Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode, I interview Erica Hakonson, the Principal and Founder of Maven Collective Marketing, a digital marketing agency based in Vancouver, Canada, working with B2B software and services companies to transform their marketing to measurably improve your results. The agency brings the expertise and experience to translate, navigate and execute the complex world of online marketing. The multi-award-winning digital marketing agency was incorporated in 2016 by Erica as a sole entrepreneur. Started with 3 clients and years later had increased their clients by 400% and from revenue growth of 30% to 250%. The agency even won the Editor's Choice in the Canadian SME National Business Awards in 2020. For Erica, success is when they are able to witness fruition and expertise to their clients for that only means that their hard work effectively improves the result. This realization of success drives them more to work at their best. This Cast Covers: A multi-award-winning digital marketing agency that helps businesses disrupt and redefine their marketing strategies. Brings the expertise and experience to translate, navigate and execute the complex world of online marketing. Work primarily with tech companies, particularly in the Microsoft ecosystem. Started with three clients in their first year and has increased them by 400%. From a revenue growth of 30% to the current 250%. Won the Editor's Choice in the Canadian SME National Business Awards. Success is when they are able to witness the fruition of their hard work and expertise to their clients. How a social media platform works in growing a small business into its best. The importance of empowering other people to help them grow for them to perform at their best. Additional Resources: Maven Collective Marketing Why Johnny Can't Brand By Bill Schley Start With Why By Simon Sinek Decisive By Chip Heath Terry O'Reilly Podcast ………………………………………… Quotes: "The validation of our expertise as a team and how much that fuels us are what success looks like." – Erica Hakonson "When we can set a goal with our clients, and bring that into fruition, that's what success really feels like on our side and be able to experience that with them." – Erica Hakonson "If you have the capital to be able to invest in your digital presence, that's going to pay off in spades for years for you." – Erica Hakonson "Being able to empower someone else and show that they're just as knowledgeable as anyone else." – Erica Hakonson "When the mistakes are made, you have to recognize them correctly and help them learn and grow from that for them to get better." – Erica Hakonson ………………………………………… 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 Devin Miller, the Founder, and CEO of Miller IP Law, an expert on Intellectual Property that specializes in helping start-ups and small businesses protect their assets with patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Devin established his own patent and trademark law firm after working as an IP lawyer in a large firm for 9 years. While working in a large firm helping Fortune 100 companies with their intellectual property, Devin realized that there weren't good legal resources for startups and small businesses. He wanted to help other small business owners learn about patents, trademarks, and copyrights so they can build value into their businesses and protect their assets. Devin says that one of the things that small business owners often don't think about is their patents and this is why they often fail in standing out from their competitors. People file patents to ensure that all the efforts they put into research and development and design are protected. This Cast Covers: An expert on Intellectual Property focusing on helping those that are underserved within the business community. Worked as a lawyer for 9 years and with a background in electrical engineering. A law firm that primarily focused on patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Patents and trademarks for startups and small businesses. Helps small businesses and startups protect their inventions with patents, their brands with trademarks, and their creative works with copyrights. The expert attorneys of the law firm company will be the ones to take action and tailor solutions for the client's company. The importance of patents, trademarks, and copyrights when growing a small business. Trademark is an investable asset the company can own and either grow and obviously build wealth as well. How IP adds a lot of value not just to businesses but to other countries and platforms. Additional Resources: Miller IP Law The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman ………………………………………… Quotes: "One of the things that people often don't think about is their patents." – Devin Miller "It's really important to go and talk to a professional." – Devin Miller "Not everything online is true." – Devin Miller "Because you've been working on a product or an invention for so long, doesn't mean you're not doing anything unique or different from everybody else." – Devin Miller "Get a strategy of how you're going to stand out in your business." – Devin Miller ………………………………………… 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 Nicole Laino, the Startup Founder, and Business Coach at Nicole Coaching in Austin, Texas, USA. She also founded a network marketing business named Hilo CRM, helping network marketers grow their teams and their businesses by means of technology. Nicole was originally an actress but after taking a short break in acting, she got a corporate job and worked for a number of years. With Nicole's corporate world experience, she founded her own business, Hilo CRM in 2015 which saw about 30% growth in its second year with 4 FTE. In 2018, she pivoted to business coaching that helps entrepreneurs build a brand & business using social media. Nicole defines success as living her purpose in life. And what she loves the most in growing a small business is its endless possibilities and seeing everybody in her team shine and letting them own their role. She thinks that it's the fun part of growing a small business. This Cast Covers: A startup founder and business coach who guides entrepreneurs to develop and build a business brand using social media. How her love and dedication to personal development helped entrepreneurs build a life and business they love. From an actress to coaching and now works by sharing experiences and expertise. Also helps network marketers use technology to grow their teams and their business. How leadership and passion for helping others achieve success in their business and lives. With her corporate world experience, she started her own business with a great impact. How the use of psychology helps her clients overcome their limiting beliefs. Define success as living her purpose in life. The importance of teamwork, doing marketing with the team, making strategies, and deciding how to implement them. Additional Resources: Nicole Coaching Limitless Entrepreneur Podcast The Slight Edge By Jeff Olson The Start-Up J Curve By Howard Love ………………………………………… Quotes: "When everything is just working, and it doesn't feel like work." – Nicole Laino "Be ahead of the curve, look for trends and get in on them early." – Nicole Laino "Don't try to do marketing on your own, hire a good team, have a strategy for it, and implement." – Nicole Laino "The growth that you seek lies within you." – Nicole Laino "Putting processes in place and documenting other things, that's a great exercise in organizing your mind and organizing your business." – Nicole Laino ………………………………………… 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 Craig Will, the Executive Chef and Co-owner of Tasmania's finest restaurants, Stillwater and Black Cow Bistro, and just above Stillwater is a two-year-old hotel business, Seven Boutique Accommodation. Craig is passionate about local products and the seasonal nature of Tasmanian agriculture which he describes as ingredients that speak for themselves. Black Cow Bistro is a boutique steakhouse in Launceston. Craig took the position of Head Chef and part-owner and Black Cow opened in 2008. Two years after Craig was asked to buy a share in Stillwater, he was delighted to accept and take on the Executive Chef position of both operations. Stillwater has been upgraded as Seven Boutique was added and this has been a great help to them as it increases the growth by 25-30%. The team was awarded being the Best Tasmanian Restaurant with the THA Awards of Excellence and the Chef's hat in a prestigious Good Food Guide. Craig says that what he loves the most in growing a small business is its expansion from a very small scale. For him, this is the best part about growing a small business. This Cast Covers: A restaurant with a good reputation due to excellent service became a go-to destination restaurant in Tasmania. Added a hotel business directly above the restaurant to make a change in a different approach. As soon as the hotel was added, the growth went up to 25-30%. Both the restaurants won tons of awards over the years and the latest was the Chef's hat in a prestigious Good Food Guide. Operating the business through social media is a simple yet powerful tool they can use these days. Its unique character which is all about Tasmania made them awarded being the Best Tasmanian Restaurant with the THA Awards of Excellence. The love for hospitality allowed them to come up with an idea that would bring more guests to enjoy food and their services. The importance of team management skills for the members to be in harmony. How the use of social media is relevant in today's marketing and how it would build a credible reputation. Additional Resources: Stillwater Restaurant Black Cow Bistro Stillwater Seven Accommodation Deep in the Weeds Nutrition Australia ………………………………………… Quotes: "We've actually gone down the path of a new marketing manager, and we've taken a completely different angle and the way we market ourselves." – Craig Will "Social media is a huge one, a powerful tool that we use." – Craig Will "Strive to pay that debt down as quickly as possible." – Craig Will "Maintain the skill and the right staff base." – Craig Will "You have to keep your finger on the pulse as well, you have to relate to your staff, and you need to be there alongside them regularly." – Craig Will ………………………………………… 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 Stacey Brown Randall, the Creator of Growth By Referrals (GBR) based in North Carolina, USA - an online business coaching practice helping small business owners how to generate referrals by providing them online programs, training, and presentations. These programs help small business owners take control of their referrals, resulting in a rise in the number of sales and marketing. Stacey Brown Randall is an award-winning author of "Generating Business Referrals Without Asking," the host of a business podcast and a national speaker. Her journey in this industry wasn't easy for she once failed her 1st business- it was an HR consulting firm and she had it for four years but didn't make it for more. She started her 2nd business which is about productivity and coaching practice, found some great success in teaching people how to generate referrals without asking, and has been doing this now for eight years. "Trust is something we need to earn in every business for it builds a reputation," says Stacey. She mentions that trust is so critical in business, it's because we can lose it quickly and it takes a long time to earn it back. This is why it is an important factor to establish between business owners and their clients. This Cast Covers: The importance of establishing trust in every business to improve reputation by providing something worthy to clients. Referrals are an important part of the marketing landscape for a small business. Growing a small business must include a process-based customer experience. Helping small business owners improves sales and marketing by means of Growth By Referrals. The importance of constantly tracking the business to monitor its performance and ensure stability. The importance of consistently following a plan. How business owners obtain a number of referrals Teaching business owners to take referrals out of prospecting and marketing. Additional Resources: Growth By Referrals Generating Business Referrals Without Asking Duct Tape Marketing Forge ………………………………………… Quotes: "Trust is something we need to earn in every business for it builds a reputation." – Stacey Brown Randall "Always important to manage the expectations of your clients so you can maintain trust." - Stacey Brown Randall "The consistency following a plan pays off a huge portion in the business." - Stacey Brown Randall "Create a process-based client experience to improve marketing." - Stacey Brown Randall "Always make sure to track everything that's happening in your business." - Stacey Brown Randall ………………………………………… 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 Dan McKinley, the CEO of Dog and Bone Consulting based in Victoria, Australia. The company helps organizations improve their planning and implementation. Dog and Bone's core services include ICT strategic advisory, procurement, governance and management. McKinley is passionate about running a progressive business with a vision of supporting client's organizations to better serve their mission. He founded Dog and Bone in 2002, at the age of 20 and has been running the business for 18 years. The company's current B-Corp score is 92.8 and has 20 FTE with an average annual growth of 30%. "The number one habit every business owner needs to develop and maintain is the habit of listening and learning," says McKinley. This Cast Covers: Helping organizations with their IT's strategic planning. Almost exclusively working for nonprofit and government agencies in Australia. How technology supports the business mission and objectives. Basically, fully independent that helps organizations negotiate and specify technology solutions. Growth is driven by a commitment to independent thinking, ethical practices, and creating demonstrable value to clients. A strategic partner that is extremely responsive and diligent. Supporting thousands of families by means of technology. Using procurement capability to help clients negotiate and ensure they get the best technical and commercial outcomes. CIO as a service is designed to make sure that not only is it implemented, but is managed, ongoing, and gets the long-term outcomes. Additional Resources: Dog and Bone Consulting Advances in ICT for Business By Maria Mach-Król ………………………………………… Quotes: "There's no point in making lots of money and you start being miserable. That's a pretty boring way to live your life." – Dan McKinley "The team is like a little family, everyone really gets along, we look after each other, that's part of what success looks like to me." – Dan McKinley "You have to find someone who actually knows how to do it because marketing is an entire science on its own." – Dan McKinley "You have to be in the habit of listening and learning." – Dan McKinley "Getting a different management team and better systems and processes enabled me to be more focused on certain areas." – Dan McKinley ………………………………………… 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 Susan Groeneveld, the Co-founder of WS | Marketing With Soul based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. WS is an integrated communications agency that gives clients a competitive marketing advantage by means of finding solutions to marketing complexities. Susan is an expert in marketing consultancy, business model development, and marketing outcome approaches. The agency was born in 2003 when the president of an old agency suggested starting up this business. It was an opportunity for them and that's how the world of marketing has started. They started with only 3 FTE then grew it into 50 FTE including the full-time freelancers in 18 years in the business. Susan says that what she loves the most about growing a small business is the possibilities. "We're really fortunate that we get to work with really interesting categories of people doing interesting things and the possibilities to impact and influence are so exciting," she added. This Cast Covers: Makes money by helping people market their products. Measurable results can only be achieved by knowing the audience better than anyone else. An integrated communication agency that strives to find solutions to certain problems regarding marketing. A soul solution that innovates and optimizes the client's products. How a very relationship-driven agency trusted by their clients for long. Able to rebound revenue months after COVID's occurrence by making healthy changes and a great approach. From only 3 FTE to 50 FTE including freelancers in 18 years in business. Defines success as seeing people grow and reach their true potential. The importance of hiring smart people with a passion that drives them to move the business forward. Additional Resources: WS | Marketing With Soul The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People By Stephen R. Covey Who Moved My Cheese By Spencer Johnson ………………………………………… Quotes: "Focus on the folks that have growth mindset rather than people that are happy to just solve the first problem." – Susan Groeneveld "It's there if you want it, if you don't want it, it's not there." – Susan Groeneveld "We don't need to be experts, we need to know how to find the experts." – Susan Groeneveld "Success is watching people grow and trying to help people reach their true potential." – Susan Groeneveld "Hire smart people and let them be your advocates." – Susan Groeneveld ………………………………………… 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 Mikey Moran, the CEO of the Private Label Extensions in Atlanta, Georgia, a hair business that helps entrepreneurs start their own by providing them with wholesale hair extensions, branding, and websites. Mikey Moran is the best-selling author of the book Fearless Beauty: The Hair Business Blueprint. Started the hair and beauty business in 2014 and has been running it for seven years. Mikey has expanded his original idea into 10 different brands, 5 retail locations, and a partnership with Shopify. He has grown the business by reaching over $10 million in revenue and his consistency in optimizing marketing strategy yields the biggest impact. The number one thing Mikey has recommended for marketing and fast-growing business is making use of the right platform and technology to conform to the fast-changing world where a lot of people rely on websites or social media. He believed that social media is now the most powerful tool in marketing. This Cast Covers: Helping entrepreneurs to make their hair business successful by providing wholesale hair extensions, branding, and websites. A business with the largest hair dropshipping system through available applications. With a platform that basically works with any type of website and technology. A business that invested a lot in technology has increased the quality of service over the years. In partnership with other brands that could help with wholesale supply to their clients. Started out a small business while working full-time but displayed hard work in wanting to grow the business big enough. Never thought he'd be in the beauty industry and now the author of one of the best-selling books called Fearless Beauty. Within seven years in business, they've reached over $10 million in revenue. How the whole shift in the mindset & business enables them to scale up to beyond the range. How being on the right platform & the right technology is definitely the most powerful solution in marketing. Additional Resources: Private Label Extensions Fearless Beauty By Mikey Moran The 4-Hour Workweek By Timothy Ferriss ………………………………………… Quotes: "You have to have a whole shift in your mindset, a whole shift in your business to be able to scale up to beyond range." – Mikey Moran "Keep investing in the business because that's how it's going to grow." – Mikey Moran "Even if you're going to outsource some of the marketing, it's important for you to learn marketing yourself." – Mikey Moran "Growing a small business is all about creating new opportunities for others so they can succeed." – Mikey Moran "You have to be consistent day in, day out for your business." – Mikey Moran ………………………………………… 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 Kalynn Crump, the Founder of ReBLOOM, Canada's first flower recycling company that helps corporations by repurposing events and fundraising florals, converting waste into bouquets for charities, non-profits, and hospices across Canada. A distinctive company handling the best for the environment and for the people who have thought they were forgotten. Rebloom was founded by Kalynn Crump in 2014. She has witnessed how flowers were thrown in the dumpster after an event and didn't even enjoy the beauty of it. Then, she decided to find a better solution for people to enjoy the beautiful flowers for a week or more depending on how they take care of them. She started the business thinking this would not work but, she felt success in 2018 by gaining 125% growth following a 300% growth in 2019. They have diverted 93 tons of floral waste from landfills and delivered 150,000 bouquets since 2014. Crump says the hardest thing in growing a small business is exercising patience. "You have to have patience. It's like watering a plant" she said. Therefore, in order to grow a plant and for it to bear fruits, patience is very important and so in the business. This Cast Covers: A distinctive flower business that handles the best for the environment by recycling flower events. How the smallest ideas impacted the lives and souls of people who have thought they were forgotten. Bringing happiness to everyone while giving flowers a second life and without damaging the environment. Partnerships with everyone wanting to make a difference such as corporate clients, global conferences, fundraisers, and hotels. Employing a lot of people but everybody gets paid by the company that hires them. The basis of the business is enjoying the flowers for a week or more depending on how well people take care of them. Started finding a better solution for flowers not to be thrown in the dumpster to reduce the worsening of health problems. The idea of bringing back a natural product into the community by creating more beauty. How flowers are making a positive impact within the community. Flowers undergo composting to complete the organic life cycle. Additional Resources: ReBLOOM The Secret Handshake By Kathleen Kelly Reardon Start With Why By Simon Sinek ………………………………………… Quotes: "The whole point of being an entrepreneurial business owner is sharing your wins and your losses and in my opinion, that is what it should be." – Kalynn Crump "I don't pretend to be the genius of all things, we hire that out. I know my limits and I play within it." – Kalynn Crump "Success for me is definitely giving back to the community that has given me so much." – Kalynn Crump "At the end of the day, you have to be doing good in order to give back to your community and feel good about yourself." – Kalynn Crump "Because as long as we give back to people, create joy and the environment, you've got a home run, every corporation will sign up for it in a heartbeat." – Kalynn Crump ………………………………………… 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 Eddie Brook, the CEO of Cape Byron Distillery. This family-owned business is specializing in premium spirits inspired by the region of the Northern Rivers. The distillery and distillation are situated in the hinterland of Byron Bay, Australia. Eddie Brook is passionate about nurturing the tradition and art of distillation he learned from his family. Eddie's family has been regenerating rainforest planting and where the inspiration for their first product comes from, a balanced combination of the finest traditional and local botanicals. This unique distillation introduced an interesting story of a good distillery in town and most of their products are distributed domestically where 98% of their revenue is obtained. Cape Byron Distillery has grown members into 29 FTE. "Establishing and defining the values and purpose, and having that clear are some things recommended to build a sustainable and superb culture," says Eddie. Their success is primarily because they value the tradition of their business by preserving it. This Cast Covers: A passion for creating and working on new products and projects. Products are primarily distributed around Australia where 98% of their revenue is obtained. Considering opening up a few export markets to expand the growth of the business. How the team continues to look at ways to innovate and create new and interesting products. Creating spirits that capture to experience their unique terroir. Preserving the traditions and art of distillation of their family-owned business. Started the business with only family members in the team and then fluctuates into 29 FTE. How sustainability made their business strategy and has always been the core of the business. How sustainability goes through all levels of the business and helps frame their decision-making. Additional Resources: Cape Byron Distillery Start With Why By Simon Sinek ………………………………………… Quotes: "It is always good to set a goal and a direction in place." – Eddie Brook "Success for me is growing a sustainable business." – Eddie Brook "Become a storyteller and don't undervalue the power of it." – Eddie Brook "For the greatest value, I'd say. Building a team." – Eddie Brook "I think a sense of accomplishment is what I love the most in growing a small business." – Eddie Brook ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0