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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

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Apr 24, 2025 • 29min

PTO Taking Breaks: Why You Need More Than a Long Weekend

In the latest episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore the real impact of not taking time off. Titled “PTO: Taking Breaks,” the episode is a candid, at times humorous, look at why stepping away from work is crucial, not just for employees, but for entrepreneurs, managers, and developers alike. 🛑 PTO Taking Breaks Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Necessity Rob admits he preaches taking time off but struggles to follow his own advice. Michael shares a cautionary tale about being the only person at his company who could handle a crisis, getting called during a literal mountain climb. The problem? No PTO plan. No backup. That kind of burnout is all too common. “PTO isn’t just for employees—it’s for your mental health, your business, and your sanity.” – Michael Meloche 🧠 How PTO Taking Breaks Supports Mental Health The hosts emphasize that burnout doesn’t just affect your energy—it also affects your relationships, productivity, and decision-making. Rob contrasts two work schedules: one that included long breaks and focused time blocks, and one that pushed him from 6 AM to 7 PM nonstop. The verdict? Without breaks, even high performers become less effective. Callout: PTO taking breaks isn’t weakness—it’s smart business. 🚫 Three-Day Weekends Don’t Count Rob issues a reality check: a three-day weekend isn’t enough to unwind. Friday is spent catching up, Saturday is spent stressing about Friday, and Sunday is spent worrying about Monday. Real rest comes after the decompression curve, typically on day four or five. “A true break begins once your mind finally stops racing—and that takes time.” – Rob Broadhead 🛠️ Build Systems That Let You Step Away Michael and Rob both highlight a key to long-term success: designing your role and your company so they can operate without you. If you can’t unplug without a disaster, the issue isn’t the workload—it’s the lack of systems and delegation. Michael even references Tim Ferriss’ famous point: if you can’t remove yourself, you don’t have a business—you have a job with overhead. 🎯 Weekly Challenge: Define Your Ideal Work-Rest Rhythm This week’s challenge is twofold: Reflect on your most productive daily rhythm—Are you an early bird or a night owl? How can you schedule focused blocks that align with your energy? Plan your next real PTO—at least 4–5 days, without email, Slack, or your laptop. Challenge Callout: When was the last time you took more than four days off—without technology? Final Thought: PTO Taking Breaks Makes You Better At the core of this episode is a simple but powerful idea: you cannot give your best when you’re running on empty. Whether you’re building a business, managing a team, or coding the next great app, you need downtime to do your best work. So stop glorifying the grind. Take a break. Plan a vacation. Step away from the screen—and come back stronger. 📩 Keep Building Better Subscribe to the Building Better Developers podcast for more actionable insights on product strategy, technology leadership, and business growth. Do you have feedback or questions? Email the team at info@develpreneur.com—they’d love to hear from you! Additional Resources When Coffee Hits the Fan: Developer Disaster Recovery Finding Balance: The Importance of Pausing and Pivoting in Tech Supercharge Your Focus and Productivity: Expert Tips for Success Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content
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Apr 22, 2025 • 40min

Why Setting Deadlines Is the Key to Successful Projects

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dive deep into a critical—but often misunderstood—element of project management: setting deadlines. This episode goes beyond the basics of timelines and introduces the psychology, strategy, and communication needed to make deadlines effective, not stressful. Why Setting Deadlines Matters for Business Projects Deadlines define a project’s rhythm. As Rob puts it, “the deadline is the finish line.” It’s not just about when code is complete—it’s about when the product is ready for delivery, after testing, packaging, training, and documentation. Deadlines force prioritization. Without them, projects risk becoming endless cycles of scope creep and perfectionism. But setting arbitrary or unrealistic deadlines can just as easily derail progress. 🛠️ Pro Tip: Don’t confuse code complete with project complete. Always factor in post-dev steps like UAT, deployment, and training. The Psychology of the Deadline Rob shares a story of adjusting clocks in his home to help a chronically late family member—an example of how deadlines are often more psychological than technical. This translates to project work, where teams may pad estimates or set artificial deadlines to force earlier delivery. Agile frameworks like Scrum embrace this by using time-boxed sprints to create urgency and reduce procrastination. 🧠 Callout: Know your team. Some people thrive under pressure. Others need more space. Tailor your deadlines accordingly. Waterfall, Agile, or Somewhere In-Between? Michael discusses the contrast between Waterfall and Agile methods. For new projects, spending more time upfront to define user stories and requirements can create more reliable deadlines. In ongoing projects, Agile’s iterative cycles help manage evolving requirements, but deadlines still matter. Whether it’s a feature release or a bug fix, every task needs a timeline to stay focused and accountable. The Pareto Principle in Deadline Planning Michael invokes the 80/20 rule: aim to deliver 80% of the features on time, with 20% reserved for polish, stretch goals, or unexpected blockers. Build slack into the schedule like airlines do with flight times. Customers are happier when you’re early than when you’re late. ⏳ Did You Know? Airlines improved customer satisfaction by padding schedules—80% of flights now arrive “early.” Apply this mindset to your dev work. Clear Communication is Non-Negotiable Both hosts stress that if a deadline needs to move, communicate early and honestly. Clients value transparency over surprises. If you’re late because of scope creep, own it. If it’s your mistake, fix it—even if it means eating the cost. Your credibility is built not on perfection, but on reliability. Weekly Challenge: Define “Done” Rob’s challenge this week is deceptively simple: Think of a current project. Define what “done” means to you. Now, define what “done” means to your customer. List the steps required to bridge that gap. Only then can you set a deadline that truly aligns with expectations. Final Thoughts Deadlines are less about time and more about expectation management. From internal planning to external delivery, successful businesses treat deadlines as promises, not guesses. Set them thoughtfully. Communicate them clearly. Most importantly, deliver on them. 🎯 Takeaway: A well-set deadline isn’t just a timeline—it’s a roadmap to success. 📩 Keep Building Better Subscribe to the Building Better Developers podcast for more actionable insights on product strategy, technology leadership, and business growth. Do you have feedback or questions? Email the team at info@develpreneur.com—they’d love to hear from you! Additional Resources Managing Anxiety and Stress: Insights and Strategies for Daily Life Deadlines: A professional approach to the Side-Hustle Estimation Essentials: How to Nail Pricing for Development Projects Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content
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Apr 17, 2025 • 31min

Building Customer Trust in Business: Turning Mistakes into Opportunities

In the latest Building Better Developers podcast episode, co-hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche discuss an uncomfortable but essential part of doing business: what to do when you make a mistake. More specifically, they explore how turning errors into opportunities can be a powerful tool for building customer trust in business, strengthening relationships, and creating long-term success. 🎧 Listen Now: Why Building Trust Matters More Than Being Flawless No business is perfect. Mistakes are part of growth. What truly separates successful companies is how they respond when things go wrong. Do they go silent—or step up? “If you made the mistake, take ownership—and do what’s right for the customer.” – Michael Meloche This episode focuses on real-world scenarios where transparency, integrity, and follow-through have proven to be the foundations for building customer trust in business. 💡 Strategy Highlight: Give More Than Just an Apology Rob shares a case where he overlooked an email tied to a client’s active marketing campaign. The oversight wasn’t catastrophic, but it cost the client momentum. Instead of brushing it off, Rob: Took responsibility Fixed the issue Forgave part of the invoice Callout: Sometimes, the fastest way to earn loyalty is to share the burden—not just say “sorry.” This approach showed that the client’s success mattered more than the billing cycle—strengthening trust in the process. When Walking Away Is the Right Call Trust also means knowing when a working relationship no longer serves either party. Michael discusses challenging situations where clients became hostile or manipulative. In those cases, refunding invoices or ending the engagement was the best course of action. It preserved professionalism and set a boundary. Tip: Customer communication strategies aren’t just about fixing things—they’re about knowing when to say “no more.” The Foundation: Clear Agreements Build Stronger Trust One major takeaway: Trust starts long before things go wrong. Clear contracts and expectations reduce the risk of confusion, disputes, or unrealistic assumptions. Rob emphasizes the importance of outlining deliverables, rates, and support terms in writing and reviewing them with the client. Pro Tip: Run your proposal through an AI tool and ask how a customer might interpret it. You’ll often uncover potential gaps or risks. Flexible Payment as a Trust-Building Tool Sometimes trust isn’t built in a single moment—it’s nurtured over time. Rob shares how creative billing, like “pay now, catch up later” or offering discounted hours, can show clients you’re invested in their success. Callout: Trust grows when customers see you’re willing to meet them where they are—not just invoice them for where you want to be. These thoughtful adjustments can help small businesses thrive while positioning you as a long-term partner, not just a vendor. Building Customer Trust in Business Is a Choice This episode of Building Better Developers reminds us that every mistake is a chance to earn more trust. Whether you’re waiving an invoice, offering a discount, or walking away respectfully, what matters most is how you show up. Use strong customer communication strategies. Be transparent, kind, and fair. Most importantly, be accountable. 🎯 Episode Challenge: Audit Your Agreements Rob leaves us with a practical challenge: 🔍 Review your current contracts and service agreements. Ask yourself: Are your deliverables clearly defined? Do you specify what happens if something goes wrong? Is there language covering change requests or dispute resolution? If you’re missing any of that—or don’t have written agreements—now’s the time to fix it. A firm contract protects you and helps build customer trust in business by setting clear expectations from day one. Challenge Summary: Review and improve your contracts to better protect your business and strengthen client trust. Additional Resources Moving Forward – Releasing Past Mistakes Trust But Verify – Avoid Business Assumptions Business Networking Strategies: How to Build Real Relationships That Grow Your Business Building Real World Software – No More Best Practices Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content
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Apr 15, 2025 • 28min

Customer Communication Strategies: How To Improve Client Interactions

“The more you can adjust your communication to fit your customer, the more effective you’ll be.” – Rob Broadhead In this episode of Building Better Developers, part of the Building Better Businesses season, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore customer communication strategies. From tone and timing to tools and follow-up processes, they share real stories and practical tips that every developer and entrepreneur should know. Tone and Timing: Keys to Effective Customer Communication Strategies One of the top takeaways? Tone matters. Even when following up on an unanswered email, how you phrase things can shape how your customer perceives you. Rob cautions against saying things like, “As I said in my last email…”, which can feel accusatory. Instead, assume the best: maybe the message got lost, or perhaps they’re dealing with their storms (literal or figurative). ⏱ Timing tip: If you don’t get a response within 24–48 hours, follow up—but kindly. A quick “just checking in” keeps communication open and positive. Customer Communication Strategies Start with the Right Tools “Don’t force your communication tools on your customers. Find out what works best for them.” – Michael Meloche Different customers prefer different channels. Some want a phone call, others prefer text, while many prefer email. Your job? Adapt to their preferences. This can be a game-changer in building trust for developers and entrepreneurs juggling multiple platforms. 🛠️ Callout: During onboarding, ask new clients which tools they prefer—email, phone, Slack, or something else—and log that information for consistent, respectful communication. Clear Messaging as Part of Your Customer Communication Strategy Rob and Michael stress the importance of keeping communication clear and concise. Think of it like a PowerPoint presentation: if your message has more than four main points, it’s probably too much for one email. 📧 Pro Tip: Send status updates and scheduling requests in separate emails. Use bold headers or bullet points to highlight what matters most. And don’t bury requests at the end of an email—it may never be seen. Follow-Up Is Not Optional One of the most innovative customer communication strategies is to create a simple follow-up system. Rob recommends setting a personal SLA (service-level agreement) for how and when to follow up. This could be 24 hours after an email is sent or at the end of the business day for any messages still unanswered. ✔️ Whether you resend the message, forward it again, or craft a new email, make sure you do something. A timely, polite nudge is better than letting things go silent. Final Thought: Stay Customer-Focused Michael closes with a key reminder: Stay customer-first. That means your tone is helpful, not frustrated. Your process makes things easier for them, not for you. And your goal is always to build stronger, more responsive relationships. 🎧 Challenge of the Week “Have a plan. Build a process for follow-up communication.” – Rob Broadhead This week, take action: create your own communication follow-up routine. Define how long you’ll wait before checking in and how you’ll reach out. Whether you’re a solo developer or a founder managing a team, it’s one of the best customer communication strategies you can implement. 👋 Connect with the Hosts Rob and Michael welcome your feedback at info@develpreneur.com. You can also leave a comment on your favorite podcast platform, the Developer YouTube Channel, X, LinkedIn, or their Facebook page. Additional Resources Communication Noise vs. Content Business Communication – Critical For Success Navigating Communication Tools in Modern Workplaces Honest Communication Is Critical For Consultants Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content
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Apr 10, 2025 • 22min

Pitching Your Business: Start Conversations That Drive Growth

Welcome back to the Building Better Developers podcast recap! This season, Building Better Businesses is all about practical ways to improve your entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, “Pitch Party: Pitching Your Business,” hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche unpack what it means to pitch your business — and how to do it effectively. Whether you’re refining your elevator pitch or creating a full pitch event, this episode explains why authentic conversations are the heart of successful business growth. Why Pitching Your Business Is About Connection, Not Just Sales “It’s not about what you do. It’s about who you help.” — Rob Broadhead Rob starts by challenging the traditional idea of pitching your business as a sales tactic. Instead, consider it a way to start meaningful conversations with potential customers or partners. He introduces the idea of “pitch parties” — events where business owners talk about their ideas, challenges, and solutions in a relaxed, supportive setting. These can take many forms: Podcasts or blogs where you interview customers Casual local meetups focused on shared business problems Online communities or webinars with a Q&A structure The key to pitching your business successfully? Create an environment where the customer’s voice leads the discussion. How Pitch Parties Help When Pitching Your Business “Don’t pitch at people. Talk with them.” — Michael Meloche Michael shares how co-working spaces, local business groups, and chambers of commerce can be excellent venues for pitching your business. These settings give you access to other entrepreneurs and decision-makers in your area — the exact people you want to reach. He suggests hosting mini “TED Talks” where you: Identify the problem you solve Explain who it impacts Share how your business addresses it Use these talks to get live feedback from your audience and sharpen your message. Remember, listening is just as essential as speaking when pitching your business. ⚡️ Callout: Lead With Value First When pitching your business, offer value before making the ask. You might: Give away a free consultation or website review Share a downloadable checklist Offer access to an invite-only community or beta These acts of generosity build trust and credibility — the foundation of any successful pitch. Master the Art of Reading the Room “People buy from those they know, trust, and like.” — Rob Broadhead A central theme in this episode is social awareness. Pitching your business in the wrong setting — like barging into a networking event with a hard sell — can do more harm than good. Rob and Michael emphasize the importance of: Building rapport first Becoming part of a community Listening before presenting your solution Online spaces are no different. Become a helpful and trusted voice before promoting your product in forums or on social media. Challenge: Design Your Pitching Event This week’s challenge is to brainstorm your pitch party. Whether it’s a roundtable, online panel, or a casual coffee chat, think about how you can create a space where business owners discuss real problems — and where you can naturally pitch your business as a solution. Consider: Who your ideal audience is What problems they’re facing How you can bring them together for a low-pressure conversation Even if your first event is small or informal, it’s a great way to practice pitching your business and refining your messaging. Final Thoughts on Pitching Your Business Pitching your business isn’t just about persuasion but also about building relationships. Rob and Michael remind us that the most potent pitch happens when you’re genuinely interested in solving someone’s problem, not just selling a product. Whether meeting people at a local mixer or hosting your business-building event, remember to listen first and pitch second. The feedback you receive could be the insight that unlocks your next level of growth. 📬 Got your pitch strategy? We want to hear it! Please email us at info@developreneur.com or connect on X @Developreneur. Let’s keep building better businesses — and better pitches — together. Additional Resources Pitching Your Services To Your Customers Elevator Pitch Strategies: Perfect Your Pitch and Boost Your Brand Niche Broad vs. Deep Expertise Business Networking Strategies: How to Build Real Relationships That Grow Your Business Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content
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Apr 8, 2025 • 30min

How to Build a Sustainable Business: From Idea to Execution

Explore the transition from a side hustle to a sustainable business with insights on strategic planning and funding. Discover the importance of a solid business plan and the various funding options available, from bootstrapping to venture capital. Learn the vital role of family support and the necessity of engaging your audience for growth. The hosts emphasize that treating your idea like a real business is crucial for long-term success and encourage listeners to invest their time and energy wisely.
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Apr 3, 2025 • 24min

Product Enhancement Strategies: How to Add Value Without Adding Bloat

In the Building Better Developers podcast episode, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share valuable insights into effective product enhancement strategies. They explore how businesses can improve and expand their products and services without adding unnecessary complexity or sacrificing quality. If you’re a business owner, product manager, or developer, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to grow your offerings sustainably in a customer-focused manner. Why Product Enhancement Strategies Matter Rob opens the discussion by pointing out that technology is often one of the biggest business expenses after staffing costs. Whether it’s software, infrastructure, or digital services, improving your product shouldn’t be about simply adding more—it should be about increasing value. When done right, product enhancements can: Improve customer satisfaction Strengthen brand loyalty Open new revenue streams Reduce friction in the customer experience Three Smart Ways to Enhance Your Product Rob and Michael break down three key ways to approach product enhancement: Add Meaningful Features or Integrations Focus on features your customers actually want. This could be reporting tools, new integrations, or quality-of-life improvements that solve real problems. Expand Service Offerings For service-based businesses, enhancement may involve broadening what you offer. For example, moving from just front-end development to full-stack services. Improve Quality and Performance Not all enhancements need to be visible. Sometimes, the best improvement is making your product faster, more reliable, and easier to use. Avoiding Common Product Enhancement Pitfalls The hosts emphasize that not all enhancements are good enhancements. Adding unnecessary features can bloat your product, confuse customers, and increase maintenance overhead. Michael introduces the concept of product quality of life—the long-term usability and effectiveness of your product. If you’re not careful about how you enhance your products, they can become outdated or inefficient over time. They also warn against growing too fast. Adding too many features without the proper infrastructure can stretch your team thin and reduce overall product quality. How to Stay Customer-Centric A key theme of this episode is the importance of listening to your customers. Rob and Michael recommend: Conducting regular customer surveys or interviews Building relationships with power users Testing enhancements quickly and rolling back if they don’t add value Your product enhancement strategies should always be driven by honest feedback, not assumptions. Your Next Step The episode wraps up with a challenge: What is your next product enhancement strategy? Before your next release or feature update, ask yourself: Does this enhancement provide real value to my customers? Do I have the resources to support it? Will it improve the overall customer experience? If you’re unsure, start by gathering feedback. Your customers’ input is the key to meaningful, sustainable product growth. 📩 Keep Building Better Subscribe to the Building Better Developers podcast for more actionable insights on product strategy, technology leadership, and business growth. Do you have feedback or questions? Email the team at info@develpreneur.com—they’d love to hear from you! Additional Resources Pricing Strategies – The Value Of Your Product Or Service Breaking Things Down for Success: How Developers Can Build Better Habits Software Development Challenges and How To Navigate Them Be A Better CEO – Interview with Donna Dube Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content
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Apr 1, 2025 • 22min

Product Placement Strategy: How to Position Your Product or Service for Success

In the Building Better Developers podcast, in the season Building Better Businesses, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dive deep into one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of building a successful business—product placement strategy. This episode explores how intentional product and service placement can shape your brand, attract the right customers, and set you up for long-term success. What Is Product Placement Strategy? Rob opens the conversation by highlighting the critical role of placement when launching or scaling a business. Whether you’re selling a product or providing a service, knowing where your offering fits in the market will influence your business model, pricing, and customer relationships. He compares two well-known brands—Apple and McDonald’s—as examples of different placement strategies. Apple positions itself as a high-end, premium brand, while McDonald’s focuses on affordability and speed. Both are successful but have varying expectations of customer and business demands. 🎯 Takeaway: Your product placement strategy will define how your customers perceive you and what they expect from you. Product Placement in the Digital World One key difference in today’s marketplace is the rise of digital products and services. Rob notes that digital offerings don’t wear out over time, unlike physical products. Instead, the challenge is maintaining, scaling, and enhancing them. He encourages business owners to decide early on: Do you want to offer a standalone product? Should your product integrate into a larger ecosystem? Are you building a premium, high-touch solution or a low-cost, high-volume product? These decisions will impact your development and support processes and how customers interact with and value your product. Service-Based Business Placement Michael Meloche extends the discussion by looking at service providers, such as software consultants and developers. In the service industry, your product is you and your expertise. He shares an important insight: Service providers often face the challenge of explaining their value to customers who may not understand the technical effort behind the service. Therefore, placement is about how you pitch yourself, how you differentiate, and what market you’re targeting. 💡 Pro Tip: Know whether you want to serve everyone—or your ideal customers. Niche placement often leads to stronger relationships and better profits. Common Pitfalls in Product Placement Rob and Michael also warn against a few common mistakes: Entering highly competitive markets without a unique value proposition. Pricing is too low to attract customers but is losing money or time. Failing to identify the ideal audience for your product or service. Michael highlights how website development, for instance, has become a commodity market with intense competition. You need a distinctive approach or a boutique experience that adds more value than your competitors to succeed. Building Your Product Placement Strategy To wrap up, Rob offers a practical challenge to the audience: Identify and document your product or service placement strategy. Ask yourself: What is my product or service? Who is my ideal customer? Am I positioned as premium, affordable, boutique, or mass-market? How will my placement strategy influence my pricing and customer experience? Understanding your placement will shape everything from your sales approach to scaling your business. Final Thoughts Whether you are selling software, providing consulting services, or building a product-based business, your product placement strategy is crucial. It’s not just about what you’re offering—it's about how you position yourself in the market and how customers perceive your value. For more insights and practical business tips, check out the full episode of Building Better Developers on your favorite podcast platform. Additional Resources The Product Launch – Shipping Your Software Product Creating a Social Media Strategy How to Succeed with Digital Marketing for Small Businesses Introduction To Market Research – Interview with Anne Laffin Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content
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Mar 27, 2025 • 26min

How to Succeed with Digital Marketing for Small Businesses

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share actionable insights on digital marketing for small businesses. Part of their Building Better Businesses season, the episode explores how to create marketing that connects, converts, and scales — especially for developer-entrepreneurs building tech-forward brands. Why Digital Marketing for Small Businesses Starts with the Right Message Before diving into platforms or tactics, Rob emphasizes the importance of having a clear message. Digital marketing for small businesses doesn’t work if you don’t know what you’re offering or who you’re helping. What problem do you solve? Why should someone care? If your message isn’t focused, your marketing won’t be either. For small businesses, where every dollar and hour matters, getting this right is crucial. Evergreen Content in Digital Marketing for Small Businesses One of the biggest benefits of digital marketing is evergreen visibility. Whether someone finds your site at noon or midnight, your message is available. Rob explains how digital marketing for small businesses helps you be found at the moment people are looking for a solution. That might be your website, a blog post, a YouTube video, or even a well-placed social media post. The key is to be discoverable and helpful when your customer needs you — not just when you’re actively selling. Building a Funnel for Digital Marketing Success The conversation turns to marketing funnels — a critical part of digital marketing for small businesses. Rob explains the importance of casting a wide net with broad messaging, then gradually qualifying and narrowing your audience. Whether you’re addressing common issues like “technology sprawl” or inefficient workflows, the idea is to speak directly to the people most likely to benefit from your product or service. The goal isn’t just traffic — it’s connection. Real-World Engagement and A/B Testing in Small Business Marketing Michael shares hands-on tactics for small business owners trying to find their audience. Instead of guessing, go out and ask questions — online or offline. Use social platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to run informal surveys or polls. He also emphasizes A/B testing, one of the most powerful tools in digital marketing for small businesses. Try different versions of your messaging, headlines, or page layouts and let the data show what resonates best with your audience. Keep Your Digital Marketing Strategy Simple and Targeted Both Rob and Michael caution against doing too much at once. It’s tempting to try every tool and platform, but that often leads to burnout and confusion. Instead, pick one or two marketing channels — like LinkedIn or Facebook — and get comfortable there before expanding. For small businesses, focused digital marketing efforts tend to be far more effective than spreading yourself too thin. Your Challenge: Start or Improve Your Digital Marketing Today Rob closes the episode with a challenge: create just one piece of marketing content this week. It could be a flyer, a one-page website, or a single social media post that clearly explains who you are, what you offer, and who you help. Digital marketing for small businesses doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one step, test it, learn, and grow. Final Thoughts on Digital Marketing for Small Businesses This episode is packed with real-world advice for small business owners, developers, and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re refining your messaging, building a funnel, or launching your first campaign, the insights shared here can help you market smarter — not just louder. Looking for more tips on digital marketing for small businesses? Visit develpreneur.com or reach out to the team at info@developer.com to share your progress or ask questions. Additional Resources Creating your Marketing Site Online Communities and Marketing Amazon Pinpoint Targeted Marketing Made Easy Memorable Marketing – Find Ways To Stick In Your Customer’s Mind Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content
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Mar 25, 2025 • 23min

Business Networking Strategies: How to Build Real Relationships That Grow Your Business

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast’s “Building Better Businesses” season, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore business networking strategies that go far beyond the typical card-swapping routine. If you’re tired of awkward mixers and forced conversations, this episode offers a refreshing take on how to grow your business by forming authentic, lasting connections. Rethinking Business Networking Strategies: Ditch the Script Rob opens the discussion by challenging conventional approaches to networking. Rather than focusing on formal events and elevator pitches, he suggests looking for genuine ways to connect with people—especially through community involvement. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter or participating in a neighborhood cleanup, these are powerful, low-pressure opportunities to meet people and naturally talk about what you do. The idea is simple: show up, be yourself, and let the conversation evolve. People are more likely to support or refer someone they know personally—and trust. Subtle Business Networking Strategies That Feel Authentic One of Rob’s favorite business networking strategies is what he calls the “subtle approach.” Wear your company’s branded gear, drop your business into conversation naturally, and be curious about others. When you’re helpful and relatable, people will often ask about your work without any need for a hard pitch. Michael backs this up with his own story of relocating to a smaller town during the pandemic. By simply exploring local shops, reading community magazines, and attending charity galas, he found himself embedded in a new business community. He highlights events hosted by local chambers of commerce and business groups as hidden gems for making meaningful connections—often with free food and drinks included. Business Networking Strategies for Small Towns and Tight-Knit Communities Michael emphasizes that effective business networking strategies work just as well in small towns as they do in big cities. In fact, they may work even better. Smaller communities often have tight-knit groups and frequent events where your presence won’t go unnoticed. Whether it’s a happy hour near a courthouse, a local fundraiser, or a meetup at a co-working space, the key is consistency and curiosity. Rob adds that personal hobbies can double as powerful networking tools. Attending concerts, joining book clubs, or playing weekend sports all provide opportunities to connect with people who share your interests—and may also need your services, or know someone who does. Relationship-Based Networking Beats Traditional Tactics Both hosts stress that business networking strategies should prioritize building relationships over making quick sales. Forget the speed-dating vibe of traditional events. The most valuable connections come from repeated interactions, trust, and shared experiences. Rob points out that seeing the same faces at recurring events—whether it’s a community group or a niche meetup—creates space for conversations to deepen over time. You’re not just a face with a business card. You become someone they know, like, and trust—which is the real foundation for long-term business success. Weekly Challenge: Put Your Business Networking Strategy into Practice To wrap up the episode, Rob issues a challenge: Think about your favorite activity outside of work. This week, find just one opportunity to casually mention your business during that activity. Whether it’s in the form of a funny story, a branded shirt, or a natural mention in conversation—test the waters. If you already do this, challenge yourself to find a new activity or social space to expand your reach. Authentic visibility is key. Want more ideas like this? Visit Develpreneur.com, subscribe to the Building Better Developers podcast, or find them on YouTube and social media. Whether you’re in a major metro or a small town, these business networking strategies are your secret weapon for building real connections—and a better business. Additional Resources Business Networking For Introverts Passive Networking and Building Trust Events, Parties and Networking for Passive Income Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content

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