

Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast
Shannon Jean & Dave Hamilton
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 6, 2024 • 24min
Fearless or Foolish?
In this episode of Business Brain, we tackle procrastination on Fight Procrastination Day 2024. Shannon and I share our experiences, exploring how anxiety often fuels our delays while sometimes leading to better decision-making. We discuss the challenges of managing multiple projects and consider using virtual assistants and innovative tools like Crush to improve productivity.
Reflecting on fear, we highlight its dual role as both protective and limiting, with insights from Brian Friss on making decisions beyond fear. I share my journey with the fear of failure and the necessity of cultivating an abundance mindset. We encourage listeners to engage with us on these themes as we navigate the complexities of procrastination and personal growth.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #580 for Casual Friday, September 6th, 2024
00:00:49 September 6th: Fight Procrastination Day
Notion
Crush The Memory
Limitless Private Cloud
00:06:29 Informed Delivery for Business PO Boxes
00:08:50 Learning (and setting) your Fear Baseline
Brian Friss on Business Brain
This stressful thing “will have ended”.
Embrace the fear of being A Failure
Abundance Mindset
00:22:39 BB 580 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 Fearless or Foolish? Business Brain 580 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Sep 4, 2024 • 19min
Ask Forgiveness, Not Permission
In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss the significance of Global Talent Acquisition Day and its role in business strategy. We explore the origins of this day, established by KRT Marketing in 2018, and share methodologies to improve talent acquisition processes.
Through a personal anecdote, we emphasize the need for model release forms to protect intellectual property rights and suggest practical onboarding steps for securing consent.
The conversation highlights risk-taking in business, advocating for the mindset of “ask for forgiveness, not permission” while balancing calculated decision-making with impulsive actions. Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences with talent acquisition and risk management.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #579 for Wednesday, September 4th, 2024
00:00:47 September 4th: Global Talent Acquisition Day
00:01:56 Have your employees sign a model release form
Maybe they’re in the witness protection program
Work for Hire
00:08:19 Forgiveness vs. Permission
Figure it out as you go!
I can solve most problems with more sales
WIth great power comes great responsibility
Shannon Jean’s First Law of Auctions: Never buy anything unless you know what you can sell it for
BB 579 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 Ask Forgiveness, Not Permission – Business Brain 579 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Aug 30, 2024 • 14min
Borrowed Credibility
In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss strategies for enhancing entrepreneurial skills and navigating social situations. We introduce the concept of “foot-in-mouth disease,” encouraging listeners to embrace potential embarrassment as a catalyst for growth. Sharing experiences from a trade show and a concert, I highlight the importance of engaging with others.
We also cover “borrowed credibility,” a method we used to gain testimonials and experience for our coaching business. We explore the notion that audience loyalty stems from the host’s engagement rather than guest prominence. We conclude by sharing personal anecdotes on leveraging relationships to create opportunities in our ventures.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #578 for Casual Friday, August 30th, 2024
August 30th: National Toasted Marshmallow Day
00:00:45 Embrace Foot-In-Mouth Disease
Ask Questions: “How does this work? I didn’t know that!”
00:04:40 Borrowed Credibility
00:10:37 The story of why Shannon and Dave met
Stacking up lifestyle businesses
00:13:07 BB 578 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 Borrowed Credibility – Business Brain 578 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Aug 28, 2024 • 22min
The Business of Podcast Advertising
Delve into the evolving landscape of podcasting, where content creators juggle the relationship with sponsors while safeguarding audience privacy. Learn about the insights from a prominent podcasting conference and the importance of consistency in content release. Explore the ethical implications of data usage in advertising and discover a new privacy-centric tracking solution, the BackBeat Media Private Pixel. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and innovation in the podcast community, encouraging swift action and collaboration among creators.

Aug 23, 2024 • 17min
The Power of Personal
In this episode of Business Brain, we explore the importance of personal connections in business. We share insights from the auction world and a significant find on a liquidation site, emphasizing consumer behavior and economic trends.
We discuss how to infuse authenticity into branding by sharing personal stories and fostering trust with clients. The power of storytelling is highlighted as a key marketing strategy.
Additionally, we touch on language nuances in marketing and provide practical advice on maintaining engagement and reminding customers of the human touch behind brands. Join us for insights on creating a more human-centric business approach.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #576 for Casual Friday, August 23rd, 2024
August 23rd: International Cheap Flight Day
00:01:06 Trailing Indicators
The Tuna Fish Price Index
00:07:25 Connecting with Your Customers On a Personal Level
00:14:35 Don’t Make Your Product the “Most” Unique
00:16:20 BB 576 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 Power of Personal – Business Brain 576 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Aug 21, 2024 • 21min
The Fight Against Complexity
In this episode of Business Brain, I, Dave Hamilton, and co-host Shannon Jean discuss Internet Self-Care Day and the balance between productivity and burnout. Sharing personal experiences, we address the anxiety of overlapping commitments and the importance of saying no. We also emphasize simplicity in business operations and clear communication as keys to enhancing productivity. I invite listeners to reflect on their own struggles with finding balance and share their insights.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #575 for Wednesday, August 21st, 2024
August 21st: Internet Self-Care Day
00:00:51 How productive is too productive?
“You don’t have to involve me in this.”
00:07:48 Be Reliable…Especially To Your Family
00:10:45 It’s OK To Say “No”
00:12:15 The fight against complexity
Synology Drive – Private Cloud for Keeping Your Business Private
00:17:39 Learn how to describe your business in 12 words or less
00:20:14 BB 575 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 Fight Against Complexity – Business Brain 575 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Aug 16, 2024 • 20min
Free Flow Friday
In this episode of Business Brain, Shannon and Dave discuss problem-solving and efficiency in entrepreneurship, using personal experiences as illustrations. We draw parallels between kayak design and simplifying business processes while highlighting the importance of considering simple solutions like Occam’s Razor. Through anecdotes about seeking expert help and a client overwhelmed by data, we advocate for a bias towards action over analysis paralysis. We also reflect on our podcasting journey, emphasizing practice and iteration over waiting for perfection. We wrap up with a reminder to embrace action and learn from failures as we move forward.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #574 for Casual Friday, August 16th, 2024
August 16th: National Rollercoaster Day
00:01:07 Folding Kayak Inventions
Oru Folding Kayak
Origami Paddler
00:04:13 Finding the right service provider
“I can fix almost anything”
00:10:17 Calculate your opportunity cost
Joe Benson on Business Brain 573
It’s easier to hire someone and control their focus than it is to control our own
00:13:58 Data Collection vs. Action
Have a Bias Towards Action
00:19:18 BB 574 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 Free Flow Friday – Business Brain 574 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Aug 14, 2024 • 28min
Joe Benson of Eversite
In episode 573 of Business Brain, hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean interview Joe Benson, founder of Eversite, a digital marketing agency. Joe discusses his journey from creating websites as a child to launching the innovative “website as a service” model, making web services affordable for small businesses. He shares insights on leveraging social media for lead generation and emphasizes the importance of communication in demonstrating the value of digital marketing.
Joe also addresses the challenges of entrepreneurship, including work-life balance and the need for supportive networks. He concludes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on networking and embracing challenges
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #573 for Wednesday, August 14th, 2024
August 14th: National Financial Awareness Day
00:01:28 Special Guest: Joe Benson of Eversite by Legnd
$400 was all it took to take a hobby and realize it into a business
Benson Technologies into Legnd into Eversite, which is a website-as-a-service (WaaS)
Eversite will roast your website…for free if you ask them on X.
00:08:27 Every business is the Customer Service business
00:11:06 Systematizing customer service
Twice quarterly check-ins
00:13:13 Entrepreneurship Challenges
Marketing
Family Time
The Right Spouse is a Force-Multiplier
00:16:32 Be intentional about a time-cutoff
00:24:00 Healthy Conflict is key to a successful business partnership
00:26:33 BB 573 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 Joe Benson of Eversite – Business Brain 573 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Aug 9, 2024 • 16min
All Your Eggs in Someone Else's Basket
In this episode of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon stress the importance of making customers feel special and valued, drawing inspiration from lead singers like Pat Monaghan and Sammy Hagar. They emphasize the significance of personalized interactions through simple gestures like using customers’ names to establish emotional connections.
The hosts share personal anecdotes to illustrate the impact of personalized customer interactions and discuss the necessity of diversifying online presence to maintain autonomy and stability. The episode concludes with a call for audience engagement to share strategies for taking control of online presence beyond social media platforms.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #572 for Casual Friday, August 9th, 2024
August 9th: Annual Perseid Meteor Shower Peak Night
00:00:52 Sammy Hagar Syndrome – Pat Monahan has it, too!
Make Your Customer Feel Special: They’re the most important, they’re special, this is the best interaction you’ve had.
Templated responses with Freshdesk, Help Scout, or Text Expander
00:07:59 Don’t Put All Your Eggs In Someone Else’s Basket
“Social is not the end, it’s just the beginning.”
00:15:03 BB 572 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 All Your Eggs in Someone Else’s Basket – Business Brain 572 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Aug 7, 2024 • 18min
The $1000 Brain Switch
Dive into the secrets of boosting productivity, with innovative strategies to outsmart the system for a fulfilling life. Discover how short breaks can enhance focus by engaging the brain's default mode network. Explore quick income strategies aimed at earning a thousand dollars in just two weeks. Learn about the empowering 'thousand dollar brain switch' that transforms financial outlooks and encourages creativity. Embrace independence and reshape your mindset for entrepreneurial success!


