
Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast
Two long-time small-business owners, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, come to you each week to talk through the trials, success, pitfalls and tips it takes to successfully run a small business in today’s world. Hear real-world folks talk about real-world problems, letting you know not only what it takes to get it done but that you’re not alone in doing it!
Latest episodes

Apr 5, 2024 • 24min
The Most Powerful Leverage in the World
In this episode of Business Brain, we explore Cheech and Chong’s business journey, evolving into a successful comedy duo with cannabis-related humor. Shannon discusses his upcoming book on entrepreneurship and the power of optimism in business. We delve into reframing thoughts, using positive language, and supporting peers for success. Consistent positivity and mutual support are highlighted as keys to thriving in business. Listeners are invited to share their input on success strategies for collaborative learning
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #538 for Casual Friday, April 5th, 2024
April 5: Walk To Work Day
00:01:00 Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie – A story about branding and business
Tommy Chong’s (Discontinued) Nano CBD Gummies
00:06:54 SPONSOR: Escaping Employment. Get on the waitlist for Shannon’s Upcoming Book.
00:08:17 The Greatest Leverage In The World
Persistent Optimism
Smile In The Face of Adversity
The Ability — and Willingness — To Lift Other People Up
Quartet Glass Dry-Erase Desktop Computer Pad
Replace “Have To” with “Get To”
00:16:23 Shannon’s Not a Loser
Replace “I’m” with “You’re”
Fine-tuning your inner judge
Add “Yet” to your vocabulary
00:23:50 BB 538 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Call/Text: (567) 274-6977
X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow
LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain
Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain
The post The Most Powerful Leverage in the World – Business Brain 538 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Apr 3, 2024 • 21min
Helping, Not Helping
Join hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean in this episode of Business Brain as they explore the essential elements of business strategy and personal development. They delve into the concept of creating long-term value through intentional planning and decision-making, emphasizing the notion of delayed instant gratification for future rewards. Drawing from personal anecdotes, they discuss the importance of resiliently navigating setbacks, reframing failures as opportunities for growth, and making strategic choices to achieve success. The episode underscores the significance of perseverance, transformative experiences, and strategic decision-making in the realm of entrepreneurship and financial management.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #537 for Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024
April 3: Don’t Go To Work Unless It’s Fun Day
00:02:06 Don’t Send Bids Via Email
“What would have been the price at which you could have immediately accepted?”
00:07:33 SPONSOR: Escaping Employment. Get on the waitlist for Shannon’s Upcoming Book.
00:09:00 Helping by Not Helping
Some Employees are Bad Debt
00:18:00 Delayed Instant Gratification
Push away the appearance of wealth
00:19:46 BB 537 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Call/Text: (567) 274-6977
X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow
LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain
Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain
The post Helping, Not Helping – Business Brain 537 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 29, 2024 • 16min
SOPs, Loom, and Delegating
In this episode of Business Brain, we explore the landscape of podcast conferences, focusing on Podcast Movement Evolutions in Los Angeles. We discuss the evolution of these conferences from intimate gatherings to larger, more commercial events. We share insights on the industry’s confusion about which conference to attend and stress the significance of human connections in a transactional business environment.
Dave shares a personal anecdote about a conversation with Dallas Taylor, the creator of ‘20,000 Hertz’, highlighting his journey in starting a sound design studio and the importance of delegation and tools like Loom for training. The episode concludes with a call to action for listener engagement, showcasing Shopify’s trial offer and ending with a warm sign-off, setting a positive tone for the upcoming week.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #536 for Casual Friday, March 29th, 2024
March 29: World Marbles Day
00:01:14 What is Podcast Movement?
00:08:00 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and take your business to the next level today!
00:09:59 Dallas Taylor on Gig Gab Shares How He Buys Back His Time using Loom
Loom
00:15:17 BB 536 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Call/Text: (567) 274-6977
X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow
LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain
Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain
The post SOPs, Loom, and Delegating – Business Brain 536 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 27, 2024 • 24min
Growth Madness - The Power of Collaboration
In this episode of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon discuss their recent experiences with snowfall, leisure activities, and the value of persistence. They delve into a story about the Hoover Dam and how it relates to the importance of persistence in achieving success over time. Reflecting on their journey of hosting the show for ten years, they emphasize the significance of persistence and consistency in building a successful business.
Shannon shares his recent focus on the X platform and his involvement in a mastermind group called Growth Madness. He elaborates on how networking, engaging with others, and building credibility on X have led to valuable connections and opportunities. The conversation shifts to the long-term benefits of networking and collaboration, emphasizing the power of reciprocity and creating value for others.
The hosts explore the strategy of building a strong network on X to attract valuable connections and opportunities in the future. Shannon shares insights from his experience, highlighting the importance of mindset, perception, and peer collaboration in personal and professional growth. They discuss the long-term benefits of networking, playing the long game, and the value of community and support in business endeavors.
Shannon concludes by inviting listeners to learn more about Growth Madness and his journey on the X platform. They reflect on the journey of growth and the importance of not going it alone in business, emphasizing the value of groups and collaborative efforts. The episode wraps up with a reference to their sponsor, Shopify, and encourages listeners to sign up for a trial period to enhance their business ventures.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #535 for Wednesday, March 27th, 2024
March 27: World Theater Day
00:02:00 The Hoover Dam’s Concrete Sill Isn’t Cured
The Whole Dam Tour
00:05:23 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and take your business to the next level today!
00:07:23 Joining Mastermind Groups (and Peer Groups, and Advisory Groups)
Growth Madness Group on X
Building Credibility
The Alter Ego Effect
00:23:35 BB 535 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Call/Text: (567) 274-6977
X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow
LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain
Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain
The post Growth Madness – The Power of Collaboration – Business Brain 535 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 22, 2024 • 31min
Two Free Drinks and The Black Keys
In this episode, Dave recounts a vivid experience of attending a concert at a small venue during South by Southwest. Additionally, the discussion encompasses business strategies, customer relations, and the impact of personal interactions on professional success, underscoring the significance of authenticity, empathy, and goodwill. Overall, the episode intertwines storytelling, insights, and practical lessons to showcase the potential of positive attitudes and respectful communication in various aspects of life.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #534 for Casual Friday, March 22nd, 2024
March 22: Talk Like William Shatner Day
00:01:53 Diane Warren: Relentless
00:09:39 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and take your business to the next level today!
00:11:27 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:12:48 Two Free Drinks & The Black Keys – A Story in Reverse Customer Service
Charlie Munger’s Inversion
00:30:27 BB 534 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Call/Text: (567) 274-6977
X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow
LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain
Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain
Instagram: @DaveHamilton & @ShannonJean
The post Two Free Drinks and The Black Keys – Business Brain 534 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 20, 2024 • 22min
Are You Getting a Partner or an Employee?
In this episode of Business Brain, we explore the intricacies of unpaid work and the dynamics of partnerships in businesses. We touch upon how Reddit moderators and event volunteers are compensated, discuss the value unpaid interns bring, and the importance of structuring unpaid work arrangements effectively.
Transitioning to partnerships, we delve into the challenges of partners displaying employee-like behaviors, stress the need for clear agreements, and highlight the significance of treating partners equally in terms of compensation and decision-making.
Throughout our conversation, we emphasize open communication, setting expectations early, and utilizing working agreements to prevent conflicts and misunderstandings. We encourage listeners to share their experiences and insights, fostering a dialogue on navigating partnerships and unpaid work arrangements in the business world.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #533 for Wednesday, March 20th, 2024
March 20: National SBDC Day (Small Business Development Center)
00:02:08 Unpaid Workers – Reddit CEO Defends his $193 Million Compensation
Internships on Business Brain
SXSW Volunteers
00:06:34 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and take your business to the next level today!
00:08:21 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:09:44 Beware the partner who is actually an employee
Equal Partners Need To Be Treated Equally
Engaged Encounter (for Business)
Working Agreement
00:21:35 BB 533 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Call/Text: (567) 274-6977
X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow
LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain
Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain
Instagram: @DaveHamilton & @ShannonJean
The post Are You Getting a Partner or an Employee? Business Brain 533 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 14, 2024 • 27min
Negotiating Like an Auctioneer + Vampires
Join us as Shannon and Dave come to you from SXSW to discuss how using Auctioneer tactics can help during negotiations and how to eliminate the Vampires in your life. Listen in for a lively episode of Business Brain!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #532 for Wednesday, March 13th, 2024
March 13: Fill Our Staplers Day
SXSW
00:01:43 Division of Labor
Shannon Jean on X
The Random Show with Tim Ferriss & Kevin Rose
00:06:52 Dissecting a SXSW Session: Dia Bondi – Ask Like an Auctioneer
Dia’s book: Ask Like An Auctioneer
00:14:49 Dave’s Life-changing “ask”
00:18:54 …and Shannon’s!
00:20:51 Negotiating with employees as an employer
00:23:30 Too Many Vampires
Futurecasting on Business Brain
00:26:38 BB 532 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Call/Text: (567) 274-6977
X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow
LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain
Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain
The post Negotiating Like an Auctioneer + Vampires – Business Brain 532 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 8, 2024 • 23min
Partner Payouts
Join us in discussing the importance of managing energy in business, shifting from energy-draining to energy-giving projects. We explore effective energy leverage, share insights on determining salaries and profit distributions among partners, and emphasize the need for clear agreements in financial management. Embrace resilience and collaboration in entrepreneurship as we navigate the dynamic interplay of energy, financial planning, and partnership dynamics.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #531 for Casual Friday, March 8th, 2024
March 8: National Proofreading Day
00:02:18 Energy Transfer
00:06:12 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:07:56 How to pay each other as Business Partners
00:20:00 The value of a Working Agreement
00:22:06 BB 531 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Call/Text: (567) 274-6977
X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow
LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain
Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain
Instagram: @DaveHamilton & @ShannonJean
Mastodon: Dave Hamilton
Threads: @DaveHamilton
The post Partner Payouts – Business Brain 531 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 6, 2024 • 20min
The Alter Ego Effect
Join us today for Business Brain 530. We discuss how to keep that “chip on your shoulder” and how to find your next “zero.” We then jump into a discussion of the Alter Ego Effect developed by Todd Herman. Listen and learn!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #530 for Wednesday, March 6th, 2024
March 6: Day Of The Dude
00:01:09 How do you put the chip back on your shoulder?
Managing Your Ego
Spending Willpower or Discipline Points
What is your next zero?
Identify Your Motivators!
Find @ShannonJean on X
00:10:13 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:11:45 The Alter Ego Effect
Beyonce’s Sasha Fierce
“Tear Me Down” lyrics
00:19:15 BB 530 Outtro <https://businessbrain.show/>
feedback@businessbrain.show
Call/Text: (567) 274-6977
X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow
LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain
Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain
Instagram: @DaveHamilton & @ShannonJean
Mastodon: Dave Hamilton
Threads: @DaveHamilton
Bluesky: Dave Hamilton
The post The Alter Ego Effect – Business Brain 530 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 1, 2024 • 18min
Imitation Before Creation
In this episode of Business Brain, we delve into the concept of starting over and the significance of learning and adapting in the business realm. We discuss the advantages of emulating successful strategies while infusing your unique touch to differentiate yourself. We underscore the importance of serving your team, employees, and customers to foster loyalty and credibility. Entrepreneurship is likened to a blue-collar job that demands hands-on involvement and a commitment to ongoing learning.
Through personal stories and experiences, we illustrate the power of observation, imitation, and innovation in business ventures. Moreover, we stress the value of networking, soliciting feedback, and evolving in the competitive business sphere. The episode motivates listeners to embark on the entrepreneurial journey with a mindset of humility, service, and continuous growth.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #529 for Casual Friday, March 1st, 2024
March 1: National Day of Unplugging
00:01:00 What about NoPhoneFridays?
00:01:52 Organizing and Managing your Twitter/X Profile with Birdy.so
Beginner’s Mind
00:06:03 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:07:46 Imitation Before Creation
Greg Mercer from JungleScout on Business Brain
Being an Entrepreneur is a Blue-Collar Job
Be OF SERVICE to your people (employees, partners, customers)
Noble Cause on Business Brain
00:17:12 BB 529 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Call/Text: (567) 274-6977
X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow
LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain
Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain
Instagram: @DaveHamilton & @ShannonJean
Mastodon: Dave Hamilton
Threads: @DaveHamilton
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