Podcasts about small business growth

What if your ability to lead under pressure has less to do with having all the answers and more to do with how your nervous system responds?In this episode, Christina sits down with Alan McLaren to explore the connection between leadership, emotional intelligence, and nervous system regulation. They unpack what really happens when we're under pressure and how becoming more self-aware can change the way we communicate, build trust, and lead others.Alan shares practical insights on how leaders can reprogram their responses to high-pressure situations, create stronger human connections, and move beyond simply managing people to truly understanding them.If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or high achiever who wants to perform at a high level without losing connection, trust, or yourself in the process, this conversation is one you'll want to hear. About Alan McLaren Alan McLaren is Co-Founder of STRATA where he works with CEOs and senior executives on their Leadership Signal: how they are experienced in the rooms that carry consequences.His work focuses on what happens when pressure changes how a leader lands and why important decisions can stall even when the strategy is sound. By helping leaders surface and calibrate the patterns that show up under pressure, Alan helps them build trust faster, create stronger alignment and move consequential decisions forward with less friction.Alan is a five-time CEO and former International Chair of YPO. He has worked with more than 600 CEOs across 18 countries.Connect with Alan on LinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a comment on iTunes CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA!InstagramLinkedInChristinalecuyer.comBook a Free Clarity CallBook Christina For Your Next Workshop

How often do we see something, fill in the missing pieces ourselves and then react to the story we've created?Probably more often than we'd like to admit.Julie and Dan are back together at Casa De Collins for one of those conversations that starts in one place, takes several unexpected turns, and somehow lands on a lesson we probably all need.Julie shares the story of a small business owner who spent years growing an independent bath and body brand, opened a brick-and-mortar location and then discovered that Bath & Body Works was moving in right next door.Cue the panic.But Julie sees another side of the story. What can small business owners learn from situations like this? How do you protect yourself, understand your agreements and, more importantly, stop allowing competition to convince you that there isn't room for you?Because somebody else doing what you want to do doesn't mean you missed your chance.Sometimes it's evidence that there's a market for it.Then Julie shares a viral clip from a San Francisco Giants game that had the internet judging a husband who appeared to let his wife struggle with a baby and food while he sat comfortably in his seat.Julie judged him too.Until she heard the rest of the story.What looked like an inconsiderate husband turned out to be a tiny glimpse into a much bigger story involving exhaustion, grief and a wife intentionally trying to care for her husband. Julie realized she'd filled in all the missing information herself and gotten it completely wrong.  09272026djThat leads Julie and Dan into a conversation about assumptions, comparison, business, relationships and the stories we tell ourselves about what other people must be thinking.They also manage to wander into hurricanes, fall in Connecticut, Julie's upcoming trip to New York City, Brave Moves, ballroom dancing and Dan's unfortunately named favorite pants.Because, well...Casa.In This EpisodeThe difference between leadership and controlWhat Julie learned from Kenneth and Caroline KollaschWhat happens when a major competitor moves in next doorWhy contracts and lease details matter for entrepreneursHow small businesses can differentiate themselves from major brandsWhy competition doesn't mean there isn't room for youThe danger of comparison and despairThe viral baseball video Julie completely misjudgedWhy a few seconds on social media rarely tell the whole storyHow assumptions affect our businesses and relationshipsWhy your fear of being “salesy” may be another story you've inventedRedefining success as we head into Q4Why sometimes we all need to recalibrateAnd, yes, Dan explains “Ballroom Pants”The Big TakeawayJulie sums up one of the biggest lessons beautifully:“If somebody else is doing it, that means that it's possible for you.”  09272026djCompetition doesn't automatically mean stop.And the story you've created about what someone else thinks, wants or intends isn't automatically true.Sometimes we need more information before we decide what something means.I want to hear your thoughts about the show and this episode. Text us here...Support the showCasa De Confidence is a podcast for women navigating midlife reinvention, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. Hosted by Julie DeLucca-Collins, the show explores confidence, sustainable business success, visibility, authority building, and aligned growth for women entrepreneurs ready to lead boldly and live intentionally. Through real conversations and practical insights, listeners gain clarity, strengthen confidence, and develop strategies to expand their impact, voice, and opportunities.Liked this episode? Share it with your midlife woman, entrepreneur friends!Love this show? Let us know how we helped you increase your confidence by leaving a review.For more about me and what I do, check out my website.If you're looking for support to grow your business faster, be positioned as an authority in your industry, and impact the masses, schedule a call to explore if you'd be a good fit for one of my coaching programs.Follow Julie DeLucca-Collins on Instagram at @julie_deluccacollins

In this episode of High Velocity Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Caroline Lewis, CEO of Lawson House Marketing Agency, about helping small businesses build memorable brands and strengthen their online presence. Caroline shares her journey from joining Lawson House as an early employee to becoming its owner, along with insights on developing a clear marketing framework, […]

Send us Fan MailAre you overwhelmed by doing everything in your business but not yet ready to hire an employee or build a traditional team?In this episode of The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast, Angela talks with Brittany Braswell, entrepreneur, podcast host, registered dietitian, and founder of The Intern Accelerator, about how small business owners can delegate and scale with the support of interns.With the holiday season approaching, this conversation is an important reminder that you don't have to carry every business and family responsibility alone. Brittany shares how she built an internship program that supported her through maternity leave, holiday breaks, family vacations, and the everyday demands of growing a business.You'll learn how to determine whether an internship program is right for your business, identify tasks you can delegate, and begin creating support without waiting for perfect systems or a large hiring budget.In this episode, we discuss:The missing step between doing everything yourself and hiring a traditional teamHow to know whether your business is ready for an internWhy mom entrepreneurs often struggle to delegateHow to identify repeatable tasks that don't require your unique expertiseBusiness tasks interns can support beyond social media and marketingHow interns can improve your client experienceSimple systems and tools for managing an internship programWhere to find interns who align with your mission and valuesHow to train interns without having perfectly polished SOPsThe difference between delegating and micromanagingWhy leadership requires clear expectations, communication, and feedbackHow an internship can create a pathway to a future paid team memberThe first step to take if you know you need more supportBrittany also reminds us that while doing a task ourselves may feel faster in the moment, it isn't faster if we have to keep doing it forever.Connect with Brittany Braswell:Download the free Delegation Decoder:https://brittanybraswellrd.com/delegateInstagram:@thebrittanybraswellListen to Brittany's limited podcast series, Scale Without Hiring, to learn more about building and leading an internship team.Connect with Angela:Website:https://mombusinesscoach.comInstagram and YouTube:@mombusinesscoachIf this episode helped you think differently about delegation and getting support in your business, subscribe to The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast and share it with another mom entrepreneur who is trying to do it all.Reflective question: What are you continuing to carry in your business because you believe you're the only person who can do it?You don't have to prove how capable you are by building your business alone. The right support can create more room for your growth, your family, and the life you're working so hard to build. 

Small businesses are essential to stabilizing neighborhood economies. They create jobs, activate commercial corridors, and provide the goods and services that help communities thrive. Yet across the Chicago area — particularly in historically underinvested South and West Side neighborhoods — many entrepreneurs continue to face structural barriers that make it difficult to access the capital, technical assistance, and business networks needed to start, sustain and grow their businesses.   To help address those challenges, The Chicago Community Trust and four philanthropic partners launched the Fund for Equitable Business Growth in 2019. Guided by research from Next Street, the funder collaborative invests in organizations that strengthen Chicago's small businesses by improving access to capital, business services, and coordinated resources. Since its launch, the Fund has supported 46 business service organizations, helped nearly 6,000 small businesses access coaching and training, and connected entrepreneurs to more than $22 million in grants and loans. Today, new research from Next Street reveals that significant gaps remain, with small businesses seeking far more capital than traditional lenders provide, and many businesses that are ready to grow are unable to access the financing to do so.   In this episode of Trust Talks, Earl Grandberry, director of the Fund for Equitable Business Growth, hosts a conversation with Sara Dinges, head of ecosystem solutions at Next Street, Niharika Hanglem, program director at The Richard L. Duchossois Foundation (RLD), and Linda McGill Boasmond, owner & president of Cedar Concepts Corporation. Together, they discuss what the latest research reveals about Chicago's small business ecosystem, philanthropy's role in strengthening that ecosystem, and why investing in trusted business support organizations is essential to helping entrepreneurs build stronger businesses and more resilient neighborhood. They also explore the Fund's next phase of work, including strategies to address capital access, operational challenges, growth-stage support gaps, and the policy and systems changes needed to unlock opportunity. This episode was produced by Juneteenth Productions and recorded at WBEZ.

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What if your business strategy isn't the thing holding you back?Many entrepreneurs assume that when their business isn't growing, they simply need a better strategy. But business growth involves more than just knowing what to do.Gino Barbaro breaks business growth down into three interconnected pillars:Mindset— How you thinkMoney Patterns— How you behave with moneyBusiness Strategy — How you executeThink of them as three gears. If one isn't working properly, the entire system can struggle to move forward.In this video, Gino explores the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, how your relationship with money can influence business decisions, and why having the right strategy, systems, processes, and execution matters when scaling a business.He also shares three questions every entrepreneur can use to diagnose what's really getting in the way of growth:• What belief about myself or my business could be limiting our growth?• Where is my relationship with money influencing a business decision?• What is the single biggest strategic constraint in the business right now?The goal isn't simply to work harder or find another strategy. It's to understand how you think, how you behave, and how you execute.Business growth isn't just about what you do — it's also about how you think and how you behave.Subscribe for weekly videos about business, entrepreneurship, family, wealth building, and personal growth. We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jakeandgino.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if healthcare focused less on treating problems after they happen and more on helping you understand and optimize your health before they do?In this episode, Keith Bozeman shares his unexpected journey from a successful career in IT to founding Medgevity, a concierge medical service built around personalized, proactive care. He opens up about how his faith, personal experiences, and passion for health shaped his vision for a different approach to wellness, one rooted in science, prevention, and treating the whole person.Tune in to discover what inspired Keith to rethink traditional healthcare and what personalized wellness can look like when you take a more proactive approach to your health.About Keith BozemanAfter decades of building and scaling an IT Company, Keith became a patient-looking for a more proactive, strategic approach to his health. He had a great doctor and experienced what healthcare could be: a physician who looked at the full picture, focused on prevention, and helped him think long term.But when he moved, that experience disappeared. Instead he found himself navigating the same fragmented system most people face-brief, insurance driven visits, disconnected providers and no clear strategy tying together fineness-nutrition and medicine. That frustration became the insight. Keith realized the problem wasn't a lack of information-it was a lack of integration and science backed guidance.So as a patient first, he built what he couldn't find: a physician-led, multidisciplinary model where experts collaborate around the patient, not in silos. That model became MEDgevity.Connect with Keith on LinkedInLearn more about Keith and MEDgevity on his Website If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a comment on iTunes CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA!InstagramLinkedInChristinalecuyer.comBook a Free Clarity CallBook Christina For Your Next Workshop

Today, Russell talks about President Trump's $100 million investment in AI infrastructure in Central Africa, as well as AI adoption challenges in small business, according to a new report from the Federal Reserve.

What if achieving more didn't have to mean sacrificing your peace, health, or happiness?In this episode, Jay Abbasi takes us behind the scenes of his journey from Tesla to helping high performers redefine what success can look like. He shares practical insights on breaking free from the beliefs and habits that keep ambitious people stuck in the cycle of constantly doing more, and how creating space can actually lead to greater performance, clarity, and fulfillment.If you're driven, ambitious, and constantly pushing toward the next goal, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you're pursuing success - and, more importantly, whether you're actually enjoying the journey along the way.Tune in for a powerful conversation about ambition, mindset, sustainable success, and learning how to thrive without burning out.About Jay AbbasiJay Abbasi is a global keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, coach, and former Tesla leader who helps professionals thrive under pressure without burning out. At Tesla, he led national training programs for over 1,000 employees, and has since coached leaders at Google, Amazon, TikTok, Wells Fargo, and many more. He's been featured in Forbes Founder, Authority Magazine, and Medium, and is the host of the top-rated podcast Unstuck with Jay Abbasi. Blending corporate experience with deep expertise in mindfulness, resilience, andwell-being, Jay offers a powerful message: success isn't about avoiding challenges, but mastering them with clarity, energy, and purpose.Connect with Jay on LinkedInLearn more about Jay on his Website If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a comment on iTunes CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA!InstagramLinkedInChristinalecuyer.comBook a Free Clarity CallBook Christina For Your Next Workshop

It rarely happens all at once. A good customer asks for something special, a salesperson needs pricing flexibility, a manager wants their preferred vendor. And you say yes, because each decision makes sense in the moment. But string enough of those "yeses" together, and you end up with a business that's harder to run, more expensive to operate, and quietly less profitable than anyone realizes.In this episode of Things Entrepreneurs Should Know, explore where the hidden cost of complexity tends to show up: in averages that mask which customers and products actually drive profit, in the friction created by too many vendors and exceptions, and in the temptation to hire your way out of problems that shouldn't exist in the first place. We'll also dig into how growth can amplify dysfunction rather than fix it, and why owners often become the bottleneck in their own company.Simplifying isn't about shrinking your business. It's about making sure the complexity you carry actually earns its keep.For show notes, past episodes, and more from Things Entrepreneurs Should Know, visit TESKPod.com.Want to continue the conversation? You can reach Chip directly at Chip@Schweiger.CPAFollow the show on Instagram at @teskpod.Things Entrepreneurs Should Know is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast should be considered accounting, tax, legal, investment, or other professional advice.

Sales Outreach Advice For Small Business Growth

In this episode of the Owner to Owner Podcast, Michael sits down with Bill Lang—Chair of Small Business Australia, Co-chair of Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs for Oceania, and a seasoned business founder and advisor. They dive deep into the rising trend of "entrepreneurship through acquisition," exploring why buying an established business is becoming an increasingly popular and less risky alternative to the traditional startup model. Bill shares fascinating insights from his recent Harvard Business School reunion, highlighting the explosive impact of AI on the "solopreneur" movement and how technology is fundamentally lowering the barriers to entry for new business owners. Beyond trends, Bill delivers practical, hard-earned wisdom for current SME owners. From the critical importance of documenting your business processes and preparing for unexpected succession, to managing cash flow and learning from Other People's Mistakes (OPM), this episode is packed with actionable advice for building and sustaining a successful business. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Why buying an existing business is often a smarter, lower-risk strategy than building a startup from scratch. The AI Revolution: How artificial intelligence is empowering a new generation of "solopreneurs" to launch fully functional businesses in minutes. Succession Planning: Why documenting your business processes is vital for attracting buyers and protecting your family in case of unexpected life events. Regional Business Hubs: The essential role of Australia Post Licensed Post Offices (LPOs) in supporting regional and rural small business economies. Surviving the Journey: Bill's golden rules for small business survival, including why "cash is king" and the immense value of learning from other people's failures. Policy Reform: Bill's vision for a simplified employment structure and tax incentives to fuel a small business revolution in Australia. Chapters: 01:20 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship 06:24 Changing Perspectives on Business Ownership 11:34 The Rise of Solopreneurs and AI 16:29 Navigating the Landscape of Business Acquisition 21:36 Preparing for the Unexpected in Business 26:36 Lessons from Past Acquisitions 26:58 The Impact of Capital on Startups 30:04 Navigating Tax Changes and Business Opportunities 32:02 The Future of AI in Business 34:54 Leveraging AI for Small Business Growth 38:43 Aussie Post's Role in Supporting Small Businesses 42:23 Lessons from a Small Business Journey 46:52 The Need for Practical Experience in Politics #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAcquisition #Solopreneur #SmallBusinessAustralia #BusinessAdvice #AIforBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessStrategy #PodcastSEO Small Business Australia: Connect with Bill Lang and find resources to support your business journey at smallbusinessaustralia.org. Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.auwww.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

What does it take to go from working as a candy store cashier to becoming a global CEO? In this episode, Christina Lecuyer sits down with Steve Felder, a seasoned business leader who has lived in seven countries and led organizations across 23 markets in industries including shipping, logistics, and cybersecurity. Steve shares the unexpected twists that shaped his career and the lessons he's learned about the power of relationships, staying adaptable, and remaining open to opportunities. Now redefining success through entrepreneurship, travel, and personal well-being, Steve opens up about building a life on his own terms—including his popular “One Week, One City” LinkedIn travel series. This is a conversation about taking chances, staying curious, and creating a definition of success that evolves with you. About Steve Felder Steve Felder is a global executive, board advisor, investor, and former multinational CEO with 25+ years of leadership experience across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Having lived and worked in seven countries and led businesses across 23 markets, Steve specializes in growth, transformation, international expansion, and building high-performing organizations. Most recently, he served as President of ZIM Canada, following 17 years with Maersk in senior leadership roles across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Today, Steve advises companies, boards, and investors across industries including cybersecurity, AI, aviation, sustainability, logistics technology, and M&A. He holds an MBA from the University of South Africa and completed executive education at INSEAD. Connect with Steve on LinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a comment on iTunes CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA! Instagram LinkedIn Christinalecuyer.com Book a Free Clarity Call Book Christina For Your Next Workshop

Are you struggling to keep up with content creation? Think you need a fancy studio, expensive professional photos, or a full day to batch your content? Think again.In this episode, I'm sharing 6 powerful shifts that will help you create more content, faster—without it taking over your life. From shifting your mindset to leveraging AI, I'll show you how I produce daily content while running a business (and without endless expensive, timeconsuming photoshoots!).Ready to make content creation effortless?Get my free AI-powered content repurposing prompt & tutorial here that turns one piece of content into 11 pieces: https://fastforwardamy.com/contentbuddyOr find out what you are spending too much time on as CEO today and what's holding back your growth: use my free 7-Figure Founder Scan at fastforwardamy.com/founderscan.This episode was originally published in February 2025 so references of dates and seasons might be outdated, but the content and strategies are not.If you're already doing multi-six figures and ready to scale with high-level coaching, this is for you. Apply via  forwardamy.com/applicationformeng and let's see if we're the right fit to grow your business to the next level. You want to grow on Instagram but don't know what to post to get more reach and followers. The Audience Challenge gives you 20 ready-to-use reels and carousel templates and the SHARE-framework so you know exactly what to post for 20 days straight. Start immediately at fastforwardamy.com/audiencechallengeFollow me on Instagram for more business and mindset tips: instagram.com/fastforwardamyDiscover my free trainings and ebooks: fastforwardamy.com/freeresources

Gene Marks reports on his travels, conversing with host John Batchelor about a Quebec credit union conference where executives discussed loans, competitiveness, and adopting AI in front and back offices. Due to high mortgage rates, credit unions are shifting focus toward commercial loans. In Atlanta's thriving steel industry, tariffs have boosted competitiveness, and companies are deploying AI-powered robotic arms, gloves, and dogs to improve safety. Finally, a recent Pew Research survey indicates that Gen X is leading AI adoption because older, established professionals feel more secure than younger generations, though Marks calls the fear of job loss an urban legend. (5)

Do you have a leaky lead bucket? AI can seal the cracks! Spending more on marketing and software but still missing calls, losing leads, and chasing chaos?

You probably don't need more marketing time. You need to stop believing the rules that make marketing feel harder than it is. If you're a local business owner juggling clients, admin, simplify marketing by looking at what is already happening around you.The first myth is that marketing needs its own dedicated block of time. It doesn't. A client question, a result you helped create, a problem you solved or a process you use every day can become useful content. If you're wondering how to market your local business without adding another job to your list, start by capturing those moments. It can support small business growth without taking you away from the work.The second myth is that visibility automatically makes you salesy. Showing your process, answering real questions and sharing what you know is not the same as pressuring someone to buy. Good local marketing helps people understand what you do and decide whether you're right for them. A useful local marketing tip is to ask: am I helping someone understand my work, or pushing them to act now?The third myth is that you have to post every day for marketing to work. You don't. As a local business owner, you're far more familiar with your message than your audience is. Someone discovering you today may be hearing your core idea for the first time. This is where Episode 38, Why Repetition Is Actually a Good Thing, fits perfectly : repetition can build recognition rather than boredom.To simplify marketing, notice what your business is already teaching you, capture it, share what you know and repeat the messages that matter. You don't need to reinvent your strategy every time you post. You need to give the right people enough chances to understand how you help.Ready to simplify marketing and find the good material already sitting inside your business? Book a free copy call and let's make it sound like you.This episode was mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio.

In this episode, multi-business owner and mom of three Dani Lynnes joins the show to discuss her journey growing a seven-figure childcare center in North Dakota, alongside managing an Airbnb, a farm, a tote rental company, and a family sports schedule. Dani opens up about the pivotal moment that forced her to shift from a hands-on director to a systems-oriented COO, leading to the creation of "the dashboard"—a Trello-based organization system that helps busy moms and entrepreneurs streamline their lives, reduce decision fatigue, and reclaim their freedom. She also shares her raw perspective on navigating the comparison traps of social media, leaning into faith after the sudden loss of her father, and learning to prioritize health, sleep, and alignment over superficial markers of success. About Dani Lynnes Dani Lynnes is a business owner, systems strategist, and creator of The Dashboard—a simple operating system that helps established entrepreneurs organize their priorities, reduce overwhelm, and make confident decisions. As the owner of multiple businesses, including a successful childcare center, real estate ventures, and other entrepreneurial endeavors, Dani understands what it takes to balance growth, leadership, and family without sacrificing what matters most. Known for her practical, no-fluff approach, Dani teaches business owners how to create systems that bring clarity, increase productivity, and free up mental space so they can focus on the work that truly moves the needle. Her mission is simple: help entrepreneurs stop managing chaos and start leading with intention. Connect with Dani on LinkedIn Follow Dani on Instagram Check out Dani's freebie 30 Minute Weekly Reset   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating  and leave us a comment on iTunes   CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA! Instagram LinkedIn Christinalecuyer.com Book a Free Clarity Call Book Christina For Your Next Workshop

Send us Fan MailHow do you market your small business in the age of AI without losing the human connection that makes people want to work with you?In this episode of The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast, Angela sits down with Deanna Dolecki, President of Blue Duck Agency, and Ashley Ruggieri, marketing specialist and co-host of the Ducks Unplugged podcast, for a relatable and practical conversation about what actually works in marketing today.With more than 20 years behind Blue Duck Agency, Deanna and Ashley bring a wealth of marketing experience—but this conversation goes beyond algorithms, social media, and AI.We talk about why authenticity and human connection matter more than ever, why social media shouldn't be your entire marketing strategy, how to identify the marketing channels that make sense for your audience, and why entrepreneurs need to stop chasing every new trend.We also get personal about motherhood and entrepreneurship, including the confidence and resilience we develop as moms, navigating different seasons of motherhood, setting boundaries, making space for ourselves, and embracing the "joy of missing out" (JOMO) instead of constantly trying to do it all.And if being visible on video makes you uncomfortable, you'll want to hear Deanna's candid story about facing one of her biggest fears after launching their podcast—and why she kept showing up anyway.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy authentic marketing matters even more in the age of AIHow to use AI as a business tool without letting it replace your voice and creativityWhy social media is only one piece of a successful marketing strategyHow to choose marketing channels based on your audience, goals, and budgetWhy attracting ideal clients starts with knowing exactly who you're trying to reachHow to use trends without falling into "shiny object syndrome"Why testing, experimenting, and even failing are essential parts of business growthHow to stand out in a crowded marketplace through connection and authenticityWhy short-form video can be a powerful tool for small business ownersHow motherhood builds resilience, leadership, and self-trustThe importance of boundaries, self-care, and JOMO—the joy of missing outHow to move through the fear of being visible onlineConnect with Blue Duck AgencyLearn more about Blue Duck Agency and its marketing services at blueduckagency.com.Listen to Deanna and Ashley on the Ducks Unplugged podcast on your favorite podcast platform or find them on YouTube at @ducksunplugged.Have a question about working with Blue Duck Agency? Ashley invited listeners to reach out at ashley@blueduckagency.com.Connect with AngelaWant more support building a business that works with your life and season of motherhood?Visit mombusinesscoach.com to learn more about Angela's coaching, podcast, and resources for mom entrepreneurs.Follow Angela on social media: @mombusinesscoachIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast, share it with another mom entrepreneur, and leave a review. Your support helps more women discover conversations like this one.Reflection QuestionWhere are you putting pressure on yourself to do more in your business when what you really need might be to do what matters more intentionally?You don't have to be everywhere or get everything right the first time. Keep showing up, keep experimenting, and keep trusting what you're learning about yourself along the way.You are already more capable than you give yourself credit for. 

  What if the reason marketing feels so exhausting is that you've been doing the cold version everyone told you was normal? In this episode of That Will Nevr Work, Maurice sits down with Billy Sammons, founder of Live Local Warm Marketing and a strategist with 15+ years in the game, to unpack the power of warm marketing — the relationship-driven, community-first approach that turns your best connections into your best clients.  Billy breaks down why cold leads are draining your energy and your wallet, how to generate referrals on purpose instead of by luck, and why marketing that "feels good" isn't soft — it's the smartest growth strategy small businesses have. If you've ever avoided marketing because it felt fake, pushy, or cringe, this conversation will hand you a better way. 

What happens when a high achiever learns that success isn't just about pushing harder—it's about thinking differently? In this episode, Christina sits down with renowned executive coach John Ryan to unpack the mindset, tools, and experiences that have shaped his coaching career. They dive into the power of NLP, the hidden challenges that often come with high achievement, and why genuine human connection may be more important than ever in an increasingly tech-driven world. This is a conversation about success, self-awareness, and what it really takes to perform at your highest level, without losing yourself in the process. About John Ryan John Ryan, MBA, MSW, PHD is a leading expert in leadership, communication, and change. He is a Certified Master Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the Founder of NLP Unlimited™. John has 30 years of experience in the training and development industry, logging over 2,000 days of training and countless hours of coaching, empowering his students and clients to expand their impact, influence, and income.  Connect with John on LinkedIn Follow John's Youtube channel   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating  and leave us a comment on iTunes   CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA! Instagram LinkedIn Christinalecuyer.com Book a Free Clarity Call Book Christina For Your Next Workshop

Hello, Voices of the Bench community. This is Casey Baldwin with Ivoclar. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new IPS emax Zirconia, offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help you save valuable production time while maintaining consistent outcomes. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out today and discover how IPS emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one. Join us at the Race For the Future 12 to raise money for the Foundation For Dental Laborary Technology. September 27th in Valley View, Texas! https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/ Shawn Nowak from Nowak Dental Supplies joins Elvis and Barb to talk all things NOLA LabFest October 15-17th, including the welcome addition to the speaker lineup: martial arts instructor and business coach Jude Grayson. After Jude's keynote at last year's LabFest, the response was strong enough to bring him back for another keynote and a breakout session. The conversation starts with the obvious question: what the heck does a karate instructor know about the dental laboratory industry? As Jude explains, quite a bit. Having practiced martial arts since he was five years old and built a career around teaching, competition, entrepreneurship, and business coaching, Jude draws a surprising number of parallels between martial arts and business. He talks about discipline, competition, confidence, risk, and his “five-year-old board break moment”—the idea that sometimes the ability to succeed is already inside us, and the right coach simply helps unlock it. He also explains how those lessons translate into working with business owners and helping them recognize opportunities they may not see themselves. The conversation then turns toward one of the biggest challenges facing dental laboratories today: knowing when it's time to pivot. With technology, AI, 3D printing, changing doctor workflows, and the evolving DSO landscape continuing to reshape the industry, Jude's NOLA LabFest keynote will focus on how business owners can recognize when change is necessary, decide when to act, and understand the risks that come with being an early adopter. He also shares some great perspective on failure, competition, and why making a bad business decision doesn't necessarily mean you've lost—the real loss comes when you stop competing altogether. Shawn also gives us a look at what else is happening at NOLA LabFest, including education on AI, social media marketing, employee culture, DSOs, and other topics affecting dental laboratories right now. And, of course, there's plenty of the NOLA LabFest fun mixed in, from the masquerade party and distillery tour to the return of Family Feud. It's a conversation about business, leadership, taking risks, and finding ways to keep dental laboratories moving forward—and it all starts with a karate instructor walking into a dental show.Special Guests: Jude Grayson and Shawn Nowak.

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council and top economic advisor in the White House, joins host Gene Marks to break down what today's economy means for small businesses. They explore why companies using AI saw dramatic revenue growth over the past year, how economists read government data alongside private-sector indicators (like the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch), and why jobs and GDP numbers get revised so often. Kevin also shares practical ways owners can use AI to compete with larger firms, plus a few offbeat economic indicators worth watching. Explore the latest hiring and wage trends in the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch: https://bit.ly/4q4htI8 Want more from Jason? Subscribe to his newsletter, One Thing Better, for one weekly way to build a career and company you love: https://bit.ly/3RTMlyx Our free AI & Automation Toolkit will help you find your first AI use case in just five minutes: https://bit.ly/4yaSarA Simplify your business operations. Learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 01:16 – Kevin's background and path to the White House 03:27 – Tariffs and the economy 09:12 – Using government data vs. private-sector data 15:12 – Why government numbers get revised 17:22 – The underreported positive: Side gigs & extra income 20:00 – AI as a small business game changer 25:04 - Why AI hasn't replaced humans 28:08 – Offbeat economic indicators 33:06 – Wrap up and thank you #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #iHeartRadio #ApplePodcastTips #SpotifyPodcasts DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

What does it take to turn a passion into a global brand? In this episode, Christina sits down with professional golfer, world-renowned trick shot artist, and entrepreneur Tania Tare to unpack her incredible journey from the golf course to social media stardom. Tania shares how viral content opened unexpected doors, the challenges she faced building a business and navigating international opportunities, and how she's now helping creators and brands collaborate in smarter ways. Whether you're an entrepreneur, content creator, or simply looking for inspiration to think bigger, this conversation is packed with insights on creativity, resilience, and building a career on your own terms. About Tania Tare Tania Tare is a professional golfer and one of the world's most recognizable golf trick shot artists. Originally from New Zealand, she gained international attention for her creative cup trick videos, which quickly went viral across Instagram and other social media platforms. Today, Tania combines her passion for golf with entertaining, innovative content that has captivated millions of viewers and inspired golfers around the world. Connect with Tania on LinkedIn Follow Tania on Instagram   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating  and leave us a comment on iTunes   CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA! Instagram LinkedIn Christinalecuyer.com Book a Free Clarity Call Book Christina For Your Next Workshop

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to build a successful product-based business with family—and grow it without losing sight of why you started?In this episode of The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast, I'm joined by Sara and Vinnie Cann, the mother-daughter co-founders of Birdie's Batch, a family-run food business built around locally sourced ingredients, seasonal products, family recipes, and a whole lot of heart.Sara and Vinnie started Birdie's Batch in 2020 after Sara was laid off from her career in the restaurant industry. What began as an opportunity to sell homemade products at local farmers markets grew into a loyal community, an online business, award-winning marmalades, and national recognition—including a feature in The New York Times that increased their sales by 264%.But what I especially loved about this conversation is that their story isn't simply about growing a business. It's about figuring out what kind of business—and life—you actually want to build.We talk about working together as mother and daughter, listening to your customers, overcoming the challenges of shipping food products, using storytelling to differentiate your brand, navigating motherhood while running a business, and why sustainable growth doesn't always mean doing more.Sara also opens up about how a major health challenge changed her relationship with work and helped her redefine success. Instead of continuing to push toward bigger numbers and a seven-day workweek, she began creating a business model that better supported her health, motherhood, and life.In this episode, we talk about:✨ Turning family recipes into a product-based business✨ Starting a food business from home without a huge investment✨ Building a loyal customer base through farmers markets✨ Listening to your customers to discover new products and opportunities✨ Making a mother-daughter business partnership work✨ Treating failures as data instead of reasons to quit✨ Building around your actual capacity as a mom and entrepreneur✨ Overcoming shipping and fulfillment challenges✨ What happened when The New York Times featured Birdie's Batch✨ Using storytelling and community to build customer loyalty✨ Why business growth doesn't always mean doing more✨ Redefining success and creating a more sustainable business✨ Starting before you have the perfect planOne of my favorite reminders from this conversation is that growth doesn't necessarily mean doing more. Sometimes growth means figuring out what's already working, getting better at it, and letting go of what no longer supports the business or life you're trying to create.If you're a mom entrepreneur building a product-based business—or you've been sitting on an idea because you don't have everything figured out yet—I think you'll walk away from this conversation feeling encouraged to start where you are, stay flexible, and build success on your own terms.CONNECT WITH SARA, VINNIE & BIRDIE'S BATCHWebsite: https://birdiesbatch.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdiesbatch/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdiesbatch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@birdiesbatchLinkedIn – Sara Cann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-cann-b785a21a/KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING WITH ANGELAVisit https://mombusinesscoach.com for more episodes, resources, and ways to work with me as you build a business that supports your goals, your family, and the season of life you're actually in.REFLECTION QUESTIONWhere in your business are you assuming growth means doing more—and what might change if you focused instead on doing what already works better?If this episode encouraged you, follow The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast, share it with another mom entrepreneur, and leave a rating or review. It helps more women find these conversations and reminds all of us that we don't have to build our businesses the way everyone else tells us we should. 

What if the quality of your life is determined by the quality of your decisions? In this episode, Christina sits down with Guffy Wright to unpack the powerful principles behind his upcoming book, Attach High. Together, they explore how your values shape every decision you make, why vulnerability is a leadership superpower, and how seeking validation from the right places can transform your personal and professional life. If you're ready to make more intentional decisions, lead with greater clarity, and create lasting impact, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom you won't want to miss. About Guffy Wright Guffy Wright is the National Sales Leader and a member of the Board of Directors at The Mahoney Group, one of the largest insurance brokerages in the country. After dropping out of college at 22, he joined the company and has spent the past 19 years building an exceptional leadership career. Today, Guffy is passionate about helping others make better decisions, lead with purpose, and achieve lasting success in both business and life. Learn more about Guffy's book Attach High on his website Connect with Guffy on LinkedIn   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating  and leave us a comment on iTunes   CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA! Instagram LinkedIn Christinalecuyer.com Book a Free Clarity Call Book Christina For Your Next Workshop

The Human Element Advantage: Driving Authentic Conversion and Algorithmic Visibility with Liz MbwamboIn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sat down with Liz Mbwambo, the Founder and CEO of Upwynn Marketing, to examine the shifting operational mechanics required for service-based businesses to maintain market dominance in an AI-saturated ecosystem. Liz, a veteran agency leader and strategic marketer, details how traditional local service providers—from legal practices and home services contractors to regional suppliers—can cut through automated digital noise by pairing human-centric content with advanced data-gathering tech. This conversation delivers an intentional marketing playbook for business owners looking to optimize their conversion funnels, leverage first-party conversational data, shoot authentic founder-led video, and future-proof their brand visibility against changing search engine algorithms.The Search Engine Transformation: Utilizing First-Party Data and Founder Authenticity to Capture Market ShareThe rapid proliferation of generic, low-effort AI content generators has created a noisy digital marketplace where prospective clients actively tune out polished sales pitches and sterile corporate messaging. Liz Mbwambo explains that despite technological advances in ad distribution and generative copy, the fundamental psychology of marketing remains unchanged: consumers purchase services based on trust, personal connection, and perceived authority. To differentiate a company from automated competitors, founders must step in front of the camera to deliver unscripted, conversational video content that directly answers real customer questions. Capturing spontaneous insights—even from a smartphone at a desk or in a vehicle immediately following a client call—builds immediate psychological rapport and establishes an authentic authority profile that polished corporate commercials simply cannot replicate.To maximize the return on marketing spend and streamline backend content production, scaling enterprises must utilize artificial intelligence as a strategic listening tool rather than a generic text generator. By recording and transcribing every inbound sales call, client onboarding session, and internal team review, an agency or business owner can collect rich first-party data that exposes the exact language, objections, and pain points of their target market. Feeding these unstructured transcripts into advanced AI engines allows leadership to analyze recurring customer queries and systematically generate highly targeted FAQ videos, blog articles, and social media clips. This data-driven approach aligns corporate messaging with natural conversational search patterns, ensuring the brand ranks prominently as search algorithms shift toward processing human, long-tail queries.Sustaining long-term local market dominance also requires service businesses to balance their digital inbound strategies with diversified media channels, including strategic podcasting and hyper-localized advertising. Hosting a niche corporate podcast enables a service provider to go beyond transactional product pitches, offering broader educational value that positions the firm as a trusted community pillar and industry authority. This multi-channel approach expands brand reach—such as targeting underserved demographics with tailored, bilingual content—while opening direct networking doors with local business partners and high-value prospective accounts. When an organization combines authentic founder-led video, automated first-party data analysis, and proactive multi-platform media distribution into a single marketing architecture, it removes administrative lead-generation friction, protects client acquisition margins, and predictably expands enterprise valuation.About Liz MbwamboLiz Mbwambo is the Founder and CEO of Upwynn Marketing, a prominent digital agency architect, and a seasoned growth strategist based in Orlando, Florida. Drawing from years of high-level corporate experience and a deep understanding of consumer psychology, Liz specializes in helping local, service-based businesses scale their market presence. She is a dedicated thought leader who focuses on helping plumbing, HVAC, legal, and trade contractors transition away from generic marketing tactics to build authentic, data-driven lead engines.About Upwynn MarketingUpwynn Marketing is an elite full-service digital marketing agency engineered to help small-to-mid-sized service enterprises streamline client acquisition and maximize brand authority. The agency specializes in delivering comprehensive local SEO audits, founder-led video strategy playbooks, first-party data transcription analysis, and omni-channel paid media management. Through tailored growth blueprints, educational resources, and personalized strategy sessions, Upwynn Marketing enables regional service providers to remove lead-generation bottlenecks and predictably command market share.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeUpwynn Marketing Official Website: upwynnmarketing.comLiz Mbwambo on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lizmbwamboKey Episode HighlightsThe Authenticity Imperative: Why raw, founder-led video content recorded on a smartphone outperforms overly polished corporate marketing in an AI-saturated market.First-Party Conversational Mining: Utilizing AI transcription tools to analyze real client sales calls and extract high-converting FAQ content topics.Optimizing for Conversational Search: Structuring written and video content around natural human speech patterns to match evolving algorithmic search queries.Corporate Podcasting as a Growth Engine: Leveraging niche, educational podcasts to build community trust, serve diverse demographics, and open B2B networking channels.Balancing Omni-Channel Local Media: Integrating localized paid ad formats with organic SEO and traditional media to capture dominant regional market share.ConclusionThe conversation with Liz Mbwambo underscores that thriving in the modern marketing landscape requires an intentional balance of high-tech data collection and unscripted human connection. By standardizing internal content production around real customer conversations, embracing founder-led video, and leveraging first-party data, business leaders can transform a noisy, generic marketing footprint into a highly structured, self-sustaining client acquisition asset.More from The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

Business growth should not depend on luck, assumptions, or the latest trend. In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, Adrienne Wilkerson sits down with Hugo van den Biggelaar, CEO of The Bitsing Company USA, to explore a proven methodology for making clearer, more intentional growth decisions. Hugo spent more than eight years at Nike, working across finance, insights, loyalty, digital marketing, and brand strategy before moving into entrepreneurship. Today, he is helping bring the Bitsing methodology from Europe to the United States.  Bitsing is a business growth framework developed over more than 30 years and used by more than 1,000 organizations. It brings finance, strategy, positioning, marketing, and sales together in one structured plan designed to help leaders focus on the actions most likely to produce measurable growth.  In this conversation, Hugo explains why business owners should stop relying solely on gut feeling, how to identify where growth is already proven, and why the strongest brands give people an emotional reason to choose them. Adrienne and Hugo also discuss the challenges that businesses face at every size, from small entrepreneurial teams to global organizations, and how leaders can turn scattered ideas into a practical roadmap. In This Episode -Hugo's journey from Nike to entrepreneurship  -How the Bitsing methodology was developed  -Why every business needs a clear growth roadmap  -The difference between a financial goal and a strategy  -How to use revenue data to decide where to invest  -Why businesses often overlook what is already working  -How to balance current revenue with new growth opportunities  -Preparing a business to scale, sell, or exit  -Why rational selling points are easy for competitors to copy  -How emotional positioning creates brand preference  -Three practical steps toward more intentional growth  Key Takeaways -Set financial goals first. Brand awareness, website traffic, and sales conversions can support growth, but they are strategies rather than the final business goal. -Follow the evidence. Your existing revenue data can help show which services, products, audiences, and markets deserve more of your time and budget. -Create preference, not just a reason to buy. Price, speed, and features can all be copied. A strong brand gives people an emotional and distinctive reason to choose you. Chapters:00:00 Introduction 00:36 Hugo's Journey from Amsterdam to Nike and New York 02:48 Leaving Nike and Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship 05:59 Bringing the Bitsing Methodology to the United States 06:54 How the Bitsing Growth Method Was Developed 09:34 The Seven Principles Behind the Framework 10:19 Building a Business Growth Roadmap 11:47 Why There Is No Secret Shortcut to Growth 12:36 Knowing When to Hire, Expand, or Stay Focused 15:18 Replacing Gut Feeling with Business Data 15:47 The Pencil Methodology Explained 16:46 Deciding Where to Invest Time and Marketing Budget 18:14 Growth Strategies for Scaling, Turnarounds, and Exits 19:48 Why Businesses of Every Size Face Similar Problems 22:32 Three Steps Toward Intentional Growth 23:06 Set Financial Goals Before Choosing Strategies 24:37 Let the Data Guide Your Decisions 25:03 The Three Brand Challenges Businesses Must Solve 26:24 Why Creating Preference Matters Most 26:51 Finding an Emotional Advantage Competitors Cannot Copy 28:03 Why B2B Marketing Is Still Human 28:51 How to Connect with Hugo 30:06 Closing  Connect with Hugo van den Biggelaar:Bitsing Website https://bitsing.com Email hugo@bitsing.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugovandenbiggelaar/  Learn More About Bitsing The Bitsing Company https://bitsing.com About the Bitsing method https://bitsing.com/about Books https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Laws-Guaranteed-Growth-Management/dp/906369413X  

Today, I'm walking through something I call the Ideal Client Origin Roadmap. It is a simple exercise that traces your best clients back to their true root, not just the last touch point before they signed. By the end of this episode, you will understand why this matters and have a clear way to start mapping it for your own business. >>> Whenever you are ready, here are 4 ways we can help you reach your revenue goals faster...#1 Unlock the full potential of your marketing engine. We'll provide you and your team with the direction, insights, and tools necessary to excel in the complex landscape of modern marketing. - Marketing Advisor On Call#2 Discover the marketing strategies & tactics that will guide your next quarter and unlock explosive growth in 90 minutes. - Quick-Start Marketing Strategy Game Plan#3 Discover a tailor-made strategy for unprecedented growth to transform your marketing in 30 days. - Unlock Your Growth Opportunities#4 If you need guidance on the most effective direction for your marketing, then schedule a call with us today! - Get Your Free Discovery Call Now

Recorded live at SocialWest 2026 in Calgary, Azrah Manji-Savin, entrepreneur, speaker, and co-founder of Syzl, joins host Lindsay Smith to unpack why personal branding and in-person networking matter more than ever in an increasingly digital world.Syzl is an online marketplace helping food entrepreneurs access commercial kitchen space, along with the operational and financial support they need to actually grow. Beyond building the platform, Azra is passionate about helping people build authentic professional relationships and stand out without losing sight of who they are.Azrah breaks down why personal brand searches have skyrocketed alongside AI, how to network without it feeling like a performance, what it looks like to build a personal brand guide the same way you'd build one for a client, and why staying consistent online and in person is the thing that actually builds trust.Networking isn't a performance. It's just a conversation you haven't had yet.Edited and produced by TAKT.

What happens when a mom sees a problem no one else is solving? She creates the solution. In this episode, Stacey shares how she went from speech pathologist and mom of four to the founder of Smile Paint®, a revolutionary toothpaste designed to make brushing easier, more fun, and more accessible for kids with sensory needs. She opens up about taking a leap of faith, overcoming obstacles, and why having a purpose bigger than yourself can carry you through the toughest moments of entrepreneurship. Whether you're a parent, business owner, or dreamer with a big idea, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep going. About Stacey Thomas Stacey Thomas is a speech-language pathologist, special needs advocate, and mom of four who founded Smile Paint®, a play-based toothpaste designed to make brushing fun and accessible for children, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Inspired by her firsthand experience helping families navigate daily toothbrushing challenges, Stacey created Smile Paint® to turn oral care into a positive, engaging experience that helps kids build healthy habits through play. Learn more about Smile Paint website Connect with Stacey on LinkedIn   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating  and leave us a comment on iTunes   CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA! Instagram LinkedIn Christinalecuyer.com Book a Free Clarity Call Book Christina For Your Next Workshop

What You'll Learn in This Episode Why success usually takes 10 times more effort than you expect. The biggest mistakes new real estate investors make. How mentorship dramatically shortens your learning curve. Why blind optimism can either fuel or sabotage success. The importance of asking better questions—not just finding answers. How AI tools like ChatGPT can reveal your business blind spots. The difference between building wealth and designing a fulfilling life. Why consistency beats talent in entrepreneurship. Lessons from wholesaling that apply to every business. How to stay motivated when progress feels slow.    

Melissa Mash built Dagne Dover from a business school focus group and $40,000 in pre-sales into a brand now carried in more than 250 retail locations—without ever taking venture capital. By ditching Meta and Google in favor of events, sponsorships, and high-touch retail relationships, nearly half the brand's growth now comes from word of mouth alone. For more on Dagne Dover and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Using AI as a strategic business partner is becoming one of the most practical ways small business owners can improve focus, planning, and execution without immediately building a larger team.In this episode of It's The Bottom Line that Matters, Jennifer R. Glass and Patricia Reszetylo talk through how they use AI in their own businesses, from brainstorming and business advising to chief-of-staff support and project-specific planning.The conversation covers the shift from using ChatGPT as a general tool to building more focused AI projects that support specific business needs. Patricia shares how AI helped her think more clearly as a CEO, while Jennifer explains how her AI chief of staff helps keep priorities and progress on track.They also touch on the difference between chat-based AI tools and AI agents. Patricia offers a simple way to understand the difference: a chatbot is more like a pen pal, while an AI agent is closer to a trained employee that can eventually complete work with less constant instruction.This episode is especially useful for small business owners, consultants, and solo operators who feel stretched thin and want more strategic support, clearer thinking, and better systems without carrying the cost of a large team.The biggest takeaway: AI does not need to replace the business owner's judgment. Used well, it can become the advisor, organizer, and execution support sitting at the owner's elbow.Key topics covered: AI for small business, artificial intelligence, AI business partner, strategic business partner, ChatGPT for business, AI chief of staff, AI advisor, AI agents, agentic AI, small business growth, entrepreneurship, business systems, business strategy, productivity, operational efficiency, project planning, business automation, owner-led business, solo business owner, digital transformation, focus, execution, business leverage, AI prompts, AI projects, AI tools, strategic planningMain Insight: AI becomes more useful for business owners when it moves beyond a general brainstorming tool and becomes a structured strategic partner, chief of staff, advisor, and eventual agent-based support system.Speaker Bios:Jennifer R. Glass is the lead host of It's The Bottom Line that Matters. In this episode, she brings a practical business-growth lens to AI, focusing on how entrepreneurs can use it for priority management, focus, and operational support.Patricia Reszetylo is a recurring host of It's The Bottom Line that Matters. In this episode, she shares how she uses AI as a business advisor, project support system, and early-stage agent-building tool to help small operators gain more leverage.

Today, I'm going to give you a filter. These seven phrases every marketer says, and the one question you should ask behind each one to find out if they actually mean it. If they can actually deliver. >>> Whenever you are ready, here are 4 ways we can help you reach your revenue goals faster...#1 Unlock the full potential of your marketing engine. We'll provide you and your team with the direction, insights, and tools necessary to excel in the complex landscape of modern marketing. - Marketing Advisor On Call#2 Discover the marketing strategies & tactics that will guide your next quarter and unlock explosive growth in 90 minutes. - Quick-Start Marketing Strategy Game Plan#3 Discover a tailor-made strategy for unprecedented growth to transform your marketing in 30 days. - Unlock Your Growth Opportunities#4 If you need guidance on the most effective direction for your marketing, then schedule a call with us today! - Get Your Free Discovery Call Now

Welcome to the Rialto Marketing podcast. Today's episode is a Revenue Acceleration Series interview with seven-figure B2B business owners and their growth-minded executives who are actively trying to grow their business and get to the next level. We discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly so that you can learn from their experience.>>> Whenever you are ready, here are 4 ways we can help you reach your revenue goals faster...#1 Unlock the full potential of your marketing engine. We'll provide you and your team with the direction, insights, and tools necessary to excel in the complex landscape of modern marketing. - Marketing Advisor On Call#2 Discover the marketing strategies & tactics that will guide your next quarter and unlock explosive growth in 90 minutes. - Quick-Start Marketing Strategy Game Plan#3 Discover a tailor-made strategy for unprecedented growth to transform your marketing in 30 days. - Unlock Your Growth Opportunities#4 If you need guidance on the most effective direction for your marketing, then schedule a call with us today! - Get Your Free Discovery Call Now

This is the finale of a three-part trilogy on finding and freeing the growth already sitting inside a business you own. EP 65 covered what to keep and what to kill. EP 66 covered the hidden money in your market. EP 67 answers the next question: who actually captures it, and what happens when your team, or you, becomes the thing slowing everything down. Dustin and Jimmy soften a hard title into a useful one. As the founder, you are part of the team too, so this is not about blame. It is about a simple truth: most problems in a business are system performance problems, and the fastest way to fix them is to remove the bottleneck. Money loves speed. The four levers covered in this episode: Revenue per employee (RPE). The one diagnostic most owners have never calculated. Take total revenue, divide by total headcount, and you have a proxy for how efficiently your business turns people into profit. Jimmy shares how his team went from about $37,000 per team member to roughly $125,000, a 3x jump in 18 months, by getting the right people in the right seats. Time allocation and task audit. Where your hours actually go, and what to stop doing. The highest performers are almost all signal and no noise. Growth usually comes from subtraction, not addition. The founder as the bottleneck. The hardest one to look at. If someone else can do your job, you may be in the wrong chair. Ask your team one question tomorrow: what are you not doing that you would love to do if I got out of your way? Systems and AI integration. How to move fast without breaking what matters. Aggressive and secure are not mutually exclusive. If you are going to use AI in a business that handles sensitive data, do it the right way. Get the resources for this episode at MomentumInsiders.com. Become an insider and get the revenue per employee calculator (Google Sheets and Excel), the benchmarks, and the time and task audit that walk you through all four levers. Next month: what is your business actually worth? Everything in this trilogy feeds into that one calculation. Hosted by Dustin Burleson and Jimmy Nicholas. Get additional resources, scorecards, and working frameworks at WealthyMomentumPodcast.comSubscribe on YouTube: YouTube.com/@WealthyEntrepreneurHQLearn more: WealthyEntrepreneur.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to another episode of "The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas." In this episode, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Michael Barbarita, the founder of a specialized fractional CFO firm dedicated to helping small and medium-sized companies achieve rapid growth.Michael Barbarita is not your typical CFO. While many fractional CFOs focus primarily on historical numbers and compliance, Michael's approach combines forward-looking financial expertise with strategic implementation. He shares how business owners hire him to double or even triple their profits by employing business and financial strategies that their competitors simply aren't using.The Fractional CFO Advantage: Michael explains why small to medium-sized businesses, which often cannot afford a full-time high-quality CFO, benefit from fractional services that provide a broad spectrum of scalable strategies.Beyond the Numbers: A core theme of this conversation is the necessity for CFOs to understand business strategy. Michael argues that while traditional CPAs look backward at historical data, a true CFO must be forward-looking to provide real value to a CEO.Pressure Testing Ideas: One of Michael's signature methods is "pressure testing" a CEO's ideas. Whether it's a new marketing campaign or a pricing change, he discusses the importance of expanding upon these ideas to ensure they are financially viable and strategically sound.The Conversion Formula: Michael introduces the concept of a conversion formula used to create successful messaging for things like drip campaigns, ensuring that a business stands out rather than just repeating what everyone else in the market is doing.Strategic Growth for Cash-Limited Companies: Most small companies face limited cash flow. Michael shares insights on how to improve financial foundations and implement growth strategies even when resources are tight.This interview serves as a master class for any entrepreneur looking to improve their financial footing and understand the financial ramifications of their business strategies. Michael's unique blend of strategic knowledge and financial expertise offers a roadmap for turning high costs and uncertain footing into favorable growth opportunities.Connect with The Unconventional Path:Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeFractional CFO, Entrepreneurial Finance, Business Strategy, Small Business Growth, Profit Strategy, Cash Flow Management, Strategic Implementation, Michael Barbarita, Bela Musits, Mike Wasserman, The Unconventional Path Podcast, Business Advising, Financial Forecasting, Startup Accounting, Growth Mindset.

John Crossman sits down with Belinda Ortez Kirkegard, President of the National Entrepreneur Center, to discuss entrepreneurship, small business growth, and the free resources available to help business owners succeed. In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, they explore how entrepreneurs can access coaching, workshops, government contracting support, Central Florida BizLink, and guidance from more than 100 regional business support organizations. Belinda shares why small businesses are essential to job creation, community growth, and economic development. This conversation is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurs do not have to build alone.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: From Market Stalls to Digital Success: Yonatan & Aviva's Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2026-06-26-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: בבוקר חם של קיץ, שוק הכרמל בתל אביב מלא חיים.En: On a hot summer morning, the Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv was full of life.He: הירקות הטריים, בדים צבעוניים, ותיירים סקרנים חוו את הרחובות הצרים.En: The fresh vegetables, colorful fabrics, and curious tourists experienced the narrow streets.He: ביוניוניתן ואביבה עמדו ליד הדוכן הקטן שלהם, מלאים בצמידים, טבעות, ושרשראות שהם הכינו בעצמם.En: Yonatan and Aviva stood by their small stall, filled with bracelets, rings, and necklaces they had made themselves.He: פיתולים של כסף מתחת לשמש פיתו עוברי אורח לעצור לרגע ולהביט ביצירותיהם.En: Twists of silver under the sun tempted passersby to pause for a moment and gaze at their creations.He: יונתן, אמן בתחילת דרכו, תמיד חלם.En: Yonatan, an artist at the beginning of his journey, always dreamed.He: חלם על צעדים גדולים יותר ממה שמציע הדוכן הקטן שלהם.En: He dreamed of bigger steps than what their small stall offered.He: הוא רצה לקחת את העסק שלהם לאינטרנט, להגיע לאנשים בכל הארץ וסביב העולם.En: He wanted to take their business online, reaching people all over the country and around the world.He: אך אביבה הייתה סקפטית.En: But Aviva was skeptical.He: היא דאגה שמעבר לשוק המקוון יוביל לתקלות רבות מדי וישכיח את תשומת הלב שלהם מהשוק הגשמי שממנו התחילו.En: She worried that moving to the online marketplace would lead to too many glitches and distract them from the physical market where they started.He: "יונתן," היא אמרה בעיניים מלאות הבנה, "אני יודעת שאתה רוצה לנסות את זה, אבל מה יקרה אם לא נמכור?En: "Yonatan," she said with eyes full of understanding, "I know you want to try this, but what if we don't sell?He: ומה עם הזמן שידרש לניהול כל זה?En: And what about the time required to manage all of this?"He: "יונתן, בכל זאת, לא וויתר.En: Yonatan, nonetheless, did not give up.He: לאחר ימי השוק, כאשר החום של היום הפך לקרירות של ערב, הוא הכין את האתר לבד.En: After market days, when the heat of the day turned to the coolness of evening, he prepared the website on his own.He: לאט לאט, הוא העלה את התמונות וכתב תיאורים פשוטים.En: Slowly, he uploaded the photos and wrote simple descriptions.He: הוא לא סיפר לאביבה, רק קיווה להשיג עניין קטן שאולי ישנה את דעתה.En: He didn't tell Aviva, just hoped to generate a little interest that might change her mind.He: ואז, ביום בהיר אחד, צליל הודעה חדשה הגיע.En: Then, on a bright day, a new message alert arrived.He: הזמנה גדולה נחתה באתר - מישהי מחו"ל רצתה לקנות חמישים שרשראות!En: A large order had landed on the site - someone from abroad wanted to buy fifty necklaces!He: שמחה מחד וחששות מאידך מילאו את יונתן.En: Joy on one hand and concerns on the other filled Yonatan.He: הוא ידע שעליהם לדבר על כך.En: He knew they had to talk about it.He: אביבה הופתעה כאשר יונתן הראה לה את ההזמנה.En: Aviva was surprised when Yonatan showed her the order.He: הם ביקשו את כל הידיים לעבוד על ההזמנה החדשה.En: They asked for all hands to work on the new order.He: "יונתן," היא החלה לומר, "אני מבינה עכשיו את הפוטנציאל.En: "Yonatan," she began to say, "I understand the potential now.He: נצטרך מישהו שיעזור בעבודת היד, כדי שנוכל לשמור על השוק והאינטרנט גם יחד.En: We will need someone to help with the handiwork so we can maintain both the market and the internet together."He: "וכך, בצעד שתוכנן היטב ומוסכם על שניהם, הם התחילו לגייס עוזר נוסף.En: And so, with a well-planned step agreed upon by both, they began to recruit an additional assistant.He: יונתן למד להעריך יותר את החששות של אביבה, ולאחר שראתה את היתרון שבאינטרנט, אביבה נעשתה פתוחה יותר לרעיונות חדשים.En: Yonatan learned to appreciate more of Aviva's concerns, and after seeing the advantage of the internet, Aviva became more open to new ideas.He: האווירה בשוק נותרה מדהימה, אך עתה היה להם גם חלון לעולם.En: The atmosphere in the market remained amazing, but now they also had a window to the world.He: יונתן ואביבה הבינו שעם עבודה קשה והבנה הדדית, אפשר למצוא את הדרך הנכונה, גם אם היא מאתגרת.En: Yonatan and Aviva understood that with hard work and mutual understanding, it is possible to find the right path, even if it is challenging.He: הסוף היה פתוח לאופקים חדשים, והם עמדו מולם יד ביד, מוכנים לכל מה שיבוא.En: The end was open to new horizons, and they stood in front of them hand in hand, ready for whatever comes. Vocabulary Words:fabrics: בדיםcurious: סקרניםstall: דוכןbracelets: צמידיםrings: טבעותnecklaces: שרשראותtwists: פיתוליםpassersby: עוברי אורחgaze: להביטjourney: דרכוskeptical: סקפטיתglitches: תקלותunderstanding: הבנהrequired: ידרשgenerate: להשיגinterest: ענייןabroad: חו"לconcerns: חששותassistant: עוזרmutual: הדדיתhorizons: אופקיםpotential: פוטנציאלhandiwork: עבודת ידappreciate: להעריךadvantage: יתרוןchallenging: מאתגרתprepared: הכיןupload: העלהdescriptions: תיאוריםorder: הזמנהBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Send us Fan MailDo you ever feel like there simply aren't enough hours in the day to grow your business and be present with your family? What if the answer isn't finding more time, but building a business that actually fits the season of motherhood you're in?In this episode of The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast, I sit down with Jenny Suneson, a business mentor for mom entrepreneurs who helps women build sustainable service-based businesses in 20 hours a week or less—without burnout, hustle culture, or needing a big team.Jenny shares how moms can create momentum in the margins, focus on what truly moves the needle, and implement simple systems that support both their businesses and their lives. If you're tired of feeling behind or believing success requires sacrificing yourself or your family, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged and empowered.In this episode, you'll learn:How to build a successful service-based business in 20 hours a week or lessWhy moms don't need more time—they need better systemsThe biggest mistakes hustle culture teaches women entrepreneursHow to create momentum in the margins of motherhoodSimple systems that reduce overwhelm and create freedomThe impact of the invisible load of motherhood on business growthPractical ways to stay consistent when life feels unpredictableWhy sustainable growth matters more than doing everythingKey Takeaways✔️ Doing less can actually help you grow more.✔️ Systems create freedom and reduce overwhelm.✔️ You don't have to build your business like everyone else to be successful.Connect with Jenny SunesonPodcast: https://pod.link/1700310195 Website: https://www.momsmakemoneycollective.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenny.suneson/Connect with Angela Masciulli and continue the conversation:

In this episode, we unpack the biggest mistakes founder-led businesses make when trying to scale, what it really takes to step out of day to day, and the critical piece most businesses overlook when chasing sustainable growth. If you are ready to build a business that grows with intention, this conversation will give you the clarity and direction to start making that shift. >>> Here are 4 ways we can help you reach your revenue goals faster...#1 Unlock the full potential of your marketing engine. We'll provide you and your team with the direction, insights, and tools necessary to excel in the complex landscape of modern marketing. - Marketing Advisor On Call#2 Discover the marketing strategies & tactics that will guide your next quarter and unlock explosive growth in 90 minutes. - Quick-Start Marketing Strategy Game Plan#3 Discover a tailor-made strategy for unprecedented growth to transform your marketing in 30 days. - Unlock Your Growth Opportunities#4 If you need guidance on the most effective direction for your marketing, then schedule a call with us today! - Get Your Free Discovery Call Now

AI is moving faster than most businesses realize. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Trent Gillespie, former Amazon executive and CEO of Stellis AI, breaks down what business leaders need to understand about AI agents, automation, and organizational readiness. We discuss: • Why prompts are no longer the main conversation • How AI agents are changing work • What leaders should do to prepare employees for change • Why businesses need visibility in AI search and recommendation systems • How organizations can build AI adoption without overwhelming teams If you think AI is only about saving time, this episode will challenge that assumption. Listen now and start building for your future customer. Connect with Trent:  LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/trentgillespie  Website https://trentgillespie.live   

What if your business could reduce costs, improve efficiency, and make a positive impact on the world at the same time? In this conversation, entrepreneur and sustainability advocate Anand Verma shares his journey from India to the UK, building businesses at the intersection of technology, AI, and environmental responsibility. Along the way, he reveals why sustainability isn't just good for the planet—it's a smart business strategy. You'll learn how clear communication, intentional leadership, and a growth mindset can help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and create lasting success. Whether you're a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of business, this episode will challenge the way you think about profitability, innovation, and impact. About Anand Verma In 2019, Anand made a commitment to fighting climate change issues and applying the power of design, data and AI to take actions. Anand is the Founder and CEO of ExpectAI and is committed to helping companies decarbonise, profitably with the power of big data and AI. Learn more about ExpectAI website Connect with Anand on LinkedIn   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating  and leave us a comment on iTunes   CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA! Instagram LinkedIn Christinalecuyer.com Book a Free Clarity Call Book Christina For Your Next Workshop

Unlock powerful business growth strategies through smart tool use and automation in your small or local service-based business. In this episode, Lindsay chats with Danielle McGuinness, an online business manager (OBM) and automation expert, about the common pitfalls small business owners face when adding tools and how to avoid costly overlaps.  Learn how optimizing your existing tools and automating key processes like lead generation, onboarding, proposals, and offboarding can save time, reduce overwhelm, and create a consistent, excellent client experience. You'll discover: Why blindly adding software can hurt your business growth strategies How local business owners can automate client intake, proposals, and payment processes efficiently Tips to maintain a personalized touch even with automation How to assess your current tools and avoid unnecessary expenses The role of automation in scaling service-based business growth If you're a small business owner looking for actionable ways to grow and streamline your business, this episode is packed with essential business growth tools and tips. Connect with  Danielle McGinnis at https://cuttingedgeoperations.com ---------- The next cohort of Sell With Confidence LIVE is in September 2026.  Join the waitlist at https://lindsayfletcher.co/waitlist to be notified when enrollment is open and for special bonuses!

So today, I want to share something that I think about a lot and believe is at the core of why marketing works for some businesses, but not others. I call them the 10 Marketing Commandments. These are beliefs. They are principles. Things that if you actually internalize them will completely change how you think about marketing your business. >>> Here are 4 ways we can help you reach your revenue goals faster...#1 Unlock the full potential of your marketing engine. We'll provide you and your team with the direction, insights, and tools necessary to excel in the complex landscape of modern marketing. - Marketing Advisor On Call#2 Discover the marketing strategies & tactics that will guide your next quarter and unlock explosive growth in 90 minutes. - Quick-Start Marketing Strategy Game Plan#3 Discover a tailor-made strategy for unprecedented growth to transform your marketing in 30 days. - Unlock Your Growth Opportunities#4 If you need guidance on the most effective direction for your marketing, then schedule a call with us today! - Get Your Free Discovery Call Now

(12) Gene Marks questions surveys claiming 93% small business growth and dismisses claims that AI will eliminate white-collar jobs soon, asserting that human workers will naturally adapt to new technology as they have historically.1940 ALLENTOWN PA

In this episode, we sit down with best-selling author and business strategist Andy Clark to unpack the ideas behind his latest book, Getting The Whole PIE: How to Create More Profit, Impact, and Enjoyment in Your Small Business… Getting The Whole PIE is a roadmap for small business owners looking for a proven system to grow their business without working more. Many entrepreneurs start with big dreams but end up buried in tasks, overwhelmed by decisions, and frustrated that their hard work isn't producing the results they expected — but it doesn't have to stay that way. Andy shares a practical path forward by helping business owners create more of the three outcomes that matter most: profit, impact, and enjoyment (P-I-E). This conversation explores: Why so many small business owners get stuck. How to grow your business without working more hours. Practical systems for improving operations and team alignment. Ways to avoid falling into the "success paradox." With a background in business law and two decades of experience advising entrepreneurs, Andy developed The Whole PIE System™,  a practical, step-by-step framework for getting out of the weeds and leading with confidence. He has worked with business owners across North America to simplify operations, align their teams, and drive sustainable growth. His approach blends strategic thinking with real-world execution, always grounded in what actually works for small businesses with limited time and big ambitions. To learn more about Andy and The Whole PIE System™, click here now!