
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

Feb 28, 2024 • 21min
Creating a Quality Newsletter
Join us in this episode as we explore the benefits of taking breaks to recharge, share our own travel experiences, and the value of disconnecting from work tasks. We emphasize effective time management and integrating events into schedules to prevent monotony.
Additionally, we delve into the significance of emails in business operations, emphasizing the importance of a strong email strategy and impactful newsletters. We discuss leveraging AI tools like Grammarly and structuring newsletters effectively to cater to subscriber preferences.
Furthermore, we provide tips for creating engaging newsletter content, including humor, anecdotes, and emojis in subject lines for brand recognition. We stress aligning content with subscribers’ interests and encouraging feedback to enhance our content.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #528 for Wednesday, February 28th, 2024
February 28: National Time Refund Day
00:01:32 Sitting around for a change
00:06:21 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:08:05 Email is King!
00:09:34 What Makes a Good Company Newsletter
Value your readers’ time
Start with the TLDR
Shannon’s Monologue from MacResQ
Don’s Soapbox from Small Dog Electronics
Buy their attention for the next sentence.
The Whistle, The Workhorse, and The Whale
Push people to your blog post with the longer story
Brand with an emoji!
00:20:57 BB 528 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
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Threads: @DaveHamilton
The post Creating a Quality Newsletter – Business Brain 528 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Feb 23, 2024 • 24min
Creating a Cult of Customers
Join us as we talk about ChatGPT, Pixelmator and why the band Phish is just like Costco when it comes to creating cult-like customer loyalty.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #527 for Casual Friday, February 23rd, 2024
February 23: National Rationalization Day
00:01:30 Using AI for your business
ChatGPT
Pixelmator
00:06:46 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:08:21 Dave’s off Phish-ing — How to create a cult
Phish Riviera Maya
00:23:44 BB 527 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
Bluesky: Dave Hamilton
The post Creating a Cult of Customers – Business Brain 527 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Feb 21, 2024 • 19min
9 Year Anniversary + Dealing with Chargebacks
In this episode of Business Brain, we look back at the show’s evolution over the last nine years, from Doing Business As to Small Business Show and finally to Business Brain. We share our challenges and triumphs, such as releasing books and growing our community through podcasting. Our conversation highlights the significance of consistent engagement and adapting our format to enhance audience participation.
We also recount a personal story of a significant financial setback due to fraud, stressing the importance of implementing secure payment processes and learning from past errors. We offer insights on managing fraud in business and urge listeners to exchange their own experiences and tactics for preventing fraud. We wrap up with a request for feedback and gratitude for our dedicated audience’s ongoing support.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #526 for Wednesday, February 21st, 2024
February 21: National Sticky Bun Day
00:01:13 Happy Ninth Anniversary!
Mistakes book from Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton
How can we help? feedback@businessbrain.show
00:05:28 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:07:07 Managing B-to-B Chargebacks and Fraud
00:17:56 BB 526 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
Bluesky: Dave Hamilton
The post 9 Year Anniversary + Dealing with Chargebacks – Business Brain 526 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Feb 16, 2024 • 25min
When The Guest Interviews The Hosts
You don’t want to miss this episode of Business Brain! We let the recording run long from our interview with Ryan Sneddon in episode 524 and Ryan began interviewing your hosts, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean.
This casual conversation about the history of Business Brain and building a foundation for success could be the most important show we’ve ever done.
Listen in!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #525 for Wednesday, February 16, 2024
00:01:12 February 16: National Almond Day
00:02:49 Naptown Scoop with Ryan Sneddon – The episode where Ryan interviews us!
00:13:30 SPONSOR: Miro is your team’s visual platform to connect, collaborate, and create — together. Your first 3 Miro boards are free forever when you sign up at Miro.com/podcast.
00:15:27 Casual Friday – Part 2
00:23:45 BB 525 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
The post When The Guest Interviews The Hosts – Business Brain 525 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

4 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 22min
Building a Local Newsletter Business
Ryan Sneddon shares his success story with the Naptown Scoop, a local newsletter in Annapolis, Maryland. He discusses growing his subscriber base and generating revenue through sponsored ads. The podcast also covers demographically-targeted stories, creating an unfair advantage, and challenges of managing a local business remotely.

Feb 9, 2024 • 18min
Being Known + True Fans
What are you known for? What reputation does your business have? Listen in to this episode of Business Brain as we discuss the idea of being known for a specific trait or action. We also jump into the concept of fans vs. followers and why the idea of 1000 true fans is so powerful. Join us!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #523 for Casual Friday, February 9th, 2024
February 9: National Pizza Day
00:01:08 The Value of Becoming Known For Something
Not Famous, But Known
00:06:44 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:08:19 Prioritize Fans instead of Followers
1,000 true fans
00:16:41 Pizza Question
New Haven Pizza
00:17:30 BB 521 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
Bluesky: Dave Hamilton
The post Being Known + True Fans – Business Brain 523 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Feb 7, 2024 • 19min
Influencer Illusions - Hype or Reality
Should you be using influencer marketing on social media for your business? Join Shannon and Dave today as we discuss one of our experiences with influencers along with ideas for connecting with more customers and the importance of being responsive.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #522 for Wednesday, February 7th, 2024
February 7: Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day
00:01:24 The Value of Responsiveness
Get a Home Warranty
00:05:45 Rebranding
00:06:48 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:08:24 Influencer Marketing & The Two Tokens
Two Tokens of Customer Service
00:18:27 BB 521 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
Bluesky: Dave Hamilton
The post Influencer Illusions – Hype or Reality Business Brain 522 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Feb 2, 2024 • 20min
Under The Table Trouble
In this episode of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon explore the power of Google My Business pages in driving success through customer reviews. We discuss the challenges older business owners face in finding successors and the risks involved in cash transactions. We emphasize the importance of operating within the boundaries of the law and invite listeners to share their thoughts on legal business practices. Gratitude to our sponsors, Squared Away and Gusto, for their support. Tune in for another episode next week.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #521 for Casual Friday, February 2nd, 2024
00:01:24 Branding the weather!
00:01:58 Revisiting Google My Business
Silver Tsunami
00:08:15 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:09:54 SPONSOR: Gusto: Visit Gusto.com/BusinessBrain to get three months of payroll, benefits admin, and more TOTALLY FREE.
00:11:35 The perils of operating under the table
00:19:29 BB 521 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 Under The Table Trouble – Business Brain 521 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jan 31, 2024 • 22min
Dumpsters and Digital Marketing
Join us today as we learn about the connection between dumpster rental and SEO digital marketing with Bodhi Gallo of iRentDumpsters and Stryker Digital.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #520 for Wednesday, January 31st, 2024
00:01:18 Bodhi Gallo from @IRentDumpsters and Stryker-Digital
FinancialFreedom101.blog
Danbury Trashers
00:08:29 Publishing Maps on X for “Near Me” search results
00:09:29 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:11:07 SPONSOR: Gusto: Visit Gusto.com/BusinessBrain to get three months of payroll, benefits admin, and more TOTALLY FREE.
00:12:47 Actionable SEO Tips
Build a Google My Business Profile
Have a website with AT LEAST five regular pages, and then backup pages to each of those
00:15:41 Outbound links help your SEO
00:16:54 Making X Valuable with The Network Effect
00:21:19 BB 520 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 Dumpsters and Digital Marketing – Business Brain 520 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jan 26, 2024 • 18min
Messaging You Can't Ignore
In this episode, we discuss a new government requirement for businesses to identify their beneficial owners and share practical tips based on my own experience. We also highlight our sponsors, Gusto and Squared Away, offering time-saving solutions for payroll and HR management, as well as remote executive assistance. Additionally, we delve into the significance of effective email communication and provide guidelines to ensure clarity and efficiency. Join us to improve your business processes and stay informed with the latest insights from our sponsors and community.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #519 for Friday, January 26th, 2024
00:01:28 I am not a criminal!
Create your FinCEN ID
00:06:08 SPONSOR: Gusto: Visit Gusto.com/BusinessBrain to get three months of payroll, benefits admin, and more TOTALLY FREE.
00:07:52 SPONSOR: Squared Away empowers highly-educated military spouses to become trusted remote executive assistants, all working on US hours.
00:09:27 How to write an email – Moses Kagan & Five.Sentenc.es
00:17:53 BB 519 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
Bluesky: Dave Hamilton
The post Messaging You Can’t Ignore – Business Brain 519 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.