

The Friday Habit
Mark Labriola II & Benjamin Manley
Grow your business. Lead with purpose. Love your life.
The Friday Habit gives entrepreneurs and small business owners actionable tips, inspiring interviews, and real-world strategies to help you scale smart and stay sane. Hosted by Mark Labriola II, this weekly show is your permission slip to build a business that works for you—not the other way around.
The Friday Habit gives entrepreneurs and small business owners actionable tips, inspiring interviews, and real-world strategies to help you scale smart and stay sane. Hosted by Mark Labriola II, this weekly show is your permission slip to build a business that works for you—not the other way around.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 23, 2022 • 19min
Practical Leadership Strategies with Tim Redmond (Part 2)
Tim is CEO of Redmond Growth Consulting and has been growing highly successful businesses for over 35 tears including his work at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, growing a software company from 2 to 400 employees then selling it to Intuit, Inc., and helping thousands of business owners gain time and financial freedom. Tim is also an author (the book is POWER TO CREATE) and speaker whose leadership maxims have been featured in John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.Recap / TakeawaysOne of the keys to success is successfully managing the painMore important than strategy, marketing, or anything is the tenacity and gritA high performance team is highly motivated and inspired by their leaderYou don't attract what you want, you attract who you areThe missing ingredient is respect (it's not something you demand, it's a gift that you give someoneRespect is valuing the differences without having to agreeProgress is the clashing of ideasWhen someone brings a problem, ask them "how would you like to solve that problem?""The absent one safe is among us"Don't demand things from your team, but show them the wayIf you had a friend that talked about you the way you think about yourself, would they still be your friend?Don't demand perfection, celebrate progressAs a team member, you can make the team more effective by contributing positive energyGo to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.Subscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.Voice MemoIf you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.com

Dec 16, 2022 • 22min
Practical Leadership Strategies with Tim Redmond (Part 1)
Tim is CEO of Redmond Growth Consulting and has been growing highly successful businesses for over 35 tears including his work at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, growing a software company from 2 to 400 employees then selling it to Intuit, Inc., and helping thousands of business owners gain time and financial freedom. Tim is also an author (the book is POWER TO CREATE) and speaker whose leadership maxims have been featured in John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.Recap / TakeawaysOne of the keys to success is successfully managing the painMore important than strategy, marketing, or anything is the tenacity and gritA high performance team is highly motivated and inspired by their leaderYou don't attract what you want, you attract who you areThe missing ingredient is respect (it's not something you demand, it's a gift that you give someoneRespect is valuing the differences without having to agreeProgress is the clashing of ideasWhen someone brings a problem, ask them "how would you like to solve that problem?""The absent one safe is among us"Don't demand things from your team, but show them the wayIf you had a friend that talked about you the way you think about yourself, would they still be your friend?Don't demand perfection, celebrate progressAs a team member, you can make the team more effective by contributing positive energyGo to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.Subscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.Voice MemoIf you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.com

Dec 9, 2022 • 24min
Resolving Conflict at Work & Home with Michelle Brody (Part 2)
Michelle Brody, PhD, is an executive coach and clinical psychologist who brings 25 years of experience in both corporate and family settings to the challenging problem of interactional conflict. Her specialty as a coach is in guiding teams that have complicated dynamics, and helping them reach greater collaboration, improve communication, and resolve tension.Recap / TakeawaysWhen having a fight with your partner, identify what the conflicting values are that you're fighting aboutFocus on getting good at repair conversations first, then get better at stopping in the middle of a fightIf you want to have a repair conversation, say what your intentions are before you start talkingAll of us have a suit of armor we put on when we're under threatEveryone on the team, including the leader, must own their armorIdentify the threats for yourself and the timeOwn your armor (the way you react)Go to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.

Dec 2, 2022 • 27min
Resolving Conflict at Work & Home with Michelle Brody (Part 1)
Michelle Brody, PhD, is an executive coach and clinical psychologist who brings 25 years of experience in both corporate and family settings to the challenging problem of interactional conflict. Her specialty as a coach is in guiding teams that have complicated dynamics, and helping them reach greater collaboration, improve communication, and resolve tension.Recap / TakeawaysWhen having a fight with your partner, identify what the conflicting values are that you're fighting aboutFocus on getting good at repair conversations first, then get better at stopping in the middle of a fightIf you want to have a repair conversation, say what your intentions are before you start talkingAll of us have a suit of armor we put on when we're under threatEveryone on the team, including the leader, must own their armorIdentify the threats for yourself and the timeOwn your armor (the way you react)Go to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.

Nov 25, 2022 • 21min
The Importance of Culture Pt. 2
Today we have two amazing guests from The Perk, a leadership and culture development company! Steph Richter and Emily Edeman are Leadership Coach & Company Culture Consultants. Ben has personally hired them to help him with developing the culture at Knapsack.Main Topic NotesWhat is company culture?How can a business owner solidify their culture and have it work even when they're gone?How can a business owner develop better leaders to take things off of their shoulders?What is DEI, and what can small business owners do to be proactive with DEI?Recap / TakeawaysCulture is the daily behaviors of you and the people on your teamYour company has a culture whether you know it or notCulture is continuously evolving and changingInstead of having core values, define core behaviors to make your culture extremely clearReview your core behaviors on a weekly basisAsk potential hires questions that relate to your core behaviorsDEI isn't only about recruitment, there's more you can doGet your info from more diverse sources (different authors or podcast hosts)Use a scorecard to be more objective in your hiring process (this helps overcome biases)Great cultures are built on trust, communication and alignmentTo keep remote workers, have a weekly team meeting (everyone has their own screen)Have 1-on-1's on a weekly basisGo to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.Subscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.Voice MemoIf you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.com

Nov 18, 2022 • 18min
The Importance of Culture Pt. 1
Today we have two amazing guests from The Perk, a leadership and culture development company! Steph Richter and Emily Edeman are Leadership Coach & Company Culture Consultants. Ben has personally hired them to help him with developing the culture at Knapsack.Main Topic NotesWhat is company culture?How can a business owner solidify their culture and have it work even when they're gone?How can a business owner develop better leaders to take things off of their shoulders?What is DEI, and what can small business owners do to be proactive with DEI?Recap / TakeawaysCulture is the daily behaviors of you and the people on your teamYour company has a culture whether you know it or notCulture is continuously evolving and changingInstead of having core values, define core behaviors to make your culture extremely clearReview your core behaviors on a weekly basisAsk potential hires questions that relate to your core behaviorsDEI isn't only about recruitment, there's more you can doGet your info from more diverse sources (different authors or podcast hosts)Use a scorecard to be more objective in your hiring process (this helps overcome biases)Great cultures are built on trust, communication and alignmentTo keep remote workers, have a weekly team meeting (everyone has their own screen)Have 1-on-1's on a weekly basisGo to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.Subscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.Voice MemoIf you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.com

Nov 11, 2022 • 24min
Interview With Amy Hardison White part 2
Amy Hardison White has been in the startup world since before the bubble, with a background in copywriting and content marketing. Her focus today is helping accounting startups and payment providers acquire new users with targeted content strategy. Recap / TakeawaysTake notes on what is happening in customer conversations.Where are your target customers hanging out online?Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your team (writing, video, etc)Repurposing your content (make your podcast into an article or video)If you don't have time to write it, have someone on your team interview you.It's okay to lower your own expectations on production value—just get it out there!Check out "Obviously Awesome" book (about product positioning)Links:https://www.amyhardisonwhite.comAmy's Podcast: Scrappy Fintech Marketing https://www.amyhardisonwhite.com/podcastObviously Awesome: How to Nail Product Positioning so Customers Get It, Buy It, Love ItGo to TheFridayHabit.com where you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.Subscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts

Nov 4, 2022 • 25min
Interview With Amy Hardison White Part 1
Amy Hardison White has been in the startup world since before the bubble, with a background in copywriting and content marketing. Her focus today is helping accounting startups and payment providers acquire new users with targeted content strategy. Recap / TakeawaysTake notes on what is happening in customer conversations.Where are your target customers hanging out online?Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your team (writing, video, etc)Repurposing your content (make your podcast into an article or video)If you don't have time to write it, have someone on your team interview you.It's okay to lower your own expectations on production value—just get it out there!Check out "Obviously Awesome" book (about product positioning)Links:https://www.amyhardisonwhite.comAmy's Podcast: Scrappy Fintech Marketing https://www.amyhardisonwhite.com/podcastObviously Awesome: How to Nail Product Positioning so Customers Get It, Buy It, Love ItGo to TheFridayHabit.com where you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.Subscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts

Oct 28, 2022 • 25min
Practical Happiness with Pamela Gail Johnson Part 2
Pamela Gail Johnson founded the Society of Happy People in 1998, created the first three globally celebrated happiness holidays, and is the author of Practical Happiness: Four Principles to Improve Your Life. She was an award-winning salesperson for American Express and Staples, and now helps leaders and teams create happier workplace cultures.Main Topic NotesWhat does happiness mean to you? (When we're feeling good)Can people that complain and are negative be happy? Is that what makes them happy?Is happiness elusive?Happiness zappersChaosFearAnnoyancesControllable vs. uncontrollableHow can we learn more about these 31 types of happiness?Four Principles to Improve Your LifeHappiness is personalHappiness zappers are manageableHappiness changes as you changeHappiness is not always the sameRecap / TakeawaysHappiness is personal (people have different set points of happiness, and that's ok)Entrepreneurs are happier on average than traditional employeesIf you're very unhappy, happiness might be too high of an aspiration to start with. Just get to a neutral point firstA fake smile can actually trigger endorphins and trigger real happinessSmiling during sales calls can help increase sales, even if you're not on a video callMake sure your goals are your own, not society's goals for youSometimes Happiness can just be feeling a little bit better than the moment beforeWe tend to minimize happy moments (we're really happier than we might think)Connect with Pamelapamelagailjohnson.comConnect With UsGo to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.If you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.comThanks for listening to The Friday Habit.Until next time. Live every day like it’s Friday.

Oct 21, 2022 • 25min
Practical Happiness with Pamela Gail Johnson Part 1
Pamela Gail Johnson founded the Society of Happy People in 1998, created the first three globally celebrated happiness holidays, and is the author of Practical Happiness: Four Principles to Improve Your Life. She was an award-winning salesperson for American Express and Staples, and now helps leaders and teams create happier workplace cultures.Main Topic NotesWhat does happiness mean to you? (When we're feeling good)Can people that complain and are negative be happy? Is that what makes them happy?Is happiness elusive?Happiness zappersChaosFearAnnoyancesControllable vs. uncontrollableHow can we learn more about these 31 types of happiness?Four Principles to Improve Your LifeHappiness is personalHappiness zappers are manageableHappiness changes as you changeHappiness is not always the sameRecap / TakeawaysHappiness is personal (people have different set points of happiness, and that's ok)Entrepreneurs are happier on average than traditional employeesIf you're very unhappy, happiness might be too high of an aspiration to start with. Just get to a neutral point firstA fake smile can actually trigger endorphins and trigger real happinessSmiling during sales calls can help increase sales, even if you're not on a video callMake sure your goals are your own, not society's goals for youSometimes Happiness can just be feeling a little bit better than the moment beforeWe tend to minimize happy moments (we're really happier than we might think)Connect with Pamelapamelagailjohnson.comConnect With UsGo to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.If you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.comThanks for listening to The Friday Habit.Until next time. Live every day like it’s Friday.