Grow A Small Business Podcast

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Stephen Sakach, Founder of Zero Company and AI CMO.io, to explore how empathy and purpose can transform modern marketing. Stephen shares his groundbreaking "Bliss Business" philosophy—building love into scalable systems—and explains how emotional connection drives brand loyalty and long-term success. From integrating AI with authentic storytelling to creating marketing that truly feels human, this conversation uncovers how businesses can grow with both heart and strategy. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Build Emotional Connections: Brands that connect emotionally with customers enjoy higher loyalty and up to 300% greater lifetime value. Lead with Purpose: Defining your business's "why" gives meaning to your work and helps attract engaged employees and ideal clients. Adopt the Bliss Philosophy: Build Love Into Scalable Systems—turn random acts of kindness into structured habits within your business culture. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Use AI with Intention: Leverage AI tools to save time and enhance creativity, but ensure your message stays authentic and human-centered. Create Surprise and Delight: Small, thoughtful gestures toward customers can foster emotional bonds and brand differentiation. Empathy = Profitability: Data shows empathetic businesses not only build trust but also outperform competitors financially. One action small business owners can take: According to Stephen Sakach, one action small business owners can take is to build love into scalable systems – find small, meaningful ways to infuse empathy, care, and purpose into everyday business processes so that kindness and connection continue to thrive, even when you're not directly involved. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Marketing isn't just about selling—it's about creating emotional connections that make people feel seen and valued — Stephen Sakach Build love into scalable systems so kindness becomes part of your company's DNA, not just a random act — Stephen Sakach AI should help us become better humans, not replace what makes us human — Stephen Sakach

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jennifer Ann Johnson, founder of True Fashionistas, Florida's leading lifestyle resale brand. Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from running a wedding planning business to building a thriving fashion resale empire. She talks about overcoming challenges like COVID-19 and hurricanes, the power of core values, and her belief in consistency and passion as keys to success. Jennifer also discusses leadership lessons, team culture, and how resilience and innovation helped her business grow from a small store to a 13,000-square-foot powerhouse. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Jennifer Ann Johnson, the hardest thing in growing a small business is "staying the course." She explains that it's easy to get distracted by competitors or trends, but true growth comes from staying focused, keeping your blinders on, and competing only with yourself. Her mindset is all about perseverance — focusing on your own path and goals rather than comparing yourself to others. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Jennifer Ann Johnson's favorite business book that has helped her the most is "Begin With We" by Kyle McDowell. She loves it because it focuses on company culture and leadership, emphasizing how standing shoulder-to-shoulder with your employees—rather than above them—creates stronger teams and a more successful business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jennifer Ann Johnson recommends exploring The Confident Entrepreneur, her own podcast focused on leadership, growth, and confidence for business owners. She also provides valuable free tools and resources on her website to help entrepreneurs thrive. Beyond her work, she suggests tuning into other insightful shows like The Small Business Growth Podcast, The How of Business, and Masters of Scale by Reid Hoffman — all offering practical lessons on scaling, marketing, and managing small businesses effectively. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jennifer Ann Johnson recommends using The Confident Entrepreneur Podcast and her online resources as powerful tools for small business growth. Through her podcast, she shares real-world stories, leadership lessons, and actionable strategies on marketing, consistency, and scaling a business. Her website also offers free resources, coaching, and blogs that help entrepreneurs strengthen their mindset, improve operations, and build confidence while avoiding common business pitfalls. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Jennifer Ann Johnson's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be simple yet powerful — "You can do hard things." She believes entrepreneurship is full of challenges, but success comes from trusting your abilities, facing obstacles head-on, and staying resilient no matter how tough things get. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success isn't about reaching a destination, it's about loving what you do and finding joy in the journey — Jennifer Ann Johnson The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing as a leader and as a business owner — Jennifer Ann Johnson Consistency, core values, and courage are the foundation of every thriving business — Jennifer Ann Johnson

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Dennis Underwood, founder of Cyber Crucible, a cybersecurity software company transforming how businesses manage digital risk. Dennis shares his journey from government contracting to building a global SaaS powerhouse generating $1.2 million in recurring revenue with a lean 10-person team. He discusses the challenges of bootstrapping, the power of automation, and his mission to reshape cybersecurity through innovation and AI. Packed with lessons on leadership, resilience, and sustainable growth, this episode offers a masterclass in scaling a tech business the smart way. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Dennis Underwood, the hardest thing in growing a small business is letting go of someone who's doing a good job but no longer fits the company's evolving needs. He explains that as a product company grows and its focus shifts, even capable and loyal team members might not align with new directions. Making those tough decisions—especially without a "services bench" to reassign people—is one of the most challenging yet necessary parts of leadership and sustainable growth. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Dennis Underwood's favorite business book that has helped him the most is Ready, Fire, Aim. He says it changed his perspective on perfectionism and speed in business. Early on, he focused too much on building the perfect product before going to market—a mindset that worked in government projects but not in fast-moving business environments. The book taught him that customers don't expect perfection; they value progress and adaptability. This lesson helped him launch faster, learn from feedback, and grow Cyber Crucible more effectively. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Dennis Underwood, a great way to grow a small business is by constantly learning from practical, real-world insights. He recommends checking out resources like Y Combinator's startup library, which offers valuable articles for founders, and following industry experts on LinkedIn—especially those who challenge conventional thinking and share unfiltered lessons from experience. For podcasts, he values shows like Grow A Small Business, The How of Business, and Masters of Scale, which feature actionable strategies, founder stories, and mindset shifts for entrepreneurs. These platforms, along with consistent self-education and reflection, help business owners stay grounded, adaptable, and ahead of the curve. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Dennis Underwood recommends using tools that enhance automation, efficiency, and clarity in business operations. He highlights Google Gemini as a powerful AI resource for generating content, refining documentation, and improving communication. By uploading company materials and analyzing AI feedback, he identifies areas needing clearer messaging. For small businesses, he believes leveraging such intelligent tools helps streamline processes, boost productivity, and strengthen strategic growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Dennis Underwood's advice to his younger self on day one of starting out in business would be to have the courage to move faster and fully commit to his vision. He admits he stayed too long in the comfort of government contracting because it felt secure, even though his goals were in commercial software. He says he should have moved out of Washington, D.C. earlier, left behind the "golden handcuffs" of steady contracts, and focused completely on building his product company. His biggest lesson—don't let familiarity or fear delay your leap into the business you truly want to build. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success in cybersecurity isn't about perfection—it's about empowering people to protect themselves — Dennis Underwood Bootstrapping teaches you discipline—the kind investors can't buy and competitors can't copy — Dennis Underwood You can do everything right and still fail; what matters is how quickly you adapt afterward — Dennis Underwood

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews Nic McGrue, founder of Polymath Legal, reveals how he helps real estate investors and business owners legally raise capital while protecting their interests under U.S. securities laws. He shares insights on common mistakes to avoid, the importance of proper legal documentation, and how strategic compliance can unlock growth opportunities. Nic also highlights inspiring success stories, including turning around a family-owned winery and helping a client expand from 30 single-family homes to over 800 multifamily units. This episode is packed with practical, real-world advice for anyone serious about raising funds the right way and building lasting generational wealth. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Organize your finances early – Clean, accurate financials make you more credible and attractive to investors. Start networking before you need capital – Build relationships and trust so investors are ready when opportunities arise. Understand securities laws – Know the legal side of raising funds to avoid costly compliance mistakes. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Assemble a strong support team – Partner with skilled legal, financial, and underwriting professionals for smoother deals. Disclose risks honestly – Transparent communication builds investor confidence and protects you legally. Plan for growth, not just funding – Focus on long-term strategy, scalability, and creating generational wealth through smart investments. One action small business owners can take: According to Nic McGrue, one action small business owners can take is to get their financials in order — by maintaining clean, accurate records and proper documentation, they can build investor confidence and be fully prepared when it's time to raise capital. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Raising capital legally isn't just smart business — it's the foundation for lasting success – Nic McGrue Compliance isn't a burden; it's your shield against future problems – Nic McGrue Transparency with investors builds trust faster than any sales pitch ever could – Nic McGrue

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Paige Wiese, founder of Tree Ring Digital, shares her journey from freelancing after the GFC to building a 16-person digital marketing team. She reveals how the company doubled during COVID, overcame recent dips, and stayed resilient through challenges. Paige explains the importance of prioritization, transparency, and smart financial management in scaling a business. She highlights why being industry-agnostic has given Tree Ring Digital a competitive edge. Her story is a blend of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic growth every small business owner can learn from. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Paige Wiese said the hardest thing in growing a small business is having the confidence and resilience to stick with it through the ups and downs. She emphasized that challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but staying committed and pushing forward makes all the difference. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Paige Wiese shared that one of her favorite business books is "Do Less", which helped her understand the importance of not saying yes to everything and focusing on what truly matters by getting unnecessary tasks off her plate. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Paige Wiese emphasizes learning through mentors, self-teaching, and real conversations over traditional study. She's been featured on Mission Matters (digital asset control), Building the Business (slowing down to speed up growth), and Grow My Accounting Practice (scaling with marketing). Paige highlights the value of extracting small, actionable insights from books, podcasts, and networking. She also recommends shows like Masters of Scale for growth strategies and Manager Tools for leadership and team development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Paige Wiese recommends using practical tools and systems to support business growth, starting with digital asset management to secure domains, websites, and brand accounts. She highlights the value of QuickBooks for financial tracking and project management tools like Asana or Trello to streamline workflows. To grow smarter, she suggests leveraging Google Analytics and Search Console for data-driven decisions, while also emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and checklists to stay resilient and adaptable. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Paige Wiese said the advice she would give herself on day one of starting out is: "You can do it. It's going to come with some challenges, but you've got this." Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Prioritization is the key to delivering real value, not just checking off tasks – Paige Wiese Know your numbers—without metrics, you can't measure true growth – Paige Wiese Success is producing quality work while building long-term relationships – Paige Wiese

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jay Sapovits, founder of Ink Stores, who shares how he transformed his business from a retail storefront into a thriving on-demand swag company during COVID. Starting with $300K in the first year and growing to mid-seven figures, Jay reveals the pivotal mindset shifts, the importance of resilience, and how consistency fueled growth. He also discusses scaling a team of nearly 30, building a strong culture, and why creativity and adaptability remain essential in the $27B U.S. merchandise industry. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Jay Sapovits, the hardest thing in growing a small business is consistency. He explained that no matter how tough things get—whether you're "kicked in the teeth on Tuesday"—you have to show up again on Wednesday and keep going. Consistency, even through setbacks, is what makes growth possible. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Jay Sapovits said his favorite business book is "How to Become a Rainmaker" by Jeffrey Fox. He called it "unequivocally, the best business book ever written" because it breaks down sales into simple, powerful concepts in short, easy-to-digest chapters that serve as a lifelong reference. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? While Jay Sapovits didn't name specific favorites, several great resources align with his focus on resilience, consistency, and growth. Podcasts like The How of Business, Masters of Scale, The $100 MBA Show, and The Disruptive Entrepreneur offer practical strategies and inspiring stories from entrepreneurs. Online learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning provide valuable training in sales, leadership, and team building—skills Jay emphasizes as essential. He also highlights the importance of community, so joining mastermind groups or business forums can help small business owners share challenges, learn from peers, and stay consistent in their growth journey. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? One tool Jay Sapovits says he "can't live without" is simple: email. Being super responsive, replying fast, keeping communication tight — that core tool / habit has been critical in how he grows trust, closes sales, and stays connected with clients. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? If Jay Sapovits could give himself advice on day one of starting his business, he would say: "Take it easy on yourself." He explained that his high expectations often created unnecessary stress, and he later learned to manage them better. He also emphasized that "comparison is the thief of joy," urging entrepreneurs to stay focused on their own journey, support their peers, and not get distracted by competitors or external factors they can't control. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Consistency is the only thing that matters—you have to show up every day, no matter what – Jay Sapovits Success is found in the daily grind, not in a single moment of arrival – Jay Sapovits Comparison is the thief of joy; keep your head down and focus on your own business – Jay Sapovits

In this insightful discussion, Kath McCann, General Manager of Marketing at Tasmania Football Club, shares her journey of transforming a dining-table idea into a 30+ staff operation with 215,000 members. She emphasizes the power of a clear purpose and simple plans for growth. Kath discusses the importance of community engagement through storytelling and listening, as well as balancing rapid scaling with necessary governance. Her experiences offer valuable lessons in leadership, trust-building, and the need for purposeful customer connections.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jason Ackerman, founder of Wealth Rabbit, shares his journey from early startup challenges to scaling a thriving food innovation company. He opens up about the lessons he learned in leadership, resilience, and adapting to industry disruptions. Jason explains how Wealth Rabbit is transforming meal delivery through innovation and efficiency. He also highlights the importance of building strong teams and staying customer-focused in a competitive market. Listeners will walk away with inspiration, strategies, and actionable insights for growing their own ventures. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Jason Ackerman, the hardest part of growing a small business is scaling while staying focused. He highlights the struggle of balancing growth with stability and managing limited cash flow. Finding and keeping the right team members who share the vision is another major challenge. He also stresses the need to adapt quickly to disruptions in fast-changing industries. Overall, sustaining growth without losing direction is the toughest hurdle for entrepreneurs. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Jason Ackerman has mentioned that one of the books that helped him the most is "The Manual" by Epictetus. Even though it isn't a traditional business book, he considers it powerful because its lessons on discipline, perspective, and resilience apply directly to entrepreneurship and leadership. The timeless wisdom in it helped him stay grounded while navigating the uncertainty and challenges of building and scaling a business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jason Ackerman recommends several great resources for entrepreneurs looking to grow a small business. His own show, Best Hour of Their Day, dives into leadership, fitness business, and growth strategies. He has also appeared on Two-Brain Radio and the Grow Your Nutrition Business Podcast, where he shares lessons on scaling, coaching, and avoiding common mistakes. For finance and compliance insights, his appearance on The Bandit Room ("A Lot of Letters with CPA Jason Ackerman") is also valuable. Together, these podcasts offer practical advice on leadership, scaling, and financial management for small business owners. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jason Ackerman often stresses the importance of tools that streamline growth, and one he'd recommend is a CRM system to manage customer relationships effectively. A CRM helps track leads, follow-ups, and client interactions, preventing missed opportunities. Alongside this, he highlights the value of consistent content and marketing, supported by scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite. Automation platforms such as Zapier can further save time by handling repetitive tasks. Together, these resources free business owners to focus on strategy, scaling, and customer satisfaction. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Jason Ackerman's advice to his younger self on day one of starting a business would be to focus on the long game and not chase perfection right away. He often emphasizes that mistakes are part of the process, and instead of fearing them, new entrepreneurs should learn quickly and adapt. He would remind himself to surround his journey with the right people—mentors, partners, and team members who share the vision and values. He also stresses the importance of patience, since success rarely comes overnight, and consistency matters more than quick wins. Most importantly, he'd tell himself to stay true to his mission and not get distracted by comparisons or trends that don't align with the bigger picture. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success in business isn't about speed, it's about consistency and resilience – Jason Ackerman Stay true to your mission, and the noise of distraction fades away – Jason Ackerman Every mistake is the tuition you pay for the lessons of entrepreneurship – Jason Ackerman

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews James France of Vanguard Luxury Brands, who grew his company from $13K in sales to $28M before exiting to Lion. James shares how focusing on "best brands for the best bars" and a strong USP fueled growth, opens up about setbacks like losing key brands and managing cash flow, and highlights lessons on scaling, leadership, and sustaining success in the competitive spirits industry. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: 1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to James France, the hardest thing is feeding the cash flow furnace, as managing growth and funding operations is always a major challenge. 2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? James France shared that his favorite book is "10 Truths for Raising a Healthy, Bouncy Business" by his former coach Roland Hanekroot, which offers practical stories, case studies, and clear next steps. 3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to James France, industry podcasts like James Atkinson's Drinks Adventures and Sam Bygrave's Boothby have been particularly valuable for learning, especially about the on-premise drinks industry. 4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? James France shared that the most important tool or resource to grow a small business is having a good advisor or sounding board — whether it's a mentor, coach, or accountant—someone who can provide objective, pragmatic advice and not just handle the numbers. 5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to James France, the advice he would give himself on day one of starting out in business is that it will be much harder and more expensive than expected—like having children—so be prepared, keep your promises, and always treat people with respect. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Treat everybody at every level with respect, just as you want to be treated yourself – James France A strong USP will guide every decision and set your business apart – James France Every role in a business is sales—every touchpoint is selling your company – James France

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews Ryan Estes, Founder of Kitcaster, to share how he has helped 800+ startup founders and CEOs harness the power of podcast guesting. Ryan reveals how authentic conversations can raise millions, build stronger brands, and even shape how AI perceives businesses. He breaks down the challenges small business owners face, from fear to growth, and explains why showing up consistently is the ultimate differentiator. With real case studies and proven results, this episode is packed with insights on turning podcasts into a growth engine. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: The Power of Podcast Guesting – Ryan explains how appearing on podcasts helps founders and CEOs build authority, attract customers, and even secure funding. Fear is Universal in Business – Whether raising $300M in venture capital or running a bootstrapped startup, all entrepreneurs face fear and pressure—and acknowledging it is key to growth. Authenticity Wins in the Market – Passion, care for customers, and a personal voice are what truly differentiate businesses in competitive industries. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Podcasts Influence AI Training Data – Ryan highlights how large language models like ChatGPT use podcast content for training, making consistent podcasting a way to shape how AI "sees" your brand. Million-Dollar Results – Case studies show founders raising millions and generating seven-figure revenues directly from podcast interviews arranged by Kitcaster. Consistency Beats Perfection – Ryan's advice: don't judge yourself until your 100th piece of content; give yourself space to make mistakes and learn while building your brand presence. One action small business owners can take: According to Ryan Estes, one action small business owners can take is to openly share their story – through podcasts, social media, or direct outreach – because authentic communication is the key to building trust and driving growth. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Open your mouth and solve your own problems, because no one else will do it for you – Ryan Estes Fear is universal in business, but growth comes from facing it head-on and telling your story – Ryan Estes Every podcast interview is not just marketing—it's shaping how the world, and even AI, sees your brand – Ryan Estes