Podcasts about Local Business

Calculating all the variables that go into a establishing a standard cost is anarduous process. Like it or not, this is where we have to put on our lab coats, and become a doctor of details. Bypassing certain cost components can be deadly to a small company. Are you being a doctor of details?Support the show

From dolphins to dogs, today's guest has just about seen it all. We're talking with Kim Greco, the owner of Paws and Possibilities right here in Annapolis. Kim's background is as unique as it is impressive—she was once the lead dolphin trainer at the National Aquarium before turning her expertise toward man's best friend. Paws and Possibilities offers a full range of dog training options to fit any lifestyle—whether it's one-on-one sessions, group classes, virtual programs, or even self-guided training. And for those special pups with a little extra love to give, Kim can help them become certified therapy dogs, ready to share their unconditional joy with others. From solving everyday obedience challenges to creating meaningful connections that extend into the community, Paws and Possibilities is more than just dog training—it's about building better relationships between people and their pets. Have a listen! LINKS: Paws and Possibilities (Website) Paws and Possibilities (Facebook) Paws and Possibilities (Instagram) Paws and Possibilities (YouTube) Paws and Possibilities (X) Paws and Possibilities (Linked In)

KEVO discusses the vulgar, egotistical & vile comments of Mr. Shane Smiley towards a member of his staff as well as the rest of his staff that we know have been talked down to just like this young lady was. KEVO also discusses Shane's response to leaked audio of his vile/vulgar rant. KEVO discusses Shane's potential racism as seen in reviews as well as leaked text messages that have him degrading service dogs.....WOW! It's not hard: Do NOT talk down to or abuse woman (physically, mentally or verbally), do NOT be a prejudice piece of crap & do NOT be mean in anyway to service dogs. If you act out Any 1 of, let alone all 3, of these you are not in a position to be in our political arena. I do personally invite him on to set the record straight & tell his side of the story. I will cook the steak if he will have the tough conversation. The ball is in his court.......ALL THAT ON TODAYS EPISODE OF: Unwavering - Toxic Masculinity from the Dude's Den sponsored by @rhtcinc.com

In this inspiring episode of The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Farley sits down with Sophie from Berries and Basil, a local florist who's redefining what it means to run a “small” business.Over the past five years, Sophie has grown her one-woman operation into a thriving brand, culminating in her dream role as the floral designer for a celebrity wedding this year. She shares the behind-the-scenes story of getting that call from a famous actress, Millie Bobby Brown. Sophie brakes down her creative process of designing for high-profile guests, and the lessons she's learned about thinking big, no matter your team size.Farley and Sophie also dive into:Why “small” doesn't have to mean small ambitionsThe mindset shifts that help you grow beyond your comfort zoneHow to seize opportunities when they come knockingThe power of passion and persistence in building your version of successWhether you're a solo entrepreneur or leading a growing team, this episode will inspire you to see your business potential in a whole new way.Support the show

Learn how Nicola Hamilton raised $120,000 for Issues Magazine Shop using alternative funding, dual business plans, and intuition over spreadsheets. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Do you charge customers for warranty, shipping and handling? If so, are you sure that's the way you wanna do things? When customers pay for mistakes they didn't make, they usually disappear into thin air. Think about it! Do you really want to partake in this upside down behavior?Support the show

Are you driving away your profits, literally?

What's actually working right now on social media for local, service-based businesses?After testing new strategies with my clients this month, I saw exceptional growth across the board — and I'm breaking it all down for you in this episode.Inside, I share: ✨ The #1 principle that makes every strategy work better ✨ How to roll out “what's new” in your business to get people's attention ✨ Why carousel posts are outperforming everything else right now (and how to create one that gets engagement) ✨ How adding humor (even if it's not “your thing”) can skyrocket connection and reachSocial media doesn't have to feel like a guessing game. These are the tactics that are working now — and you can start applying them today.And if you're ready for accountability and support to make this stick? Check out LEVEL UP—my mastermind for studio owners who want consistent action, real results, and more time back.Your GO-TO LINK for all things Brick and Mortar Visibility-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Melissa, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?

Loans, data, and grants! Oh my! While this is not The Wizard of Oz, some may say that the AAEDC does the work of wizards! Today, we sit down with Amy Gowan, the President and CEO of this quasi-public entity whose sole purpose is to help businesses succeed in Anne Arundel County! We discuss how diverse the county is and how the EDC is involved, from supporting our farmers in South County to a new Town Center in Glen Burnie. We discuss the programs for minority businesses (IVP) and the depth of knowledge and connections within the team. If you are a business just starting out or one looking to expand, they should be your first call. Heck, if none of the above, they are THE resource for businesses in Anne Arundel County! Have a listen! LINKS:AAEDC (Website)AAEDC (Facebook)AAEDC (X)AAEDC (YouTube)AAEDC (Instagram)

Jesse is joined by Andrea Jones Downs, Co-Owner of St. Augustine Tasting Tours. Andrea talks about the state of the current food scene in St Augustine (clue: its GREAT), plus […]

Employee buy-in can be much deeper, and more productive if management leads by example. The days of executives telling employees to do one thing, and then they do another are long gone. Managers who grab an order and row with the team become an inspiration to the entire organization. Is it time to row with the team at your company?Support the show

What if the thing you see as your biggest weakness is actually your greatest asset?This week, I'm sharing one of the best lessons I ever got from a dance professor: “If you can't fix it, feature it.” At the time, it was about choreography—but over the years, I've realized it applies to business too.From my gray hair patch (that my stylist insists I feature!) to running a home studio out of my basement in the early days, to building six-week sessions that turned into our most profitable program—what started as “flaws” or “detriments” became the exact reasons people trusted and chose my business.Inside this episode, you'll hear:

They say that most businesses don't make it five years! So what about one that makes it SEVENTY FIVE years?? Today, we are talking about Ann's Dari-Creme up in Glen Burnie outside of the Marley Station Mall! There's a lot to unpack here, from a start in Coney Island to the change of ownership in 1976, when Howard and Thea Pinsky, along with their partner Joe, purchased the iconic "hot dog stand" based on the number of rolls purchased from a local bread distributor! Sadly, Howard passed away in 2021, but Joe and Howard's family are carrying on the tradition. Today, Joe joins us with Amy, Stacy, MaryLou, and longtime manager Cindy to talk about 75 years of goodness along Ritchie Highway. If there ever was a shining example of not messing with a good thing, Ann's is it. Spoiler, we tried to wrest a few secrets from the team, but failed miserably--so the chili, brand of dogs, and bread will remain a secret! On August 31st, they will kick off their 75th Anniversary all day with giveaways, t-shirts, ice cream, plenty of specials, and a surprise or two. Be sure to stop by and grab a double dog (as I did), or if you dare, a triple dog! What a great group and what a great, true legacy business in Anne Arundel County! Have a listen! LINKS: Ann's Dari-Creme (Facebook)

Boost productivity and visibility with AI tools tailored for local SEO, marketing, and automation. The future of marketing is AI-powered, make sure you're business doesn't get left behind. In this episode of SEO Tactics, we unpack a lineup of powerful AI tools designed to elevate your business. From automated review management to AI-powered ad optimization, learn how these platforms can save you time, improve customer engagement, and help you dominate local search. Whether you're a small business or a marketing agency, this episode delivers actionable insights and recommendations from hands-on experience with tools like BirdEye, MailChimp, BrightLocal, Jasper, and more. What You'll Learn  How AI tools can streamline local SEO, review responses, email marketing, and content creation The pros, cons, and real-world use cases of platforms like BirdEye, Podium, Jasper, ChatFuel, BrightLocal, and more Insider tips on using AI-driven chatbots, voice search optimization, and ad automation to boost customer conversion Get a free SEO audit at LocalSEOTactics.com and reach out to chat about the best-fit tools for your goals.    

Do you advocate for customers? How often? To what degree? Do customers bear witness to instances where you deliver on advocating for them, or do they just hear empty words? We all have inter-company directives, goals, and objectives, but the employees don't chip in and pay invoices for the goods and services we provide to customers. So, why don't we put the customer needs above ours? Afterall, customers pay the invoices that fuel our paychecks! Sometimes priorities can be really simple!Support the show

Entrepreneurship isn't always glamorous, but it can be deeply fulfilling and rewarding. Jason Feller, owner of Crystal Clean Canz, joins us to discuss his journey from managing country clubs to growing a business centered on cleanliness and customer service. We talk about the surprises he encountered as a first-time business owner, how he diversified his services, refined his service area, and works to grow his recurring revenue. Jason also shares why he values his role as chair of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce. Jason's story is a candid look at the risks, rewards, and realities of building a small business.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSCrystal Clean CanzWebsite: crystalcleancanz.comInstagram: instagram.com/crystalcleancanzFacebook: facebook.com/CrystalCleanCanzEmail: info@crystalcleancanz.comAdditional LinksSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceNew London ConsultingThis Sober VetUnivestLBDesignRelated EpisodesNetworking, Local Community, and Business Connections with Tony PoluchTranscriptA full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

In the re-release of this MVP (Most Valuable Podcast) episode, I'm teaching a tool called "The Minimum Baseline" to help you create more consistency in your local marketing and business.This coaching tool is a game changer. The idea behind The Minimum Baseline is it's the smallest, doable amount of anything you can commit to.Your brain will tell you it's not enough. It will tell you that one post or 10 minutes a day isn't getting you anywhere.But you can't listen to it.It's changing the trajectory of where you end up over 3 months, 6 months... 1 year.It's changing who you're being.You're being someone who honors their word. You're being someone who is consistent.You're being that local go-to person.Tune into Episode 130 to learn:How to start with small, doable commitments to build consistencyHow to become the person who follows through no matter what vs needing instant gratification (likes, comments) in order to show up consistentlyPlus, practical tips for time management to fit something new into your dayMentioned in this episode:Work with me inside The Localpreneur AcademyClick here to book a free consult call with LeslieFollow me on Instagram @‌lesliepresnallDownload my Free Guide: How To Grow Your Local Instagram FollowingIf you're ready to grow your local business and bring in a steady stream of clients, you need to check out The Localpreneur Academy. Click here to join me inside.Rate, Review & Follow:“I LOVE listening to the episodes, especially since they're focused on local businesses and it's not just generic marketing advice.” If you love the show too, please leave a rating and review. This helps me reach more people just like you who want to reach more local people and create a business they love.

“I'll explain our price once, but I'll never apologize for our quality.” The words of Terry McManus were defensible. So many business people operate in a “Word Salad World” where empty statements cannot be converted into provable claims. First of all, is your product or service good enough to charge a premium price? Secondly, if so, can your company prove it? Have fun defending your premium price!Support the show

This week, I'm sharing the story of how I finally got my dream property—a year in the making, and really, years in the waiting.For so long I was hustling, grinding, stressing, and “doing all the things,” but not seeing the results I wanted. Sound familiar?Everything shifted when I stopped trying to do business like everyone else and started living in alignment with who I am. I got clear on what I wanted (yes, I literally drew it out), held onto the belief that it would happen, and released the pressure of how it would come together. That clarity—and willingness to walk away when things didn't fit—opened doors I couldn't have planned for.In this episode, I'll share:The miracles and setbacks that led me hereWhy unwavering belief (without attaching to the “how”) is powerfulHow living authentically creates alignment—and alignment attracts opportunitiesA simple reflection to check if what you're doing now is truly moving you where you want to beBy the end, you'll be inspired to pause, reflect, and get clear: Are you living in alignment with who you really are, or chasing someone else's version of success?Your GO-TO LINK for all things Brick and Mortar Visibility-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Melissa, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?

What goes into a brand or a logo? A heck of a lot more than one might think. With Jennifer Cochran Designs, it all starts with a 4-page questionnaire! You see, before the ink hits the paper (and yes, that is how it starts with Jennifer), Jennifer Cochran Designs needs to know about you, your vision, your business (or side hustle), your competition, and a whole lot more, and that makes PERFECT sense! Today, Jennifer sits down with us to talk about her background and experience, and how she brings ideas to life for Anne Arundel County businesses and non-profits. Some of her challenging work and what drives the creative brain behind Jennifer Cochran Designs! Have a listen! LINKS: Jennifer Cochran Designs (Website)

Schemes and scams are a fast track to the business boneyard! Customer are way more intelligent than scammers give them credit for. Maybe it's time to do a full company-scrape for any unwanted schemes and scams being conducted by your personnel? If you are intentionally misleading customers, it's just a matter of time before it all caves in on you. Maybe today is a good time to start deploying honesty, integrity and truth-telling?Support the show

AI is everywhere—and your clients can tell when you're using it. While that's not necessarily bad, it has created a shift: people are more skeptical, less trusting, and craving something real.This week, I'm talking about what that means for your marketing as a brick-and-mortar business owner—and why this is actually a massive opportunity.We'll cover:Why authenticity is your biggest marketing advantage right nowHow to meet your clients exactly where they are (instead of just telling them what you offer)Ways to make your marketing feel human without losing professionalismHow showing up less curated can create more connection—and more salesIf you've been feeling like your marketing isn't landing, this might be the shift you need.

During my career I have witnessed dozens of executives avoid managing tough business situations. Why? I'm not totally certain, but most of the times it seems rooted in mistaken identity. In other words, they see their obligation to manage as an eventual path to confrontation. Not liking confrontation, the executive turns away, avoids managing altogether, and the problem festers and mushrooms. If this is your company, maybe it's time to redefine the expectations of leadership?Support the show

It may have been the furthest thing from what he was thinking when our special guest today, John Caprani, ventured into copywriting. But he's come up with a fascinating specialty that's worth paying attention to, and that's Local Celebrity Advertising. See, we all know what so-called “omnipresence” is online. That's when your prospects see you everywhere, and so they become familiar with you, in the same way they become familiar with a celebrity. John was working as a construction project manager in 2016 when his boss asked him to start selling projects, too. It was a logical transition to starting his own copywriting business a couple years later. He ran the gamut of direct response copywriting. Niches like health, wealth, relationships. Fairly familiar stuff. But last year he found something he really liked–promoting US home service businesses become really well known in their physical, local communities with a method he calls Local Celebrity Advertising. He's joining us today to tell us all about it. Here's what we asked him: 1. How did you get into the idea of the Local Business Celebrity Program? 2. Could you walk us through a case study or two? Not just the numbers but also comments people have made to you; comments customers or people in the community have made to them; any funny or unexpected things that have happened that you'd enjoy sharing. 3. Did you try anything else before for local marketing that didn't work? Why do you think it didn't work? 4. What are the big mistakes you see other people making in promoting local service businesses? 5. What are some insider tips for video marketing you could share with our listeners? 6. What are some direct marketing ideas that you think more people should embrace and implement? 7. Tell us more about your program; who it's for and who it's not for; how it works; and how people can contact you if they're interested. If you're interested in his Local Celebrity Advertising service on Facebook & Instagram for 90 days, he'll send you the equipment you need so you can record professional videos with him right from your office computer. You can reach John by sending him a friend request on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdcapraniDownload.

This week, we venture to West Annapolis, where Root to Bloom is creating a safe, inspiring space for young girls and their mothers to connect in meaningful ways. Dr. Kim Palmiotto, the owner and guiding force behind Root to Bloom, sat down with us to share the vision behind her new business and the unique approach she's bringing to the community. Root to Bloom blends creative expression with personal connection, offering camps and classes in art, cooking, and other hands-on activities designed to spark conversation and deepen relationships. While Dr. Palmiotto is a trained therapist, she's quick to point out that these aren't therapy sessions—but the benefits can be just as powerful. In our conversation, we explored the challenges teen girls face today, from the pressures of social media to the need for safe spaces where they can express themselves without judgment. Dr. Kim also shared practical, encouraging ways parents can support their daughters during these critical years. Whether you're looking for a fun class to enjoy together, a summer camp that builds confidence, or simply a place where creativity and connection thrive, Root to Bloom is worth discovering because small moments of shared creativity can blossom into lasting bonds. Have a listen! LINKS: Root To Bloom (Website) Root To Bloom (Facebook) Root To Bloom (Instagram)

Proactivity is a wonderful business quality, but sometimes unique situations require reactions to solve an issue. Contingency plans can't always be planned out, but many times that can. Has your company ever examined the various contingencies that can be mapped out to help mitigate future calamities? Maybe today is a good time to start planning out contingencies? Turn the mission into a fun collaboration process. The curve balls are sure to come. Why not be ready for some of them?Support the show

“When you're wrong, admit quickly and emphatically.” Dale Carnegie's sagewisdom remains as powerful today, as when he uttered them 90 years ago.Humility is an endearing human trait that is dissolving away in modern business.How about going a little “old school” to show customers you own your mistakes?Your buyers will reward your honesty and humility. Why? Because you are notblame-shifting like other vendors!Support the show

What if letting go was the secret to leveling up?This week, I'm sharing a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what happened when life forced me to step back—from my inbox, my to-do list, and even my studio. Between moving my home and performing in a ballet (yep, at almost 50

The podcast excerpt focuses on strategic email marketing for local businesses, aiming to boost revenue by enhancing online visibility. It highlights the importance of understanding search competitors, utilizing Google Search Console and Google Business Profile for SEO, and consistently engaging with audiences through valuable, non-sales-focused content. The discussion also touches on the synergy between AI tools like ChatGPT and traditional search engines, emphasizing that contextual relevance in communication is key to driving both audience engagement and financial growth. Favour offers practical advice, such as using QR codes at physical locations to convert foot traffic into online leads and segmenting email lists to cater to specific audience needs.

Parents bring children into the world every minute of the day and it is a beautiful thing. But, let's face it, it can be stressful. If you are looking for a way to make it easier for mom, dad, and baby, this is your episode! Emily Encinosa of Expecting with Emily, is a local doula and midwife and her job is to be a "woman who serves" which also is the ancient Greek meaning of the word doula. From inception to post-partum, Emily is there every step of the way making sure your child birthing experience is as easy, safe, and hasslle-free as possible. How much more relaxing would it be to deliver at home in an environment you know? How reassuring would it be to have a trusted doula at your side? This week, we dive into it and learn all that and much more---too much more! Have a listen! LINKS: Expecting With Emily (Website) Expecting With Emily (Facebook) Expecting With Emily (Instagram)

Proven Tactics to Boost Local Visibility, Rankings, and Clicks Struggling to get found in your local market? It may be your on-page SEO. In this value-packed episode of Local SEO Tactics, we dive deep into the must-know on-page SEO strategies that can supercharge your local business presence online. From optimizing your homepage and metadata to ensuring mobile-friendliness and NAP consistency, Bob breaks down the essentials every local business needs to dominate their market. Whether you're a business owner or an SEO professional, these foundational tactics will set you up for long-term search success. What You'll Learn  How to optimize title tags, H1s, and meta descriptions for local intent Why NAP consistency, schema markup, and internal linking matter more than ever Quick wins to improve mobile site speed, image alt tags, and local relevance Need help implementing these strategies? Get a free audit at localseotactics.com or request your GBP audit directly at localseotactics.com/free-gmb-audit. https://www.localseotactics.com/on-page-seo-essentials-for-local-business-growth/

“If you can't measure it, you can't manage it.” Harold Geneen's simple, yetpowerful words can be a bright light in a dark room. Company performance, and customer perception has to be convertible into metrics that can paint a factual picture. Without them, it's like trying to navigate a path in a dark hallway!Support the show

Using acronyms can often sound like cryptic, mumbo-jumbo to the customer ear.Perhaps it is time to exchange unfamiliar acronyms with names, and descriptionsthat customers can actually understand, and relate to?Support the show

Everyone loves a well-behaved dog. If you want one (or maybe yours needs a tune-up), AmericanK9 has you covered. Today we speak with Krys Ruth, a long-time dog trainer (fun fact, she trained the first ever bed bug sniffing dog) who trains dogs on a beautiful farm in Davidsonville. From chihuahuas to Irish wolfhounds, she and her team are more behaviorist than trainer as they read each dog's personality and figure out their touchpoints. In addition, she is a breeder of labs who are mostly used for service work--military, law enforcement, and psychological. We learned about some of the amazing things animals can do to help humans, and it all begins with a solid foundation of training. American K9 even has the Sniffspot--a private dog park just for you and your pooch (and maybe a few selected friends). Krys is not a fan of public dog parks--listen and see why! If you are looking to get a new puppy, or maybe your dog could use a refresher, or maybe you know someone who might need assistance from a service animal-- here's your sign (as Bill Engvall might say)! Have a listen! LINKS: AmericanK9 (Website) AmericanK9 (Facebook) AmericanK9 (Instagram)

Imagine an Octopus with eight sucker-bearing arms, a soft body, and a strong beaklike jaw. Now transfer this image to what happens when a company lies to a customer. Each outright lie (body) ends up requiring many sub-lies (sucker-bearing arms) to support the false story (body). Here is the rub…customers detect lies more often than not. What can we do to stop this? Easy…find the crooked jaws within your company, weed them out, and then start to tell customers the truths they deserve to hear. The health of your business will get better as your company watches the Octopus swim off into the deep waters.Support the show

Features, features, features. What about the benefits? Many companies fail to explain the “WHY” when it comes to listing features. in the features. What if you were to pair every feature with a benefit. “The real benefit to you” is a phrase more customers need to hear. What's in it for the customer?Support the show

Times are changing. Forty years ago, someone with a developmental or mental disability was a candidate for institutionalized care. Today...not so much. And locally, we can thank Fello for that! Today we speak with Jonathon Rondeau, who is the President and CEO. Their services range from day services to workforce development to residential programs for clients and their families across the Chesapeake region on the Eastern and Western Shores of Maryland. We learned about the name change from The Arc and what sets them apart from other organizations in the same orbit. Jonathon has had a call to help quite literally since summer camp as a youth. And from that point on, he has dedicated himself to helping our neighbors with disabilities. Have a listen! LINKS: Fello (Website) Fello (Facebook) Fello (Instagram) Fello (Linked In) Fello (YouTube)

Jeff talks with Michael O'Malley about how he is living out his faith and positively impacting the Pikes Peak Region through local business. We also hear from Julie Bailey about the sanctity of life. That and more on this Thursday edition of Crosswalk Colorado Springs. Petrali RoofingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Customer transactions travel a road of various micro-experiences (transactional components) that shape buyer's opinions, perceptions, repeat and referral business. Collectively, these components are called Experience Events (EE). Are your identifying these events? Are you managing these events for customer-pleasing delivery? If not, you may unknowingly be waving goodbye to healthy repeat and referral business. Perhaps today can be the beginning of your Experience Event journey?Support the show

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.comI sat down with Alex Boyd to talk about how a personal landscaping problem led him to uncover a wildly underserved niche forestry mulching. We broke down how he used YouTube content, keyword research, and Meta ads to dominate the market, all while running lean with just a few machines. He shares the full playbook for how he turned a $5K investment into a $500K+ service business in just over a year. We also riffed on a brand new idea involving the Green Climber a remote-controlled land-clearing robot that no one's doing yet.Check out his YouTube channel at Brushworks Services Co and learn more at brushworksco.comTimestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 Identifying Market Demand for Brush Clearing03:01 The Journey of Starting a Brush Clearing Business05:50 Keyword Research and Content Marketing Strategies08:59 Leveraging YouTube for Local Service Marketing11:50 Equipment Investment and Financing Options15:07 Ad Targeting and Placement Strategies25:03 Maximizing Video Marketing Strategies30:10 Lead Generation and Conversion Rates35:00 Understanding Pricing and Job Estimates40:45 The Emotional Impact of Land Clearing41:43 Sales Growth and Future Projections45:05 Innovative Equipment and Market Opportunities

Customer complaints can set up course corrections for companies that are going off road! The keys to getting back on track are 1) listening to the customer (not just hearing), 2) being humble enough to accept the criticism, 3) and being smart enough to fix the problems! In many cases, the complaints have a common thread that make the course correction that much easier to recognize.Support the show

Send us a messageSeven centuries before Jesus ascended the hill on which He preached the Sermon on the Mount, the Prophet Joel described a valley which he called the Valley of Decision. Multitudes were gathered to that call.Up until today, decisions are still being made every day – some of them minor – and some of them major. But of all the decisions of life we find ourselves making – none are more important than whether one will enter the Narrow Gate that leads to Eternal Life – or the Wide Gate that leads to eternal destruction.Lord Jesus revealed these two Gates with the understanding that only one willgrant entrance to Heaven's Kingdom of Eternal Life – and that is the “NarrowGate.” But He also added that only a few will enter by it.As the Return of Jesus draws so very near, the Holy Spirit is raising up His Watchmen on the Wall with the cry of “Choose you this day who you will follow.”Only two gates are open – one to Eternal Life – and the other to eternal death.May the power of God's Grace help you to – Choose wisely!Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/

If you're a studio owner who's tired of spinning your wheels on social media and wondering how to actually get more clients in the door… this episode is your roadmap.I'm pulling back the curtain on the one strategy that changed everything for me: SEO.As a single mama of five (yes, five!) running a local brick-and-mortar business, I needed a marketing strategy that worked while I worked—and even when I didn't. So I doubled down on optimizing my Google Business Profile and creating content that kept me visible and trusted in my community.In this episode, you'll hear:Why SEO is your best friend as a studio ownerHow I started (imperfectly!) back in 2016 and never looked backWhat you can do TODAY to attract more of the right clients, with less hustleHow visibility fits into building a studio that works for your lifeAnd if you're ready for accountability, strategy, and a no-fluff community to grow with—check out my LEVEL UP mastermind. Because running a studio shouldn't mean running yourself ragged.Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?

Often, a USNA grad will go on to do great things. And Joe Kirby is no exception. When Great Harvest Bread Company in West Annapolis was on the precipice of closing, Kirby swooped in and took the reins of this local icon. After a brief closure, Great Harvest Bread Company is alive, well, and thriving in the familiar red building at the corner of Ridgely and Melvin Avenues. And Kirby has plans for the future, including an expanded menu (can you say sandwiches and coffee), and an expanded building. We discuss the most popular breads, the way Great Harvest supports the community, and the different ways that organizations and businesses can always use a great loaf of bread--baked in West Annapolis that same day! Hungry yet? Go visit, and then... Have a listen! LINKS: Great Harvest Bread Company (Website) Great Harvest Bread Company (Facebook)

The appetite for “DIY” products and services has never been higher. What does your company do to cater to this modern mindset? Assuming no salesperson will aid potential customers, what information are you providing to assist informed decisions? Do you deploy tools of Silent Selling?Support the show

In this episode of the Brick and Mortar Visibility Podcast, we're stepping beyond the studio and into the world of boutique retail. Whether you're running a Pilates, yoga, or music studio—or any class-based business—there's a good chance you're also selling something on the side. From merch to gear, retail is a powerful revenue stream, and it's time we treat it like one.Our guest, Sarah Kowal, knows this firsthand. She went from broke to building two thriving businesses and now mentors and markets for retail brands nationwide. Sarah shares her real-talk wisdom on marketing for small businesses, particularly those running brick-and-mortar or boutique retail operations.Plus, we kick off the episode with a quick check-in about Profit First—because it's Q3, and if you're following the method, it's time to take that 50% profit and celebrate your progress!Tune in to hear:Why boutique retail deserves a real marketing strategySimple shifts to increase your retail salesHow to think like a retailer inside your service-based bizA dose of inspiration from Sarah's journey and hard-won lessons

Vanessa Bright had an idea. What if formerly incarcerated individuals would not have such a tough time when they were released? And with that, the Maryland Re-Entry Resource Center (MDRRC) was born. There are so many barriers for formerly incarcerated people that often they end up committing more crime to figure a way to survive. MDRRC offers the resources and referrals needed to thrive post-release. From job coaching and resume writing, to helping find housing, to obtaining insurance or a drivers license, the MDRRC can help. The organization works very tightly with the Annapolis Police Department who has their own re-entry program; and they are even starting their own social enterprise to offer solid jobs for former inmates. In a world where. many are forgotten, MDRRC is making a difference for those who are just looking for a second chance. Have a listen! LINKS: Maryland Re-Entry Resource Center (Website) Maryland Re-Entry Resource Center (Facebook) Maryland Re-Entry Resource Center (Instagram) Maryland Re-Entry Resource Center (YouTube) Maryland Re-Entry Resource Center (Linked In)

Think SEO is only for the big-budget brands? Think again.In this episode of the Brick and Mortar Visibility Podcast, I'm joined by SEO strategist Jade Pruitt, who's flipping the script on what local search optimization really looks like for studio owners like you.We're talking:Why SEO doesn't have to cost thousands (really)Where to start if you're DIY-ing it—and how to avoid the common overwhelmHow Jade helps studios dominate search results without a giant marketing budgetAnd the ridiculously generous offer she drops at the end of the episode (no, seriously—don't miss it)I'm stepping away from SEO consulting to go all-in on my Level UP program—and Jade is the expert I trust to take the reins. She gets studio life, understands what matters locally, and is leading the charge on integrating AI into modern SEO.If you've ever felt like SEO is out of reach, this is the episode that will change your mind.

Boost Your GBP, Drive Local Traffic, and Skyrocket Visibility with These SEO Tools Tired of guessing what actually works in local SEO? In this episode of the Local SEO Tactics podcast, Bob Brennan reveals 12 powerful SEO tools that local businesses can use right now to dominate Google in 2025. Whether you're trying to crack the local 3-pack, boost your Google Business Profile, or finally understand how users interact with your site, this episode is packed with real, actionable insights. Learn which free and paid tools deliver results, from heatmaps and keyword planners to GBP category optimizers and how to use them to attract more local traffic and stay ahead of your competition. What You'll Learn  How to pick and prioritize the right GBP categories to boost your rankings in Google's local pack Which SEO tools give the biggest ROI for local search performance, even if you're on a budget How to use keyword research and content strategies to build momentum and outrank your competitors Want to see how your business stacks up in local search? Claim your FREE SEO audit now and get a personalized breakdown of what's working, what's not, and how to rank higher in your area. https://www.localseotactics.com/12-powerful-seo-tools-every-local-business-needs-to-dominate-google-in-2025/  

Hey there, studio owner. Let's talk about something that can make or break your business—your team.⁠Now, if you've ever hired someone, handed them a task, crossed your fingers and thought, “I hope this works out…”—this episode is for you.Because hope is not a strategy.In today's episode, I'm breaking down the exact framework I use to onboard new team members—from teachers to admin—and how I set them up for success from day one. I'll share how we measure growth, create momentum, and yes…how we gently level up expectations as your business grows.Whether you're hiring for the first time or realizing it's time to get more intentional with the team you already have—this episode will give you the steps to create a team that not only performs, but thrives.And if you want support putting this into action, that's exactly what we do inside my Level UP Mastermind—so stay tuned till the end for more on that.Let's get into it.Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?