This week, one of our favorite guests, Paul Long, comes in and asks Brian about common small business themes that have been discussed on the podcast over the last year. Brian also shares a couple of big announcements regarding a project he has been working on for the last several months.
This week we talk to Brandon Christian who, in 18 months, has already hit some major milestones in his business. He gives one of the best pointers I've ever heard for recruiting and interviewing candidates. He also talks about specific things he does in his company to provide a great culture that is constantly striving to build leaders from within.
Merchant services is one of those confusing things that are difficult to get a grasp of. Listen in as Paul Liddane breaks merchant services down for us. He also shares the secrets to success that he has learned from running multiple businesses like 'speaking things into existence', 'always saying yes' and 'all you gotta do...'.
One of the key things that drives success (or lack thereof) in a business is culture. And, 'culture' has become one of those catch phrases that has come to be used as a cliche, often times without any real meaning. We all know that working for inept, mean or micromanaging leaders or managers is the key reason employees leave. Devin shares some ideas on how begin creating the culture you are looking for.
What a story Travis Daigle brings into the studio this week. He went from a 300 pound, 17-year old kid who couldn't swim to a Green Beret in just a few short years. Between that time, he suffered from massive depression and feeling 'rudderless'. He talks about his keys to overcoming life's obstacles, how to find one's direction in life and why he feels compelled to share his message with the world.
Stephanie Prosser from Prosser Construction joins the podcast to talk about the immense benefits she has received from forming powerful strategic alliances, and even a womens' construction related mastermind group. She also talks about how she maintains balance with employee relations and a few lessons she's learned along the way. Take a listen!
What a great episode. Chuck Sweigart from the very well-known and successful Washington Karate, Lakewood Dojo discusses the determination it took to get his business started. He also talks about how many karate principles and values are directly related to running a business like balance, posture and perseverance. If you want to know how to be successful, listen to this episode!
Not sure what to do with social media to help grow your business? Karen Rosenzweig is a social media coach and gives tips on how to use social media and pitfalls to avoid. She also talks about the knowledge she gained by hiring a business coach, how to detect and maneuver through, "Free advice," conversations and much more.
Mark Robinson comes in and takes us through his unbelievable journey of becoming a very successful business owner after a bit of a rocky start in life. Mark takes us through the many bumps in his business ownership road, and what got him not just through those obstacles, but to a place of running a thriving business. This is a 'feel good' story that you won't want to miss, and Mark shares some wisdom we can all learn from.
This week, we hear from Dean Smith, who created the award winning documentary 'Live to Forgive'. The film captures Dean's journey of forgiving and helping save the life of the man who brutally beat his mother to death when Dean was still in elementary school. Dean talks about how forgiving others, and yourself, can free up the time and energy needed to propel yourself to the greatness you are capable of and deserve. This is truly a, "Can't miss," episode. Check it out to learn how to move past the resentment that is holding you back in your own life.
Do you have, "Key man," insurance to insure your Buy / Sell agreement and / or to insure your key employees in the event an employee or business partner (including your spouse) becomes unable to perform their job or leaves the company? Have you ever heard of a, "Captive Insurance Company," which can be used as a very tax-friendly component of your exit or succession plan as well as a retirement fund? If you don't know what these things are, or are curious as to how they could benefit you and your company, Mike Sloan with Camas Consulting comes on to share some great information about how to protect your business.
Harry Wilson, owner of Shine on Signs drops some serious knowledge about topics that plague many businesses and business owners. He talks about how to craft a cultural handbook to keep the team focused on the right goals, how to address mistakes without embarrassing employees and a whole lot more.
Photographers Angie Guy and Angie Whitten talk about gaining the confidence to charge the price they need to in order to have a sustainable business and the importance of finding a good 'fit' with clients. Plus they talk about the value they have gotten from working with other professionals in their industry for finding mentors, bringing others in the industry up to speed and more..
Tacoma Stars General Manager, Tony Roberts stops by to talk sales, branding and how lowering prices actually increased revenue. Plus he talks about good times in the entertainment world, like how to deal with 2,500 unexpected protesters at an event.
Brian hosts his CPA and good friend, Shawn Mattingly who talks about her own experience owning and managing a business. She also talks basic tax and accounting dos and don'ts. She explains why being 'bankable' is important, and some basic steps to take to achieve that. Brian and Shawn also get into some common errors inexperienced entrepreneurs make when it comes to accounting and finance.
Dave Parkhurst, who currently owns two businesses, but has owned nine in his career, joins Brian to discuss buying a business vs. starting one from scratch, common things business owners overlook and why you shouldn't let emotion get the best of you. He also gives out some valuable IT tips for businesses of all sizes.
A solo episode leaves Brian with plenty of time to drill down on frustrating and annoying, yet seemingly acceptable practices in the modern business world. And the notion that many companies no longer shoot for excellence, but rather merely attempt to disappoint their clients a little less than the competition...
Are you or your company guilty of any of these?
Kenneth talks about his 'radical' approach to running his business and how that has helped him immensely, including 'radical transparency' and 'radical open-mindedness'. He also takes us through the ups and downs of his company's massive growth in just a few short years.
A very exuberant and excited Samantha Neal discusses her experience so far running her Janitorial and Cleaning business. She talks about the difficult cycle of giving up control and then again having to focus too much on the tasks of the business rather improving and growing her business. She also has a couple of questions of her own for Brian.
Mark Anderson takes us through 40 years of owning and running his business that he started with a small family loan in 1974 and sold with over 300 full time employees in 2012.