Building and sustaining a high-performance team is critical for small business success. High-Performance Teams with Vicky Brown, founder of Idomeneo Enterprises, an HR consultancy that helps business owners develop strong, engaged teams. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/557-vicky-brown-high-performance-teams/ In this episode, Henry Lopez talks with Vicky Brown, founder of Idomeneo Enterprises, an HR consultancy that helps business owners develop strong, engaged teams. Vicky shares strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent, along with insights from her entrepreneurial journey. Vicky Brown is a business leader, HR consultant, and author with decades of experience in corporate and entrepreneurial HR management. She is the founder of Idomeneo Enterprises, which provides HR support and leadership development for small businesses. She also hosts the podcast More Human, More Resources and is the author of Sing with Your Opera Voice: My Journey from Solopreneur to Entrepreneur. High-Performance Teams: Vicky’s journey from corporate HR to entrepreneurship Defining a high-performance team and why they matter How to attract and retain top talent in small businesses The role of workplace culture in building a great team Common HR mistakes that small business owners make Why delegation and leadership development are crucial The impact of micromanagement on employee performance How to create an effective hiring process that attracts high performers Top 3 Takeaways: Hiring is a marketing exercise—business owners must position their company as an attractive place to work. Leaders must delegate and avoid micromanagement to empower high-performing teams. A thriving company culture attracts and retains top talent, making HR strategy essential for growth. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Outsourcing your back-office operations with Dida Clifton, founder and CEO of The Office Squad. She shares how outsourcing key operational tasks can free up time for small business owners to focus on growth. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/558-dida-clifton-outsourcing-back-office/ In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez welcomes Dida Clifton, the founder and CEO of The Office Squad. They discuss how small businesses can improve efficiency by outsourcing back-office operations, Dida’s military-inspired approach to structure and processes, and the impact of delegating bookkeeping and administrative tasks. Dida Clifton is a business owner, entrepreneur, and efficiency expert with over 23 years of experience in supporting small business owners. As the founder of The Office Squad, she brings military discipline and operational structure to help businesses streamline their back-office operations. Dida is passionate about helping entrepreneurs regain control of their businesses by providing outsourced bookkeeping, administrative support, and operational solutions. Outsourcing Your Back Office: Dida’s journey from the Air Force to entrepreneurship Why structured operations are critical for small business success The biggest back-office challenges small businesses face The role of bookkeeping and why it’s more than just accounting How outsourcing back-office tasks can free up time for business owners How The Office Squad ensures financial security and prevents fraud Why hybrid work models can be more effective than fully remote teams The long-term benefits of outsourcing operations to prepare for growth or sale Top 3 Takeaways: Small business owners should focus on growth while delegating administrative and bookkeeping tasks to experts. Operational structure and bookkeeping are key to business success, not just tax compliance. Outsourcing back-office functions can reduce risk, improve efficiency, and make a business more attractive for future sale. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

David shares expert insights into buying and selling small businesses, highlighting why acquiring an existing business can be faster, easier, and less risky than starting from scratch. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/556-david-barnett-buy-right-business/ Thinking about buying a business but unsure where to start? In this episode, David Barnett, business consultant, author, and expert in small business acquisitions, joins Henry Lopez to share practical strategies for buying and selling businesses successfully. David explains why acquiring an existing business is often faster, easier, and less risky than starting from scratch, how to find the right business to buy, and common mistakes to avoid when structuring a deal. David also breaks down key financial considerations, including seller financing, avoiding excessive debt, and ensuring cash flow sustainability. Plus, he shares insight into how to identify a motivated seller and why the so-called "silver tsunami" of baby boomer business sales may not be what many expect. "It's not about just getting the deal done - it’s about ensuring you don’t overpay and that the business will actually work for you after the purchase." – David Barnett Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make smarter business decisions and avoid costly mistakes. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Former tech executive LLance Kezner shares how he turned his passion for home cooking into Millie’s Sipping Broth, a specialty food brand offering savory, health-conscious beverages in tea bag form. LLance discusses his journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling a food business, and the milestone of landing his award-winning product on Walmart shelves nationwide. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/555-llance-kezner-kitchen-to-shelf/ In this episode, LLance Kesner, a former tech executive turned food entrepreneur, shares his journey from the corporate world to launching Millie’s Sipping Broth, a specialty food brand that is now available in Walmart stores nationwide. LLance discusses how he and his wife, Lori, took a simple idea—creating a healthier, more convenient alternative to bouillon cubes—and turned it into an innovative product that combines the comfort of broth with the convenience of tea bags. LLance walks us through the early days of developing the product in their kitchen, validating demand at Seattle’s Pike Place Market, and navigating the complex world of food manufacturing and retail. He also shares the challenges of scaling, including finding the right co-packer, securing funding, and ultimately winning Walmart’s highly competitive “Golden Ticket” opportunity. Key Takeaways: Start fast, learn fast: LLance emphasizes the importance of getting a product to market quickly and refining based on real customer feedback. “Don't waste any time, don’t overthink it. Really focus on the simplest application of your product and get it in front of people who might buy it.” Solve a real problem: Millie’s Sipping Broth fills a gap in the beverage market—offering a savory, low-calorie alternative to coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. “We were selling broth in the middle of summer, in 100-degree heat, and people were buying it. That’s when we knew we had something special.” Scaling smartly: LLance explains why finding the right retail partners at the right time is crucial and how their online success, including being featured by Weight Watchers International, helped prepare them for mass distribution. Now available in over 2,500 Walmart locations, Millie’s Sipping Broth is a testament to the power of persistence, product-market fit, and strategic partnerships. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Discover the art of knowing when to quit versus when to persevere. The discussion delves into the nuances between temporary challenges and dead-end situations. Learn about the dangers of sunk-cost thinking and how quitting can open doors to better opportunities. Gain insights on the power of strategic quitting to conserve resources and make smarter business decisions. This thought-provoking dialogue emphasizes that sometimes, stepping back is the key to moving forward.

Randy’s entrepreneurial journey, insights on scaling a small business, and the importance of making customers the hero by addressing their deeper needs and solving bottlenecks to achieve lasting success. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/553-randy-shaw-scaling-your-business/ In this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez interviews Randy Shaw, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of BRYTESIGHT, a leading technology design consulting firm.  Randy shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from his psychology and pre-med studies at Yale to professional soccer and eventually becoming a business owner. He offers valuable insights into scaling a business, building a strong team, and the importance of focusing on customer success. Key topics include: Randy’s transition from corporate roles to launching BRYTESIGHT and scaling it to multiple U.S. locations and Europe. The importance of making your customer the hero of the story, inspired by Donald Miller's Building a StoryBrand. Randy advises, “Always make your customer the hero of the story. You're Yoda, guiding Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi and win the day.” Strategies for entering new markets and creating strong B2B relationships with architects, project managers, and contractors. Lessons on identifying bottlenecks and using them to drive operational improvements, influenced by The Goal and Critical Chain by Eliyahu Goldratt. Randy emphasizes, “There will always be a bottleneck. It's like the horizon—you never reach it. Instead, focus on moving it and optimizing as you go.” Advice for entrepreneurs: follow your passion, embrace the process, and balance detailed planning with action. Randy encourages entrepreneurs to focus on the internal drivers of their customers, not just external factors like cost. He explains, “Customers buy for internal reasons like risk, achievement, or making their lives easier. If you focus on solving those deeper needs, you’ll win their trust and loyalty.” This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Growing a Veteran-owned Wagyu Beef Business, KC Cattle Company, with founder Patrick Montgomery. Patrick highlights his journey from military service to entrepreneurship and how he leveraged public relations with Megan Bennett to grow his premium brand while overcoming challenges and embracing adaptability. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/552-wagyu-business-patrick-montgomery/ From Army Ranger to Wagyu Entrepreneur: Patrick Montgomery’s Journey Join host Henry Lopez as he welcomes Megan Bennett, a public relations expert from Light Years Ahead, and Patrick Montgomery, the founder and CEO of KC Cattle Company, to The How of Business podcast. In this episode, Patrick shares his remarkable story of transitioning from his military career as an Army Ranger to launching a successful premium Wagyu beef business. Patrick dives into the challenges he faced in starting and growing KC Cattle Company, the lessons he learned as an entrepreneur, and the skills he carried over from his military service to his business journey. He also discusses the importance of building a transparent, veteran-focused brand and how adaptability has been key to overcoming industry challenges. Megan Bennett provides insights into how public relations helped shape KC Cattle Company’s brand story and elevate its visibility. She explains why PR is a powerful tool for small business owners and how consistent PR efforts have helped Patrick gain meaningful media exposure, stand out in a competitive market, and grow his customer base. This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice for small business owners. Hear Patrick’s tips for veterans exploring entrepreneurship and Megan’s recommendations on investing in PR to build brand awareness and trust. Don’t miss this insightful discussion about building a business with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to quality. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

From Self-Employed or Solopreneur through Serial Entrepreneur—what does it look like and what does it take, to go from running a one-person operation to managing a portfolio of successful businesses and creating a lasting legacy. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/551-5-stages-of-entrepreneurship/ In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez guides you through the 5 Stages of Entrepreneurship, providing a high-level roadmap to help you identify where you are on your entrepreneurial journey and how to move forward. The stages include: Self-Employed or Solopreneur: Running a business independently, relying on personal effort and expertise. Business Owner: Transitioning from solo work to managing a small team and creating sustainable systems. Entrepreneurial Stage: Scaling beyond a single business or location by leveraging market opportunities and innovation. Serial Entrepreneur: Building a diversified portfolio of businesses, with multiple income streams and a focus on leadership. Legacy Builder: Creating lasting impact through mentorship, investments, thought leadership, and philanthropy. Each stage is explored with key traits, advantages, challenges, and actionable steps to help you grow and succeed. Whether you're just starting out or looking to create a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and inspiration to help you progress. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Super Communicators - how to unlock the secret language of connection with journalist and the author Charles Duhigg. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/550-charles-duhigg-super-communicators/ In this episode, Henry Lopez interviews Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of The Power of Habit and Super Communicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. Their conversation explores the science of communication and its transformative impact on relationships and leadership. The Three Types of Conversations Duhigg introduces the three core types of conversations: practical (focused on problem-solving) emotional (centered on empathy social (addressing identity and relationships). He emphasizes the importance of aligning conversational styles to foster meaningful connections, avoid miscommunication, and build trust. These strategies are particularly valuable for leaders and business owners aiming to improve team dynamics and strengthen workplace culture. Actionable Techniques for Better Communication Several actionable techniques are shared, including asking deep, meaningful questions to uncover values and emotions, matching conversational styles for better connection, and using “looping for understanding” to ensure clarity and alignment. Duhigg also discusses how to adapt communication for remote and digital interactions, offering tips to maintain strong connections in these contexts. The Key to Leadership Success A key takeaway from the episode is that effective communication is a skill that can be developed through intentional practice. Duhigg encourages leaders to prioritize listening, empathy, and clarity in conversations, especially when managing difficult situations or delivering constructive feedback. By doing so, they can foster trust, resolve conflicts, and inspire their teams. The Broader Impact of Meaningful Communication The discussion also highlights the broader benefits of communication, including its role in personal happiness and fulfillment. Drawing on insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, Duhigg explains that building meaningful relationships through regular, intentional conversations significantly contributes to long-term well-being and success. This episode of The How of Business, the top-rated podcast show for small business owners, provides invaluable insights and practical advice for anyone seeking to enhance their communication skills, build stronger relationships, and lead more effectively. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Small Business Human Resources management with Claudia St. John. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/549-claudia-st-john-human-resources/ Are you struggling with hiring, retaining top talent, or building a positive workplace culture? On this episode Henry Lopez is joined by HR expert Claudia St. John, founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors. Claudia shares insights and tips on Small Business Human Resource management, including: The secrets to attracting and retaining the right employees in a tight labor market. How flexibility and growth opportunities are reshaping employee expectations. The critical role of training managers in essential leadership skills like empathy, feedback, and conflict resolution. She also offers practical advice for small business owners on HR compliance, recruiting, and creating a thriving workplace culture. Whether you're managing a team or preparing to scale your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights!  This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com