Podcasts about Local Business

This concept may get a chuckle or two. However, this operating tenant is often times skimmed over in the board rooms and training rooms. The customer experience is set on the right axis if the vendor displays genuine politeness. This is especially important in the first 30 seconds of a business relationship. Starting the transaction, and continuing the transaction with the common thread of politeness will enhance positive reviews for each customer experience. It's simple, yet grossly overlooked. Maybe it's time to find out what your customers think of you? Don't be shy… ask the question and be prepared to be a little shocked.Support the show

Business streakers are fast operators who vanish just before they get the project ball across the finish line. These enthusiastic beginners magically disappear at critical times. As a result, customer projects yawn past expected completion dates, and the streaker fails to answer crucial phone calls, emails, text messages, or knocks on the door. Poof! Gone! Nowhere to be found! Then all of a sudden, like an unexpected sand storm, the streaker reappears to frantically bring the project across the finish line with a flurry of issues, mistakes and excuses. If you are a company leader, we encourage you to locate your streakers, and then STOP them before they ruin your company. Retrain them if possible, or remove them. This is why customers detest business streakers. Customers want even-keeled project management that avoids streaky service hampered by problems!Support the show

We are going to flip the tables and talk about customers for one minute. As vendors attempt to provide quality services, questions may arise that need customer input, or direction. The customers can be both invoice-paying customers, or internal associates. Regardless, I have watched many transactions travel through time-wasting, and money-wasting rapids that could have been avoided with expedient, and comprehensive customer feedback. Do you want smooth and timely transactions? Okay, then answer 100% of the questions you are asked, and answer them with punctuality! Quality transactions are usually paid for with the two-sided, customer/vendor coin. Support the show

In today's world of curated content, polished Instagram feeds, and highlight reels, it's easy for business owners to believe marketing is all about perception.But what happens when perception doesn't match reality?In this episode of The Visibility Podcast, Melissa Rose dives into the powerful difference between perception and truth in marketing, and why both matter if you want to build a trusted, sustainable business.Melissa unpacks how social media creates perception, why Google Business Profile acts as third-party verification, and how your website bridges the gap between what people see and what people actually experience when they work with you.If you are a dance studio owner, local business owner, or service-based entrepreneur trying to improve your visibility, marketing, SEO, and client trust, this episode is packed with practical insight and real talk.Because while social media may get attention… the truth is what gets people to stay.In This Episode: The difference between perception and truth in marketing  Why curated social media alone is not enough  How Google Business Profile builds trust and credibility  Why reviews, photos, and client feedback matter more than ever  The role SEO and Google search play in visibility  Why business owners are losing clients without realizing it  How your website should combine perception AND proof  Why visibility is more than just social media marketing  The connection between trust, search, and conversion  How AI and search behavior are changing local marketing Key Takeaways: Social media creates perception  Google Business Profile creates verification  Your website bridges the gap between the two  Visibility without trust will not convert  Reviews are one of the most powerful marketing tools you have Perfect For: Studio Owners  Brick-and-Mortar Businesses  Local Business Owners  Service-Based Entrepreneurs  Businesses wanting stronger SEO and local visibility  Anyone wanting to improve their Google Business Profile Melissa's Google Business Profile Workshop ✨ Live Workshop + Q&A ✨ On-Demand Training Available ✨ Learn how to optimize your Google presence before fall enrollment seasonKeywords:Google Business Profile, Local SEO, Visibility Marketing, Dance Studio Marketing, Small Business Marketing, Business Visibility, Google Reviews, Local Search, SEO Strategy, Brick and Mortar Visibility, Dance Studio Owner, Marketing Strategy, Service Business Marketing, Website Strategy, Online Reputation, ChatGPT Search, Google Optimization

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Ryan and Eleni, founders of The Quarter Butcher, to talk about building one of the most unique food businesses in Saint Charles County and bringing whole animal butchery to Dardenne Prairie.Ryan shares his journey from culinary school and fine dining kitchens—including time at Bulrush, Pastaria, and The Last Hotel—to discovering a passion for butchery and eventually opening a family-owned butcher shop focused on local sourcing, sustainability, and craftsmanship.The conversation dives into how COVID reshaped their priorities, pushing them to leave the restaurant world behind and build something of their own while balancing marriage, parenthood, and entrepreneurship. They open up about the realities of running a family business together, learning how to separate work from home life, and building systems that protect both the business and their family.They also break down what makes The Quarter Butcher different—from bringing in whole sides of beef and utilizing every part of the animal to creating house-made sausages, deli meats, pet products, tallow goods, and launching an entirely new sandwich menu.From local farms to community building, sustainability to small business growth, this episode is about creating something meaningful while building a life around family and food.They discuss:Leaving fine dining and transitioning into butcheryOpening The Quarter Butcher in Dardenne PrairieWhole animal butchery and sustainable sourcingWorking directly with Missouri farms and producersBalancing marriage, kids, and entrepreneurshipBuilding a family business togetherLaunching the new sandwich program and deli menuHouse-made sausages, tallow products, and pet foodCommunity growth in Saint Charles CountySupporting local makers and businessesThe future vision for classes, dinners, and events

Design well. Manufacture to exceed expectations. Take no shortcuts. Audit properly. Audit regularly. Be the customer. Constantly improve. Imagine if you were to run your company with these seven principals? The result could be a premium price that you explain once, and that is defended by exceptional deliverables.Support the show

If the thought of Facebook and Instagram ads makes you want to throw your phone across the room… this episode is for you.In this conversation, Melissa Rose sits down with Kristian Altuve of Dance Motion Marketing to talk about dance studio advertising, lead generation, enrollment systems, and what actually works when it comes to marketing a dance studio in today's world.But this isn't just another conversation about running Facebook ads.Because behind every click, inquiry, and lead is a real person—a busy parent looking for connection, trust, and the right fit for their child.Together, Melissa and Kristian unpack how dance studio owners can approach marketing more strategically without losing the human side of their business.They discuss: Whether Facebook and Instagram ads are realistic for smaller dance studios  Common dance studio marketing mistakes that waste money  Why lead follow-up matters more than most studio owners realize  How to make dance advertising feel authentic instead of salesy  What studio owners should focus on before ever spending money on ads  Why systems and visibility work together  The relationship between organic marketing, Google Business Profile optimization, and paid advertising  How to attract the right dance families—not just more leads Melissa also asks the questions every studio owner is secretly thinking: “Do ads actually work?” “How much money should I realistically spend?” “Can small studios compete?” “What if I waste money?”If you're a dance studio owner trying to grow enrollment, improve your dance studio marketing, increase visibility, or better understand dance advertising, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest conversation.About Kristian Altuve: Kristian Altuve is the founder of Dance Motion Marketing, where he helps dance studio owners build predictable enrollment systems through marketing, lead follow-up, automation, and strategic growth systems. His mission is helping studio owners stop guessing and start growing through clear, repeatable systems that actually work in the real world of running a studio.Our Guest Info:Website: https://www.dancemotionmarketing.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/dancemotionmarketing/Your GO-TO LINK for all things Visibility-: Google Business Profile Optimization, The Website + Social Media Audit, The Visibility Blueprint, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?

Do you want to deliver a pleasant surprise to your customers? Do you want to look fresh and exciting to customers? If so, all you have to do is take ownership of you actions, and retire the societal trend of blame-shifting. Novel. Humble. Endearing. Lucrative. Make action ownership a hallmark of your company, and watch your business grow!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Quintan Gates, founder of Curbside Mall, shares how his innovative platform is transforming local shopping and supporting small businesses through a seamless, four-click process that benefits consumers, merchants, and the community.Be sure to register today and tell your family and friends about curbsidemall !!Curbside Mall websiteCurbside InstagramShop This Episode

Many companies put the cart before the horse by expecting customers to trust them first, rather than earning trust through action. Has your company inverted the trust relationship? Repeat and referral business grows for companies that consistently demonstrate trustworthiness. Do your actions back up your marketing and sales claims? Are you expecting and demanding trust from customers, or are you willing to be an earner?Support the show

A lot of local business owners don't struggle with marketing, they struggle with staying remembered. And email marketing often gets pushed aside because social media feels faster, easier, and more visible. The thing is, those platforms don't belong to you.Email marketing changes that. It gives you a direct line to your audience without algorithms deciding who sees you and when. And for a local business, that shift is the difference between being occasionally noticed and consistently booked.What you'll hear in this episode is a grounded breakdown of how to build a simple, sustainable email list without funnels, complicated systems, or overthinking every word. Because effective email marketing isn't about complexity. It's about clarity and consistency.You'll learn how email marketing for local business owners works differently than online influencers or digital-first brands. Instead of chasing volume, you focus on relevance, relationships, and repeat customers who already know your name or are close enough to become regulars.We break down four simple ways to start building your list quickly: Creating a simple, no-pressure signup offer your customers actually want  Placing opt-ins everywhere your audience already interacts with your business Treating email as relationship-building, not performance marketing This is where most people overcomplicate things. But marketing for local business doesn't need to look like a tech startup funnel. It needs to feel human, consistent, and useful.You'll also hear real-world examples from service-based businesses like bakers, estheticians, and contractors who use local business strategies to stay top of mind without relying on social media alone. And this is where content marketing becomes practical, not theoretical. Your emails don't need to be long or polished. They need to be useful, timely, and real.If you've been stuck in overthinking mode, this episode connects the dots between simplicity and results. Because copywriting isn't about sounding perfect, it's about sounding like yourself so your audience actually trusts what you say.And if you have more questions about email marketing, go listen to Episode #18: The 3 types of emails every small business owner needs, which builds on this foundation and shows you exactly what to send once your list is growing.By the end of this episode, you'll understand why email marketing for local business is one of the most underused tools for sustainable growth, and how to start using it in a way that actually fits your time, energy, and business model.If you're ready to stop guessing and start building something that compounds over time, you can book a free call with me to map out your next steps and get your email strategy working properly for your business.This episode was mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio.

We live in a feature driven product world. Buttons, modes, settings and codes accompany so many products we buy. But what benefits do all these features serve? If you are not in the habit of explaining what the features do for customers, now would be a great time to start generating effective ways to explain the benefits of all these buttons, modes, settings, and codes.Support the show

This is a classic example of putting yourself in the customer shoes. If you want to make customers happy, do your very best to eliminate mysteries. The best place to start is to voluntarily provide information that addresses the questions of why. If you can prevent your customers from asking unnecessary questions, they will love you for a long time, and refer your company to other people.Support the show

#1 Way Christian Women Can Double Sales Without More Leads --------------------- Join the Sell With Confidence Challenge live on zoom May 18-21, 2026 from 9-11am Central (7am LA / 10am NYC). Grab your ticket here: https://lindsayfletcher.co/challenge ---------------------- You don't need more leads to grow your business. You need better follow-through.  In this episode, I'm breaking down the number one way to double, triple, even 10X your sales—and it has nothing to do with posting more, marketing more, or chasing more people. It's follow-up. And before you brush that off like you've heard it before… I want you to really see what this is costing you. On average, only about 2% of sales happen in the first conversation. That means 98% of your potential clients don't say yes right away. And 80% of those people? They need 5 to 12 follow-ups before they decide. Most of you are stopping after the first conversation, or worse, you're ending with “let me know if you have any questions” and putting the responsibility on them. That's where the sale dies. In this episode, I walk you through a simple numbers breakdown that shows exactly how you're leaving money on the table. We look at what happens when 100 people contact your business and you only rely on first conversations. And then what happens when you follow up just once… and then twice. The difference is not small. In this example, it's the difference between $200 and $600 with just two follow-ups. That's not a marketing or leads problem. This is a follow-up problem.  Most small business owners have never learned to sell, so they don't know how to set themselves up for expected follow up and/or they don't have a simple system so that people served and sales don't fall through the cracks. The Sales Shift: You're not missing leads. You're missing follow-through. Actionable Takeaways: Set the expectation for follow-up during the first conversation Stop saying “let me know” and start owning the next step Build a simple system to track who to follow up with Make follow-up feel expected, not awkward Watch this LIVE on YouTube here to see the visuals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh-IxTV6Fdo&t=19s --------------------- Join my FB community here: https://facebook.com/groups/shebuildsfaithbusiness

Today's episode is one I personally needed.As I've stepped into offering higher-ticket services, I found myself bumping up against some mindset blocks—questions like: Am I worth this? Will people actually pay this? Do I need to give more to justify the price?So I brought on someone I trust deeply in this space—Nikki Rausch, also known as The Sales Maven—to walk us through it.Inside this conversation, Nikki breaks down one of the most powerful concepts around pricing and value:You will often be paid the most for what is easiest for you.We dig into her framework around the four levels of competency, and why your zone of genius—the thing that feels second nature to you—is actually where your highest value lies.We also talk about something so many business owners get wrong when they start charging more: Over-delivering.Nikki shares why giving more isn't always better—and how overwhelming your client can actually take away from their experience. Instead, we shift the focus to what really matters: a clear, confident, and supportive client experience.And finally, we dive into one of Nikki's superpowers:Asking better questions.Because the right questions don't just lead to better sales—they lead to better relationships, better results, and clients who feel truly seen and understood.Nikki also shares a free resource with you—her Easy Follow-Up Guide—to help you confidently stay connected with potential clients without feeling awkward or pushy. You'll find that linked in the show notes.If you've ever felt stuck around pricing, selling, or stepping into your next level of business—this episode will meet you right where you are and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.And if you're ready to be seen as the go-to in your industry, don't forget to grab my free Google Business Profile workshop at msmelissarose.com/deals.All things Nikki Rausch - The Sales Maven Website: https://yoursalesmaven.comIG https://www.instagram.com/your_sales_maven/LI www.linkedin.com/in/nikkirauschYouTube http://www.youtube.com/c/SalesMavenFB https://www.facebook.com/yoursalesmaven/Blog: https://yoursalesmaven.com/sales-maven-blog/Her Gift to Us!Your GO-TO LINK for all things Visibility-: Google Business Profile Optimization, The Website + Social Media Audit, The Visibility Blueprint, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?

Changing customer expectations mid-transaction is usually a dangerous proposition. If you want to increase repeat and referral business, make sure that your deliverables meet the expectations that you advertise.Support the show

Erica celebrates the 200th episode of her show by discussing the nuances of social media marketing for small businesses. Drawing from her experience as an entrepreneur in the pet waste removal industry, she urges owners to prioritize authentic human connection over the convenience of AI-generated images. The episode covers practical strategies for content creation, including the specific uses for reels, carousels, and stories to build a brand's presence. Krupin also details her professional partnership with service management software like Jobber and Open Phone to explain how delegation can help a business scale.  Comments and Questions are welcome.   Send to: thescooppodcast22@gmail.com

Most customers like vendors that employ sales and service personnel who make things happen. There is nothing more frustrating to customers than to watch their orders handled sluggishly. In addition, customers love vendors that can solve problems quickly, efficiently, creatively, and with tenacity. If your customer facing employees lack these inherent qualities, it's probably time to move to Plan B which is a focus on hiring initiators who can lead.Support the show

We've always mingled with the same executive leaders who make Baltimore and our region grow and go, so it was a pleasure to hear more about the I95 Business story from founder Vicki Franz, who shares her story of publishing and local business connection for C-level professionals and business owners throughout the area. The post Vicki Franz of I95 Business gives Nestor her story of publishing and local business connection for leaders first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

If your Google Business Profile has been suspended or you're stuck in verification, you're not alone. It happens. In this episode, Melissa breaks down: Why Google suspends business profiles  The difference between service areas vs physical locations  The most common verification mistakes  When you actually need more than one Google listing  And what to do instead to grow your visibility the right way If you want to stay compliant, visible, and actually get found: this episode is for you.Your GO-TO LINK for all things Visibility-: Google Business Profile Optimization, The Website + Social Media Audit, The Visibility Blueprint, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?

Business issues that have no immediate solutions are rather common. What's uncommon are vendors that meet problems with multiple solutions that are ready to plug and play. No one likes to hear about problems unless they can also hear about remedies. We encourage you to find ways to be a remedy centric company who focuses on creative problem-solving.Support the show

From losing over a million dollars in a rice business gone wrong to understanding the brutal reality of predatory pricing and foreign dominance in Ghana's food import sector, and why the harsh truth about entering the rice business is that you can't just walk in with a hundred thousand dollars thinking it's easy money because the moment you show up with your shipment the established players who own 12 brands each will scrub their prices down to cost price and even below just to frustrate you out of the market selling rice at 200 cedis when it's impossible unless they didn't pay duty or got the rice for free, the entrepreneur who faces predatory pricing where competitors intentionally lose money just to keep new players out of the market cutting prices so low that first time importers are forced to sell below cost and lose their capital before eventually quitting the business allowing the big players to raise prices again and recover everything they lost kicking you out, the business owner who warns that 80% of rice importers in Ghana are foreigners from the Middle East India and Lebanon creating a serious concern about food security when the country's food supply of rice sugar and other imports are mainly in the hands of foreigners not because they're not helping the economy or providing jobs but because no Ghanaian businessmen can survive in an environment where the people in the companies are robbing Ghanaians themselves, the realization that these foreign business owners have been here for generations and actually have Ghanaian passports and speak Twi so fluently that if you don't see them and only hear them on the microphone you might think it's a Ghanaian speaking proving how deeply rooted they are in the system, the imported rice versus locally produced rice debate where imported rice is cheaper than locally produced rice because the cost of production in Ghana is so high and all borne by the farmer while in other countries the government provides machinery fertilizers tractors and combined harvesters for free as grants supporting their agribusiness, the farmer in Ghana who has to pay for the tractor buy gasoline rent the combined harvester plow the floor and bear all those costs alone ending up with a product that's not even as fine but still highly priced compared to imported rice making it impossible for any rational Ghanaian consumer to choose local when there's Ghanaian rice at an exhibition selling for 450 cedis while imported rice is way less, the thought of growing rice in Ghana that died after research showed it would result in losses because government promises to help the agri sector never come and friends who own farms in Volta region get no help and have to call for assistance just to sell their rice, the shocking data that the entire rice harvested in Ghana is not enough to feed the people of Greater Accra for two weeks yet people still complain about not having buyers because it's not about demand it's about pricing since farmers spent a lot of money to produce and are suffering, the solution that would affect a lot of importers but could work if the government pushes an agenda for 70% consumption of local produce and 30% importation but only if the government also supports the farmers because otherwise importers would just quit and switch to farming to gain from government support, the threat to the economy when the people who control how much food comes into Ghana are foreigners who are helping the economy yes but building theirs even better sending all the money back to their homes creating a situation where if they decide they're done and leave Ghana will go hungry. Host: Derrick Abaitey

Often times we overlook the significance of providing customers with voluntary updates. Information is KING. Information is powerful. The value of putting customers at ease is hard to quantify, because it is almost priceless! Demonstrating good order stewardship is proving that you care about the customer's money. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then information given away, keeps your customers happy today.Support the show

“Tell them what they want to hear to shut them up!” “Keep the deal rolling…tell them what they want to hear.” “Don't lose the deal…tell them whatever you want…just don't lose the deal.” “I don't care what you tell them…they better not cancel the deal.” Do these lines sound familiar? If so, take a look at how many customers got a line of BS from your company similar to the previous quotes. Customers are smart…much smarter than we care to admit. Today is a GREAT day to stop the BS, and start telling customers what they deserve to hear.Support the show

Today, we sit down with Mary Spare, founder of Drip On By The Bay, to talk about her mobile IV therapy business and how she is bringing wellness services directly to clients in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and surrounding areas. Led by Spare, a nurse practitioner with more than 40 years of nursing experience and 8 years as an NP, the company offers mobile IV drips, IM injections, memberships, and event-based services designed around hydration, recovery, and overall wellness. It is a conversation about convenience, health, and a business model that literally comes to you. Drip On By The Bay offers in-home appointments, concierge-style service, and customized treatments for everything from energy and immune support to weight management and recovery, all with a focus on making the experience comfortable and personal. If you have ever been curious about mobile IV therapy, how it works, or why more people are turning to services like this for wellness support, this is a good one to catch. Have a listen! LINKS: Drip On By The Bay (Website) Drip On By The Bay (Facebook)

If you want to win over millennial and and Gen Z buyers, being authentic is essential for vendors. Be real. Be genuine. Be transparent Be honest. Be humble.Support the show

Word-of-mouth has gone digital. With nearly all consumers searching online before choosing a local business, local SEO, Google Business Profiles, and content marketing are now the real drivers of visibility and conversions. To learn more, visit https://cobaltkeys.com Cobalt Keys LLC City: Las Vegas Address: 220 Emerald Vista Way #670, Website: https://cobaltkeys.com/

Customers want vendors who are primarily classified as doers. Customers want orders to flow seamlessly. They want action. They don't want lip service, they don't want clever schemes, they don't want blame shifting… They just want vendors who do what they say they're going to do. Ready. Set. Go.Support the show

If you've ever felt like your business needs more visibility : more posts, more marketing, more everything, this episode might completely shift how you see growth.Because what if the real problem isn't visibility at all?In this conversation, Melissa sits down with bestselling author and entrepreneur Mike Michalowicz to unpack a truth most business owners don't want to hear: growth doesn't come from doing more… it comes from doing less, better.Drawing from Mike's Pumpkin Plan framework (a core influence behind Melissa's Visibility Blueprint), this episode explores why so many business owners are stuck in overwhelm, and how narrowing your focus can actually make you more visible, more profitable, and more in demand.Together, they dive into the hidden trap of trying to “market your way out” of a focus problem, how identifying your best clients changes everything, and what it really takes to build a business that feels aligned and sustainable.If your business feels scattered, inconsistent, or like it's working harder than it should… this episode is your permission slip to simplify.In This Episode, We Cover:Why most business owners think they have a visibility problem (but actually don't)The difference between a marketing problem and a focus problemHow “too many pumpkins” shows up in your services, clients, and marketingWhy narrowing your focus makes your messaging instantly clearer—and more powerfulThe mental hurdle of letting go of clients (even when you need the revenue)How to identify which “pumpkins” to remove first in your businessWhat happens when you fully commit to your best clients and best workThe real-life transformation business owners experience when they implement The Pumpkin PlanMike Michalowicz (my-CAL-o-wits) is the entrepreneur behind multiple multi-million-dollar companies and the author of bestselling books including Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan, and All In. His newest book, The Money Habit, a fresh and practical approach to personal finance, is set to release in 2026. He is also the host of 4 Minute Money Maker and a former columnist for The Wall Street Journal. Today, Mike travels the world helping entrepreneurs build thriving businesses and live richer lives.Your GO-TO LINK for all things Visibility-: Google Business Profile Optimization, The Website + Social Media Audit,The Visibility Blueprint, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?

What started as an ambitious idea has grown into one of the more intriguing education stories in Anne Arundel County. Today, we catch up with Roman Hardgrave, founder of the Maryland Curiosity Lab, to talk about how the non-traditional private school has evolved from a concept into a fast-growing learning community. Hardgrave explains how the Lab blends Montessori and Acton Academy philosophies, giving students more ownership of their education while helping them discover what truly sparks their curiosity. The conversation digs into why more families are exploring alternatives to traditional classrooms, how the school encourages a real love of learning, and why freedom, accountability, and self-direction are such big parts of the model. The discussion also touches on the practical side of what makes the Maryland Curiosity Lab different. Hardgrave discusses everything from mixed-age studios and weekly adventure trips to apprenticeships, goal-setting, and the school's thoughtful approach to technology and AI. Rather than chasing grades for their own sake, the focus is on helping students connect learning to purpose, confidence, and real-world experience. It is a fascinating look at how children can thrive when they are trusted to take a more active role in their own growth. And there is plenty happening beyond the classroom as well. Hardgrave also shares details about the upcoming Children's Business Fair, the school's continued expansion, and the search for a larger long-term home that can accommodate the school's vision for the future. For parents curious about different approaches to education, or for anyone interested in how local entrepreneurs are rethinking learning from the ground up, this conversation is worth hearing. Have a listen!

Imagine reading one business skill-building book with a goal of obtaining three take-aways? Imagine doing this once a month for 12 months? With 36 new skills sets in one year, imagine the goals you could achieve, the raise you could get, or the new job you could obtain? Skills are transferrable from one job to the next. It all starts by cultivating a mindset to acquire new business skill sets! If you don't know where to start, then we suggest you start With Dale Carnegie's book entitled “How To Win Friends & Influence People.”Support the show

What if the business idea you're overlooking is the one your community actually needs?In this episode of the She Spark Podcast, Breeanya sits down with Tricia Fagelman, co-owner of Scoop & Skedaddle, a Prescott Valley–based pet waste removal service serving both residential and commercial clients.What began as helping a neighbor quickly grew into a trusted, professional operation built on reliability, safety, and genuine love for animals. With background-checked employees, branded vehicles, and a commitment to exceptional customer service, Scoop & Skedaddle has elevated a necessary chore into a seamless, dependable solution for busy homeowners and businesses alike.This conversation explores:• Building a service business from the ground up• Turning kindness into entrepreneurship• The importance of trust when entering clients' properties• Serving your local community with professionalism and heartIt's proof that no opportunity is too small when it's rooted in service.Featuring: https://scoopskedaddle.com/

Our fast-paced business world is moving further away from this principle. What would happen if we made a deliberate effort to talk with our customers? It's a simple question about a lost art! We encourage you to carve out some time to bond with your customers. They will love it, and you will pick up many, many ideas that can be used for continuous improvement! Support the show

What makes a local magazine last over 20 years in a digital world?In this episode, Rich and Wendy sit down with Sandy Kapinos and Debbie Umbarger from Harford's Heart Magazine to uncover the passion, purpose, and people behind the county's most trusted publication.Sandy, owner of Sonipak Design & Marketing, and Debbie, writer and fitness professional, share how the magazine has become a cornerstone of the community by focusing on authentic stories, local businesses, and nonprofit support.In this episode, you'll learn: How Harford's Heart Magazine survived and adapted during COVID  Why local storytelling still matters more than ever  The role of community connection in long-term success  How the magazine supports nonprofits and local businesses  Behind-the-scenes of producing a free publication Explore the magazine: HarfordsHeart.com Check out past editions and local stories that make a difference.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes in supporting local communities.Send us Fan MailHarford's Heart MagazineKEEP IT LOCAL WITH HARFORD'S HEART maryland's lifestyle magazine for harford county!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

Today, we speak with Nicholas Buscemi of Eastport Acupuncture, a practitioner of Classical Chinese Medicine, about his Annapolis practice and the principles behind it. Buscemi explains how his work goes beyond acupuncture alone, using a broader approach to help patients address pain, stress, sleep issues, and overall wellness. The conversation also touches on Buscemi's own path into the field, his training, and how traditional techniques like pulse reading, cupping, herbal guidance, and lifestyle changes can work together to support better health and eliminate dis-ease. It is a good introduction to a local business focused on helping people feel better through a more holistic approach. Nick gives me a great look at acupuncture, wellness, and how traditional Chinese medicine can (and perhaps should) be a first line of defense for helping people feel more balanced and healthy. Have a listen! LINKS: Eastport Acupuncture - Nicholas V. Buscemi (Website)

In this episode of the Mountain Real Estate Podcast, Candice sits down with Lauren Hitchell, a local Summit County business owner, to talk about what it really looks like to build a life—and a business—in the mountains.Lauren shares her journey from moving to Summit County with just a few dollars and a broken Jeep, planning to stay for one ski season… to building a successful, family-focused home watch and property service business years later.This is a conversation about more than real estate—it's about lifestyle, relationships, and what homeowners actually need when they aren't here full-time.In this episode, we cover:What home watch services are and why they matter for second homeownersHow Lauren built her business almost entirely through word of mouthThe difference between high-touch local service vs. large property management companiesWhat to look for when hiring someone to care for your mountain homeWhy flexibility and transparency matter more than flat-fee modelsWhether you own a second home in Summit County, are thinking about buying one, or just love hearing real stories from locals who made it work—this episode is packed with insight.Like, subscribe, and share with anyone shopping in Summit County—or thinking about it. #SummitCounty #Breckenridge #Keystone #FriscoColorado #Silverthorne #DillonColorado #BlueRiver #ColoradoRealEstate #STRInvesting #MountainRealEstatePodcast #WhereToBuyInSummitCounty

Business is a two sided coin. One side is what you sell. The other side is how you sell it. Each side of that coin creates customer experiences. Is your company actively dissecting all of the experiences you create? Are you sometimes overlooking the “how you sell” side of your business?Support the show

Everyone says “you need to post more.”More content. More platforms. More noise.But what if the reason your marketing isn't converting… isn't because you're not doing enough— it's because you're missing the one thing that actually builds trust and drives sales?Connection.In this episode, Melissa breaks down the difference between being visible and being known. She shares real client stories—from a restaurant using a simple marquee to build community loyalty, to a brand-new coach who signed clients in a week just by reaching out like a human.If your marketing feels forced, exhausting, or inconsistent… this is your reset.You don't need to do more. You need to connect better.Your GO-TO LINK for all things Visibility-: Google Business Profile Optimization, The Website + Social Media Audit, The Visibility Blueprint, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?

The Education Foundation of Anne Arundel County Public Schools is helping bridge gaps, support innovation, and create new opportunities for students and educators throughout the county. In this week's Local Business Spotlight, we talk with Joe Callahan about why a foundation like this is so important, why bringing it back after a period of dormancy mattered, and why this is such a well-kept secret. We also get into what the foundation actually does—how it helps fund programs, supports schools and teachers, and works to meet needs that might otherwise go unmet. It is a conversation about public education, community support, and the many ways a strong foundation can make a real difference. And because this is not something that happens without community buy-in, we also talk about how people can step up—whether that means donating money, volunteering time, mentoring students, or finding other ways to lend a hand. Have a listen! LINKS: Education Foundation of AACPS (Website) Education Foundation of AACPS (LinkedIn) Education Foundation of AACPS (Instagram)

Business owners and leaders face many challenges, questions, and hurdles. Leaders at smaller businesses and organizations often address these issues alone. In this episode, we speak at length with Hendrik-Jan Francke, owner of Bright Orange Thread, to explore how peer groups can aid business owners and leaders to unlock both profit and joy in their work. Hendrik-Jan shares how these structured learning environments give leaders the space to step away from daily operations, think more strategically, and learn from the experience of others. We also discuss how the right group dynamic – shaped by thoughtful facilitation, diverse perspectives, and mutual trust – can lead to better decision-making, stronger leadership, and more fulfilling growth for both the leader and the business.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSBright Orange ThreadWebsite: brightorangethread.comCareers: brightorangethread.com/careersRemote job shadow: brightorangethread.com/remote-job-shadow-programLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bright-orange-threadFacebook: facebook.com/brightorangethreadPeer GroupsASCENDSCCCC RoundtableAdditional LinksTaste Local EatsNew London Counseling CenterRelated EpisodesEmpowering High Performing People and Teams with Bob CoxChanging Careers and Building a Local Business with Jason FellerTRANSCRIPTThe full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

#824 Search as we know it is dead — and the businesses that adapt now will own their local markets while everyone else gets left behind. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, host Brien Gearin sits down with Phil Risher, owner of Phlash Consulting, to discuss how the landscape of local search has dramatically shifted in the age of AI. Phil breaks down the three major inflection points reshaping how consumers find home service businesses — from the decline of traditional Google search among younger generations, to the rise of short-form video indexing, to the explosion of AI-powered search experiences like Google's AI Mode. The conversation dives into practical strategies business owners can use right now to stay visible and competitive, including leveraging call transcripts to generate authentic content, building a seasonal content calendar, optimizing their website with pricing guides and online scheduling, and investing in local PR and community partnerships to establish brand authority — all critical factors in how AI ranks and recommends local businesses today! What we discuss with Phil: + Search is shifting away from Google + 26% of Gen Z finds local businesses via social media + AI search queries average 347 words vs. Google's 4 + Short-form video now indexed in Google search + Call transcripts = content goldmine + Authentic, unpolished content builds trust + Seasonal content calendars keep strategy on track + Online scheduling is essential for agentic booking + Pricing pages are a must-have + Local PR and community ties boost AI visibility Thank you, Phil! Check out Part 2 of this episode. Check out Phlash Consulting at PhlashConsulting.com. Watch the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠video podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#825 The robots are coming for your customers — and most home service businesses have no idea. In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Brien and Phil dive even deeper into the future of AI for home service businesses, covering everything from AI-powered avatars and digital twins to virtual estimating tools that are already reshaping how contractors win jobs. Phil breaks down why maintaining a steady flow of online reviews is more critical than ever in the age of AI search, how business owners can start building their own custom AI knowledge hub using tools like Delphi or Google's NotebookLM, and why creating content now — even if you never post it — is essential preparation for the AI-driven future that's already arriving. The conversation also tackles the evolving ads landscape, including why Google and Yelp still dominate bottom-of-funnel leads while Meta's targeting capabilities are rapidly advancing, and why the businesses that pair smart AI adoption with genuine human connection will ultimately win out over fully automated competitors! What we discuss with Phil: + AI avatars and digital twins + Virtual estimating with Live Switch + Building a custom AI knowledge hub + Why online reviews still matter + 21% of bookable jobs lost to AI agents + Google & Yelp still dominate bottom-of-funnel + Meta's rapidly advancing ad targeting + Human connection vs. full automation + Creating content now to future-proof your business + Using ChatGPT to generate content topics Thank you, Phil! Check out Part 1 of this episode. Check out Phlash Consulting at ⁠PhlashConsulting.com⁠. Watch the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠video podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it actually take to build a billion-dollar septic company?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with the founders of Epic Septic to break down one of the most overlooked—and profitable—home service industries.They share how they went from zero to rapid growth, why septic is dramatically less competitive than HVAC or plumbing, and how simple fundamentals like answering the phone and selling on the first call can outperform expensive marketing strategies.In this episode, we cover:Why septic is one of the most overlooked home service opportunitiesHow 90% of competitors fail to answer the phone (and lose business because of it)Why speed-to-lead and phone sales drive extremely high close ratesThe real economics behind building a $100M–$1B service businessHost: John Wilson https://x.com/WilsonCompaniesGuests: Kyle Voss Chad Riddersen https://epicseptic.com/Break through the $5M ceiling.Join John Wilson and Jack Carr May 5–7, 2026 in Akron, Ohio for the Breaking $5 Million Workshop—a 3-day, in-person event for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical owners ready to scale. You'll see the Wilson operation live, sit in on a real sales huddle, tour the shop, and build your roadmap to $5M+.

A full-circle moment at the studio recently reminded Melissa just how quickly life moves.When a former student enrolled her daughter in dance class, it sparked a reflection on the seasons of life — from raising young children while building a business, to the challenges that come with every stage of entrepreneurship.The truth? There is never a perfect time to start or grow a business. Life will always be busy.Which is why systems matter.In this episode, Melissa sits down with Chanda Coston, business strategist, Navy veteran, and CEO of Chanda Co., to talk about how entrepreneurs — especially women entering what Chanda calls the “third quarter of life” — can move from overwhelm to organized execution.Chanda shares how strategic structure, clear decision paths, and documented systems can help business owners turn their vision into measurable results — without sacrificing the life they want to live.If you've ever felt like your business is running you instead of the other way around, this episode is for you.Chanda on IGYour GO-TO LINK for all things Visibility-: Google Business Profile Optimization, The Website + Social Media Audit, The Visibility Blueprint, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?

In this week's Local Business Spotlight, we sat down with Thomas Thompson, founder of Eduaide (and former teacher in Anne Arundel County), a locally based, AI-powered platform built specifically for teachers. Eduaide helps educators create lesson plans, classroom activities, graphic organizers, games, and other instructional materials, all with the goal of saving time and making planning a little less overwhelming. Bonus: There is a free version as well as a paid version (which would make an outstanding gift for a teacher in your life). We talked about how the idea came together, what makes Eduaide different from more general AI tools, and why the platform is focused so heavily on practical, classroom-ready support for educators. The company says its tools are designed to help teachers build standards-aligned materials and access a wide range of teaching resources in one place. If you are a teacher, know a teacher, or just want to hear how one founder is using technology to support education in a meaningful way, this is a great conversation. Have a listen! Have a listen! LINKS: Eduaide (Website) Eduaide (Facebook) Eduaide (LinkedIn) Eduaide (YouTube) Eduaide (Instagram) Eduaide (X)

Orange County gets closer to recovering taxpayer money tied to former supervisor Andrew Do's corruption scheme. L.A. County gives out millions to local businesses impacted by immigration raids. Why an ocean swim isn't the best way to escape the heat right now. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comSupport the show: https://laist.com

Your best marketing message might not be what you say… it's what your clients say.I was working with a photographer who described her sessions as making photo shoots “less miserable.”Funny. Honest. Very her.But then she told me what her clients actually say when they see their photos:“Wait… that's me?”That's the message.Not the process. Not the joke. The result.So if your marketing isn't landing, ask yourself:

Authority grows through intentional connection, not just consistency. In this episode of Influential Voices of Authority, podcast host Erik K. Johnson connects with Russ Hedge, inspirational speaker, international bestselling author, and master connector. Together, they reveal how strategically selecting podcast guests, leveraging borrowed trust, and aligning your message with complementary partners can elevate your influence and transform your podcast into an authority engine.   Episode Segments 00:00 "Authority Engine: More Than Content" 01:56 "Strategic Guest Selection for Ideal Buyers" 03:35 "Leveraging Adjacent Experts" 04:37 "Borrowed Trust and Prequalified Listeners" 06:17 "Meet Russ Hedge: Master Connector" 07:55 Launching a Podcast with Purpose and Personal Impact 10:00 "Marketing, Community & Connection" 11:08 Multiple Show Formats: Panels and Local Business 13:01 Audience Dynamics and Growth Strategies 15:11 Adjusting Business for Health and Monetizing Podcasts 17:06 Sponsorships, Value Stack and Monetization Secrets 20:43 Promoting Speaking, Books, Business 21:53 Connection Opens Big Opportunities 23:09 Master Connector vs. Average Networker 25:31 Using Social Media to Catalog Connections 26:01 Cross-Marketing Authority with Books 28:39 Mindset, Credibility, and Inspirational Messaging 30:56 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Starting 33:31 Creating Habit and Consistency from Atomic Habits 39:04 Russ Hedge's Authority Secret: Never Stop Connecting 40:02 Doing It Your Way: Monetization Lessons 41:48 What's Next for Russ Hedge: Scaling with Purpose 42:57 RussHedge.com: One-Stop for Connection and Resources   Key Takeaways Authority from Connection, Not Popularity Selecting podcast guests based on alignment with your ideal buyer and complementary skills opens doors to the right audience. Strategic partnerships create borrowed trust, boosting your authority and influence.   Monetization Isn't About Audience Size Russ Hedge monetized his podcast from the beginning, focusing on value-packed sponsorships, digital advertising, and cross-promotion—even before he had a large audience. It's about positioning and providing five times the value, not waiting for "enough listeners."   Your Body of Work Builds Authority Across more than 1,000 episodes, Russ Hedge demonstrates the power of consistency, celebration, and leveraging each show to promote speaking, books, and deepen community relationships.   Mindset and Authenticity Set You Apart Your reaction to adversity, authenticity, and ability to connect with others build credibility and authority in your niche. Russ's journey through cancer and major life events showcases how mindset fuels success.   The Secret Sauce: Keep Going and Reconnect Authority comes from repeated, meaningful connections. Never be a "one and done." Build lifelong relationships and continue to bring value.   Podcast Audit Ready to strategically grow your podcast authority? Get your podcast audit and coaching session with Erik at https://podcasttalentcoach.com/coaching   Connect with Russ Hedge: https://RussHedge.com   Next Week: Join Erik as he interviews Tea and Britain, two powerful influencers who show how complementary partnerships position you as a sought-after authority in your niche.

We all need a system. And when systems work well, it's a beautiful thing. Today we sit down with Susie Salinas from Systems by Susie, a professional organizer! From the required junk drawer to that hallway closet to the cluttered kitchen,m we can all use some organization in our lives. But stuff happens, and it gets ignored — at least in my house it does! This is where Susie and her team come in. Imagine an expert setting up your home, with everything in its proper place. Now, all of a sudden, keeping it organized is a breeze. We talk about a 20-minute reset, the key areas that need organization, whether to do an area or a whole house, and why you might need an organizer. Spoiler: the best reason is to regain time! And yes, we do ask about that junk drawer. Could your kitchen, garage, or basement use a bit more organization? Have a listen! LINKS: Systems By Susie (Website) Systems By Susie (Facebook) Systems By Susie (Instagram) -- with great before and after photos!

Welcome to the new era of the podcast. After years as Brick + Mortar Visibility, we're officially stepping into something bigger: The Visibility Podcast.And here's why.If you're a brick and mortar business owner, local business leader, or small business founder who feels a little… stuck — this episode is for you.Maybe what used to work in your marketing isn't working anymore. Maybe you've added more services, more offers, more team, but growth feels heavier instead of clearer. Maybe your visibility feels scattered.You're not failing.You may just be disconnected from the original engine that built your momentum.In this episode, I'm sharing:Why we rebranded from Brick + Mortar VisibilityThe real reason so many small businesses stall after early successHow marketing shifts over time (and why that matters for local businesses)What I learned from pivoting my own brick-and-mortar studioOne powerful question to ask if your business feels stuckWhether you run a storefront, a service-based local business, or a growing small business online, visibility is the game.And this podcast is about building it on purpose.Because being good at what you do isn't enough anymore.You have to be seen. You have to be known. You have to be trusted.Let's make your business impossible to ignore.Your GO-TO LINK for all things Visibility-: Google Business Profile Optimization, The Website + Social Media Audit, The Visibility Blueprint, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?