do you have tips for social media success for your business that you use and been successful? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Customers are everywhere, and they expect the same of the businesses they patronize. That includes the vast digital expanse that is social media. Figuring out where to start and how to best use social media for business can be overwhelming, but The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar break down this complex topic. This is the second episode in a series focusing on marketing tips for new and small businesses. Today is about 5 Tips to Social Media Success for Your Business Show Notes: So much of modern business funnels through social media. It's where companies connect with customers one post at a time through viral videos, stories that run the gamut from inspirational to cheeky, and pictures of everything from products to team retreats. Finding an audience is only the first step. Growing and maintaining it is vital for digital success, but this can be a challenging undertaking for new and small business owners.  In this episode, Andres Munar, The CoLab co-host and social media guru will walk you through five important tips you should know when establishing and running your business's social media efforts.   Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [02:15] Using social media for business is an expectation at this point, so whether it's you behind the posts or one of your employees, your business should build and maintain a presence on social media.  [04:25] Tip 1: Post often. That doesn't mean once every day or even once a day. We're talking multiple times a day. That said, every post doesn't need to be a deep dive into your business or product. Sometimes the best engagement comes from sharing something like a funny picture or a personal story.  [09:15] Tip 2: Be yourself. That doesn't mean be the perfect person you think people want to see on social media. It means being authentic and sharing your true self with your audience.  [13:20] Tip 3: Put yourself out there. If you're not creating content, people aren't seeing it and connecting to you and your business. There is a difference between promoting yourself and bragging about yourself, so don't shy away from sharing your accomplishments and expertise.  [16:00] Tip 4: Grow and tend your friend's garden. Without people, there are no connections. If you're using Facebook for your business, you can put your personal profile to work by adding friends who add value to your business—and purge the ones that don't.  [21:12] Tip 5: Just get started! Figure out where your customers are and start a profile or channel on that social media platform. Then get posting.   Listen to The CoLab's first episode of this marketing series, “Level Up Your Business Marketing with Video Right Now” here.  Listen to The CoLab episode, “Virtual Assistants: Your Secret Weapon to Success” here. Listen to The CoLab episode, “Boost Your Brand with Integrating Influencer Marketing” here.  What about you? Do you have tips for social media success for your business that you use and been successful? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Being a small business owner means wearing many hats, one of the most important of which is the marketer. That said, you may find yourself competing for customers with hundreds of businesses across numerous platforms—from billboards to social media channels to print publications. What can you do to stand out and reach customers? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar can help you navigate the marketing space by sharing their successful strategies. This episode focuses on how to level up your business marketing with video marketing.  Show Notes: Once only associated with TV commercials, video has become a driving force in marketing strategies for businesses large and small across digital platforms. If you're a small business, you don't need to spend thousands on video production to reach customers. It's an accessible medium that in some cases only requires a smartphone and an editing app. Now is the perfect time to add a video to your arsenal of marketing tools. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have successfully integrated video into their business outreach. Their video formats range from lists of tips to deep dives in various aspects of the mortgage market, but their strategies can work for businesses of any type. As mentioned in the episode, The CoLab recommends three apps to help you create simple but effective videos: VivaVideo, BombBomb, and Hippo Video. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [00:41] Marketing is an essential part of business, but what tactics and components will truly grow your business? This episode kicks off a series of shows focused on marketing. First up: video marketing. [04:36] Video can be an intimidating medium but with the right tools, you can make it work for your business marketing. But, you need to take the first step and try. [07:34] It's easy to make excuses not to do a video for your business, chief among them that you're concerned with embarrassing yourself. That's understandable but try to set that fear aside. [14:48] Once you start making and posting videos, you need to stick with it. While some videos go viral, it usually takes time to build an audience and refine your content in order to continue expanding that audience. [16:45] While your business has a product or service to sell, don't make your videos all about what you're trying to sell. Instead, you can add value to your customers' viewing experience by making videos that educate around topics related to your business and industry. [23:15] The CoLab recommends three apps to help you create simple but effective videos: VivaVideo, BombBomb, and Hippo Video.  Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Being a small business owner means wearing many hats, one of the most important of which is the marketer. That said, you may find yourself competing for customers with hundreds of businesses across numerous platforms—from billboards to social media channels to print publications. What can you do to stand out and reach customers? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar can help you navigate the marketing space by sharing their successful strategies. This episode focuses on how to level up your business marketing with video marketing.  Show Notes: Once only associated with TV commercials, video has become a driving force in marketing strategies for businesses large and small across digital platforms. If you're a small business, you don't need to spend thousands on video production to reach customers. It's an accessible medium that in some cases only requires a smartphone and an editing app. Now is the perfect time to add a video to your arsenal of marketing tools. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have successfully integrated video into their business outreach. Their video formats range from lists of tips to deep dives in various aspects of the mortgage market, but their strategies can work for businesses of any type. As mentioned in the episode, The CoLab recommends three apps to help you create simple but effective videos: VivaVideo, BombBomb, and Hippo Video. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [00:41] Marketing is an essential part of business, but what tactics and components will truly grow your business? This episode kicks off a series of shows focused on marketing. First up: video marketing. [04:36] Video can be an intimidating medium but with the right tools, you can make it work for your business marketing. But, you need to take the first step and try. [07:34] It's easy to make excuses not to do a video for your business, chief among them that you're concerned with embarrassing yourself. That's understandable but try to set that fear aside. [14:48] Once you start making and posting videos, you need to stick with it. While some videos go viral, it usually takes time to build an audience and refine your content in order to continue expanding that audience. [16:45] While your business has a product or service to sell, don't make your videos all about what you're trying to sell. Instead, you can add value to your customers' viewing experience by making videos that educate around topics related to your business and industry. [23:15] The CoLab recommends three apps to help you create simple but effective videos: VivaVideo, BombBomb, and Hippo Video.  Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Properly managing finances is a make or break for many small businesses, but keeping tabs on where your money is coming and going can be difficult. To help get small business by numbers on the right financial track, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined by Tom Ward, a longtime entrepreneur, founder of Majestic Mortgage Corporation and Mortgage ProfitAbility, and author of the book The Empathy Effect: Build Your Business —and Your Wealth—By Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes. Show Notes: Finances are one of the most important but challenging aspects of running a business. As a busy entrepreneur, it's easy to overlook or focus on the wrong numbers and find yourself in a bind. It takes the right tools and resources to create a foundation for financial success. In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar invite entrepreneur and business coach Tom Ward on the podcast to share his insight into how you can successfully manage your business finances and set yourself up for success. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [03:12] Introducing Tom Ward, an experienced entrepreneur and business coach who specializes in profitability. [11:54] Knowing your numbers is critical in business. Think of it as a sport. If you know your statistics as an athlete, you know if you're improving or regressing. The same principle can be applied to business. [19:14] There are three critical numbers you should know and understand when running your business: revenue, expenses, and profit/loss. [29:23] Entrepreneurs have a tendency to put themselves on an island. It's a mindset where if they talk to anyone about their problems, they're showing weakness. Instead, reach to others with questions and use their advice to strengthen your finances and your business as a whole. [37:10] As a business owner, you should get to know your numbers by reviewing your financial statements at least monthly. It'll help you create baselines that you can use in the future to judge your business performance. You can learn more about Tom's book, The Empathy Effect: Build Your Business —and Your Wealth—By Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes, by clicking here and his Mortgage ProfitAbility services by clicking here. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Properly managing finances is a make or break for many small businesses, but keeping tabs on where your money is coming and going can be difficult. To help get small business by numbers on the right financial track, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined by Tom Ward, a longtime entrepreneur, founder of Majestic Mortgage Corporation and Mortgage ProfitAbility, and author of the book The Empathy Effect: Build Your Business —and Your Wealth—By Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes. Show Notes: Finances are one of the most important but challenging aspects of running a business. As a busy entrepreneur, it's easy to overlook or focus on the wrong numbers and find yourself in a bind. It takes the right tools and resources to create a foundation for financial success. In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar invite entrepreneur and business coach Tom Ward on the podcast to share his insight into how you can successfully manage your business finances and set yourself up for success. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [03:12] Introducing Tom Ward, an experienced entrepreneur and business coach who specializes in profitability. [11:54] Knowing your numbers is critical in business. Think of it as a sport. If you know your statistics as an athlete, you know if you're improving or regressing. The same principle can be applied to business. [19:14] There are three critical numbers you should know and understand when running your business: revenue, expenses, and profit/loss. [29:23] Entrepreneurs have a tendency to put themselves on an island. It's a mindset where if they talk to anyone about their problems, they're showing weakness. Instead, reach to others with questions and use their advice to strengthen your finances and your business as a whole. [37:10] As a business owner, you should get to know your numbers by reviewing your financial statements at least monthly. It'll help you create baselines that you can use in the future to judge your business performance. You can learn more about Tom's book, The Empathy Effect: Build Your Business —and Your Wealth—By Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes, by clicking here and his Mortgage ProfitAbility services by clicking here. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: You can't do everything yourself as a small business owner, and many owners turn to assistants for help managing their workload. But the COVID-19 pandemic transformed bustling offices into ghost towns as many employees shifted to working from home. The new virtual world has business leaders thinking differently about staff and more open to the idea of hiring a virtual assistant. In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar discuss their success with virtual assistants and tips for how you can hire your own. Show Notes: As the past year has demonstrated, workers in nearly every industry have been able to navigate working from home. But long before the pandemic started, virtual assistants were available to help business owners with a variety of tasks. Virtual assistants can work from anywhere and often have specialities that can help grow your business while costing you less than an internal hire. Think you could benefit from a virtual assistant or are just curious about how it all works? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar cover the basics of virtual assistants, where to find them, and dispel some misconceptions that surround these types of positions. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [04:03] In the wake of COVID-19, many businesses had to adapt to a virtual format, which opened the door for more small business owners to consider hiring virtual assistants. [06:31] Virtual assistants are people you can hire that will perform tasks remotely for your business. They could live in the same city or in a different country. Some are generalists while others have specialities. [20:44] Finding virtual assistants can be tricky if you don't know where to look. [25:42] In addition to being cost effective, virtual assistants can provide support to business teams of any size and can be hired to do specific types of work that other employees may not have time to attend to, such as posting on social media. [35:13] Learn more about what it's like being a virtual assistant from Jose, a sound engineer who works as a virtual assistant for Megan and Andres and helps produce The CoLab podcast. [50:00] Now hear from Justin, a virtual assistant who helps Megan and Andres with social media and other marketing efforts. Hiring Resource: Megan and Andres recommend https://www.onlinejobs.ph/ for finding virtual assistants. What about you? Have you experienced success with virtual assistants? Let us know in the comments below and share your story with us! Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: You can't do everything yourself as a small business owner, and many owners turn to assistants for help managing their workload. But the COVID-19 pandemic transformed bustling offices into ghost towns as many employees shifted to working from home. The new virtual world has business leaders thinking differently about staff and more open to the idea of hiring a virtual assistant. In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar discuss their success with virtual assistants and tips for how you can hire your own. Show Notes: As the past year has demonstrated, workers in nearly every industry have been able to navigate working from home. But long before the pandemic started, virtual assistants were available to help business owners with a variety of tasks. Virtual assistants can work from anywhere and often have specialities that can help grow your business while costing you less than an internal hire. Think you could benefit from a virtual assistant or are just curious about how it all works? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar cover the basics of virtual assistants, where to find them, and dispel some misconceptions that surround these types of positions. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [04:03] In the wake of COVID-19, many businesses had to adapt to a virtual format, which opened the door for more small business owners to consider hiring virtual assistants. [06:31] Virtual assistants are people you can hire that will perform tasks remotely for your business. They could live in the same city or in a different country. Some are generalists while others have specialities. [20:44] Finding virtual assistants can be tricky if you don't know where to look. [25:42] In addition to being cost effective, virtual assistants can provide support to business teams of any size and can be hired to do specific types of work that other employees may not have time to attend to, such as posting on social media. [35:13] Learn more about what it's like being a virtual assistant from Jose, a sound engineer who works as a virtual assistant for Megan and Andres and helps produce The CoLab podcast. [50:00] Now hear from Justin, a virtual assistant who helps Megan and Andres with social media and other marketing efforts. Hiring Resource: Megan and Andres recommend https://www.onlinejobs.ph/ for finding virtual assistants. What about you? Have you experienced success with virtual assistants? Let us know in the comments below and share your story with us! Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Clients are the lifeblood of any business, but expanding a customer base can prove difficult for small businesses. This week, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome René Rodriguiz, a behavioral neuroscience specialist and a dynamic keynote speaker who has helped thousands of business leaders transform themselves and their businesses for success sharing with us how to grow your sales in 6 steps. Show Notes: Making sales is a step-by-step process, but are you using the right steps as a small business owner to attract new clients, keep them, and encourage them to refer you to their social circles? René Rodriguiz breaks down six vital steps for business owners to take to grow their sales base and connect with clients in ways that make them feel valued and wowed. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar highly recommend René's signature course Amplifii (They've taken it three times!) to transform yourself as a business owner. Learn more about it here. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [02:22] Introducing René Rodriguiz, a behavioral neuroscience specialist and a dynamic keynote speaker who travels the world to transform how business leaders think and communicate. [04:49] Creating influence is vital in business. If you run a business, you're in the world of influence. You have to influence your clients to pay you and to buy from you. [09:04] There are only six ways that you make money in a direct-sales environment. These activities will help you generate leads, stand out, and build trust and relationships with clients. [25:25] Part of creating influence is engaging highly leveraged activities, such as content creation, face-to-face engagement with your clients and community, and generating press for achievements such as industry awards. [35:12] Getting in touch with purpose is everything. You can generate a business and generate profit, but lose sight of purpose and it means nothing. Did you like our how to grow your sales in 6 steps episode? Share it with someone who will find it beneficial. And let us know in the comments below what do you do to grow your sales? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Clients are the lifeblood of any business, but expanding a customer base can prove difficult for small businesses. This week, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome René Rodriguiz, a behavioral neuroscience specialist and a dynamic keynote speaker who has helped thousands of business leaders transform themselves and their businesses for success sharing with us how to grow your sales in 6 steps. Show Notes: Making sales is a step-by-step process, but are you using the right steps as a small business owner to attract new clients, keep them, and encourage them to refer you to their social circles? René Rodriguiz breaks down six vital steps for business owners to take to grow their sales base and connect with clients in ways that make them feel valued and wowed. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar highly recommend René's signature course Amplifii (They've taken it three times!) to transform yourself as a business owner. Learn more about it here. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [02:22] Introducing René Rodriguiz, a behavioral neuroscience specialist and a dynamic keynote speaker who travels the world to transform how business leaders think and communicate. [04:49] Creating influence is vital in business. If you run a business, you're in the world of influence. You have to influence your clients to pay you and to buy from you. [09:04] There are only six ways that you make money in a direct-sales environment. These activities will help you generate leads, stand out, and build trust and relationships with clients. [25:25] Part of creating influence is engaging highly leveraged activities, such as content creation, face-to-face engagement with your clients and community, and generating press for achievements such as industry awards. [35:12] Getting in touch with purpose is everything. You can generate a business and generate profit, but lose sight of purpose and it means nothing. Did you like our how to grow your sales in 6 steps episode? Share it with someone who will find it beneficial. And let us know in the comments below what do you do to grow your sales? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: While many small businesses are vying for customers' attention through traditional mediums and social media channels, there's another platform you can use to promote your business: podcasts. This week, The CoLab Podcast hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined by Phil Treadwell, the National Director of Sales and Innovation and Strategy for Thrive Mortgage. Treadwell hosts the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast and has plenty of tips for small business owners to get started recording their own and grow your business through podcasting. Show Notes: The popularity of podcasts has exploded in recent years, but they're not just for true crime aficionados or newshounds. Podcasts can be a very valuable marketing tool to businesses of any size. To help you get started on your own podcast, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome Phil Treadwell, the National Director of Sales and Innovation and Strategy for Thrive Mortgage and host of the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [01:33] Introducing Phil Treadwell, host of the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast and founder of Industry Syndicate, which is the first podcast network for real estate and mortgage professionals. [06:46] Podcasting (and other types of content such blogs) can serve as a means of getting your business name out there simply because it's content that pops up in internet searches in addition to your business website or social media. [12:36] Starting a podcast requires the right mindset: abundance. As in, there is an abundance of business out there for entrepreneurs, so you'll need to shed the belief that offering tips and resources is giving away your business' proprietary information. [15:17] If the podcast you want includes interviews with industry experts or other types of guests, getting them on the show comes down to a simple bit of advice: Just ask. You never know who will say yes. [27:48] Starting a podcast doesn't require investing in expensive sound recording equipment. A pair of earbuds and a recording app on your smartphone are all you need to get started. [32:28] Podcasts aren't a short-term marketing solution. If you think it would be a good fit for you and your business, be prepared to invest time in producing and releasing your content and growing your audience. Are you going to grow your business through podcasting? Let us know in the comments below. And share this with someone who needs it! Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: While many small businesses are vying for customers' attention through traditional mediums and social media channels, there's another platform you can use to promote your business: podcasts. This week, The CoLab Podcast hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined by Phil Treadwell, the National Director of Sales and Innovation and Strategy for Thrive Mortgage. Treadwell hosts the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast and has plenty of tips for small business owners to get started recording their own and grow your business through podcasting. Show Notes: The popularity of podcasts has exploded in recent years, but they're not just for true crime aficionados or newshounds. Podcasts can be a very valuable marketing tool to businesses of any size. To help you get started on your own podcast, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome Phil Treadwell, the National Director of Sales and Innovation and Strategy for Thrive Mortgage and host of the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [01:33] Introducing Phil Treadwell, host of the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast and founder of Industry Syndicate, which is the first podcast network for real estate and mortgage professionals. [06:46] Podcasting (and other types of content such blogs) can serve as a means of getting your business name out there simply because it's content that pops up in internet searches in addition to your business website or social media. [12:36] Starting a podcast requires the right mindset: abundance. As in, there is an abundance of business out there for entrepreneurs, so you'll need to shed the belief that offering tips and resources is giving away your business' proprietary information. [15:17] If the podcast you want includes interviews with industry experts or other types of guests, getting them on the show comes down to a simple bit of advice: Just ask. You never know who will say yes. [27:48] Starting a podcast doesn't require investing in expensive sound recording equipment. A pair of earbuds and a recording app on your smartphone are all you need to get started. [32:28] Podcasts aren't a short-term marketing solution. If you think it would be a good fit for you and your business, be prepared to invest time in producing and releasing your content and growing your audience. Are you going to grow your business through podcasting? Let us know in the comments below. And share this with someone who needs it! Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: There are so many parts involved when it comes to running a business that it's possible as an owner to lose sight of one of its most valuable assets: yourself and the value you bring to your brand. In the age of social media, there are endless opportunities to connect with customers both as a business brand and more personally as an influencer. In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome Nicki Maher, a former corporate executive turned brand advisor and founder of Nicki Marie LLC, through which she advises businesses and thought leaders on their omni-channel marketing and communications strategy and integrating influencer marketing. Show Notes: Influencer marketing has become a hot trend in business. Companies are paying influencers to promote their products or encouraging their staff to become influencers themselves in order to connect with audiences— and potential customers. As a small business owner, you can join this movement by implementing new marketing strategies that have the potential to put your product or service in front of millions of new customers while sharing your authentic self at the same time. Integrating Influencer marketing gives business owners an opportunity to connect directly with audiences and purport themselves as real people looking to solve problems, pass on valuable information, or just entertain people—all of which can be leveraged into revenue for your business. Get our 3 Step Guide to Getting Social Media Influencers to Promote Your Product or Service today! Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [02:33] Many people want to own a business but often find themselves stopped by feelings of doubt or fear because they recognize that owning a business and being part of one are very different experiences. [11:17] Everybody wants that management title but do they understand the difference between working on a project and leading the project and the people involved? [19:15] Marketing is changing, especially as people crave more authentic connections with others (including businesses) during times of social distancing. Influencer marketing is on the rise and it's not just for twenty-somethings. [25:51] Social media is a medium you can monetize while connecting with your audience as a business owner or as a company. [31:36] A key component of using social media for business is your posts are not for you, they're for your audience. You're speaking directly to them so be sure the message you want to send caters to them. [36:55] Thinking about taking a step toward integrating influencer marketing into your business? Maher recommends identifying what type of leader you are and connecting and surround yourself with the opposite type of person—people that can get stuff done that you can't. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Guide to Influencer Promotion: 3 Steps to Promoting Your Product or Business DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: There are so many parts involved when it comes to running a business that it's possible as an owner to lose sight of one of its most valuable assets: yourself and the value you bring to your brand. In the age of social media, there are endless opportunities to connect with customers both as a business brand and more personally as an influencer. In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome Nicki Maher, a former corporate executive turned brand advisor and founder of Nicki Marie LLC, through which she advises businesses and thought leaders on their omni-channel marketing and communications strategy and integrating influencer marketing. Show Notes: Influencer marketing has become a hot trend in business. Companies are paying influencers to promote their products or encouraging their staff to become influencers themselves in order to connect with audiences— and potential customers. As a small business owner, you can join this movement by implementing new marketing strategies that have the potential to put your product or service in front of millions of new customers while sharing your authentic self at the same time. Integrating Influencer marketing gives business owners an opportunity to connect directly with audiences and purport themselves as real people looking to solve problems, pass on valuable information, or just entertain people—all of which can be leveraged into revenue for your business. Get our 3 Step Guide to Getting Social Media Influencers to Promote Your Product or Service today! Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: [02:33] Many people want to own a business but often find themselves stopped by feelings of doubt or fear because they recognize that owning a business and being part of one are very different experiences. [11:17] Everybody wants that management title but do they understand the difference between working on a project and leading the project and the people involved? [19:15] Marketing is changing, especially as people crave more authentic connections with others (including businesses) during times of social distancing. Influencer marketing is on the rise and it's not just for twenty-somethings. [25:51] Social media is a medium you can monetize while connecting with your audience as a business owner or as a company. [31:36] A key component of using social media for business is your posts are not for you, they're for your audience. You're speaking directly to them so be sure the message you want to send caters to them. [36:55] Thinking about taking a step toward integrating influencer marketing into your business? Maher recommends identifying what type of leader you are and connecting and surround yourself with the opposite type of person—people that can get stuff done that you can't. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Guide to Influencer Promotion: 3 Steps to Promoting Your Product or Business DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Being a woman in the world of business comes with its own set of unique challenges. One of the biggest is the double standard of expressing emotion. The CoLab host Megan Marsh dives into this topic with co-worker Melissa Mueller, loan originator for Keystone Alliance Mortgage. Show Notes: Navigating the business world requires grit, tenacity, and passion. How those characteristics and others are interpreted is often defined by gender. Women are often socially penalized in business settings for expressing emotions that are considered masculine. Rather than being seen as strong, passionate, and direct, they instead are called bossy, over-emotional, and intimidating. Understanding the energy behind emotions and casting their associated gender stereotypes to the side will help make you a better business owner and team leader. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: ● [00:47] The topic of emotions in the workplace is often centered on women, but discussing this topic is valuable to anyone of any gender. ● [02:43] In the workplace, women often come under greater scrutiny than men for expressing emotion. ● [06:38] At the risk of being seen as unstable, women have to learn to adapt quickly and control their emotions, the expression of which is often incorrectly perceived as weakness. ● [14:24] A stoic exterior is often the expectation in business, especially in roles that deal directly with clients. But oftentimes, expressing emotions is more about energy leaving the body, not the feelings associated with them. ● [21:48] The perception of emotions in regard to women can negatively affect their advancement in the workplace. ● [30:29] In the moment, it's important to take a deep breath, sit for a moment, and think about the facts of the situation and the emotions they are triggering. ● [33:41] There are resources and strategies you can use while at work to help navigate situations that might trigger an emotional reaction. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW

Description: Being a woman in the world of business comes with its own set of unique challenges. One of the biggest is the double standard of expressing emotion. The CoLab host Megan Marsh dives into this topic with co-worker Melissa Mueller, loan originator for Keystone Alliance Mortgage. Show Notes: Navigating the business world requires grit, tenacity, and passion. How those characteristics and others are interpreted is often defined by gender. Women are often socially penalized in business settings for expressing emotions that are considered masculine. Rather than being seen as strong, passionate, and direct, they instead are called bossy, over-emotional, and intimidating. Understanding the energy behind emotions and casting their associated gender stereotypes to the side will help make you a better business owner and team leader. Ready to dive in? Here's what we're covering in this episode of The CoLab: ● [00:47] The topic of emotions in the workplace is often centered on women, but discussing this topic is valuable to anyone of any gender. ● [02:43] In the workplace, women often come under greater scrutiny than men for expressing emotion. ● [06:38] At the risk of being seen as unstable, women have to learn to adapt quickly and control their emotions, the expression of which is often incorrectly perceived as weakness. ● [14:24] A stoic exterior is often the expectation in business, especially in roles that deal directly with clients. But oftentimes, expressing emotions is more about energy leaving the body, not the feelings associated with them. ● [21:48] The perception of emotions in regard to women can negatively affect their advancement in the workplace. ● [30:29] In the moment, it's important to take a deep breath, sit for a moment, and think about the facts of the situation and the emotions they are triggering. ● [33:41] There are resources and strategies you can use while at work to help navigate situations that might trigger an emotional reaction. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation DOWNLOAD NOW