
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

Dec 13, 2023 • 20min
Finding Your Noble Cause
Let’s talk about what is standing in the way for you to succeed. That’s the intro topic for episode 508 of Business Brain. Then, we jump into our main topic of defining a Noble Cause to help better connect and motivate yourself, your employees, vendors, investors, bankers, and customers.
Joint us for 19 minutes that could change your life!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #508 for Wednesday, December 13th, 2023
00:01:02 Catalyzing Growth In Your Business
00:03:14 What’s In Your Way?
00:06:01 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.
00:07:57 What is your Noble Cause?
feedback@businessbrain.show
00:13:01 BB’s Noble Cause: Helping Listeners Take That Next Step in Your Entepreneurial Journey
00:15:18 Mac Geek Gab’s Noble Cause: Teaching The World How to Solve Computer Problems
00:19:00 BB 508 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 Finding Your Noble Cause – Business Brain 508 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Dec 8, 2023 • 24min
What is your USP?
Join us for episode 507 of Business Brain! We start the show by introducing a concept called the people pyramid for entrepreneurs. It represents the different types of people one should surround oneself with. We have supporters at the base of the pyramid – close friends, family, and business partners who are always there for us. Moving up, we have advisors such as accountants and mentors. We also mention industry peers and competitors. Next, we have professionals like bankers, attorneys, and insurance agents. And at the very top, we reserve it for naysayers, non-believers, and vampires. This concept can help us identify the people in our network who lift us up and those who don’t and determine how much time we want to spend with specific individuals.
We then address a question about unique selling propositions (USP) and discuss the importance of having a USP and not competing solely on price. We delve into finding a USP for your business, emphasizing that it needs to be specific, simple, provable, and something customers will value. We discuss examples like using high-quality materials or demonstrating product durability while stressing the importance of simplicity in delivering your USP due to the limited time you have to capture someone’s attention. We mention other industry examples and discuss the importance of supporting claims with evidence, data, and testimonials.
Overall, the episode focuses on the people pyramid concept for entrepreneurs and the importance of having a unique selling proposition to stand out in a competitive market. Join us to learn more!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #507 for Casual Friday, December 8th, 2023
00:01:07 People Pyramid
Too Many Vampires
00:08:41 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!
00:10:35 SPONSOR: Fastmail, the email provider who puts your privacy first. Visit Fastmail.com/BusinessBrain for 10% off your first year.
00:12:35 What is your USP (Unique Selling Proposition)?
Greg Mercer from JungleScout on Business Brain
Embed testimonials in your product photos
00:23:29 BB 507 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
The post What is your USP? Business Brain 507 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Dec 6, 2023 • 24min
The Wisdom of Charlie Munger
Amidst our live streaming conversation, we touch upon the topic of incorporating video into our podcast. The potential of expanding our presence on platforms like YouTube holds great appeal, and we explore the opportunities it presents for reaching a wider audience. Furthermore, this episode is sponsored by Shopify and Fastmail, two remarkable platforms that provide immense value to online businesses. Shopify offers a powerful platform enabling entrepreneurs to sell their products online effortlessly, while Fastmail stands out as an email service provider emphasizing privacy, efficiency, and customization. As a special treat for our listeners, both sponsors offer exclusive deals and discounts.
Shifting gears, we delve into the realm of parenting lessons from none other than Charlie Munger, the esteemed co-founder of Berkshire Hathaway. Munger’s father instilled in him the significance of serving problematic clients, a valuable lesson in ensuring stability and supporting one’s family. This resonates with the idea that businesses are fundamentally problem-solvers, as without problems to solve, there can be no business. We stress the importance of embracing this concept and building teams around it.
Drawing inspiration from Munger’s teachings, we discuss the significance of gratitude and reciprocity. One particular lesson involves Munger always returning a borrowed car with a full tank of gas. Charlie’s act of appreciation showcases the impact of caring for others and the importance of reciprocating support and kindness. Small gestures can leave a lasting impression and create positive impacts on those around us. It’s vital to value and appreciate the assistance and support we receive from others.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #506 for Wednesday, December 6th, 2023
00:01:06 Live Streaming
Shannon on X Spaces on FutureCasting (more at SJTips.com)
BB on Streamyard (and YouTube and more!)
00:05:29 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!
00:07:20 SPONSOR: Fastmail, the email provider who puts your privacy first. Visit Fastmail.com/BusinessBrain for 10% off your first year.
00:09:18 Life advice from Charlie Munger
00:21:16 And a single life tip from Warren Buffett
00:23:18 BB 506 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 The Wisdom of Charlie Munger – Business Brain 506 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Dec 1, 2023 • 19min
Outsmarting Chaos
In this episode of Business Brain, we delve into the strategies for managing chaos and staying productive. Join your hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean as they discuss the positive side of chaos and how to maneuver your way through to a positive outcome.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #505 for Casual Friday, December 1st, 2023
00:00:56 Processing Chaos with Calculus
00:03:36 Trusting Your Experience with Getting Through the Chaos
Let Yourself Off The Leash
Create your To-Did List
Systems with Milestones in BB503
What’s On Your To-Did List (in BB 215)
Apps to track your to-did list
Timing
Rewind App
00:14:06 Chuck: Go Read (and almost certainly update) your bios!
Use ChatGPT to write your bio for you
DaveHamilton.com
ShannonJean.com
00:17:38 BB505 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
(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 Outsmarting Chaos – Business Brain 505 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Nov 29, 2023 • 21min
Selling (Yourself On) Your Business
In this episode of the Business Brain podcast, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean reflect on their experiences during the Thanksgiving holiday. Dave shared that he could disconnect from work and enjoy a break while Shannon visited a new property. They are preparing for guests and found physical activities helpful in disconnecting. The hosts encourage their listeners to share their own holiday experiences.
Moving on to business dealings, Dave discusses potential buyers for his other business and mentions one who had unrealistic expectations about the time commitment required. This leads to a discussion about the importance of answering questions about why the business is being sold and its future growth plans.
Dave delves into the questions that potential buyers often ask, focusing on why the seller doesn’t implement certain strategies themselves to increase the value of the business. Drawing parallels to selling a house, the speaker emphasizes the need to answer these questions before deciding to sell. Shannon stresses considering the motivation and energy required to take the business to the next level and highlights the value of having partners for grounding and risk diversification. Shannon advises running the business as if it were to be sold tomorrow, addressing any issues, and ensuring it is in good shape.
Join us as we take a deep dive into a different view of running your business.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #504 for Wednesday, November 29th, 2023
00:02:44 Accidentally Selling Yourself On Your Business
00:11:42 Processing the sale…emotionally
00:14:57 Watching Other People Keep Your Story Alive
00:20:07 BB504 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
(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 Selling (Yourself On) Your Business – Business Brain 504 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Nov 22, 2023 • 23min
Wrong Business Broker = 50% Loss
In episode 503 of Business Brain, we discuss the debate between goal-setting and establishing systems. We emphasize the power of systems and the importance of consistently adapting them over time. I share a personal experience with redefining portion sizes for health reasons and highlight the benefits of incorporating milestones within a system.
We also touch on the application of systems in various aspects of business, including employee development, and announce the launch of our Business Brain Productivity course. We briefly discuss the process of selling a business and the impact of choosing the right M&A firm.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #503 for Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023
00:00:46 Starlink Sierras
00:01:30 Goals vs. Milestones
Podcast: How to Take Over the World
00:09:06 COURSE: Beat the “Busy Fallacy.” Visit BusinessBrainCourses.com/free and get the first two productivity lessons absolutely free. No credit card required to sign up or anything!
00:10:47 Finding the right broker when selling your business.
00:22:22 BB503 Outtro <https://businessbrain.show/>
feedback@businessbrain.show
Dave on Mastodon: @DaveHamilton@PodcastIndex.Social
Dave on X: DaveHamilton.com
Shannon on X: @ShannonJean
The post Wrong Business Broker = 50% Loss – Business Brain 503 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Nov 17, 2023 • 18min
Reverse Storytelling + Story Branding
Join us for episode 502 of Business Brain to hear about one of the most potent motivation systems we have ever found: Reverse Storytelling. After we dive into this for personal use, we then break down the systems used in Story Branding for your business. This could be the most crucial podcast you listen to this year!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #502 for Casual Friday, November 17th, 2023
00:00:40 Course Feedback Feedback
FAIL = First Attempt In Learning
00:06:47 SPONSOR: Fastmail, the email provider who puts your privacy first. Visit Fastmail.com/BusinessBrain for 10% off your first year
00:08:33 Reverse Storytelling
00:14:07 Story Branding
Sell comfort, sell security, sell dreams
00:17:11 BB502 Outtro <https://businessbrain.show/>
feedback@businessbrain.show
Shannon on X: @ShannonJean
Dave on Mastodon: @DaveHamilton@PodcastIndex.Social
Dave on X: DaveHamilton.com
The post Reverse Storytelling + Story Branding – Business Brain 502 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Nov 15, 2023 • 19min
Finding Your Ideal Customer Profile
Who is your ideal customer? Are you focusing your marketing dollars in the right direction? Join us for episode 501 of Business Brain as we answer listener questions about developing an Ideal Customer Profile.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #501 for Wednesday, November 15th, 2023
00:01:02 Winner: Tony Ieronimo
00:02:58 Robert-499-The best AIs for me are Bard for copy and Firefly for Images
00:07:15 SPONSOR: Fastmail, the email provider who puts your privacy first. Visit Fastmail.com/BusinessBrain for 10% off your first year
00:09:02 Tony-Should I create an ICP (Ideal Customer Profile)?
00:18:25 BB501 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Dave on Mastodon: @DaveHamilton@PodcastIndex.Social
Dave on Bluesky: DaveHamilton.com
Shannon on X: @ShannonJean
The post Finding Your Ideal Customer Profile – Business Brain 501 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Nov 10, 2023 • 18min
What Have We Learned in 500 Episodes?
It’s our 500th episode! Join us as we discuss the journey from our first episodes back in 2015 to today. We discuss the power of persistence and listener feedback. Reach out and share your thoughts on the evolution of our show – we would love to hear from you!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #500 for Casual Friday, November 10th, 2023
00:01:44 In 500 Episodes We Learned…Nothing Stays The Same
Good ol’ Authorize.net
And PayPal and Stripe
00:06:46 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.
00:08:22 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! <https://shopify.com/businessbrain>
00:10:12 Persistence Pays!
00:11:58 Analyze Your Business Regularly
Guru to listen to your meetings
00:17:03 BB500 Outtro <https://businessbrain.show/>
feedback@businessbrain.show
Dave on Mastodon: @DaveHamilton@PodcastIndex.Social
Dave on Bluesky: DaveHamilton.com
Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonJean
If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023
The post What Have We Learned in 500 Episodes? Business Brain 500 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Nov 8, 2023 • 22min
You're More Productive With AI
In this episode, the hosts discuss using AI to enhance productivity in business, including DALL-E 3, creating your own GPT, data analysis GPT, and OpenAI's 'Negotiator' AI. They emphasize the importance of embracing AI tools, share personal experiences with AI, and mention sponsors Miro and Shopify.