We’ve enjoyed an amazing journey with our guests, sharing tales of entrepreneurship and the heart that beats within America's small businesses. However, just like any small business owner knows, sometimes you need to take a step back, re-evaluate, and strategize to come back stronger. Join us as we reflect on our progress, and share our plans for an exciting new chapter filled with fresh insights and engaging content that will captivate both current and new listeners. Keep those small ...

Unlock the secrets of effective customer relationship management with insights from Jason Atwood of Arkus. You'll discover how CRMs have transformed from simple databases into powerful tools essential for tracking interactions, managing leads, and boosting sales for both B2B and B2C businesses. In this episode of Small Business Big World, Jason breaks down the evolution of CRM systems and their crucial role in providing actionable insights, such as lead scoring and origin tracking, to enhance...

Learn how to scale a small business with insights from our guest, Jason Atwood of Arkus. Jason shares his journey from a three-person startup to a flourishing company with over 75 employees. Listen as he emphasizes the crucial importance of cash flow management and financial health, providing a candid look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Learn from his experiences to better understand how to manage your business's finances and avoid common pitfalls.

Can AI tools really transform your small business into a powerhouse of efficiency and innovation? Join us as we talk with our Marketing Director, Jon Portanova, and learn how AI is not just a tech buzzword but a valuable ally for your small business. From video editing to social media strategies, we’ll share real-world examples of how these advanced tools can optimize operations and support your growth journey.

Unlock the power of Individual Contribution Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICRA) and revolutionize your approach to employee benefits! Join us as Ashley McQuade from Venture shares her expertise on how ICRA can transform the way small businesses manage health benefits, offering flexibility and personalization like never before.

Let's talk about building a business that not only thrives but is also primed for a successful sale. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights from our conversation with Denver business coach Steven Kohnke, as we explore strategies that transform a "mom and pop" operation into a saleable, structured entity. Together, we'll discuss the necessity of having an exit strategy from the start, inspired by Steven's wisdom to "begin with the end in mind." Discover why reducing dependence on a single ...

Learn how to craft effective Paid Time Off (PTO) policies with HR consultant Dawn Powell as our guide. Why settle for a generic approach when you can tailor your PTO policy to fit your industry's unique needs? Join us as we talk through the best practices, such as simplifying PTO into a single category to avoid micromanaging vacation and sick leave. We also explore the particular challenges of adapting PTO policies across states with varying regulations, including Maine's specific legal requi...

As you prepare for the next chapter of life, what hurdles await you? Join us and special guest Josh Chase from BGA Financial as we unravel the often-overlooked transition into retirement, a significant shift especially challenging for small business owners whose identities are tightly interwoven with their careers. Josh shares his insights into balancing financial plans with emotional readiness. We explore personal stories like that of a newspaper editor grappling with his sense of self-worth...

This week, we sit down with Andrea Tetzlaff, the publisher at MaineBiz, who guides us through the publication's journey from a modest monthly issue in 1994 to a vital resource for Maine's small businesses. Andrea sheds light on how MaineBiz has consistently provided valuable content and organized networking events to support and connect the local business community. This episode is packed with insights that highlight the intersection of media and small business.

Unlock the secrets of strategic planning and elevate your small business with insights from Amanda Majewski, Vice President of HCM Services at Higher Level. This episode of Small Business Big World promises you a front-row seat to Amanda's journey of refining business strategies and cultivating a robust company culture. Discover how tools like DISC assessments can transform your hiring processes and enhance team dynamics, and why clearly articulating your mission, vision, and values is essent...

Unlock the secrets of powerful public relations for small businesses with our special guest, Laura Dolce, the director of the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel Chamber of Commerce. Discover how even the smallest news—like promotions, product launches, and anniversaries—can make headlines and breathe new life into your business. Laura explains how lean newsrooms are hungry for ready-to-publish stories and offers actionable insights on crafting compelling press releases. Tune in and give you...

Navigate legal challenges that small businesses face daily with insights from our special guest, attorney Pat Brady of Bergen and Parkinson. Learn how corporate housekeeping and record-keeping, such as maintaining up-to-date bylaws and operating agreements, can protect your business from potential liability risks. Pat talks the necessity of documenting significant decisions through consent resolutions and the importance of getting signatures on certain documents. This episode is packed...

Unlock the secrets to growing your social following with digital marketing expert Matt Diamante from HeyTony Agency! Matt takes us on his journey from a referral-based business to becoming a social media sensation, all thanks to the wisdom from "The One Thing" and "Jab Jab Jab Right Hook." Get ready for some actionable tips on content writing, blog posts, and effective keyword utilization to boost your Google rankings and enhance your social media game. Join us for this episode packed with p...

Can networking truly transform your small business? Join us on Small Business Big World as we sit down with Ashley Winslow from Bangor Savings, who brings her wealth of experience in networking to the table. With insights from her own initiative, Ashley uncovers the secrets to expanding your business's reach through a community built on trust and professionalism. Learn why commitment is crucial and how surrounding yourself with reliable professionals can be a game-changer for your referrals a...

Unlock the secrets to standing out in today's crowded digital marketplace with insights from Rich Brooks of Flyte New Media. Rich introduces us to his "Remarkability Formula," a powerful tool comprising four key lenses: Find, Focus, Forge, and Frame. Discover how these elements can help you pinpoint what makes your business unique, zone in on your niche, create offerings aligned with your mission, and reposition your brand to attract your ideal customers. This episode is packed with actiona...

Unlock the secrets to online success with our latest episode of Small Business Big World, where we break down the essentials of search engine optimization (SEO) with our very own marketing director, Jon Portanova. Ever wondered how small tweaks can boost your website’s visibility on Google? Jon takes us through the must-know basics of on-page, off-page, and technical SEO. From the importance behind keywords and meta descriptions to the power of internal linking, learn how the latest changes i...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to safeguarding your small business? Join us as we sit down with Detective Steve Borst from the Kennebunk Police Department, who shares his insights on essential security measures that every small business owner should know. From the basics of securing your premises with locks, lighting, and cameras to the importance of community programs like Virtual Neighborhood Watch, Detective Borst provides expert advice on creating a safe environment for your employee...

Why are small businesses in Maine facing skyrocketing health insurance premiums, and what can they do about it? Join us as we dive into this urgent issue with Connor Kennedy from Acadia Benefits. We'll unpack the complexities of the community-rated small group market, discussing how Maine's aging population and high healthcare costs are pushing premiums higher and higher. You'll gain insights into the implications of merging the individual and small group markets, the standardization of plans...

Unlock the secrets of effective HR management for your small business with our HR consultant Dawn Pahel on "Small Business Big World". Dawn and I dissect these nuances of employee classifications, alongside essential compliance topics like overtime laws and youth employment regulations. We share practical strategies for managing remote employees spread across multiple states and emphasize the importance of keeping labor law posters updated and accessible to all staff, whether they're in...

Commercial insurance isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about safeguarding your business's future. This week on "Small Business, Big World," we sit down with Derek Stevenson from Varney Insurance to dissect the essential types of coverage every small business needs and mistakes that they make. From general liability and property insurance to workers' compensation and EPLI, Derek provides a comprehensive guide to securing your business against unforeseen setbacks. Derek and I discuss ...