Podcast appearances and mentions of henry lopez

Employee to Business Owner - what to consider when overcoming the fear and uncertainty of transitioning from employee to business owner. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/571-employee-to-business-owner/ If you've dreamed of leaving your job to start your own business but feel stuck by fear, uncertainty, or financial security, this episode is for you. Henry Lopez shares his personal experience and practical advice on how to successfully transition from employee to business owner. He explores both the emotional and financial challenges of walking away from a steady paycheck, the perceived safety of a job, and the mental blocks that hold many people back from starting their first small business. Henry discusses the importance of mindset, reframing risk, and having a clear, validated business plan. He highlights transferable skills from corporate roles that can set you up for entrepreneurial success, including communication, leadership, budgeting, and project management. He also explains how a side hustle or franchise can offer a smoother path to business ownership. The key is to focus on planning, building a financial runway, seeking mentorship, and ultimately taking the leap of faith when you're ready. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Buyer-First Sales for Business Owners with sales coach and author Carole Mahoney. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/570-carole-mahoney-buyer-first-sales/ Do you dread sales conversations or feel like you're forcing your product or service onto people? Carole Mahoney, renowned sales coach and author of Buyer First, joins Henry Lopez to change the way small business owners think about selling. Carole shares how collaborative selling can not only improve your results but also feel more authentic and aligned with your values. You'll hear how Carole went from hating sales to becoming one of the most respected voices in the industry - and how her rock-bottom moment led to a complete mindset shift. She explains how buyer behavior has changed, why consultative selling often misses the mark, and what business owners can do to connect more deeply with prospects. You'll also learn how to regulate your emotions before a big sales call and how to handle objections without pressure tactics. Whether you're just starting or looking to grow, Carole's actionable advice will help you reframe sales as a collaborative and human-centered process. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Big Rocks - a prioritization and time management technique for small business owners. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/569-big-rocks/ If you're always busy but still not making meaningful progress, this episode is for you. Henry Lopez introduces the “Big Rocks” method made famous by Stephen Covey, helping small business owners and entrepreneurs shift from reactive to purposeful weekly planning. This isn't about doing more - it's about doing what matters most.” “The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Steven Covey You'll learn: What Big Rocks really are—and how they differ from to-do lists. How to define 2 to 5 meaningful tasks (Big Rocks) that will actually move your business forward each week. Common mistakes to avoid (like creating Big Rocks that are too vague or too big). How to integrate this method with time blocking for maximum impact on your small business. Simple tools and tips to build your weekly planning habit. Whether you're managing a growing team or juggling solo responsibilities, this framework can help you reclaim focus and make consistent progress on what matters most. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

The two most essential responsibilities every successful small business owner must embrace: making decisions and accepting personal mistakes. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r245-two-responsibilities/ While the list of responsibilities is long for any entrepreneur, these two are foundational to the success of a small business owner or entrepreneur. On this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez shares personal insights and experiences to help aspiring and current business owners understand why the courage to decide, and the humility to own up to missteps, are traits that separate doers from dreamers. From the pressures of leadership to the fear of failure, Henry offers motivation and practical advice to help you stay on track even when your confidence is shaken. If you're considering business ownership, or already on the journey, this episode will inspire you to step up with confidence and resilience. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Own the Spotlight - practical strategies small business owners can use to turn public speaking from dread to delight, emphasizing the power of storytelling and authentic communication. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/568-linda-ugelow-own-the-spotlight/ In this episode, Henry Lopez speaks with Linda Ugelow, author of Delight in the Limelight and an expert speaking confidence coach, about overcoming the fear of public speaking. Linda shares her personal journey from anxiety to mastery, highlighting how past experiences, especially in childhood, often create deep-rooted fears. She reveals practical strategies entrepreneurs can use to turn public speaking from dread to delight, emphasizing the power of storytelling and authentic communication. Linda also introduces her proven "7 Preparation Rituals," designed to reduce anxiety and help speakers deliver impactful presentations. Tune in to learn actionable techniques to boost your speaking confidence and authentically connect with your audience. How can small business owners overcome public speaking fears? Small business owners can overcome speaking fears by identifying the root cause of their anxiety, using storytelling to engage authentically, and preparing effectively through visualization. Why is storytelling important in public speaking? Storytelling creates authentic connections, captures audience attention, and helps speakers overcome fears by shifting focus from self-consciousness to delivering valuable messages. What are effective public speaking preparation techniques? Effective techniques include visualization, understanding potential challenges, healing past speaking traumas, voice training, and practical rehearsal strategies. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Focus Without Burnout: Smarter Strategies for Entrepreneurs. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/567-skye-waterson-focus-without-burnout/ In this episode of The How of Business, host Henry Lopez is joined by ADHD strategist and coach Skye Waterson to explore powerful strategies for entrepreneurs who struggle with focus, burnout, or executive dysfunction. Skye and Henry break down how to work with your brain instead of against it, using tools like time blocking, effective delegation, and Skye's free “focus filter” to bring clarity and momentum to your workweek. Henry and Skye also discuss why finding a non-business hobby matters for stimulation, how to prioritize tasks with intention, and ways to turn long-term goals into manageable weekly actions. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Good Debt Bad Debt: How to Borrow Strategically in Business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/566-good-debt-bad-debt/ In this episode of The How of Business, host Henry Lopez reframes how small business owners think about debt. While consumer debt is often harmful and emotionally charged, Henry makes the case that strategic borrowing, or good debt, can be an essential growth tool for entrepreneurs. Henry walks through key differences between personal and business debt, outlines how to identify smart uses of debt (like funding revenue-generating assets or covering working capital gaps), and warns against the dangers of relying on debt to prop up an unprofitable business model. Also learn about core financial concepts including leverage ratios, opportunity cost, and the time value of money, and how to apply them when making borrowing decisions. Henry shares practical tips, such as using low-interest loans over high-interest credit cards, keeping operating reserves, and not rushing to pay off good debt early if it's working for you. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Transitioning from manager to leader is more than a title change - it's a mindset shift. In this episode, executive coach James Turk shares insights from his book The Giving Game, including his F45 Playbook for new leaders. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/565-james-turk-manager-to-leader/ Whether you're stepping into leadership yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is packed with practical advice to lead with influence, not just authority. Drawing from decades of experience in leadership development and coaching, James introduces his F45 Playbook - a roadmap for the first 45 days in a leadership role. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, relationship-building, and aligning with a greater purpose. Whether you're stepping into a leadership role yourself or promoting someone into one, James explains how to approach the transition thoughtfully and sustainably. One of the core themes of the conversation is the power of leading with influence rather than relying solely on authority. James discusses the challenges that often arise when new managers are promoted from within—especially when they have to supervise former peers—and provides a framework for navigating that shift effectively. He also shares tips on delegation, developing team trust, and fostering a positive culture through clear definitions and expectations. From running a virtual team to supporting team member growth, James outlines what it takes to build a thriving organization rooted in performance and purpose. He also shares the origins of The Turk Group and how his varied career journey—from art galleries to acting to executive coaching—informs his approach to leadership. This episode is essential listening for any small business owner seeking to equip new managers, clarify their own leadership style, or build a stronger, more empowered team. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

The essentials of Small Business Systems with host Henry Lopez. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r242-small-business-systems/ Building a self-managed business starts with solid systems. In this short solo episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez shares practical advice on how to develop, implement, and improve the systems that help small businesses scale, delegate, and operate consistently. Whether you're just starting out or need to escape the chaos of doing everything yourself, this episode is your roadmap to operational freedom. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

The Courage Gap - Overcoming fear and self-doubt to take bold action in your business and life. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/564-margie-warrell-courage-gap/ Dr. Margie Warrell joins Henry Lopez to explore how fear often holds small business owners back—not because of what they can't do, but because of what they aren't doing. Margie's latest book, The Courage Gap, unpacks how entrepreneurs and professionals can close the gap between their potential and their current actions by rewiring how they think, behave, and react to fear. She shares a 5-step framework for braver action, addresses how to navigate imposter syndrome, and emphasizes the importance of learning from failure rather than being defined by it. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How I use AI (Artificial Intelligence) in my small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/563-how-i-use-ai/ AI is no longer optional – it's a game-changer for small business owners. In this episode, Henry Lopez shares how he uses AI tools like ChatGPT to increase productivity, streamline content creation, automate workflows, and improve client services. If you're still on the sidelines, this episode shares examples of how you can start using AI in your business today. In this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez provides a behind-the-scenes look at how he's actively using AI tools and large language models to enhance productivity in his small business operations, podcast production, coaching sessions, and planning. Episode Breakdown: Podcast Content Workflow – Using ChatGPT for episode planning, summarizing, and LinkedIn post creation. Zoom AI Companion – Summarizing coaching sessions and highlighting action items. Rev.com AI Transcription – Turning audio into text for content reuse and SEO. Prompt Engineering – How better prompts get better ChatGPT results. Document Review – Using ChatGPT to interpret and summarize agreements. Business Planning – Creating business plans with ChatGPT acting as a thinking partner. Automation with Zapier – Connecting platforms like Patreon and Mailchimp. AI in Marketing Tools – Features in Mailchimp, Canva, and CRM platforms. Advice for Beginners – Start small and experiment with the tools you already use. Top 3 Takeaways: AI isn't just for big companies—small business owners can start using it today. ChatGPT and other tools save hours by providing content, summaries, and insights. Effective prompting is key to unlocking the true power of AI tools. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

What are the essential Skills for Success in small business and life? Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/562-skills-for-success/ In this episode, Henry Lopez and guest co-host David Begin break down the critical skills and traits that lead to long-term success. From self-discipline to curiosity, they explore practical insights to help entrepreneurs and professionals thrive. Henry and David discuss the key skills and personal traits that they've observed in successful business owners and leaders. Drawing from personal experiences and coaching insights, they share lessons on resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Episode Summary: Defining Success – How personal and professional goals shape our definition of success. Self-Discipline & Sacrifice – Why delayed gratification and persistence are critical. Being Teachable & Coachable – The role of seeking mentorship, coaching, and lifelong learning. Curiosity & Asking Great Questions – How curiosity fuels innovation and decision-making. Making & Owning Decisions – The importance of embracing accountability. Persistence & Resilience – Overcoming setbacks and learning from failure. Self-Awareness & Leadership – Understanding strengths, weaknesses, and personal growth. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Cyber Security for small businesses, with IT services and cybersecurity experts Gary Pica. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/561-gary-pica-cyber-security/ Cybersecurity threats are a growing risk for small businesses. In this episode, Henry Lopez speaks with Gary Pica, a pioneer in IT services and cybersecurity, about practical strategies to protect small businesses from cyber threats. Learn how to reduce risks, implement strong security measures, and plan for potential cyberattacks. Gary Pica is a pioneer in IT services, having built one of the first managed service providers (MSP) in 1996. After scaling his business into a multi-million-dollar company, he sold it and dedicated his career to helping IT service providers grow and improve cybersecurity solutions. Gary is now General Manager of TruMethods at Kaseya, where he has helped over 2,000 IT companies build profitable, scalable businesses. Episode Breakdown: The increasing risk of cyber threats for small businesses Why small businesses are prime targets for hackers Common cybersecurity mistakes business owners make The importance of outsourcing IT security to managed service providers Essential security measures every small business should implement How cybercriminals exploit small business vulnerabilities Building a cybersecurity incident response plan The role of cybersecurity awareness training for employees Top 3 Takeaways: Cyberattacks are inevitable—small businesses must plan as if they will be targeted. Basic security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and backups can prevent major breaches. Outsourcing IT security to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) ensures expert-level protection. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

If you are considering a franchise business, then look for the 4 Franchise Benefits. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/560-4-franchise-benefits/ Henry Lopez breaks down four key benefits a franchise should offer to ensure success. From proven systems to strong branding, this episode explores what to look for when evaluating a franchise opportunity. In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez shares insights from his years of franchise ownership and consulting to highlight four essential benefits of franchising. Whether you're exploring a new franchise or evaluating an opportunity, this episode will help you make an informed decision. Download the “4 Franchise Benefits” guide from the show notes page for this episode. A franchise should offer you these four benefits: Proven Systems – A structured, repeatable business model to follow. Brand Strength – Leveraging brand awareness and reputation for growth. Leverage & Buying Power – Access to better deals and resources than independent owners. Franchisee Network – A community of supportive and experienced business owners. “A great franchise should offer you a roadmap to success.” — Henry Lopez Top Takeaways: A good franchise provides comprehensive systems and training to set you up for success. Brand recognition can be a major advantage but evaluate its strength in your market. The potential leverage of economies of scale is a critical franchise benefit to evaluate.  The network of franchisees is an invaluable resource for learning and growth. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Five major challenges that prevent small businesses from scaling. Henry shares practical solutions that small business owners can implement to break through growth barriers and create a scalable, profitable small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/559-5-reasons-business-wont-grow/ From financial constraints to owner dependency, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you achieve sustainable growth. In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez explores five major challenges that prevent small businesses from scaling. He shares practical solutions that business owners can implement to break through growth barriers and create a scalable, profitable business. Episode Breakdown: 5 Reasons Your Small Business Won't Grow.  Lack of a Clear Strategy – The importance of a structured business plan. Financial Constraints – Managing cash flow, pricing, and operational costs effectively. Lack of Systems – Why automating and streamlining processes is key. Owner Dependency – How to delegate and build a self-sustaining business. Marketing & Sales Challenges – Strategies to create consistent lead generation. Top 3 Takeaways: A clear strategy & defined goals are essential for long-term business success. Cash flow management & proper pricing ensure sustainable profitability. Effective delegation & process automation help businesses grow beyond the owner's capacity. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Building and sustaining a high-performance team is critical for small business success. High-Performance Teams with Vicky Brown, founder of Idomeneo Enterprises, an HR consultancy that helps business owners develop strong, engaged teams. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/557-vicky-brown-high-performance-teams/ In this episode, Henry Lopez talks with Vicky Brown, founder of Idomeneo Enterprises, an HR consultancy that helps business owners develop strong, engaged teams. Vicky shares strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent, along with insights from her entrepreneurial journey. Vicky Brown is a business leader, HR consultant, and author with decades of experience in corporate and entrepreneurial HR management. She is the founder of Idomeneo Enterprises, which provides HR support and leadership development for small businesses. She also hosts the podcast More Human, More Resources and is the author of Sing with Your Opera Voice: My Journey from Solopreneur to Entrepreneur. High-Performance Teams: Vicky's journey from corporate HR to entrepreneurship Defining a high-performance team and why they matter How to attract and retain top talent in small businesses The role of workplace culture in building a great team Common HR mistakes that small business owners make Why delegation and leadership development are crucial The impact of micromanagement on employee performance How to create an effective hiring process that attracts high performers Top 3 Takeaways: Hiring is a marketing exercise—business owners must position their company as an attractive place to work. Leaders must delegate and avoid micromanagement to empower high-performing teams. A thriving company culture attracts and retains top talent, making HR strategy essential for growth. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Outsourcing your back-office operations with Dida Clifton, founder and CEO of The Office Squad. She shares how outsourcing key operational tasks can free up time for small business owners to focus on growth. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/558-dida-clifton-outsourcing-back-office/ In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez welcomes Dida Clifton, the founder and CEO of The Office Squad. They discuss how small businesses can improve efficiency by outsourcing back-office operations, Dida's military-inspired approach to structure and processes, and the impact of delegating bookkeeping and administrative tasks. Dida Clifton is a business owner, entrepreneur, and efficiency expert with over 23 years of experience in supporting small business owners. As the founder of The Office Squad, she brings military discipline and operational structure to help businesses streamline their back-office operations. Dida is passionate about helping entrepreneurs regain control of their businesses by providing outsourced bookkeeping, administrative support, and operational solutions. Outsourcing Your Back Office: Dida's journey from the Air Force to entrepreneurship Why structured operations are critical for small business success The biggest back-office challenges small businesses face The role of bookkeeping and why it's more than just accounting How outsourcing back-office tasks can free up time for business owners How The Office Squad ensures financial security and prevents fraud Why hybrid work models can be more effective than fully remote teams The long-term benefits of outsourcing operations to prepare for growth or sale Top 3 Takeaways: Small business owners should focus on growth while delegating administrative and bookkeeping tasks to experts. Operational structure and bookkeeping are key to business success, not just tax compliance. Outsourcing back-office functions can reduce risk, improve efficiency, and make a business more attractive for future sale. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

What do you plan to get done this year? Returning Livestream guest- Henry Lopez I'm happy to have Henry join me on a live broadcast. He has many years of small business experience including several startups and exits. Tune in and as we'll be discussing how small businesses can create a realistic strategic plan. He's actually got a tool you can download to make it easier. This is a ‘must see event' for business owners or people who plan to be there one day. Find Henry on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-lopez-9758524/ or his podcast here: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/

David shares expert insights into buying and selling small businesses, highlighting why acquiring an existing business can be faster, easier, and less risky than starting from scratch. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/556-david-barnett-buy-right-business/ Thinking about buying a business but unsure where to start? In this episode, David Barnett, business consultant, author, and expert in small business acquisitions, joins Henry Lopez to share practical strategies for buying and selling businesses successfully. David explains why acquiring an existing business is often faster, easier, and less risky than starting from scratch, how to find the right business to buy, and common mistakes to avoid when structuring a deal. David also breaks down key financial considerations, including seller financing, avoiding excessive debt, and ensuring cash flow sustainability. Plus, he shares insight into how to identify a motivated seller and why the so-called "silver tsunami" of baby boomer business sales may not be what many expect. "It's not about just getting the deal done - it's about ensuring you don't overpay and that the business will actually work for you after the purchase." – David Barnett Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make smarter business decisions and avoid costly mistakes. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Former tech executive LLance Kezner shares how he turned his passion for home cooking into Millie's Sipping Broth, a specialty food brand offering savory, health-conscious beverages in tea bag form. LLance discusses his journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling a food business, and the milestone of landing his award-winning product on Walmart shelves nationwide. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/555-llance-kezner-kitchen-to-shelf/ In this episode, LLance Kesner, a former tech executive turned food entrepreneur, shares his journey from the corporate world to launching Millie's Sipping Broth, a specialty food brand that is now available in Walmart stores nationwide. LLance discusses how he and his wife, Lori, took a simple idea—creating a healthier, more convenient alternative to bouillon cubes—and turned it into an innovative product that combines the comfort of broth with the convenience of tea bags. LLance walks us through the early days of developing the product in their kitchen, validating demand at Seattle's Pike Place Market, and navigating the complex world of food manufacturing and retail. He also shares the challenges of scaling, including finding the right co-packer, securing funding, and ultimately winning Walmart's highly competitive “Golden Ticket” opportunity. Key Takeaways: Start fast, learn fast: LLance emphasizes the importance of getting a product to market quickly and refining based on real customer feedback. “Don't waste any time, don't overthink it. Really focus on the simplest application of your product and get it in front of people who might buy it.” Solve a real problem: Millie's Sipping Broth fills a gap in the beverage market—offering a savory, low-calorie alternative to coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. “We were selling broth in the middle of summer, in 100-degree heat, and people were buying it. That's when we knew we had something special.” Scaling smartly: LLance explains why finding the right retail partners at the right time is crucial and how their online success, including being featured by Weight Watchers International, helped prepare them for mass distribution. Now available in over 2,500 Walmart locations, Millie's Sipping Broth is a testament to the power of persistence, product-market fit, and strategic partnerships. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

When to quit - How to Know When to Pivot or Persevere. When to quit a project, a marketing campaign, a product line, a business model or perhaps an entire small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/554-when-to-quit/ When should you quit versus push through? In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez explores the challenging decision of whether to persevere through difficulties or strategically quit and pivot to something better. Inspired by The Dip by Seth Godin, Henry breaks down the difference between temporary struggles (the dip) and dead-end situations (cul-de-sacs), helping you make smarter decisions in your business. “Extraordinary benefit accrues to the tiny minority of people who are able to push just a tiny bit longer than most.” – Seth Godin, The Dip This episode for small business owners addresses: How to recognize if you're in a dip or a dead end. The dangers of sunk-cost thinking and why quitting isn't failure. Why persistence leads to success—but only when applied in the right places. How quitting can free up resources for more promising opportunities. “Quit the wrong stuff, stick with the right stuff, have the guts to do one or the other.” – Seth Godin, The Dip If you're struggling with whether to keep going or pivot, this episode will give you the clarity you need. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Randy's entrepreneurial journey, insights on scaling a small business, and the importance of making customers the hero by addressing their deeper needs and solving bottlenecks to achieve lasting success. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/553-randy-shaw-scaling-your-business/ In this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez interviews Randy Shaw, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of BRYTESIGHT, a leading technology design consulting firm.  Randy shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from his psychology and pre-med studies at Yale to professional soccer and eventually becoming a business owner. He offers valuable insights into scaling a business, building a strong team, and the importance of focusing on customer success. Key topics include: Randy's transition from corporate roles to launching BRYTESIGHT and scaling it to multiple U.S. locations and Europe. The importance of making your customer the hero of the story, inspired by Donald Miller's Building a StoryBrand. Randy advises, “Always make your customer the hero of the story. You're Yoda, guiding Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi and win the day.” Strategies for entering new markets and creating strong B2B relationships with architects, project managers, and contractors. Lessons on identifying bottlenecks and using them to drive operational improvements, influenced by The Goal and Critical Chain by Eliyahu Goldratt. Randy emphasizes, “There will always be a bottleneck. It's like the horizon—you never reach it. Instead, focus on moving it and optimizing as you go.” Advice for entrepreneurs: follow your passion, embrace the process, and balance detailed planning with action. Randy encourages entrepreneurs to focus on the internal drivers of their customers, not just external factors like cost. He explains, “Customers buy for internal reasons like risk, achievement, or making their lives easier. If you focus on solving those deeper needs, you'll win their trust and loyalty.” This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Growing a Veteran-owned Wagyu Beef Business, KC Cattle Company, with founder Patrick Montgomery. Patrick highlights his journey from military service to entrepreneurship and how he leveraged public relations with Megan Bennett to grow his premium brand while overcoming challenges and embracing adaptability. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/552-wagyu-business-patrick-montgomery/ From Army Ranger to Wagyu Entrepreneur: Patrick Montgomery's Journey Join host Henry Lopez as he welcomes Megan Bennett, a public relations expert from Light Years Ahead, and Patrick Montgomery, the founder and CEO of KC Cattle Company, to The How of Business podcast. In this episode, Patrick shares his remarkable story of transitioning from his military career as an Army Ranger to launching a successful premium Wagyu beef business. Patrick dives into the challenges he faced in starting and growing KC Cattle Company, the lessons he learned as an entrepreneur, and the skills he carried over from his military service to his business journey. He also discusses the importance of building a transparent, veteran-focused brand and how adaptability has been key to overcoming industry challenges. Megan Bennett provides insights into how public relations helped shape KC Cattle Company's brand story and elevate its visibility. She explains why PR is a powerful tool for small business owners and how consistent PR efforts have helped Patrick gain meaningful media exposure, stand out in a competitive market, and grow his customer base. This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice for small business owners. Hear Patrick's tips for veterans exploring entrepreneurship and Megan's recommendations on investing in PR to build brand awareness and trust. Don't miss this insightful discussion about building a business with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to quality. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

From Self-Employed or Solopreneur through Serial Entrepreneur—what does it look like and what does it take, to go from running a one-person operation to managing a portfolio of successful businesses and creating a lasting legacy. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/551-5-stages-of-entrepreneurship/ In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez guides you through the 5 Stages of Entrepreneurship, providing a high-level roadmap to help you identify where you are on your entrepreneurial journey and how to move forward. The stages include: Self-Employed or Solopreneur: Running a business independently, relying on personal effort and expertise. Business Owner: Transitioning from solo work to managing a small team and creating sustainable systems. Entrepreneurial Stage: Scaling beyond a single business or location by leveraging market opportunities and innovation. Serial Entrepreneur: Building a diversified portfolio of businesses, with multiple income streams and a focus on leadership. Legacy Builder: Creating lasting impact through mentorship, investments, thought leadership, and philanthropy. Each stage is explored with key traits, advantages, challenges, and actionable steps to help you grow and succeed. Whether you're just starting out or looking to create a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and inspiration to help you progress. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Super Communicators - how to unlock the secret language of connection with journalist and the author Charles Duhigg. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/550-charles-duhigg-super-communicators/ In this episode, Henry Lopez interviews Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of The Power of Habit and Super Communicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. Their conversation explores the science of communication and its transformative impact on relationships and leadership. The Three Types of Conversations Duhigg introduces the three core types of conversations: practical (focused on problem-solving) emotional (centered on empathy social (addressing identity and relationships). He emphasizes the importance of aligning conversational styles to foster meaningful connections, avoid miscommunication, and build trust. These strategies are particularly valuable for leaders and business owners aiming to improve team dynamics and strengthen workplace culture. Actionable Techniques for Better Communication Several actionable techniques are shared, including asking deep, meaningful questions to uncover values and emotions, matching conversational styles for better connection, and using “looping for understanding” to ensure clarity and alignment. Duhigg also discusses how to adapt communication for remote and digital interactions, offering tips to maintain strong connections in these contexts. The Key to Leadership Success A key takeaway from the episode is that effective communication is a skill that can be developed through intentional practice. Duhigg encourages leaders to prioritize listening, empathy, and clarity in conversations, especially when managing difficult situations or delivering constructive feedback. By doing so, they can foster trust, resolve conflicts, and inspire their teams. The Broader Impact of Meaningful Communication The discussion also highlights the broader benefits of communication, including its role in personal happiness and fulfillment. Drawing on insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, Duhigg explains that building meaningful relationships through regular, intentional conversations significantly contributes to long-term well-being and success. This episode of The How of Business, the top-rated podcast show for small business owners, provides invaluable insights and practical advice for anyone seeking to enhance their communication skills, build stronger relationships, and lead more effectively. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Small Business Human Resources management with Claudia St. John. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/549-claudia-st-john-human-resources/ Are you struggling with hiring, retaining top talent, or building a positive workplace culture? On this episode Henry Lopez is joined by HR expert Claudia St. John, founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors. Claudia shares insights and tips on Small Business Human Resource management, including: The secrets to attracting and retaining the right employees in a tight labor market. How flexibility and growth opportunities are reshaping employee expectations. The critical role of training managers in essential leadership skills like empathy, feedback, and conflict resolution. She also offers practical advice for small business owners on HR compliance, recruiting, and creating a thriving workplace culture. Whether you're managing a team or preparing to scale your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights!  This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Highlights from 2024 Top 5 Episodes, based on unique listener downloads. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/548-2024-top-5-episodes/ Discover the most popular episodes of 2024, based on listener downloads, to help you start, run, and grow your small business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned small business owner, these episodes are packed with actionable advice and insights to drive your success. Top 4 Episodes: Episode 510 – 7 Start-Up Mistakes Avoid common pitfalls that hinder small business success, from poor planning and hiring mistakes to ineffective marketing strategies. Learn practical tips to overcome these obstacles and set your business up for long-term success. Episode 506 – Budgeting Fundamentals Master the art of budgeting with insights into financial control, planning, and performance measurement. This episode provides a step-by-step guide to managing expenses and achieving your financial goals. Episode R504 – Annual Strategic Planning Explore the 10 steps to crafting a powerful strategic plan to guide your business toward sustainable growth. Gain best practices for aligning your goals, measuring success, and preparing for market changes. Episode R1 – Ready to Be Your Own Boss? Assess whether you're ready, willing, and able to start your entrepreneurial journey. This episode delves into the mindset, effort, and resources needed to take the leap into business ownership. Episode 509 – Finding Your Identity Learn how to cultivate a balanced identity beyond your role as a business owner. Gain insights into delegating tasks, setting boundaries, and pursuing personal growth to achieve resilience and scalability. Free Tools & Resources: Business Expense Budget Tool: Monitor your annual operating budget with ease. Marketing Budget Tool: Plan your advertising and marketing spend effectively. Cash Flow Worksheet: Stay on top of your business's working capital. Annual Strategic Plan Outline: Build a robust strategic plan for growth. Starting Your Business Guide: Assess your readiness to become your own boss. Workshops & Courses: Annual Strategic Planning Workshop Join Henry Lopez in this live online workshop to develop a roadmap for achieving your business goals. Starting Your Business Course Learn what it takes to launch your small business. Unlock the insights and tools that made 2024's top episodes a hit with small business owners and entrepreneurs worldwide. Listen now and elevate your small business journey! This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Lessons from The Art of Shaving: starting, growing, and selling The Art of Shaving company. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/547-eric-malka-the-art-of-shaving/ On this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by Eric Malka, co-founder of the luxury men's grooming brand The Art of Shaving and author of On the Razor's Edge. Eric shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey, from starting with just $15,000 to building a globally recognized brand that was ultimately acquired by Procter & Gamble. Eric dives into: The importance of starting small and thinking big. How constraints can spark innovation and lead to success. The critical role of branding and intellectual property in building value. Why prudence, patience, and timing are essential for sustainable growth. The role of luck and how to position yourself to seize opportunities. He also reflects on key lessons learned from both successes and failures, offering actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. "Brands are more valuable than companies, and IP is the most valuable aspect of your brand." – Eric Malka Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to scale your small business, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and guide you. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to create a Strategic Plan for your small business. Use a Strategic Plan to set your goals, objectives and initiatives for your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r504-strategic-planning/ In this episode of The How of Business, host Henry Lopez dives into annual strategic planning - a critical tool for small business owners to achieve growth and long-term success. Strategic planning helps you align your goals, allocate resources efficiently, and create a clear action plan for the year ahead. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Why Strategic Planning Matters: Understand the benefits of having a focused and adaptable strategy for your business. The Key Difference Between Strategy & Planning: Learn how a clear strategy drives your planning process and positions your business to win in the market. 10 Steps to Build an Effective Strategic Plan: A comprehensive framework covering everything from reviewing the past year to setting goals, defining KPIs, budgeting, and adapting quarterly. Actionable Insights & Examples: Get practical tips to simplify your planning process, even if this is your first attempt at creating a strategic plan. Free Resource: Download the Annual Strategic Plan Outline to guide you through the process from the Show Notes page for this episode.   Whether you're an experienced business owner or just starting, this episode will help you focus on what matters most, measure your progress, and achieve success in 2025. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to own a successful Power Washing franchise small business with Aaron Harper.  Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/546-aaron-harper-power-washing-franchise/ On this episode we dive into the world of franchising and small business success with Aaron Harper, CEO of Rolling Suds, the leading power washing business franchise. Aaron shares his inspiring journey from Hollywood executive to franchise business leader, offering insights into how franchising can empower entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses. Discover how Rolling Suds is transforming the power washing industry with its proprietary equipment, streamlined processes, and focus on professionalization. Learn why franchising is the perfect model for aspiring small business owners looking for a proven system and strong support. Whether you're interested in starting your own power washing business, exploring the franchise business model, or simply gaining inspiration from a compelling entrepreneurial story, this episode has something for everyone. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Overcoming Fear to start and grow your small business, with Ruth Soukup - author of “Do It Scared: Finding the Courage to Face Your Fears, Overcome Obstacles, and Create a Life You Love”. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r255-ruth-soukup-overcoming-fear / "The whole idea behind ‘do it scared' is not that you don't ever feel afraid because we all feel afraid. It's that you take action even in the face of fear and you continually take action because ultimately action is the antidote to fear." Ruth introduces the concept of the Seven Fear Archetypes, which she developed through research involving over 4,000 participants. These archetypes include the Procrastinator, Rule Follower, People Pleaser, Outcast, Self-Doubter, Excuse Maker, and Pessimist. Each archetype reflects distinct ways fear manifests, such as procrastination driven by perfectionism or self-doubt stemming from insecurities. Understanding these archetypes allows individuals to identify their unique fears and develop targeted strategies to overcome them. Our discussion also focuses on principles of courage, including “owning your choices” and “recognizing that balance is overrated.” Ruth argues that taking responsibility for one's life, while letting go of the myth of perfection and balance, empowers individuals to prioritize purpose over superficial ideals. She highlights the importance of rejecting excuses, embracing imperfections, and persistently moving forward, even when success feels uncertain. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to take control of your time, and trade stress, overwhelm and anxiety for peace, freedom and clarity, with Andrew Hartman. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/545-andrew-hartman-take-control/ Andrew Hartman introduces the "Time Boss" framework to help small business owners regain control over their time by setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and incorporating "whirlwind time" to manage daily interruptions. Andrew shares time management and productivity improvement tips and techniques for small business owners.  He also introduces his time operating system designed to multiply your time. By adopting weekly planning and reflection habits, entrepreneurs can reduce stress and sustainably increase productivity without overworking. Andrew Hartman is the Founder of Time Boss, a training organization helping leaders and their teams take control of their time to get more done with less stress and anxiety. He founded Time Boss after burning out several times over, even losing his sense of smell for a season. He has taken all he has learned over the years to build a system to help business leaders avoid the same mistakes and chaos. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Henry's Top 10 Personal & Business Productivity Tools. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/544-top-10-productivity-tools/ In this episode of The How of Business, host Henry Lopez shares his current top 10 productivity tools that help him stay organized and efficient as a small business owner and business coach. These essential tools form the foundation of his daily operations, from using Outlook to manage all scheduling, to creating visuals with Canva, and simplifying client bookings with Calendly. Henry explains why he relies on ChatGPT for content creation, how Zapier automates repetitive tasks, and how Mailchimp and HubSpot enhance his client communication and relationship management. Listen to this episode to hear Henry's tips for choosing affordable, easy-to-use technology that can transform productivity and streamline operations for small business owners at any stage. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

1-3-1 Problem Solving Method, a simple yet effective approach to empower your team to independently tackle and solve problems in your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/542-employee-on-boarding/ **Episode Summary: The 1-3-1 Problem Solving Method for Small Business Owners** Co-hosts Henry Lopez and David Begin introduce the 1-3-1 Problem Solving Method, a simple yet effective approach to empower your team to independently tackle challenges. This method encourages critical thinking, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving by guiding team members to define a problem, brainstorm three possible solutions, and then recommend one solution to implement. As a small business owner, you don't have to be the Chief Problem Solver. By teaching your team to use the 1-3-1 method, you can delegate decision-making, develop your team's leadership skills, and free yourself to focus on strategic activities. We'll walk through how to introduce this method to your team, using real-world examples, and share tips on how to foster a culture of independent problem-solving. Key benefits of the 1-3-1 Method include: - Empowering teams to solve problems on their own. - Reducing dependency on management for day-to-day issues. - Accelerating decision-making. - Encouraging proactive, strategic thinking and boosting accountability. Listen to this podcast episode to learn how to implement this method and develop a more self-sufficient, confident, and capable team. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

The 6 Stages of Successful Employee On-Boarding for small businesses. How to create an effective on-boarding process that sets new hires and contractors up for long-term success. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/542-employee-on-boarding/ Go to the Show Notes to download the free Employee On-Boarding Guide. In this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez dives deep into the essential strategies for creating a robust employee onboarding process tailored for small business owners. Employee onboarding is not just about the first day - it's about setting new hires, including contractors, up for long-term success. From pre-hire preparation to ongoing support, Henry breaks down the six key stages of effective onboarding, offering practical tips to ensure new team members feel welcomed, engaged, and productive from the start. Some of the critical benefits discussed include improved employee retention, enhanced productivity, and clarity in role expectations. Henry highlights the importance of a well-prepared first day, structured training, regular performance check-ins, and continuous feedback. He also shares insights on avoiding common pitfalls, such as overwhelming new hires, and emphasizes how a smooth onboarding process can strengthen the culture of a small business. Listeners will learn how to develop a structured approach that fosters clear communication, effective training, and consistent feedback. Whether you're looking to enhance your existing program or build one from scratch, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you create a seamless onboarding experience that boosts productivity and retention for your small business. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Navigating growth while minimizing chaos in your small business, with entrepreneur Garrett Delph. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/541-garrett-delph-navigating-growth/ In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez chats with serial entrepreneur Garrett Delph about how to navigate growth while minimizing chaos in your small business. Garrett shares his insights on streamlining operations, defining roles, and building a culture that fosters employee retention and sustainable growth. Learn how to scale your business without letting chaos take over! Garrett Delph advises that minimizing chaos in a small business requires mindful planning, clear role definitions, and effective delegation. He stresses that chaos often results from disorganization, reactive decision-making, and the lack of proper operational structures. To combat this, business owners should create clear job descriptions, define values that guide decision-making, and establish processes that support growth without overloading employees. He highlights the importance of hiring the right talent, creating growth paths for employees, and ensuring responsibilities are balanced. Garrett also emphasizes that chaos is not inevitable and can be managed with the right frameworks and proactive leadership. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Is your small business competitive? Whether you are starting a business, or running and growing a small business, you must be able to beat the competition in your selected market for your business to remain viable. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/540-is-your-business-competitive/ On this episode Henry shares his thoughts and tips on remaining competitive in your market or expanding and shifting into new markets in order to remain competitive. While the business idea is the "what" of the business, the business model is the "how." Your business model is how you will run your business to make a profit, have the ability grow, and remain competitive. Staying competitive is essential for long-term growth and success of your business. Being competitive starts with understanding your Competitive Landscape. Who are the competitors in your market? What is their position? Are they dominant or is there truly an opportunity to compete or displace them? If it's a new competitor, are going to be able to leapfrog you unless you change something? Topics covered on this episode include: What it means to be a competitive small business. Blue Ocean Strategy. Signs Your Business is NOT competitive. How to help your small business remain competitive. Staying competitive isn't just about competing—it's about innovating, understanding your unique strengths, and focusing on your customers. Remaining competitive in business requires offering unique value, understanding the competitive landscape, and using strategies like differentiation and the Blue Ocean Strategy. A small business can lose its competitiveness because of stagnant innovation which ultimately results in declining profits. A small business most remaining competitive, including refining a unique value proposition, exploring new markets, and continuous innovation. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Achieving small business success requires personal sacrifice. What are you willing to sacrifice to launch and grow your small business? Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r239-personal-sacrifice/ This is a re-release of Episode 239 of The How of Business podcast with additional new content and edits. Outline of this episode on the personal sacrifices required to achieve small business success: Definition and Meaning of Sacrifice: Henry Lopez, host of The How of Business podcast, defines "sacrifice" in the context of small business success: Sacrifice is defined as the destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else. Henry Lopez emphasizes that sacrifice is essential for small business success, particularly when launching a new business. Willingness to Make Sacrifices: A major obstacle to business success is the lack of willingness to make necessary sacrifices. Aspiring small business owners often struggle with giving up their current lifestyle, free time, or comfort in pursuit of their business dreams. Examples of Sacrifices: Sacrifices might include giving up hobbies, free time, sleep, and even time with friends and family. Henry explains that launching and growing a business often requires significant dedication and effort, sometimes at the expense of personal life. Financial Sacrifices: Aspiring business owners must have their personal finances in order to start and sustain a business. Henry highlights the importance of reducing debt, improving credit scores, and being financially prepared to go without a paycheck during the early stages of business start-up. Actionable Advice: Henry encourages listeners to list 2-5 specific things they are willing to sacrifice and allocate the time saved toward starting or building their business. He stresses the importance of being honest with oneself and remaining focused on these sacrifices to achieve long-term business goals. Sacrifice - what are you willing to personally sacrifice to become your own boss and start your first business? If you are already in business, what are you willing to sacrifice further to grow it? On this episode of the top-rated podcast for small business, Henry Lopez shares his thoughts on the kind of sacrifices that, based on his entrepreneurship experience, you must be willing to make in order to succeed as a small business owner - particularly when launching your first business. The questions to ask yourself include: What are you willing to sacrifice to realize your dreams of becoming your own boss? Are you willing to sacrifice your quality of life today for something more in the future? Are you willing to give up hobbies, free time, family time and friend time all to devote to your business? Are you willing to work harder than you ever have at something? This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Is your small business Scalable? How do you know if you are ready to scale, and how do you grow your business to the next level? Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/539-is-your-business-scalable/ How and when do you plan to scale? Particularly, when will you be able to scale past just yourself? On a previous episode of The How of Business podcast, episode 532, Henry Lopez addressed the higher-level question: Is Your Business Model Broken? How can you tell, and how do you fix it? A strong and healthy business model supports a business that is consistently profitable, can scale and remains competitive. Then on episode 537 Henry Lopez focused on Profitability. This episode help you determine if Your Small Business is Scalable. Topics include: What is Scaling? Signs Your Business is Ready to Scale. Why Should You Scale Your Small Business? Common Fears or Concerns. How Do You Scale Your Small Business? It's fine if you simply want to be a solopreneur. But if you want to grow a business that is completely or somewhat owner-independent, if you want to be an entrepreneur, and perhaps be able to exit your business, then you need to scale to the next level. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

The Five Pillars of Leadership to help you lead a high-performing small business, with Brian Gottlieb. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/538-brian-gottlieb-5-leadership-pillars/ Brian shares his entrepreneurial journey and introduces the five foundational pillars of leadership. Executing on these five leadership pillars allows you to develop a high-performing organization. And help your managers get out of crisis mode so they can effectively lead their teams. Brian Gottlieb is an inspirational business leader who in 2009, founded Tundraland Home Improvements on a plastic folding table with $3,000. Twelve years later, when he sold the family of businesses he created, they had diversified products, expanded across multiple states, grown to 600 employees, and neared $1 billion in lifetime sales. The company was recognized by INC 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. Brian's leadership principles are simple: Have a well-defined strategy, empower your teams, provide world-class training, and execute with consistency. He believes that if you want to build a business, you must commit to building people. This clarity of focus created a meaningful culture, making his company the best place to work in his home state. Brian's book “Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High Performance Teams” is being published by Forbes and will be available September 10, 2024. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Is your small business profitable, and is the business consistently and sufficiently profitable? Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/537-profitable-small-business/ And if you've not started your business yet, when do you plan to be profitable? On a previous episode of The How of Business podcast, episode 532, Henry Lopez addresses higher-level question: Is Your Business Model Broken? How can you tell, and how do you fix it? A strong and healthy business model supports a business that is consistently profitable, can scale and remains competitive. On this episode Henry Lopez shares additional thoughts on Profitability. Because generating a consistent and sufficient profit is the primary reason we are in a for-profit business! This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Creating Exceptional Customer Experiences in your small business with customer service expert Samantha Irwin. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/536-samantha-irwin-customer-expereinces/ On this episode we discuss how to create consistently exceptional experiences for our customers. Samantha Irwin is an entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Kaizen Small Business Solutions. She is inspiring and educating teams to create exceptional Customer Experiences that foster loyalty and advocacy, driving both financial success and heartfelt service for brick-and-mortar businesses. With over 25 years of experience in leadership, Samantha's dual background in middle school teaching and boutique hotel ownership has uniquely positioned her to empower and educate business leaders and their front-line customer service staff. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Accounting and tax considerations for small business with Jessica Zoraida, the Founder and CEO of Big Picture Results. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/535-jessica-zoraida-accounting-tax/ Jessica shares her inspirational journey and tax and accounting tips and guidance for small business owners. Jessica Zoraida is an entrepreneur, speaker investor in women and person-of-color owned companies, and the CEO of Big Picture Results Inc., an Accounting and Tax company that helps small to mid-sized businesses bring more to the bottom line. Over the past 25 years, Jessica has learned hands-on best practices across Corporate Banking, Government and Small Business. Question topics addressed in this episode include: What are your recommendations for small business owners as to when and how to leverage the knowledge and expertise of a Bookkeeper and CPA? When should I hire a bookkeeper or CPA for my small business? What should I expect from a good CPA firm? How do I find a CPA for my small business? When should a small business owner consider engaging a Fractional CFO? What are one or two common mistakes small business owners make that keep them from being able to potentially realize tax savings? What's a common mistake small business owners make that could potentially result in getting in trouble with the IRS? If my small business financials are a mess, where should I start? This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

You need a Marketing Strategy before you spend on marketing or advertisement for your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/534-before-you-spend-on-marketing/ Henry Lopez, host of The How of Business podcast for small business, shares his tips and guidance on how to develop an effective marketing strategy before you spend any money, or any more money, on marketing or advertisement. The primary goal of marketing is to generate interest in a company's products or services, attract new customers, retain existing ones, and ultimately drive sales and profitability. Marketing helps businesses understand their customers, build strong brands, and create value both for the company and its customers. This episode highlights the 7 components of an effective marketing strategy for your business: Define Your Avatar or Ideal Client. Understand their Pains or Aspirations (that you can help them with). Describe the transformation you will help them achieve. Explain how your product or service will help them. Develop your Branding. Create and execute a Marketing Plan. Measure performance and adjust. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Experiences and insights from operating her successful Travel Consulting small business and working with her spouse and other family members in a small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/533-pam-lopez-travel-consulting/ Pamela Lopez is a small business owner, and her latest business venture is L3 Destination, a custom travel consulting business she started in 2014. Over the past 10 years Pam has successfully helped her travel clients to create custom voyages around the world. From European trips to adventures in Alaska and Antarctica, and Crises to all parts of the world – Pam has helped hundreds of individuals and families realize their travel dreams! Pam started her work career as a flight attendant with American Airlines, and after 14 years with America she took an early retirement package to stay home and raise her daughter Makena. Her first small business experience came when she helped Henry with Old World Salons, a salon suites business we bought, owned for six years, and then sold in 2014. Pam was responsible for the back-office operations, including accounts payable and banking, and managed the front-desk staff. A travel consulting small business specializes in helping clients plan and book their travel experiences, whether for leisure or business. It offers personalized services that may include creating customized itineraries, booking flights and accommodations, arranging tours, and providing travel advice. This small business often focuses on niche markets, such as luxury travel, adventure travel, cruising, or specific destinations, allowing consultants to provide expert knowledge and tailored recommendations. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Is Your Small Business Model Broken? Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/532-broken-business-model/ Is your small business model broken? How can you tell, and how do you fix it? And what do I mean by a Business Model? The Business Idea is WHAT you do, and the Business Model is HOW you do it. And how you do it must result in profits and the ability to scale. A strong and healthy business model supports a small business that is consistently profitable and that can scale. How do you know if I have a strong or viable Business Model? Ask yourself these three questions (whether you are starting a business or running an existing business): Are you making a profit? Can you scale? Can you compete? On this episode Henry Lopez helps you determine if you have a solid business model, whether you are starting your first business or already have an established small business. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to grow a Medical Practice with Dr. Ramesh Rao. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/531-dr-rao-growing-medical-practice/ Dr. Ramesh Rao shares his immigrant and entrepreneurial journey and his insights and experience with growing a medical practice. Dr. Rao also shares his insights on how he has helped his wife build her successful practice. They now work together to continue growing Prima Medicine. Dr. Rao came to America as a student 33 years ago, with $200 in his pocket, and the US has been his home ever since. He earned a master's degree in Neuroscience from Rutgers university, and subsequently did Postgraduate Medical Training for almost seven years. He is a Physician with board certification in Radiology and in Nuclear Medicine. Until recently, he was a partner at a large radiology practice in the Washington DC Metro area for 21 years. His wife, Dr. Chethana Rao, started her own medical practice 12 years ago. In recent years that practice has grown significantly, and Ramesh's is now focused on helping his wife build Prima Medicine. They are now on the path to building a local network of Primary Care and Urgent Care centers in the Virginia Suburbs of Washington DC. Ramesh played an instrumental role in launching their 1st Urgent Care center in Fairfax, Virginia. Over the past couple of years Prima Medicine has introduced new lines of service, including Concierge Medical Care, and Bariatric Medicine. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to make Complex Decisions in your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/530-complex-decision-making/ Learn more about Complex Decision Making with co-hosts Henry Lopez and David Begin. How do you make those critical or complex decisions that significantly impact the success of your business and your life? Henry and David dive deeper into the topic of Complex Decision Making. They explored everyday Decision Making on episode 526, and on this episode, they share their techniques and recommended method for complex decision making. Small Business Owners must make decisions. Big decisions, small choices; all day, every day! While you can and should delegate most of the day-to-day decisions, as the CEO of your business you remain responsible for the big complex decisions that must be made. And often, there may not be an obvious or “right” answer. Making big decisions can be daunting for small business owners, but following a structured approach can help ensure the best possible outcomes for the bigger decisions. And then over time, you develop the habit and ability to make big decisions more effectively. The 4-step decision making structure we propose includes the Decision Matrix Analysis (also known as the Weighted Decision Matrix or Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis). This tool helps you systematically evaluate and compare different options based on a set of defined criteria, allowing for a more structured and objective decision-making process. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to build a Multi-Six Figure Etsy Business with Dylan Jahraus. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/529-dylan-jahraus-etsy-business/ Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. Etsy offers 100M+ items for sale, 9M active sellers, 96M+ active buyers, and people buying and selling in nearly every country in the world. Dylan Jahraus is a seasoned e-commerce entrepreneur with 10+ years of experience who transitioned from corporate e-commerce into scaling e-commerce entrepreneurs. Her e-commerce acumen fueled an Etsy venture, propelling her shop to over $1M in profit within 6.5 years. In 2022, Dylan launched the Multi-Six Figure Etsy Blueprint. She fosters a vibrant community of 60,000+ YouTube subscribers and a top Etsy podcast, "Etsy Seller Success with Dylan Jahraus," with 400,000+ downloads.  This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to become a Home Service Business Millionaire with Tommy Mello. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/528-tommy-mello-home-service-millionaire/ Tommy Mello shares his inspiring entrepreneur journey, how he went from $50,000 in debt to a $30 Million+ business in seven years, and his experiences and insights on home services businesses. Tommy is a highly experienced and successful home services industry entrepreneur. His current service business is about to cross the $220M mark in revenue with over 700 employees in 20 states. But Tommy understands that we all must start somewhere. Overcoming tremendous challenges early in his life gave him the motivation to help other business owners succeed just like he did. And that's the main reason he created the Home Service Expert brand, and he shares so many learning resources like the Home Service Expert podcast, and events like the Freedom Event. Tommy has been published in top publications like Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, and Inc. Magazine, and is the author of the best-seller books “Home Service Millionaire: How I Went from $50,000 in Debt to a $30 Million+ Business in Seven Years” and “Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins.” This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com