Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode, I interview Ugis Balmaks, the Founder of Recruiter Mill based in Budapest, Hungary, a recruitment firm specializing in helping online businesses hire the best talent to grow and scale their companies. Through the recruitment process, Ugi helps 7 and 8-figure businesses hire A-players in 6 weeks or less. After running and selling a 7-figure iPhone photography business, he discovered and learned the challenges of hiring people. He then launched a recruitment firm in 2020, has developed the skill to find the best candidate, and learned what distinguishes an A-player. He's now working to make this business a mid-six-figure and he's looking forward to adding more people to his side. Ugis has been helping so many companies in finding talented individuals to grow and scale. He also makes them understand the importance of looking for people who are the best in the role. For he says, "Always prioritize getting the best possible talent and person for the role." This Cast Covers: A recruitment firm specialized in helping online businesses hire the best talent to grow and scale their companies. Saving the time, effort, and frustration of having to manage the hiring process while running the business at the same time. The objective is to help small businesses find A-players for their team. Breaking down the fundamentals on what to look for in a candidate, how to research them, ways to drive applications, and details on the filtering process. An experienced and creative recruiter in the online marketing space. Managed to scale the previous business to high 7-figures in revenue and now working to make the current business to a mid-six-figure business. Introducing the recruitment company's proven 7-step recruitment process. How online businesses can build a team of A-players by applying the method or formula of the recruitment process. Not having the same standards as other recruitment agencies yet manifesting way more advanced standards and a well-formulated process. Additional Resources: Recruiter Mill Who By Geoff Smart Alex Hormozi __________________________ Quotes: "Make sure you can deliver a good product or system and every single step in that process needs to be streamlined." —Ugis Balmaks "If you don't find good people, you're just going to create more problems." —Ugis Balmaks "If you don't have reliable sales, then you should probably think about that." —Ugis Balmaks "Always prioritize getting the best possible talent and person for the role." —Ugis Balmaks "At the end of the day, you have your own responsibility, nothing happens if you don't do anything." —Ugis Balmaks __________________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Ben Bressington, the CEO of Behavior Sales, a Behavioral Intelligence company based in Florida, USA. Behavior Sales helps salespersons how they can connect with people faster and effectively close sales better through personality intelligence. The company has a product that identifies people's personalities based on the words they use. In 2021, Behavior Sales was launched by Ben Bressington, aged 38. He applied his Criminology, Law & Gamification training to hacking human communication to improve sales. This is a unique approach to improve sales and marketing and with that, Ben found growth in just a year, now making more than 100,000 conversations a day and from 1.5 to 7 FTEs. Ben says that what he loves the most in growing a small business is the challenge it brings, making each day different. He's loving more the routine of getting the work done and that working with them makes him realize that they are growing now and then. This Cast Covers: Helping people predict personality and use personality intelligence to improve sales conversion. Focusing on helping salespeople to improve their sales conversions and shorten their sales cycle. Offering a product that effectively converts an email address into a personality type. The product identifies somebody's personality and closes them based on the process and the model they are offering. Offering sales insights through live calls, transcriptions, and providing real-time feedback of what's going on in that sales conversation. Discovering how a person can connect with people faster and effectively close sales better. How to persuade prospects and stimulate their unconscious mind. Applying what he learned from doing criminology human profiling into sales and marketing. Additional Resources: Behavior Sales People Ignorant By Benjamin Bressington $100M Offers By Alex Hormozi __________________________ Quotes: "To understand your communication style, try putting yourself in the prospects and change some minor things in the way that you communicate." —Ben Bressington "Show interest in people's needs so you have influence over them and if you don't have influence, it's nearly impossible to make sales." —Ben Bressington "Take time to exercise physically because how you treat yourself physically will determine how you get through the day." —Ben Bressington "Find out what rewards your people, you'll be amazed how small tokens lift one's spirits." —Ben Bressington "Learning the success of others can be fascinating but learning the mistakes, failures, and lessons of others could be something more valuable." —Ben Bressington __________________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Alan Lazaros, the CEO and Founder of Next Level University, a self-improvement podcast based in Worcester, USA. Next Level University is an incredible platform that helps a variety of people get to the next level of life, love, health, and wealth through coaching, tips, strategies, and lessons learned along the way. They have featured many of the world's top entrepreneurs and thought leaders to bring wisdom to those who listen. Alan Lazaros is the co-host of Next Level University with more than 850 episodes reaching over half a million people in more than 120 countries. It started with 2 FTEs to around 8 FTEs. Alan decided to take control of his thoughts and his life after a fatal car accident he was involved in. Before Next Level University, he had a podcast called Conversations Change Lives where he met his co-host of the current podcast. Alan says that in order to grow and have a bright future, we have to put our own personal development first. "We believe that who someone aspires to matters more than who they used to be or who they are now, we believe the future is bright, based on the integrity of the individual and taking responsibility," he added. This Cast Covers: Helping people get to the next level of their life, love, health, and wealth. Believe that with the right knowledge, mentors, community & habits, people really can achieve both success & fulfillment. A Global Top 100 Self-Improvement podcast with more than 850 episodes reaching over half a million people in more than 120 countries. An incredible example of a role model to all heart-driven and growth-minded people around the world. Talking about the importance of personal development to be at their best so everything follows. How applying the principle of the law of attraction helps anyone who resonates reach what they believe they would become. The importance of health and fitness that must be cultivated by all business leaders in order to produce a healthy and long-term business. Enhancing skills and habits to not be perfect but to see progress in their works. Helping people get to the next level through coaching, tips, strategies, and lessons they've learned along the way. Believing that people with the right tools and the right education can be truly extraordinary. Additional Resources: Next Level University Tony Robbins The Art of Impossible By Steven Kotler The Compound Effect By Darren Hardy ________________________ Quotes: "We believe that human beings with the right tools and the right education can be truly extraordinary." —Alan Lazaros "The law of attraction works a lot better, the core values, aspirations, and beliefs of the business creates a culture that is just so magnetic to anyone who really resonates and repels people who aren't." —Alan Lazaros "Health and fitness are just so important and if the leader is not taking care of themselves, then the business will erode." —Alan Lazaros "Put your own personal development first because what is best for you is what's best for your business." —Alan Lazaros "You never actually get to perfect, just reflect on what you did well and poorly and then make it a little bit better and you will see progress." —Alan Lazaros ________________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Marilene Quintana, the Co-founder of e-Visa Immigration, an immigration consulting firm based in Vancouver, Canada. The firm provides visa and immigration consulting services for people around the world who dream of a better life in Canada. Assists clients from document preparation until throughout the process. Marilene is the co-founder and Senior Canadian Immigration Consultant at e-Visa Immigration. Before working with Immigration, she was a Certified PMP – Project Management Professional and obtained an undergraduate degree in Computer Science. With her experience in IT and project management, able to grow the firm from 1 to 4 offices with 57 FTEs, client satisfaction of 98%, and 20% growth per year. Marilene is organized and passionate about providing high-quality service yet understanding her clients' situations. She says, "You have to remember that you have to respect the feelings of every client, everybody has difficult moments." This Cast Covers: An Immigration Consulting firm that provides visa and immigration consulting services for people around the world who dream of a better life in Canada. A career consulting that helps people to understand how the Canadian labor market works and how to position themselves to find a good job in Canada. Consistently provide the highest quality services in immigration consulting. Advising customers regarding the most suitable program for themselves and family. Assisting customers with preparing the documentation and providing outcomes, keeping track of application's deadlines and applicable payments. Acting on one's behalf to the government authorities as well as responding to any question that they may have throughout the process. The importance of communication in serving clients and managing expectations. Standing out through standards of communication and commitment to negotiate. Providing comfort for clients through respecting their feelings and worries throughout the process of immigration. The importance of hiring professionals to assure clients to do their job correctly and that everything is going to go well. Additional Resources: e-Visa Immigration The 4-Hour Workweek By Timothy Ferriss TED Talks __________________________ Quotes: "You can be a very good professional in what you do but at the end of the day, you have to know how to serve your client well and manage their expectations." —Marilene Quintana "You have to remember that you have to respect the feelings of every client, everybody has difficult moments." —Marilene Quintana "Hiring a professional is always better, to give clients the assurance that they will do their job correctly and that everything is going to go well." —Marilene Quintana "There's always change and uncertainties but we have to learn how to deal with those and do what is right." —Marilene Quintana "You cannot make everybody happy so focus on the positive, focus on the people who are happier for you and appreciate you." —Marilene Quintana __________________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Terry Begue, the Owner and Founder of Begue Painting, Inc., a painting company based in Cleveland, USA, making customers' homes look new and gorgeous. Terry is passionate about perfecting his people skills which happened to be the reason his business has blown up. Started his painting business in 1978, aged 18 with no money, no experience, and no connections, and unfortunately failed miserably. However, Terry refused to give up so he has refined his process for business and personal growth through customer engagement and retention. He has seen growth since then, growing his people from 1 to around 12 FTEs and doubling revenue each year. Terry has been doing something with everything he learned in running a business. Today, Terry is an international speaker and author of, "Attract & Keep Customers for Life." He's been using this book to help entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their businesses and so to provide a great life for their families. This Cast Covers: Started his business at a young age with no money, experience, and no connections. After several years, the painting company has grown its revenue and people with increasing demand for its service. Learned how to quickly accommodate and provide the highest quality possible service. Refined process for business and personal growth through customer engagement and retention. The author of the book entitled Attract & Keep Customers for Life. The book discusses the abilities to build trust, communicate one's value and charge what's worth. Now works as a business owner, international speaker, and author of books that bring success. Loyal repeat clients do some of the marketing for the business. Learned to stop fearing taking chances and how it would turn a person's life and career. Passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners who, more than anything, want to provide a great life for their families. Additional Resources: Begue Painting Inc. Attract & Keep Customers For Life By Terry Begue The Slight Edge By Jeff Olson Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki __________________________ Quotes: "Stop fearing taking chances." —Terry Begue "Take yourself out of the equation, each of us has full control over making decisions." —Terry Begue "If you want to be successful, you have to let other people lead and allow them to express their opinions." —Terry Begue "Just be ready for anything every day and don't let emotions get in the way." —Terry Begue "Show some care to your employees and customers because the foundation of the relationship is caring." —Terry Begue __________________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Walter Hill, Jr., the Chairman and CEO of Icon Blue, Inc., a brand marketing firm based in Los Angeles, USA. Icon Blue helps entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed through merchandise branding, imprinting of corporate brands on products, placement of products images, and corporate logos. Walter founded Icon Blue in 1998, and within its first few years of operation, the company earned multiple awards and was recognized because of its incredible services. For over two decades of operation, Icon Blue became a leading Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) provider of marketing solutions in the United States. For over five decades in business, Walter has been talking about red flagging. With that, he wrote a book entitled "Think Red Flags" which offers a simple but new proactive approach to achieving a profitable small business. He says, "If you identify red flags in advance, then you have that opportunity to rectify it before it happens to your business." This Cast Covers: A brand marketing firm that stands out in the competitive industry of branded merchandise. Introducing the merchandise branding, imprinting of corporate brands on products, placement of products images, and corporate logos to be visible with target clients. Supporting client goals in all areas of sales promotion, marketing, and special events. With a variety of specialties and services that will generate measurable positive results. Learning how to identify red flags in business which are possible issues that could arise and preventing them to happen can make a difference. Recognizing the importance of balance between the business and personal life. Learning that every entrepreneur should know how to handle balance and know its importance in life to prevent hurtful experiences from happening. How well-prepared rapport to clients can build relationships, gaining their interests and trust. The importance of developing a strong culture that signifies the nature of how well the business operates. Showing respect to people is a very low-cost way to recognize and appreciate their efforts. Additional Resources: Icon Blue Think Red Flags By Walter Hill Jr. The Gift of Fear By Gavin de Becker __________________________ Quotes: "If you identify red flags in advance, then you have that opportunity to rectify it before it happens to your business." —Walter Hill Jr. "If you let a high impact mistake happen several times, it could be a real detriment to what you were trying to get." —Walter Hill Jr. "Efficiency leads to profit, and profit leads to higher wages, more opportunities for the team, and a win for the ownership." —Walter Hill Jr. "Develop a strong culture in your business so that as you grow, your service ethic won't deteriorate." —Walter Hill Jr. "Keep believing the people you choose to work with and make sure you have a vision even if you're a small business." —Walter Hill Jr. __________________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Betty Brennan, the President and Founder of Taylor Studios, an event management company based in Chicago, USA. Taylor Studios helps museums, nature centers, corporations, and universities with planning, and building exhibits. They make every exhibit educational to a certain level of professionalism. Taylor Studios was founded in 1991, started in the kitchen garage, and grew from there. From 2 FTEs, now around 35 FTEs, and from $200,000 in sales to over $4 million in a span of 31 years. The company has been receiving Inc. 5000 awards and made the Inc. 500 list in 2000. They have completed 700 projects in 45 states and 4 countries, teaching the world about history, nature, and culture. Betty shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is getting more people. Because there's no business without the people. For she says, "Learning how to get that group of people moving towards the same vision is a tricky thing." This Cast Covers: An event management company, helping museums, nature centers, corporations, and universities with planning, and building exhibits. With a diverse staff of graphic and exhibit designers, and storytellers working to provide beautiful and meaningful projects. Providing collaborative, creative, on time, and in the budget process of service. Helping clients tell a story that inspires visitors. Making everything throughout the process durable to inspire people to get involved. Flexibility kept their clients on top of things, making everything easier for them. Making exhibits educational done to a certain level of professionalism. Started in the kitchen garage with 2 FTEs, now around 35 FTEs, and was awarded multiple Inc. 5000. From $200,000 in sales to over $1.4 million in 31 years. Completed over 700 projects in 45 states and 4 countries teaching the world about history, nature, and culture. Additional Resources: Taylor Studios The Ideal Team Player By Patrick M. Lencioni The One Minute Manager By Ken Blanchard The Five Temptations of a CEO By Patrick M. Lencioni ____________________ Quotes: "For project-based businesses, reputation is everything so building relationships is important." —Betty Brennan "Learn leadership and emotional intelligence earlier, learn how to communicate and lead a group of people." —Betty Brennan "Be open-minded, curious, constantly learning, and you'll get through the ups and downs." —Betty Brennan "Attitude is more important than skill." —Betty Brennan "Group dynamics is a really important aspect of running a successful team." —Betty Brennan ____________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Nikitas Tsoukales, the Founder of Real Top, a digital marketing agency based in Boston, USA. Real Top helps small and even large service businesses owners have a blast off online. The company also helps business owners generate revenue by creating digital marketing campaigns. With more than 15 years of experience growing multiple sales teams, Nikitas founded his own digital marketing agency in 2019. He started the business by himself, added one person after a year, and is now growing into 6 FTEs. In just two years, found growth by 600% and was awarded Inc. 5000 as one of the fast-growing companies in the US. Nikitas says that the key to growing any successful business today is getting in front of as many people online as humanly possible. He has been passionate about helping businesses to grow online and keep new customers lining up to do business with them. This Cast Covers: Helping business owners create, deploy and manage marketing campaigns for hyper-growth. A digital marketing agency, helping small to even large service businesses generate more leads. Generating revenue by creating digital marketing campaigns that outclass the competition. Introducing campaigns into the marketplace to gather data in the most cost-effective manner possible. Providing clients with a collaborative and impactful experience while keeping new customers lining up to do business with their clients. Using Google ads to scale his own business and even clients' businesses. Learning that the key to growing any successful business today is getting in front of as many people online as humanly possible. With more than 15 years of experience growing multiple sales teams. How small businesses can grow online by implementing a digital marketing plan. Has been awarded multiple INC. 5000 Awards for fast-growing private companies in the United States. Additional Resources: Real Top The 10X Rule By Grant Cardone RealTop with Nikitas Tsoukales ____________________ Quotes: "For any small business looking to jump on digital, don't just think of maybe the cost per click and the cost per lead but think of the shock to the business." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Always acknowledge the talents and efforts of the people around your company." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Success for me is doing what I want to do when I want to do it." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Get your referral game on lockdown." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Create a simple workflow, make a roadmap for your business, and later you will see growth." —Nikitas Tsoukales ____________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Hayden Brass, the Founder and Managing Director of Zea, an Australian-based health and wellness company. At Zea, they are committed to unearthing the diverse healing properties of the Kunzea ambigua plant. All Zea products are made with natural, sustainably sourced ingredients. It was all started as a small family project then Hayden has been the driving force behind transforming it into a thriving business. Today, Zea is now a fast-growing business that positively impacts thousands of people throughout the world. With 7 FTEs, a B Corp score of 86, and got $3 million in the most recent financial year. Hayden has been passionate about growing their family business. He has to do something from all the things he learned in the industry and business. He says, "If you don't do anything with the things you're learning, there's no point in doing too much." This Cast Covers: An Australian family business that has developed a natural range of locally-manufactured products for health, wellness, and lifestyle. All products are 100% natural, therapeutic-quality, toxin-free, and cruelty-free. Started as a small family project in Tasmania, now a fast-growing Australian business that positively impacts thousands of people throughout the world. Developing health and wellness products from pain relief cream to soothing products and oils. Made from a unique Tasmanian plant called Kunzea, committed to its healing benefits. Founded on a love for nature and a passion for unearthing the diverse healing benefits of Kunzea and native Australian flora. Got $3.2 million in the most recent financial year with a B corp score of 86. How consistent conversation with the team is a tool to help grow a small business. Learning to make use and do something on what you're learning rather than doing too much with no result. Additional Resources: Zea The E Myth By Michael Gerber The 4-Hour Workweek By Timothy Ferriss __________________________ Quotes: "Success for me is when I can step back and see my team running the business on their own." —Hayden Brass "Move and make decisions fast so you won't get stuck on something." —Hayden Brass "If you don't do anything with the things you're learning, there's no point in doing too much." —Hayden Brass "One tool to grow a small business is having conversations with your team." —Hayden Brass "Focus on more important things, never waste your time." —Hayden Brass __________________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Ari Galper, the Founder and CEO of Unlock The Game, a new sales mindset and approach that overturns the notion of selling as we know it today. The Australian-based consulting company has been helping thousands of sales, entrepreneurs, and business people around the world. Unlock The Game was founded in 2000 and has been available for over two decades. Ari's insights on how to build trust between buyers and sellers continue to break new ground in the sales industry. That's how he became the World's #1 Authority on Trust-Based Selling. He's the author of the popular business book called Unlock The Sales Game. Ari says that the core principle behind his approach is making his clients feel comfortable opening up to them and telling them what they stand for. By this approach, they find it effective in trust-building between buyers and sellers. Aside from its effectiveness in trust-building, they find it more profitable as more people come to trust them. This Cast Covers: Offering a new way of selling through an approach based on integrity and common sense. Learning a language that converts selling into a natural conversation between an entrepreneur and his prospect. Expert on trust-based selling, a new sales mindset, and approach that overturns the notion of selling. Started the movement of trust-based selling after figuring out how to unlock the game of selling and put trust in the sales process. Relating trust-based selling into a patient-doctor relationship. Teaching people how to build deep trust on the initial call with somebody or a zoom or phone call where they start to unpack the issue of their clients. Mapping out and providing different points in his book about trust-based language. Helping clients on how to unpack their issue and help them understand the impact of it, to own their problem for them to move forward. Additional Resources: Unlock The Game Unlock The Sales Game By Ari Galper Stump The Guru ………………………………………… Quotes: "You have to change your approach to match the psychology of the buyer today." —Ari Galper "Be authentic with people, have a model and a framework to focus on." —Ari Galper "It's not about how many contacts you make any more, it's about how deep you go in each conversation and how good you are at trust-building." —Ari Galper "The sale is lost at the beginning of the process, not at the end." —Ari Galper "Rejection is part of the sales game. If you can't take a no, if you're not tough enough, you're not made for success." —Ari Galper ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0