Podcasts about small business owners

In today's episode, we have the pleasure to interview Andy Weins, author of Stop Avoiding Your Numbers: The Guide to Financial Confidence for Small Business Owners.https://stopavoidingyournumbers.com/book-checkout/Andy is a veteran, fourth-generation business owner, entrepreneur, speaker, and author. He has spent more than two decades serving in the military, including deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and currently serves as a U.S. Army Reserve Career Counselor with the rank of Master Sergeant. As a business owner and fractional CFO, Andy has helped countless entrepreneurs understand the financial side of their businesses so they can grow with confidence instead of guesswork.In this episode, you'll learn why so many business owners avoid looking at their numbers in the first place, how financial confidence can give you more freedom instead of less, and the simple mindset shifts that can help you stop making decisions based on assumptions and start making decisions based on facts. You'll also hear why running out of money is the biggest threat to most businesses and how understanding your numbers can completely change the trajectory of your company.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Andy Weins.To Learn More visit and buy Andy's Book visit: https://andyweins.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyweins/https://www.instagram.com/andyweinsafwhttps://www.youtube.com/@andyweinshttps://www.facebook.com/andyweinsafwhttps://www.tiktok.com/@andyweinsafw

Do you feel like social media is just one big popularity contest that leaves you creatively drained? Let's shake things up. Join Manu Muraro shares how to make your brand stand out in a saturated feed, how to actually enjoy content creation, and why celebrating those small wins might be your new secret weapon. From tackling the Instagram algorithm to surviving the world of copycats and award shows, this episode is for every entrepreneur ready to take center stage online.   Manu Muraro is the founder of Your Social Team, a content marketing brand helping small business owners grow through strategic email marketing and Instagram content. Manu is also the creator of The Reelies Awards, the first award show celebrating Small Business Owners and Creators through Instagram Reels. A former creative at Cartoon Network, Manu brings award-winning experience to everything she creates — from email templates to done-for-you social content that saves time and drives results. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Changing role of social media Origin of the Reelies Creating an awards show In-person events Adapting to changes in content The Instagram algorithm and oversaturation over the years Building genuine client relationships Staying on top of social media trends Discussing visual trends in design Discovering and using Unscreen Handling content copying issues Setting up your social media account Creating a presentation outline TikTok's impact on discovery Judging criteria for Reelies Importance of in-person meetings Winning awards for client projects ---------------------- RESOURCES: Get your 1 free entry for the Reelies Blog: Starting a New Instagram Account? Here's what your first 9 posts should be ---------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Manu and Your Social Team, follow her on Instagram and TikTok @YourSocialTeam, Facebook @WeAreYourSocialTeam, and visit her website, YourSocial.Team ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok -----------------------   -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! --STICKER GIANT-- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code MKW25 for 25% off when you spend $150 or more! Code is valid for one-time use only. Expires December 31st 2026. -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high-quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

What happens when a portrait photographer stops thinking like a freelancer and starts thinking like a CEO? Jaren Collins did exactly that — and built JCi Creatives, a nationwide creative agency specializing in conference and event storytelling, with clients including AT&T and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.In this episode, Jaren breaks down:How he quit his corporate job (with almost nothing saved) and matched his salary within a monthWhy he walked away from 52 weddings a year to pursue corporate clientsHow one $1,000 gig turned into nearly $100,000 in annual spend from a single clientHis approach to project-based pricing and asking "what's your budget" upfrontHigh-volume headshot strategy — including doing 75 headshots in 23 minutesThe systems, AI tools, and team structure that keep his business running efficientlyWhy referrals in the corporate world are massively underutilizedJaren also co-owns Greenwood Co., a creative coworking and content space in DeSoto, Texas built to empower creators and entrepreneurs — and his mission is to help others turn creativity into sustainable, legacy-building businesses.Whether you want to break into corporate photography or scale what you've already built, this episode is full of real-world strategy you can use today.If you're building a photography business, want to grow your portrait photography income, or are curious about how to make money from photography online, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.

Is your business feeling inflation? Struggling with how to handle it and keep your profit margins? Then today's episode will massively help you! READ MORE HERE

Signing a commercial lease can feel like just another business task, but one missed detail can create expensive problems for years. Our favorite Bookkeeping Mensch, Paul Rosenblum, explains why commercial leases are major long-term financial decisions that can directly affect the survival and stability of a business. He walks through the real-world consequences of missing important details, including massive rent increases, responsibility for building problems, or even being forced to relocate after customers have become attached to a location. Careful attention to detail, along with hiring the right legal help during the process, can save small business owners major stress, disruption, and money in the long run.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Your bookkeeping changes everything from a tax standpoint.If your books are messy, outdated, or based on guesswork, your tax planning is already working with bad information. You may miss deductions, misjudge your profit, make poor year-end decisions, or overpay the IRS without realizing it.In this episode, Mike breaks down why bookkeeping is not just administrative work. It is the foundation of smart tax planning. He explains what bookkeeping actually is, how your profit and loss statement and balance sheet affect your taxes, and why clean, accurate books help business owners make better decisions, reduce tax-season stress, and uncover more opportunities to lower their tax bill.

If your online course isn't selling, most people tell you to fix your marketing.But what if the real problem is inside the course itself?Today we are chatting with Kasia Derbiszewska, Online Course and Business Strategist at Supercharge Your Online Course. She helps experts design neuroscience-backed programs that drive retention, referrals, and real revenue. And we're talking about the #1 course design mistake small business owners make that quietly kills conversions.In this episode, we break down:- Why adding more content often makes sales worse- The difference between information and transformation- How neuroscience-backed design impacts buying decisions and completionIf you sell courses, memberships, or signature programs, this conversation will help you rethink what actually drives revenue.Listen in and decide what you'll Keep, Ditch, and Try next.Watch the episode on YouTube:Blog Show Notes:Toolkit: https://annaandselena.com/business-clarity-snapshot/Let's be Inbox Besties: https://annaandselena.com/email/Find us both at: www.annaandselena.comFind Anna:www.nomadabout.comwww.facebook.com/iamnomadaboutwww.instagram.com/iamnomadaboutLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annadlarson/Find Selena:www.thehauoli.comwww.facebook.com/thehauoliwww.instagram.com/thehauoliLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selena-conmackie/

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Leketa Hawkins. Also known as the Pocketbook Strategist. She is a financial literacy advocate and business consultant based in North Carolina, offering tools and resources to help individuals and small business owners take control of their financial futures.

Most small business owners do not have an information problem anymore.They have a visibility problem.In this episode, Gloria Chou shares the hard truth many founders need to hear in 2026: no amount of consuming content, saving posts, buying courses, or overthinking your messaging will grow your business if you are unwilling to actually show up and be seen.This conversation explores:• why so many founders stay stuck in “learning mode”• the fear of judgment that keeps businesses invisible• why your story matters more than ever in today's AI driven recommendation economy• how PR starts with self trust and perspective• the difference between consuming information vs building visibility• why pressing “send” is often the real breakthroughIf you have been hiding behind perfectionism, waiting to feel ready, or struggling to consistently show up online, this episode is your reminder that your voice and perspective matter.Because in 2026, visibility is no longer optional.And nobody is coming to save your visibility except you.In my free PR Secrets Masterclass, I walk you through the exact system small business owners use to land press, get into gift guides, and become known in their industry—without connections or expensive retainers.Register here: www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou #SmallBusinessPR #EcommerceMarketing #AIForBusiness #ShopifyTips #SmallBusinessMarketing #ChatGPTMarketing #WomenInBusiness #ProductBasedBusiness #BrandTrust #ContentMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #AIContent #FemaleFounder #OnlineBusiness #DigitalMarketing

Good Debt, Bad Debt: Smart Funding Strategies for Small Business Owners is covered in this Podcast***************************************Many small business owners approach debt with an employee or consumer mindset, which holds their business back. In this episode of Leadership Live at 8:05, Andrew Frazier and guest Oz Konar, founder of Business Loan Broker Blueprint, break down the difference between good and bad debt, how to choose the right funding type for your situation, and what to implement to borrow wisely instead of dangerously. You'll learn practical ways to use funding to grow your business without digging a financial hole youOz Konar founded Business Loan Broker Blueprint, an education and funding platform that trains entrepreneurs to become business loan brokers and helps small businesses access the capital they need to grow. Drawing on his background in sales, alternative lending, and marketing, Oz has trained over 7,000 students and leads a team that supports both education and the back-end funding solutions. He focuses strongly on the smart use of debt, business credit, and practical funding strategies for small business owners.LinkedIn:   / oz-konar  Website: https://businesslendingblueprint.com/

In this episode of The Dept. Omar sits down with RichFromAnywhere for a masterclass on how paid ads are changing, why they're getting easier to use, and how business owners can start using ads, AI, and simple systems to grow with more consistency. They break down what's working with Meta right now, how to think about ads as a business lever instead of something confusing or “salesy,” and why pairing paid traffic with the right content and offer can create far more predictable growth. They also talk about using masterclasses and webinars as repeatable sales assets, how to think about lead magnets, landing pages, retargeting, and follow-up, why one strong in-house operator can now do what used to take a whole marketing team, and what founders need to understand if they want to think more like marketers. The conversation goes deeper into testing, messaging, AI-powered tools, and the mindset shift required to stop overthinking and start running the play. If you've been relying only on organic content, feeling stuck with inconsistent leads, or wanting a simpler way to scale your business online, this is an essential episode.

Victoria Lai has lived several careers in one lifetime: presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, entrepreneur, and now business advisor and nonprofit COO. But her biggest pivot came when she nurtured her passion for making ice cream on nights and weekends while working a serious government job. In this extra sweet episode, Victoria walks us through how a $25 Craigslist ice cream maker and a promise to herself led to Ice Cream Jubilee, the award-winning DC-area business celebrated by Food & Wine, the Washington Post, and Thrillist, and what it felt like to eventually sell the business she'd spent nearly a decade building. She also opens up about her family's Chinese immigrant history and how it shaped both her flavors and her sense of purpose, and why she considers her latest pivot back to mission-driven work the most fitting chapter yet. Chapters: 00:00.160 Welcome to She Pivots 00:28.360 Guest Introduction: Victoria Lai 01:58.160 Childhood Memories and Family Influences 06:57.320 The Path to Law School and Government Work 10:58.576 Finding Inspiration in New York City 13:02.754 The Birth of Ice Cream Jubilee 26:36.392 Taking the Leap: From Government to Ice Cream 32:46.677 "Ice cream-preneurship" 36:07.043 Achieving Success and Letting Go 39:02.320 A New Chapter: Coaching and Personal Growth 44:18.680 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude 44:40.626 Podcast Credits You can keep up with Ice Cream Jubilee at their website, www.icecreamjubilee.com Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iheart podcast.Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hiring one remote employee in another state changes everything from a tax standpoint.The same goes for selling products or services across state lines. Once your business creates a connection to another state, that state may expect you to register, file, collect taxes, or handle payroll compliance there.In this episode, Mike sits down with Nellie Akalp, CEO and Co-Founder of CorpNet, to break down state tax nexus in plain English. They explain what creates nexus, why remote employees and multi-state sales can trigger tax obligations, and what business owners need to do to avoid penalties, back taxes, and compliance headaches.

You spend money on meals and travel all the time; Client lunches, flights, hotels, conferences, team dinners, and networking events are all part of running a business.But most business owners don't know what is actually deductible anymore.In this episode, Mike breaks down the 2026 rules for meals, travel, and entertainment deductions. He explains what still qualifies, what changed, what is no longer deductible, and how business owners can turn everyday spending into legitimate tax savings without creating unnecessary IRS risk.

This week on Rising Up for Justice, Richard Trent, Executive Director of Main Street Alliance joins us.

The California governor 2026 race is the most crowded gubernatorial primary in state history, and most of the candidates getting the airtime are the ones writing the biggest checks. On this episode of Purple Political Breakdown, host Radell Lewis sits down with Reza Safarnejad, an independent (No Party Preference) candidate for governor of California whose ballot designation is Small Business Owner and whose path into politics started the day the Palisades fire burned his entire neighborhood to ashes. Reza is not a career politician, but he is also not new to how government works. He is an immigrant, a working family man, and a University of Maryland graduate who spent twenty years in leadership roles on large scale federal, state, and local government programs before running for office. From 2006 to 2014 he worked at the National Institutes of Health on national level programs, including the National Cancer Institute's cancer.gov platform that helps doctors and patients find the best treatment options, and large scale virus and genomic research collaboration systems. Since 2014 he has worked in criminal forensics with crime labs and crime scene units across the country (including with the Ohio State Crime Labs), building unbiased, transparent platforms that serve victims and the wrongly accused. He is also the author of the book Veiled Souls and has written and spoken widely on civic issues. After the Palisades fire, Reza spent a year trying to work through California's local and state politicians and help new candidates, and what he found was systemic corruption baked into the party system itself. That is what pushed him from advocate to candidate. In this conversation we cover: the affordability squeeze on working California families, the homelessness factory that no amount of spending seems to fix, the billionaire tax loopholes that quietly hand sixty five percent Airbnb write-offs to the wealthy while regular Californians pay the bill, and the monopolies (Uber, Kroger and Albertsons, PG&E, Blue Cross, DoorDash, the pharma bros pushing ketamine and fentanyl) that he says are draining the state. We get into the Gavin Newsom critique without it becoming a Newsom episode, push back on the framing of the so-called billionaires' tax that excludes real estate moguls and Wall Street, dig into the Palisades fire accountability question, and talk through what California can actually do to push back when a Trump administration starts pulling federal funding and sending in the National Guard. This is a long-form, fact-checking, solutions-focused conversation with one of the lower-name candidates on the June 2 primary ballot. Whether Reza Safarnejad ends up in your top two or not, the conversation maps the issues every California voter should be testing every gubernatorial candidate against: affordability, monopoly power, homelessness, drug enforcement, tax fairness, and what it actually takes to be a governor for the people instead of the donors. Topics covered: California governor 2026 primary, independent candidate California, Palisades fire accountability, California affordability crisis, breaking up monopolies, California wealth tax, billionaire tax loopholes, Airbnb tax write-offs, California homelessness crisis, drug enforcement and marijuana legalization, federal funding fights, Newsom legacy, June 2 primary preview. Visit purplepoliticalbreakdown.com for episode notes, position statements, and the Research on a Dime archive. Subscribe, rate five stars, and share with a friend who's tired of toxic politics and ready for political solutions without political bias.Standard Resource Links & RecommendationsThe following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORKCheck Out the Podcast Website: www.purplepoliticalbreakdown.comALIVE Podcast Network - Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMSHeadOn - A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/Living Room Conversations - Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/ UNITY MOVEMENTSUs United - A movement for unity that challenges Americans to step out of their bubbles and connect across differences. Take the Unity Pledge, join monthly "30 For US" conversation calls, wear purple (the color of unity), and participate in National Unity Day every second Saturday in December. Their programs include the Sheriff Unity Network and Unity Seats at sports events, proving that shared values are stronger than our differences. Link: https://www.us-united.org/ BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATIONOtherWeb - An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/ VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACYEqual Vote Coalition & STAR Voting - Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/starFuture is Now Coalition (FiNC) - A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse. Link: https://futureis.org/ POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTIndependent Center - Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/ GET DAILY NEWSText 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed (https://informed.now)Check Out the Unfuck America Tour & National Ground Game: https://www.nationalgroundgame.com/Check Out the CIVICS App to Know More About Your Politicians: https://www.civicpolitics.com ALL LINKShttps://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdownThe Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias."Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics - where we find common ground in the middle! Also if you want to be apart of the community and the conversation make sure to Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/ptPAsZtHC9

In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, Nikki sits down with photographer and educator Meg Loeks to talk about how she built a photography business rooted in storytelling, color, and creativity. Meg shares how she went from a corporate marketing job to running a thriving portrait business, and how life circumstances eventually led her to focus fully on photography education.They talk about building momentum through social media, finding clients through your network, evolving your style, using color intentionally, and how education can become a powerful second income stream for photographers. Meg also shares her approach to photographing families, styling sessions, working with created light, and growing a loyal audience online.If you're a photographer interested in building a business, refining your artistic voice, or eventually stepping into education, this conversation is full of insight and encouragement.Meg's work is known for its rich storytelling, cinematic lighting, and thoughtful use of color, and this episode gives a great behind-the-scenes look at how she thinks about both art and business.If you're building a photography business, want to grow your portrait photography income, or are curious about how to make money from photography online, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.

Most coaches are broke not because they lack talent but because they are invisible. The work is good. The results are real. But without the basic foundations of a credible online presence, consistent social proof and the right volume of activity, even the best coaches struggle to attract and enrol clients. The frustrating part is that most of these fixes take less than a day and cost almost nothing. In this episode, Robin breaks down the six mistakes he sees small business owners making repeatedly and the simple, inexpensive fixes that can start generating more leads and enquiries almost immediately. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ Why an inconsistent online presence is silently eroding trust and the quick fixes that make you look credible overnight ✅ Why a Gmail address is costing you clients and how to set up a professional online presence in a single day ✅ How to build social proof from scratch even if you are just starting out and have no existing reviews or testimonials ✅ Why hiding behind a laptop is the number one growth killer and how in-person networking still outperforms social media ✅ The lead indicator framework that tells you exactly why your sales are falling short before it is too late to fix it

This week is National Small Business Week — and before we get into strategy, David takes a moment to do something he thinks doesn't happen nearly enough: genuinely honor the people who build and run small businesses in America. Because it's hard. Really hard. And the numbers tell a story that most press releases never will.Then, in true Weekly Wealth fashion, he makes the turn: Small Business Week celebrates the business. But nobody's talking about the owner's financial future. This episode fixes that.

Send us Fan MailMolly Kranovich, owner of Lumi Studio Shoppe in Mount Prospect, Illinois, joins Todd McLaughlin for an honest and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to build a thriving yoga business.In this episode, Molly shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to successful studio owner. She created a unique multi-functional space that beautifully combines yoga classes, a retail shop featuring local artisans, and a warm community event hub just outside of Chicago.Molly opens up about the real challenges and victories of small business ownership — rethinking studio layouts, negotiating leases, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, supporting local makers, and standing out against big corporate studios. Her story is filled with heart, creativity, and a deep commitment to building authentic community through yoga and wellness.You'll hear:• How she transitioned from managing her home and children to running a thriving studio• The power of blending yoga, retail, and community events in one welcoming space• Practical strategies for overcoming early business setbacks• How she balances family life while growing her business• Why supporting local artisans matters in today's wellness worldWhether you're a yoga teacher, studio owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who values heart-led businesses, this episode will uplift and motivate you.Visit Molly at: https://lumistudioshoppe.com/Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

Jake Lerner has served as Chief Revenue Officer for Revenued since 2020. He oversees all sales channels and focuses on growing our direct to consumer initiative in addition to building relationships with Strategic Partners and innovating new products. Prior to Revenued he was the President of Vantage Capital and spent 4 years with Fora Financial. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Access to capital is often easier than entrepreneurs think; the real barrier is misunderstanding the options and timelines. 2. Revenue-based funding shifts the focus from personal credit scores to actual business performance and cash flow. 3. The right funding strategy isn't about the cheapest option; it's about aligning capital with your business model and growth goals. Check out Jake's website. Fill out the form and get working capital for your business quickly - Revenued Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. Hostinger - Visit Hostinger.com/ONFIRE, use code ONFIRE for 20% off, and build your site today.

Most people are out here trying to build a brand before they even understand what one is. And then they wonder why it's not working. Today we're going back to basics — and I promise it's going to change how you see your business and your personal brand. READ MORE HERE

1017. If you think that you must have a cushy job to access a retirement plan, you're mistaken. There are excellent retirement accounts for the self-employed or those running a small business. Laura reviews the rules, pros, and cons of different retirement plans you might choose based on your income, business size, and financial goals.Key Takeaways:Whether your employer doesn't offer a retirement plan or you're self-employed, you can save for retirement using one or more tax-advantaged accounts.Anyone with earned income qualifies for a traditional IRA, making it an excellent option for investing on a pre-tax basis.If you have earned income that's less than an annual threshold, you qualify for a Roth IRA, which gives you tax-free income in retirement.If you have income from a business with no employees, other than a spouse, you qualify for a solo 401(k), which offers the highest contribution limits.If you have income from a business with or without employees, you qualify for a SEP-IRA.Upcoming Wedding Series: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should you open another LLC, elect S Corp status, or create a more advanced business structure?Mike breaks down when a multi-entity structure makes sense, and when it creates more confusion than value.  Learn when one LLC is enough, how S Corps and partnerships fit in, and why timing matters. Structure too early and you create chaos. Wait too long and you expose yourself to risk. 

Robby Morin, owner of Lux Powder Coat and candidate for U.S. Congress, joins the show for a candid conversation about housing, healthcare, energy, taxes, small business, and government accountability.Coming from different political perspectives, the conversation stays focused on what actually matters: making it easier to build, work, hire, live, and believe in the American Dream again.This episode explores the real-world impact of policy through the lens of entrepreneurship, affordability, and common-sense problem solving—not political talking points.Learn more here:Website: www.robbymorin.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCTA0C6Wi6p4BLdsg-CRj4_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electrobbymorinTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@electrobbymorinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Robby-Morin-for-Congress-61577845436752/______________________________________________________________If this episode inspires you to be part of the movement, and you believe, like me, that entrepreneurs are the answer to our future, message me so we can join forces to support building truly great companies in our region. -Subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCom_​... -  Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur that has experience growing companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the CEO and founder of HaneyBiz -  Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarkhaney​ Facebook: www.facebook.com/themarkhaney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markehaney​ Website: http://haneybiz.com​ Audio Boom: https://audioboom.com/channels/5005273​  Twitter: http://twitter.com/themarkhaney-This video includes personal knowledge, experiences, and opinions about Angel Investing by seasoned angel investors.  This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.  Nothing in this video constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement.#thebackyardadvantage #themarkhaneyshow #entrepreneur #PowerOfWith #SacramentoEntrepreneur #Sacramento#SacramentoSmallBusiness #SmallBusiness #GrowthFactory #Investor#podcast

This month's podcast features Tim in conversation with Paul Foster, a founding member of Foster Victor. As a principal advisor, Paul shares deep expertise in the financial challenges businesses encounter, along with practical strategies for managing and optimizing key investments. Whether you're running an established company or launching a new venture, having clear visibility into your finances is critical. Tune in for actionable insights, straightforward advice, and guidance on connecting with professional financial support to strengthen your business. Learn more about Foster Victor's services at https://fostervictor.com/ Find Foster Victor on social media: Instagram: @fostervictorwealthadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foster-victor-wealth-advisors/

In this Most Valuable Podcast episode, we're walking through the dos and don'ts of niching to help you avoid common mistakes, reduce the stress around choosing a niche and make a confident decision.Tune into this episode to learn:The biggest mistakes small business owners make when choosing a niche or specializingHow to avoid "niche drama" and keep making money while you figure it outThe key components to a profitable nicheMentioned in this episode:Work with me inside The Localpreneur AcademyFollow 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.

What if the real problem with small business lending isn't the banks, but that nobody's actually built the system around the business owner?In this conversation, David sits down with Charles Kollo, Head of Innovation at BBIF, a Florida-based CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution), for a candid conversation about why the $200 billion community lending ecosystem is ripe for disruption, why CDFIs have been slow to modernize, and what it will actually take to put capital access back in the hands of business owners.Charles brings a rare global lens to the conversation: he's built a digital bank in Sub-Saharan Africa, worked with major banking groups across Côte d'Ivoire, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and beyond, and now applies those lessons to the U.S. CDFI space.In this episode:Why CDFIs were created (and why they've been slow to innovate)The outdated 1970s credit scoring system that's still running the showWhy high interest rates from alternative lenders are essentially a "laziness fee" (and what accurate risk prediction could change)The real victim in the lending ecosystem: the small business ownerWhat mobile money in Africa can teach us about capital deployment in the U.S.The three ingredients needed to actually solve this problem: clarity of thought, tools, and distributionWhy EIC may be positioned to bridge the gapLinks & Resources:Rethinking Capital Access for Small Businesses with Charles KolloLearn more about CDFIs: cdfi.orgLearn more about BBIF: bbif.com

Elizabeth Lasswell is a Licensed Skincare Professional and the Founder of Vela Aesthetics & Mercantile, a Holistic Medspa in Charlotte, North Carolina.This week's episode is a rerun of Haven's conversation with Elizabeth, discussing all things skincare - including what should be in your morning and evening skincare routines, products to use and avoid, why you should be wearing (and reapplying!) SPF every day and her favorite SPF/makeup products. The two also discuss remedies for acne concerns and they cover holistic health factors that affect skin health. News flash! What you put in your body matters just as much as what you put on your skin when it comes to radiant skin. You'll learn so much from Elizabeth in this episode! Give it a listen and share with your friends. Join the Health by Haven Community:Work with Me: Holistic Health & Run Coaching InquiriesNewsletter: Subscribe for Recipes & Health TipsSupport the Show: Pledge your support for less than a cup of coffee!Instagram: @healthbyhavenConnect with Elizabeth:Follow VELA Aesthetics & Mercantile on Instagram: @velacltThank you to our season 5 sponsor, Avodah Massage Therapy!Support the show

How much cash is hiding in your business? See if you qualify for a Free Financial Health Check Financial Intelligence Toolkit Steve does not talk about his personal life much. But when he does, the response is always the same: people reach out and say they could have written that story themselves.In this episode he steps back from the frameworks and the financials and shares where he actually came from. Growing up without a dad, leaving home at 16, starting a business out of his sister's garage, hitting rock bottom, and eventually finding his way to a career in finance and then to founding Coltivar.If you are new to the show this is a great place to start. If you have been here a while, this one might surprise you._______________________________________Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Are you still afraid to deduct certain business expenses because you think the IRS might come after you for it?Meals. Travel. Home office. Vehicle expenses. Software. Education. Coaching. Even paying your kids. These deductions can feel risky when the lines between personal and business spending are not clear.In this episode, Mike breaks down the business expenses many owners skip out of fear, and explains how to think about deductions the right way. You will learn what “ordinary and necessary” really means, why documentation matters more than fear, and why playing it too safe can cost you thousands.

Send us Fan Mail You are not behind. You are not broken. You are playing a different hand. This episode is a straight-talking, honest conversation about comparison, fairness, and what it actually takes to build something real when the odds aren't in your favor. One action step at the end that you can do before Friday. 

Most business owners treat filing their taxes like the finish line. It isn't. What actually lowers your tax bill is what you do before December, and that starts with knowing how to read the return you just filed.In this episode, Mike walks through a six-step process for reviewing your 2025 tax return the right way. You will learn what numbers actually matter on your 1040, how to tell if the strategies you implemented actually worked, where most business owners leave money on the table without realizing it, and how to build a real tax plan for 2026 before the year gets away from you.

Roxy Butner joins the show to break down practical retirement saving strategies—especially for entrepreneurs who struggle to pay themselves first. The conversation covers foundational options like IRAs and Roth IRAs, then moves into more powerful tools such as Solo 401(k)s, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs for business owners. They highlight the enormous impact of starting early through compounding, common planning mistakes (like neglecting retirement and estate planning), and current client concerns around market volatility and geopolitical risk. Listener questions tackle HSA asset allocation and whether bonds belong in a portfolio nearing withdrawal, along with a comparison between money market funds and bond funds. The episode reinforces a core theme: ignore the noise, build a plan, and stick to it.0:09 Show intro and Roxy joins; focus on practical, common-sense advice0:50 Entrepreneurs and the challenge of saving vs reinvesting in business1:14 Getting started: traditional IRA basics and tax deferral2:41 Roth IRA advantages and contribution limits3:41 Retirement options for self-employed: overview4:20 Solo 401(k): high contribution potential and dual-role benefits5:17 SEP IRA: flexible contributions for variable income6:40 Contribution discipline and “pay yourself first” strategy7:44 SIMPLE IRA for small businesses with employees8:22 The power of compounding and starting early9:12 Early vs late investor example—time beats total contributions10:29 Common mistakes: not planning early, ignoring estate planning12:00 Tax season behaviors and last-minute contributions13:15 Listener question: HSA allocation—100% equity vs adding bonds14:03 Suggested shift toward 80/20 or modest fixed income allocation15:34 Risk considerations and need for stability nearing withdrawals16:00 Listener question: money market vs bond fund performance16:51 Apples-to-apples comparison and limits of historical data17:57 Role of bonds vs money markets in long-term portfolios18:49 Client fears: market drops and volatility concerns19:49 Geopolitical risk and sticking to a long-term plan20:17 Importance of real financial planning vs guessing returns21:57 What listeners get from a free advisor consultation23:16 How to connect with an advisor and submit questionsQuestions? Comments? Click!

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS breaks down the relationship between SEO and PPC advertising. He explains that while PPC provides short-term visibility and acts as a catalyst for brand awareness, SEO builds the long-term foundation that makes ads more cost-effective. Favour emphasizes that these two strategies should not be siloed; instead, they must work together. By ranking organically for specific keywords, businesses can lower their ad spend for those same keywords. The conversation also touches on the importance of content pillars, Google Search Console, and the value of organizing your digital assets to prevent overwhelm.Who is this for?Business owners, digital marketers, and entrepreneurs looking to understand the differences and synergies between Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising. It's highly valuable for anyone wanting to build a sustainable, long-term marketing strategy while leveraging short-term wins through paid ads.Key Moments & Timestamps01:42 — The Core Difference: Understanding SEO (Search Engine Optimization) vs. SEM/PPC (Search Engine Marketing).03:34 — Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Why PPC is for short-term wins and SEO is for long-term sustainability.06:00 — The Synergy: How ranking organically for a keyword lowers the cost of bidding on that same keyword in ads.11:10 — Cross-Platform Strategy: Connecting your website to Google Search Console and Pinterest to build domain authority.32:47 — Tracking Success: Using Google Alerts and Search Console to track brand mentions and backlinks.107:41 — Final Takeaway: Organize your content pillars and don't feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects of SEO.FAQsQ: Should I focus on SEO or PPC first?A: You should focus on SEO first to build a strong foundation. PPC is a catalyst that drives immediate traffic, but if your website isn't optimized organically, you will end up paying higher costs per click over time.Q: How long does it take for ads to mature?A: Depending on the platform, it typically takes 7 to 28 days for an ad campaign to exit the learning phase and mature based on the target audience.Q: How do SEO and ads work together?A: When you rank organically for a specific keyword (e.g., "real estate planning") on your website, Google recognizes your authority. When you run ads for that same keyword, your cost per click is often lower because the destination link is highly relevant and authoritative.Action StepsBuild Your Foundation: Ensure your website is connected to Google Search Console so search engines can index your pages.Align Your Keywords: Use the same keywords in your organic content (URLs, titles) that you plan to bid on in your PPC campaigns.Set Up Alerts: Use Google Alerts to track when your brand or business is mentioned online to monitor your growing authority.Organize Content Pillars: Structure your website content into clear pillars and clusters to make it easier for both users and search engines to navigate.Book a Consultation: Reach out to Favour at info@playinc.online or favour@playinc.online to hire his SEO agency and streamline your digital marketing strategy.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Quick SummaryIf marketing feels more confusing than ever, you're not imagining it.In this episode, Kelsey breaks down why so many female entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed by modern marketing, what “scatterbrain marketing” is costing your business, and why community-based strategies are making a major comeback.She also shares how AI search is changing discoverability, why your digital footprint matters, and how to simplify your next growth season.In This EpisodeWhy marketing feels harder in 2026The trap of scatterbrain marketingWhy old-school relationship marketing works againHow to choose the right platform for your businessUsing 90-day marketing experimentsWhy your website + online presence still matterHow ChatGPT is changing business visibilityFinding the right keywords naturallyWhy community builders will win the futureKey TakeawaysMore tactics do not equal more growth.Start with your goal before choosing platforms.Use 90-day tests instead of emotional overcommitment.AI rewards clear positioning and trust signals.Relationships are becoming your greatest marketing asset.Memorable Quotes“The future belongs to community builders.”“You do not need to do everything. You need to do the right things.”“People are tired of the information economy. They want the connection economy.”Resources MentionedKelsey's Instagram: @kelseyreidlKelsey's Website: kelseyreidl.comChatGPTGoogle Search ConsoleGoogle AnalyticsLinkedInInstagramAbout the HostsStacy Millard is a CPA, entrepreneur, and the founder of Thrive Accounting, a firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs experience more joy and freedom in business through strategic financial guidance. After successfully scaling and selling her first accounting firm for seven figures, Stacy returned to entrepreneurship to build a values-aligned business focused exclusively on serving fellow business owners. She hosts the Small Business School podcast and is passionate about community, financial transparency, and helping entrepreneurs understand the real numbers that drive business success.Kelsey Reidl is an entrepreneur, fractional CMO, and host of Rain or Shine (formerly Visionary Life). She's been podcasting for 8 years, helping entrepreneurs show up consistently and build sustainable businesses. She runs the Wave Mastermind and specializes in marketing strategy, website design, and business growth. Kelsey is a mom to a 2-year-old, an avid mountain biker, and a firm believer in the "rain or shine" mentality.

In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, Nikki sits down with South Africa–based photographer Simone Dorfman to talk about real-life marketing strategies that actually work. Simone shares how she built a photography business with a $2,000 average sale in a small town by offering personal branding photography, product photography, and content creation services for small businesses.They discuss:• Photography marketing strategies for small markets• How to increase photography pricing through value-adds• Running simple Instagram and Facebook ads• Partnering with stylists and content creators• Packaging B-roll social video with photography sessions• Booking branding clients through networking• Creating photography packages for small business ownersIf you're a photographer looking to increase your photography pricing, attract better branding clients, and simplify your marketing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right away.If you're building a photography business, want to grow your portrait photography income, or are curious about how to make money from photography online, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.

Send us Fan Mail Start your week with clarity and intention in this Monday Morning Motivation episode of Small Business Survival Conversations. Host Anna Steinfest breaks down the powerful “5 Whys Method,” originally developed by Toyota founder Sakichi Toyoda, and shows small business owners how to uncover the real root causes behind stalled growth, inconsistent marketing, and feeling stuck. If you're a solopreneur or wearing all the hats in your business, this episode will help you move beyond surface-level problems and take control with a simple, actionable framework. Tune in to shift your mindset, gain clarity, and build a stronger, more sustainable business. #SmallBusinessTips #EntrepreneurMindset #SolopreneurLife #BusinessGrowth #MondayMotivation #StartupLife #5Whys #LeadershipDevelopment #ProductivityHacks #MindsetShift #BusinessStrategy #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #MarketingStrategy #FounderLife

From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant. Roberto is Senior VP of ADP Innovation Labs, leading research on emerging technologies and the development of new products. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Taking risks, believing in yourself, and being kind leads to success. 2. Use a payroll system from a trusted provider. 3. Believe in yourself, stay kind, persist, plan well, and get expert help with payroll. Roll is the first chat-based payroll app designed for small businesses. Download the Roll by ADP app and get your first 3 months free - Roll by ADP Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. 50 - Join JLD on his free '50 days to something' video series on YouTube and create something special in 50 days. Blinkist - Turn your spare moments into learning moments with Blinkist. Go to Blinkist.com/fire to start your free trial and lock in an extra 30 percent off today.

Many of us have had frustrating experiences with AI — not because we lack intelligence or willingness, but because no one has translated it in a way that makes sense for how we actually work and live. This is part two of a conversation with my son Slade about using AI in mindful, practical ways. We talk about real use cases — reviewing a lease, finding a job, making a blog findable, writing show notes — and what it actually takes to communicate clearly with a tool that cannot read your mind. What emerged is something we did not expect: the skills that make AI work well are the same skills we teach in coaching. Get clear on your end goal. Offer the right context. Know where your own judgment and voice still matter. PEARLS OF WISDOM • AI cannot replace your authentic voice. Its output is never you, and that is where your value and job security live. • Communicating well with AI requires the same skills as communicating well with humans — clarity, context, and knowing your desired outcome. • AI can amplify your work and help people find you, but the creative and human parts still belong to you. • Knowing what AI can and cannot help with brings simplicity and reduces the overwhelm of endless possibilities. Reflection Questions Where in our work or life might AI save us energy on tasks that are not our unique gift, so we can protect time for what is? What would it look like to approach AI the way we approach learning a new language — with patience, curiosity, and a willingness to ask for help? Where might we be avoiding AI out of frustration rather than true limitation, and what would one small experiment look like? If you are curious about using AI in a more grounded, intentional way, Slade now offers sessions to help you build your own relationship with these tools. You can find him at AIWithSlade.com. Slade will also share his wisdom and answer questions in a live Zoom session for the Mindful Healthcare Collective and Pause & Presence. April 24th, 9:30 am Pacific Register here: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/curious-about-coaching He will share a practical, grounded, and mindful approach to AI. You will leave able to relate to it more easily, effectively, and efficiently — so you can spend more time on what matters most in your practice, your business, and/or your life. This session will be clear, honest, and jargon-free. No technical background required. About Slade  Slade Mahoney is an AI consultant and strategist based in San Diego — and the son of Dr. Jessie Mahoney, founder of Pause and Presence Coaching and Retreats. He got into this work because he believes AI should make us more human, not less. Too many brilliant, accomplished people are spending their most valuable hours on things that have nothing to do with why they became brilliant and accomplished in the first place — the emails, the scheduling, the follow-ups, the research — tasks that have nothing to do with why they built something of their own. The work that means most to him is helping people like his mom: smart, accomplished people who are curious about what AI can do and want to explore it for their business, their work, or their life. In his career, he has built AI tools for organizations ranging from small businesses to Kaiser Permanente, The Walt Disney Company, and the CDC — giving him a rare view into how AI is actually being deployed at every level and what it means for the rest of us. He works one-on-one with physician entrepreneurs and small business owners — teaching them how to use AI to build real tools for their businesses and get back to the work only they can do. Find him at aiwithslade.com (http://aiwithslade.com). And if you are a physician who wants support in a deeply human space — through coaching, retreats, yoga, or simply being in community with other physicians who understand — I would love to connect with you. www.jessiemahoneymd.com www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats www.jessiemahoneymd.com/yoga  www.jessiemahoneymd.com/jessies-blog  www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast   Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice. The Healing Medicine Podcast was formerly known as the Mindful Healers Podcast.

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS and guest speakers (including Celese Williams and Rocki) discuss the problem-to-solution framework of converting traffic into revenue. Favour explains that traffic must first be intentionally created by planting "seeds" (content) across the web and nurturing them over time.He shares a real-life example of a client who returned after three years because of consistent, long-term marketing efforts. The conversation also highlights the importance of creating "easy buttons" to reduce friction in the buying process and the resurgence of community-based marketing (like Skool and Patreon) as a reliable revenue driver.Who is this for?Business owners, digital marketers, and entrepreneurs looking to turn their website visitors into paying customers. It's highly valuable for anyone wanting to understand the mechanics of traffic generation, the importance of planting "content seeds" for long-term SEO, and how to optimize the customer journey for higher conversions.Key Moments & Timestamps01:43 — The Traffic Prerequisite: Why you must intentionally create traffic before you can convert it.03:26 — Quality over Quantity: The "sandcastle" analogy for building valuable, structured traffic.05:50 — Planting Seeds: Why articles and SEO content are like seeds that can yield recurring traffic for years.08:23 — Building Authority: How consistent messaging turns you into the go-to solution when a customer is finally ready to buy.11:08 — Real-Life Case Study: A client who paid an invoice and returned for a 12-week marketing sprint after three years of nurturing.14:26 — The Power of CTAs: How well-designed calls-to-action can increase conversions by 38% to over 160%.16:10 — Guest Insight (Celeste): Why consumers want the easiest path to purchase and how to create "easy buttons" in your business.17:46 — Guest Insight (Rocky): The resurgence of community-based marketing (Skool, Patreon, Facebook groups) and the growing, yet controversial, impact of AI-generated ads.FAQsQ: How do I create traffic in the first place?A: Traffic is created by consistently publishing valuable content (seeds) on your website and distributing those links across platforms like Pinterest, Reddit, LinkedIn, and YouTube to build an interconnected web of authority.Q: How long does it take for SEO content to generate revenue?A: SEO is a long-term strategy. You should give your content pillars at least 24 months to build capacity. However, the content you publish today can continue to drive traffic and revenue for years to come.Q: What is the easiest way to increase conversions on my website?A: Reduce friction. Create "easy buttons" by minimizing the number of steps, forms, or questions a customer has to navigate before making a purchase or booking a service.Action StepsPlant Your Seeds: Commit to a 24-month content strategy where you consistently publish and update articles on your website.Distribute Your Links: Share your website links across multiple platforms (Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube) to create an interconnected web of traffic sources.Audit Your CTAs: Review your website's calls-to-action. Ensure they are clear, compelling, and strategically placed to maximize click-through rates.Create "Easy Buttons": Simplify your booking or checkout process. Remove unnecessary questions or steps that might cause a potential customer to abandon the process.Build a Community: Consider launching a community group (via Skool, Patreon, or Facebook) to nurture your audience and build long-term trust.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS and guest speakers (including Celeste and Jason) discuss the mechanics of getting discovered on Pinterest. Favour explains that Pinterest is a visual search engine powered by an algorithm called "Pixie," which prioritizes relevance, uniqueness, and content quality. He shares actionable strategies for connecting your website's RSS feed to automatically generate pins, using colors (hex codes) to influence search results, and expanding keyword lists using broad, exact, and phrase match types.The conversation highlights Pinterest's long lifespan for content, noting that pins from years ago can still drive significant traffic today.Who is this for?Business owners, digital marketers, and content creators looking to leverage Pinterest as a visual search engine. It's highly valuable for anyone wanting to understand Pinterest's algorithm (Pixie), how to optimize pins for discoverability, and how to use Pinterest to drive long-term, recurring traffic to their website.SummaryFavour Obasi-ike and guest speakers (including Celese Williams and Jason) discuss the mechanics of getting discovered on Pinterest. Favour explains that Pinterest is a visual search engine powered by an algorithm called "Pixie," which prioritizes relevance, uniqueness, and content quality. He shares actionable strategies for connecting your website's RSS feed to automatically generate pins, using colors (hex codes) to influence search results, and expanding keyword lists using broad, exact, and phrase match types. The conversation highlights Pinterest's long lifespan for content, noting that pins from years ago can still drive significant traffic today.Key Moments & Timestamps01:20 — Meet Pixie: Introduction to Pinterest's algorithm and the key elements of discoverability.02:50 — Automation Hack: How to connect your website's RSS feed to a Pinterest Business account to auto-generate pins.04:45 — The Four Elements of Discoverability: Relevance, uniqueness, content quality, and engagement.06:06 — The Power of Color: How hex codes and background colors (e.g., purple) influence what ads and related pins show up next to your content.08:01 — The Psychology of "Saves": Why the number of saves is the strongest indicator of value on Pinterest.10:08 — Keyword Expansion Strategy: How to turn 25 broad keywords into 75+ keywords using quotation marks and brackets.15:38 — Content Syndication: Connecting Instagram to Pinterest to create multiple traffic pathways for a single piece of content.18:27 — Guest Insight (Celeste): Why Pinterest is an underutilized goldmine for product-based businesses and artists.19:22 — The Lifespan of a Pin: Why Pinterest content lives forever and how updating old articles can trigger a resurgence in traffic.FAQsQ: What is Pinterest's algorithm called and what does it look for?A: Pinterest's algorithm is called "Pixie." It looks for relevance (keywords, titles, descriptions), uniqueness (trends, colors), and content quality (image dimensions, mobile optimization).Q: How can I automatically create pins from my website?A: Create a free Pinterest Business account, go to your settings, and connect your website's RSS feed. When you publish an article with images, Pinterest will automatically pull those images and create pins linking back to your site.Q: How do I find the right keywords for Pinterest?A: Start with broad keywords related to your niche. Then, expand your list by adding quotation marks (phrase match) and brackets (exact match) to those same keywords. You can also use trends.pinterest.com to see what's currently popular.Action StepsSwitch to a Business Account: If you haven't already, convert your Pinterest profile to a free Business account to access analytics and website integration.Connect Your RSS Feed: Link your website to Pinterest so your blog images automatically generate pins.Optimize for Color: Be intentional about the colors and hex codes in your images, as Pinterest's visual search groups similar colors together.Expand Your Keywords: Take a list of 25 broad keywords and create variations using quotation marks and brackets to capture different search intents.Update Old Content: Refresh old articles on your website to trigger a resurgence of traffic from existing pins on Pinterest.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS and guest speakers (including Celese Williams and Darren Shaw) discuss the mechanics of getting discovered on Google. Favour emphasizes that discovery starts with a strong technical foundation; specifically, connecting your website to Google Search Console and submitting a sitemap. He shares a case study of a client who grew from under 20,000 to nearly 300,000 organic impressions in six months. The conversation also covers the importance of prioritizing your website over social media profiles, understanding search intent, and leveraging local SEO (like zip codes) to rank faster in less saturated markets.Who is this for?Business owners, digital marketers, and content creators looking to improve their organic search visibility. It's highly valuable for anyone wanting to understand the technical foundations of SEO, the importance of Google Search Console, and how to structure a website to rank higher and drive long-term traffic.Key Moments & Timestamps01:30 — The Search Loop: How people search, find, click, and save information on Google.03:14 — SEO Foundations: Why discovery is heavily based on keyword research, search intent, and semantics.04:30 — Case Study: Growing a client's organic impressions from 19.1K to 298K in six months.05:49 — The Role of Google Search Console: Why your website must be indexed and have a sitemap to be discovered.07:25 — Guest Insight (Celeste): The power of "niche-ing down" and finding low-hanging fruit in keyword research.10:19 — Guest Insight (Darren): The psychology of language and understanding the mind of your target audience.19:59 — Social Media vs. Websites: Why TikTok is technically a website (registered in 1996) and how it connects to search.21:54 — The Red Flag: Why your website should always rank higher than your social media profiles on Google.25:44 — The Golden Rule: "The only way you can be on Google is by being on Google Search Console."29:27 — Local SEO: The importance of including your zip code or postal code on your website for localized ranking.FAQsQ: What is the first step to getting discovered on Google?A: The absolute first step is connecting your website to Google Search Console and submitting a sitemap. Without this, Google's bots cannot crawl, index, or discover your content.Q: How long does it take to rank on Google?A: It depends on the competition and density of your market. Generally, it takes 6 to 24 months for broader terms, but highly specific, localized keywords (e.g., "Easter bunny rentals in Portland") can rank in a matter of hours or days.Q: Should I link my social media profiles on my website?A: Yes, but be careful. If your social media profiles rank higher than your website on Google, it's a red flag. Your website should always be the primary "head" or asset, with social media acting as secondary channels.Action StepsConnect to Google Search Console: Ensure your website is verified as a property on Google Search Console and submit an updated sitemap.Niche Down Your Keywords: Identify "low-hanging fruit" or highly specific keywords in your industry that have lower competition.Optimize for Local Search: Add your specific location, zip code, or postal code to your website's URLs and content to capture local search traffic.Audit Your Links: Check your website's footer to ensure social media links are opening in new tabs and not draining your primary domain authority.Understand Your Audience: Use precise language that matches the psychological intent and search habits of your target audience.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Every business owner hits a point where the tax questions start stacking up. Can I deduct this? Should I switch to an S Corp? Is this still a business if I have not made money yet? And what happens if I did something before I had my systems set up the right way?In this episode, Mike opens the floor to questions from business owners and breaks down the tax answers behind them. From zero-activity LLC filings and Schedule C concerns to family payroll planning, vehicle deductions, and rental strategies like the Augusta Rule, this episode covers the practical decisions that shape how much tax you pay and how well your strategy holds up. 

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS discusses the critical importance of bots and search engines for business discovery. He emphasizes that getting discovered starts with building trust through secure domains, consistent links, and structured content. Favour explains the difference between traditional search engines (Google, Bing) and AI search engines (ChatGPT, Claude), noting that while Google remains dominant, AI platforms are rapidly changing how consumers find information. using bot fetches.The conversation highlights the necessity of configuring websites correctly (e.g., HTTPS, WWW redirects) and the enduring value of backlinks and reviews. Favour also touches on the psychology of consumer behavior, explaining how different types of content and even background music can influence purchasing decisions.Who is this for?Business owners, entrepreneurs, and content creators looking to improve their online visibility. It's highly valuable for anyone wanting to understand the technical foundations of SEO, how to build trust with search engines, and how to adapt to the rise of AI-driven search platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity.Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 - Intro: Why search engines are your best friends online.01:06 - Favour's background: Helping businesses with strategic technical SEO setups.02:50 - Building trust online: The foundation of discovery through links, tags, and community.05:31 - The importance of internally linking your website to external features.08:08 - Technical SEO basics: Securing your domain, enabling domain privacy, and using HTTPS.21:57 - Why content structure matters more than just the content itself for search engine discovery.29:38 - Real-world example: How a missing "www" configuration prevented a client's website from loading.01:00:32 - The rise of AI search: How ChatGPT and Claude are changing consumer search behavior.01:02:49 - Why backlinks are not dead: AI platforms still pull recommendations from directories like Yelp and MapQuest.01:52:48 - The psychology of marketing: How music tempo (BPM) affects consumer focus and purchasing decisions.FAQsQ: What is the first step to getting discovered on search engines?A: The foundational step is building trust. This starts with securing your website (HTTPS), ensuring your domain privacy and lock are active, and consistently linking your content.Q: Are backlinks still important with the rise of AI search engines?A: Yes. AI platforms like ChatGPT still rely on citations and backlinks from established directories (like Yelp or even MapQuest) to formulate their recommendations.Q: What is the difference between search engines and social media?A: Search engines are intent-driven (fetching, crawling, indexing based on queries), whereas social media is more about immediate engagement. You must document your social media features on your website to connect the two for search engines.Action StepsSecure Your Domain: Verify that your website uses HTTPS and that your domain privacy and lock settings are correctly configured.Check Your Redirects: Ensure that both the "www" and non-"www" versions of your domain correctly lead to your active website without error messages.Document Your Features: If your brand is featured on a podcast, magazine, or social media, create a post on your website linking back to that feature to build semantic trust.Research AI Recommendations: Ask AI platforms (like ChatGPT or Perplexity) for recommendations in your industry to see who is ranking and where the AI is pulling its data from.Optimize for Intent: Structure your website content clearly so that search engine bots can easily crawl, index, and understand the value you provide.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh sits down with Andy Clark — bestselling author, business strategist, and creator of The Whole PIE System™, a framework that helps small-business owners build companies that are more profitable, more impactful, and actually enjoyable to run.Josh and Andy go beyond the “business framework” and dig into the man behind it: the tradeoffs, breakdowns, and convictions that led Andy to redesign his life and work around profit, impact, and enjoyment instead of endless hustle. They explore the $500K–$5M bottleneck, the hidden costs of firefighting, and why enjoyment is a serious metric for leaders who want a business that serves their life, not the other way around.You'll hear candid stories about fear, clarity, and calling; how structure creates freedom for both owners and their families; and what legacy Andy wants to leave as a husband, father, and guide to small-business leaders.

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS dives into Podcast Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and discovery. He explains that getting discovered and getting ranked are two different processes requiring a strong technical foundation. Favour outlines the nine key areas where a podcast must resonate sonically and structurally, emphasizing optimized titles, descriptions, file names, and high-quality cover art (3000x3000 pixels). He also discusses RSS feed distribution, maintaining a consistent publishing cadence, and choosing the right podcast format (solo, interview, co-host, etc.).The session concludes with an interactive Q&A, encouraging creators to build a timeless content library.Who is this for?Podcasters, business owners, content creators, and digital marketers looking to maximize their podcast's visibility and reach. It's valuable for understanding the technical aspects of Podcast SEO, getting discovered and ranked across directories, and structuring shows for long-term growth and PR.Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 - Intro: The power of Podcast SEO for discovery, business growth, and PR.00:59 - Importance of RSS feed distribution and submitting to multiple destination websites.03:33 - Using Cast Feed Validator to check the health of your podcast's RSS feed.04:36 - The difference between getting discovered (visibility) and getting ranked (positioning).05:12 - Key SEO elements: Podcast title, description, author name, episode details, and file names.05:34 - Technical requirement: Podcast cover art must be 3000x3000 pixels for maximum visibility.08:21 - Importance of publishing cadence (every 8 to 12 days) to consistently refresh your feed.20:00 - The 9 places your podcast must resonate sonically and structurally.24:35 - Title optimization: Keeping titles between 50 to 60 characters to avoid truncation.01:13:40 - The 5 podcast formats: Solo, interview, co-host, round table, and faceless/theme content.FAQsQ: What is the difference between getting discovered and getting ranked?A: Discovery means your podcast is visible and accessible to a maximum number of people across platforms. Ranking refers to your podcast's specific position within search results based on its SEO structure and relevance.Q: How long should my podcast title and description be?A: Your podcast title should ideally be between 50 to 60 characters (including spaces) to prevent truncation on mobile devices. Your description can be much longer, typically 4,000 to 6,000 characters, allowing for rich keyword integration.Q: What size should my podcast cover art be?A: For maximum visibility and compliance with major directories, your podcast cover art should be exactly 3000 by 3000 pixels.Q: How often should I publish new podcast episodes?A: Favour recommends a publishing cadence of every 8 to 12 days. This consistency helps refresh your RSS feed regularly and keeps your audience engaged.Action StepsValidate Your Feed: Use castfeedvalidator.com to check the health and structure of your podcast's RSS feed.Optimize Your Metadata: Ensure your podcast title (50-60 characters) and description (up to 4,000 characters) clearly explain your content and include relevant keywords.Update Cover Art: Check your podcast image dimensions and update them to 3000x3000 pixels if they are currently smaller.Establish a Cadence: Commit to a consistent publishing schedule, ideally releasing a new episode every 8 to 12 days.Book a Discovery Call: Reach out to Favour Obasi-ike via his booking link for a complimentary 30-minute SEO discovery call.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS breaks down push (outbound) vs. pull (inbound) marketing. Pull marketing (social media, SEO, content) attracts audiences long-term via consumer-driven engagement. Push marketing actively promotes products for immediate sales but can backfire if poorly targeted. Using interactive examples (e.g., sending gardening tool emails to a Pinterest list), Favour highlights the need to understand audience pain points. He also covers data ownership (first-party vs. third-party) and shares a client success story of scaling to 1M monthly Pinterest views.Who is this for?Business owners, entrepreneurs, digital marketers, and content creators looking to understand inbound (pull) vs. outbound (push) marketing. It's valuable for building long-term brand loyalty, optimizing social media and SEO, and targeting audiences effectively without being spammy.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Every year, the IRS updates important tax numbers, that most business owners miss. This leads to missed deductions, poorly timed income decisions, and unnecessary overpayments to the IRS.In this episode, we break down the most important 2026 tax updates business owners need to know, including changes to tax brackets, standard deductions, Social Security wage caps, retirement limits, HSA contributions, mileage rates, capital gains thresholds, and Section 179 expensing.