If you’ve ever walked out of a coffee chat or networking event wondering, “Was that really worth my time?” — this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Jennifer Kok, business strategist and founder of Next Wave Business Coaching, dives into Pillar #3: Your Network from her 9-Pillar Profitable Business Framework. Jennifer reveals why most entrepreneurs don’t have a marketing problem, they have a follow-up problem. In this episode, you’ll learn why your network might be the most underused p...
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If you’ve ever walked out of a coffee chat or networking event wondering, “Was that really worth my time?” — this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Jennifer Kok, business strategist and founder of Next Wave Business Coaching, dives into Pillar #3: Your Network from her 9-Pillar Profitable Business Framework. Jennifer reveals why most entrepreneurs don’t have a marketing problem, they have a follow-up problem. In this episode, you’ll learn why your network might be the most underused p...
If you’ve ever walked out of a coffee chat or networking event wondering, “Was that really worth my time?” — this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Jennifer Kok, business strategist and founder of Next Wave Business Coaching, dives into Pillar #3: Your Network from her 9-Pillar Profitable Business Framework. Jennifer reveals why most entrepreneurs don’t have a marketing problem, they have a follow-up problem. In this episode, you’ll learn why your network might be the most underused p...
Are you struggling to clearly explain what makes your business unique? In this episode of Main Street Success Stories, Jennifer Kok talks with Beth Hess, founder of Keys to Your Brand and the voice behind Own Your Amazingness. Beth is a former journalist turned brand trust consultant who helps entrepreneurs and organizations uncover their natural strengths, communicate what makes them different, and create messaging that builds lasting trust. Beth shares how most business owners are too close...
If your calendar is full but your profit is thin, this episode is for you. So many small business owners are exhausted — not because they’re doing something wrong, but because they’re saying yes to everything. Every new idea, every customer request, every opportunity that sounds like “growth.” But here’s the truth: every yes has a cost — and if you don’t count it, your profit will. In this bonus solo episode, Jennifer Kok dives into Pillar #2: Customers from her 9 Pillars to a Profitable Busi...
AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming — if you focus on just one thing. In this episode, we explore how small business owners can simplify their operations with AI. What we chatted about: Jeanette’s journey from math teacher to AI systems expert.How to use AI to eliminate the most irritating parts of your business.Why trust and step-by-step adoption are key to successful AI implementation.Why Listen: Discover the #1 mindset shift to stop AI overwhelm.Hear how Jeanette saves clients hours w...
You didn’t start your business to be this exhausted. ou started it for freedom, flexibility, and a paycheck you could count on or maybe a dream to add more to your family finances. So why does it feel like you’re working harder than ever and still not seeing the results you want? In this episode, Jennifer Kok shares the story of how her dream bakery launched just two days after delivering her second daughter. It looked successful on the outside, but behind the scenes, it was chaos...
What happens when life pushes you to finally go all in on your dream? In this inspiring conversation, Jennifer Kok sits down with branding and headshot photographer Heather Mahoney to talk about her journey from nurse to full-time entrepreneur, how fear almost held her back, and the incredible women’s project she created that’s lighting up the local community. Facing Fear and Going All InThe Rising Together ProjectThe Power of Supportive Communities Why Listen? Because this isn’t just a sto...
What if choosing yourself was the most powerful business strategy you could implement? In this inspiring and candid conversation, Jennifer Kok sits down with abundance expert Sarah Walton to talk about women, money, mindset, and the truth about charging what you’re worth. What we chatted about: Selling with Heart Isn’t “Icky” Sarah reframes sales as something women already do naturally, whether it’s convincing toddlers to eat peas or sharing a favorite book with a friend and shows how t...
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by inventory, buried in business debt, or unsure how to actually pay yourself—this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. Jennifer sits down with returning guest Ciara Stockeland, founder of Inventory Genius, for a real talk on what’s crushing profitability for product-based businesses—and how to fix it. From understanding your balance sheet to why your pricing strategy might be broken, Ciara shares the hard truths (and hopeful fixes) that can help you recl...
From pivoting during a career crossroads to creating something meaningful and profitable, Carla shares what it really takes to take action—even when the future feels uncertain. Today’s guest is someone who wears a lot of hats — and wears them all with purpose. Carla Flanders is the founder of CMF Marketing & Events, a West Michigan-based business that blends traditional marketing with large-scale event production. You’re going to love this conversation about what it means to pivot, ...
In this episode Jennifer Kok sits down with Jackie Benjamin, the founder of We Assist Marketing, to talk about how she built a thriving social media agency by choosing a lane, staying consistent, and leading with heart. Jackie opens up about the unexpected moment that inspired her to start a business, how she shifted from “doing everything for everyone” to becoming an industry expert in outbound social media for home service business. If you've ever struggled to niche down or questioned wheth...
In this refreshingly honest and relatable episode, Jennifer Kok sits down with Courtney Boudet, a seasoned bookkeeper and founder of E Number Cruncher, to talk about what really keeps small business owners from staying on top of their books. From bank balance accounting to the embarrassment of being behind, Courtney shares mindset shifts and practical tools for creating better financial habits that support sustainable business growth. What You’ll Learn: Why so many creative and service-based ...
Jennifer Kok sits down with Brooke Koeninger, founder of Scale with Clarity, to talk about leaving corporate during the Great Resignation, rewriting her identity as a working mom turned entrepreneur, and what it really means to build a business that works for you. They get real about burnout, measuring fulfillment (not just profit), and how small tweaks in your numbers can have a major impact. This episode is a must-listen if you’re a small business owner who: Feels stuck in the cycle of chas...
What if the key to being a more impactful leader wasn’t about learning how to do more, but about learning how to be more present? In this powerful episode, Jennifer Kok sits down with Kristy Mandour, founder of So To Speak, to unpack how high-achieving leaders can stop defaulting to pressure and perfection and start leading with grounded presence, emotional intelligence, and true self-trust. From embodied self-awareness to understanding your internal "Personification Posse," this conversation...
What if the business you’ve poured your heart into can’t be sold when you’re ready to move on? In this eye-opening episode, Jennifer Kok sits down with Jessica Starks, business broker and Exit Factor expert, to break down everything entrepreneurs need to know about building a business with resale in mind — even if selling feels miles away. With 80% of businesses never selling, this is a must-listen for anyone building a business they hope to exit someday. Key Discussions: Why 80% of bus...
In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Curt and Rob, co-founders of HUMN Marketing Agency, to unpack the power of customer-centered storytelling and human-first marketing strategy. With complementary backgrounds in design, nonprofit leadership, and brand messaging. The conversation dives into the importance of understanding your customers on a deeper level—and how most business owners are marketing based on assumptions, not insights. You’ll learn how to use frameworks like StoryBrand, plus ...
In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Geoff Schalow to demystify the Google Business Profile (GBP) and reveal how local business owners—whether brick-and-mortar or home-based—can optimize their presence on Google Maps and search results to attract more clients and outrank big-box competitors. From avoiding profile ownership mistakes to simple habits that boost visibility, this is your go-to episode if you’ve been guilty of the “set it and forget it” strategy. Geoff breaks down GBP best pra...
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Jennifer Kok sits down with Rebecca, the founder of a successful web design studio in West Michigan. From building websites for her dad’s agricultural business to launching her own creative agency, Rebecca shares her 20+ year entrepreneurial journey rooted in curiosity, faith, family, and community. Listeners will hear how she grew her business intentionally—without rushing—and how she balanced motherhood with meaningful work. Rebecca’s story is a powe...
I often get asked "How do you work with Small Business Owners". In this episode, Jennifer Kok, small business strategist and founder of the Earn More, Stress Less Growth System, shares the real reason why so many entrepreneurs burn out — and how you can avoid it and how she helps. Jennifer walks listeners through her proven 3-step framework that has helped countless service-based business owners double their profits, attract better clients, and grow without relying on endl...
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Jennifer Kok sits down with relationship coach Kathy Rushing, founder of Lodestar Relationship Coaching, to explore the unique dynamics of marriage, business partnerships, and entrepreneurship. With over 40 years of marriage and decades of entrepreneurial experience, Kathy brings an insightful perspective to the conversation—especially for couples navigating business ownership together or individuals whose partners “just don’t get” entrepreneurshi...
In this episode, Jennifer Kok chats with Jen Dys, Pinterest Marketing & Content Strategist and founder of Level Up Business Creative. Jen shares her journey from being a physical therapist to launching a successful Pinterest strategy business during the pandemic. Together, they unpack why Pinterest is one of the most overlooked but powerful marketing tools for both B2B and B2C businesses. You’ll learn how Pinterest differs from other platforms, why it favors connection and click-throughs ...
If you’ve ever walked out of a coffee chat or networking event wondering, “Was that really worth my time?” — this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Jennifer Kok, business strategist and founder of Next Wave Business Coaching, dives into Pillar #3: Your Network from her 9-Pillar Profitable Business Framework. Jennifer reveals why most entrepreneurs don’t have a marketing problem, they have a follow-up problem. In this episode, you’ll learn why your network might be the most underused p...
